"When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." Matthew 2:10-11

December was always my favourite month of the year when I was growing up. I always looked forward to…

"…she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them." Luke 2:7

Christmas is the season when we brighten not only our cities, streets, and homes, but also ourselves. The temptation to improve on the previous season’s attire takes on an air of…

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

It was always different. The mood, the ambience, and the underlying sense of tranquillity, at the places we visited as a choir. When we visited hospitals, bringing cheer to patients, they followed us from ward to ward, as we sang the familiar…

"For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." 2 Corinthians 2:15

Christmas is a much-looked-forward-to season for a lot of reasons. One of them is definitely the home-made sweets and savouries, typical in Indian households. During the run-up to Christmas day, every Christian house is filled with the…

"…rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him, we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15

Growing up,  my memories of church service on Christmas day were all things sparkly and bright. I remember my mom waking us up at 2 AM for service. We would get dressed in our brightest and best, and my dad would…

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

The season of Christmas is synonymous with gifts and giving. Children wait with eager excitement to open their gifts, placed under the Christmas tree. Many individuals, families, companies, and churches extend their benevolence…

"For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

The star had been put up the previous night. A big star that my dad, brother, and I put together each year, as a…

"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18

Christmas is a time when there is magic in the air. The colourful serial lights twinkle, making everything sparkle. They make even inanimate objects appear as if they were…

"But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Galatians 3:13 (NLT)

Before fancy,  imported plastic conifers were all the rage,  Christmas preparations at home always…

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” Luke 2:13-14

For most of us, the onset of December brings with it nostalgic memories of groups of carollers visiting our homes to share the joys of…

Prayers for Country Leaders and Key Workers

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people" (1 Timothy 2:1)

A journalist voiced his frustration when he saw people in other countries going about their daily lives while the coronavirus spread rapidly in his own: “We were screaming this message to the world when some…

Prayers for our Churches

"Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

In these strange days of continued social distancing and less contact with our communities, creative ways to keep church families together have become a…

Prayers for our Families

"In all things God works for the good of those who love him. " (Romans 8:28)

Almost exactly twenty-five years ago, my wedding was abruptly cancelled with six weeks to go because of an immigration issue. I was devastated. The new arrangements we managed to make meant that none of my friends and only a few family members…