Please help us share God's truths and hope in Christ.

We don’t often think in terms of “taking” but we do think about Jesus giving.  Taking is nothing more than accepting and receiving that which Jesus gives. So learn to take this Advent season.

The Season of Advent

The word advent means, a coming or arrival, especially of something very important or someone of great importance.

In biblical terms, Advent is a season. It refers to the four weeks leading up to Christmas day.  It is a time of preparing the heart to celebrate the arrival of our Lord.

Matthew 1:23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 

In many churches, the four Sundays of Advent are celebrated by lighting candles, illustrating the Light that came into our world on that first Christmas day.  The four weeks are intended to be a time to reflect on God’s ancient promises and prophecies and remember those that have already been fulfilled. 

Advent Begins

Let’s begin this Advent season by reflecting on an ancient greeting from Fra Giovanni, a 16th-century Italian architect, who wrote about “taking.” 

I salute You. There is nothing I can give you which you have not;
But there is much that, while I cannot give you, you can take.
No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today.

Take heaven …
No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in the present.

Take peace …
The gloom of the world is but a shadow; behind it, yet within our reach is joy.  

Take joy …
And so at this Christmastime, I greet you with the prayer that for you, now and forever, the day breaks, and the shadows flee away. (1)

Take from Jesus

 Let us slow down and “take” as Fra Giovanni exhorted.  Take Heaven. Take peace. And take Joy.  In our day, we should also add, TAKE TIME.  The world seems to be moving at warp speed, and we must slow down and take time to reflect on God’s love, joy, peace, and grace, given to us that first Christmas.    

Reflect on Love:
John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Reflect on joy:
John 15:11  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Reflect on peace:
John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you

Reflect on grace:
John 1:17  For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Take Hope in Why Jesus Came

Jesus told why He had come to earth when He stood in the synegogue and read:

Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”

Hearing the gospel, healing of our hearts, sight in a dark world, and freedom are promises of hope. Take those promises and you will find rest.

Mat 11:28-29  “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Light the First Advent Candle

The first Sunday in Advent, we light the candle of Hope.  God’s prophecies give us hope.  Take a minute and watch as God’s purpose and plan is unfolded through His prophecies. Advent Candle 1-HOPE: Prophecy Reveals Hope

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(1) Christian Century Pulpit, December, 1957, “Greeting at Christmas,” by Fra Giovanni, AD 1513, p. 22. 

Christmas-themed GOT QUESTIONS?

Christmas-themed Articles

Christmas Word Search Puzzles

Scripture from: Isaiah, Matthew, Luke, and John.  A Christmas message from “In the Bleak Midwinter”

Christmas-themed Videos

Have You Heard About This Baby Boy?  A most beautiful rendition of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, with a Christmas message to touch your heart and give joy to your soul.

Cohen Hallelujah Christmas Version

 

 

 

 

 

Make Some Scripture Cookies – Fun for the Whole Family!

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Jesus is the Reason this Ministry Exists

At  Reasons for Hope* Jesus, we are committed to equipping, encouraging, and empowering Christians to know Jesus better, love Him more, and share their faith. We also reach the lost through our Salvation Page. 

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***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***  

Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus.  When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).

A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ   Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.

The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2023 

  1. The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
  2. Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
  3. How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
  4. How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
  5. How long did JOB SUFFER?
  6. What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?
  7. Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
  8. Jesus’ Last Days TIMELINE: the Cross and the Resurrection
  9. The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
  10. Did Jesus Fight Satan to Take Back the KEYS of Death and Hell?

There is much to be learned from those who have gone before us in the faith.  Check out our Cloud of Witnesses category that features the words of departed saints who are now with the Lord in glory.  Their words equip and encourage us even to this day.  Take a few minutes to hear...

  1. ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
  2. “The Love of God is Greater Far” by Frederick M. Lehman (1917)
  3. Prayers from Billy Graham
  4. Who Was Robert Robinson? What’s the Story Behind “Come Thou Fount”
  5. “Immanuel” — A Poem by Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
  6. Who Am I? A Poem by Deitrich Bonhoeffer (1905-1945)
  7. Understanding the Everlasting Arms of God, by J.R. Miller (1840–1912)
  8. 24 Reasons Why I Love America, by John Wayne (1907-1979)
  9. Give Me Perpetual Broken-heartedness (from The Valley of Vision)
  10. Abide with Me, by James Smith, 1859

This remains one of our most popular pages viewed.

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TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
  1. Memorial Day BAGPIPES TRIBUTE: Amazing Grace 
  2. RISE AND SHINE and Give God the Glory, Glory!
  3. WERE YOU THERE When They Crucified My Lord?
  4. PAUL HARVEY: THE BIRDCAGE
  5. PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN: A SOLDIER'S PLEDGE
  6. Hark! the Herald Angels Sing -- CHARLIE BROWN Christmas
  7. JOHN WAYNE ~ WHY I LOVE AMERICA
  8. Jimmy Stewart - Nativity Scene Prayer: Mr. Krueger's Christmas
  9. THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE - A Christmas Story to Share 
  10. Not by Might, Not by Power, But BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)

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