I came across this blessing by Susie Larson recently and I thought it was a nice message to share as we continue our journey through Advent. 

When Jesus came to earth, times were tough, futures seemed uncertain and leaders misused their power. (Does this sound familiar?) Yet, He came and changed everything.

May you-amidst these unsettling times-recapture the wonder of Christ’s gift to the world.  Maybe you need to fast from the bad news so you can once again be awakened and refreshed by the Good News. Jesus had you on his mind when He came to earth. Redemption was on His heart. Picture it.

What if you created time and space to actually hear the voice of God? What if you opened your hands and sowed generously to those around you? What if you stopped numbing your pain so Jesus could actually heal your pain? Joy would strengthen you. Hope would overwhelm you. Love would heal you.

May God’s peace rule and as we continued our preparation for Christmas, reign in you this Christmas. May His Kingdom come and His will be done, in and through you this season.

 Read Luke’s word to us.

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby dressed in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”  Luke 2:8-12 (NLT)

I always find these words comforting at any time of year, but especially this 2nd Sunday of Advent.  They remind me and I hope you of God’s unconditional loves that came to us in the form of a baby…Jesus.  Thanks be to God for the greatest gift we will ever receive.

Patty