Within these pages Dr. Tull shares the poignant stories and rich insights that shaped his life and enriched his ministry. These "life lessons" did more than simply improve his ministerial effectiveness; they were often the difference between bitterness and forgiveness, isolation and community, burnout and renewal. Many of these insights came with an ample share of negative fallout. The author's intent in sharing his unique take on ministerial life is that readers might claim these "lessons" as their own-and do so earlier in their journey and without all the personal struggle. The author's hope for those who answer the call to ministry is not that they merely survive all the pressures, distractions, and struggles that come with the job, but that they are able to sustain, in the very midst of ministry, a sense of meaning, purpose, and passion.

Christmas Journeys is about two epochs in human history -- the biblical world of the nativity and the contemporary world of today. In truth, these pilgrimages are not physical excursions but rather life journeys. Mary, for example, will have to travel from obscure childhood to becoming the mother of the Son of God. Joseph, as he faces the dilemma of Mary's pregnancy, will have to decide what is the 'righteous' thing to do. The shepherds, lowly folk, will be given the highest place of honor next to the baby Jesus. The wise men will be asked to make the difficult maneuver from outsiders to insiders. Skip forward two thousand years to discover the journeys of an unlikely trio: Linda, who had every reason to be happy but felt a nagging emptiness; Stuart, a Viet Nam vet, who wrestled mightily with poverty and guilt; and Vivian, whose battle with grief had left her weary and alone. Together they will discover a new sense of well-being and a rebirth of the Christmas spirit. Christmas Journeys affirms that in good times or bad, one may always find joy along the way (Study Guide now included.)

"God always has been the Great Provider. He provides for us in the midst of our abundance. He provides for us in the midst of our agony, our time of temptation, our hour of despair. He celebrates with us when our joys triumph over our tears. So when trials come, when agony appears, when temptation knocks, remember the words of Abraham "God will provide."" (from the sermon "The Agonizing Provider")
The ten sermons in this book are based on First Lesson texts, primarily from Genesis and Exodus. They follow the Common Lectionary.
"(These texts) are as relevant as today's newspaper and markedly more hopeful and helpful. Their stories and images are overflowing with insights into human nature and the mysterious workings of God in our world," writes Justin W. Tull. "The stories reflect a myriad of human struggles, the wonders of God's presence and power and the adventuresome journey required of the people of God."
Justin W. Tull is senior minister of First United Methodist Church, Denton, Texas. He holds a doctorate of ministry degree in preaching from Perkins School of Theology.