Author: Theresa Holzknecht

December 23, 2024

Advent is a time of preparation, and as we light the fourth candle of the Advent wreath, we are reminded of the profound truth that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16). Love is at the heart of the Christmas story. In sending Jesus, God demonstrated the ultimate act of love, reaching out to a broken world to offer redemption. This week, we are invited not only to reflect on God’s love but also to be intentional in expressing and receiving love in our own lives.

Love, in its truest form, requires action. The love of God is not distant or abstract—it is tangible, expressed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the same way, love not expressed is seldom known. During this Advent season, consider how you can show love to those around you. A kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or simply being present with someone can communicate love more deeply than we realize. Likewise, allow yourself to receive love from others, recognizing that both giving and receiving are integral to living out God’s design for community.

Love is the defining characteristic of Christian faith. Jesus Himself declared, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). It is through love that we reflect the heart of God to the world. This love is not limited to those who are easy to love; it extends to the marginalized, the hurting, and even those who challenge us. As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, let us remember that our love for others is both a response to God’s love for us and a witness of His presence in our lives.

This week, take time to intentionally express love in ways that reflect the selflessness and generosity of God’s love. Look for opportunities to serve, forgive, and encourage others, especially those who may feel forgotten during this season. As you do, be mindful that love has the power to transform hearts, not only those of others but your own as well.

Finally, remember that the love of Advent is not just for this season—it is a call to live out love every day. Christ’s birth was the beginning of God’s plan to redeem the world through love. As we celebrate this incredible gift, may we embrace the truth that love, when expressed, becomes a light that draws others to Christ, the ultimate source of love and salvation.

This Week’s Readings:

• Monday – Deuteronomy 8
• Tuesday – Deuteronomy 9
• Wednesday – Deuteronomy 10
• Thursday – Deuteronomy 11
• Friday – Deuteronomy 12

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  We are now reading Deuteronomy. You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:

• Pray for a time of preparation during this Advent Season.
• Pray for world peace during Christmas.
• Pray for hope, especially for those less fortunate.
• Pray for safety and comfort for those who are hurting.
• Pray for personal commitment during worship.
• Pray for our absent members and those who are homebound.
• Comfort for those who mourn.
• Guidance and wisdom for our church, local, and world leaders.
• Healing and forgiveness to restore families.
• Continued strengthening of faith in our community.
• Pray for a faith that transcends understanding.
• Pray for spiritual maturity

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

December 16, 2024

Advent is a season of waiting, and in that waiting, we often find ourselves longing for joy.  Yet, the angel’s proclamation to the shepherds on the night of Christ’s birth reminds us that joy is not something we must create or earn.  “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).  The joy of Advent comes from the reality that God has already sent His Son into the world.  This good news is the foundation of our joy, a joy that is steadfast and unshaken by life’s circumstances.

In this season, we are invited to look for joy in unexpected places.  Just as Jesus was born in the humble setting of a manger, joy often reveals itself in simplicity and quiet moments.  Perhaps it’s in the laughter of loved ones gathered around a table, the beauty of a starry night, or the kindness of a stranger.  When we open our hearts and eyes, we can see how God’s joy permeates the world around us, even in difficult times.  Choosing to notice and embrace these moments helps us experience the fullness of Advent.

Celebrating joy is an active response to God’s gift of salvation. Take time this week to intentionally celebrate the good things in your life. Rejoice in the relationships, God’s provisions, and the opportunities God has placed before you.  Remember, joy is not reserved for perfect moments but is found in the grace and blessings we often overlook. This act of celebration mirrors the angels’ song of praise, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

Above all, let us embrace the ultimate source of joy: Jesus Christ.  His birth is the fulfillment of God’s promise to redeem the world.  Through Him, we have salvation, hope, and the assurance of God’s presence with us.  This good news is not only worth celebrating during Advent but is the foundation for a life filled with joy.  As we reflect on this profound gift, may our hearts overflow with gratitude and a desire to share this joy with others, proclaiming that God’s love is for everyone.

