Advent: Week 4—The Candle of Love (or the Angel’s Candle)

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

(Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV)

Note:  This is a re-post from the last two years with some editing.  I am currently in the process of discerning about writing some additional posts looking at Jesus’ birth prophesied in the Old Testament, so there may be a few additional posts in the coming weeks.  Be watching for some Advent sermons I developed ten years ago—they will be in an audio or video format—there is still a bit to do on the technology end in preparation. 

*A special time of year is upon us—the season of Advent.  On December 3, 2017, we marked the first Sunday of Advent; this post takes a look at the third candle.  To read the previous posts in my Advent series please see:  Advent, The Candle of Hope, The Candle of Peace, The Candle of Joy.

Word Art Creation by K. Jolly. All Rights Reserved 

Love.  Throughout the Bible—the Word of God—we see His love for the whole of His creation.  He even loves His wayward, disobedient children!  The love we see and experience on earth is but a shadow of God’s love.  In a fallen, sinful world, love can be hard to come by at times.  At times, “love” does not seem much like love.  However, God’s love transcends all of this.

God’s ultimate expression of love came through sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to earth (see John 3:16-17).  Ultimately, Jesus freely gave His life on a cross for you and for me—for every person on earth. 

Banner Trinity UMC, Albia, IA. Photo Credit: D. Wright

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13 KJV).

In His resurrection, He won victory over death and the grave (see 1 Corinthians 15:56-57)!  We have that victory too, if we have Jesus in our heart (as our Savior)!

Fourth Sunday of Advent Candles--Trinity UMC--Albia, IA. Photo Credit: D. Wright

On the fourth and final Sunday of Advent, we light the Candle of LOVE (or in some traditions, the Angel’s Candle).  Jesus Christ is love; He loves us so much—far more than we can begin to understand!  The fourth Sunday of Advent reminds us that in Jesus we have true HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE.  Hope, peace, joy, and love that is true and solid—so true and solid that it lasts for all eternity!

How have you experienced God’s love in a tangible way?  How can you share that love with others?

Word Art Creation of K. Jolly. All Rights Reserved.

The Christmas story provides so much for us—hope, peace, joy, and love—love came down so many years ago on that first Christmas Day.  The first Christmas Day changed the world!  Light stepped into darkness, that light continues to over the darkness today. 

Experiencing salvation in Jesus has changed me for the better.  Jesus’ love sets us free—free to be the person we were created to be and do what God intended us to do before He formed us in the womb (see Jeremiah 1:5). 

If you have not experienced this freedom, this love, this joy, what are you waiting for?  Jesus stands ready to welcome you to Him—He has already said “yes” to you.  Salvation is in Jesus alone; we cannot get to heaven without Jesus as our Savior.  No one gets to heaven by being a “good person”—all our good deeds are but filthy rags (see Isaiah 64:6).

Christmas is a wonderful time to focus on LOVE—an emotion that is sometimes hard to come by in this world, especially during the busy holiday season when people are distracted by all the busyness.  What hope, peace, joy, and love we should feel when we deeply consider that Jesus came to this world He created to provide a way for us to be reunited with our Heavenly Father.  He did this willingly, knowing what He would endure.  He loves us so much that He did what only He could do.  Because of that, I rejoice…  What about you?

Take some time prior to and on Christmas Day to truly focus on Jesus whose birth we celebrate. 

Remember the Reason for the Season!

What can you do to focus on the hope, peace, joy, and love found in Jesus?

Please do not forget your single friends, family, neighbors, or those in your church who will be alone on Christmas Day—consider inviting them to join with your family (no matter how simple and informal the gathering is)—the blessings will flow both ways!  Whatever you do, please do not tell them, “Oh, God is with you…” and then walk off, ignoring their hurting heart and heart-felt desire to fellowship with others on Christmas Day.  Do not assume they want to spend the day alone.  Your family may be the only family they will get to experience…EVER. 

