Are you observing Advent with a daily reading or a weekly candle lighting?
If not, it really is not too late to begin.
It’s a very special time of anticipation.
I shared some ideas for observing Advent here. And I created a not-so-typical-version of an Advent wreath here?
Today we light the second Advent candle.
The candle of Peace.
Click here to read about God’s promise of peace from Isaiah 11:1-10.
In the second chapter of the Book of Luke in the Bible, the writer tells us all the details surrounding Jesus’ coming to the world, including the census which required Joseph to travel with his very pregnant finance’ to Bethlehem, the lack of adequate overnight accommodations, and the birth of Jesus in the most humble circumstances imaginable. And then there is this incredible announcement to the local shepherds tending their sheep…
At that moment, the first heavenly messenger was joined by thousands of other messengers—a vast heavenly choir. They praised God.
Heavenly Choir: To the highest heights of the universe, glory to God!
And on earth, peace among all people who bring pleasure to God!Luke 2:12-14 ~ The Voice
The angels are singing glory to God and proclaiming peace.
Peace among all people who bring pleasure to God!
Do you want peace?
I find it interesting that this heavenly choir tells us who has peace or who gets peace.
It’s pretty clear…
And on earth, peace among all people who bring pleasure to God!
The question that immediately comes to mind is this….
Do I bring pleasure to God?
We should be all about pleasing God. But, how many times during the day do we even think about pleasing God? Most of our day is spent following our own agendas…and being the center of our own little universe.
In the Book of Philippians, the Apostle Paul tells us how to live…
Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 ~ GOD’S WORD Translation
Here’s the way to peace…
- Bring pleasure to God….quit worrying.
- Start praying, letting him know what you need.
- Thank God while praying.
When we do that we get God’s active peace. Peace beyond anything we can imagine.
I’ve gone through some challenging times, and right now I’m in a place I never dreamed. Despite how things appear, for the most part, I have peace. As long as I keep myself off the pedestal and on my knees before God, I have peace.
How about you?
- This week, as you’re going through your usual routine, ask yourself, “Am I giving God pleasure?”
- Consider leaving yourself little notes as reminders around the house or send yourself e-mail reminders. Ask the question, “Am I giving God pleasure in what I do, think, or say?”
It’s Joy Day!
The day when we get to look back over the past week and count just ‘seven’ things for which we are grateful. Some good…some not at all. Whatever the circumstances, the Apostle Paul tells us to give thanks.
I’ll start…
I’m thankful for
- a warm coat with a hood to block the wind.
- a marsh only a few miles from us with an abundance of Michigan holly.
- knowing God will rescue us, despite how things appear.
- the opportunity to bless my friend by doing a little Christmas decorating for her.
- encouraging words from readers.
- a new lead for an immediate opening.
- good weather though very cold, and a snowless week.
Now it’s your turn!!
Join me in counting ‘seven.’ Scroll down to the comment section…Share Your Extraordinary Thoughts….and list your ‘seven.’ I guarantee your JOY meter will soar.
Want even more joy? Take the Joy Dare here.
Thank you for stopping by today.
I appreciate you and your sweet comments make my day.
Joyfully,
Diane
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I am thankful we didn’t have to take my husband to the hospital.I am thankful for the strength to decorate my tree.I am thankful for a warm house to live in. I am thankful for the conversation I had with my youngest son. I am thankful to see my kids overcoming some things in their lives. I am thankful for the way GOD carried me through the last few months.I am so thankful for my relationship with Jesus- He is my friend and an ever present help in time of need.
Dear Betty…I rejoice with you that your husband didn’t need to go to the hospital and for all the goodness that the Lord demonstrated in your life this week. He really is our ever present help in time of need. 🙂
May your week be filled with Extraordinary joy! [hugs]
1. A safe trip to NE to be with my folks this weekend.
2. Getting to make Garlic Sausage with my parents, husband and our grandaughter Jordan..a tradition and a memory.
3. Christmas shopping almost done.
4. We have found a place to live and hope everyone agrees to the terms and we can get moved.
5. Appraiser came this week and my daughter should have her new houseloan.
6. A relaxing evening at home.
7. Snuggling with my pup and kitten.
Yay!! Praising God with you, Renee, for all the good things he has done.
May this week be abundantly filled with JOY!
I’ll be putting up a few well placed sticky notes! 😉
And my joys include:
* watching big, fat fluffy snowflakes from a warm house
* sunrises at the dam
* eagle counting … 21!!…on the way to an appointment
* a warm hug from the hubby
* a candle-lit evening with carols quietly playing
* Physical Therapists that make ya laugh as they’re beatin’ya up (figuratively of course)
* funky metal reindeers that had to come home with me
Yay for sticky notes!! 😉
21 Eagles, Mel!!!! That was one extraordinary drive!
Remember how I got excited a while back seeing just ONE?!!
I love your ‘joys’ – they bless me too!!
May your week be filled with unexpected moments of JOY!!
[hugs]
I am loving these paperback crafts. I just made a paper tree topper wreath from an old concordance. I now have God’s word on the top of my tree! Pinning this for next year as I am done making things for this year. Visiting from Bouquet of Talent ….
AnnMarie…I’m on my way over to your blog now. I hope there is a photo there of your new tree topper. I love the idea behind it, too!!
Thanks for pinning. I know you’ll have fun with making a little forest next year. 😉
Blessings!
I usually do light candles at Advent but this year I never got them down. So I’m glad to virtually light a candle with you here. Thanks for this message on peace. I can always use these encouraging words.
Thank you Lisa. I really appreciate your kind words of encouragement as well.
Blessings!
Thanks for linking up! Merry Christmas!
I know it was a few more than a few words, Deidra. 😉
But, I so enjoy your community.
Wishing you Joy & Blessing this Christmas.