An Unexpected Bloom
Sarah Freymuth
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a...
“And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.” Isaiah 45:3 (NLT)
“Love is patient, love is kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4a (NIV)
Eternal God, as I near the end of this year, I pause to give thanks for Your constant presence through every joy and trial. Help me to reflect with gratitude on the lessons I’ve learned and the ways I’ve grown, even in difficulty. Forgive my shortcomings, renew my spirit, and guide me into the new year with hope, courage, and trust in Your unfailing grace. May I finish this year well — at peace with others, faithful in heart, and ready to walk boldly into what You have prepared. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 (NIV)
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7 (ESV)
“… The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” Isaiah 7:14 (NLT)
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 (NIV)
“When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’ They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger.” Luke 2:15-16 (CSB)
Gracious God, on this fourth Sunday of Advent, we open our hearts in quiet expectation and love. As we draw near to the celebration of Christ’s birth, help us to welcome Him with faith and humility, like Mary did. Fill our homes and lives with Your peace, even as the world waits in longing. Let our love for others reflect the love You so freely give to us. We thank You for the gift of Immanuel — God with us — now and always. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a...
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1 (NIV)
“Noah was a righteous man, blameless among his contemporaries; Noah walked with God.” Genesis 6:9b (CSB)