The Prince of Peace caused a disturbance in all of Jerusalem. Could it have been any other way? Not likely... Jesus’ interactions with humanity routinely evoked responses such as alarm, excitement, and confusion. For instance, He startled a boat full of disciples one stormy moonlit night while walking across the Sea of Galilee. Remember the uproar when He blindsided Bartimaeus by restoring his eyesight? Let’s not forget how Jesus rattled the crowd, calling forth Lazarus from the grave four days after his death.

At this point in the Gospel of Matthew we read about Joseph receiving a dream to return to Israel from Egypt because Herod is dead. However, Joseph still being afraid to return to Judah due to Archelaus reigning in place of his father Herod, decided to settle in Galilee, in the town called Nazareth. As Matthew points out this was a fulfillment of the prophecy that the Messiah would be called a Nazarene.

Since this is an Advent devotional, I was somewhat surprised to get this verse. Interestingly, my monthly Bible study when I received this verse was entitled, “The Truth About Anxiety: Calming Your Soul in a Chaotic World.” No coincidence! I soon discovered how often the words fear and anxiety appear in scripture, usually accompanied by the word “don’t.” God fully understands that fear and anxiety are a struggle for us humans, especially in light of current events in our world!

Christmas is fast approaching. Are you ready? As the day comes closer our lives become so busy. Shopping, baking, decorating, wrapping, concerts and plays, visits with family and friends, our schedules are never more full! Sure, all those things are wonderful. After all, what would the Christmas season be without cookies, twinkling lights and gift giving? Did I mention cookies? However, will you truly be prepared?

God specializes in “sudden”lies! God also specializes in showing up and showing off when you least expect it! These are the things that mark your life in the now, in your tomorrows and into eternity!

Isn’t it true that sometimes when we experience God, we can feel terrified? Whether we are busily about our duties (tending our sheep) or wandering far from where we should be - often our ‘experience’ of God can challenge us. God can be bigger than we expect, and bigger than we are prepared for.

Faith is not easy. Especially when we are called to believe in a God we cannot see with our eyes or hear with our ears. “Seeing is believing,” we say because it’s easier to believe in the visible as opposed to the invisible. “Show, don’t tell,” was one of the first things I learned about writing.

In the days of Christ this verse refences a long-time faithful prophetess, Anna who gave thanks for the birth of Jesus as she saw Him. Can you imagine gazing upon this child? They had anticipated this coming of the Messiah for many years to bring hope and redemption to their land.

Nearly sixty years had passed since Pompey annexed Judea. Under the iron heel of Rome, the world cried out for mercy. Israel’s faithful remnant prayed for deliverance and in response God sent His Son, born of a woman, under the law.

Think back to someone you have loved. If you had never seen them, how could you have loved them?

Even though I can’t see God physically, I do know He is real and working in my life. There are times when I feel a nudge or a whisper and immediately know it is God speaking to me. If a friend comes to mind, I try to reach out to them. Almost always, they say they needed some encouragement that day. God gave them a hug through me and gave me joy in the process.

This wonderful scripture from Jeremiah reminds me of a time long ago when I was searching for meaning in my life. At the time my dad had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I had two small children and my husband had been laid off. If God was real, would He answer my prayers. I hoped so!

The eternal Son of God breaks through into our reality. He takes on flesh that we could behold His glory. This incarnation of the Messiah, the God-Man, has caused many to rise and many to fall.

The eternal Son of God breaks through into our reality. He takes on flesh that we could behold His glory. This incarnation of the Messiah, the God-Man, has caused many to rise and many to fall.

Life has many twists and turns; things don’t always turn out the way we imagine. We may have dreams that are shattered or surprises that are unexpected.

Numerous times in the Bible an angel speaks, “Do not be afraid.” So much is happening in this crazy world; how can we not fear? There is only one answer … God. He alone is sovereign over all creation AND HE LOVES US! If we believe this, then surely we can trust Him and not fear anything in this world. Trust, not fear!

Expecting the unexpected. Yes, this scripture I’m sure was on the lips of many who waited for a savior. Living in difficult times, governed by foreign men. Many hoped for and expected a savior with political power, to free them from the captors of their day. I wonder how many waited for the One who actually came. A Lamb slain, not for political freedom, but for spiritual freedom and life eternal.

Did the town of Bethlehem have a self-esteem problem? Perhaps not … it may be that they were just as God planned for them to be: small. While this prophecy acknowledges Bethlehem’s size, and the town’s unlikeliness for anything “big” to come from there, it’s more important that God declares, against all odds, “You are in My plan, and it’s gonna be big!”

The story of Christmas is littered with the daily. People were getting up and going to work. People were having to respond to government demands. People were getting married. And religious people were doing religious things. But then there was the unexpected.

I was introduced to holding space by women on a weekend and God used it to transform my life. In my mind’s eye, holding space is holding the door open for another, it is anticipating their movement into a new space. Holding space protects, it invites, it welcomes. Holding space involves hope and most definitely occupies the presence of God. Holding space is hospitality in a truly intimate form.