Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

   I was recently a part of a conversation about death with a few of my friends. The question arose among us, “what would you want to be said about you at your funeral”? One said “he was a nice man”. Another chimed in “He provided well for his family.” It eventually came around to me and I couldn’t resist I said, “look! he’s moving!”  To be perfectly honest with you I would not want any one moving in the casket or spinning in their urn… I like my funerals to be a bit less dramatic. 

  For some this Advent season will be quite painful. They have recently had a spouse, child, or friend pass away. They may be separated from loved ones serving around the world in the military or occupational responsibilities. Some families are weighted down under the anguish of divorce or incarceration. This life is filled with much grief and sorrow. Sadly, this would make many of us shy away from our neighbors and family members. Pain is a lonely burden. 

   I don’t know what misfortune you are currently affected with but I do know the Word of God is true and knows you better than you know yourself. The apostle Paul knew pain, grief, hunger, rejection, and heartache. He ended his sojourn on this earth incarcerated and chiefly alone to face his death sentence for the sake of the gospel. He wrote these words to the church in Rome…

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

My advent prayer for your life is; clarity to hope, patience to persevere, and strength to pray without ceasing. Christ will never leave you or forsake you. 

Be joyful, be unwavering in your faith, and stand in the knowledge that Christ is daily interceding to the Father for His children. Joy to the world the Lord is come!