An Unchanging God in the Midst of Ever-Changing Seasons

Pumpkin Spice Lattes, leaves on the ground, misty mornings, more scarves being worn, all of these are signs that we have transitioned from the long days of summer to the crisp days of fall.  And with that transition comes all the changes that fall brings with it.  Kids going back to school, a more regular and consistent schedule, and all the soccer practices, dentist appointments and more.  In the midst of all this our kids are growing and changing, and we grow and change right along with them.  All of this change can sometimes be overwhelming but let me encourage you with this verse, Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:” 

God has ordained a time and place for every season in our lives.  A time for summer and a time for fall, a time for school and a time for work, a time for us to be sad and a time for us to laugh.  He has given us all the little moments that make life unexpected crazy and awesome! 

So whether you are enjoying a good season of life, or a sad one those seasons are going to change.    And along with those seasons you are going to change.  You’re going to learn and make new friends and experience new challenges and joys.  But in the midst of all the changes and challenges and seasons of life our comfort is in God’s unchanging nature.

Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”  God promises to always be with us, to never leave us or forsake us.  He is with us on the mountaintop and in the valley.  Watching over us and loving us. 

So wherever you’re at in life, be it good or bad, take comfort in this verse from Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time…” 

P.S.  If you want to dive deeper into this issue read the entire chapter of Ecclesiastes 3 and try to answer these questions as you read.

•  What does God mean by there being a time for everything?
• Why does God ordain times that seem contradictory, like love and hate or war and peace?
• What is the writer trying to tell us about the character of God and the reality of life?

May God bring you understanding and comfort as you seek his comfort and love in the midst of the changing season of life. 

Advent Devotional: Christmas Eve!

Luke 2:10-14

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Advent Devotional: December 23

Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas.  Have a hot cocoa bar and answer the question, What is the true meaning of Christmas?

Advent Devotional: December 22

Make a Christmas ornament out of Popsicle sticks.  Try to make a star or Snowflake, or check out the link below for a neat guide to making Advent ornaments.  

www.ncpcnursery.blogspot.com/2015/11/how-to-popsicle-stick-nativity.html

Anna: Knowing What You're Waiting For

Read: Luke 2:22-40

In this final story before the celebration of Jesus birth we learn about the faithfulness of a two seemingly insignificant people, Simeon and Anna.  They both spent much of their lives at the temple, Praising God and serving him.  And yet they knew that they were a part of something much bigger.  They were waiting to meet the Savior of the world. 

Not knowing what you’re waiting for can be tough but knowing what your waiting for can almost be tougher, but in a very different way.  Have you ever looked forward to a big event.  It could be a concert by your favorite band, a sporting event, the premiere of a beloved movie franchise, or a big birthday party!  Whatever that event is you can be sure it’s circled on your calendar.  You count down the days till the big day.  As it gets closer you figure exactly many hours you have to wait till the event starts.  During that waiting, time seems to crawl by, minutes feel like hours and perhaps you wish you could simply skip forward in time to the big event.

 But then would we really appreciate that concert or birthday party.  What makes that event so special is the endless waiting beforehand.  If we never had to wait for anything would we ever truly appreciate something?  What if we jumped from what life highlight to the next?  None of the highlights would seem like highlights.  The only reason that event is special is because of all waiting involved with it. 

For Simeon and Anna they had been waiting their entire lives for this exciting event.  The longest I can ever remember anyone waiting for anything is about a year.  One of my best friends loves Spiderman and counted down 365 days to the release of The Amazing Spiderman 2.  For Simeon and Anna it was 60 to 80 years of going to the temple and asking the question, will this be the day that I meet the Lord?  The wait must have been almost unbearable for them.  But ultimately God rewards their faithfulness and patience.  And I’m sure that both of them would say that meeting Baby Jesus would not have been nearly as significant if they didn’t have to wait for a lifetime.  So next time you want to skip forward in time, remember the example of Simeon and Anna.  Remember that without the waiting the joy of event itself might be lost.

Advent Devotional: December 21

Go to the library and pick out some Christmas stories.  Read them together.  Some suggestions of great Christmas stories are: 

·     Papa Panov’s Special Christmas: Leo Tolstoy

·     The Christmas Stories of George Macdonald

·     The Holy Night: Selma Lagerlof

Advent Devotional: December 20

John 3:16-17

For God so loved that world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

The fourth candle of Advent is the candle of love.  As we light this candle we remember God’s love for us.  And He showed us that love by sending his son Jesus into the world.  May we love others in the same way that God loves us.