Mountains of colored paper, wrinkled and ripped, pushed behind the aging tree. Yesterday’s sparkling lights now highlight the dry needles, littering the floor where the presents used to be. Imprints of bows crease the useless frayed ribbons hidden beneath that pile of past promises. That once exciting horizon of a joyful Christmas has quickly darkened… Continue reading When Christmas is Over
Stumbling over obstacles he didn’t know existed. In the dark. Not remembering how that got there. A sharp corner caught his shin, doubling him over. Stepping over unknown things, deceiving depth perception. In the dark. He tried reaching out a hand to stabilize, to balance. To find something familiar to get his bearings. Safety if… Continue reading What a Mighty God Should Do
Silent Night. The moment before a sound. When a word was yet unspoken. The terrifying anticipation of what will be heard, and what will go on unsaid. It was the dark second before there was light. It was the shadowy instant in the Garden when the newborn sinners hid. It was the endless night where… Continue reading Silent Night
For years I was told that church was a place of refuge. My pastor spoke of this mighty fortress of strength. My Sunday school teachers taught about this safe place of pasture. My parents talked about these people as if they were familiar relatives. And so I just assumed that church was a good place.… Continue reading Fireplace Church
I love you. Someone once said. No you don’t. I said. I love you. Someone said again. Don’t say that unless you know what that means. I love you? Someone asked. And I wondered about the law of love. Is love a desire to be next to you? Is love a familiarity that grows on… Continue reading False Love
Black. Nothing was made. The quiet world began in darkness. Absence overtook the nothing that was. Saturated deep shadow before any silhouette could be seen. A breath was held before the first inhale. Blank silence. But God was. He created a black water all around, before there was any form or boundary. Cold murky heavens… Continue reading Enlightened
There is a light that changes everything. When it is dark and cold, just a little spark ignites hope. Instead of a black and formidable reality, there is comfort seen on the horizon, because this little glow of light is the beginning of a warm, bright fire. It is no wonder a family gathers around… Continue reading Warming Light (Advent Devotion)
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas… although in Southern California it doesn’t look like we will get any sort of snow again this year. However, I share with you this sugarplum vision of sparkling powder drifting softly from the sky. We welcome the aroma of sweetly puffing chimneys, even if my nose is only slightly… Continue reading Dreaming
There are no other words quite as precious as forgiveness. They are discovered deep in the dank depressions. Dirty, smelly, crusty covered in the slime of sin. Buried under years of ignorance, months of misunderstandings, hours of self-righteousness, they are trampled upon as each day passes. We will probably step right over them, looking to… Continue reading For Those Who Dig for the Gospel
Hollow night. Where the ear is dead, and electric eyes won’t sleep. The reverberations. Pound. Screech. Across the street. His evening power saw tearing up that pretty ranch home. But I can’t see what’s happening out there. Fingers buzz, and ache. Stiff under a flannel blanket. Protected from the harsh black breeze, and suffocated bearing… Continue reading Beg for the Light
Cindy Koch 