Most "Daily Voice" readers live in North America, in the time of year when the sun seems distant and days become shorter. The promised coming of the child we sing about in songs like, "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light" mirrors the promise that shortly after December 21st, the days will again seem to lengthen. It’s easy for us to think of Christ’s coming as synonymous with the return of the sun.

If you happen to be in Fairbanks, Alaska, on Dec. 21, you might stop by First United Methodist Church, sit in quiet contemplation and mark the Winter Solstice. First Church is an appropriate location because, as the northernmost United Methodist church on earth, the parishioners will see only 3 hours, 42 minutes of daylight that day. ...

I love Advent and Christmas. I value the traditions that my family has developed for celebrating Jesus’ birth. Still, at times I am overwhelmed by the busyness and commercialism that can so easily predominate this time of year. Recently, a friend of mine shared a book that helped me remember the role each one of us plays in the Christmas story.

When I have taught Disciple Bible Study, one of my favorite lessons comes the week we discuss the little story about the poor widow in Luke 20:41-21:4 (a text that isn't part of the Sunday lectionary cycle , but which does come up about this time of year in some daily readings). As a collector of ancient coins, it's a story I'm very interested in. The text is one that is frequently misunderstood. The common interpretation many people have about the story, my classmates typically decide, is that we are to be generous to the point of being selfless, just like the widow. ...

On this day after a national holiday focused on giving thanks (remember it’s not just about eating) I find it appropriate to reflect on gratitude. Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary defines gratitude as a “state of being grateful”. Gratitude is more than just an attitude, or a few moments spent once a year counting our blessings. It is a state of being – a way of living.

 I’m working on eliminating a word from my vocabulary, and it’s really hard. No, not a word of the 4-letter variety or a slang word that the youth remind me is years out of date. The word I’m trying not to use (at least in my "church life") is “volunteer.” It’s a word I’ve used a lot in the past, but I’ve decided it’s time to break the habit.

Not long ago, I was driving a familiar route when suddenly a stand of birch trees along the road caught my eye. The white bark contrasted with the surrounding autumnal browns, creating a striking scene. It occurred to me that although I’d driven by those trees many times, I had never really looked at them. The words of Psalm 19 came to mind, “The heavens are telling the glory of God…”