Tag: Advent

• What is your Song?

  Posted at 9:01 am by How the Light Gets In, on December 16, 2021

  What Is Your Song?

  Right this moment, where is your attention? Are you focused on checking off a gift list or preparing a holiday menu? Maybe you’re just pushing through to the end of exams or the work day. Wherever your gaze is, I’d like to hold your attention for a few moments on Jesus’ mother, Mary.

  Because I’m afraid if you look past Mary, you will miss a beautiful gift this Christmas.

  Let’s go straight to the stable the night Jesus was born. God is taking on human form and the first person He sees is Mary – his little eyes blinking open, adjusting to the light, taking in the darkness of her hair, the way her eyebrows frame her face. Jesus, God in human form, breathes in his first smells and it’s the scent of his momma that fills him. It’s her voice that will be the first sound our Savior hears as she says his name over and over – Jesus, Jesus. It’s her neck he’ll snuggle and her hold he’ll crave. When Emmanuel God with us, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty Warrior gets hungry; he’ll reach for her. 

  She is blessed among women. But to be “blessed” includes Mary watching her Son be hated, hunted down and hung on a cross. Mary shows us to be blessed is a BOTH/AND situation. A blessing can feel wonderful and heavy. It can look painful and be full of joy. She shows us how to embrace it all – carrying scripture in her thoughts and treasuring it all in her heart, giving glory to God as she takes it one day at a time.

  “Blessed art thou among women.” Mary was and is greatly esteemed for her very important “Yes.” Her legacy teaches us how about the power of partnering with God. Her legacy shows us a position of gratitude shifts the ground we walk on.

  Mary quietly shows us that holding scripture in our hearts intimately weaves the stories we’re living out with those who have gone before us and the God who is with us.

  These words are known as “Mary’s Song” she said this to her cousin Elizabeth:

  My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

  Luke 1:46-56

  Mary’s song is powerful and eloquent and sweet. The backstory here is that Mary was using some of Hannah’s song from the Old Testament in her very own song. Listen to a piece of Hannah’s:

  My heart rejoices in the Lord;
      in the Lord my horn is lifted high.
  My mouth boasts over my enemies,
      for I delight in your deliverance.

  ² “There is no one holy like the Lord;
      there is no one besides you;
      there is no Rock like our God.

  1 Samuel 2:1-2

  You’ve heard Mary’s song. You’ve heard Hannah’s song. But I wonder what Beth’s song sounds like? Meredith what are your lyrics? Melanie, Isabella, Keyne, Annette, Katherine, Madeline, Kathy, Taylor, Allie, Patty, Kate, Angela, Elsa, Erin, Lauren, Lucy, Rachel, Brittany, Angie, Nicka, Kristin, Becky, Lily, Avery, Diane, Amy, Janis, Mallory, Anoush, Renee, Colleen, Kellie, Josie, Mia, Robyn, Christa, Leah, Anna, Hadley, Ann Stuart, Paige, Riley, Leanna, Arezu, Juliet, Jasmin, Emili, Zareen, Barb, Audrey, Susan, Carrie, Jenna, Dana, Kim, Leslie, Tristen, Jessie, Laura, Grace, Kay, Jill, Peggy, Carin, Anita, Marissa, Courtney, Dawn, Criste, Jodi, Silvia, Shawn, Lori, Stacey, McKenzie-

  SING YOUR SONG!

  Shout for joy, daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, Israel! 

  Be glad and exult with all your heart, daughter Jerusalem!

  The LORD has removed the judgment against you, 

  he has turned away your enemies. 

  The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, 

  you have no further misfortune to fear.

  On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: 

  Do not fear, Zion, do not be discouraged. 

  The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior, 

  who will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, 

  who will sing joyfully because of you.

  Zephaniah 3:14-17

  Because of you, God is singing.

  Why are you singing this Christmas? Are you singing at all? Are you aware of what God has done for you? Can you feel Jesus making a new way in your life somewhere? Borrow some of the these phrases if you need to but take a little time to hear and understand Mary’s song. Then, discover your treasures, recognize your burdens, feel the weight of your blessedness and SING.

  Posted in DECEMBER 2021, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged 1 Samuel 2:1-2, Advent, Blessed, Christmas, How the Light Gets In, Jesus, Luke 1:45-56, Mary, Mary's Song, Song, Zephaniah 3:14-17

• Day 28: Introducing

  Posted at 9:01 am by How the Light Gets In, on November 28, 2020

  I feel ready now. You should too. For 27 days, we’ve been looking for how the light gets in. Our hearts and minds and eyes and ears have all been in training for the next step. And it starts tomorrow.

