The Purpose of Christmas

December 12, 2025November 15, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

When December rolls around, it’s easy to get swept up in the glittering lights, festive music, and the rush of holiday shopping. While these traditions bring joy and togetherness, the true meaning of Christmas runs much deeper—it’s about love, hope, and the gift of presence over presents.

At its heart, Christmas is a celebration of light breaking into darkness. For Christians, it marks the birth of Jesus Christ, a moment that symbolizes God’s love and the promise of redemption. But even beyond faith traditions, the season carries a universal message: kindness, generosity, and connection matter more than material things.

Christmas invites us to show love in tangible ways—through compassion, forgiveness, and time spent with those who matter most. It’s a reminder that relationships are the real treasures of life.

The story of Christmas is one of hope against all odds. Whether you’re facing personal challenges or global uncertainty, the season whispers that brighter days are ahead.

Gift-giving is beautiful when it reflects thoughtfulness rather than obligation. Sometimes the most meaningful gifts are not bought—they’re shared moments, heartfelt words, or acts of service.

Amid the noise, Christmas offers a chance to slow down, reflect on the year, and realign with what truly matters. It’s a season to let go of grudges and embrace peace.

The true meaning of Christmas isn’t meant to fade when the decorations come down. Carrying its spirit into everyday life—through kindness, gratitude, and empathy—can transform not just the season, but the entire year.

In the end, Christmas is less about what’s under the tree and more about who’s around it. It’s about hearts opening, hands giving, and hope shining brightly, and of course, God’s love in motion that forgives the sins of the world through Jesus.

(I have been experimenting with AI. A good portion of this blog post was written via AI.)

T.H.E. Eyes

November 25, 2025November 10, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Looking into someone’s eyes is a powerful act that can foster deep connections and understanding. It is a form of nonverbal communication that can reveal hidden truths and emotions, making it a crucial aspect of human interaction. Eye contact can enhance empathy, trust, and social connection, while the absence of eye contact can lead to discomfort and disconnection. By understanding the science behind eye contact, individuals can improve their communication skills and build stronger relationships.. (Source: Copilot search)

I frequent a place of business quite regularly. To the extent that I have gotten to know the three employees who work there. I will use the first letter of each one’s name, but then change the rest.

The first employee is Todd. He greets customers with a big smile, and when you look into his eyes, you see joy, hope, and care. I’ve never inquired, but it seems obvious that he knows and has accepted Jesus Christ into his heart because “love” shines when he assists you. Todd could be angry and bitter because he suffers from a debilitating disease that causes him to use arm crutches to simply walk.

The next one up is Holly. She always looks depressed. Her eyes say, “See me! Notice how smart I think I am.” She tends to lean on or over the counter, and she is highly defensive. Though they don’t say anything, a lot of the customers get frustrated with her. She will stand still and go on and on about stuff that she knows but has no connection with doing her job. Most customers want to run in, do business, and get out quickly.

The third employee is Evelyn. She is very nice and is the manager. It took her a while to open up to me. I think that is due to her race. Her eyes say that she has been disrespected and hurt. She doesn’t smile very often, but when she does, it is warm and genuine. Her eyes reveal that she is tired and would probably be at home knitting for her grandchildren. She has a big heart for people who need a break, like Todd.

Making eye contact takes time and being intentional. I feel Jesus did this. Like when the woman who was caught in adultery was brought to him. When she looked at Jesus, she no doubt saw love, acceptance, concern, and her forgiveness. I’m convinced it was direct eye contact with Jesus that ministered to many.

I had a situation yesterday where, when I tried to speak to a lady and assist her in getting in and out of the sanctuary while the lights were dimmed for the worship, she only looked down. It bothered me, and I almost said something negative in nature to her, but thankfully, the Holy Spirit stopped me.

Later, I saw her while looking over the congregation. I got a sense she was tired, and her heart was heavy. I prayed for her, and that is when I sensed God say to me, “I see her.” After the service was over, I ran into her in the lobby. I asked her if she had a moment. This time, she looked at me and our eyes made contact. I told her what I had sensed, and then I said, “God wanted me to let you know He sees you.” She started crying, and I asked April to hug her, as I prayed over her.

See people, make eye contact, and let them know they are seen.

Matthew 19:26 Looking into their eyes, Jesus replied, “Humanly speaking, no one, because no one can save himself. But what seems impossible to you is never impossible to God!” | The Passion Translation (TPT)

The Tale of Two Women

September 16, 2025August 7, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Earlier today, I was doing our weekly shopping at Walmart. I ran into two different women, who had two different tales to tell. The first one made me laugh, but the second, the second one caused me to tear up.

