THE LIGHTING OF THE BETHLEHEM CANDLE THE CANDLE OF PEACE Read Luke 3:4-6 As we re-light the first purple candle, we remember the meaning of the word “advent” is “coming” or “visit”! We are preparing for the Advent of Christ at Christmas; walking through those historical steps, and taking our time so we can understand…….Read More
Psalm 85:1-7 The anguish of a broken relationship is not only heart-breaking, it is also gut-wrenching. Whether it’s the disappointment of unmet expectations, the hurt of betrayal or an unexpected breakup, our hearts take a beating. Even though the normal response is “anger, “amidst the pain, there is underlying desire for forgiveness and reconciliation! …….Read More
Micah 6:6-8 In premarital counseling, I ask the couple to write out the “expectations” they have of each other. It is very interesting to see their lack of absolute honesty and transparency in this exercise, for either they haven’t thought about it, or they have assumed their partner already knows, or they are afraid…….Read More
Micah 4:1-5 Where are you from? How you answer that question gives people an insight into your past. It might explain your accent or your cultural heritage or point to your favorite foods. It could also evoke some preconceived notions about you—notions that can only be overcome through a personal relationship. When we hear…….Read More
Micah 4:1-5 Micah was a truth-teller – he loved his people enough to tell them the truth. Israel was facing certain defeat at the hands of the mighty Assyrian army, and Micah knew their only chance for survival was to put their trust in God. Yet their worship had become hollow and void of…….Read More
Hosea 11:1-4 Commitment is not a word in our vocabulary today, simply because we have been taught to hold out until we have exhausted all other options. That might be fine if we were considering a date for a casual event, but not if we are choosing a Savior for eternity. God chose the people…….Read More
Exodus 19:1-6 Whether it is a couple pledging their love and loyalty “in sickness and in health” or rejoicing in tears together as they hold their precious child for the first time, relationships imply commitment, and intimate relationships require it! If that “first trust” is ever broken, it is almost humanly impossible to restore…….Read More
What is hope? Modern culture tells us it is a “maybe,” a kind of unsure optimism. But in Scripture, hope is an indication of certainty. “Hope” means “a strong and confident expectation.” The Israelites were hoping for a savior, their messiah. God had promised a messiah and they believed it. They didn’t know when or…….Read More
The History behind the Hymn For countless Christians around the world, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” signals the beginning of Advent. It was first published in 1744 in Charles Wesley’s Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord, a little collection so popular that it was reprinted 20 times during Wesley’s lifetime. This hymn is now sung…….Read More
Daily Devotionals for ADVENT 2022 Heritage Baptist Church, Perry, Georgia Wayne J. Edwards, Pastor Come, thou long-expected Jesus! Come, thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth thou art; Dear desire…….Read More