When I think of Advent, I think of a big wooden door -- like maybe one found on a cathedral, or a monastery, or maybe just an old ancient inn. I imagine Jesus on the other side of it ... knocking.My heart beats faster. I imagine a key turning the lock ... I hear the lock release ... then I see the knob beginning to turn, and I know that it is the hand of my Lord turning it from the other side. I realize I'm about to come face to face with Him. Can you feel the excitement of it? Can you sense the anticipation? That's what Advent season is all about!
I love what Karen wrote in her comment yesterday about Joseph: "Imagine the awe he must have felt in being the earthly father of a son directly from his Heavenly Father! ... We don't hear much about Joseph in the Bible, but we see the imprint of him in the New Testament all the same. ... Jesus was recognized as "the carpenter's son" in his early ministry. Joseph is the silent witness in the life of Jesus. So many of us are more comfortable in that role as Christians. We don't take the stage, we don't want the limelight, we won't be nominated for awards for our charismatic impact on the world, but we quietly serve, support, and love in the name of Jesus and to the glory of God our Father."
Beautiful point, Karen. It's never about the "limelight" ... it's always about the state of our hearts.
On that note ... Can I ask you to pray for me as I head Friday morning to the mountains of Colorado to take the stage at an outreach event this weekend? I'd appreciate prayers for my travel, for my family in my absence, for my message, and most of all for the hearts of the women who will attend. While it might be me standing up there speaking, I know I can't communicate anything worthwhile apart from the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and the prayer support of those who serve from unseen places. Thanks, friends!
Luke 2:1,3 (NLT)
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census.
Isaiah 7:14 (NLT)
All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).
Rachel
ReplyDeleteVery Nice. Karen's comment was good. I will pray for your event and you. You are so right with out our Lord we can do nothing.
Blessings,
Lynn
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your sweet comment on my blog. I will be praying for you as you travel this weekend - that hearts will be touched, and also that He will equip you and take care of your family while you are gone.
Blessings,
Pearls
Will be keeping you and the outreach in prayer.
ReplyDeleteI'm still loving the images of the doors! Thank you for taking time to share with us during this season.
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for your event. For travel mercies... that God uses you in mighty ways... that your family is safe in your absence... and that there are no lost debit cards!!!
God be with you on your travels Rachel! I will pray for your family and for you and for the women you are speaking to!
ReplyDeleteI like the way the Luke passage ties the time of Jesus' birth in history. "1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire." The Isaiah passage is also anchored in time, and Isaiah makes it clear that the event he foretells will not happen for a very long time.
"16 For before the child is that old, the lands of the two kings you fear so much will both be deserted."
I guess all this just re-enforces the point that our time is not God's time. That waiting on Him is a process and we usually don't see the unfolding of the entire plan. We only see a very small portion. That is where faith comes in; "belief in what is not yet seen," but knowing in our hearts that God is working out His perfect plan in all of us until the Son comes again.
Have a blessed journey,
Karen
Thanks Rachel for your postings about Advent and the beautiful pictures of the doors. I am learning a lot from you and everyone that has been sharing their thoughts, prayers, etc. and I really enjoy visiting your blog. I prayed for all that you asked for and then some and I hope you have a fabulous time at your outreach event.
ReplyDeleteLaura from New Hampshire
Thanks Rachel for your postings about Advent and the beautiful pictures of the doors. I am learning a lot from you and everyone that has been sharing their thoughts, prayers, etc. and I really enjoy visiting your blog. I prayed for all that you asked for and then some and I hope you have a fabulous time at your outreach event.
ReplyDeleteLaura from New Hampshire
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for your travel!
Love in Christ,
Nicole
Your posts are always great. You have been blessed by God to carry His message to women. You, your travels, your event, those who attend and your family will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
AliceE.
Hi Rachel:
ReplyDeleteI live in the mountains of Colorado, where will you be speaking? I'd love to find out if I could attend.....
Carolee
I live just about 35 minutes from where you will be! I would love to find out if I could attend and would love to meet you too!
ReplyDeletebolithos@sopris.net
You are being prayed for Rachel.
ReplyDeleteIn His Graces~Pamela