the Advent wreath

Many churches celebrate Advent by talking through the candles of the Advent wreath with points of HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE. I’d like to share with you a each piece of it.

The word Advent means “coming” or “visit”. In the Christian season of Christmas or Advent, we prepare for the “advent” of the Christ child. For this devotion lets light the advent candles as we move towards Christmas and the remembrance of the birth of Christ.

Hope

When the whole world seems to be against us, hope can appear to be dim. It is at these times that we feel helpless and depressed. Yet we forget that even IF the whole world is against us (which often isn’t the case), God is still there for us. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us, and He will always be there for us no matter how bad we may have messed up. We always have the hope of God.

Ephesians 4:4 NLT

For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.

Matthew 12:21 NLT

And his name will be the hope of all the world.

Peace

The peace of Christ is internal. It does not depend on your circumstances. You could be living in poverty but still experience peace. You could be living in a war-torn area but still experience peace. You may be persecuted but still be a bearer of peace. You may be hated for your nationality, color or personality but sill experience the internal serenity or peace of Christ. The world cannot bring this peace to you. Troops cannot protect this peace. It is peace offered to those who are meek, humble and pure in heart. It is a peace offered to those who have an original innocence in them.

Colossians 3:15 NLT

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Joy

Joy is as well an inner reality that comes to the person experiencing the peace of God. Biblical peace helps draw us near to God. It enables us to trust him in the middle of brokenness and strife. It also motivates us to be peacemakers. Finally, the biblical picture of joy to come binds us together with peace and build hope with other Christians.

Colossians 1:11 NLT

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,

Love

The Bible tells us that it is because God loved the world so much that Jesus came. The angel tells Joseph that the baby to be born will be called "Emmanuel", "God with us." Because God loves us and came into the world to be with us, we must love and care for others. Jesus came to show us how to live out that love.

John 3:16 NLT

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Psalm 36:7 NLT

How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.

Romans 13:10 NLT

Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.

THINK about this and act: Pray for those who are alone and struggling this Christmas. How can we serve them?

Note: much of this devotion was first shared in December of 2013 and remains true.

Have you heard of EDITH BURNS?

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns. One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her. Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved. Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith said, "Well, what do you

why is it Good Friday?

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Day 8 in Cuba

We have just come off and incredible weekend, and it is day 8 of the mission trip in Cuba. Thank you to all who have been praying for this trip, the mission team and the impact it will have on those we serve. Please don’t stop praying. Last week Alex and I served with a mission team in the mountains of southern Cuba. There were several challenges, but God gave us safety, provision and opportunity to serve some of the sweetest people I have ever met. No running water… sporadic electricity generated by a small, logo dammed up river, no transportation other than animals, limited food sources and more. These people love the Lord and sharing their faith with others. Over the weekend we made our way back to Havana. On Friday our vehicle broke down leaving us on the side of the road for several hours. We then boarded a bus and rode 14 hours. We arrived safely and even got some rest. Sunday was so, so good. We visited two partner churches. In the morning we were with one church that

Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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