This Week’s Readings:

• Monday – Deuteronomy 3
• Tuesday – Deuteronomy 4
• Wednesday – Deuteronomy 5
• Thursday – Deuteronomy 6
• Friday – Deuteronomy 7

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  We are completing Numbers and beginning Deuteronomy. You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:

• Pray for a time of preparation during this Advent Season.
• Pray for hope, especially for those less fortunate.
• Pray for safety and comfort for those who are hurting.
• Pray for personal commitment during worship.
• Pray for our absent members and those who are homebound.
• Comfort for those who mourn.
• Guidance and wisdom for our church, local, and world leaders.
• Healing and forgiveness to restore families.
• Continued strengthening of faith in our community.
• Pray for a faith that transcends understanding.
• Pray for spiritual maturity

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

December 9, 2024

“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27.

Peace is a characteristic of God’s Kingdom.  Much of Jesus’ ministry was spent establishing peace.  In fact, the heavenly choir sang of peace (Luke 2).  Many mistakenly think Biblical peace is the absence of strife or trouble.  Biblical peace is not the absence of things but a profound calm in the middle of the storm.  Therefore, peace is not a removal of strife but an inner strength to endure—to rise above.

During Advent, the message of Christ draws our attention to the Prince of Peace entering the world inviting all to rest in the peace that God offers.  In the middle of the storms, God offers peace—not the absence of things—but an inner calm in the midst of it all.  This week, consider the peace of Christ.  As you are pulled in many directions by many voices competing for your attention, listen for the voice of Christ offering peace.

Give yourself to unencumbered moments, those brief flashes of communion with God.  Look for them so that God can give you peace.  O Lord, thank You for the peace that surpasses all understanding. Help us to rest in Your presence this Advent and to carry Your peace with us, sharing it with a world that so desperately needs it, Amen.

This Week’s Readings:

• Monday – Numbers 34
• Tuesday – Numbers 35
• Wednesday – Numbers 36
• Thursday – Deuteronomy 1
• Friday – Deuteronomy 2

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  We are completing Numbers and beginning Deuteronomy. You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:

• Pray for a time of preparation during this Advent Season.
• Pray for hope, especially for those less fortunate.
• Pray for personal commitment during worship.
• Pray for our absent members and those who are homebound.
• Comfort for those who mourn.
• Guidance and wisdom for our church, local, and world leaders.
• Healing and forgiveness to restore families.
• Continued strengthening of faith in our community.
• Pray for a faith that transcends understanding.
• Pray for spiritual maturity.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”  Isaiah 9:2, 6-7.

I think every time a squirrel sneezes the power in my house goes out.  The last time we lost power it was before the time changed, where daylight lasted well into the evening.  I fell asleep, while still light outside, only to wake up in total darkness, for it was the middle of the night.  It was strange and disorienting.  Thankfully, I had a flashlight close and could navigate without tripping over what couldn’t be seen.  It reminded me of the power of light.  We need it to find our way.

Isaiah’s prophecy describes a hope that Jesus brings—a hope that is as certain as light breaking into darkness. God’s promise to send a Savior was fulfilled through Christ’s birth, and this gives us confidence as we wait on Him in our own lives.  We wait for the one who fully identifies with us and ushers in the peace of God.

Can you hold onto this hope today?  Allow the ‘light’ of God to break forth into your life, bringing hope and peace.  Trust in the Lord.  

Dear God, thank you for the light of hope You have given us in Jesus. As we prepare our hearts during this Advent season, help us to trust in Your promises and share Your hope with those around us.

This Week’s Readings:

• Monday – Numbers 29
• Tuesday – Numbers 30
• Wednesday – Numbers 31
• Thursday – Numbers 32
• Friday – Numbers 33

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  We are now reading Numbers. You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:

• Pray for a time of preparation during this Advent Season.
• Pray for hope.
• Pray for our absent members and those who are homebound.
• Comfort for those who mourn.
• Guidance and wisdom for our church, local, and world leaders.
• Healing and forgiveness to restore families.
• Continued strengthening of faith in our community.
• Pray for a faith that transcends understanding.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6