Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. Once I had children, it was even more exciting as I watched their anticipation for Christmas morning and then the thrill of opening gifts. But Christmas can also be busy, stressful, lonely, depressing, and disappointing. We attempt to juggle the demands of work, crunch pennies in the budget to buy one more gift after the credit card is maxed out, spend hours wrapping gifts that will be unwrapped in minutes, stand in long lines to ship gifts to friends and family, cook Christmas dinner, and maybe even have to drive for hours – or deal with airport to fly to family for the holidays. We get exhausted and then everything seems worse than it is. For some, it’s lonely because a loved one passed away or because they’re in a nursing home and family don’t even bother to come by. Christmas can be both a thrill of hope – and a case of holiday blues depending on your life circumstances. So how, then, if Christ’s birth brings hope do we find the thrill in that hope even when we’re exhausted, lonely, distracted, or even depressed? Where is the thrill of hope that makes the weary world rejoice?

The very concept of hope is that no matter how difficult life gets, there is a reason to keep looking up. Hope is the light that shatters the darkness when life is hard. Hope is what gives us joy and purpose when we think we’re sinking. Hope is what gets us out of the boat so we can walk on water. Hope is what gets us to the other side of the Red Sea. Hope is what gives us eternal life through faith in Christ.

If you’re struggling with finding the thrill of hope that makes the weary world rejoice, here are some scriptures to meditate on:

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is the assurance and the conviction that what we hope for will come to pass. The deeper our faith, the more our hope is built on the assurance and solid rock of the promises of God. When we are standing on the solid rock of Christ, we can have the blessed assurance of hope. You don’t have to see it to believe. It isn’t dependent upon how you feel in this moment. It isn’t dependent on how good you are. In fact, our hope in Christ isn’t dependent upon anything we can do. The reason we can have faith, assurance, and conviction of things we’ve not yet seen is because of Jesus. He did all the work of redemption for us. He left His throne in heaven. He came into our world as a baby. He stood in our place and became the sacrifice and payment for our sin. He died and rose again so that we can have the hope of eternal life and fellowship with God. We can hope, regardless of life’s circumstance or how we feel, because Jesus is our hope.

We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance brings about proven character; and proven character brings about hope; and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5).  Can you think of a time when you really hoped something would happen (or maybe you hoped it wouldn’t happen) but the chances were slim – like it would take a miracle for it to turn out the way you want it to? What do you say in those moments? “I don’t want to get my hopes up.” The higher we get our hope – the harder we fall when it doesn’t (or does) happen. But Paul says in this verse that we have have a hope that does not disappoint. The problem is how we view hope. We see it as a wish that comes true. But God isn’t a genie or a fairy god-father with a magic wand. Max Lucado describes hope this way: “It is a zany, unpredictable dependence on a God who loves to surprise us out of our socks and be there in the flesh to see our reaction.” (God Came Near, page 89). A thrill of hope requires dependence on God and no one else – including ourselves.

But why does hope exist in the first place? Hope is always born out of hopelessness. If our situation wasn’t hopeless, then we would need hope. Our hopeless situation is that without Christ, we are dead and lost in our sin. Without Christ there is no hope for fallen, sinful humanity to ever have a relationship with God. Without Christ we have a surety of an eternity in Hell. But the birth of Christ brought us hope and Christ is the thrill of that hope. Just as the angel lit up the night sky to announce Jesus’ birth and the angelic choir burst through the quietness of the night, so Jesus – the Light of the World – lights up the darkness of our lost souls and bursts through our hopelessness with the joy of abundant life we have in Him as our Savior.

