Christmas, faith

What Does Advent Mean and Why Do We Celebrate?

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What Does Advent Mean and Why Do We Celebrate?

When I was growing up, my Church did not observe the season of Advent in a formal way. It is not in the scriptures but neither is Christmas as we celebrate today. The tradition of focusing on a season of prayer, scripture readings and lighting candles throughout the month of December goes back to the 4th century. The word “Advent” means “arrival” or “coming” and symbolizes the waiting for Christ’s birth but also His final return as was prophesied.

Isaiah 9:6–7 (ESV)
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

There are many different traditions around the world but the wreath as we commonly use today first appeared in Germany in 1839. A Lutheran minister working at a mission fashioned a wheel with twenty small red candles and four large white ones to teach the children the importance of waiting for Christmas. One red candle was lit each morning and a large white candle on Sunday. Today our wreath usually involves four candes around an evergreen wreath and many add a fifth candle in the middle which is lit on Christmas day.

  • The first candle symbolizes hope and is called the “Prophet’s Candle.” The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival. The purple color symbolizes royalty, repentance, and fasting. 
  • The second candle represents faith and is called “Bethlehem’s Candle.” Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which is also the birthplace of King David. The second candle is also purple to symbolism preparation for the coming king.
  • The third candle symbolizes joy and is called the “Shepherd’s Candle.” To the shepherd’s great joy, the angels announced that Jesus came for humble, unimportant people like them, too. In liturgy, the color rose signifies joy. This candle is colored pink to represent joyfulness and rejoicing.
  • The fourth candle represents peace and is called the “Angel’s Candle.” The angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace–He came to bring people close to God and to each other again. This color is also purple to represent the culmination of love through the Messiah.
  • The (optional) fifth candle represents light and purity and is called “Christ’s candle.” It is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas Day. This candle is white to represent pure light and victory. Copied from Crosswalk.com

The green wreath (and tree) symbolizes eternity, life and hope. A ring shape is used to remember Jesus is the King of kings and would one day wear a crown of thorns for us. In this darker season (in the northern hemisphere) the candles and lights represent Christs’ coming to bring light and love into a dark and cold world. We are to be like lights to show others the only way to peace of heart and mind.

Another popular tool to help children count the days until Chrismas is an Advent calendar which was first printed in 1908. There are many creative versions and I have seen some very elaborate heirloom quality wooden boxes with a small drawer for each day.

I believe we should focus our attention on the reason for the season to keep our hearts centered on what is important. It’s too easy to get wrapped up in all the commercial trappings and lost in busyness. There are many tools we can use to enhance our observance from devotionals to ideas on Pinterest. But first we must purposely choose to keep Christ in Christmas in our hearts and in your homes.

Family, Holidays

Preparing Your Heart for the Holidays

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Preparing Your Heart for the Holidays

In America we are beginning our holiday season and the tension is already beginning to build. Thanksgiving is approximately two weeks away but the stores have been putting Christmas decorations out since October. How do we prepare our hearts for all the added activities, family gatherings, difficult personalities and enjoy the traditions that mean the most to us? We can start by setting boundaries and goals.

In the 1989 movie, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Clark Griswold plans to have the best Christmas ever with his entire family. His grand idea includes having the biggest tree they can find, lighting the entire house in twinkly lights and enjoying a wonderful sit down dinner in harmony. However once the grandparents arrive the bickering begins and his dream starts falling apart. Clark is perpetually optimistic and sometimes in denial but still passionate about putting on the perfect family holiday. His wife Ellen doesn’t share his outlook but supports him all the way. After a hilarious sequence of mishaps the movie ends with everyone on the front lawn enjoying the beautiful lights and Clark is satisfied that his goal was achieved. ( Warning : this movie was originally rated R for language and some racey scenes. It is often modified for TV)

What can we learn from this crazy tale? Clarks’ heart was in the right place but his goals were unrealstic. Beverly was the perfect hostess, “we have plenty of room, plenty to eat and plenty of balnkets” and was supportive of her husband. They were kind to unexpected company as well as elderly confused and grouchy relatives. Everyone truly tried to make the best of the situation and enjoyed the evening. We can control some of the chaos.

Set realistic goals: If this has been a difficult year for you whether financially, health issues, loss in the family; keep it simple. Family size and traditions can change. What is most important to you? Don’t fall into the trap that more is better.

Be a good host or guest: The goal is to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Ask how you can help if you are the guest.

Manage expectations : Despite careful planning something inevitably will go wrong. Be flexible and don’t let it ruin the day.

Share blessings: Before eating and asking a blessing on the meal and people gathered, ask each person to share one thing they are grateful for.

