HOPE: The First Sunday of Advent

The four Sundays before Christmas are called Advent. 

 It is like a count down to our celebration of the birth of Christ.  

 Each Advent Sunday has a "theme" and today,

 the first Advent Sunday the theme is 

 This I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, 

for his compassions never fail. 

Lamentations 3:21-22

In early history God showed Himself to His people,  

 He led them from captivity in Egypt to a new land He promised would be theirs.  

He raised up leaders to guide them, prophets to teach them.  

But His people still didn't seem to get it.  

Then in His divine wisdom, 

God assumed flesh 

and came to live among us

 in the form of the Son, 

Jesus Christ.    

God taught us by example,

 He taught us about love---love for Him, love for others.  

And ultimately He came to live among us to give us Hope.

When we are at our lowest, most down and out----God gives us Hope.  

When we are distraught, consumed with sadness---God gives us  Hope.

When we doubt, no knowing where to turn---God gives us Hope.

The Birth of Jesus reminds us of that Hope.  

Through Jesus we are shown the way to eternal life. 

We are shown that we are never alone, 

for He is always with us, 

guiding us 

and giving us 

Hope.

 May the God of hope

 fill you with all joy and peace 

as you trust in Him, 

so that you may overflow 

with hope by the 

power of the Holy Spirit. 

 Romans 15:13

1A psalm of thanksgiving.

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; (all nations, all people)

2serve the LORD with gladness;

come before him with joyful song.

3^*Know that the LORD is God,

he made us, we belong to him,

we are his people, the flock he shepherds.

4Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

his courts with praise.

Give thanks to him, bless his name;

5good indeed is the LORD,

His mercy endures forever,

his faithfulness lasts through every generation.

Count Your Blessings Everyday and See God's Grace, Mercy and Love in all you do.

May God Bless you and your family, this Thanksgiving and everyday!

#PrayersforParis

Be Encouraged....

God is With You

This story is told by Tracey Tiernan

of 95.1 Shine FM

• 

Do you ever wish you had a sign from God? You feel a little silly asking for it ‘cause, sure, He’s been faithful and true, and He doesn’t have to prove Himself to you, yet there He goes again, showing off, showing gracious love. 

My little sign from God, and it has been for decades, has been a red cardinal. Many, many years ago it became something that God showed me at a time when I needed to be aware and reminded of His presence. Surely, He’s there, but that cardinal sure meant something to me. Now, it’s become something for my husband and I to look for. 

We were sitting in the car, in the driveway, having this conversation, feeling heavy hearted. You know those conversations that happen and you don't want to get out of the car? We were just talking about stuff and feeling kind of burdened by some things going on and really wanted to seek God together because we both felt a little weary and a little discouraged. As we were sitting there, the coolest thing happened. 

We looked up and there was a cardinal on the fence in front of us. And then there’s another. And then there’s another.

We were surrounded by red cardinals.

There had to have been at least a dozen!

We sat in the car for 10 minutes, watching this going on, thinking, “What in the world is God wanting to communicate to us right now?" In this moment, He was reminding us of His presence. 

From Tracey:  Whatever it is you’re in need of from Him today, I pray that He pours out an answer that it is so clear. It might not mean that all the situations get resolved, but maybe you’ll have peace in the midst of it because you know that you know He’s with you in it.

"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." - Isaiah 41:10

The Gift

A few Sunday's ago our Pastor announced

that he had a Gift for everyone 

at the Church Service.

Then he picked up a bucket

and handed a small red potato

to everyone in the congregation.

As he returned to his pulpit he said

"I bet some of you are wondering:

Why did Pastor give me this gift?

What kind of Gift is this?

Is the Pastor crazy?

What does he expect me to do with this thing?

As soon as I can, I'm throwing this gift away"

The pastor smiled and continued,

"This potato represents God's gift to us

It represents His Gift of Love

 His Gift of Hope,

His Gift of Forgiveness."

The Pastor Continued:

"Do we look at these gifts from God and think:

Why is He giving this to me?

Do you think God must be crazy, 

Or what does He think I'm going to do with this?"

Do you throw God's gift away?

Do you turn your back on God's Love?

Do you feel He can offer no Hope?

Do you reject His Forgiveness?

As a believer you may be quick to say No

you may be quick to say you cherish these gifts from God.

But do you really?

By what actions would it be proven to me that you truly do?

Do you embrace God's Love 

and spend time with Him?

Do you embrace God's Gift of Hope

and spend time helping others?

Do you embrace God's Forgiveness

and Forgive those who have wronged you?

Have you thrown God's gift away?

The great thing about God 

Is His gifts are not Finite.

He will offer these gifts to you again and again

Because He will always love you and want you 

But don't waste these gifts.

Show God your love by spending time with Him

In prayer, reading the Bible, attending Church.

Share God's Hope with others by helping 

your neighbors in need.

Respect God's offer of forgiveness

by forgiving others and letting go of those grudges.

God is Real

And He Loves you so Very, Very Much.