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An Advent Journey: Preparing Your Heart for Christmas (Week 2)

Christmas is coming. And it’s time to prepare our HEARTS, not just our HOMES for this special season.

How do we prepare for Christmas, the birth of Christ?

How can we make it meaningful again?

By reflecting on what Christmas really means. And, the amazing Love of God. Love that sent His Son to us. God WITH us. Emmanuel. 

What a gift!

And because of the gift of “God with us,” we want to experience transformed lives.

So, let’s remember anew the LOVE and HOPE and JOY that can fill our hearts at Christmas—and all through the year.

To do so, here are some inspiring excerpts from Ruth Chou Simons’ new book, Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always.

• The Christmas season is often hijacked by the stress we allow to direct the posture of our hearts. Sure, we can simplify by buying less décor, or changing up our gift-buying routine…But don’t be fooled; if peace is what we seek, we will find its true source ony in Christ. 

• How does peace come about? It comes through the person of Christ as He guards our hearts and minds as we surrender to Him. 

• A focus on self, complicates and adds stress, but a focus on God’s faithfulness simplifies and frees our hearts to rejoice.

• If the idea of Immanuel, God with us—blows your mind, it should. But more stunning than even the birth of Christ is the mystery of the Savior’s presence forever with us, wherever we go, through the Spirit. God with us wasn’t one event on Christmas Day…it is forevermore in the lives of those who receive Him as Savior and King. 

• Jesus doesn’t want our partial attention during the month of December, He wants our hearts every day of every year. He wants us to be transformed.

• Christ brings us an entirely new identity. We are no longer enemies or fearful outsiders, but heirs with Christ, who have been brought near. We were made to reflect Him, and He is worthy of that imitation.

• So rejoice! In Christ, we’ve been restored to the fellowship we were made for with our Heavenly Father—a restoration planned by God in eternity past, and fulfilled in Jesus, the promised Messiah.

As you read and reflect, may you find renewed faith, hope, and JOY!


PONDER
What is one stressor you can replace
today with thankfulness and prayer?

How has Jesus transformed your life?

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, we trust You
for all that clutters our minds and hearts this day.
We confess that our lack of peace is so often tied to
a lack of thanksgiving for what You have already done.
So Lord, give us thankful hearts.
May we trust You for the peace that guards
Our minds against anxious thoughts.
Amen.


Resources from Jackie M. Johnson

If you are feeling lonely this holiday season. 

If you are dealing with a loss or tragedy.

If you are feeling discouraged or down, and need to get your joy back. 

If you need to find peace.


Photo credit: Lisa Fotios, pexels

–Excerpts from Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always. By Ruth Chou Simons
(Harvest House Publishers, 2022)

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How to Get Along with Difficult Relatives Over the Holidays

Ah, family. Sometimes it’s not easy to gather with those we love. Especially when people can become argumentative, difficult, or downright mean.

So, how can you get along better with relatives that you LOVE, but don’t always LIKE? Here’s practical help and inspiring hope from author, Cynthia L. Simmons. She offers some good insights in her guest blog post today.

Nothing ruins special occasions faster than a family squabble.

We all prefer what James called “wisdom from above” so your family time can be…“peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits.” (James 3:17).

Let’s consider some helpful relationship tips from God’s Word.

1. THINK LIKE JESUS. First, the Apostle Paul offered a powerful suggestion when he commented we should think like Jesus. 

Based on Christ’s unselfishness, Paul said to “let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.” (Phil. 2:3) 

In other words, consider the needs of that difficult person. Like you, he or she bears the image of God, so find ways to show respect and kindness. For instance, plan on cooking a dish the person likes or suggest a game he or she prefers.

2. SET AND ENFORCE BOUNDARIES. Second, set boundaries and enforce them to ensure peace. Make plans to diffuse tension with your husband or another person you trust. You might use a signal that communicates a need for transition. 

For example, my grandmother lived with my mother for years. Before we visited, I warned my husband she would favor the boys. She would offer my sons gifts while informing my daughters she had nothing for them. My husband stepped in and refused all her gifts while guiding the children out of her room.

3. LOVE and PRAY. Third, Jesus said, “…love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” You might think this verse applies to an extreme situation, but I have discovered praying for someone softens my heart. 

The Lord gives me insight into that individual’s personality and makes me see their emotional vulnerability. Instead of responding in frustration, I can temper my words with kindness and compassion.

4. BE QUICK TO HEAR AND SLOW TO SPEAK. “Let everyone be quick to hear and slow to speak.”(James 1:19). 

People enjoy talking about themselves and may not notice your silence. You might discover hurts you weren’t aware of, or you could find a topic you both enjoy. On the other hand, avoid irritating topics.

5. DON’T LET EMOTIONS ZAP YOUR JUDGMENT. Fifth, don’t let your emotions zap your judgment. Paul the apostle said, “Be angry, and yet do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26). 

