The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.”– Luke 1:35There is a lot to unpack in this one short speech from the angel. Let’s take a look at a few parts.The wording used at the beginning of speech, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you,” is the same wording ...  Read More

Last year, I wrote about the peace of snow falling at night. This year, we have yet to get an inch of snow. For many people, including myself, it is difficult for it to feel like Christmas when the weather is more reminiscent of late March.There are several elements that when missing make it not feel like Christmas. Besides snow and typical December temperatures, there is also music, Christmas lig...  Read More

If you’re online at all between the beginning of November and Christmas, you’ve seen the articles that list “The 10 Best Christmas Gifts for ___,” with every possible combination of words in the blank. “10 Best for 11 Year-Olds.” “10 Best for Kids Who Love Curling.” “10 Best for Minnesotans Whose Favorite Color is Burgundy, Favorite Flavor is Butterscotch, and Favorite Meal is Brunch.”All of the a...  Read More

Peppermint is one of those love it or hate it flavors, and I love it. At this time of year, I always get candy canes to eat, as well as decorate my Christmas tree with. The cool peppermint flavor and the red and white colors evoke Christmas for me.Have you ever seen how candy canes are made? The white sugar forms a central core around which the alternating white and colored stripes are formed into...  Read More

Do you remember going to see Santa when you were a child? I remember going to the rotunda at Ridgedale and waiting in line to see Santa. There was a fake wooden cabin surrounded by scenery and decorations. When we finally reached the front of the line, I got twenty-seven seconds to ask Santa for my Christmas gifts and to take a photo with him.In 2019, as we prepared for the Kids Christmas Program ...  Read More

This past spring, I went on a photography trip up along Minnesota’s North Shore just before Memorial Day. The smoky haze from the Canadian wildfires still hung in the air, but I still enjoyed hiking and taking photos. While not the shots that I had envisioned when planning the trip, I still came away with several great shots.At the end of the trip, I spent a day in Duluth. I awoke before sunrise a...  Read More

I’ve always been both in awe and jealous of people who have the dedication to keep a daily journal. I’ve kept a journal for trips that I’ve gone on, such as the Germany trip with All Saints or my family’s trip to Thailand, but I struggle to write a journal entry every day when I’m in my normal routine.Every time I try, I never manage to keep it up for more than two weeks. Eventually, I’ll have a b...  Read More

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Today’s reading from First Thessalonians begins with an encouragement to “rejoice always.” With Christmas Eve just a week away, with houses adorned with twinkling lights, with cheerful songs playing on the radio, some of us find it easy to get into a...  Read More

The Christmas Eve service is a very special and meaningful service for many, including families. When families join us for the 4 pm and 9pm services on Christmas Eve, kids are invited to stop by the Welcome Center before the service for a goodie bag of activities to do during the service or to enjoy at home....  Read More

When home begins to fill with the varied wonderful smells of baking cookies, Christmas memories come flooding back.It starts in late November with the peppernuts and springerlies. Old fashioned cookies that need time to harden before you dunk them in your coffee. As a non-coffee drinker, I don’t enjoy those cookies very much, though warm peppernuts fresh out of the oven are very good for the seven...  Read More

Please make your planned year-end 2023 tax-deductible contributions by December 31st. Contributions can be put in the offering boxes during the worship service that day. The church office will be open for drop-offs from 9am-4pm on Thursday, December 28th. Ring the doorbell at the west entrance on arrival and someone will meet you at the door.Checks mailed to All Saints Lutheran Church must be post...  Read More

What are your favorite sounds of Christmas?Perhaps it is the music? The loud and boisterous celebrations of Joy to the World and Go Tell It on the Mountain. The symbolism in Lo How a Rose or The Holly and the Ivy. The gentle, hushed tones of Away in a Manger or Silent night.Or maybe it’s the sounds of excitement and joy from your family. Kids tearing open wrapping paper and playing with toys. Adul...  Read More