The first one, Nancy, was shopping while carrying a new white, plastic step stool. I saw it and instantly knew why. I thought, if she was going to purchase it, then it would be in her shopping cart, but it wasn’t. That means she was using it to reach items on the top shelf that she wanted to purchase. I found her in the soda aisle.

I helped her by retrieving two two-liter bottles of Coke. Yes, I was tall enough to reach them, although I was standing on my tippy toes! I asked her about the stool, and she confirmed I was right. She mentioned that she had complained that they put items too high and that when her shopping was done, she put the stool back until next time. I laughed at her creativity.

The second one, Sharon (changed to protect her), works there. I see her most weeks. She always looks tired, and it bothers me to see a woman who looks as if she should be at home knitting, working. In the past, I have treated her with respect, as if she were the owner.

Today, she told me her daughter suffers from a mental illness and that yesterday, she had her committed to a facility. She said, “I’m her mother, but there is nothing I can do to help her.” I replied, “That is why you need God. He can.” Tears swelled up in her eyes as she asked me to be praying for her daughter,” I matched her with tears in my own eyes as I assured her I would. I asked for her daughter’s first name and explained that April and I have a board where we list people and needs to pray for.

Whenever you go out into the world, you never know who you will meet or see again. The ones that you see repeatedly, please, I hope you take the time to get to know them. You never know when they will open up to you and share what is consuming them or their thoughts. A lot of people are hurting and dealing with heavy things in their lives. To them, the world is dark! We need to be there for them just as God is.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Mat. 5:14 (NLT)

Who Do You Think You Are?

September 5, 2025August 2, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

“I, Simon Peter, am a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ.” 2 Pt. 1:1

When meeting someone for the first time, how do you introduce yourself? No doubt you give them your name, but then what? Do you announce your job title? Hoping you do something that makes more money than they do? Do you list your accomplishments, thinking you will impress them?

Confession time: After I retired at age 55, I couldn’t wait for people to ask me what I did for a living. I wanted to inform them that I was retired and then wait and watch for them to put two and two together. Meaning they would look at my hair and see that it wasn’t grey or silver, and then they would ask, “How old are you?” When I told them my age, they would seem to look impressed, as if I were independently wealthy. I’m not! I would then feel bad or embarrassed and begin to tell them that it was God who made it all possible.

These days, I listen to them as they try to impress me. I usually don’t say much about what I do unless I am asked. Instead, I would rather the individual getting to know me get to know “what” I am, and that is, a servant of Jesus Christ.

If given the opportunity, I share with them what God is teaching me, doing in my life, and some of the opportunities He has recently given me to serve him by loving on people as He would. My goal now is to make my conversations about God and his great love. I listen to the other person and watch for opportunities to interject how God could help them or make their life better by trusting him. It is a job responsibility I cherish.

Knowing and Being Known

June 10, 2025May 26, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

April and I have started going to a church that is new to us. We agree with their philosophy of keeping faith in God simple. They preach Jesus and him crucified. When you start going to a new church, it can take a few weeks before you start knowing people and being known.

At our previous church, we went there for over a year, and only two or three people knew our names. To add insult to injury, when we tried to join a “Home Group,” the leader of that group never called us. So, we started staying home and watching the services online. I call that “Bedside Baptist” with Pastor Pillow and Sister Sheet. We still got spiritually fed, but it’s not the same.

There is something warm and fuzzy about someone saying, “Good morning, Mark. How was your week?” But it takes some effort on your part, too. You have to be bold and go up to people and ask them what their name is. Then, ask them something that reveals a little about that individual and helps you remember their name. You can’t simply sit around and wait for people to come to you.

You may say, “But I’m shy.” Or “It’s hard for me to approach people.” Hey, I get it. I’m naturally an introvert. Most writers are. No one believes me when I tell them that, but what they don’t know is I have to force myself to “walk across the room,” as one pastor put it, and greet someone.

That is what it takes to know and to be known. Jesus had no qualms about going up to someone and talking to them. Several times, it was he who started the conversation that ultimately changed someone’s life. Aren’t we supposed to imitate him? You never know who will make a connection with you, feel they can trust you, and then open up and reveal their greatest need. You may be the very one who leads them to trust God and to lean on Him.

Trust me when I say I can be very comfortable attending “Bedside Baptist.” If you have read this blog very long, then you know when it comes to encountering people, I find it challenging and would rather not. But inside me, I know that doesn’t please God, because He is all about people. They are his favorite pastime because God is love.

