Advent

Read Luke 1:5-7; 23-25 Elizabeth’s personal journey of pain and loss is not the first we have heard in the biblical story. In the first chapter of the book of Samuel, we read a similar story. Hannah was ashamed by not having conceived a child, so she prayed to the Lord to give her a son. In return, she would dedicate him to the Lord’s service. God answered that prayer, and Samuel, one of the great prophets, was born. The Lord is about to show up in Elizabeth’s journey too! What seemed impossible and hopeless to Elizabeth, was possible and hope-filled to God. God would meet Elizabeth where…

One day, while performing his priestly duty of burning incense at the altar in the temple, an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah and delivered some good news that Elizabeth would bring forth a son and he would be named John.

Read 1 Peter 1:13 As we dive into our Advent journey, there is one very important thing we need to do first: prepare our hearts. For many, the time of Advent is about preparing our homes for the season. Many of us will get a tree for our home—whether it’s one we cut down, buy at the store, or even an artificial tree stored in the attic. We will put the tree up, hang lights, place ornaments, and, finally, put the topper on the tree. Besides the tree, you may put out nativity scenes, get your yard Santa out, put lights up around your house, and decorate the…

Read Luke 1:26-30 NLT The Christmas story is full of wonderful and interesting characters, such as Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph, the Wise Men, Herod, the shepherds, the angels, and even the Star of Bethlehem. To Christians around the world these characters are so well known that they may know the story of each character by heart.  Yet, who is the main character of this story and thus of this journey? For myself, Joseph has always interested me. His faith, goodness, and obedience are an inspiration. Who most interests you each year when you once again read these familiar stories? But is Joseph or some other person…