What is the thrill of hope? Ask Abraham who received the promise of a son in his old age. Ask Noah who survived the flood and started the human race over again. Ask Moses who parted the Red Sea. Ask the Children of Israel who walk through the Red Sea on dry ground. Ask Joshua who watched the walls of Jericho fall and all they had to do was march around it and blow on horns. Ask Daniel who spent the night with pre-incarnate Jesus in a den of lions without one single scratch. Ask his three friends, Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego who went into the fiery furnace but when the king looked, there were four – not three – men waling around in the flames, unharmed, unburned, and not even their clothing were singed. Ask Mary who was told by an angel that she would be the mother of the son of God while still a virgin. Ask the thief on the cross who Jesus promised would be in paradise with Him. In every one of these – the thrill of hope is Jesus. He’s the reason we have hope. The reason we can rejoice when we’re weary.  From the moment God promised Adam and Eve in the garden a way of redemption, to the angels announcing His birth to the shepherds in a field outside of Bethlehem, the thrill of hope is Jesus. 

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We hope you have a holly, jolly Christmas this year – and to help you celebrate, here is the another one of our Christmas designs:

Now available in the Teespring store and the Spreadshirt Store.

Product Description:

Christmas trees in red buffalo plaid, reindeer pattern, and red/gray/white plaid with message of “Merry Christmas.”

This design comes in men’s, ladies’, kids’, and infants’ in tees, long-sleeved tees, sweatshirts, and hoodies. There are also several accessories, including mugs, bags, pillow covers, and more. Visit the stores to see all the options. Remember Spreadshirt’s 15% off all products ends December 1. 

Do you like this design? If so, please share this page to your social media using the links at the top of the page so others can find it too. 

 #Christmas #Christmastrees #plaidandraindeer 

Thank you for helping us grow!

Click here to view the Teespring store. 

Click here to view the Spreadshop Store 

#fundraiser #tshirt #WCM #teespring #spreadshop #Christmas

All profits from these shops help support the work of this ministry. Thank you for supporting us. You can also support us with a year-end, tax-deductible contribution through Fundly. See the link below and thank you for helping us grow. 

Become a distributor of Living Water with us by joining our fundraising campaign as we grow and expand our ministry. Click here to make your secure tax-deductible contribution.

BOOKING NOW! Be a host site for the NEW God, Love & Marshmallow Wars Book Tour & Couples Conference:

This event helps couples understand why the daily activities found in the book will equip them to build a stronger marriage and the book provides them with 365 intentional activities to take what they learn at the event and apply it on a daily basis. Through the event, couples will discover the Biblical “why” behind the categories of activities found in the book and the “how” these activities are important to building a stronger marriage. Focus points of the event includes :

• How memorizing scripture together and studying God’s Word together as they study, meditate and apply scriptures related to marriage and life issues will help them develop marriages that honor God.
• Why utilizing fun conversation starters that spark meaningful conversations will keep interest alive as they continually learn new things about each other.
• Why keeping romance alive is essential to intimacy and connectivity.
• How making memories and working together builds relationship investment bonds and how these investment bonds can become the knots that keeps them together through the tough times.
• How they can understand what they are or are not contributing to the marriage as well as how they might be contributing to problems or potential problems within the relationship through the use of targeted, intentional personal reflections
• Why it is important that couples never stop dating and how group dates with Christian friends can be both an encouragement and accountability to their own relationship.

During the event, couples will be given an activity from each focus point to do together, making this event an interactive, fun, and engaging event with practical, hands-on learning. Unlike other couple events that are over when the event ends, couples who attend the GLMW event will be able to apply what they learn when utilizing the book on a daily basis for a year. Since the book is not dated, couples are able to reuse the activities year after year to continue being intentional in strengthening their relationship with each other and with God as they strive to live out God’s design for marriage every day.

Learn more about hosting this event at your church or conference site by clicking here.

About the book: The GLMW book contains 365 daily challenges for couples to strengthen their relationships to each other and with God. Couples will complete activities such as Scripture memory, conversation starters, relationship builders, learning about Biblical marriage, romance builders, personal reflections, and date ideas. Click here to purchase your copy. (This link will open a new widow and take you to Westbow Press’ bookstore.) It is also available at Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble

#GLMW #couplesevent #GLMWbook #intentionalmarriage #Godlymarriage

Looking for a keynote speaker for your next ministry event? Julia is now booking for 2019 and 2020 Christian events for women’s and couples’ ministries for both small and large events.
Book with us now.

