Dianna Buchwalter

  "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with grief; like one from whom people hide their faces, he was despised, and we esteemed him not." — Isaiah 53:3 “It doesn’t feel like Christmas, Mom,” my thirteen-year-old said recently. I suggested it might be because she’s getting older. When we’re children, there’s a magical quality to Christmastime. Excitement fills the air as we imagine twinkling lights, warm sugar cookies , and shiny gifts beneath the tree. But as we grow up, life becomes more complicated—sometimes in wonderful ways, and sometimes not. For those blessed with children of their own, the “magic” of Christmas can reappear as we experience it through their eyes. But children grow up, too, and eventually, we may find ourselves back in a place where Christmas doesn’t feel quite as joyful or “Christmassy” (if that’s even a word) as it once did. We all navigate different seasons of life. Perhaps you’re a young adult overwhelmed with little on...

The door of my heart was open to everyone but you. Freely giving pieces of myself until pain and emptiness grew. You, the One that could fill every hollow space. I rejected again. Your response: “I’ll wait.” As my car careened you charged your angels to intervene. Thankful for a moment but I quickly forgot, it was you who saved me from that dark spot. You, the One who rescued me and gave me life. I rejected again. Your response: “I’ll give her time.” Sunday mornings spent in bed from a late night that left me with an aching head. You, who whispered I love you anyway. I rejected again. Your response: “It doesn’t matter what you say.” Crying babies. Sleepless nights. Toxic relationships with too many fights. You, the One who makes all things new. I rejected again. Your response: “I’m not through.” Broken and lost, tired of running. I lifted my eyes to see You, the One most stunning. You, the living water who refreshes souls, lo...