Hope’s Fulfilling Night (First Sunday of Advent)

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From Isaiah 7:14:  “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign.  Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name Him Immanuel.”

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Leading from Zion

Mercy taking flight

God shall be with us

Hope’s ember of light

 

Sprouting from his roots

Jesse’s stump alive

Faithful branches breathe

Hope’s spirit survives

 

Waiting in prayer

Prophesied birthplace

Prince shall bring His peace

Hope’s beacon of grace

 

Sheltering man’s faith

Bethlehem sleeping

Flock’s promised Shepherd

Hope’s heart now leaping

 

Believing in God

Life’s harshness turns bright

Virgin bears His Son

Hope’s fulfilling night

  

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Advent Prayer:  Heavenly Father,  as we remember and reflect upon this Advent season, assist us in turning our hearts toward You as we approach the birth of Your blessed Son.  Encourage us to celebrate the gifts received from that very first Christmas:  hope, peace, joy, and love.  Amen.

One of Advent’s most enduring hymns is “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”  The original text was composed in Latin during the 12th century.  In 1861, English priest and scholar John Mason Neale translated the lyrics into what many Christians recognize and sing today.

From My Journal (12/3)

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From Big Sky Buckeye

May the light of Christ fill today’s faith with tomorrow’s hope.

Do you write a daily journal?  This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts.  Thanks to many of you or adding so much to my journal.

(Updated December 3)

Henri Nouwen Quote

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The Lord is coming, always coming.  When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize Him at any moment of your life.  Life is Advent; life is recognizing the coming of the Lord.

From Isaiah 9:6:  “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep deep darkness—on them light has shined.”

Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) was a Dutch priest, professor, writer, and theologian.

Trivia’s Facts and More (12/2)

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This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

What bird do you associate with lifting weight?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Hailing from the state of New Hampshire, America’s 14th President, Franklin Pierce, served his nation from 1853-1857.  

Here are some interesting facts about Franklin Pierce:

  • Party:  Democratic
  • Lifespan:  November 23, 1804 to October 8, 1869
  • College:  Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine

Pierce’s nickname was “Young Hickory of Granite Hills.”  This recognized that he was a devoted supporter of President Andrew Jackson (nicknamed “Old Hickory”).

He served the federal government in a number of ways.  During his military service in the Mexican War (1846-1848), he rose to the rank of General.  He also served his state as a member of Congress in the House of Representatives and Senate.

At age 48, Pierce was elected to his nation’s highest office, and he was the youngest ever elected up to that time in American history.  The youngest person ever elected to the Presidency was John F. Kennedy who was 43.

His Presidency was dominated by issues related to the issue of slavery in the United States.  There were extreme sectional tensions over its expansion into new territories and states as America continued to expand westward.

Pierce supported the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854.  This bill allowed popular sovereignty (not Congress) to decide the fate of slavery as new territories were recognized by Congress.  The upheaval and civil unrest turned Kansas into “Bloody Kansas.”

Due to his support for this divisive legislation, Pierce’s desire to serve another term as President was squashed when James Buchanan was nominated as the Democratic candidate in the election of 1856.

left:  america’s 14th president (1853-1857)  right:  home of franklin pierce in CONCORD, new hampshire.   (photographs courtesy of pinterest.)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

A crane

From My Journal (12/2)

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From Big Sky Buckeye

From the lowest depths of our tears, life’s renewing hope takes shape.

Do you write a daily journal?  This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts.  Thanks to many of you or adding so much to my journal.

(Updated December 2)

Franklin Pierce Quotes

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But let not the foundation of our hope rest upon man’s wisdom.

It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation’s humble, acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence.

Franklin Pierce (1804-1869) was the 14th President of the United States.  He was a resident of the state of New Hampshire.

Gospel’s Revelations (Elfchen Series #179)

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Encouraging

Grace

Unconditionally offered

Father’s timely gift

Propelling faith’s lasting peace

Love

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Fulfilling

Hope

Tomorrow’s destiny

God’s everlasting promises

His faithful, righteous Word

Trust

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Beholding

Courage

Undeniably witnessed

Savior’s steadfast journey

Mercy’s blood spilling over

Faith

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From My Journal (12/1)

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From Big Sky Buckeye

Life’s endurance is fed by God’s steadfast love and encouragement.

Do you write a daily journal?  This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts.  Thanks to many of you or adding so much to my journal.

(Updated December 1)

Oswald Chambers Quote

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When the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, Jesus Christ is easily first.

From 2 Peter 1:5-7:  “For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with excellence, and excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love.”

Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher.  Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons.  Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST.  I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.

Returning to Morning

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Season follows season

Stormy seas giving way

Returning to morning

Tranquil waters each day

 

Autumn’s peaceful colors

Restful days bringing calm

Returning to morning

Gratitude fills each psalm

 

Winter’s brisk cold arrives

Fireplace warming each heart

Returning to morning

Snowstorm ready to start

 

Spring’s joy welcomes comeback

Love sharing fresh flowers

Returning to morning

Praises flood each hour

 

Summer’s playful leisure

Laughter filling each day

Returning to morning

Endless moments won’t stay

 

Harmony’s creation

Nature writing each verse

Returning to morning

Always time to rehearse

 

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