Once again friends, I am behind! I’m hoping to get caught up and I wanted to say thank you for your continued support and prayers! I’m happy to share with you that I am now up to 145 followers! God is so very GOOD!
Sunday, December 8, 2019
“In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” ~Matthew 3:1-12
On Sunday morning, my church presented the Children’s Christmas program. It was so wonderful to see so many young children in our presence and growing up in our church. They are such a blessing! They told the story of Mary and Joseph, including the Angels and Bethlehem. At the same time, a separate storyline was being told by a few adults and children, it was presented as a single mother raising a son and daughter with money being tight and a missing parent, the mother shared the true meaning of Christmas to her children and then at the culmination of the play the children along with audience sang Christmas songs!! It was beautiful!
We also lit the Advent candle for Peace. This week we will be seeking “PEACE,” the peace that can only come from Jesus. Jesus being born in Bethlehem is not the end of the story, it is through the empty tomb we have the promise of forgiveness and eternal life in Christ Jesus. In this season, we hear about perfection in every corner we pass. As mentioned in previous posts, God is not looking for nor does He expect perfection, He seeks relationship and reconciliation with us. He loves us and wants to be part of every aspect of our lives.
Luke 19:10
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Romans 3:10-11
“As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.”
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
Prayer:
Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, give me your peace and counsel. Strengthen me, open me to your grace and forgiveness that I may live each day closer to you. ~Amen.
~Hope & Peace~
References:
HOPE SEEKER 
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