Category: Advent

Advent Day 10–Everyone Needs to be Prepared

Posted on by Paula

I am never ready for winter. The days are short, the sun seems so far away and the bitterly cold wind blows. I have a difficult time emerging from under my electric blanket in the morning and loathe wearing long pants and bulky clothing. The dark, dreary days and the bitterly cold wind get harder and harder to tolerate each year. Don’t even mention the “s” word (you know, that white stuff that looks all pretty falling from the sky but makes the roads slick and the floors muddy).

I am definitely a summer girl! I love wearing dresses, seeing the sun shine and feeling the warmth radiate down to my bones. Summer means blue skies, sheets on the clotheslines, watermelon, popsicles, lemonade, flipflops, fireflies, green leaves, bright sunshine and fresh air. Life is good in the summer, and I am happy, happy, happy!

No matter how much I want summer to last forever, winter always comes. I can either prepare for winter or live in denial and get a rude awakening. The signs arrive every year. The grass begins to die, the leaves on the trees start to change color and then fall to the ground, winter clothes appear in the stores and Christmas lights are hung all around town while snowplows and children wait for the first snowflake to fall. Some things, we cannot change.

However, the most important thing we cannot change is the fact that we are not here on earth forever. Our bodies wear out, and eventually our hearts stop beating. For some of us that comes slowly; for others, this comes suddenly and unexpectedly. We don’t like to think about these things, but we must be prepared for the day that our physical bodies die.

You see, as sure as winter is coming, the day that we face our Maker will come as well. We do not know how long we have, but the Bible says in Romans 14:11 “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” Jesus is Lord whether we accept it or not. Those who decide to surrender their lives on earth to Jesus and follow his ways will receive the gift of eternal life with him in heaven. Sadly, those who choose to reject Jesus and his ways during their life on earth, will not be allowed to enter but will be cast into the eternal torture of hell.

I do not say this to judge or condemn. I say this out of love. You see, God is holy, and sin separates us from him. The penalty for sin is death. We have all sinned, and we all deserve death. The good news is that Jesus died on the cross in our place and rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. If we accept His gift of salvation & commit our lives to following Him, our slate is wiped clean. We can stand before God because we have accepted the gift of salvation through Jesus.

Just as God wants no one to perish but all to repent and be saved, I too cannot bear the thought of anyone being separated from God and cast into eternal punishment. Just as we know that winter is coming, we also know that our physical bodies will wear out. Each of us will come face to face with Jesus and each of us will confess him as Lord. If we wait until that day, it will be too late. As we prepare for winter and prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we must also make sure that we and those we love are prepared for the day that we will meet God face-to-face.

Advent Day 9–Busyness Overload

Posted on by Paula

We live in a fast-paced world, and sometimes I feel like I am rushing through my day at a speed of 100 million miles an hour. So many of us work outside the home these days and then have cooking, laundry, cleaning, shopping, yard work, house repairs and many other responsibilities waiting when we get home. This time of year, on top of the challenge of keeping up between our job and our family, we are extra busy preparing for the holidays by shopping for gifts, decorating, baking and planning the perfect family get-togethers.

Busyness in my life tends to creep in slowly and quietly, one thing at a time until all of a sudden, I become overwhelmed and overloaded. If I’m not careful, my priorities get mixed up and I find myself so busy doing what I think my family needs me to do that I miss out on the things that mean the most. Often, I don’t even realize what is happening until I find myself irritable and I become resentful of those who have time to relax while I am hard at work.

A long time ago, a woman named Martha opened her home to Jesus and his disciples as they were passing by. Her sister, Mary, was sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to Him speak while Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.

Needless to say, Martha was pretty frustrated. She finally went to Jesus and asked, “Don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

Jesus’ reply may have seemed a bit shocking to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42).

Don’t get so busy with your holiday preparations that you don’t have time to enjoy the people who are important. Most of all, don’t get so caught up in what you think needs done that you don’t have time to spend listening at the feet of Jesus. If you sit quietly, he will whisper to your heart and remind you of what is truly important. Praying for a season focused on Jesus and the joy, peace and contentment that comes through him.

Advent Day 8–“Bethlehem Candle” or the “Candle of Preparation”

Posted on by Paula

The second Advent candle is the “Bethlehem Candle” or the “Candle of Preparation.”