Shut off the electronics for awhile: I know, big football games are on! Weather permitting go for a walk. Play board games or a group game like Pictionary. Look at old photo albulms together. After Thanksgiving day enjoy the free lights and activities around town.

Be sensitive to those who are struggling: Anyone struggling with a crisis, loss, over stimulation or trauma may want some space. Let them opt out of the activities in a quieter corner.

Guard the conversation: Don’t react to negative comments and try to steer clear of politics and other hot topics.

Put the fun in dysfuntion: We live in a broken world with broken families and we all have weird relatives. Focus on the good. Tell stories and have a good laugh.

1 Peter 4:9(ESV) Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Thanksgiving should be a time to focus on what we do have and not what is wrong in our lives or our world. The first Pilgrims had plenty to complain about but they chose to be grateful. Most of us have plenty of everything. Let us be intentional on sharing the good things God has done over the past year and show the light of Jesus in our homes.

Psalm 100 A PSALM FOR GIVING THANKS.
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Christian Living, faith

Have You Heard the Pumpkin Gospel?

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Have You Heard the Pumpkin Gospel?

A story of a new start with God!

My big round pumpkin shows me God gives us a clean heart.

He will forgive our mess-ups. He offers a new start.

The slime that fills the pumpkin, all stringy slipp’ry goo,

reminds me of my insides before God makes me new.

I scoop the mushy gushies like God cleans out my sin,

When He says “I forgive you,” I smile a great big grin.

Come look into my pumpkin: he is all clean inside.

And outside he is wearing a smile that’s big and wide.

God’s love is like a candle that shines from iside out.

It’s beaming deep within me, and so I now can shout.

To glow like my big pumpkin and have a nice clean heart,

ask God to please forgive you. You’ll have a brand new start.

By Mary Manz Simon

Matthew 5:14–16
14You are the light of the world. A city located on top of a hill cannot be hidden,
15nor do they light a lamp and place it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it shines on all those in the house.
16In the same way let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Dear Readers, This delightful story, “The Pumpkin Gospel ” can be found in boardbook style on Amazon and at Christianbook.com for your children and grandchildren.

prayer, Worry

What Haunts Your Thoughts?

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What Haunts Your Thoughts?

There is much in this world to worry about; crime, the economy, health issues, natural disasters, war and everyday relationships can weigh heavy on our minds. We all could rest easier if the media didn’t constantly remind us that there is trouble everywhere. What haunts your thoughts throughout the day and maybe even keeps you awake at night?

The body has a wonderfully complex nervous system to help regulate voluntary and involuntary actions, as well as thinking, communicating and memory. Without getting into too many more medical details, the sympathetic system is responsible for the “fight or flight” response we have all heard of. It helps us quickly use our energy in an emergency situation.

Most of the time this system all works very well. However, that fight or flight response can be triggered by small everyday stresses that can cause the body to release too much cortisol or stress hormone. This makes your heart beat faster and blood pressure rise which is good in certain situations but too much cortisol over time can cause all kinds of health issues. Aha! The key is to manage our thoughts and stressors.

Worry is stressing about a situation that may or may not occur and it’s always in the negative sense. – Rob Liano

Worry is worthless. It cannot change th past or predict the future. It only spoils the moment. – Darren Patrick

God’s word has a lot to say about fighting the giants of worry,fear and anxiety . The phrase “do not fear” is used 365 times in scripture. He has also provided tools to use against the things that haunt us.

Ephesians 6:13–18 (CSB)
13For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. 18Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

Focus on truth , remember past provision and blessings you already enjoy. God has unconditional love for us and He promises to provide for our needs and to never leave us. Hold up the shield of faith to fight the fear that invades your mind and destroys peace. Pray for the strength to face the facts and discernment to deal with them wisely. Replace the negative chatter that invades your thoughts with words of affirmation.

WORRY ENDS WHERE FAITH BEGINS by the Blythe Family

1.You’re worried about tomorrow and what the future holds Your mind is filled with questions as you face the unknown You’ve spent so many sleepless nights trying to work it out Worry has consumed your faith with all its fear and doubt

Chorus: Worry ends where faith begins When you put it in God’s hands and leave it there…Oh just leave it there He’s still in control so trust in Him and take a hold of faith again For worry ends where faith begins

2. Why should we ever worry why should we fret at all When worry only hinders the mighty hand of God He said it is impossible to please him without faith So lay aside your worry walk on in Jesus name

Christian Living, faith

Majesty, Monarchy and Sovereignty

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Majesty, Monarchy and Sovereignty

The Western world has been closely following the funeral proceedings for Queen Elizabeth, the longest reinging Monarch of the British Empire. The costumes, choreographed pageantry and traditions have held us captivated because they date back hundreds of years. Elizabeth stood for continuity and tradition even though she withstood a tremendous amount of change within her family, her country and the world. Even her kingdom has become smaller through the decades since 1953.