Please join with me in prayer:

Father, Thank You for showing us how much You love us through sending Your only Son, Jesus, to earth.  Show us how to love others with the love You have given us.  Prepare our hearts to truly celebrate Jesus’ birth on Christmas Day.  Help us to not forget why and who we are celebrating.  Remind us to truly care for those around us, especially those who need extra love and care due to their life story.  Place within us ears to hear, eyes to see, and a caring heart for others that reflects Your love and care.  Once again, show us how to be a comforting, loving presence to those around us who need to experience Your love and presence with skin on.  Jesus Christ, Immanuel—God with us—our HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE—we praise You!  Help us to truly experience hope, peace, joy, and love during this season of Advent and throughout the year.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

**Special Note: Please look for a post on Christmas Day.  It will likely be fairly short. **

Merry Christmas!

Advent: Week 3—The Candle of Joy (or the Shepherd’s Candle)

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.  Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.  

(Isaiah 9:2-3 KJV)

Note:  This is a re-post from the last two years with some editing.  I am currently in the process of discerning about writing some additional posts looking at Jesus’ birth prophesied in the Old Testament, so there may be a few additional posts in the coming weeks.  Be watching for some Advent sermons I developed ten years ago—they will be in an audio or video format—there is still a bit to do on the technology end in preparation. 

*A special time of year is upon us—the season of Advent.  On December 3, 2017, we marked the first Sunday of Advent; this post takes a look at the third candle.  To read the previous posts in my Advent series please see:  Advent, The Candle of Hope, The Candle of Peace.

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.  

(Isaiah 35:10 KJV)

Word Art Creation of K. Jolly, All Rights Reserved.

Joy.  Joy is a word that likely brings many thoughts to mind, especially during this time of year.  In the natural, it is easy to struggle with finding any degree of joy at times.  However, for those who are in Christ Jesus, joy should be a natural outflow of a relationship with our Savior.  Joy is possible, even in the midst of the incredibly hard times of life. 

I fully realize how incredibly difficult it is to have joy when so much “hard” seems to happen all at once and not stop, or when everyone seems to disappear during this season and exclude certain people.  This happens in families far more than we can begin to realize. 

On the third Sunday of Advent, we light the Candle of JOY (or in some traditions it is the Shepherd’s Candle).  Jesus Christ is our joy!  The third Sunday of Advent reminds us that in Jesus we have true HOPE, PEACE, and JOY.  Hope, peace, and joy that is true and solid—so true and solid that it lasts for all eternity!    

The story of Christmas is one of great joy.  Remember how Jesus’ birth was proclaimed and how the shepherds received the news with great joy, and how the wise men traveled from a great distance to see the newly born King of the Jews? 

As Christians, we can experience joy and peace that others in this world cannot fathom.  If not, it likely means that we have taken our eyes off of the Lord and placed them in the world or the flesh.  Our joy and peace should be seen by others; perhaps enough to make them take note and want to know more. 

How have you experienced this joy? 

This joy and peace has nothing to do with what is going on in our lives.  The joy Jesus gives to us, gives us strength—strength to face the loss of family and so much more.  Those who have a deep relationship with the Lord find joy in heartache that comes with the death of beloved family members—they rejoice knowing their loved one (who is saved) is with their Savior and Lord.  Yes, they are sad, yet not without hope or joy.    

Word Art Creation of K. Jolly, All Rights Reserved.

Countless believers have counted the cost of following Christ and found it a cost worth paying.  They have found the hope, peace, and joy that seems so very elusive at times.  The question is:  have you found it too? 

If you have not yet experienced this inner joy; what are you waiting for?  Jesus stands ready to welcome you to Him—He has already said “yes” to you.  Salvation is in Jesus alone; we cannot get to heaven without Jesus as our Savior.  No one gets to heaven by being a “good person”—all our good deeds are but filthy rags (see Isaiah 64:6).

