| 2024 Christ Our Hope 12 1 24 2023 Christ Brings Great Joy 12 23 23 |
2022 Christ Our Peace 12 5 22 |
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First Advent Sunday, December 1, 2024 |
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Scriptures: Romans 15:4,13 (ESV) – “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Ephesians 2:11-13 (ESV) – “Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called ‘the uncircumcision’ by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands – remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Message: At the time during our celebration of Advent that we light the Hope candle, I like to reflect on the many times in Scripture that tell us that Christ is our Hope. The Bible uses terms like “blessed hope” and “God of hope” to encourage us in our daily walk. In Ephesians 2:12 Paul reminds us that there was a time that we were without hope and without God while lost in the world. This is why it is so encouraging to read in Romans 15: 4,13 “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in Hope.” It is my hope that this Advent season will be a reminder that God is our Hope through Jesus Christ. Prayer: God, I want to thank You for the hope that comes through knowing Your Son Jesus Christ. I worship You and praise You for the abounding hope that I have been given by this great salvation. Amen.
Dr Shane Ryle |
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Saturday, December 23. 2023 |
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Scriptures: Luke: 2:10-11 (KJV) – “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Psalm 16:11 (KJV) – “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Message: I always marvel at the account of the angels bringing the news of Christ’s birth to the shepherds. An important occupation to be sure, but seldom revered was the shepherd. Despite their lack of import to the kingdom of man, God chose these individuals to declare that Christ had come. The angels clearly had frightened them, but soon the message would be clear, “Fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” The angels said that this news was “great joy”. Christ does not bring joy like the world gives, but rather great joy. As we go through the Advent season it is important to remember that our joy comes from Christ and not the temporal gifts that may be under our tree. Psalm 16:11 reminds us that fullness of joy only comes from God’s presence, not in presents. Family Activity: As we prepare for the Fourth Sunday, in Advent with the lighting of “The Love Candle”. Help to make a Christingle which reminds us of God’s Love for mankind through the birth of Jesus. Prayer: God help us to remember that joy comes from being in Your presence. May we joyfully share as did the angels the glad tidings of great joy that were brought by Your Advent here. Amen.
Dr Shane Ryle |
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Monday, December 5, 2022 |
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Scriptures: Luke 2:13-14 (ESV) – “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’” Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 53:5 (ESV) – “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” Philippians 4:7 (ESV) – “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Message: The lighting of the “Peace candle” has always been one of my favorite moments. From the very first introduction of the Messiah by the angels to the shepherds, Peace has been a key attribute of our Savior. Luke 2:14 states, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” Isaiah 9:6 tells us that one of the Messiah’s names will be “Prince of Peace”. What an encouraging thought that the God who had every right to condemn us would choose rather to send us the very Prince of Peace to offer us salvation. Isaiah also prophesied that the chastisement that would bring us peace would be upon Him (Christ) in Isaiah 53:5. The Advent season reminds us that God’s love was displayed to us through the gift of His only Son Jesus Christ. It is this gift that provides us with salvation and a “peace which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7 ESV). As we light candles, wrap gifts, and sing carols, let us remember the gift of peace that can only come from our Savior, Jesus Christ. Through Him there can be “Peace on earth.” Prayer: God, I thank You for the gift of peace that came through Your Son Jesus Christ. As we celebrate Your first Advent help us to rejoice in the peace of knowing that it will not be Your last Advent. I ask for the opportunity to share the peace of Your Son this season, in Christ’s Holy name. Amen.
Dr Shane Ryle |
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