Rest and Refresh

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he

leads me beside still waters.

Psalm 23:12

“God’s provision of rest, nourishment, and peace, using the imagery of a shepherd guiding his flock.  “Green pastures” represent spiritual nourishment and renewal, and “still waters” symbolize a place of tranquility, not a stagnant pond but a calm, safe stream.  This verse illustrates that God actively guides and cares for believers, causing them to lie down when they might not know how to rest themselves. “

~ anonymous 

Great Joy

 “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will bring great joy to the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:8-12

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on

whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:14

God’s Love and Joy

 “The Lord your God is with you, a mighty one

who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness;

he will quiet you by his love, he will exult

over you with loud singing,”

Zephaniah 3:17

 “God’s presence, power, and love for his people, promising that the Lord, a mighty warrior in their midst, will save them, rejoice over them with gladness, quiet them with his love, and sing over them with joy, offering immense comfort and assurance against fear.  

The Lord your God is with you.  The scripture speaks of God’s personal delight in His people, promising restoration and a powerful, loving presence even during times of trouble.”

~ anonymous 

The Advent Season

 “The season of Advent is a time of expectation, when we prepare our home and our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day.  Advent is a season of hope, a time to nurture peace and experience joy in anticipation for the love that is made incarnate with the birth of Jesus!