Tinsel, twinkling lights, and packages adorned with ribbons and bows invite my attention but my eyes are drawn to the simplicity of the wreath gracing the dining room table. I admire its beauty–grateful to my mother who’s hands created such a beautiful reminder of Christ’s first and second coming.

For several years, I’ve longed to celebrate Advent. To contemplate the birth of Jesus and focus on His soon return. My eyes take in the circle of green boughs and I’m reminded of God’s eternal love. Like the wreath, God’s love is wrapped round His children.

He is a God who rescues. Long ago, the Father sent a deliverer to rescue the people of Israel from the hand of tyranny. More than that, our Lord gave up His own Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem His people from the prison of self. In reference to himself, Jesus said,

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, and he has anointed me to be hope (good news) for the poor, healing for the brokenhearted, and new eyes for the blind, and to preach to prisoners, ‘You are set free!’ I have come to share the message of Jubilee, for the time of God’s great acceptance has begun. (Luke 4:18-19 TPT)

Do you need hope today? No matter the difficulty or challenge you are facing–depression, anxiety, chronic illness, or something else entirely–Jesus shouts a message of freedom.

Do you need hope today? No matter the difficulty or challenge you are facing--depression, anxiety, chronic illness, or something else entirely--Jesus shouts a message of freedom. Click To Tweet

My child, you are free! Free to experience my love. My joy. My hope.

You see, while advent means arrival in Latin it was also used historically when an emperor entered his capital city after securing a victory in battle. As soon as the babe drew His first breath, the war over of sin and death was decided.

The King had arrived. The victory was won. Our hope was secured.

Read and Reflect

John 1:1-5 (KJV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Lauren Daigle – Light Of The World (Lyric Video) – YouTube

Peace and grace,

Tammy

Mondays   Mandy and Michele/ Inspire Me Monday/Anita Ojeda

Tuesdays InstaEncouragements

Wednesdays  Recharge Wednesday / Tell His Story/Sitting Among Friends Linkup/Let’s Have Coffee

Thursdays Heart Encouragement  /  Tune In Thursday  /Salt and Light

Friday Blogger Voices Network /Faith on Fire

Grace & Truth exists to point people to Jesus. We hope this link-up will be a source of encouragement every week. For a weekly reminder and access to the resource library, subscribe to [email protected].

 

Maree Dee

Tammy Kennington

 

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