Every year I start preparing for Christmas in the summer when things aren't quite so hectic. Yes, this means when you are setting off fireworks that I am listening to "Joy to the World." I sometimes joke that I'm a Scrooge before Thanksgiving because of this, but…

This week marks our journey of Lent, the 40 day season of preparing ourselves for Jesus’ resurrection on Easter morning.

I usually preach a series of messages on something like the spiritual disciplines or the meaning of the cross during Lent. Many Christians incorporate fasting or give up something for Lent to remember Jesus’ 40 day fast in the wilderness. Other Christians might…