Peace and Hope
5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Romans 5:1-11
O Holy Night! The night of our dear Savior's birth. Through Him we shall have eternal life. This Christmastide I wish you all hope, peace and love born from faith that our Messiah lives and we wait joyfully for His return.
Hugs
Jane
PS: People have asked me why I always sign off with "hugs". Somewhere, a long, long time ago, I read what I thought was a Bible verse to greet your friends and enemies with an embrace. After a long search, I could find no such verse. But it's a good policy, I think. And besides, who doesn't need a hug?
lovely post and yes, I seem to remember that "greeting with an embrace" thing as well...if we both remember it--we must've read it in the Bible I would think? How is your weekend coming along?
ReplyDeleteThere's a verse about greeting with a Christian kiss, which I didn't know was in the Bible. Not that surprising, I have a very poor memory. Oh well, it's still a good policy!
DeleteWeekend is going great. Our village held it's annual Christmas doings; cookie walks, bazaars, and breakfast with Santa. And my guest are due to arrive today. So busy, but fun!
Hugs
Jane
Hugs is a very nice greeting! And so true, we hug in person why not sign it as such! Christmas Hope to you, Jane! Aren't Christmas carols beautiful! Hugs, Andrea
ReplyDeleteThis year I'm really trying to listen to the words in the carols, Andrea. The older ones are so inspirational. I was never brought up to greet anyone with a hug, my parents were very stoic and didn't believe in any "foolishness" as they called it, but I'm learning at my old age, it is OK to demonstrate your affection for your fellow man. Sometimes when I give someone a hug, they tell me thanks, no one has hugged them in years. How sad!
DeleteHugs
Jane
I remember hugs from my grandmothers mostly. I think maybe that is what a grandma is for! Hugs, Andrea
DeleteSounds like you had a wonderful grandma, Andrea! Mine was older and came from the Victorian mindset that children should be seen and not heard. I don't think she ever gave anyone a hug. Ha!
DeleteHugs
Jane
Now it is December I have added singing Christmas carols to our leisure/activity program at work. The words to so many of the older carols are indeed inspirational.
DeleteBusy week and I am just getting to spend time with you, Jane! Looks like a perfectly wonderful week! The decorations are lovely; the cookies are yummy; and you look quite ready for the holidays. I'm not. LOL When you're done, just slip on South, won't you??
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
as ever... m
We have Scott and Matt coming this week, then we'll travel down to Erik's house next weekend and get the presents shipped out to the NC contingency. Then I intend to put my feet up and hibernate for the next three months. You know the roads lead both North and South! Looks like we may get that white Christmas this year! Talk soon!
DeleteHugs
Jane
Such a good message -We have hope! Have a blessed day
ReplyDeleteVickie
I'm sure you do Vickie! It's reflected in your wonderful spirit.
DeleteHugs
Jane
I always sign off with 'hugs', too. (Family, mostly.)
ReplyDelete"Hope is always a guest at our table." Andrea Hairston
Have a fabulous day!
Thanks for the lovely quote, Debbie!
DeleteHugs
Jane
Lovely post, Jane. The Hope is what keeps me going.
ReplyDeleteAnd I reckon you can sign off any way you want being as it's your blog.
Hugs are kinda nice, I think.
Have a great week!
Toni
Thank you Toni! And thank you for all the encouragement.
DeleteHugs
Jane
Dear Jane,
ReplyDeleteI think "hugs" is sweet and warm. Probably better than "cheers" which is my bad habit. Makes me sound like a boozer. ;)
Thanks for all the lovely posts. I am living vicariously through them as Christmas is about blah this year for me, being so pressed for time all the time. Everything (like baking cookies) just seems impossible on top of all the regular to-do's. I keep reminding myself that it's still Advent so there is time for the "Spirit" to kick in.
Cheers,
Dana
Ha! I like cheers. Now, skoal, that would make you sound like a boozer.
DeleteI've had many years when the spirit just didn't hit me until the last moment. I'm aware that my time here on Earth is quickly passing, so I may not have that many Christmases in me, so I'm making a concerted effort to find the spirit. On the other hand I might live to be a hundred and have many many more Christmases. Either way time passes too quickly to squander it. Wish I lived close enough to you to bring you a platter of cookies. I so appreciate your sense of humor and blogging friendship!
Hugs
Jane