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

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)

*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 third candle.  To read the previous posts in my Advent series please see: Advent, The Candle of Hope, and The Candle of Peace.

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

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)

From http://blogoneanother.com/uploads/6a00d83452126569e20120a74df231970b-pi

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

From http://www.beckydurham.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Advent-Wreath-3.jpg

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.  {Click here to Tweet}  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. {Click here to Tweet}   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. {Click here to Tweet}  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. 

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

From https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VP187gqvukM/hqdefault.jpg

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?

From http://s7d9.scene7.com/is/image/LifeWayChristianResources/005588858?$Product$

Take some time prior to and on Christmas Day to truly focus on Jesus whose birth we celebrate.  {Click here to Tweet}

Remember the Reason for the Season!

What can you do to focus on the joy found in Jesus?  {Click here to Tweet}

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

**Special Note:  Currently, I am planning to post twice next week, unsure of the day at this point.  There will be a post on Friday, as usual.**

Once again, I am linking up this week with Bonnie Gray at Faith Barista--Choose Joy.

From http://www.faithbarista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Joy_JamieBadge3_bold-300x300.jpg

Advent: Week 2—The Candle of Peace (or the Bethlehem Candle)

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2 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 second candle.  To read the previous posts in my Advent series please see: Advent and The Candle of Hope.

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

Peace.  What is peace?  Peace—is it absence of conflict or discord?  How do we define peace?  Is it possible to experience peace in this world?  {Click to Tweet}

Webster’s Dictionary of 1828 defines peace like this: “In a general sense, a state of quiet or tranquillity; freedom from disturbance or agitation; applicable to society, to individuals, or to the temper of the mind.  Freedom from war with a foreign nation; public quiet.  Freedom from internal commotion or civil war.  Freedom from private quarrels, suits or disturbance.  Freedom from agitation or disturbance by the passions, as from fear, terror, anger, anxiety or the like; quietness of mind; tranquillity; calmness; quiet of conscience.”[1]

Peace, like hope, is defined differently in the Bible. In fact, the world’s definition and the biblical definition are at odds!  {Click to Tweet}

The Hebrew word for peace is shalom. It is defined, simply, as: “completeness, soundness, welfare, peace.”[2] Shalom is also used as a greeting, such as: hello and good-bye.[3]

Peace in the Bible is defined like this: “…The biblical concept of peace is larger than that [dictionary definition] and rests heavily on the Hebrew root slm, which means ‘to be complete’ or ‘to be sound.’  The verb conveys both a dynamic and a static meaning’ to be complete or whole’ or ‘to live well.’….”[4] 

In Isaiah 9:6, we read and amazing prophecy about Jesus—He is the Prince of Peace!  Jesus, our Savior and Lord is Prince of Peace!  Let that sink in for a bit…  How amazing is that? 

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. (Isaiah 9:6 KJV, emphasis mine)

From http://www.sacristies-of-the-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Advent-Wreath-week-2.jpg

How has Jesus allowed you to experience peace?  Salvation in Jesus brings us peace with God (there is no other way to have peace with God). {Click to Tweet} Romans 5:1 (KJV) states:  “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  What comfort this should bring to our hearts.  We can have inner peace, even when things around us are far from peaceful.

The world is full of conflict and violence.  Each day the news seems to overflow with war, terrorism, and acts of violence.  The answer to all of this will not be found in mankind. {Click to Tweet}  Legislating morality is not possible!  The heart is the root of all the ugliness we see in the world today.  Heart issues are not touched by legislation (law). 

What, then, is the answer? 

The answer, I believe is not so much what as it is WHO.  Jesus is the answer!  He is Peace!  He is calm, peace in a crazy world.  {Click to Tweet}      

From https://tamerakraft.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/advent2peace_sm.jpg

On the second Sunday of Advent we light the candle of Peace (or in some traditions it is the Bethlehem Candle).  The second Sunday of Advent reminds us that in Jesus we have true HOPE and PEACE.  Hope and peace that is true and solid—so true and solid that it lasts for all eternity.