You’ll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God’s sheer genius, I didn’t try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified. 1 Cor. 2:2 (MSG)

God, investigate my life;
    get all the facts firsthand.
I’m an open book to you;
    even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
    I’m never out of your sight.
You know everything I’m going to say
    before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you’re there,
    then up ahead and you’re there, too—
    your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful—
    I can’t take it all in! Ps. 139:1-6 (MSG)

If God goes to great lengths to know us and then invites us to know him, then shouldn’t we do the same with our fellow mankind? Yes, we should.

Puzzling

February 18, 2025February 13, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

April has shared with me that she often will ask God, “Why did you make me the way you did?” Perhaps you have wondered the same thing about you. April finds tackling some subjects and issues in life challenging. It bothers her when others don’t struggle with those same things.

That is when I start reminding April that she is unique and has the strengths that others desire. For instance, she has this unbelievable talent for cooking these amazing dishes from leftover ingredients in the refrigerator. I had an uncle who once confessed to me that he would make chili from whatever he found in his frig. Needless to say, he also admitted that some of those items were past their expiration date, but he didn’t want to waste them by throwing them out. I never ate his chili!

April is indeed an excellent cook! I’m a lucky man! She is also a good teacher. Young children love her and respond when she speaks. But even in general, children are drawn to April. I believe this is because she is full of God’s love. They sense His presence on her and are attracted to her. Then, there is a particular kind of innocence about her. I can stand still in the entryway of a room and watch her. Then, whenever she sees me, she lights up with the cutest, sweetest smile you have ever seen. April was fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:13-16 (MSG)

^13-16Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
    you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
    Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
    I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
    you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
    how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
    all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
    before I’d even lived one day.

No one else could be April. God made her unique. He has gifted her like no other. She also operates with the spiritual gift of discernment. She can meet someone and know about them or their motives. As my helpmate, something I have learned to rely on. As her namesake, “April Joy,” she brings a lot of happiness into our home. God made you unique, too. He designed you for his purposes. If you are struggling with life, then perhaps you are really struggling with letting God have control.

April isn’t perfect, though. God is still working on her, as He is with all of us. Don’t be puzzled. There may be pieces missing in us—pieces that God will put in place in his timing. One thing is for sure: one day, we will be complete with all the pieces in their proper place.

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Phil. 1:6 (MSG)

But Then There Were People

February 14, 2025February 12, 2025 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

What do you think of people? Do you like them? Tolerate them? Or are they merely interruptions? I have said a few times I could do without them. I know. Shocking. If I had the choice and the resources, I could live in a small cabin away from people. Kind of like Theodore (Ted) John Kaczynski, only without mailing bombs to people.

I don’t hate people, but I have come to realize that interacting with them requires something of me that doesn’t come easily: love. More specifically, God’s love. Consistently producing God’s kind of love in some form or another takes effort. Let’s face it: reacting in our flesh is much easier.

“Jesus had a plan for the day, but then, there were PEOPLE!” – Rich Rubietta.

Dealing with people takes time. But when it happens unscheduled, you have a decision to make. Am I going to stop, talk, minister, help, or what? My response to this person will be time-consuming!

The other day, I was trying to finish my grocery shopping before getting to a doctor’s appointment. I know the store well, so I grabbed the needed items and threw them in my cart. “Can you help me? I’m having chest pains,” the woman said. She got nervous, though, when she saw me pull out my phone and began to dial 911. “I’m not having a heart attack, but I feel anxiety. I only live a few miles from here, and I don’t feel like waiting for the bus. Would you be willing to drive me to where I live?”

I started thinking, why me? Had she asked others? Is this something she does all the time? Do I have a sign on my back that reads “Student Driver of God’s Love?” I’ll probably be late for my appointment. I had a good reason to say, “I’m sorry. I really can’t.” And I probably would have felt justified in doing so. What would you have done?

I agreed but found it challenging to keep her focused. Instead of getting in line like “normal” customers to get rung up, she took her laundry basket with her food around the customers, playing by the rules to the cashier directly. I kept reminding her we had to hurry because I had a doctor’s appointment.

I helped her get her groceries checked out and brought her to my car. As I was driving her to where she lived, I started telling her about God and His love. That God wanted to “love” on her today. Then I made an alter call. I asked her if she had ever asked Jesus Christ into her life for the forgiveness of her sins. I mean, the car was moving. Was she going to jump out to go the bathroom as some do when the minister does this in church? She said she had, but as she told me her story, it became apparent she hadn’t invited Him to be active in her life. I encouraged her to ask Him for help.

