Tag: Advent

  • Joy Decision

    Joy Decision

    “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.”—Psalms 33:11 (NRSV) Have you ever had to make a big decision in your life? It’s hard! Especially when it affects lots of different other areas of our lives. Maybe it was a big move, a job shift, adding to your…

  • Joy in the Questions

    Joy in the Questions

    “Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.”—Luke 1:38 (NRSV) When it comes time for the Advent season and thinking about the story of Christmas—Jesus coming to earth for all humankind…I often think of Mary and Joseph.…

  • Unplanned Joy

    Unplanned Joy

    “The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you will name him Jesus.”—Luke 1:30-31 (NRSV) I was thinking about Mary as I read this passage and her journey after she found out she…

  • Companion of Peace

    Companion of Peace

    “I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”—John 16:33 (NRSV) I think it’s interesting that we see the word “persecution” in this translation. Persecution at its base is ill treatment or harassment. We have seen…

  • In Peace We Trust

    In Peace We Trust

    “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”—John 14:27 (NRSV) Okay. I am just going to say it. This has been a very hard year. A year filled…

  • Surpassing Peace

    Surpassing Peace

    “So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and ponder them in…

  • Peace Bringer

    Peace Bringer

    “In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the…

  • Have Hope; Give Hope

    Have Hope; Give Hope

    “The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.”—Jeremiah 23:5 (NRSV) Let’s be honest. This hasn’t been a very hope-filled year. No normal graduations, weddings, births, family vacations,…