Daily Devotional

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.

I have always loved the beauty of sunrises and sunsets, but as the years have gone by, I have realized how deeply my soul is touched by the majestic nighttime sky. For centuries, the stars have helped to light up the sky at night and have been used to help travelers find their way. They symbolize hope, guidance, and eternity.

One of my favorite things to do with my son is read books. It’s a great way for him to learn new things and explore his imagination. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for this tired Mom to sit down for a few minutes, so it’s a win-win situation for both of us.

In late September, I got to check off one of my bucket list items. My wife, Kelly, and I had the opportunity to visit Iceland and prayed we might get to see the Northern Lights in all their glory.

This year, I decided to join a running club. Before this, I hadn’t run more than three miles by myself, so the thought of training for a half marathon felt daunting. Each week, our mileage increased, and I found myself getting stronger, both physically and mentally. The real turning point came during our first seven-mile run.

Peace is a word that encompasses the story of Jesus’ birth. When the angels announced the good news of the birth of Christ to the shepherds in the field, they gave glory to God and proclaimed peace on earth. One of the beautiful prophecies about Jesus was that he would be called “Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6). Truly, the birth of Christ is good news because we have many times of conflict and trouble in our lives, our relationships, and throughout our world.

One year during the holiday season, my mother introduced my sister and me to one of my favorite Christmas movies, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. We giggled and joked about all the crazy things the Herdman children said and did! The Best Christmas Pageant Ever was the opposite of Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All.

After Jeff and I were married, we lived in Edmond in a house I had lived in since 2004. We remodeled the house, installing new carpet and tile and re-painting all the walls. We tore out the kitchen and installed beautiful cabinets with glass windows. I had my dream of two ovens, which made cooking for Thanksgiving and Christmas for many people much easier.

Students across the great state of Oklahoma are involved in sports of all kinds. Each year, students compete in football, basketball, softball, baseball, track, cross-country, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, tennis, dance, cheer, swimming, golf, and more. Sports allow students to develop the discipline needed to compete at a high level. Through athletic activities, students learn positive practices that will help them succeed for many years. Sports provide an opportunity for growth. Athletics can change a kid’s life.

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” – Luke 1:31-33