A monarchy is a form of government in which a person, the monarch, is head of state for life or until abdication. The succession in many cases is heriditary. It was the most common form of government until the 20th century. Most of todays modern monarchies tend to be constitutional in nature that exercize limited or no political power.

I learned that only the Queen (or now King) is referred to as Her Majesty. All other royalty are calledYour Highness . Majesty is a noun meaning regal, lofty or imposing grandeur, the supreme greatness or authority. Although Queen Elizabeth was sovereign (the only one, highest rank of the monarchy) she too bowed before the God of heaven and earth recognizing that He placed her in her position and she had a duty and responsibility to rule wisely.

Besides the crown, the other objects that signify the British monarchy are the Orb and Scepter which were crafted in 1661. The Orb is an eleven inch hollow gold sphere with a cross on top representing the monarch’s power in the Christian world. The three foot long Scepter represents the temporal power of the king or queen in the secular world and is associated with good governance.

What is the biblical definition of sovereignty? The bible teaches us that God is the source of all creation and that all things come from and depend upon God. Sovereignty means that God as ruler of the Universe, is free to do whatever he wants. He is not bound or limited by the dictates of his creation or created beings. He is in complete control over everything that happens here on this earth and throughout the universe. He is Lord of heaven and earth and cannot be opposed. He does not change. God is Omnicient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent. Read Psalm 139

Colossians 1:16–17 (ESV)
16For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV)
17‘Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.

What a comfort to know that God loved us so much He sent His Son to restore the broken relationship between us. The Sovereign God of the universe promises to be with us, guide us and give us strength to make wise decisions every day. He holds us together when we feel like everything around us is falling apart. Our God is an awesome God.

Difficult Circumstances, Perserverance

Beauty in Hard Places

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Beauty in Hard Places

No one would argue that circumstances in life can be extremely difficult, if not impossible. What do you look for and where do you turn when everything that was comfortable and secure becomes hard and unknown? I often find myself looking at nature and listening to music to find the beauty around me and reassurance that God is in control.

The saguaro (/səˈwɑːroʊ/ ) cactus can grow to be over 12 meters (40 feet) tall. It is native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, the Mexican state of Sonora, and the Whipple Mountains and Imperial County areas of California. The saguaro blossom is the state wildflower of Arizona.

Saguaros have a relatively long lifespan, often exceeding 150 years. Arms are developed to increase the plant’s reproductive capacity, as more apices lead to more flowers and fruit. A saguaro can absorb and store considerable amounts of rainwater, visibly expanding in the process, while slowly using the stored water as needed. This characteristic enables the saguaro to survive during periods of drought. Temperatures in the Sonoran dessert can reach 130 degrees in the shade and in winter 52 degrees at night.

Saguaros have been a source of food and shelter for humans for thousands of years despite the harsh conditions. Their sweet red fleshed fruits are turned into syrup by native peoples. Their ribs are used as building materials in the wood-poor deserts. (information from wikipedia)

The saguaros are only one example of God’s provision despite hard circumstances. The prophet Habakkuk was prophesying just before the Israelites were taken into Babylonian captivity as judgement for turning away from God. In this book we see a man who fully trusted God even though he was perplexed.

Habakkuk 3:17–19 (ESV)
17Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls,
18yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
19GOD, the Lord, is my strength;

The book of Philippians written by the apostle Paul is a letter filled with faith, joy and peace. He is so full of confidence and encouragement that it would be easy for us to forget he was writting from a Roman prison. What was his secret?

Philippians 4:11–13 (ESV)
11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
12I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

This petunia grew onto my patio this summer. I never watered it and despite three heat waves and drought it bloomed. A seed had found an unlikely place to plant itself and I left it alone while God did the rest. Beauty in a hard place. A reminder of God’s goodness and provision.

We always have a choice in how we respond to difficulties. We can have a pity party, lash out at others and even become angry and bitter. Or we can choose to seek God for comfort, strenghth and wisdom. It is easy to become discouraged when we can’t see how God is working. But we have many examples of growth and even thriving in hard places written in the Bible for us to learn from. We call them hereos of the faith but they were people just like us; Joseph, Moses, Ruth, David, Daniel and the early apostles are only a few. Take heart my friend and look for the good while holding on in confidence to the One Who knows you, hears your prayer and loves you with an everlasting love.

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.