Advent » PWOC International Blog

Fourth Week of Advent

Dec 202011

Christ’s birth was foretold long before it actually occured. It is wonderful to read the prophecies in the Old Testament followed by the fulfillment in the New Testament — almost like digging into a mystery story. I am so glad we have scripture to explain scripture! I look forward to the day when the prophecies about his second coming are no longer mysterious but made clear by events. Here is one great prophecy in Isaiah:

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 9:2-7

Here is another:

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

The fulfillment of these prophecies happened much later and they are recorded in Luke 1:26-38.

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of reading this story. A virgin had a son. Barren Elizabeth had a son in her old age. With God all things are possible. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for us to be saved. “But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26

Christmas is the beginning of next week!

Third Week of Advent

Devotions

Dec 122011

Two weeks until Christmas! This week we can rejoice that He has come to save us and is coming again to restore us to himself. The prophet Zephaniah looks ahead to this glorious hope. Let’s join him in rejoicing in the hope we have in Christ Jesus!

Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;

shout, O Israel!

Rejoice and exult with all your heart,

O daughter of Jerusalem!

The LORD has taken away the judgments against you;

he has cleared away your enemies.

The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst;

you shall never again fear evil.

On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Fear not, O Zion;

let not your hands grow weak.

The LORD your God is in your midst,

a mighty one who will save;

he will rejoice over you with gladness;

he will quiet you by his love;

he will exult over you with loud singing.

I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival,

so that you will no longer suffer reproach.

Behold, at that time I will deal

with all your oppressors.

And I will save the lame

and gather the outcast,

and I will change their shame into praise

and renown in all the earth.

At that time I will bring you in,

at the time when I gather you together;

for I will make you renowned and praised

among all the peoples of the earth,

when I restore your fortunes

before your eyes,” says the LORD. Zephaniah 3:14-20

I know this can be a very busy time of year with many social gatherings and visiting family and Christmas shopping. I pray all of us can keep our focus on our Lord and celebrate Him joyfully this December without getting bogged down in stress! I am writing this to myself too!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice, the Lord is King! We can lay our requests and burdens before him. He is the Almighty.

Second Week of Advent

Devotions

Dec 052011

There are about three weeks left until Christmas! During this time of year we celebrate the events of our Lord Christ Jesus’ birth and we yearn for and eagerly wait for him to come again. Let us read Psalm 130 to prepare our hearts for this season.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!

O Lord, hear my voice!

Let your ears be attentive

to the voice of my pleas for mercy!

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,

O Lord, who could stand?

But with you there is forgiveness,

that you may be feared.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,

and in his word I hope;

my soul waits for the Lord

more than watchmen for the morning,

more than watchmen for the morning.

O Israel, hope in the Lord!

For with the Lord there is steadfast love,

and with him is plentiful redemption.

And he will redeem Israel

from all his iniquities. Psalm 130 ESV

In the first chapter of Luke we find a man that had an incredible experience just before Christ’s birth. Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth had been unable to have children and were now “well along in years”. The angel Gabriel came and told Zechariah that he would have a son — and that his son (John the Baptist) would prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Zechariah doubted the truth of this and so the angel said he would be unable to speak until his son was born. He had a long period of silence to prepare his heart! When his son was born he suddenly could speak and was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. Let’s worship the Lord with his words:

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,

because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of his servant David

(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),

salvation from our enemies

and from the hand of all who hate us—

to show mercy to our ancestors

and to remember his holy covenant,

the oath he swore to our father Abraham:

to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,

and to enable us to serve him without fear

in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;

for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

to give his people the knowledge of salvation

through the forgiveness of their sins,

because of the tender mercy of our God,

by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven

to shine on those living in darkness

and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the path of peace. Luke 1:68-79 NIV

JOY

Seasonal teaching

Dec 232010

⁵ Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.

(NASB says, “in whose heart are the highways to Zion)

⁶ As they pass through the Valley of Baca (weeping or sorrow),
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.

⁷ They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.

Psalm 84:5-7 NIV

In the midst of the joy of Christmas, we are sometimes very happy. Other times we are dealing with hard, painful things in our lives. This passage in Psalms brings us comfort and encouragement. It comes from knowing there is a highway in my heart that Jesus walks in on. He’s not just a sweet baby in the hay. He is also a road builder. He constructs a highway in my heart because He is always looking for ways to be closer to me. He is traveling toward me. He wants to be nearer. He walks the highway with me. He leads me along the road to deeper maturity. He sits and talks with me along the way. Being with Him is the best and deepest joy, fulfilling the profound needs of our hearts!

But sometimes our highway to Zion detours through the Valley of Baca (tears, weeping, and sorrow). How do I find joy on those days, when it’s my first Christmas without a loved one, or I can’t afford the gifts my heart wants to send, or I am aching over lost health, a wayward child, an angry spouse? I want to soak in His presence, but sometimes I just hurt. Where do I find joy then? What a beautiful picture God paints in verse 6. As I pass through (thank God I’m passing, not staying!!), my tears fill the valley of weeping. My tears and crying out to God begins to fill the valley until the water level rises to become a sweet spring that lifts me up. When we are in this valley, it seems there is no way out. But it is the place I depend on Him. I can’t float to the top of the water without surrender! Sweet trust brings deep joy!

