preparing our heart

As many of us prepare to begin our CHRISTmas break today, we are consumed with a wide range of mixed emotions.  This roller coaster of human emotions is as real as God.  While one possesses the power to inflict fear and take our breath away, the other breathes peace and life into us. Staying in God's Word infuses guidance, comfort and JOY in our weary souls.

"The Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." Romans 8:26

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

In other words, thankfully God comforts us through prayer, His Word and Holy Spirit. He also reminds us to watch and share His comfort with others. I pray these devotions have ministered to you this season. You are a dedicated servant to God, serving in love and devotion to our students and coworkers. Thank you for encouraging and inspiring me to keep my eyes on Him. Thank you for listening to my troubles and wrapping your kindness tenderly around my heart.

"And the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

In other words, CHRISTmas is upon us and we today, more than ever, have reason to celebrate the true meaning of CHRISTmas. Because of Jesus' birth, death and resurrection, we have the gift of eternal life.  And in the face of tragedy and pain, this grace and mercy of our God restores hope and peace to broken lives.  

Thank You, Father, for the only gift i truly need... Jesus, my Savior.  He has the power to mend the heart.  When i stop my racing thoughts and listen, i hear the angels singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill to men." And to this i say, "amen, amen."

have a comfort-filled break and celebrate CHRISTmas... JOY is present because He is with us.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal