Reflecting on the Joyful week of Advent
Week 3 of Advent has come to a close, and oh, the JOY! As we inch closer to the birth of Christ, Love takes center stage.
Week 3 of Advent has come to a close, and oh, the JOY! As we inch closer to the birth of Christ, Love takes center stage. If you missed any part of our journey, catch up on the blog here:
Advent Journey
Week 1 Hope
Week 2 Peace
Now onto Week 3!
This past week was a symphony of Joy, and let's take a moment to recap the highlights.
Day 13: Jeremiah 31:31-34 A life changing promise! God, feeling the strain in His relationship with His people, initiates a new covenant—a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice, stupid grace, and an overwhelming sense of joy and love.
Day 14: Ezekiel 36:24-28 Amidst the heartache of poor choices, God, as always, is on a mission to rescue. A reassuring reminder that God relentlessly pursues us, even when our hearts are made of stone. Rejoice, for you are worthy!
Day 15: Zechariah 6:12-13, Hebrews 7:17-22 A vision of Jesus as our eternal connection to God—a vine sustaining us with life. The metaphor of Melchizedek in Hebrews, a priest and king, reminds us of Jesus' ministry and the hope for a world restored.
Day 16: Luke 4:16-19, Isaiah 61:1-3 Good news! Jesus, preaching liberation for the oppressed, sick, and sinners—a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. Rejoice! Be full of joy for we have the Lord's favor, and we are worthy of it!
Day 17: Isaiah 53, 700 years before Jesus, Isaiah prophesies, connecting dots for God's ultimate plan. Jesus is the light of life, bringing satisfaction, freedom from pain, and forgiveness. What an immense source of joy!
Ignore the typos :) This is Day 17 :)
Day 18: Isaiah 7:10-14, Matthew 1:22-23 King Ahaz's refusal to seek a sign contrasts with the joyous news of a virgin conceiving Immanuel—God with us. An incredible reminder that God offers signs of His presence, and joy abounds in His closeness.
As we enter Week 4, lighting the candle of Love, let's cherish the attributes of God: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Love, a pivotal force in the Christmas Story, surrounds Joseph and Mary exemplifies God's sacrifice, and echoes through Jesus' teachings. This Christmas, bask in the warmth of God's love—knowing you are undeniably worthy of it!
Merry Christmas my Worthy Friends!
Amy
aka~Worthy
A Week of Peace: Embracing the Advent Journey
As we bid farewell to yet another week, we find ourselves two steps closer to the awe-inspiring moment of Christ's birth. The journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and if you've missed any part of it, catch up here for our intro for an enlightening recap of our pursuit of love, hope, and worthiness. And click here for Week one Recap
Week Two: The Quest for Peace (Days 8-13)
Day 8: We explore Deuteronomy 5:23-27, 18:15, and Matthew 1:1, navigating the majestic nature of God. The revelation that another prophet would stand with us, guiding, comforting, and providing eternal peace, offered solace amid the enormity of God.
Day 9: Our gaze shifted to 1 Chronicles 17:10-14, emphasizing the significance of David's lineage in the grand narrative. This lineage, promised to rule Israel forever, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus—a promise of everlasting peace for all.
Day 10: Journeying through 1 Kings 6:11-18, 29-30, we witnessed the joyous occasion of Solomon building God's temple. Yet, it became a poignant reminder of how life's chaos often follows moments of pure joy. The Good News of Christ, however, presents a temple not made of stone but of our bodies—a vessel for true and enduring peace.
Day 11: Daniel 7:9-14 painted a vivid dream, offering a glimpse into a kingdom ruled by Jesus—a kingdom marked by peace, love, and hope. As disciples, we carry the weapons of this kingdom, striving to bring light and peace to a world overshadowed by chaos.
Day 12: Psalm 1:1-6 unfolded the metaphor of a river and a plant, symbolizing Jesus as our living water. Staying close to Him ensures sustenance and a fruitful life. A poignant reminder that cultivating our relationship with Christ brings forth a flourishing of peace even in the chaos and confusion of life.
In the words of my brother Chuck, relationships are like flowers—water them daily. Similarly, our relationship with Christ is a living entity. If it withers, Christ welcomes us back, urging us to water it often, preferably daily. This relationship is our river, our living water, sustaining us and offering a profound sense of peace.
So, if life feels dry and arid, take a moment to water your relationship with Christ. Whether through Psalms, two chairs, or worship music, let the living water renew your spirit. Watch as peace, amidst the chaos and noise, floods your soul.
As we conclude this week of Peace, let the reassurance echo: YOU ARE WORTHY! The journey continues, and next week, we embark on the pursuit of Joy. Here's to Hope, Here's to Peace—may we all feel its gentle embrace. Amen, Amen!
XO,
Amy
aka~Worthy
Embracing the Advent Spirit: A Week of Hope and Reflection
Recap of Advent Week 1
As we bid farewell to the first week of Advent, let's take a moment to reflect on the journey we've embarked upon. If you need a quick recap, click here
Week One: The Radiance of Hope
In a world draped in darkness, pain, uncertainty, and sin, the concept of hope emerges as a beacon of light. As I delved into the scriptures this week, unraveling lessons for you, I found myself learning and discovering some amazing things.
Unveiling the Meaning of the Wreath
Did you know that the Advent wreath, a common sight during this season, symbolizes life? I did not and I found it fascinating that the circular shape, represents the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ. Growing up Catholic, I was accustomed to seeing the wreath on the kitchen table with its candles illuminating each week. However, I never fully grasped the depth of its symbolism—the unfolding narrative leading to the birth of Christ.