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.  (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV emphasis mine)

Christmas is a wonderful time to focus on JOY—an emotion that is sometimes hard to come by in this world, especially during the busy holiday season.  What joy we should feel when we deeply consider that Jesus came to this world He created to provide a way for us to be reunited with our Heavenly Father.  He did this willingly, knowing what He would endure.  He loves us so much that He did what only He could do.  Because of that, I rejoice…  What about you?

Take some time prior to and on Christmas Day to truly focus on Jesus whose birth we celebrate. 

Remember the Reason for the Season!

What can you do to focus on the joy found in Jesus? 

Please do not forget your single friends, family, neighbors, or those in your church who will be alone on Christmas Day—consider inviting them to join with your family (no matter how simple and informal the gathering is)—the blessings will flow both ways!  Whatever you do, please do not tell them, “Oh, God is with you…” and then walk off, ignoring their hurting heart and heart-felt desire to fellowship with others on Christmas Day.  Do not assume they want to spend the day alone.  Your family may be the only family they will get to experience…EVER. 

Please join with me in prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Joy we can experience because of Jesus, who restores our relationship with You.  Direct our focus to that JOY, especially during those times that are challenging and painful.  Show us how to be a comforting, loving presence to those around us who need to experience Your love and presence with skin on.  Jesus Christ, Immanuel—God with us—our HOPE, PEACE, and JOY—we praise You!  Help us to truly experience joy during this season of Advent and throughout the year.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

The next candle we will be considering is the Candle of Love, this coming Friday.

**Special Note:  Currently, I am planning to have a post on Christmas Day that will wrap up the series on Advent. **

Advent: Week 4—The Candle of Love (or the Angel’s Candle)

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV)

Note:  This is a re-post from last year with some editing.  I am currently in the process of discerning about writing some additional posts looking at Jesus’ birth prophesied in the Old Testament, so there may be a few additional posts in the coming weeks (likely in 2017).

*A special time of year is upon us—the season of Advent.  On November 27, 2016, we marked the first Sunday of Advent; this post takes a look at the fourth candle.  To read the previous posts in my Advent series please see: Advent, The Candle of Hope, The Candle of Peace, and The Candle of Joy. 

Word Cloud creation of K. Jolly. All Rights Reserved.

Love.  Throughout the Bible—the Word of God—we see His love for the whole of His creation.  He even loves His wayward, disobedient children!  The love we see and experience on earth is but a shadow of God’s love.  In a fallen, sinful world, love can be hard to come by at times.  At times, “love” does not seem much like love.  However, God’s love transcends all of this.

God’s ultimate expression of love came through sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to earth (see John 3:16-17).  Ultimately, Jesus freely gave His life on a cross for you and for me—for every person on earth.   

Banner, Trinity UMC--Albia, IA. Photo Credit: D. Wright

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13 KJV).

In His resurrection, He won victory over death and the grave (see 1 Corinthians 15:56-57)!  We have that victory too, if we have Jesus in our heart (as our Savior)!

Advent candles and wreath--Fourth Sunday of Advent--Trinity UMC--Albia, IA. Photo Credit: D. Wright

On the fourth and final Sunday of Advent, we light the Candle of LOVE (or in some traditions, the Angel’s Candle).  Jesus Christ is love; He loves us so much—far more than we can begin to understand!  The fourth Sunday of Advent reminds us that in Jesus we have true HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE.  Hope, peace, joy, and love that is true and solid—so true and solid that it lasts for all eternity!

How have you experienced God’s love in a tangible way?  How can you share that love with others?

Word Cloud creation of K. Jolly. All Rights Reserved.

The Christmas story provides so much for us—hope, peace, joy, and love—love came down so many years ago on that first Christmas Day.  The first Christmas Day changed the world!  Light stepped into darkness, that light continues to over the darkness today. 

Experiencing salvation in Jesus has changed me for the better.  Jesus’ love sets us free—free to be the person we were created to be and do what God intended us to do before He formed us in the womb (see Jeremiah 1:5). 

