First Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso

“Lord you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God. … For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.” Psalm 90.1-4 As the year turns, most of us probably spend some time thinking about the trials and blessings of the year past and about our hopes and expectations for the coming year. Looking

What are your favorite memories of childhood Christmases? While mine may differ from yours in the details, I imagine that most of us have some similar memories: Opening the best gift (for me, usually a Barbie). Eating lots of sugar (my Mammaw’s Cherry Delight!). Singing Christmas songs (my favorite: “A Rootin’ Tootin’ Santa Claus.” Tennessee Ernie Ford. Google it.). Most of us probably idealize our childhoods to some extent. And I think that’s okay. Everyone deserves to hold

I always liked that phrase because it is pretty nebulous and undefined. Leaves room for interpretation. ‘Tis is a shortened form of IT IS, right? So, the long phrase would be … “it is the season….” The Christmas Song “Deck the Halls” is where we hear those words most frequently although they have been co-opted and used in other ways. ‘Tis the season for what? To be jolly?…maybe, but we have to scramble a bit to make some of what we are going through with the pandemic, the we

The Advent season reminds us to live by the virtue of patience. In 21st century Indiana, we are eagerly awaiting the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, as well as sharing fellowship with family and friends. Some of you may be finished with your Christmas shopping, but I’m guessing a large number of you – like me – are still trying to satisfy the wish lists of various family members, still need to design and send out Christmas cards (or a Facebook card), and still have