During the Advent season we celebrate Christ’s birth 2000 years ago, and we celebrate, in anticipation, his return to reign as God’s anointed king. So we pray that our Father in heaven will consummate the establishment of his kingdom, in which everyone in the kingdom will exhibit righteousness and love. This new Advent song will … Continue reading
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. … “Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord.” Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God. Luke 2:9 The Lord himself will come down from heaven with … Continue reading
The glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them: “Fear not! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is … Continue reading
This Christmas sonnet/prayer comes from thinking about what Paul writes to the Christians at Ephesus. It also arises from an objection to the typical rhyming pattern found in Christmas carols: child – mild, as in “meek & mild;” meek, yes; but mild? I never perceive Jesus as “mild;” rather he always seems untamed to me, … Continue reading
Believe this: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am the foremost. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate his perfect longsuffering as an example for those committed to believe in him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15–16 At … Continue reading
Whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 Scripture comforts because it presents evidence that God is patient with us during our lapses of faith. He does not ask or expect perfect success in our efforts to … Continue reading
You turned my lament into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and covered me with joy. So now my heart will sing to you and not be silent; O Yahweh, my God, I will always give thanks to you. Psalm 30:11 Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his gracious kindness is everlasting. … Continue reading
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 Good works and words should feel comfortable on us, like a favorite old shirt or … Continue reading
I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. Philemon 1:7 The comfort of love rests on the evidence of service. Love is comforting only if we know it is real. In an age when we hear the word “love” … Continue reading
The concept of comfort combines the ideas of fellowship, community and companionship with the ideas of protection, strength and safety. When we feel hopeless because we can’t see the possibility of any good in our future, we need comfort so we have courage to take the next step. When we feel alone in the face … Continue reading