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    The Mall or the Manger?

    Much has changed since the God of the universe decorated the night sky with the star of Bethlehem and directed the choir of angels in a chorus announcing the birth of Our Savior, Jesus Christ. But the commercialism doesn’t have to rule in our hearts and homes. This year let’s focus on the Christ Child and remember the true meaning of the holiday season. As we turn our eyes to the Babe in the manger, we will not view Christmas as a dreaded obligation or a major retail event. It will be a time of joyous celebration, honoring the One Who came to give us eternal life and worshipping our Heavenly Father.

    4 min read
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Lilka Finley Raphael

Lilka Finley Raphael has been a licensed pharmacist for over thirty years. Still, she has learned that the most potent prescriptions are not in bottles. Prayer and persistence are far more effective than any medication dispensed. A love for writing, gardening, and photography prompted Lilka to share her experiences and life lessons on her blogs God, autism and me, B Is for Blessed, and God and the Garden. Lilka’s most recent accolades include a Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference 2024 Selah Award Finalist for the Published Devotion category and recognition at the Asheville Christian Writers Conference as 2024 Sparrow Award winner. Lilka is also a monthly contributor to Edie Melson’s the Write Conversation, a Writer’s Digest top one-hundred website for writers. However, Lilka’s greatest achievements are her two adult sons who have flown the nest. Happily married for thirty-one years, she lives east of Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, Rod. They share their home with two German Shepherds—Holly and Ivy—and one naughty kitty, Moxie. Lilka's musings and photography are available at lilkaraphael.com