When Joy Sneaks In
Here we are — the third Sunday of Advent. The Sunday of Joy. This candle on the Advent wreath symbolizes rejoicing because Christmas, the arrival of Jesus, is getting closer. Time to REJOICE! It’s not the loud, confetti-throwing kind of joy (though I’m not opposed!) — but the kind that sneaks in quietly, right when…
The First Sunday of Advent: A Season of Hope
Advent. The very word stirs up a sense of anticipation, doesn’t it? It means “coming” or “arrival,” and for us as believers, it’s a season to reflect on the most glorious arrival in history—our Savior, Jesus Christ, leaving Heaven to dwell among us. This Sunday, the first candle of the Advent wreath, the HOPE candle,…
Joy Joy Joy
It’s the third Sunday of Advent and time to sing “Go Tell It on the Mountain”! Well — not necessarily from a mountain — that would mean we’d have to go climbing! Perhaps we can start right here on level ground to be joyful and full of the good news of Christ’s coming to this…
In the Waiting Room
I’ve had my share of hospital waiting rooms — waiting while someone is having surgery or waiting for the birth of a precious baby. In both cases, while we’re waiting, a transformation is taking place. Parts of the body that were diseased or broken are being removed or repaired. And, joyfully, waiting to see and…
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You
Today is the third Sunday of Advent and we should be singing “Go Tell It on the Mountain”! Not necessarily from a mountain. That would mean we’d have to go climbing! Perhaps we can start right here at ground zero to be joyful and full of the good news of Christ’s coming to this earth…
Time to Stop, Look and Be Blessed
Last Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent. We’re making the trek to Bethlehem and the night that Christ was born. Today, the second Sunday of Advent, the second candle will be lit. I took this photo of the Advent wreath last Sunday. Those of us who have purposed to slow down and breathe in…
In the Waiting Room of Advent
I’ve had my share of hospital waiting rooms — waiting while a loved one is having surgery or for the birth of a baby. While we’re waiting, a transformation is taking place in the operating room. Parts of the body that were diseased or broken are being removed or repaired or new devices or parts…
Advent – the Great Expectation that Something Good is Coming
It’s the first Sunday of Advent. This photo of the Advent Candle wreath is from my church in Tulsa. The first candle (the HOPE candle) will be lit today. The word “advent” means a coming or arrival of something or someone extremely important. In biblical terms we speak of the Advent Season, referring to the…