If you have not experienced this freedom, this love, this joy, what are you waiting for?  Jesus stands ready to welcome you to Him—He has already said “yes” to you.  Salvation is in Jesus alone; we cannot get to heaven without Jesus as our Savior.  No one gets to heaven by being a “good person”—all our good deeds are but filthy rags (see Isaiah 64:6).

Christmas is a wonderful time to focus on LOVE—an emotion that is sometimes hard to come by in this world, especially during the busy holiday season when people are distracted by all the busyness.  What hope, peace, joy, and love we should feel when we deeply consider that Jesus came to this world He created to provide a way for us to be reunited with our Heavenly Father.  He did this willingly, knowing what He would endure.  He loves us so much that He did what only He could do.  Because of that, I rejoice…  What about you?

Poinsettias--Trinity UMC--Albia, IA. Photo Credit: D. Wright

Take some time prior to and on Christmas Day to truly focus on Jesus whose birth we celebrate. 

Remember the Reason for the Season!

What can you do to focus on the hope, peace, joy, and love found in Jesus?

Please do not forget your single friends, family, neighbors, or those in your church who will be alone on Christmas Day—consider inviting them to join with your family (no matter how simple and informal the gathering is)—the blessings will flow both ways!  Whatever you do, please do not tell them, “Oh, God is with you…” and then walk off, ignoring their hurting heart and heart-felt desire to fellowship with others on Christmas Day.  Do not assume they want to spend the day alone.  Your family may be the only family they will get to experience…EVER.  My prayer is that churches will not cancel services on Christmas Day—to do so is to miss the point of the day and season entirely!

Please join with me in prayer:

Father, thank You for showing us how much You love us through sending Your only Son, Jesus, to earth.  Show us how to love others with the love You have given us.  Prepare our hearts to truly celebrate Jesus’ birth on Christmas Day.  Help us to not forget why and who we are celebrating.  Remind us to truly care for those around us, especially those who need extra love and care due to their life story.  Place within us ears to hear, eyes to see, and a caring heart for others that reflects Your love and care.  Once again, show us how to be a comforting, loving presence to those around us who need to experience Your love and presence with skin on.  Jesus Christ, Immanuel—God with us—our HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE—we praise You!  Help us to truly experience hope, peace, joy, and love during this season of Advent and throughout the year.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

**Special Note: Please look for a post on Christmas Day.  It will likely be fairly short. **

Merry Christmas!

Advent: Week 3—The Candle of Joy (or the Shepherd’s Candle)

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.  Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.  

(Isaiah 9:2-3 KJV)

Note:  This is a re-post from last year with some editing.  I am currently in the process of discerning about writing some additional posts looking at Jesus’ birth prophesied in the Old Testament, so there may be a few additional posts in the coming weeks (likely in 2017).

*A special time of year is upon us—the season of Advent.  On November 27, 2016, we marked the first Sunday of Advent; this post takes a look at the third candle.  To read the previous posts in my Advent series please see: Advent, The Candle of Hope, and The Candle of Peace.

Banner at Trinity UMC--Albia, IA. Photo Credit: D. Wright

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.  

(Isaiah 35:10 KJV)

Word Cloud creation of K. Jolly, All Rights Reserved.

Joy.  Joy is a word that likely brings many thoughts to mind, especially during this time of year.  In the natural, it is easy to struggle with finding any degree of joy at times.  However, for those who are in Christ Jesus, joy should be a natural outflow of a relationship with our Savior.  Joy is possible, even in the midst of the incredibly hard times of life. 

I fully realize how incredibly difficult it is to have joy when so much “hard” seems to happen all at once and not stop, or when everyone seems to disappear during this season and exclude certain people.  This happens in families far more than we can begin to realize. 

Poinsettias at Trinity UMC--Albia, IA.  Photo Credit: D. Wright

On the third Sunday of Advent, we light the Candle of JOY (or in some traditions it is the Shepherd’s Candle).  Jesus Christ is our joy!  The third Sunday of Advent reminds us that in Jesus we have true HOPE, PEACE, and JOY.  Hope, peace, and joy that is true and solid—so true and solid that it lasts for all eternity!    

