The Light of the World!

Merry Christmas! Today we light the 5^th and final candle of Advent. This candle represents Jesus himself; the Son of God, Immanuel (God with us), the One True Light who has come to bring light to our hearts. The gift of God’s Son offers hope, love, joy and peace. He is the author of all things and the fulfillment of all things.

What a Glorious moment when Jesus entered the world. The Holy King of Heaven made flesh! I’ve often wondered what it would’ve been like to have been there. Oh what a miraculous moment! Everything changed that day!

My prayer today is that you will embrace the promise of God’s Son. That this event will be more than just a cute story about a baby born in a manger with cuddly little animals and that this event won’t just be part of your Christmas celebration, but will be the very reason why you celebrate. Jesus came to redeem God’s creation and you and I are a part of that. God loves you like no one else can. He not only came into his world, but he also died and was resurrected for our redemption and salvation. We can now experience “life to the full” when we receive Christ in our hearts. If you have a few moments today, stop and listen to a few of the old Christmas hymns. They tell of this wonderful redemption story. I would like to share my favorite Christmas Song with you. Enjoy!

Oh Holy Night

http://youtu.be/4Zh-yR0pbmU

He is a gift for EVERYONE and in Him are hope, love, joy and peace. Merry Christmas!

Week 4 of Advent- Peace

Week 4 and candle 4 represent peace. The light of the angels reminds us of the Peace that God gives us in Christ.

Peace can mean many different things. At Christmas time, we often hear the words “Peace on Earth,” in songs, on holiday décor and written on many Christmas cards. This phrase came from the verse in Luke 2 that says: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" I’ve been thinking a lot about the phrase, “Peace on Earth.” What’s its actual meaning? What do most of us actually think about this phrase when we hear it? Peace with others is important. World peace, or cooperation between nations sounds wonderful (and I long for the day when this is the case), but the peace that the angels proclaimed is peace with God through His Son Jesus.

When sin entered the world, our relationship with God (the way He had intended it) became fractured. The fellowship between man and God from that moment on (and up until the present) looks much different than when Adam and Eve walked with God in the cool of the day. They had no distractions, they didn’t have a world that was full of sin at every turn, and in their hearts they were completely pure and whole. Much changed for Adam and Eve after that tragic day. That moment in history has had regrettable consequences for the rest of us as well.

Since the Fall of man, humanity has had a frustrated, and at times, very difficult relationship with God. Even as God revealed Himself in different ways (like in the giving of the law) our own desire to live for ourselves became self-evident. For example, in the reality that none could keep the law completely. Even in all of Israel’s sacrifices and offerings, God found no pleasure. Why? It wasn’t what He had desired for those who served Him. God was (and still) looking for a clean and contrite hearts. How was that even possible in our own strength and ability? It isn’t! That’s good news, too. God in His tender love and mercy has a plan that makes peace with Him (and with our selves) possible.

The story of Christmas is one that is full of hope, love, joy and peace. Jesus gives us access to them by entering His creation as a human. The prophet who told of the birth of Jesus said that he would be called the “Prince of Peace.” God once again, came to draw men to Himself so that He could fellowship with them. Peace with God is completely amazing and transcends understanding. Many long for real lasting peace. The only way to have the peace the angels spoke of is to know the Prince of Peace.

Peace with God also allows opportunity to have peace with one another. It also allows us to have peace no matter what life brings. I pray this Christmas that each one of you will experience this amazing peace. Peace is for all on whom His favor rests. Receive this gift of peace!

Week 3 of Advent- JOY

Week 3 and Candle 3 represent joy. The light of the Shepherds reminds us not to be afraid but to be joyful.

I’ve been thinking a lot this week about joy, what it is, and maybe more importantly, what it isn’t. What does it mean for someone to possess joy and how can someone obtain it? Many would say that having joy means one considers themselves happy. As I’ve been thinking about it, I would have to graciously disagree, at least when speaking about the type of joy that is talked about in scripture.