A Week of Hopeful Scriptures
This past week, themed around Hope, was a daily journey through scriptures, offering passages to inspire hope, even in the messiness of life. Each day, whether you feel ordinary, burdened by shame, or entangled in secrets, the message echoed loud and clear: YOU ARE WORTHY! YOU are LOVED! YOU are cherished! And YOU can have HOPE.
The Genesis of Hope
Day one led us to Genesis 1, where hope began with God bringing light into the darkness, separating the light from the darkness. Even if you find yourself in a dark place, devoid of light, remember that God still separates darkness from light. His promises endure.
Day two delved into Genesis 3:8-15, recounting Eve's encounter with the tempting apple. How often do we get distracted by shiny things, forgetting God? Choices have consequences, yet God remains ready to embrace and clothe us, as witnessed in Adam and Eve's story.
Ordinary Families, Extraordinary Redemption
Day three unfolded an ordinary family's tale, one that would likely appear as the epitome of happiness on social media. But behind the facade, we discover a struggle for motherhood, a maid feeling like a doormat, and a husband attempting to fix what he can't. It's a reminder that people often hide behind perfect images, substances, or actions to mask the truth. God sees beyond the façade, offering love, believing in your worthiness, and calling you to HOPE.
Transformative Change in Hot Mess Central
Day four took us to Genesis 49:8-10, introducing us to Judah, a character embodying 'hot mess central.' Judah's transformation from orchestrating his brother's sale into slavery to becoming an instrument for God's glory offers a beacon of hope. If you feel like a 'hot mess,' remember, it's never too late to change. YOU are WORTHY, and God can use you, just as He did with Judah.
The Lamb's Blood and Your Worthiness
Day five we found ourselves in the book of Exodus 12:21-28, a foreshadowing of Jesus as the Lamb of God. The story of Moses instructing God's people to slaughter a perfect white lamb and paint their doorposts with its blood is a powerful image. Jesus, the Lamb of God, painted you in His blood, offering protection from darkness. Remember, you are WORTHY of the light.
God's Love Despite Broken Promises
Day six recounted Exodus 32:11-14, 30-32, showcasing God rescuing His people from Egypt, making promises, and forming a covenant, only to witness them breaking it. How often do we find ourselves making promises to God, only to break them? Despite our shortcomings, God LOVES us, and we are WORTHY of His LOVE and Grace.
A Week of Hope, Redemption, and Worthiness
As we conclude this week of Hope, it's essential to recognize that if you see yourself in any of these stories, you are not alone. I see myself in each of them, and that realization, in itself, fills me with hope. I hope the same holds true for you.
Remember, even in your darkest hour, during your lowest low, hope is never truly lost. Look to the cross, pull up a second chair, light a candle, get quiet, and ask God to give you light and hope. He promises, and He delivers
XO,
Amy,
aka Worthy
Embracing the Advent Spirit: A Journey to Celebrate Love, Hope, and Worthiness
Hello WORTHY friends,
As we dive headfirst into the holiday season, I wanted to take a moment with you all to reflect on the essence of Advent. It's a time of anticipation, a season marked by the arrival of something or someone special. And what could be more special than celebrating the birth of the one and only Jesus Christ?
Now, I know we've just wrapped up Thanksgiving, a day when we express gratitude for everything we have, big and small. It's a beautiful tradition that warms our hearts. Yet, the very next day, it seems like a switch flips, and we find ourselves caught up in the frenzy of Black Friday deals, scrambling to snag items we may not even need. I'll admit, this year, I joined the online shopping madness—guilty as charged! But hey, I did need a new computer, so that's my defense.
Isn't it a bit ironic, though? We spend a whole month (or thereabouts) being intentionally thankful, only to succumb to the allure and seduction of more material possessions. But, hey, no judgment here – I did it too. Let's share a chuckle about the quirks of being human.
Returning to the heart of the matter, Advent invites us to look forward to something truly extraordinary—the birth of Jesus Christ. A man of few means, born in a humble stable, surrounded by animals and hay for a bed. It's an image that tugs at my heartstrings, thinking about a baby lying amidst prickly hay.
Yet, Jesus, despite his humble beginnings, grew up to be the greatest healer, counselor, mentor, and influencer of all time. Born into a carpenter's family, he understood the struggles of those with limited means. Jesus understood pain, the loneliness of broken life, and poured into those who were different, less than, and honestly considered disgusting to humanity. His life was a testament to the power of presence, human touch, and compassion.
Jesus, a teacher like no other, employed puns, similes, metaphors, and proverbs—innovative techniques in his time, that I must say, was not the traditional way of teaching. As a mentor, he invested deeply in his disciples, transforming them into "fishers of men." There's so much wisdom we can glean from his life—lessons in connection, the importance of seeing and valuing everyone, and the profound impact of compassion.
So, as we rush to complete our shopping, decorate our homes, and fill our calendars with holiday gatherings, let's not forget the true reason for the season—Christmas Day, when tradition tells us Jesus was born. Advent is a time for family and friends to join together in the excitement and anticipation of this miraculous day.
Starting this Sunday, December 3, 2023, let's embark on this Advent journey together. Now, I'm not an expert on the "rules," and Jesus might chuckle at the concept of rules in religion, but tradition tells us that Advent begins on the Sunday closest to St. Andrew's Day and concludes on Jesus's birthday. So here we are, preparing to celebrate the birth of the greatest healer, influencer, counselor, friend, and brother of all time—Jesus himself!
If you're seeking a bit of adventure, hope, peace, and comfort, join me over the next 22 days or so over on my instagram @worthy.heart It is sure to be a enlightening time full of lessons, love and hope.
Together, let's revel in the anticipation and celebration of the birth of Jesus, the true embodiment of love. Happy Advent, dear friends! And always remember—you are worthy of love. After all…That's why HE came. Because YOU ARE WORTHY! Cheers to the season of joy, love, and worthiness!
XO,
Amy
aka Worthy
