Love - Advent Series

 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (HCSB)

Because of love. Christ humbled Himself and came to this earth as a baby knowing full well that He would one day die for our sins. He gave up His throne to provide man with the opportunity to restore their relationships with their Heavenly Father. It's only through Him our sins can be forgiven. There is only ONE way to heaven and it's through CHRIST.

​SMXLL

He came for you. If you've never done so before, perhaps now it's time to accept Him into your heart and allow Him to reign. You won't regret it.

Uncontainable Joy - Advent Series

How joyful is the man
the Lord will never charge with sin!

Romans 4:8 (HCSB)

 

 When I think about uncontainable joy I think of a puppy - full of cheer, squirming uncontrollably with excitement and love for their master. There's a chocolate lab puppy that I see from time to time that lives in our neighborhood. Whenever I see him, he's full of joy.

I can't help but feel that's the way we are supposed to be, especially those who have Christ in their hearts. Christmas is a great time to celebrate all Christ has done for us. He has taken our sins away and provides the only way for us to go to heaven.

 

I've been thinking a lot about joy lately. To be honest, it's been a bit elusive. But my prayer is that even in the tough times I will choose to seek joy. Each time I see the chocolate lab puppy, I'll think about my need to be joyful no matter what circumstances I face.

What brings you joy this Christmas season?

 

Peace - Advent Series

For a child will be born for us,
a son will be given to us,
and the government will be on His shoulders.
He will be named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 (HCSB)

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7 (KJB)

The theme for the second week of Advent is the word peace. I find it a little ironic in a way. By this time of year, many are caught up in the busyness of the season and aren't experiencing much peace in their lives. I know for myself, it also has been a struggle.

Things occur, that tend for us to lose our sense of peace in the midst of our situations. Perhaps we can't see a light at the end of the tunnel. Instead all we see is a train rushing straight toward us at high speed. We are overwhelmed, weighed down and heavy burdened.

 

I was reminded over the weekend that Jesus first came into this world as the Prince of Peace. I love that it didn't stop there. He went on to offer that same peace to us. All we have to do is ask Him. I don't know about you, but I sure need His peace in my life.

My prayer for you is that you will experience His peace and presence in a very special way this Advent season.

Hope - Advent Series

May Your faithful love rest on us, Yahweh,
for we put our hope in You.

Psalm 33:22 (HCSB)

This is the first week in the Advent season. Yesterday at our church the first candle was lit in the Advent wreath - the candle of hope. When I think of hope, I think of a candle burning bright, dispelling the darkness surrounding it.

I believe I've heard once that a single candle burning in the night can be seen for miles. When I checked online it said 30 miles.

Our greatest hope is found in Christ. It's because of Him that we have hope. As we begin the holiday season be watching for the hope the Lord desires for you to see in the weeks ahead.