As I was looking at definitions for happiness, I found that happiness seems to depend on one’s contentment, pleasure, delight and satisfaction in the now. Whether that is by possessions, good fortune, attaining what seems good or even in those we love. Happiness is a great feeling to have, but it can also fade very quickly. Things come up, life happens, bad things take place, people hurt us and the happiness is gone as quick as it came. I’m sure almost all people desire to be happy. I love to be happy! But happiness doesn’t seem to be enough does it?

Joy however, seems to be much bigger and definitely better. From my own experience, I can say that when my world has been crashing in around me, when I’ve been heart broken and happiness is far, far away, I’ve still have joy. How? Because joy isn’t dependent on circumstances or people but on Love. I’m talking about perfect love, which is given to all who need and desire it by God! Joy isn’t a fleeting feeling but a gift that is solid, hopeful and lasting because the peace of God sustains it. It is a glorious thing!

Like I said, Joy is a gift! God offers Joy to all in the gift of His Son Jesus.

Luke 2:8-10 says,

“And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all the people.”

We’ve all hear it said this time of year that it is better to give than to receive. The reality is that God is calling all of us to receive His gift. The first Christmas was about God offering us a gift of hope, love, joy and peace. The gift’s name was, and still is, Jesus. I pray that this Christmas, you will know God’s great joy and gladly receive it.

Week 2 of Advent- LOVE

Week 2 and Candle 2 of Advent represents love. The light of Bethlehem reminds us of God’s Love. We know from the first candle lit that the hope of the prophecies was fulfilled in Jesus. The nation of Israel had waited hundreds of years for their Messiah to come, yet, when He did, many missed it completely. They were expecting it to look very different, even the though the prophesies has been quite clear.

God had smuggled Himself into our world as a baby in the most humblest way. Born in a smelly stable with a bunch of animals, perhaps and most likely, on a bed of hay and dirt. Yet, we should be awe struck at the events that took place there, as well before hand and even in the events that would follow. It was a miraculous event! Here are some of the highlights: An announcement from an angel who told the virgin pledged to married that she would be with child, and that He would be called the Son of God, a dream for her husband to be not to divorce her because she was pregnant, this young man who would raise Jesus like a son, letting him know that this was indeed God doing. Imagine a heavenly host appearing to a bunch of lowly shepherds on a hillside proclaiming the birth of the King of Heaven. Visitors from the east, who had followed a bright and glorious light, are able to find the new born King, and worship him. They present the child with gifts of gold (a symbol of royalty) for the King of Kings, frankincense (symbolic of a priest) for the Great High Priest, and myrrh (a symbol of sacrifice) for the one who would give his life as a sacrifice for all. Then, another dream, but this time as a warning. God tells Joseph to lead this little family to Egypt to escape the mad power play of an illegitimate king. What an amazing Story!

So what does this have to do with love? Everything! First, we begin understand that God’s ways are not our own. The way He orchestrated this event was so timely and detailed, only God Himself could pull it off. It was unlike any of the ways we might think of doing it. What many of God’s people (Israel) didn’t realize was that God’s arrival was for something much bigger and greater than just to save a nation, He was coming to redeem all of His creation! Why? Because at the fall of man, God’s design and even desire for what He had made and loved had become corrupt and broken. But even when the Fall took place, God declared His promise of redemption (Genesis 3). This story is the fulfillment of that promise. The reason: His Love!

God’s love is written all over this story! This event took place for the benefit of ALL people for all time. He didn’t send the heavenly hosts to the temple where the supposedly “religious” people were. He didn’t send them to proclaim it to Joseph & Mary’s relatives and close friends. He didn’t even send the angels to the town in which Mary and Joseph came from. He sent the heavenly host to a bunch of shepherds on a hillside far from home. Why? Because God love and salvation to all is for everyone, no matter who you are, what you do or where you’ve been.

Luke 2:10-11

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Then, we have the Magi (also known as the Wise men), you know, the ones who presented the gifts to Jesus. How did they know this event would take place other than God had been speaking to them? He led them from a very far place by a great light, to the one who is Light himself. Why would God choose them? God didn’t just love the people of Israel, but ALL people, from every tribe and nation.