My highway builder doesn’t just make a way for me to meet with Him. He doesn’t just lead me in the right way. He doesn’t only lift me up, using the very tears of my suffering as a way out. He even causes us to go from strength to strength until we appear before our Beautiful, Wonderful, Comforting God in Zion. The highway leads Home! Blessed Christmas.

Joy to the World

Seasonal teaching

Dec 222010

Submitted by: Donna Castle

Fumbling in the dark to find a light, I grasp my travel alarm and hold it up to the glow from a nearby desk. It’s 3:30 am and my heart is singing “Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!” Why am I filled with joy at 3:30 am? My Savior REIGNS and I have much for which to be thankful during this Advent season .

At the top of my “Be Thankful” list is that our entire family will be “home” for Christmas. During the fall of 2008, one son and my husband deployed. As we waited expectantly for their return, the Lord used Isaiah 41:31 to encourage us. It reads, “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” There were times when I had to let God carry me high above the situation and give me His perspective. By God’s grace and mercy both have returned safely, yet I am very mindful of those who will not be celebrating Christ’s birth with their loved ones. My heart goes out to you as I pray that you may be comforted by the love and strength of our Lord in this season.

We have a Christmas tradition of hanging twenty-five “count-down” stockings filled with treats. As each day passes by, the stockings are a reminder that there are only a few days left before the children and grandchildren arrive. As I busily prepare for their coming, the season of Advent reminds me that it is more important to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ child. We can look to the lyrics of the carol “Joy to the World” and receive some guidance. “Let every heart prepare Him room.” Make time daily, personally and as a family, with Jesus. Search your heart and “No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground.” Make your heart clean before the Lord and each other so that nothing would interfere as “He comes to make His blessings flow.” Take heart. ”He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love.”

With your hearts prepared, may you loudly sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King.”

With Hope and Perseverance

Devotions, Leadership Development, Leadership Wednesday, Seasonal teaching

Dec 032010

Submitted by: Jane Ahl, Assistant Conference Coordinator

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with god though our Lord Jesus Christ. Through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulations produces perseverance; and perseverance, character and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Romans 5:1-5

Since the beginning of time, the children of Israel have looked forward to, with hope and perseverance, the coming of the Messiah. Prophets throughout the history of Israel spoke of his coming and what it would mean to the people. So Hebrew Literature, Music and ceremonies all gave indication of the hope they had in the coming Messiah.

Today we are not unlike the children of Israel. We face trials and tribulations like they did. For me, I face the unknown of the next duty station. The unknown of what war will bring to me as my husband and children go to serve their country. Will my children grow up to be Godly people? Will I be the women God has called me to be as a mother and a wife? When our Christian character goes through hardship, hope of receiving what God has promised grows stronger. We know that hope of great future blessings will not turn out to be false because the Holy Spirit gives lavish evidence in our hearts of God’s love for us. Now in James, it tells us to count it all joy when we face trials and tribulations. In Thessalonians, it tells us that even persecution will come. So we are to hold fast to the hope we have in Christ.

After Christ birth, Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the temple e to be blessed. On the way they met Simian, who had always prayed and hoped to see the coming Messiah. He saw in Jesus the true and only hope for this world, the true Messiah. God answered Simian’s prayer by allowing him to see Jesus, the messiah of the world, before he went on to be with God.

So as we celebrate Christmas this year, and we go through the advent season, let us always remind ourselves that our hope is only in Christ, that not money, politics, medicine or anything will deliver our soul from despair, confusion, hatred, jealousy and strife. With Christ in our lives, and the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, our hope in Him will reign eternal.

May the Lord’s Glory reign in your lives not only in this Christmas season, but for eternity!

Advent Celebration using a Jesse Tree

Seasonal teaching

Dec 012010

In our celebration of Advent, one way to pass on our faith to our children is to make a Jesse Tree. The ornaments represent events in the Bible, all leading up to the birth of the Messiah. This is an instructional tool that is not just for children but also could be used in women’s Bible studies. My first exposure to the Jesse Tree was at the Fort Leonard Wood PWOC in 1993. I still have those handmade ornaments and the “script” we used to tell His Story.

The Jesse Tree is so named because of Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot will spring forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots.” It is used to tell God’s story in the Old Testament and to connect Advent with the faithfulness of God across history. God is a covenantal God and always stays true to the promises He makes with His people, even when they are disobedient.

The long-awaited Messiah came in the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. God Himself! Simeon proclaimed, “For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:30-32 NASB) The Jesse Tree helps us tell the story of God’s sovereign plan to redeem His people for Himself, a plan He’s held true since the foundation of the world.

During this season of celebrating His first Advent (and preparation of His second Advent), use the Jesse Tree as a reminder of all God has done and will continue to do.

The Jesse Tree can be made of your choice of craft supplies – paper, cloth, on a small Christmas tree, or bulletin board. Have the freedom to be creative with it. As I’ve mentioned before in other posts, doing some reading or internet research will help in your discovery and promote ownership of this expression of faith. Ask the Lord to guide you as you learn more about His Word, His plan across the ages, and His greatest gift of love, His Only Son.