  Advent means “the arrival of a notable person, thing or event.” In other words, Advent is INTRODUCING the light.

  INTRODUCING

  Jesus.

  All along, the sunbursts, sunsets, candle glows, light switches; the way we looked for them and found them or they found us and were dependable and beautiful and magical and powerful and small and overwhelmingly huge – it was always leading us to Jesus.

  Advent is about honoring the God made man, King born as a baby. Advent tells us about the star in the night sky signaling to 3 wise men where to find the King of Kings. And when they followed it, they found their way through the dark and doubt to a manger revealing Jesus. Their story alone about following their heart and ancient writings reminding us that faith is more than a tradition but action too. Advent is a time for reflecting on how you’ve seen light these past few weeks and to keep that going. It takes 21 days to make a habit, we just went beyond that together. So, if you need to see more than a changing in your patterns, if you need a transformation; you can start now. This is the time of year to remember those words, “God so loved YOU that He sent His only Son.” It wasn’t enough that God would be an Old Testament tale, He sent Jesus for us. And he promises us to go ahead of us, surrounding us in our pasts, present and futures. We are human beings and life offers many ways to break us, doesn’t it? Those stories in the Gospels of Jesus healing hurt and broken people are true. He didn’t stop there. I am living testimony to that. He isn’t done. Jesus is the Peace filtering through the noise of the world with truth. The story of Jesus goes beyond the pages of an old book, spreading love for all. Cable networks pack on layer upon layer of lies, wrapped in their own spin. We are living in a culture determined to spread misinformation and cancel anything and everything. Why not use this season to turn the tv off for a bit and read through the story of Jesus? Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all offer their own perspective. Allow the details and differences to be an unveiling of the connection He wants with you. Through this month, together we’ve seen God’s word distinguishing, challenging and nourishing our hearts. To think that the same God who pushed up mountains and knows every star by name didn’t arrive in a robe, surrounded by lights, wielding a scepter but would come to save us through an unassuming baby… I mean. It’s that kind of gentle power I want leading my life. Do you remember my “banana butt” story? Our God is so old and powerful and real and here that He sees every detail of your life and mine, delighting in them to dazzle us. Jesus is God’s way of reaching us on this Earth. Jesus was both human and God. He came to give us an example of how to live. It is our holy obligation to keep shining His truth and light for ALL to see and feel welcome. You are made in God’s image. Therefore, if He is light, you are light. Do you know that? Do you own that? That should make you stand taller knowing you bear the image of a beautiful, spectacular God. So, image-bearer, use this time to read and hear more of God’s word for you, about you, over you. It’s time for your heart to start thumping with the reviving knowledge of who your God is. If this time of year is heavy for you, a friendship with Jesus might be just the comforting you need. Jesus is a master of holding space for you; only stepping in when you want, asking good questions and praying for you all the while. There is a calling for you to come closer. Jesus, the Light of the world, is beckoning for your heart. Can you hear Him? If it feels stunning, sit with it. Take a deep breath and let it all sink in, igniting the fire you were born to share. My gosh.

  Allow me to introduce Jesus.

  Blessing, Teaching, Listening, Loving, Defeating, Healing, Inspiring, LIVING

  Jesus.

  Posted in November 2020, Uncategorized | 1 Comment | Tagged Advent, Beckoning, Challenging, Changing, Comforting, Delighting, Distinguishing, Filtering, healing, Holding Space, HONORING, How the Light Gets In, Igniting, introducing, Jesus, leading, Light, Nourishing, Reaching, Reflecting, reminding, Revealing, Reviving, Shining, signaling, Spreading, Stunning, surrounding, Unassuming, Unveiling

• CHRISTMAS – Day 25

  Posted at 2:09 pm by How the Light Gets In, on December 25, 2019

  Merry Christmas

  You did it. WE did it! Hooray for us! 24 days of reading God’s word. 24 days of devoting a little time to learning God’s voice. I’m so proud of you and me!

  Take a moment to scroll all the way back to Day One. Grab a piece of paper and a pencil and jot down the websites, books, Instagram accounts, Music, Photography, Email subscriptions, Apps, Artists, Podcasts, Places, People, Recipes.

  Then, take note of what struck you most – was it the beauty, the pain, the encouragement, the community?

