Author Archives: joyocala

What a glorious Christmas song:  “O Holy Night the stars are brightly shining!”  There we are on the darkened hillside with the shepherds.  Only the stars light up the clear night sky.  The music builds and our voices go higher to … Continue reading →

He was an actual, real-life, human, historical person. Even the Roman Empire, mighty as it was, certified his authenticity. Son of David. Son of God. Son of Man. 25,000 ancient manuscripts confirm the truth, and yet some people still don’t … Continue reading →

Rejoice, rejoice, take heart in the night,though dark the winter and cheerless,the rising sun shall crown you with light,be strong and loving and fearless. Love be our song and love our prayerand love our endless story;may God fill ev’ry day … Continue reading →

Hm? What does comfort look like to you? What does it feel like? For some, it is coming home from work and putting on your favorite slippers.  When your feet are relaxed and cradled in warm fuzzies, all is well.  For others, … Continue reading →

Here is another acrostic poem for the coming Christmas week. It is the greatest message the world has ever heard. Christ is Born Celebration fills the air as we remember His arrival, Hope shines brightly in a world longing for … Continue reading →

They say that Advent is all about waiting. Waiting for the coming of the Promised One. Promised eons ago, to the people who wandered in the desert looking for a homeland.   We are more fortunate than the people of old. We know the Promised One is Jesus … Continue reading →

The week before Christmas was a joyous madness in my youth: Sunday School Christmas program, choir rehearsals, decorating the tree, preparation for Christmas dinner. As an adult it was just as mad, but not as joyous. For me for years … Continue reading →

This 2025 Christmas season my wife, Paulette, and I both feel very blessed; we’re in fairly good health, busy, and involved in interesting activities.  As usual for Christmas time there are too many events squeezed into too short a period; … Continue reading →

We don’t send Christmas cards any more. Cost and time are the biggest factors. That, and in a world of instant, on-line social media communication, it just seems too dated and slow. I am an old soul in many things, … Continue reading →

 “In deepest night Christ’s coming shall be,when all the world is despairing,as morning light so quiet and free,so warm and gentle and caring.One without voice breaks forth in song,a lame one leaps in wonder,the weak are raised above the strong,and … Continue reading →