The Blessed Hope

Titus 2:13 while we wait for the blessed HOPE—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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While the saints of the Old Testament looked forward to the Messiah, we have the blessed hope of waiting for the second coming of our Messiah, Jesus Christ. We look with anticipating to the sky, saying come, Lord Jesus! We long for the day when we will be at your side.

I believe the best song for the season of Advent is: O come o come Immanuel.

O Come O Come Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

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The above photo was taken at Santorini, Greece in November.

The Power of the Story

Romans 15:4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have HOPE.

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We were in Venice in November right before starting our Mediterranean cruise. In Venice we visited the old Jewish part of town. In the photo above you see an artist we met who brings to life pages from the Old Testament in drawings and tablets. Her work was colorful and meaningful.

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God's word continues to be explored and passed on. The stories therein teach us and encourage us for what we need each day. The Christmas story is preserved beautifully for us to read, study and find encouragement too. May it bring HOPE to your heart this day.

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God Rest you Merry Gentlemen

God rest ye merry, gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember, Christ, our Saviour

Was born on Christmas day

To save us all from Satan's power

When we were gone astray

O tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

Hope: Excitement in my heart

Isaiah 42:4 He will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their HOPE.

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Prophecy is often part of the first week of Advent. There are hundreds of Old Testament passages that point to the coming of the Christ Child as well as his ministry, death, resurrection and eternal reign as King of Kings. http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/messianicprophecies.html

The fact that the Bible is so accurate gives hope. We can trust it and we can trust Him.

In the Old Testament days, there was great expectation for the coming of the Messiah. They didn't know what it would look like. They didn't know how God would do it. But God would send someone who would be their Redeemer and their King. But many held great excitement in their heart because of the prophecies they expected would be fulfilled. (Luke 2: 25-38, Simeon and Anna)

If only we could catch a bit of that excitement and anticipation. Our kids look forward to opening the gifts under the tree, knowing we buy them with intention understaanding what they love. This year, might I find some anticipation in my heart for Christmas because it commemorates of the Christ Child's arrival into the world? Not just the mystery of revealed Christmas presents stashed under the tree or the lovely holiday meal planned?

Lord, Teach me excitement in my heart for YOU.
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This above photo was taken recently in the Greek Islands.

The Color Purple

2 Corinthians 1: 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our HOPE that he will continue to deliver us.

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The traditional colors of advent are significant. I think of red, green and gold being great Christmas colors for decorating the house. If you've seen the Advent wreath in many churches, you'll see they are either purple (with a 4th pink candle), or a royal or navy blue.

That's because purple and blue in the Bible symbolize royalty. Jesus, the Christ Child who came to earth is the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16), the Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6). How amazing that this Royal One loves us so much.

Purple is also considered a color of fasting and the seeking of forgiveness. I don't usually think of the Christmas season being one of fasting. In fact, I tend to eat more the month of December than any other month of the year! But fasting causes us to yearn for food and thus yearn for God as we direct our deprivation drives to Him in prayer. Hmmm, might not be a bad idea to fast a time or two this month! Might even help my waist line.

Read our verse of the day again. He is our deliverer. Our deliverer from our sins. Our powerful, awesome KING who loves us so much. And that gives us hope.
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Photo taken recently in Scotland at a cottage by the sea.

Hope is our anchor

Hebrews 6:19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
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We recently travelled to the Mediterranean where we saw a lot of sea vessels. Some of the anchors for big ships are unbelievable. Even the lines that hold them are as thick as my arm or thicker! We voyaged where the Apostle Paul travelled on the seas. He was shipwrecked three times on his missionary journeys. (2 Corinthians 11:25) Certainly the New Testament writers knew the importance of an anchor.

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Our hope, this hope in the Christ Child, is an anchor to our soul. It is the one sure thing in this world when everything else is in chaos. When your 401k is dwindling away... when terrorists create fear... and when everything we know seems uncertain... we know Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

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As we approach Christmas day, take a moment today to thank Him for coming into the world and into your heart. Thank Him for His stabilizing presence in your life. And if your life feels out of control, ask Him to touch you and remind you that He is your hope, your anchor. He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

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The above photos were taken in November in Rhodes, Greece

Hope

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Hebrews 11: 1-2

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The advent wreath has four candles lit for four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day. The first candle is the candle of hope and expectation. This week we will be exploring and celebrating the hope we have in Christ!

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In Scotland last weekend, my husband and I followed no famous route. We just drove through the country. We fell upon a picturesque Episcopal church and cemetery in Challoch on this frosty morning and wandered around the grave sites, letting our feet sink into the rich Scottish heather. These graves indicated the hope of the resurrection!

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At the center of the front of the church, the minister who was the founder was buried. His wife inscribed on his grave her hope of seeing him again in glory!

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Because of the Christ Child, we have hope. As Hebrews 11:2 reminds us: This is what the ancients were commended for.

Anticipation

We just got back from a wonderful weekend in Scotland. Here is a photo taken from the plane as we were about 10 minutes out from our destination. The sky was beautiful.

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We love to travel. I wondered what kind of adventures awaited us for the next 2 days. What would we see? Would I get to eat fish and chips? Was the rain, sleet or snow they predicted going to hamper our enjoyment? Might I find some meaningful treasure to bring home? What would it be like? Soon I'd find out.

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Advent is kind of like that. The word "Advent" means "coming" or "arrival." The purpose of the Advent Season in the church is to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. We can use it to contemplate the arrival of Christ in the world, as we anticipate Christmas morning. And we can use it to contemplate the arrival of Christ's Second Coming. It takes many hues. Advent for me is sometimes mulling over His coming into my life and transforming the way I think and live.

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Ten minutes before arriving in Scotland, I was filled with anticipation for the wonderful journey of world travel. This next 25 days I am filled with anticipation as we reflect together the coming of Christ.

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Oh come, oh come Immanuel.

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Anticipation.

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Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.