Category: Life in Our Family

Morning Reading: Isaiah 35.1-10 MSG

Isaiah 35.1-10 MSG

israel_mountain_flowers-500x310Wilderness and desert will sing joyously, the badlands will celebrate and flower — Like the crocus in spring, bursting into blossom, a symphony of song and color.

Mountain glories of Lebanon — a gift. Awesome Carmel, stunning Sharon — gifts. God’s resplendent glory, fully on display. God awesome, God majestic.

Energize the limp hands, strengthen the rubbery knees. Tell fearful souls, “Courage! Take heart! God is here, right here, on his way to put things right and redress all wrongs. He’s on his way! He’ll save you!”

Blind eyes will be opened, deaf ears unstopped, lame men and women will leap like deer, the voiceless break into song. Springs of water will burst out in the wilderness, streams flow in the desert. Hot sands will become a cool oasis, thirsty ground a splashing fountain. Even lowly jackals will have water to drink, and barren grasslands flourish richly.

Israel_Golden GateThere will be a highway called the Holy Road. No one rude or rebellious is permitted on this road. It’s for God’s people exclusively — impossible to get lost on this road. Not even fools can get lost on it. No lions on this road, no dangerous wild animals — Nothing and no one dangerous or threatening.

Only the redeemed will walk on it. The people God has ransomed will come back on this road. They’ll sing as they make their way home to Zion, unfading halos of joy encircling their heads, Welcomed home with gifts of joy and gladness as all sorrows and sighs scurry into the night.

Morning Reading: Luke 3.4-6 NLT

Luke 3.4-6 NLT

john-the-baptist-1Isaiah had spoken of John when he said,

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!

The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth.

And then all people will see the salvation sent from God.’”

Advent Song: “Mary did you know?” – Kathy Mattea

Henry Ossawa Tanner - The Annunciation, oil on canvas, 57 x 71.25 in., Philadelphia Museum of Art
Henry Ossawa Tanner – The Annunciation, oil on canvas, Philadelphia Museum of Art

Mary, Did You Know – Kathy Mattea

Mary did you know that your baby boy would some day walk on water
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new
This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you

Please click on audio file – “Mary, Did You Know” – Kathy Mattea

Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man
Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod
And when your kiss your little baby, then you’ve kissed the face of God

Mary did you know? Mary did you know

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the Lamb

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb
This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I Am

“When Christmas is Hard” – Biblical Advice from Billy Graham

Peanut Gallery: Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation – to get ready for the Coming of Christ. It’s a season to joyfully prepare our hearts and homes to receive “God with us” – Emmanuel. It’s a time to remember Jesus’ humble birth and look forward to His glorious return.

But for many people – with broken hearts and homes – it can also be a tough time of year.

In this re-posted article, Billy Graham offers practical help for those dealing with difficulties during this season. The “good news” is – there’s still over two weeks to work on some of these suggestions… follow the links. You still have time to enter into the joy of the season.

Take advantage of them.. and/or pass them on to a friend in need. You’ll be glad you did. And so will your friend.
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“When Christmas is Hard” – Biblical Advice from Billy Grahem

December 7, 2012 – Billy Graham has shared practical, biblical advice for dealing with holiday-related difficulties. – click on link.

When Christmas is HardIn the middle of the “most wonderful time of the year,” many of you are facing a dilemma or difficulty. You may have a strained relationship with one or multiple family members. Perhaps you’re lonely or grieving a loss and the holidays are particularly painful for you. Or, this is the busiest time of the year and you dread the rat race that often accompanies this season.

Whatever the case may be, we want to provide you with resources to help guide you through this season’s difficulties in a biblical way. Below, you will find some family- and holiday-related questions people have asked Billy Graham over the years, along with his answers.

Help the Lonely
This Christmas was very hard for me. Most of my relatives are gone now (including my husband), and the few I do have are either too old or live too far away, so I was completely alone. Please tell people to reach out to lonely people during holidays, because it’s hard for them.
Be a friend »

Can’t Afford Gifts
My husband lost his job recently and we really can’t afford to give people as much for Christmas this year as we have in the past. But I’m afraid we’ll offend them if we cut back too much. I know this isn’t a spiritual question, but how should we handle this?
Don’t go into debt »

Hectic Holidays
I know Christmas is still some weeks away, but I’m already getting uptight about it. It’s always such a hectic time and we always end up spending far more than we planned to. To be honest, I don’t really enjoy Christmas any more, although I know I ought to. Continue reading ““When Christmas is Hard” – Biblical Advice from Billy Graham” →