Advent in the Year 2020: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love

As we approach Christmas day this year many of us have experienced more loss, heartache, distress, and confusion than any other year. As we head into the Advent season it is revealed that we as Christians can simply rest in the truth of the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love that Christ’s birth provides us.  It is comforting to know that even though the world can fall apart around us we know that these things are already provided for us. As we reflect on the gift of Christ this year I ask you what Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love stories do you have to share? Is there one area that you are struggling to find in the year 2020?  I encourage your family to use this unique Christmas season to take some time to read and reflect on the scripture below, then write down the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love stories you identified in your year.

Hope:

• “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” Psalm 33: 20
• “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my savior, and my God.” Psalm 42:11
• “Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.” Psalm 130:7

Peace:

• “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
• “The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29: 10-11
• “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

Joy:   

• “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with you in your presence, with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11
• “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.  My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:7
• “Restore to me the joy of salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:12

Love:

• “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6
• “May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:22

Blessings to your family this Christmas and New Year!

Pastor Hope Terhaar