I got her delivered to the correct address faster than Uber Eats! I made it to my appointment with only minutes to spare. That wasn’t my plan. The nurse wanted to know why my blood pressure was high. LOL, I said, “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

I know God needed someone to remind the woman that He was still there and that despite some of her life choices, He still loved her. Honestly, I was humbled that He picked me. I got teary-eyed when I realized that a few minutes of my time could ultimately change that woman’s life and her address for eternity. If you say you love God, then you have to love people.

¹⁹We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. ^20-21If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both. 1 John 4:19-21 (MSG)

Care

April 26, 2024April 4, 2024 / Mark Brady / 4 Comments

The day I am writing this post is my wife’s birthday. She has reached that point where she no longer wants to tell her age. I’m not going to tell you either, but it is eighty divided by two. Being such a milestone, I waited for her to fall asleep last night, and then I got up and decorated our dining room. The whole works! Flowers, card, streamers, balloons. In the refrigerator was a cake and some ice cream. I even got those gold mylar number balloons. I gotta say, it looked good.

The next morning, I hid out in the pantry in the dark and waited for her to enter the dining room. and turn on the light. I had the video camera rolling. Her reaction warmed my heart. She loved it.

I posted on Facebook recently that I get nervous when reacting to someone’s serious post with the correct emoji. The “Care” and “Laughing” ones are right next to each other. I mean, you don’t want to “laugh” when there has been a death in the family or something. A few friends commented that they had indeed accidentally clicked on the wrong one.

The Bible encourages us to laugh with those who laugh and to weep with those who mourn. Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. Rom. 12:15 (AMPC) It’s important to take the time to let others know we care about what is happening in their life. Jesus demonstrated this as well.

In John 11:35, we read that when he got to the house where his friend Lazarus had died and saw, heard, and then felt the grief, He wept. I don’t think he did so because his friend was gone for, He knew what was about to happen, but because his friends were sorrowful.

I wrote about Lazarus once, and a friend asked me, “What makes you think Lazurus wanted to come back to life?” The question stumped me for several days. After asking God for wisdom in the situation, I heard in my spirit, “It didn’t matter if he wanted to or not. When he heard the voice of Jesus say, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’ he wanted to be obedient.”

People matter to God. They are more important than the work of the ministry. There will be, and are, times when people interrupt our busy schedules. But I encourage you to stop and take the time to just “be” with them in the moment. Listen to them, and when you do speak, they will know your words are true and from your heart because they will feel you care about them and what they are going through, just as God does.

It Sure Would be Easier

March 22, 2024March 11, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Some things in life come with “Warning” labels, like cigarettes. In fact, in the Philippines, they print photos of what “could” happen to you if you smoke. (see the attached photo.)

Wouldn’t it be nice if people came with warning labels? So, it wouldn’t take days, weeks, months, or even years to see what demon(s) they fight. And when they are fighting their battles, you get wounded. You would know what buttons not to push. Sometimes, when I get on an elevator with others, I ask, “What floor?” Then, I will calmly say, “I like pushing people’s buttons!” Most people who get it laugh but then hurry off when their floor arrives. The truth is, I don’t. I would rather avoid confrontations.

If people came with warning labels, you would know how to pray for them. There is a way to know what they are dealing with before it comes out or they tell you. It is called “Word of Knowledge.”

The word of knowledge is a spiritual gift that allows the believer to supernaturally know something about a situation or a person.

I wrote a few weeks ago about getting a “Word of Knowledge” concerning a young lady I had never met before. I asked her, “Why are you so sad?” She was surprised I knew and asked, “How in the world did you know that?” I explained to her that God revealed it to me. She was amazed and marveled until I stopped her.

I explained to her that the supernatural was only to get her attention, but the thing to focus on was what God wanted to do after getting her attention. In her case, He wanted her to know that He knew her and cared about the situation she was going through, which made her sad.

If you can know what someone is going through, then you can pray for them. You may even engage them like I did the young lady. At least you will know want buttons “not” to push that could make matters worse! One thing I have noticed about getting a “word of knowledge” for someone and sharing it with them and that is this: they don’t argue with you. They don’t throw out weak excuses as to why God wouldn’t work for them, and they don’t try to cop out with “religious” crud. Like, “If God is so loving, then why do children die?” One should seek to be given this gift by the Holy Spirit because, well, it works!

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,”
1 Corinthians 12:7-8 (emphasis added)