This year, I'm pondering the traditional Advent themes—HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE—found in the apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians (my recent Bible study). We've examined HOPE and PEACE. Today we look at JOY.
Joy
Comfort My People
Isaiah's tone, message, and focus change drastically at this juncture in his writing. After repeatedly warning about the impending consequences of their disobedience and pleading for repentance, Isaiah now looks into the future when the forecasted exile of Judah is almost over. Instead of harsh judgment, he offers comfort by speaking tenderly—“to the heart”—reassuring that sin has been paid for and redemption has come.
Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love
Today we head into the final week of waiting for our annual celebration of the birth of Mary’s son, Jesus. We expectantly anticipate the coming—the Advent—of the Son of the Most High as she did. During each week of Advent, I focused on finding the traditional Advent themes in Mary's story.
I Will Rejoice in the Lord
When I was in college, I had what I called “blah” days. For no apparent reason, I felt down and lethargic. Looking back, I wish I had explored this more, maybe talked to a counselor, and perhaps it was just hormonal.
The Wind of the Spirit
I lay on my bed in Schreiber Lodge (at the church prayer retreat) and gazed out the window as the dawn lit the sky. All I could see were the silhouetted branches of tall trees intertwined and enmeshed in each other. As I continued to look, the trees began to sway gently. What force was … Continue reading The Wind of the Spirit
Pondered Treasures 