The King of Kings was born in a stable and laid in a manger in the small town of Bethlehem. May remembering those details help us keep everything in perspective as we prepare for our Christmas celebrations.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” ~Micah 5:2

‘In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” ~Luke 2:1-7

Advent Day 7–The Promise of Hope

Posted on by Paula

Christmas should be a time of rejoicing, but sometimes the days leading up to the holiday can be stressful or even sorrowful. Strained relationships can seem worse this time of year when everyone should be getting along for Christmas gatherings. Many people are missing loved ones who are no longer here. Some people are fighting just to get out of bed each day due to health issues, depression or feelings of being overwhelmed.

Celebrating the birth of Jesus at Christmas reminds us of hope we have through him. In Jesus we receive forgiveness of our sin, redemption, restoration with God and eternal life with him in heaven. If the only hope that Jesus brought us was the hope of heaven, that would be enough. Yet through life in Christ, we also have hope that God is with us through our struggles and trials and that he makes all things beautiful in his time.

I still remember the hope that God gave me that summer day of July 16, 2004. I got up early and met God on the porch. The air was perfect, the bobwhite was calling and a hummingbird hovered close enough that I could hear the buzz of its wings fluttering.

When I’d finished my prayers, I started dead-heading my flowers and thinking about a problem that I had prayed about that morning. I had been praying about it for a very long time, but nothing seemed to change. As I pulled off each withered bloom, I felt like in answer to my prayers, God was pulling away all the things in that situation that grieved me. It felt so good to remove all the dead and withered blooms, and I was filled with hope that the Master Gardener in heaven was doing his work in my life as well.

I began thinking on Ecclesiastes chapter 3. There is a time for struggles and tears, but there will also be a time for joy and laughter. “He makes everything beautiful in its time!” I’d let my problems hang dead and withered too long. I hadn’t totally let go of trying to fix the situation on my own. I needed to let go and allow God to do the plucking! I took some of the dead, withered blooms and pressed them in my Bible in Ecclesiastes 3 to remind me of God’s promise that He would take the situation I was praying about and make it beautiful.

The difficult season I was going through lasted many long years. I guess you could say that there was a lot of dead-heading that had to be done, including some work in my own heart that I didn’t even know was there when I cried out to God on that summer day. Over the years, the dead blooms I saved in my Bible brought me hope. From time-to-time when I prayed, I would “jog God’s memory” about His promise with me and ask Him how much longer I would have to wait. He would gently remind me that the answer would come in HIS time.

Whatever you are going through, don’t lose hope. Let God do the work needed in your heart and in the hearts of those around you. Wait for answers, knowing that even if your problem doesn’t go away on this side of heaven, God will walk through it with you and will do his work in you so you can persevere. Rest in his peace and hold onto the hope that he is working out every situation into something beautiful. We may not see the end result during our life here on earth, but the Bible promises that in heaven, God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. Keep praying, keep hoping and let God take care of the rest in his time.

Advent Day 6–God is real!

Posted on by Paula

As a high school life group leader, a question that I am often asked is, “How do you know God is real?” One of my favorite examples to share is the time when God pulled me up from the pit of despair and revealed that I have purpose in him. I was a stay-at-home mom who had somehow reached rock bottom, feeling very inadequate and suffering very low self-esteem. To be totally honest, there were times when I truly believed that my family would be better off without me.

During that low, I saw an advertisement for Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, which delivers shoe box gifts along with the Gospel to children living in desperate situations all over the world. A quiet voice urged me to get involved, and I spoke to my minister who allowed me to involve our congregation as well.

After a couple of years of driving our gifts 2 ½ hours to the nearest drop-off, I heard that same quiet voice asking me to do something bigger—to start a new drop-off point and collect shoe boxes from other churches in our area. This is something that I never would have thought to do on my own. I didn’t even know anyone outside our church who participated in this project. The task seemed impossible for a nobody with no contacts, but the voice wouldn’t leave me alone. Because I had never entertained the idea that God might speak to me, I prayed, “God, I don’t know if this is you, but these thoughts are not going away. I have no idea how to do this, but if this is really you, I will do what you ask.”

Over the next several months, I watched in amazement. It became obvious that God had been working on many other hearts; he just needed someone to get everyone together. God built a team, as over and over I’d choose a nearby town not knowing who to call, and he would quickly connect me with others who shared the passion for reaching these kids. Time and again, I’d visit a church to promote the project, and they excitedly agreed to come on board. It was amazing!