Past hurts can flare up and make us want to say hurtful words. I have felt that way, and it’s hard not to explode. Ask the Lord to help you leave all those wrongs in his lap. That is such a relief. 

Also, know that fatigue makes you more vulnerable, so [if possible] excuse yourself when you get tired.

With prayer, careful planning, and listening, you can still enjoy the holidays despite challenging relatives.

***

For more information, connect with Cynthia L. Simmons at clsimmons.com

 

Photo: Libby Penner, Unsplash

 

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When You Feel Lonely: Powerful Hope for Living Connected

Loneliness. It’s not a topic most people talk about.

Whether you’ve just ended a relationship and friends are scarce, or you’re so busy at work that you don’t have time for new friendships—there are many reasons we feel isolated or alone.

In fact, we can be lonely because we are physically alone, or we can feel left out or alienated even when we are surrounded by people.

No matter what the reason, it hurts to feel isolated, disconnected or unnoticed.

Loneliness vs. Solitude
But there’s a difference between loneliness and solitude. Sometimes we need the peace and quiet time alone brings; other times we need connection with others.

Solitude can be replenishing after a hard week at work or in our prayer time with God. With the One who loves us most we can pour out our problems to God, ask for help, and thank Him for all He has done for us.

Hosea 2:14 reads, “I will lead you into solitude and there I shall speak to your heart.” In the stillness, in the quiet, we can hear what God is trying to communicate to us. Away from noise and distractions we can absorb truth in new ways.

Loneliness is different.

One definition says that “Loneliness is a painful awareness that we lack close and meaningful contact with others. It involves a feeling of inner emptiness, isolation and intense longing.”

In addition, you may feel feel sad, anxious or inferior because you are unable to connect with people—or connect with a certain person.

The importance of connection
We live in society that exalts self-reliance, and a time when we are more disconnected than ever.

From my living room in Colorado, I can email my family in Minnesota or Facebook with readers in Brazil. Other the other hand, technology may limit a person’s face-to-face-interactions and in-person friendships.

Online, for instance, we may go wide (have a lot of ‘friends’) but not go deep (as in having meaningful relationships with good friends).

We all need to connect with other people.

We can do so by building bridges to other people, and connecting in person, and not living solely a virtual life. Bridges provide a link from one place to another. Friendships connect one isolated person to another, and soon community is built.

Getting connected
We were created to need each other and to serve each other’s needs. Indeed, our longing for love, friendship and heart friends (close friends) is real. It’s vital to our emotional wellbeing.

The truth is, you can build connections in all different areas of life. Consider these areas of community to connect with others:

• Spiritual community with people at church, or in a small group, prayer group, missions team or one-on-one with someone like-minded.
• Social community through a bowling league, mom’s group, singles group, coffee with friends.
• Intellectual community with people from work, joining a book group or other group with shared interests.
• Physical community in joining a sports team, dance class or getting workout partner for the gym.
• Neighborhood or city community can be built be showing up at your local playground, a neighborhood block party, or mentoring a disadvantaged youth.
• Virtual community is a way to connect with others, but make sure it’s not your only connection with other people.

Connecting with God

Of course, the first one to make a connection with is the most important One, with God.

Through prayer and our relationship with God we have the most primary and meaningful connection possible.

Prayer is talking with God, not at Him. It’s a holy conversation of both speaking and listening. Your words don’t have to be perfect or rehearsed, just real and from your heart.

Tell God how you feel and what you need. Thank Him for all He has done for you and for those you love. When you don’t know what to say, even the simple prayer of, “Help!” will reach the loving ears of God.

How to overcome loneliness
• Ask God to make His presence real and close to you today. Ask Him to help you have hope things really can change in your life. You can also ask God to give you courage to reach out to another person today or to bring caring relationships—like friends, family, or other new people into your life.
• Pray. Below are some starter prayers to help get you out of feeling lonely and back to feeling hopeful again.
• Ask yourself: What is one thing you can do today to build a bridge, to connect with another person?

Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

When you know God, you are never alone.

***

Here are some short prayers on Overcoming Loneliness to get you started…


Turn to me and be gracious to me, 
for I am lonely and afflicted.
Psalm 25:16
Lord, You know the pain I am in right now. I feel so empty and alone. I know I’ve been isolated and need contact with other people, but sometimes it’s hard. Will you please help me learn how to build bridges to other people? I need closer friendships. I need close-knit community. I long for it. Help me to overcome and find joy again. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.