Click here for some sample items to include on your tree (persons, events, themes/scriptures and symbols).

(chart source: crivoice.org)

Arise For The Lord (Prince of Peace) Extends His Scepter

Seasonal teaching

Dec 232009

Submitted by: Saleta Johnson PWOCI Theme Logistics Coordinator

A Gift Money Can’t Buy

One of my favorite verses of scripture to reflect upon during the Christmas Season is Isaiah 9:6: For unto us a Child is born, unto to us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Let me ask you a question. During this busy time of the year do you find yourself feeling stressed, anxious, or even downcast? Does peace sometimes seem impossible to attain? If your answer is yes, I have good news for you.

As children of God, we have been given perfect peace because Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is Jehovah Shalom, “the Lord my peace”. This is a gift that many in the world are in search of and no amount of money in the world can buy.

Let me say it another way. If you are a born-again believer, peace lives on the inside of you. Jesus on the inside of you gives you strength. Peace is also one of the fruit of the spirit listed in Galatians 5:22. If you are not a born-again believer please go to our home page and read how to have peace with God. Excepting Jesus is the first step to walking in peace.

You may ask, how do I experience or tap into this peace? The answer is to choose peace. The choice is ours to make.

Jesus promises us that if we trust Him and keep our mind stayed on Him, He will keep us in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). We have to tell ourselves in the midst of opposing circumstances that “I’m taking my thoughts off the problem and will instead focus on God’s goodness and promises”.

In John 14:27 amp Jesus says: Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]

Wow, this is powerful. Jesus is confirming that the choice is mine as to whether I’m troubled, agitated, fearful, or disturbed.

He tells us in John 16:33 that in Him we can have perfect peace and confidence. “In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you].

Let’s not allow the busyness of the season and the cares of this world, to choke out the seed of the word of God. His word to us is Peace.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7

The Lord bless you, and keep you: The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14

The Heart of Christmas

Devotions

Dec 212009

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me One Who will be ruler over Israel, Whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

Micah 5:2

700 years later, Joseph and Mary come to Bethlehem to fulfill that promise. God Incarnate, who chose to make His dwelling among us through this only begotten Son. In Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest, he says “His life is the highest, the Holiest entering in at the lowliest door. His birth was an advent/coming.”

As we enter this last week of Advent, we should be putting the finishing touches of preparation to our hearts and homes for the Lord’s coming. As Chambers so beautifully puts it, “Just as our Lord came into human history from outside/heaven so He must come into me from outside. Have I allowed my personal human life to become a Bethlehem for the Son of God?” Is Jesus in my heart? Do I have a saving faith and if so does the Lord Jesus have His rightful place in my thoughts and affections? Does this love of God loom before me as I see that for which He destined His Son, the redemption of mankind? Do we bask in this unhindered sweet fellowship with the God of heaven and earth? It is He who poured all of His wrath on His Son – towards all the sin committed past, present and future – so we could have the privilege of knowing Him intimately. We were made for God, to know Him and worship Him with all of our hearts. To the degree that we live with an abiding sense of His love for us in Christ, to that degree will we love God with all our heart, soul and mind (2 Cor. 5:14).

As you read the Christmas story, may you be reminded that your heart is a “Bethlehem” for the Son of God. Don’t let anything squeeze this one true pearl, one true bread, one true drink of the Lord Jesus Christ that forever satisfies (Ps 27:40).

10 more days till Christmas!

Seasonal teaching

Dec 152009

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” Luke 1:39-45 (NIV)

Ten more days until Christmas! Have you already been asked at least 10 times this week if you’re ready? It seemed that each time I heard that I’d feel a bit more anxious. I know that it is one of those rhetorical pleasantries, but it really made me think and ask myself, “Am I Ready?” Being a good Army wife, I had to do a little research on readiness. So, I went to my SOP, to come up with a plan and glean some strategies from others getting ready for ‘Christmas.’ I landed at Gabriel’s departure and Mary’s arrival at the door of Zechariah and Elizabeth.

What was Mary’s plan of action? She accepted her special commission, got up and got going to see the first issue of God’s great possibilities!

What was Elizabeth’s readiness response? What was the response of the baby in her womb? Elizabeth received the favor and proclaimed the blessings of the Lord! John leapt for joy!

My Assessment and Readiness Plan: Only through Christ is it possible for me to be shown the favor of being chosen, royal, holy, special and His own – one called out darkness and into His marvelous light! The next time I’m asked if I’m “ready for Christmas” I will say, “Yes, I am blessed!” – and with great joy I’ll leap (with one foot or two, depending on the available space J)!

Oh, I can’t wait to be asked again!

Older Entries

PWOC International Blog

Fourth Week of Advent

Third Week of Advent

Second Week of Advent

JOY

Joy to the World

With Hope and Perseverance

Advent Celebration using a Jesse Tree

Arise For The Lord (Prince of Peace) Extends His Scepter

The Heart of Christmas

10 more days till Christmas!

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