My life found deeper meaning the year of 2001 as I witnessed God orchestrate a drop-off where more than 4,300 shoe box gifts were collected in the first year. Through the promotion of the project, he blessed thousands of people in our area (most of which had never heard of the project) by giving them a way to make an eternal impact on more than 4300 lives that lived thousands of miles away. He also taught this simple-minded, socially awkward “nobody,” that he will equip me for whatever he asks me to do. When God called me to become involved in his work, I ignorantly thought that I was agreeing to “help God out.” I didn’t understand at the time that it was GOD helping out ME. He worked through me to do things that I never could have done on my own. He showed me that even though I thought I was worthless, I am worth something to Him. God is real!

Knowing that God is real gives us hope, and sharing our experiences with others can give them hope too. During Advent take time to tell others about how God has been real to you. Ask God to open your eyes to how he might bless someone and show them his love through you.

Advent Day 5–Always

Posted on by Paula

“’I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,’ says the Lord God. ‘I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.’” (Revelation 1:8 NLT)

People are born every day, and people die every day. We make new friends, and old friends move away. We may have a one-time conversation with someone or we may continue a relationship with them throughout the years. We can never be sure of how much time we have with anyone, and there isn’t a single human being that we can always totally depend on.

However, there is One Person who has always been with us, who will never leave us, and who we can always depend on. The One who created us knows and understands us more intimately than we know and understand ourselves. He loves us unconditionally and in all things, he works for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. He is all-knowing, all-powerful and unchanging. He is, he always was and he will always be, the Almighty One.

When you see the Christmas wreath, think about the circle that forms it. Just as there is no beginning or end to that circle, remember that there is no beginning or end to God’s love, power or existence. Remember that he is dependable and will always be there. Keep your focus on him and put your trust in our totally awesome God.

Advent Day 4–Only He Can Satisfy

Posted on by Paula

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” ~Psalm 42:1

Have you ever had an empty feeling inside or felt like something was missing in your life? Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that God, our Creator, has set eternity in our hearts, and Philippians 3:20 reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven. God has given us good things on earth, but the only thing that can truly satisfy us deep down in our soul is him.  Colossians 3:1-2 tells us to set our hearts & minds on things above, not on earthly things.

It is very easy to get caught up in the things of this world, especially when we are getting ready for Christmas. There are so many traditions we keep and so many expectations of what “needs” to be taken care of in order to celebrate. We can become stressed when we feel we don’t have enough money to purchase the gifts we want or when we don’t have enough time to shop, clean, bake and take care of our holiday to-do list.

Giving gifts and getting our homes ready for Christmas aren’t necessarily bad things; in fact, it can be a beautiful reflection of God’s love for us. What isn’t good is when we become so consumed with the “worldly traditions” that we lose our focus on Jesus.  We must keep Jesus first in our lives and let all that we do be an overflow of the love that he pours into our lives and spills out to others. The true meaning of Christmas is found in Christ, and only Christ can satisfy the longing of our souls.

God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be born of a virgin, live a sinless life and then pay for our sins by dying on the cross so that we could be made right with Him. You see, God, our Creator, is holy & perfect, and sin separates us from Him. The penalty for sin is death. So, Christ, who was without sin, took the punishment for our own sin by dying on the cross. When we accept his gift of dying in our place and submit to his Lordship, we are promised eternal life. Even though our physical bodies will die, our souls will live with Him in heaven forever.

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the greatest gift of all. Our soul cannot be satisfied until it is right with God. As a deer depends on water for life, so we depend on Christ for life.

Advent Day 3–Who is God to You?

Posted on by Paula

Who is God to you? As you read through the Bible, you will find many different names for God. These names describe God’s character and nature as he revealed himself personally to individuals. When he revealed himself, the people came to know him in a real and personal way, and their relationship with him grew deeper.

Just a few of the names for God that are recorded in the Bible as he revealed himself to his people are Abba Father (Daddy), El Shaddai (God Almighty), Jehovah-Jireh (the Lord Will Provide), Jehovah-Nissi (the Lord is my Banner), my Hiding Place, my Refuge in times of trouble, the God Who Saves Me, the God Who Sees Me, a Forgiving God, Creator of heaven and earth, God my Maker, the Rock of our Salvation, our Redeemer, God of Peace, God of Truth, Most High, Holy One, Eternal God…. The list of his names and all that he is goes on and on! You have probably experienced him in some of those ways and know him personally by some of those names.