And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:20
Lord, what a comfort it is to know that You are always with me, and that You never leave. So many times people disappoint me. I want to trust and make connections with people, but it hasn’t happened yet. With you, there is peace and stability. You are my strength when I am weak, my true consolation when I am sad. Here in Your presence I abide, I dwell. Thank you for always being near. I am never alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


God sets the lonely in families…
Psalm 68:6
Lord, I need you. I have felt alone and friendless lately. Will you help me to get connected with my family, or people who may become like family to me? Will you fill this emptiness in me with Your love, so I can be filled up and have something to offer others? I need community. I need friendship. Please show me where I belong. I want to walk this path of life with others who will build me up, not tear me down. And, I want to encourage others, to give and take. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.


What, then, shall we say in response to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31
Lord, it makes me glad to know that you are for me! You, the One who is ultimate love and ultimate authority designed me and has favor toward me. Thank you. In my desolate desert times I have felt so alone, so desperate at times. But when I remember the truth that You are with me and for me, it releases the pain and fills my heart with hope and joy. I am grateful. And I praise Your holy name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


More resources by Jackie M. Johnson:

• When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty (How to Get Over a Breakup)
• Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough (Hope and Encouragement for DifficultTimes)
• Hope on the Go (Bite-Sized Encouragement for Busy People)
• Singles Blog


Photo: Jure Širić, Unsplash  



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When Waiting is Hard: 6 Ways to Wait Well

It’s not always easy to wait.

When you’re young you can’t wait to grow up. When you’re grown, you’re constantly looking ahead to the next chapter in life:

When will I finish school,

get married,

have children,

buy a house,

get a better house,

have something or BE something?

And on it goes.

We always seem to be waiting for something to happen—or not happen.

Sure, it’s hard to wait. And yes, it would be great if things happened in our timing. But there are larger forces at play.

What does God have to say about waiting—and how can we learn to wait with a joyful heart and good attitude?

First, waiting can be a time of preparation. God is getting things ready, and getting us ready for His blessings.

Also, waiting refines us; it builds character and teaches us to exercise our “trust muscles” so they get stronger and firmer as we learn to trust God more.

Here’s the thing: Just because there is a delay, it doesn’t always mean the road is closed forever. You may have heard the phrase: God’s DELAYS are not always God’s DENIALS.

In Romans 12:12, we are admonished to “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Oh, if only it were that easy.

When things are taking entirely too long, you may begin to take matters into your own hands and take control. But when you do, there are consequences.

For example, if you put a cake in the oven and remove it before the right time, you’d get a hot, gooey mess. Yuk! 

But if you would have waited, you’d have a delicious, freshly-baked cake that was completely done and ready to eat.

Waiting makes a world of difference.

So how do you relinquish control, and let God work in your life as you wait on something—or someone?

Here are six (6) ways I’ve learned to learn to wait well:

1. Know on Whom you wait. As you wait, learn to trust God. He is the One who loves you most. He wants the best for you. Look to Him, not to the answer, or thing or person on whom you wait. “My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken.” (Psalm 62:5-6).

2. Wait with hope. You can choose your attitude: to fret or to have faith. Ask God to help you to have confident expectation in what HE is doing. Ask Him for patience and peace. As you wait, God is building in you strength, courage, fortitude and stamina.

3. Pray and obey. Waiting is not a time to do nothing. It’s the time to pray and to act—to be about the Father’s business as He leads you. You can share your disappointments and frustrations with the Lord as you pray. Then follow His lead on what to do next—or not to do. 

We wait in hope, believing even when we cannot see. “But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” (Romans 8:24-25).

4. Surrender. Surrendering your dreams and desires is like releasing a seed into the soil and trusting God to grow your dreams—even when you don’t see anything happening. God is always at work, behind the scenes. And small beginnings can yield large results when we are patient.

5. Remember what God has done in the past. As you begin to let go of your grasp that things should turn out the way you think they should be, peace comes. Fear subsides as you look back on what God has done in the past with His mighty power and miracles—for those in the Bible, for others, and for you-in your own life. Remind yourself that God has worked, is working, and will continue to be at work in the future.

6. Live in the now. Where is your focus? Are you looking so far into the future that you’re missing what’s happening today? Hope with future eyes, but keep your hands on what you are doing and who you are becoming in the present. God has something to teach you in ALL seasons of life.

Here’s a Brief Lesson on Waiting from a Bamboo Plant
Bamboos are fast growing plants. But before they grow tall, they grow deep. It’s a lesson in patience and faith, because once you plant a bamboo seed you don’t see any grow for four years.

Nothing seems to be happening.

Nothing at all.

You may get discouraged or frustrated; you may even begin to lose hope that anything will ever sprout from the seed you planted.

And then, finally, in the fifth year, the bamboo plant shoots up a whopping 80 feet!

Such incredible growth could not have been possible without the extensive root system created during those first formative years—a strong support to hold the plant growth that was coming.

The waiting was for a reason.

When You’re Tired of Waiting
Don’t give up just because you don’t see any movement in your life and in your situation. Keep the faith!

