Peace Being a person who is, at times, full of anxiety, fear and discontentment – there is nothing more that I long for than peace. Not just normal peace, but the peace that passes all understanding. The peace that has been promised to those who follow Jesus. Philippians 4:7 promises that “the peace of God, … More Peace
The third candle that we light during Advent is often called the “Shepard’s Candle” or the candle of Joy. During Advent we are asked to join the Shepherds as they rejoice at the arrival of the newborn king – the long promised Messiah. As we do that, we are ushered into a place of joy. … More Joy
Mary I often wonder what I would do if I were Mary. Can you imagine? When she became pregnant – the expectant mother of Jesus – she was between the ages of 12-14. She was engaged to a man named Joseph. There is a strong chance she didn’t know him very well. Arranged marriages were … More Faith
What is hope? How do we get it? As I shared last week, Advent is a season of waiting. Hope is also a central theme of Advent. We join those who waited in hope for the birth of Jesus and we are longing with hope for his second coming. Hope is a common word in … More Hope
I grew up at a church where Advent was recognized. I’m sure people explained to me what Advent is growing up, but if you asked me what it was back then I would have given you a blank stare. What is Advent outside of lighting a candle each week at church? Into my college years … More What is Advent anyway?
Being a person who is, at times, full of anxiety, fear and discontentment – there is nothing more that I long for than peace. Not just normal peace, but the peace that passes all understanding. The peace that has been promised to those who follow Jesus. Philippians 4:7 promises “And the peace of God, which … More Shalom
I can’t believe how fast this Advent season is going. We are already in the midst of the third week; the week of joy. This is the week of Advent when we are being called to join the Shepherds as they rejoice at the arrival of the newborn king, the long promised Messiah. If I … More Happy doesn’t cut it
I often wonder what I would do if I were Mary. Can you imagine? When she became pregnant – the expectant mother of Jesus – she was between the ages of 12-14. She was engaged to a man named Joseph. There is a strong chance she didn’t know him very well. Arranged marriages were the … More The Challenge of Faith.
We are currently in the first week of Advent. The theme of this week is hope. As I shared last week, (What is Advent anyway?) Advent is a season of waiting. We join those who waited in hope for the birth of Jesus and we are longing with hope for his second coming. Hope is … More We so quickly forget….
I recently heard a speaker talk about Advent and how it was a significant part of her family’s faith tradition. I have always tried to make Christmas more about Jesus & less about the hype, but so far I have not been successful. But Advent. I like the idea of Advent, but what is it? What … More What is Advent anyway?
Lisa d schmidt 