Joseph is now toiling in obscurity as he abides his time in prison. Yet the Lord is proving him and shaping his character for something greater. Nevertheless, Joseph continues to use his gifts and talents to serve others. He is fruitful in the land of grief and pain! Finally, the Lord’s time for Joseph’s promotion arrives and he moves from the prison to the palace in order to save many lives.

Just when things seemed to be getting better for Joseph, he faced another trial as he was tempted with sex. However, Joseph knew what sin was, how it grieved God, and how he could not commit such an egregious act. The fear of God preserved him during this time as he fought to preserve his integrity. Despite all this, Joseph still lost as he was falsely accused and sent to prison. Yet, the Lord’s hand of blessing was still on Joseph’s life.

We all go through some form of rejection in our lives. It could be from family members, friends or at our work place. However, most have not endured what Joseph went through by being sold into slavery. Yet the Lord’s presence was always with Joseph working for Joseph’s good. In a similar way, the Lord is always with us, working all things together for good in the hardest and most painful situations of life.

As we reflect back on 2018, we may discover many unfulfilled dreams, unmet expectations, incomplete ambitions, and unsatisfied promises. We may wonder, when Lord, why Lord, what happened Lord, how come Lord, where are you Lord? It may seem that he is late but he is actually working behind the scenes and he is right on time so we should seize the wait! In the process we will realize that our faith will be tried, he knows our pain, and he is working out all things for his glory!

Joy is a theme that runs through the Christmas story. But what is joy? And how do we capture it for more than a couple of weeks in a year? The Christ child can make joy a reality even in difficult circumstances. Join us to discover how.

Jesus came into this world to bring us hope! We can see this hope displayed in the life of Simeon who met Jesus when Joseph & Mary brought Jesus to be dedicated. From Simeon’s experience with hope, we can discover that hope takes time, hope takes commitment, hope takes action, and hope takes faith.

While the angel proclaimed peace on earth at the birth of Jesus we see little of that evidenced today. Jesus, the Prince of Peace will presently touch our lives with peace and will ultimately bring et eternal peace.

Advent means “coming” and this is personified in the incarnation of love in the person of Jesus Christ. In John 1:14 we can see the five love languages demonstrated in Christ: the Word (words of affirmation) became flesh (physical touch) and made his dwelling among us (quality time). We have seen his glory (acts of service), the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father (gift giving), full of grace and truth.