  Finally, we should list all the scripture from the posts. The Bible still blows my mind with all those words written so long ago and somehow still very alive and so powerful.

  You know what ALLLLL this tells me?

  GOD

  WILL

  STOP

  AT

  NOTHING.

  God will stop at nothing to get YOUR attention.

  These 24 days have just been a glimpse of how relentless God is trying to grab your attention.

  Christmas gives us the sweetest example of this. Immanuel is God with us.

  Jesus IS God with us.

  But wait, the story doesn’t end here. There’s Good News! Jesus wasn’t just born, end of story. Jesus lived a life full of friendship and story telling and healing and teaching and loving. There’s more to learn. Jesus didn’t just live for you and me. He also died for you and me.

  Today we celebrate His birth but there’s so much more.

  And hey, if you’re reading this you’re alive too which means God’s not done with you. Your story with Him might just be beginning. Or maybe you go way back. Either way, keep walking with Jesus. Read His Word. Learn His voice. Look for Him.

  Remember how we started this journey with Gods word as a “lamp for our feet”? Today let’s celebrate because the light is here. Jesus – God with us – is here “to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:79)

  Thank you for being with me this Advent. You have made it so special for me.

  One last song Reckless Love

  Posted in DECEMBER 2019 | 0 Comments | Tagged 1 John 1:5, 1 John 1:5-7, 1 John 5:14, 1 Peter 2:9, 1 Peter 5:6, 100 Days to Brave, 2 Corinthians 1:6-7, 2 Kings 20, Acts 2:28, Advent, Ann Voskamp, Annie F Downs, Christmas, Church of the Nativity, Colossians 1:9-10, Cory Asbury, Elevation Worship, Ephesians 5:13, Exodus 33:14, Genesis 28:15, Hooray, How the Light Gets In, Isaiah 40:3-5, Isaiah 43:18-19, Jenna Mace Photography, Jesus, Jesus Calling, Job 42:5, John 11:38, Joshua 1:9, Journal, Luke 1:3-4, Luke 1:79, Matthew 14:13-21, Matthew 28:66, Psalm 119:105, Psalm 16:11, Psalm 27:14, Romans 15:13, Romans 15:4-5, Wonder, Zephaniah 3:17

• Day 24

  Posted at 2:19 pm by How the Light Gets In, on December 24, 2019

  This song strings together all the words of promise and hope born tonight in Jesus. It might be my new favorite Christmas song.

  Enjoy: HERE COMES HEAVEN

  “Children, weep no more
  Hope is on the horizon
  Weary world behold
  Your promised Messiah

  Angels, let your song begin
  Here comes Heaven
  Christ is born in Bethlehem
  Here comes Heaven

  Sinner, wait no more
  Love has broken the silence
  Come let us adore
  The Savior is with us

  Angels, let your song begin
  Here comes Heaven
  Christ is born in Bethlehem
  Here comes Heaven
  Here comes Heaven

  Now, behold His glory
  Glory in the highest
  All the earth rejoice for Christ is born
  Now, behold His glory
  Glory in the highest
  All the earth rejoice for Christ is born

  Over all who mourn
  Breaks the dawn of salvation…”
  Posted in DECEMBER 2019, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged Advent, Elevation Worship, Here Comes Heaven, How the Light Gets In, Jesus

• Day 23

  Posted at 9:44 am by How the Light Gets In, on December 23, 2019

  In all my years of parenting, you know something that still makes me tilt my head to the side, scrunch my eyebrows together in wonder and just nod? How a kid who gets raving comments on his/her report card can ALSO be the kid who rages in the pantry over my “terrible” grocery choices. Or how the same kid who skips off the school bus can transform into a punk the moment they step foot IN the house.

  “You should feel good about it. It actually means they trust mommy that much that no matter what you’ll still love them.” How many times did I hear that? Did it comfort me? Imagine me now and you’ll know the answer- chin to my chest, eyebrows raised and a smirk across my face.

  

  They trust me enough to dissolve into grumpy messes? Yes, yes they do. And yes, I still love them (sometimes I may hide but I still love them).

  What in the world does this have to do with Advent?

  HOPE.

  The “Thrill of Hope“- we all long for it a little extra right now. If you were to look up the definition, you would see Hope is not just an expectation but also “a feeling of trust.”