My favorite name for him is “I AM WHO I AM.” He exists! He is, he always was and he always will be. There is no one like him and no one who can compare to how Mighty, Perfect and Awesome he is. He is Holy, Faithful, Mighty, Sovereign, All-Knowing, All-Powerful, Righteous, Merciful, Ever-Present, Omnipresent, Unchanging…. He is Truth, Wisdom, Light and Love.…. He depends on nothing and no one, yet absolutely everything depends on him. Whatever we need, we find in him.

I have experienced God in many ways. He is my Hiding Place, my Comfort, my Wisdom, my Confidence, my Strength, my Guidance, my Light, my Hope, my Peace, my Deliverer, my Savior, my Redeemer, my Lord, my Life… HE IS MY EVERYTHING! He is always there when I need him and the Only One I can always truly depend on. He is the One who loved me even when there was nothing to love about me and he is the One who sent his One and Only Son to die so that I can live. He is God. He is all I need. He is enough.

Think today on all that God is and reflect on how he has been personal with you. Let all that he is draw you into worshiping the Great I AM and living a life that brings glory to him. I pray that each of us continues to know him more intimately not only through this Advent season but forever.

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” ~Exodus 3:14

Advent Day 2–Prepare the Way!

Posted on by Paula

“Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, ‘Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!’” ~Isaiah 40:3 NLT

Advent is a time when we are reminded of Jesus’ first coming and of God’s people awaiting the birth of the Messiah who would save them. It is also a time that we ourselves anticipate Jesus’ second coming when he will return to take us home.

There are more than 300 prophecies in the Old Testament which were fulfilled through Jesus hundreds of years after they were written. In the passage above, the prophet Isaiah is speaking of John the Baptist who would prepare the people for Jesus by telling them to “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Hundreds of years later, Matthew, Mark, Luke & John recorded in their New Testament accounts that John the Baptist is the one Isaiah was speaking of.

Just as there are many Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah that were fulfilled in the New Testament, there are also many passages in Scripture that tell us that Jesus will come again. Yes! Jesus is coming back, and we need to share his message with others as we eagerly await his return!

So, make this advent season a special time for you and your family. As so many holiday traditions compete for your time, remember that the true reason for the season is to celebrate the birth of the One who came to save us and to anticipate his return. Keep Jesus as your focus. Spend time praying, reading your Bible and allowing him to transform your life. Prepare your heart for his coming & share his message with others so they can be prepared too. The kingdom of heaven is near, & there is no better day than today to share the Good News of Jesus with someone who needs the hope and peace we have through him.

Advent Day 1–“Prophecy Candle” or “Candle of Hope”

Posted on by Paula

The Advent season begins today, and we remember the time when God’s people were awaiting the birth of the Messiah.  Along with remembering Israel’s expectation of Jesus’ first coming to bring us salvation, we also anticipate Jesus’ second coming when he will return to take us home.

Today we light the first candle which is called the “Prophecy Candle” or “Candle of Hope.” This candle reminds us of both the fulfilled prophecy of Jesus’ birth and the prophecy of his second coming, for which we continue to wait. The candle’s purple color represents Christ’s royalty as the King of Kings.

My prayer for each of you is that during the hustle and bustle of the season, you will keep your focus on Jesus. I pray that you will reflect on him, be aware of his presence, become overwhelmed by his love, grow closer to him and experience his peace and hope. As you excitedly prepare to celebrate his birth, I pray that you will also anxiously anticipate the day that he will return again to take us home.

Scriptures to reflect on today:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” ~Micah 5:2

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” ~Isaiah 7:14

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~Isaiah 9:6

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” ~1 Thessalonians 4:16

“For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.” ~Matthew 16:27

“Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” ~Matthew 24:30

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” ~John 14:3

“’Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’” ~Acts 1:11

“’Look, he is coming with the clouds,’ and ‘every eye will see him, even those who pierced him’; and all peoples on earth ‘will mourn because of him.’  So shall it be! Amen.” ~Revelation 1:7