Rediscover Christmas this year by embracing joy, no matter what you’re going through. Remember each day the source of your joy. Seek happiness, not in the seasonal trappings and traditions around you, but in returning constantly to your source of joy, Jesus Christ.

Jesus’s birth offers us peace in the middle of our difficulties and stresses. Peace is not the absence of conflict; it is the presence of Christ. The heavenly angels told the shepherds that peace was coming to the earth for those on whom God’s favor rested. What a shocking message! God’s favor was even on the shepherds who lived on the fringe of society. They were being offered peace; and if it could be given to them, we can rest assured it is offered to us as well.

During this season of Advent, look for the Prince of Peace, even when the winds blow and the storms swirl. Come to Him and worship like the shepherds, even when you find yourself in the darkness or the storms. And be encouraged to come to Him because He is here. The Prince of Peace is with us.

In this Advent season, we can find hope in the arrival and life of Jesus. We can draw hope from God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His long-awaited promise of the Messiah. We can focus on the hope of God’s continued work in and all around us. And in the midst of whatever life is throwing at us, we can experience the hope of God’s Spirit within us.

Value, Worthless, Priceless, Faith, Invested

Fulfillment, Holy Spirit, In Christ, Purpose, Vision

Church, Community, Family, Isolation, Pain, Wholeness

Psalm 23:3 says, “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” When we read or hear the words ‘He restores my soul,’ we are reminded of the comfort only God can provide. He listens to our cries, sees our anger and frustration, and hears every word we utter. When we feel the weight of life is too hard, we can go to the Father. He will restore our soul. He will comfort us. He will collect every tear of pain. He is the God who restores!

Evangelism, Good News, Neighbors, Prayer, The Case for Christ

Summary: Biblical love transcends boundaries of geography, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status and even personal convenience. And when we love our neighbor, we show that we love God. Our neighbors are those who have legitimate needs for which God has given us the resources to help meet those needs. So being a good Samaritan means moving toward them and not away from them.