God sent his son Jesus, the light of the world, to show us the way. Lord, instill in us obedient hearts to do your will.
Heavenly Father, I want this candle of joy to always penetrate our hearts, to convict us to be more like you, with hearts filled with wonder at what you can do, what you have done, and what you will do in our lives. Lord, you have shown us the way, lead us in your truth. All this we ask in your most precious name. Amen!
“Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us.” Amen!
“A candle is burning, a candle of joy, a candle to welcome, brave Mary’s new boy, our hearts fill with wonder, and eyes light and glow, as Joy brightens gloom, like the sunshine on snow.”
“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6
My brothers and sisters in Christ, we must be joyful in whichever way God chooses to bless us. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us of this, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
The blessing of the Lord, it makes one rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22
Now Isaac sowed seed in the land, and that very year he reaped a hundredfold. And the Lord blessed him. Genesis 26:12
There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble. Proverbs 15:6
“Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.”
He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good. Proverbs 28 10
They spread a net for my feet; my soul was despondent. They dug a pit before me, but they themselves have fallen into it! Psalm 57:6
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
“And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified
Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:3
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9
He was bruised for our iniquities. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 1 Peter 2:22
Could we try to be more like Jesus? “He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.”
This week our focus is on peace. Let us first try to be at peace with ourselves, then with each other.
Oh God of hope, peace, joy, and love, we pray that you will continually instill in us the hope that never disappoints, the peace that surpasses all understanding, the joys that only you can give and surround us with your love always during this blessed Advent season and beyond. Lord, as we hopefully, peacefully, joyfully, and lovingly await your appearance, help us to create a home in our hearts where you may dwell. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!