The Candle of Hope
Today is the first Sunday of Advent, the Sunday in which we recall the hope we have in Christ. The prophets of Israel all spoke of the coming of Christ, of how a savior would be born, a king in the line of David. They spoke of how he would rule the world wisely and bless all nations. Oh Christmas day, the Christ of our hope was born. On Good Friday, the Christ of our hope died. On Easter day, the Christ of our hope rose from the dead. He then ascended into Heaven. On the last day, the Christ of our hope will come again to establish his kingdom...
read moreAdvent Anticipation
In early church history, Advent began as a time of repentance. It served as preparation for Epiphany, which was the second most popular day for baptisms (after Pentecost). Common traditions during the Advent season, including wreaths and candles, add to the anticipation of Jesus’ birth. Another tradition is to leave the manger empty when you set up your nativity scene. Then, during Christmas morning celebrations, you can place the newborn baby Jesus in his “bed”.
read moreA Solemn Prayer
May our religion be filled with gladness and may our worship of thee be natural… Endow us with courage that is born of loyalty to all that is noble and worthy, that scorns to compromise with vice and injustice, and knows no fear when truth and right are in jeopardy. Guard us against flippancy and irreverence in the sacred things of life. Grant us new ties of friendship and new opportunities of service. Kindle our hearts in fellowship… and soften our hearts with sympathy for those who sorrow and suffer. -From The West Point Cadet...
read moreThis Day Is a Gift
This beautiful days is a gift of love That’s given to us from God above. With twenty-four hours of time to use In ways God is hoping we’ll wisely choose. So why not ask God for both guidance and grace? Let God set the standards as well as the pace. Then when the day’s over, we’ll find we’ve been blessed With all that we needed in choosing what’s best! - Peggy Ferrel Thoughts to ponder upon: “More tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones.” – St. Teresa of Avila And the...
read moreEverybody is a somebody.
Long before the Rev. Jesse Jackson encouraged African-American children to repeat daily the words “I am somebody!”, George Washington Carver had reached the same conclusion. Carver attended church-sponsored Simpson College after being denied enrollment elsewhere because of his skin color. When the school’s president asked what the college had done for him, Carver replied, “Simpson College helped me realize that I was a human being.” That was the starting point of the great inventor’s career. People all need...
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