Merry Christmas!!!!!

Today, we remember Christ himself who was born to save people from their sins. We celebrate both the fulfillment of prophecy as represented in Christ’s birth and hope in the final fulfillment when Christ comes again and Christians join Him!

Today’s Scripture readings:

John 1:1-5, 9-14

Titus 2:11-14

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%201:1-5,%209-14;Titus%202:11-14&version=NASB

Peace

In the last few days before Christmas, we turn our thoughts toward Peace.

We are reminded that Jesus comes to bring Peace to both the world and to people's hearts.  Without Christ there is no peace in this world.

This weeks' Scripture readings:

Isaiah 9:6-7
Luke 1:78b-79
Luke 2:27b-32

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=is%209:6-7;luke%201:78-79;luke%202:27-32&version=ESV

JOY

This week we focus on Joy.  For the Christian, joy can be experienced in all circumstances, because our joy is dependent on the One Whom we worship.  The King who will soon return for His beloved bride.  Are you joyfully anticipating the coming of the King?  Join with me in consciously choosing joy this week!  

Scripture readings:

Luke 1:46-56

Luke 19:37-38

Isaiah 35:10

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201:46-56;Luke%2019:37-38;Isaiah%2035:10&version=NASB

What is your favorite Bible verse about joy?

LOVE

The second week of Advent, people light the Love candle, which reminds us that Christ is the way, the truth and the life.  People are lost in sin and through His great love, Jesus came into the world to show people the way out of darkness.

This week’s Scripture readings:

John 14:6

John 15:13

Luke 1:39-45

...

HOPE

This week's Scripture readings:

Isaiah 7:14

Luke 1:26-38

Matthew 1:18-24

What is hope?  We use the word in so many contexts.  Think for a minute.  What are some ways you use the word “hope?”  Here are some of mine that came to mind:

❑ I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

❑ I hope your doctor’s appointment goes well.

❑ I hope you enjoy your weekend.

❑ I hope to see you soon.

There are others, for sure!  As I look over my list, I see I often use “hope” more like “wish.”  To identify the distinction between the two words, I turned to Strong’s Dictionary and the New Oxford American Dictionary.  After reviewing the information, I’ve concluded that “wish” implies desiring something to happen without necessarily expecting that it will.  “Hope” implies a sense of expectation (and trust) that it WILL happen.  (Hope can also involve waiting expectantly until something happens.)  

In this first week of Advent, we focus on the hope of the coming of Jesus Christ.  In this season, many are celebrating and many others are hurting.  Whichever side of the spectrum you fall in, hope (wait expectantly and trust)  in Him.  He loves you and has a plan for you!