Today is the First Sunday of Advent candle of prophecy, or as some call it “the candle of hope”. We recall the prophecies that God revealed during centuries leading up to the advent of Jesus the Messiah, our Savior. “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” -Revelation 19:10 Consider using a Christmas Calendar…
preparations
Candle of Preparation and Peace
Thoughts for the Candle of Peace We begin the second week of Advent. It is appropriate to allow our thoughts to meditate on the message of peace, which is central to God’s reconciliation with rebellious mankind. We are so determined to go our own way, even when we desire to do good. This is obvious…
God’s Love Shines through a Mother
The Christmas Story gives us glimpses into God’s heart. His choice to bring his son into the world through Mary highlights how God values humility, precious faith, and sacrifice. We aren’t told of Mary’s beautiful face or fashionable clothing. Braids and well kept appearance aren’t mentioned. It doesn’t mean these weren’t attributes , but that…
First Sunday of Advent 2016
Have you been as busy as me? Usually a last minute person, this year we have been getting our supplies, decorations, and Christmas lights out before Thanksgiving. And still, the first day of the Advent season has come so quickly that I am flying around working to keep pace. Today we will set our log,…
Advent Season 2016
The days of observing Christmas Advent this year are as follows: Sundays November 27 December 4 December 11 December 18 You will find much variation in the names and theme of the candles for each of the Sundays leading to Christmas, but usually the third one is reserved for the pink candle of  “Joy”. I…
Where Is Joy Born?
Where does joy come from? From good circumstance, an abundance of gifts, or feasts and festivities, is this where our gladness comes from? We certainly enjoy these things, so much so that we mistakenly think experiencing something is the joy itself. Do the things we own and good times we experience give us joy? Or…
Light The Candle Of Peace
Give Peace A Chance We are the ones who choose whether to be a part of making peace within the realm of our existence or to bring hostility. It is easy enough to look at world events and have opinions that dictate the direction of actions on the world stage, but what steps do we take to…
Pending Promises
There is more to the promise that God made in Christ than a baby that was born 2000 years ago. Some parts of the promise are still pending. Isaiah 9:6-7 6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name…
First Day Of Advent 2015
Lighting the first candle of Advent, we can center on the Hope, the Expectation, the Prophecy of Jesus. The beginnings hold hope, and we look forward with expectations that those hopes will be fulfilled. There are so many times we do not find that to be the outcome. The good news of the Gospel, and…
The Christmas Feast
We have arrived at Christmas Eve. All the preparations of the Advent season end tomorrow, in the Christmas celebration. The feasting time of celebration of the birth of Christ will have arrived. This time has helped reveal to us the things we honor and celebrate, the way we relate and insights into our interpretation of…