The story of Christmas is one of great joy.  Remember how Jesus’ birth was proclaimed and how the shepherds received the news with great joy, and how the wise men traveled from a great distance to see the newly born King of the Jews? 

As Christians, we can experience joy and peace that others in this world cannot fathom.  If not, it likely means that we have taken our eyes off of the Lord and placed them in the world or the flesh.  Our joy and peace should be seen by others; perhaps enough to make them take note and want to know more. 

How have you experienced this joy? 

This joy and peace has nothing to do with what is going on in our lives.  The joy Jesus gives to us, gives us strength—strength to face the loss of family and so much more.  Those who have a deep relationship with the Lord find joy in heartache that comes with the death of beloved family members—they rejoice knowing their loved one (who is saved) is with their Savior and Lord.  Yes, they are sad, yet not without hope or joy.    

Word Cloud creation of K. Jolly, All Rights Reserved. 

Countless believers have counted the cost of following Christ and found it a cost worth paying.  They have found the hope, peace, and joy that seems so very elusive at times.  The question is:  have you found it too? 

If you have not yet experienced this inner joy; what are you waiting for?  Jesus stands ready to welcome you to Him—He has already said “yes” to you.  Salvation is in Jesus alone; we cannot get to heaven without Jesus as our Savior.  No one gets to heaven by being a “good person”—all our good deeds are but filthy rags (see Isaiah 64:6).

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.  (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV emphasis mine)

Banner at Trinity UMC--Albia, IA.  Photo Credit: D. Wright

Christmas is a wonderful time to focus on JOY—an emotion that is sometimes hard to come by in this world, especially during the busy holiday season.  What joy we should feel when we deeply consider that Jesus came to this world He created to provide a way for us to be reunited with our Heavenly Father.  He did this willingly, knowing what He would endure.  He loves us so much that He did what only He could do.  Because of that, I rejoice…  What about you?

Take some time prior to and on Christmas Day to truly focus on Jesus whose birth we celebrate. 

Remember the Reason for the Season!

What can you do to focus on the joy found in Jesus? 

Please do not forget your single friends, family, neighbors, or those in your church who will be alone on Christmas Day—consider inviting them to join with your family (no matter how simple and informal the gathering is)—the blessings will flow both ways!  Whatever you do, please do not tell them, “Oh, God is with you…” and then walk off, ignoring their hurting heart and heart-felt desire to fellowship with others on Christmas Day.  Do not assume they want to spend the day alone.  Your family may be the only family they will get to experience…EVER.  My prayer is that churches will not cancel services on Christmas Day—to do so is to miss the point of the day and season entirely!

Please join with me in prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Joy we can experience because of Jesus, who restores our relationship with You.  Direct our focus to that JOY, especially during those times that are challenging and painful.  Show us how to be a comforting, loving presence to those around us who need to experience Your love and presence with skin on.  Jesus Christ, Immanuel—God with us—our HOPE, PEACE, and JOY—we praise You!  Help us to truly experience joy during this season of Advent and throughout the year.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

**Special Note:  Currently, I am planning to have a post on Christmas Day that will wrap up the series on Advent. **

Advent: Week 4—The Candle of Love (or the Angel’s Candle)

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV)

*A special time of year is upon us—the season of Advent.  On November 29, 2015, we marked the first Sunday of Advent; this post takes a look at the fourth candle.  To read the previous posts in my Advent series please see: Advent, The Candle of Hope, The Candle of Peace, and The Candle of Joy.

From http://thevillagechurch.net/mediafiles/uploaded/b/0e2647577_1384444032_blog-advent-2013.jpg

Love.  Throughout the Bible—the Word of God—we see His love for the whole of His creation.  He even loves His wayward, disobedient children!  The love we see and experience on earth is but a shadow of God’s love.  In a fallen, sinful world, love can be hard to come by at times.  At times, “love” does not seem much like love.  However, God’s love transcends all of this.

