Around Christmas the Lord challenged me to read through Proverbs. There are 31 chapters in this particular book of the Bible, which makes for a natural timeline of one month to complete it. I have been mostly faithful in reading a chapter a day and blown away by how many verses I want to commit to memory and pass on to any children in my life.  At first I limited myself to one verse out of each chapter, but due to the rich material I am left with meditating on a chapter a day with intentions to go through it again and again. For one verse per chapter is not sufficient for life change.

I know what you might be thinking, “how disrespectful to call Jesus your love child!” Maybe. Before you jump to judgments and conclusions though please let me explain because He’s your love child too. Remember that night? 

Generally the birth of a child is greatly received. There are visits from loved ones, balloons, flowers, treats shared, gifts, free meals, time off of work, and many other perks. There is great anticipation waiting for a child to be born. Excitement is not lacking and there always seems to be plenty of encouragement and support to go around. This does not explain the birth of Jesus; this does not explain Christmas. 

The third candle of the Advent season is typically the peace candle. A simpleton might consider peace the absence of war or conflict, but that is quite limiting. The peace candle of Advent reminds us there is a deeper meaning.

The season of advent is a few short weeks away. While many of us see a 13-day countdown to turkey and all the fixings and a 42-day countdown for Christmas stockings, many of us tend to overlook the liturgical calendar, the calendar based on Jesus’ life and way. The first Sunday of Advent is not until November 29^th this year, but it is worth preparing your mind and heart for such a season now.

Halloween conjures up a variety of pictures and memories for many people, Christians especially. As a child I remember being escorted to our neighbors homes to gather free candy. As I grew older I had clearer memories from going trick-or-treating as a runner, cheerleader, homeless person or a bunch of grapes with friends collecting candy donations in our pillowcases. I recall handing out sweet treats to children who were so shy and sweet in their princess or pirate costumes, one couldn’t help but enjoy the holiday. Innocent families casually dress up like animals and receive candy from their friends while roasting pumpkin seeds, a good memory at the very least. I look forward to the pictures sent of my nephews and niece in their costumes, so cute you want to kiss them and take them home.

Tomorrow is Halloween. I know some people are getting very excited about this holiday. It’s their favorite with pumpkin carving, apple bobbing, costume parties and candy corn (ooh, that’s my favorite). There are others I know who are strictly opposed to all things Halloween because of the negative spiritual undertone is has. Granted, though not necessarily spiritual, there are those moments where you walk in your local drug or convenience store with an innocent 4-year-old only to see the giant display of a hanging skeleton bleeding from the mouth or coming out of a casket. This doesn’t do much for a child’s thought life or feeling of safety. There’s a reason Scripture says, “I will put no vile thing before my eyes.” (Psalm 101:3) If I’m honest, I can hardly handle some of the décor myself. We can’t always get those images out! However, there are positives and negatives to everything and Halloween is no different.