December 26, 2024
The Great War, World War 1, occurred between 1914 and 1918. Over these four years, some 8.5 million soldiers were killed in action. Millions more were wounded. Civilian casualties were significant as new technology, and the worldwide war swept over so many countries. World War 1 was so brutal that no one could imagine another war. It became known as the “War to End All Wars.”
December 23, 2024
El Sistema Oklahoma (ESO) has been impacting the lives of students for over 10 years. One of those students started ESO when she was in 5th grade. Her grandparents were raising her, and although she was highly intelligent, she struggled with anger. She was so shy that she would rarely talk. She had such a fear of failure that if she made a mistake playing her instrument in front of others, it might take her a week to pick up the instrument again. For the first couple of years, she struggled, but the strength of the ESO program is that it meets the students where they are. Over time the ESO staff witnessed the young woman gain confidence playing her instrument, and even said she liked it.
December 22, 2024
Working for a church during Advent is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. Being part of a community that brings hope and joy to others during such a meaningful season is truly special. I get to witness firsthand how the services, music, and traditions touch people’s hearts and draw them closer to Christ.
December 21, 2024
There is an abundance of songs about peace, many of them written and composed around the message of Christmas. They have beautiful melodies and lovely harmonious accompaniment. Every year during the Advent season, we hear and sing well-known songs with the message of peace. Songs such as Silent Night, Still, Still, Still, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, Let There Be Peace on Earth, just to name a few. In the great oratorio Handel’s MESSIAH, there are references to peace and goodwill to all. In the chorus Glory to God (from MESSIAH), we hear “Glory to God and peace on earth and goodwill to men.”
December 20, 2024
When I think about Advent, I always think about showing goodwill to others. I think the verse that best says this for me is Luke 6:38. Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure, you use it will be measured back to you.
December 19, 2024
When I think of showing goodwill to all, I immediately think of our Meals on Wheels chef, Augustina Aviles. She arrives at our St. Luke’s Asbury Campus kitchen each weekday at 6 a.m. to prepare several hundred meals for homebound seniors. She carefully selects a menu that will provide both nourishment and joy to our clients. We frequently receive feedback from meal recipients about just how much they love and appreciate Chef Auggie’s cooking.
December 18, 2024
The average pair of eyeglasses in the United States costs between $200 and $300. If you live on a limited income or have more than one person in your house who needs glasses, this cost may be more than you can afford. Glasses, new clothes, and food are needs that a person cannot avoid, and the cost of these things can overwhelm the working poor among us.
December 17, 2024
When I learned this year’s Advent theme is Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All, I couldn’t help but smile. As I write this, it’s mid-October and 85 degrees outside. In case you weren’t aware, St. Luke’s begins planning for Christmas long before Starbucks breaks out the pumpkin spice. With All Church Christmas parties at both campuses, concerts, blizzard boxes, Advent Festivals, children’s choirs, and many, many, many services, there seems to be little peace until the last candle is extinguished and the final chorus of Silent Night fades away.