From http://www.blogmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/christmaslove.jpg

God’s ultimate expression of love came through sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to earth (see John 3:16-17).  Ultimately, Jesus freely gave His life on a cross for you and for me—for every person on earth.   

From https://pastorfergus.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/vbf-webmain-900x300-love-came-down-v3.jpg

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13 KJV).

In His resurrection, He won victory over death and the grave (see 1 Corinthians 15:56-57)!  We have that victory too, if we have Jesus in our heart (as our Savior)!

Advent Candles at Trinity UMC, photo credit: Dick Wright

On the fourth and final Sunday of Advent, we light the Candle of LOVE (or in some traditions, the Angel’s Candle).  Jesus Christ is love; He loves us so much—far more than we can begin to understand!  The fourth Sunday of Advent reminds us that in Jesus we have true HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE.  Hope, peace, joy, and love that is true and solid—so true and solid that it lasts for all eternity!

From http://media.salemwebnetwork.com/worshiphousemedia/resource/images/main/s/mm/sth/mm/adventthelovecandle.jpg

How have you experienced God’s love in a tangible way?  How can you share that love with others?

The Christmas story provides so much for us—hope, peace, joy, and love—love came down so many years ago on that first Christmas Day.  The first Christmas Day changed the world!  Light stepped into darkness, that light continues to over the darkness today. 

Banner of Mary and Jesus at Trinity UMC, photo credit Dick Wright

Experiencing salvation in Jesus has changed me for the better.  Jesus’ love sets us free—free to be the person we were created to be and do what God intended us to do before He formed us in the womb (see Jeremiah 1:5). 

If you have not experienced this freedom, this love, this joy, what are you waiting for?  Jesus stands ready to welcome you to Him—He has already said “yes” to you.  Salvation is in Jesus alone; we cannot get to heaven without Jesus as our Savior.  No one gets to heaven by being a “good person”—all our good deeds are but filthy rags (see Isaiah 64:6).

Christmas is a wonderful time to focus on LOVE—an emotion that is sometimes hard to come by in this world, especially during the busy holiday season when people are distracted by all the busyness.  What hope, peace, joy, and love we should feel when we deeply consider that Jesus came to this world He created to provide a way for us to be reunited with our Heavenly Father.  He did this willingly, knowing what He would endure.  He loves us so much that He did what only He could do.  Because of that, I rejoice…  What about you?

Take some time prior to and on Christmas Day to truly focus on Jesus whose birth we celebrate. 

Remember the Reason for the Season!

 

From http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/hannahmrinalini/candyReaonJesusBrd.gif

What can you do to focus on the hope, peace, joy, and love found in Jesus?

Please do not forget your single friends, family, neighbors, or those in your church who will be alone on Christmas Day—consider inviting them to join with your family (no matter how simple and informal the gathering is)—the blessings will flow both ways!  Whatever you do, please do not tell them, “Oh, God is with you…” and then walk off, ignoring their hurting heart and heart-felt desire to fellowship with others on Christmas Day.  Do not assume they want to spend the day alone.  Your family may be the only family they will get to experience…EVER.

Please join with me in prayer:

Father, thank You for showing us how much You love us through sending Your only Son, Jesus, to earth.  Show us how to love others with the love You have given us.  Prepare our hearts to truly celebrate Jesus’ birth on Christmas Day.  Help us to not forget why and who we are celebrating.  Remind us to truly care for those around us, especially those who need extra love and care due to their life story.  Place within us ears to hear, eyes to see, and a caring heart for others that reflects Your love and care.  Once again, show us how to be a comforting, loving presence to those around us who need to experience Your love and presence with skin on.  Jesus Christ, Immanuel—God with us—our HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE—we praise You!  Help us to truly experience hope, peace, joy, and love during this season of Advent and throughout the year.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

**Special Note: Please look for a post on Christmas Day.  It will likely be fairly short.**

Merry Christmas!

Trinity UMC, photo credit Dick Wright

Trinity UMC, photo credit: Dick Wright