Finally, we see God telling Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt because Herod ordered all the baby boys of Bethlehem to be put to death. God’s salvation was for the entire world, and he would not allow for His plan of salvation to falter. Herod had selfish things in mind. What God had (and still has) in mind is for the benefit of all of creation. Even in the midst of evil, God’s love prevails.

I pray that as we celebrate this season, God’s love is loud and clear. If you are in a place where you are hurting, lonely, hopeless and overwhelmed, I pray that you would especially know that God’s perfect love is for you! God is love. An important reminder for all of us to remember during this Advent season, especially when all of our attention can turn towards other, less important things.

Week 1 of Advent- HOPE

Week 1 and candle 1 of Advent represent Hope, The light of the prophets reminds us of the hope that God gives us on the way to Bethlehem. The promised Messiah would come. For hundreds of years the prophets had told of the coming Messiah. He was the hope for Israel and they were waiting and hoping in anticipation!

Micah 5:2

“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 of old, from ancient times.”

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Isaiah 7:14

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

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Isaiah 9:2

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.”

God’s plan was much bigger and better than what many had hoped for. The Messiah would not only one day rule the nations, but He was coming to bind up the brokenhearted, free the captives, release prisoners from darkness, comfort all who mourn, give joy instead of despair and grant salvation! God was coming in flesh to redeem His creation!

I’m grateful today for what God has fulfilled (and continues to fulfill) in my life. He has healed my broken heart more than once, He has set me free from sin and darkness (it is complete, as well as a continual work), He has been my comfort and His Joy is my strength. The LORD is my salvation! My prayer for those who don’t know God in this way is that one day, they will. Advent is a time to reflect and admit our need for God’s perfect love! If anyone is need of hope, healing, freedom and salvation, in Jesus, it is offered freely to you.

For those who already have this hope, celebrate it! Keep your eyes on Him, being hopeful with anticipation, awaiting His coming. Let’s not grow tired in doing what is good, always remember what God and His Kingdom is all about. He will return and make all things right! That is a real and glorious hope, a gift for the entire world.

Hebrews 11:1 says,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Advent-An Important Christmas Tradition!

For the past few Christmas Seasons, our family has participated in Advent with our church. This year we are celebrating it as a family here at home as well. I’m surprised that in the tradition that Mario and I grew up in, and in a few of the major Christian denominations, that Advent was never part of the Christmas celebration. So many of you, whether a Christian or not, may be asking what Advent actually is. Here is a small description from the website that we are using for Advent here at home.

http://www.pghpresbytery.org/news/pdfs/advent_devotional.pdf

What is Advent?

The season of Advent is a time when individuals prepare their hearts to receive Christ. Advent refers to the “coming” or “arrival” of Jesus Christ. The first Sunday of Advent occurs near or upon November 30 each year. It always includes four Sundays and varies in length from twenty-two to twenty-eight days. Advent ends with Christmas Eve.

Advent can be celebrated at church and at home. This celebration can include singing a carol, reading scripture, praying, and a brief devotional reading.

Advent, for us, has become a season to really focus on why, Immanuel, God with us, came to earth. In addition, we can reflect on the miracle that it was (and still is) and what that means for us who have placed our hope in Him. What Christmas is truly about and the hope for the future?

Each Sunday there is a candle to be lit (each with an important meaning) and a devotional to be read (whether a scripture or encouraging word). Some Sunday’s even come with activities for the day or even the week. The color of the candles which are usually 3 purple and 1 pink (sometimes blue is used instead) represents Christ’s royalty. There is one last (white) candle lit on Christmas Eve representing the One True Light. The Advent wreath that holds each of the candles is decorated with greenery. God’s everlasting love is symbolized in the circle of the wreath and the evergreen symbolized Christ’s gift of eternal life.

Advent is an amazing way to slow down, spend time as a family and prepare our hearts for not only what God has provided on the first Christmas but in anticipation for what He will do in the future.

So during this season, I’m going to blog each week on Advent, the meanings of the candles that we light each week the lessons we’ve learned. I hope we will all be reminded, even in the business of this season, what is it truly all about.