  2016…I’ll never forget Dr. Collins telling me and Joseph to head straight to the ER so Joseph could have a spinal tap. We nodded, gathered our things and left her office in silence. But just as we got to the car, we raged. Literally. We kicked the tires, screamed, cried and then hugged. Joseph looked up and yelled, “God do you even see me? I’m sick and I’m scared. Do you even know?” Watching my little boy trust God enough to get angry and ask questions felt like Hope in action – full, innocent and sincere trust.

  Kids teach us an important lesson in what trust looks like, don’t they? Open handed, open hearted, guard down trust. And sometimes it gets messy. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not stop them because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:14

  

  Advent is a season of HOPE when you trust God does hear you, God does love you. His love is so big He can handle your good, your bad and your ugly. If God feels too distant for you, look to Jesus and look to the children.

  So, listen up punk, we’re on the last few steps of our journey through Advent together.

  For Day 23, I’m hoping you to step into your mess, open your hands and your heart and trust God, wait for Him and let Hope thrill your weary soul.

  Posted in DECEMBER 2019, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged Advent, HOPE, How the Light Gets In, Jenna Mace Photography, Jesus, Matthew 19:14, TRUST

• Day 22

  Posted at 3:42 pm by How the Light Gets In, on December 22, 2019

  Just some words and thoughts on who Jesus is to me.

  • The gift
  • The promise
  • The hope
  • The remedy
  • The ask
  • The directive
  • The answer

  He gave up His place with God and made himself nothing. He was born a man and became like a servant. Philippians 2:7

  You didn’t choose me but I chose you and appointed you that you should go bear fruit. -John 15:16

  For God so loved Y O U that He sent his beloved Son. -John 3:16

  This I command you that you should LOVE one another. -John 15:17

  God’s love is the Greatest Gift. The Greatest Gift is Jesus.

  I pray you accept the Gift, the Promise, the Joy, the Remedy, the Ask, the Directive, the Answer in Jesus.

  “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

  Mark 5:36

  Love, Jesus

  Posted in DECEMBER 2019 | 0 Comments | Tagged Advent, How the Light Gets In, Jesus, John 3:16, Love, Mark 5:36, Philippians 2:7

• Day 21

  Posted at 6:55 pm by How the Light Gets In, on December 21, 2019

  Start Clapping. The music has started.

  Watoto Children’s Choir

  Look. It’s your turn to jump in. The children are dancing!

  

  This is a celebration in anticipation of Jesus’ birth wrapped in culture from all over the globe. And YOU are invited!

  “The Advent Project” is a curated journey towards Jesus through Art and Poetry and Music and Scripture and Prayer.

  Have a look: The Advent Project – Biola University

  Prayer from “The Advent Project” Day 21

  Gentle me,

  Holy One,

  into an unclenched moment,

  a deep breath,

  a letting go

  of heavy expectancies,

  of shriveling anxieties,

  of dead certainties,

  that, softened by the silence,

  surrounded by the light,

  and open to the mystery.

  I may be found by wholeness,

  upheld by the unfathomable,

  entranced by the simple,

  and filled with the joy

  that is You.     

  Posted in DECEMBER 2019 | 0 Comments | Tagged Advent, Biola University, Emil Nolde, How the Light Gets In

• Day 20

  Posted at 11:21 am by How the Light Gets In, on December 20, 2019

  Dear Friend,

  I’ve lived long enough and through enough to tell you my pain goes deeper and wider than any of the scars on my body. The unseen scars, I believe, hurt the worst. 

  Every day, I feel braver and closer to sharing my story with you. 

  But I’m not yet. 

  Katherine Wolf is beyond brave enough; so let’s meet her.

  As 22 year old, fresh newlyweds, Katherine & her husband, Jay, were living in LA. Jay was pursuing a law degree. Katherine was modeling. Sounds pretty great, right? The couple had a son.

  

  But just 6 months later, Katherine suffered a massive brain stem stroke. She shouldn’t be here. But she is. And Katherine is very much alive. Her story didn’t end because life exploded and left her in a wheel chair with facial paralysis and more. Her faith wasn’t lost in the midst either. Neither was her joy lost.

  

  But how? Katherine clings to God and reaches out to teach you and me how to suffer strong.

  Suffer strong. Makes me cry and makes me stand a little more upright.

  Katherine and her family live in hope and have made more room for God than bitterness (which is probably what I would have chosen).

