Wondering how to respond to this piece, I found Joshua 1:9 popped into my head.
As a teenager, I was a member of a Covenanter Youth group, and that verse was a kind of motto for "Covies" - we were encouraged (expected!) to commit it to memory. We also sang it to a tune that I still remember, with the lyrics:
"Be thou strong and very courageous for I have commanded thee. Be not afraid, be not dismayed, you shall have victory. I will be with you what e're betide, Captain and Leader, friend and guide.”
It's one of those scriptures that fits many of life's "situations", I find; and I offer it to you today, because I believe you to be capable of strength and courage, though you may not have been feeling recently.
Just beautiful, Jayne. I'm one of those weird ones who has always hated Christmas... All that enforced jollity and pictures of happy perfect families portrayed on the media... I've spent too long working with the homeless, people struggling with their mental health (and the consequences for their friends and family), and older people who are so isolated and feel a tremendous sense of loneliness...
What I have discovered since coming back to faith (after 30 yes away) is the beauty of Advent. A reminder that we are in the dark but hope is coming. You have captured that sense so completely. Thank you.
Wondering how to respond to this piece, I found Joshua 1:9 popped into my head.
As a teenager, I was a member of a Covenanter Youth group, and that verse was a kind of motto for "Covies" - we were encouraged (expected!) to commit it to memory. We also sang it to a tune that I still remember, with the lyrics:
"Be thou strong and very courageous for I have commanded thee. Be not afraid, be not dismayed, you shall have victory. I will be with you what e're betide, Captain and Leader, friend and guide.”
It's one of those scriptures that fits many of life's "situations", I find; and I offer it to you today, because I believe you to be capable of strength and courage, though you may not have been feeling recently.
❤️🙏
😭 Thank you Dave. This might make its way into my writing. What a verse.
I love this, it is beautiful in its rawness.
Just beautiful, Jayne. I'm one of those weird ones who has always hated Christmas... All that enforced jollity and pictures of happy perfect families portrayed on the media... I've spent too long working with the homeless, people struggling with their mental health (and the consequences for their friends and family), and older people who are so isolated and feel a tremendous sense of loneliness...
What I have discovered since coming back to faith (after 30 yes away) is the beauty of Advent. A reminder that we are in the dark but hope is coming. You have captured that sense so completely. Thank you.
Thanks Graham. This is such a valuable insight. Where is Jesus at this time of year? With those people you mention. We pray.