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We learn from Jesus to trust His Father with uncompromising faith.
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 for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated December 23)
Faith makes the discords of the present the harmonies of the future.
From Jeremiah 29:11: “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”
Robert Collyer (1823-1912) was an English-born pastor. Early in his adult life, he emigrated to the United States and would later resuming preaching after having done so in England.
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.”
God’s plan of redemption
Viewed through love’s transforming scope
Faithful virgin shall bear His Son
Fulfilling flame of eternal hope
God’s warm heart offers love
Promised Prince at Heaven’s gate
Empty darkness shall fill with joy
Breathing from cold, humble stable’s fate
God’s peace nurtures man’s trust
Filled with mercy’s lasting grace
Sacred Word witnessed in Son’s flesh
Living waters share love to embrace
God’s creation speaks truth
Blessed news fills shepherds’ ears
Advent’s greatest virtue breathes love
Silencing night, morning’s sun appears
Light born in Bethlehem
Delivered hope sharing peace
Angels’ unbelievable joy
Praising Savior’s love, shall never cease
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.
The final hymn of this Advent series comes from the inspiration of American pastor and Christian writer Phillips Brooks. Recalling his 1865 trip to Bethlehem, he wrote the lyrics for “O Little Town of Bethlehem” in 1868.
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There will be moments when harmony’s carousel seems in need of a tune-up. Always in charge, God reminds us that He alone will calm the noise around us.
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 for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated December 22)
For the Christ-child who comes is the Master of all; no palace too great, no cottage too small.
From Matthew 2:6: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) was an American pastor and Christian author. He was remembered for his charismatic preaching as well as writing the lyrics of the beloved Christmas hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”
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As images of the Christmas season slowly fade away, we try to hang on to the final ones before they just seem to melt away.
(Updated December 21)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 for adding so much to my journal.
Light
Overcoming darkness
No longer hurting
Binding up each wound
Jesus
Landscape’s
Gentle breeze
Spirit’s encouraging breath
Trusting each righteous whisper
Peace
Sunrise
Trust always
Calming journey’s storms
Navigation welcomes God’s steering
Deliverance
This series of poems (written in the German-inspired style of Elfchen or Elevenie) shares a total of eleven words in each poem, with a sequence by line of one, two, three, four, and one words.
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Even when life deposits darkness at our doorstep, God will nourish our faith in order for us to witness tomorrow’s light.
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 for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated December 20)
God’s work is not in buildings, but in transformed lives.
From Matthew 3:2: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Ruth Bell Graham (1920-2007) was an American Christian author. Born to American parents who were dedicated to medical missionary work in China, she would later become the wife of evangelist Billy Graham. They met when both were attending Wheaton College in Illinois.
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With every sketch filled with colorful memories, nature’s seasons fit together like a well-worn patchwork quilt.
(Updated December 19)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 for adding so much to my journal.
Big Sky Buckeye 