Experiencing
Daily blessings
Heavenly Father above
Source of faith’s comfort
Joy
Praising
Father’s love
Redemption from Savior
Each sin washed white
Peace
Prayer’s
Intimate conversation
Father’s daily grace
Heart opened, hearing Him
Hope
We live beneath the protective palm of a sovereign King who superintends every circumstance of our lives and delights in doing us good.
From Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
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.
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.”
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.
From Psalm 92:12-13: The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.”
Witnessing early morning’s light of peace
Feeling Father’s presence, always nearby
Descending tranquility, never cease
Wiping away tears from yesterday’s cry
Harvesting faith’s sustaining, living bread
Accepting Savior’s forgiveness, now freed
Receiving Father’s grace, hope shall be fed
Thriving with righteousness, sowing her seeds
Praying with thanks, praising Father most high
Sharing eternity’s light, nourished with love
Sending Spirit, among bluest of sky
Scaling merciful path, heavens above
Called to discipleship, with Jesus Christ
Purchased at Calvary, blood sacrificed
From Psalm 92:1-2: “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to Your name, O Most High, to declare Your steadfast love in the morning and Your faithfulness by night.”
God resides in our hearts, steering us toward an ever-fixed mark.
From Proverbs 16:9: “The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.”
David Jeremiah (born 1941) is an American pastor and Christian author.
From Psalm 85:8-9: “Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people, to His faithful, to those who turn to Him in their hearts. Surely His salvation is at hand for those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land.”
Uncertain darkness
Surrounds me this day
Humbly take a knee
Bowing now to pray
Prayers calling God
Remain unhurried
Unanswered questions
Never be worried
Christ’s teachings feed thee
With the bread of life
This eternal gift
Blessings without strife
Lord of life and love
He feeds and frees all
Through His Holy Word
Never builds a wall
Allow me to pause
God prods thee along
Hearing His questions
Answers make me strong
God everlasting
Faith remains with thee
Through life’s harsh chaos
Calming stormy seas
From Romans 10:10-13: “ For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, ‘No one who believes in Him will be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on Him. For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'”
Originally published September, 2020.
The spiritual life is a life beyond moods. It is a life in which we choose joy and do not allow ourselves to become victims of passing feelings of happiness or depression.
From Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice“
Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) was a Dutch priest, professor, writer, and theologian.
Big Sky Buckeye 