Peace came to our violent and chaotic world in the form of a tiny, vulnerable baby born in Bethlehem.  {Click to Tweet}  Jesus came in such an unexpected way (despite the prophecies) that His own people, for the most part, missed Him.  {Click to Tweet}  Jesus brought radical ideas that really turned the world upside down.  He came not as a warrior but as a Savior (a Suffering Servant).  In His first coming, He came to establish God’s kingdom in the hearts of the humans He created.  {Click to Tweet} 

From http://www.new.firstucc.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Peace.png

In His second coming, Jesus will come as a warrior king and then establish as earthly (new heavens and new earth) kingdom.  {Click to Tweet} 

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.  (John 16:33 KJV)

Until then, we will wait with expectation that one day we will no longer live in a world full of hate and violence—keeping our eyes focused on the author and finisher of our faith—Jesus Christ (see Hebrews 12:2)!  {Click to Tweet} 

How have you experienced peace because of Jesus?  {Click to Tweet} 

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:

Lord of Peace, thank You for coming and showing us how to live and how to treat others.  We are thankful for the peace that we can have with God through You.  Help us to prepare our hearts to welcome You anew.  Jesus, we are so lost without You—lost without HOPE or PEACE—yet with You as our Savior and Lord, we can have HOPE and PEACE. Guide us in sharing this HOPE and PEACE with those around us.  Thank You for making a way for us to return to the Father.  Remind us to shine our light in this dark world, so that others may discover Jesus too.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

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[1] See http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/peace for the full definition.

[2] See http://biblehub.com/hebrew/7965.htm

[3] See http://www.therefinersfire.org/meaning_of_shalom.htm

[4] See http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/peace.html for the full definition.

Advent: Week 1—The Candle of Hope (or The Prophet’s Candle)

For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.  And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.  (Isaiah 60:2-3 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 first candle.  To read the first post in my Advent series please see: Advent.

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

The dictionary defines hope simply, as: “to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true”.[1]

The biblical definition of hope differs from the secular view of hope.  Seen from the eyes of faith, hope is: “…a confident expectation…regardless of temperament or circumstances, where there is a belief in the living God who intervenes in human life and who can be trusted to keep…promises…Hope is therefore inseparable from faith…”[2]

This is the type of Hope we celebrate at Christmas.  A Hope that is solid and lasting—it never fails.  The Hope I am referring to is Jesus.  Click here to Tweet.

Which type of hope do you experience in your daily life?

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.  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. (Isaiah 9:2, 6 KJV)

From http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs110/1102474607187/img/227.jpg?a=1115779995146

On the first Sunday of Advent are reminded that Christ is our Hope.    

From https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJ_ZUt-zFDZvhu79GcX-zmEGZi1XvoqprTPb97DcJlJv1-Ir6Ry_xKxdWOE8uOfZmy7chggLNbx_n7Sqia3eSyQOBziY9MgxSc-h30MWvAgx4zi0ne6g7Qfn5rfqN7oEwpMA2k6NFkqPs/s400/advent+sunday+1+Hope.jpg

Jesus is our Hope; without Him, we are lost and destined for an eternity that no one should desire.  Click here to Tweet.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. (Psalm 42:5 KJV)

On the first Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of Hope (or in some traditions it is the Prophet’s Candle).  The Bible is full of prophecies about the Messiah—giving details about both comings.

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.  In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.  In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our righteousness.

(Jeremiah 33:14-16 KJV)

Hope came to our world—dark with sin—in the form of a tiny, vulnerable baby.  This child grew and developed like a normal human child; yet He lived a sinless life.  Eventually, He suffered, bled, died, and rose again to save us from our sins.

As Christians, we are indeed blessed with Hope—hope that the world does not have and does not understand.  Click here to Tweet.  To have hope, means that we can see more than what is right in front of us.  This hope gives us great confidence—confidence that strengthens and encourages us.  It is also something that the world cannot understand.  This hope allows us to praise God in the darkest times of life.  Click here to Tweet. 

How have you experienced this type of hope?  How have you seen this in the lives of others?

From http://worshiphousemedia.s3.amazonaws.com/images/main/s/mo/cnm/mo/adventcandleshope.jpg

What will your response be this year to Jesus?  He stands ready to come into your heart; He has already said yes to you.  What is your response? 

Take some time this week to consider the following questions:  

What does it mean to have hope? 

Where does your hope lie—in Jesus or in something or someone that cannot save? 

From http://s7d9.scene7.com/is/image/LifeWayChristianResources/005588856?$Product$

Therefore, as we commence this season of Advent let us prepare our hearts to welcome in Jesus our Savior and Lord!  Jesus the One who is our Hope!  Click here to Tweet.

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:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope we have through Jesus Christ—our Lord Immanuel—God with us.  Help us to remember that Hope; particularly as we wait in expectation for Christ’s coming.  Guide our thoughts when we struggle to find Hope in the various challenges of life.  We are encouraged through Your Hope; direct us in sharing that Hope with others.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

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[1] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hope

[2] New Concise Bible Dictionary, “hope”, pp. 226-227, Ed. Derek Williams, Inter-Varsity Press, Downers Grove, IL, 1989).