If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it.
One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began.
Mary Oliver (1935-2019) was a best-selling American poet, who received many honors for her work. Her love of nature can be found in much of her writing, and it resulted in honors from the National Book Award in 1992 and Pulitzer Prize in 1984.
Many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness.
If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday.
American writer and novelist, Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973), spent much of her early life in China as a missionary. She was widely heralded for her book, THE GOOD EARTH, which was published in 1931. She garnered the Pulitzer Prize in 1932 and later the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938.
From Isaiah 9:6-7: “For a child has been born for us,a son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders;and He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually,and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and His kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousnessfrom this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
You are invited to join in prayer: Lord God, your love and mercy promise hope, joy, and peace. During this season of Advent, open our hearts in preparation to receive our Savior. Amen.
Written in 1865 by English hymn writer, William Chatterton Dix, the hymn of “What Child Is This?” is sung by Charlotte Church. The lyrics are based upon the verses from Isaiah 9:6-7, and the tune is “Greensleeves.”
From Zephaniah 3:14-15: “Sing aloud, O daughter Zion;shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart,O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, He has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;you shall fear disaster no more.”
You are invited to join in prayer: Lord God, your love and mercy promise hope, joy, and peace. During this season of Advent, open our hearts in preparation to receive our Savior. Amen.
“Joy to the World” is frequently sung during the Advent and Christmas season. Written in 1719 by English minister and hymn writer, Isaac Watts, this hymn has been a favorite for well over 100 years in North America.
Big Sky Buckeye 