Author – Speaker
Of a new creation. Where one was built and spoken. Delivered after the one that already was. The afterbirth is not born alive. It is what previously sustained life. Before. Not for its own life. But after the birth. What must be born, what must be expelled, what must touch air without life. Without even… Continue reading After Birth
Of a new creation. Where one was built and spoken. Delivered after the one that already was. The afterbirth is not born alive. It is what previously sustained life. Before. Not for its own life. But after the birth. What must be born, what must be expelled, what must touch air without life. Without even… Continue reading After Birth
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
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
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
Gold and silver drip from the Christmas Tree. Soft angelic music floats around the dimly lit room. A warm fire crackles in the background. Neatly wrapped packages sparkle with anticipation for Christmas Morning. Standing back and admiring this perfect Christmas moment, I quickly snap a picture. Luckily, I preserved that second of impending Christmas Joy.… Continue reading Messy Christmas
What do you want for Christmas? A new iPhone. How many times do you think Jolly Ol’ Mall Santa Claus hears that one this year? Wow, the pressures of Christmas presents, selfish expectations, and parenting issues tied up in this one little yearly tradition. Within earshot of course, mom’s eyes shift side to side and… Continue reading Guilt Gift
Cindy Koch 