Joy to the World! The Lord has Come!

 

                       Christmas blessings to all

Advent: Week 4

 

God is love. That is theme of the fourth week of Advent.

And in the person of Jesus, love is coming to our world, and can come to our lives. God's love is a wonderful example of being blesses so that we can bless others. God's love in us is what enables us to love others. The Father's example of sending His Son to us as a rescue is a cosmic example of sacrificial love.

There are of course many possible Scripture verses that speak to God's love, and I have chosen 1 John 4:9.

This is how God showed His love among us; He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him."

 

 

Dead Theologians Society: St. John of the Cross

It's been a while since we've done one of these posts, but ... here we go!

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December 14 is the feast day of St John of the Cross, born in Spain as Juan de Yepes y Álvarez. At the age of 21, he joined the Carmelite order, following the example of St Teresa of Avila, with whom he corresponded.

He is most known for his mystical writings, especially The Dark Night of the Soul. His writings are considered landmarks both in the realm of spiritual writings, and also of all Spanish literature. The impacts of this work and others led to his being named a Doctor of Church in 1926.

Advent: Week 3

 

The theme for the third week of Advent is joy. This is of the major themes of the entire season, and of course the theme of one of the best-known songs of the season. 

It is important to know that although related to happiness, joy is NOT happiness. Happiness is transitory, an emotion that can fade as capriciously at it can appear. Joy is a lifestyle. Joy can be sown, joy can be spread. Joy can be received as a gift from God. The coming of Christ is evidence of God's desire to bring joy to the world.

An appropriate Scripture for this week, is a well-known one, from Philippians 4:4 & 5.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Advent: Week 2

 

For the second week Advent, we light the Peace Candle," reflective of the coming of the Prince of Peace into the world at Christmas. Jesus can bring peace to our inner selves, and also pave the way for peace with others.

The prayer for peace speaks to the possibility of the "not yet" of Jesus' coming reign of peace breaking in to the "now" of our lives. Advent is about anticipation, and peace is one of the things that a life with Jesus can bring.

An appropriate Scripture for this week can be found in the Messianic promises of Isaiah 9:6:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.