O holy night the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new glorious morn
Fall on your knees
O hear the angels’ voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born

It’s Christmas Eve.  These last three weeks, in the tradition of Advent, have been a time of preparation, a time of waiting…

A time of waiting, not for Santa Clause or for the opening of too many gifts, but the waiting for a Savior. 

“Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”  Luke 2:11  

The promise of this Savior went back as far as Genesis 3:15 and the wait began.  This coming is mentioned throughout scripture for all that time until one holy night in Bethlehem.

As you go about your day and evening, maybe at a candlelight service as I will be, or just a quiet evening at home, ponder the significance of it all.  A tiny baby, come to save the world.  And there is not a thing we can “do” to earn it, it’s only through the grace of God.  That is enough to bring me to my knees.

Hope, Peace and Joy, and now Love.  Hope gives me peace, peace gives me joy, and the three add up to a wondrous love.

May each and every one of you experience all of these.  Not because everything in your life is perfect, but because our God, our Savior is perfect.  Merry Christmas!

Glory to God in the highest!

Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois

ADVENT WEEK 4: THE CANDLE OF LOVE

Gail Rodgers

The ring was special! It signified she belonged to the organization. As she wore it she was aware of all it represented and of who it said she was. With it she was more conscious of how she acted. As a follower of Jesus, you wear a distinguishing mark as well. Is it visible?

You wear His love.

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

When Jesus came to this earth, He brought a special kind of love. This love is unselfish, compassionate, unconditional. He loves us just as we are. Our condition is irrelevant to His love. It is a love that picks us up just where we are in life and carries us further than we could ever go on our own.

He gives us His love so we can give it away in the same unselfish, compassionate, unconditional way He gave it to us. He tells us this love will be our trademark. It will distinguish us as followers of Jesus.

Your actions reflect Jesus to the world around you. You can choose to offer love or to hold it back. In situations where it is hard to offer love, ask Him to give you an abundance of His own in your heart so you are able to give it away.

As you move into Christmas this week, be reminded of the distinguishing mark you carry as a follower of Jesus. Ask for His love to be evident in your words and actions as you interact with others. Seek to bring unity and balance into relationships or situations. Listen to people with sincerity and interest. Ask for a graciousness that comes from His Spirit as you mingle with those in your circle.

Wear the love of Jesus as your distinguishing mark as His follower.

Here is a prayer to help you do that.

Father God, Thank you for Your generous love to me. Thank you that You see the abundance in my life rather than all the shortfalls I have. Help me to offer that same gracious love to those I mingle with this Christmas season. Pour Your love into my heart so I can give it away. May they know I am a follower of Jesus by my love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.