  “God always comes alongside us to comfort us in every suffering so that we can come alongside those who are in any painful trial.” 
2 Corinthians 1:4

  Let the same God who made you, the ocean, the night sky come alongside you and help you through the hurt. But you have to let Him know what’s on your heart and sit with Him a bit too.

  “I will give you the treasures of darkness.”
Isaiah 45:3

  There are treasures to be found. It’s not easy work but if I can do it, you can too. Just because you’ve given up on God doesn’t mean He’s given up on you. Just because you don’t hear Him doesn’t mean God isn’t trying to get your attention, to sit beside you and hold you close. Hope is a scary thing. I get it. But for today, I will be praying for you to reach for it. Reach for hope and believe there is more waiting for you.

  “Life defines us.

  Suffering redefines us.

  Hope refines us."

  ****You can follow Katherine and Jay on social media @hopeheals, read their books, listen to their podcast and support or attend their camp (see how much MORE there is!!!): Find links to it all on their website hopeheals

  Posted in DECEMBER 2019 | 0 Comments | Tagged 2 Corinthians 1:6-7, Advent, hopeheals, How the Light Gets In, Isaiah 45:3, Katherine Wolf, sufferstrong

• DAY 19

  Posted at 3:07 pm by How the Light Gets In, on December 19, 2019

  Watch this – Lamar Jackson & Jesus

  Interviewer: Blocking out the noise, you don’t listen to the good or the bad. Is there something or someone that keeps you humble that’s in your life?

  The Lord. The Lord. You know I give him all His praise, the glory, the honor because without Him I could have been doing anything. Its crazy… I be thinking about it, talking to Him throughout the day like ‘Man, I appreciate you. I thank you… Gotta keep it going and let the Lord know he’s number one.

  Lamar says he doesn’t listen to the good or the bad he says he just keeps thanking God for it all. Does Lamar know Colossians 2:7 “Let your roots grow down into him and let your lives be built in him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” I don’t know if he does but he is living it and speaking it.

  “Talking to Him throughout the day…” Blocking out the noise of the world to move step by step with a grateful heart to the God who gave you everything – THAT is a champions way to live.

  If you’ve been reading this blog then I HOPE you are learning God’s dream for you, His promises to you and His love in you. You are a light and you are made for more.

  Consider this a holy huddle in the locker room. Let’s get pumped. You know what to do.

  Get out there and be a light with a big, grateful heart. (Ephesians 5:8-9)

  “Gotta keep it going and let the Lord he’s number one.”

  Posted in DECEMBER 2019, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged Advent, Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 5:8-9, How the Light Gets In, Lamar Jackson

• Day 17

  Posted at 2:40 pm by How the Light Gets In, on December 17, 2019

  First the chocolate chips. What do you see?

  I see walking into Leah’s brand new kitchen. I don’t know what makes me happier, the rich smell of warm chocolate or watching three generations of women all in a circle fussing over the “Chocolate Chip Pie.” Here’s the recipe: try it and you’ll see what all the fuss is about.

  Chocolate Chip Pie

  Leah was my friend first. Then her daughter, Anna, and I became friends. I love Marleah (momma to Leah and grandmother to Anna) because how can you not? The gift of Leah and Anna in my life wrapped in a chocolate chip pie… they’re one of the sweetest of my life’s gifts. That God would love me enough to give me friends like mine feels extravagant.

  Next, the Chili Sauce. What do you see?

  I feel hospitality and family all in that Heinz bottle. The other day, Criste posted a picture of 3 ingredient Cocktail Meatballs that remind her of her mom. Criste is the queen of cozy and loves her people fiercely. This simple recipe reminds me of her heart.

  Carrots – you see where we’re going right?

  A few years ago, my sister Angela shared a recipe from her mother-in-law called, “Harvest Soup.” I haven’t stopped making it or sharing it. It tastes as honest and direct as the recipe. It reminds me of the honest and direct love of my sister. Here’s the recipe (we’ve adapted for our lactose free fam.)

  

  God is all around you.

  He is constantly inviting you to see Him and know His love for you. Sometimes that invitation looks like chocolate chips, carrots and a jar of Heinz Chili Sauce.

  Look, smell, feel, hear and listen your way to God today.

  Psalm 34:8 puts the invitation out there: Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. See! The invitation has been waiting for you for ages.

  This Holiday season as your senses are on overload; I encourage you to say yes to God’s extravagant invitation for you.

  Posted in DECEMBER 2019 | 2 Comments | Tagged Advent, How the Light Gets In, Psalm 34:8, Taste and See