Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Unexpected Changes December 25, 2023 But God kept them from recognizing him. ~ Luke 24:16 NLT ~ “But God kept them from recognizing him.” (Luke 24:16 NLT) The news stung like a hornet against bare skin. For thirteen years, my wife and I celebrated Christmas with our two children on Christmas ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Oh Please Remember Me! December 24, 2023 It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever. ~ Psalms 136:23 ESV ~ “It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:23 ESV) It was the saddest Christmas school assembly that I'd ever experienced. I left as a ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Angels December 20, 2023 God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. ~ Luke 1:26b-27a NLT ~ “God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary.” (Luke 1:26b-27a NLT) "An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘ ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Wish Upon a Star December 18, 2023 The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. ~ Matthew 2:18 ESV ~ “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” (Matthew 2:10 ESV) A childhood memory that has left a permanent imprint on my heart is my father and mother pulling me in my wooden sled through the town ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Licking the Bowl: Christmas Baking, Part 2 December 15, 2023 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit ~ Galatians 5:25 NIV ~ Last Friday, in “Christmas Baking, Part 1”, we saw that when God asks us to step out of our comfort zones, He is there to equip and empower us to do the task at hand. And in the end, we, ourselves, will be blessed. ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Licking the Bowl: Christmas Baking, Part 2 December 15, 2023 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit ~ Galatians 5:25 NIV ~ Last Friday, in “Christmas Baking, Part 1”, we saw that when God asks us to step out of our comfort zones, He is there to equip and empower us to do the task at hand. And in the end, we, ourselves, will be blessed. ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR God Became Human December 13, 2023 Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. ~ Luke 1:30b NIV ~ December is the last month of the year, but it is a busy month. We put up decorations, wreaths, lights (inside and out), Christmas trees, villages, and so on. Many do extra baking. We shop for perfect gifts for family and friends. Shopping online is becoming the nor ...Continue Reading

Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Are We There Yet? December 11, 2023 At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you. ~ 2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV ~ One of my twelve great-grandchildren expressed his excited anticipation in an unusual way recently. When he was told that his grandfather (my son) would be keeping him company the next day while his parents were away, Aiden became v ...Continue Reading

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Welcome To THE ILLUSTRATOR Excited to Try: Christmas Baking, Part 1 December 8, 2023 /…for when I am weak, then I am strong./ ~ 1 Corinthians 12:10b NASB ~ Who would have thought 10 years ago that the idea of doing baking with my wife would interest me? And not only interest me, but that I would look forward to it?  Yet that is where I find myself today. ...Continue Reading