Christmas is different this year—again! But there was nothing typical about the first Christmas, either.

We know the story, but thinking carefully about it again may show us some surprises.

I’m engaged with Evelyn every day in one way or another. And yet in many ways, I’m living my life without her. It’s a surreal valley, and I’m trying not to stumble.

Joyful, patient, and faithful: Three qualities and an aged saint who had them all.

My interactions with others give me energy. My tears provide release. I’ve decided it’s a healthy combination.

His coming offers the promise of hope to everyone who will obey him, even those who feel Christmas is for someone else.

Christmas holds the promise that there’s something more than the worries and weariness of this life.

We’re not sending cards this year, but maybe this heartfelt greeting will be enough to take their place.

We’ll be patient with a picture that looks like it came from a 1950s Hollywood set because of the beautiful truths it seeks to convey.

Both women knew God was at work. And isn’t that what we all want?

Different is the category for every aspect of our life right now. Christmas will simply fit the pattern.

After what I’ll honestly call a very difficult year, I can say, I’m doing great. But the hope we celebrated at Christmas means more than ever.

We’re glad to see her again, but I’ve decided I just can’t give Christmas all she may want from me. And that’s OK.

Through the decades, we stay the same, but our circumstances change. We approach life as we always have, even though life has become so different. Christmas is the perfect example of this.