Don’t forget to remember that Jesus helps us make order out of chaos. Jesus will direct our steps. His teachings shape our lives in accordance with God’s way, so we are able to participate in God’s kingdom. As he sought God’s will in everything, and as the well-known gospel song goes:

“Order my steps in your word, dear Lord.
Lead me, guide me every day.
Send your anointing, Father, I pray.
Order my steps in your word.
Please order my steps in your word…”

Peace and blessings as you seek God’s path for you ❤️💜

At Christmas time, we think and talk a bit about gifts that wise people brought to the baby Jesus. But I want to be sure to name and remember the many awesome gifts he gave to us. At Easter, we read in the scriptures how one of the men crucified next to Jesus said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 22:42-43)

We often talk about the possibility of eternal life that Jesus opened up to us, but today I am thinking about the many other precious gifts Jesus gives us: love; truth telling and honesty; a commitment to justice, equality, respect, and right action; a model for walking step by step with God; a vision of God’s kingdom on Earth as it is in heaven; healing; friendship; guidance and counsel; courage; empowerment…

What precious gifts from Jesus do you think about? Do you share them with others as he taught us to do? How can we best remember to remember them–and him? How can we best follow Jesus and participate in God’s life-giving kingdom? ❤️💜

The gospels tell us that after the shepherds came and saw the baby Jesus lying in the manger, “they made known what had been told them about this child.” (Luke 2:17). They proclaimed, sang, preached, and taught about this Prince of Peace and Person for Justice. As for me, I am on a mission–I hope we all are spreading the word–about the life-saving justice/equity teachings and ministry of Jesus. These empowering teachings are good news that can save our communities and our planet!! God’s time of justice is now!! Wishing you peace, strength, and the many amazing blessings of God’s kingdom!! Anni ❤️💜

When the elder Simeon saw the baby Jesus, he said, “My eyes have seen your salvation.” I too can see our common salvation when I envision all of us really applying Jesus’ teachings, following in his way of justice and love for all. I continually pray that we choose this path and really do it! Peace and blessings, Anni ❤️💜

Who wouldn’t JUMP FOR JOY to know there’s a leader, prophet, activist, Messiah, devoted to God’s path and changing the world? Dedicated to justice, healing, and peace, with a mission to love ALL and honor each one? Determined to show us a better way of freedom, hope, and liberation? Do you see these blessed leaders now? Look, listen! Keep your eyes and ears open; follow and pray. Work and pray! ❤️💜

They went with haste to see the child lying in the manger. I pray we all too can hurry to see–and follow–the revolutionary, loving Jesus… from my in-process comic/graphic book of the gospel according to Luca ❤️💜

We read in The Gospel of Luke that after both John and Jesus were born, they grew and became strong in serving God. It was said about John: “The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.” (Luke 1:80)

About Jesus the scripture says: “The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.” (Luke 2:40)

Today on Christmas Eve, I give thanks to God for these two miraculous children of long ago–cousins according to the gospel writer–and I pray that all our children today will grow and become strong in the spirit and in wisdom, and that they will find favor with God and serve God all their days.

A very, very joyous Christmas and Nativity day to everybody!! Feliz Navidad!! ❤️💜

Celebrating the One who is love, who gives life… ❤️💜

This is photo two of the large “Nativity of Jesus” outdoor sign designed by Anni and painted by participants in three recent art workshops at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ (Washington DC). It shows angels and shepherds celebrating the miraculous birth of Jesus, the Messiah, the Savior, and the Lord of Life, who came to embody love for all, teach about the kingdom of God, and lead folks in the pursuit of justice and peace. May we keep him always uppermost in mind as the reason for this season and for every season, as the true light of the world. Wishing you and yours love, justice, peace, and all God’s many blessings!! Merry Christmas!! Anni ❤️💜

This pic is one of two showing a large outdoor sign designed by Anni and painted by participants in three recent art workshops at the Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ (Washington DC). It celebrates the birth of Jesus the Christ, the Savior, who came for those seeking to know God; who came to transform people and to reshape our world. Thank you, thank you, thank you, God, for the gift of your beloved Jesus!!