Sunday Evening: Emma and I have committed to celebrating Advent in a new way for us--it's fairly easy to do and also very meaningful. I will post two pictures of our Advent wreath and then explain:
Our Advent wreath has five candles: three purple, one pink, and the center candle is white (the Christ candle). We lit the first purple candle tonight and were instructed to sing one verse from "Silent Night", which we did--quietly ... softly. I will hold the memory of Emma's sweet voice singing as one of the highlights of my Christmas season. When we were finished singing, we were instructed to read the story of Joseph from Genesis--actually, it was suggested that we read the very condensed children's version of the story out of "The Jesus Storybook Bible" (I used this story book constantly with Emma and her siblings in their younger days).
I'll quote what was written about the story from our Advent notecards.
"In the story of Joseph we see hope in the middle of trials and temptations. Joseph's life followed a heart-wrenching rhythm of success and disappointment, yet his hope in God remained steadfast. It took time for Joseph to grow into his gifts, and he spent many years waiting for the fullness of God's plans to be revealed in his life. In spite of repeated setbacks and devastating circumstances, the Lord was with Joseph and continually gave him success no matter where he was to be found."
We were then encouraged to think about times in our lives when we have had to wait on God during difficult situations and continue to HOPE in His perfect plan for our lives, no matter what our circumstances.
"HOPE" as defined by Webster is this: 1. Trust, reliance; 2. desire accompanied by expectation of fulfillment.
It was promised long ago that Jesus would come to save the world from sin--that He would be the Light shining in the darkness. He fulfilled every one of those promises when He came to earth the first time. Because of that, I can have great HOPE that Jesus will return just as He said He would. When He comes this time, He will take us to be with Him forever. He will right every wrong. He will be King over all of us, ruling in righteousness and with justice. I am truly looking forward to that day with much anticipation and HOPE.
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