"Us" - new Advent word

Can you believe that you have been included in God's plans!?
I can't believe the news sometimes, to be honest. Why would God want to include me in His Divine plans? I am not sure why, but it is awesome to recognise that I have been on the guest list since the day I was born.


"For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given..." - Isaiah 9:6

If you have ever invited someone to a gathering and they never bothered to show up then you can understand how God must feel at times. He offered his Son, for all of "US", but there are some people who just won't be bothered to reply this Christmas.

What about you? Have you embraced Jesus as your Lord and Saviour?

Living in Grace
D3LM3

"SEEK" - Advent word for today

To 'Seek' something, means to search intently for that thing. It is not just material things that we seek - we can seek for another human being, and even for something that is hard to quantity. For example, when we 'seek' peace, we are searching for something that is hard to see, but it certainly can be experienced.

The Magi came to Bethlehem because they were SEEKING the Messiah - they wanted to pay homage to the King. This Christmas we are all seeking for something - perhaps we just don't know what it is yet?

So, what is it that you are looking for this Advent season? Are you searching in the right place?

1 Chronicles 16:10 - Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

Luke 12:31 - But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Jesus even did a little 'seeking' of his own. Remember these words:

Luke 19:10 - "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Advent word - Unexpected

The coming of the Messiah was definitely expected by God-followers - for hundreds of years before he was born people were waiting for his coming. However, what was unexpected was the way things happened (i.e. born in a manger in Bethlehem) and where Jesus would position himself in society (with the poor, widows and sinners).

In a deep sense, everything that Jesus did was beyond the norm - it was UNEXPECTED.

Our Messiah is a God of surprises and if we "box" him into a particular place this Christmas we may just miss out on the miracle of the Nativity.

Matthew 2:6 - “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’

John 4:27 -  Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman.

Living in Grace
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Accomplish - Advent word

When God sets out to do something it gets done! We may not always understand God's ways or His timing, but we need to remember that it will come to pass. Take a read of this often overlooked verse in the Birth narrative of Luke's Gospel.

"For no word from God will ever fail." - Luke 1:37

How awesome is that promise?!

Psalm 20:4 - May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Do not Fear - Advent #5

The birth narratives of Jesus are filled with words of courage - the angels often tell Joseph and Mary not to fear what is to come. Although the changes in their lives are about to be significant, the angel reassures them that all is part of God's plan.

Is this perhaps an advent message for some of us today?

Matthew 1:20 - “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Luke 1:30 -  “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favour with God!

May God help us not to be so afraid, that we forget to trust in Jesus.

"Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence." -

Pope John Paul II

Living in Grace
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Advent #4 - Strength

It may be easy for me to say this in hindsight, but I am struck by the STRENGTH of many of the Christmas characters. This strength could only have come from one source.

Zechariah had a deep strength and courage to affirm that his son's name would be different from what his family expected.

Mary clearly had a unique STRENGTH to carry the Christ-child and to deal with all the gossip around her pregnancy.

Joseph showed incredible strength of character to marry Mary, knowing that there was something supernatural taking place. He also showed great obedience in listening to the Lord and then leading his family to safety in Egypt.

"He will stand and shepherd his flock
    in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God." - Micah 5:4

How strong are you feeling today? It is not to late to call on the name of the Lord and to allow Jesus to be your STRENGTH.

Luke 22:43 - "An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him."

Living in Grace
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Disturbing - Advent #3

The birth of Jesus caused quite a stir in nation of Israel, but it also impacted the Roman's too. Herod was ruler at that time and he was DISTURBED by the news he received.

"When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴ When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. ⁵ “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied..." - Matthew 2:3-5

It may seem a strange word to include on our Advent journey this year, but I firmly believe that the birth of Jesus doesn't leave us feeling ambivalent. It should stir something within us. Either it will move us to bow before him as our Lord, or it will disturb us so much that we will do all we can to ignore him or even destroy him.

Which response is yours this Advent season?

Please pray for those people who seem to have the spirit of Herod this Christmas time. Ask the Lord to reveal himself to them in a significant way.

Living in Grace
D3LM3