First Sunday in Advent 2014
First Advent - Holiness
On this first Sunday in Advent, we light the first candle in preparation of the coming of the Christ Child. This candle often symbolizes Hope, Anticipation or Expectation. Thus begins our journey through the Christmas season to prepare our hearts to accept and acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, come to earth to save us from our sinful nature and to develop a personal relationship with each one of us. It also reminds us of the hope, anticipation and expectation we have in the coming return of Jesus.
As I considered what themes I wanted to use in my Advent meditations this year, the word that kept coming up was Holiness and how God is holy. Webster's defines something holy as being "set apart"; sacred; as something commanding absolute adoration and reverence; meriting veneration or awe; and as being spiritually pure.
Too often in this day and age, we treat God as someone who is "buddy-buddy" with us. We have brought him down to our level, when in reality, we should fall at his feet in humility and lowliness. We live in a culture that believe that we are all "special" that we each are worthy and deserving, that we should have it all. If we are "all that", then why would we need God in our lives? Our prayers reflect our selfishness and we expect to receive what we ask for, be it money, health, prestige or some other selfish request.
When we view God as no more than a vendor or provider of our desires, then we no longer view him as Holy but instead have turned him into a lowly merchant, a Santa Claus if you will, whom we provide with a list and expect to get what we want in return for a plate of milk and cookies.
Is it any wonder that as the world watches those of us who are believers in Christ turn mercenary, that they no longer respect the God in whom we believe? That even as believers, we have lost sight of the power and omnipotence of of God the Almighty?
During this Holiday season, I encourage you to remember and to share with others, the holiness of God.
Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
who was and is and is to come!
Revelation 4:8b
Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created.
Revelation 4:11
Blessed be his glorious name for ever;
may his glory fill the whole earth! Amen and Amen!
Psalm 72:19
Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, Holy, Holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who wert and art, and evermore shalt be.
Holy, Holy, Holy! Though the darkness hid Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man They glory may not see,
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise They Name, in earth and sky and sea;
Holy Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Words by Reginal Heber, melody by John B. Dykes
Throughout the Advent season, I will be having a small give-away each week in celebration of Christmas, when God, the great giver, gifted us with the most precious gift, the gift of his Son in order that we might be made holy in God's sight and enter his presence.
My small gift pales in comparison, but I pray it will bring blessings upon whoever receives it. Please leave a comment that includes your name and/or e-mail address before midnight, mountain standard time on Saturday, December 6, 2014 to be entered.
This week's gift is the pincushion featured in the photos above. It is created using wide mouth canning jar lids as a base, making it 3 1/2" in diameter and 2" tall. It is my hope to create one for each week of Advent, God willing! There will be a new drawing each week. A number will be assigned to each comment and a random number generator will be used to choose the winner. The winner will be announced with each Sunday's Advent meditation and mailed the following week. Best Wishes!
Comments
donnaabrams99@yahoo.com
Jenni Godley
Alberta, Canada
Maria
I am so tired of the commercialism that has become the reason for the season, when in reality it is the birth of Christ that we celebrate.
I have said it many, many times. Lisa your work is fabulous, your pincushions are just beautiful. Whoever is lucky enough to win one will indeed be blessed to own one.
Hugs,
Sondra
Sherry in Little Rock
Your little pincushion is just another one of your beautiful creations.
Have a peace, joy and love filled Christmas holiday season.
FlowerLady
not only a beautiful pincushion, but wonderful words and thoughts. You are so right, we expect God to just give us every whim...sometimes, all I can do is just say I Love You, Lord..without expecting anything else...thanks...
What a wonderful post and oh so inspiring.
Your pictures of the birds are delightful.
Hugs
FredaB
technoturt@yahoo.com
After reading your post I remembered the main reason I subscribed to your blog on bloglovin... It's the love you have for God and how open you are to share it. It gives me courage to do the same. God bless you and the beautiful work you do and share with all of us. Happy Advent to you and may you enjoy the anticipation of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Peace and Love,
Elaine Kester Rentz
Thank you for your thoughtful words. I pop by your blog regularly, and am always blessed. Your year of pincushions has been additional inspiration.
Thank you for spending time with us!