You never know when your day will come, and things begin to change.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

In God’s timing, things happen.

Winter’s snowy blasts turn to fragrant spring blossoms.

The baby is delivered.

The check comes in the mail.

You get the job

“Someday” finally arrives!

We may not always know the reasons for delay, or like them, but we can trust God is working all things together for the good—and for His glory.

Have courage. Have faith. God is in control, and His timing is perfect.

Take your hands off and trust God—even when you do not understand.

The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it.

                                                               ***

Psalm 27:14
Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.

Psalm 130:5
I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”

Romans 8:25
But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

For more resources by Jackie M. Johnson, check out When Love Ends (a helpful resource on how to get over a breakup) and Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough (topic-based on what to do when going through hard times).

Photo by Felipe Cespedes, Pexels

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4 Great Ways to Find Hope and Joy at Easter

When I was a kid, Easter was all about the candy—and how much my siblings and I could consume before our parents pulled the plug on our holiday sugar fix.

Of course, we dyed eggs. And I looked forward to wearing a new Easter dress. But, back then I had no idea there was more to this springtime celebration.

Infinitely more.

When I was 17, I learned about the true and deeper meaning of Easter—the amazing grace, love and forgiveness available to each of us through Jesus Christ. His pain; our gain. His death gave us life forever.

I discovered God’s love.

And it changed everything.

Our amazing God demonstrated His great love in a way the world would never forget. John 3:16 tells us,

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

That, my friend, is very good news.

Because of what Jesus Christ accomplished, overcoming death and rising again victorious and alive, we can live

forever,

forgiven and

free!

That is the hope and joy of Easter. Best gift ever. 

Let’s celebrate!

So, how can we live out the joy of Easter every day? Here are four (4) key ideas:

1. Death precedes resurrection.

There is no glorious Easter Sunday without Good Friday. Jesus had to die before he rose victorious and alive. 

Likewise, some things in our own lives need to “die,” to be surrendered to God, so we can become all that we’re intended to be.

Here’s an example.

Think of a seed falling to the ground. Jesus said (John 12: 24): “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

Alone, one seed is just a seed. But planted, a seed will grow into a beautiful plant or flower. Or, a crop of wheat. But the seed has to die before it brings forth life. 

Just as the seed surrenders to the soil, we learn to surrender our selfish and sinful ways. It’s not always easy. But as we persevere—and wait—we find that God grows in us His best outcomes and lasting spiritual fruit.

2. There’s a time to wait.

After Christ was buried in a tomb, silence.

For three days. 

In our own lives, after we’ve surrendered different areas of our lives to God, we often have to wait days, years, or even decades for things to change.

But it is in these quiet and dark seasons of life that our character is tested. And we grow stronger.

How will you respond while you wait—with patience and faith, or with pouting and fear?

The good news is that eventually a seed begins to sprout. And it bears fruit.

So, too, we can reap a harvest of blessings from our surrendered hopes and dreams as we persevere and have faith.

Galatians 6:9 reminds us to trust God’s timing: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

3. Believe for the day things “arise.”

At the first break of dawn, on the third day after He was buried, a group of people went to the tomb to check on the body of Jesus.

Here’s what happened:

As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said.

“You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'” (Mark 16:5-7)

Easter means ultimate victory!

Christ arose from death to life. And today, Jesus resurrects hopes and dreams in our lives, too.

To our joyful surprise, we arise to:

JOY after sorrow.

PEACE after pain.

FORGIVENESS after an argument.

HOPE for the days ahead.

4. Live like you believe.

Easter is only one day of the year. But you can live the joy of the holiday every day as you learn to let go and trust God will lead you into a fruitful and triumphant life.

Do you have life dreams and desires that seem dead?

Perhaps it’s a dream of a healthy dating relationship, a great marriage, a loving family? Do you desire to start a business or ministry, lose weight or do something that seems like it’s never going to happen?

As believers, we have “incomparably great power…that power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead.” (see Ephesians 1:19-20). 

That’s some kind of power!

God’s strength is available to us today—and every day.

PREPARE FOR EASTER. As you anticipate Easter, try some of these ideas to prepare your heart for Resurrection Sunday. 

  • Read the Easter story. Sure, this may be a familiar story. But read it again, or even read it aloud, and find some new insights this year. Turn to the book of Mark (or any of the Gospels) in your Bible and read what God has done, and how much he loves you.
  • Reflect. In your prayer time, ask God what you need to surrender, to let go of in your own life. And, ask what you need to “arise to” in your life. Ask Him for the strength to do what you need to do.
  • Gather with other believers at church on Easter morning. Maybe find a sunrise service in your area held outdoors, which can be inspiring in new ways.

May the JOY of Easter be with you this season, and always!

***

We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below.

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