Julia is CEO of Wellspring Christian Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people and couples develop a passionate relationship with God. A public speaker, conference trainer, event planner, and blog writer, Julia is a two-time graduate from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor in Psychology and a masters in Professional Counseling. Saved as a child and raised in church and in a Christian home and private Christian School as a Pastor’s kid, Julia has taught Sunday school, led music, played the piano, served as Children’s Director, and engaged her gifts in many other areas of church life. Previously employed with the Florida Baptist Convention, Julia organized events and led conferences for church ministry assistants. Today, Julia enjoys sharing her journey as a growing Christian with others looking for a deeper connection with God. Through Bible study and her own life experiences, God has given Julia a passion to help couples understand God’s design for marriage while they learn to place God first in their marriage, cultivate meaningful relationships, build intimacy, and address the tougher issues that come in every marriage so that they can experience a marriage that honors and glorifies God. Julia also loves mentoring, teaching, and working with women to help them learn to live as Godly women.

With her history and experience growing up in both small and large churches, Julia enjoys bringing top level quality events to churches of all sizes. Her father largely pastored small churches and therefore she understands that these vital parts of the believing community need to be good stewards of the resources God provides them with. This knowledge inspires her passion for being available with a fresh perspective for those who want to provide their congregations with meaningful spiritual growth opportunities, regardless of size.

To request more information or a booking, 
fill out the online form here.

Or call us at 904.524.8073

#JuliaBruce #speaker #keynote #author

Christmas Items at Christian Book Distributors:

Here are a sample of items from CBD. We are an affiliate of CBD and receive an 8% commission on any product you purchase through these links which we then use to advance our ministry. If you need a Christian gift or looking for Christian Christmas decorations, go to CBD through any link below and search their website for books, Bibles, gifts, decor, and more.

Expecting Christmas: Daily Readings for the Season of Joy By Iron Stream Media Ever wonder what could happen this Christmas if you were truly centered on Christ’s coming? Immerse yourself in this series of devotional readings to help fix your heart on the Savior. Encounter joy as the real reason for the hope within us that comes to fruition, and celebrate his birth anew! Reflection questions included. 127 pages, 4″ x 6.25″ softcover from New Hope.

Nativity Advent Wreath By Wendy Wiinanen / Demdaco Christmas Journey Collection Advent wreath in earthenware, 8″ x 2.5″ with space for four taper candles Christmas Scripture quote is displayed in the center “I am the light of the world. John 8:12” Space in the center if you wish to add a pillar candle Please purchase candles separately since they are not included Explore the biblical story of Christmas with your family and guests as you light the candles each week of Advent Molded relief design in dimensional detail shows the Nativity scene in amazing detail Please be aware this should be washed by hand only Christmas and table Designed by artist WWendy Wiinanen

Foundations, Holy Family LED Figure Figurine By Karen Hahn / Enesco Corporation Holy Family figurine is designed by Karen Hahn for her Foundations Collection One-piece figurine of Joseph and Mary embracing the Christ child Crafted of smooth stone resin in gentle pastels Lavishly embellished with textured fabrics, crystal trims, linen texture, and intricate details Note the loving expressions as Joseph and Mary share this sweet moment together with the newborn Savior Christmas star casts a soft glow over them, illuminated with soft white LED lighting. Figurine is just over 10″ tall; button cell battery is included An heirloom quality keepsake Christmas figurine to treasure

Lighted Silhouette Nativity Wreath White wood nativity wreath with LED lighting, layered dimensional design Intricate laser cut border of snowflakes and stars The soft LED string of lights inside casts just the right amount of glow to showcase the Holy Family and Christmas star in silhouette Wreath is lightweight and easy to hang; operates on three AA batteries which are not included. 12″ diameter x 1″ A unique Christmas accent; above your mantell, on your door; at home or at church

O Holy Night, Lighted Ceramic Decoration Tabletop ceramic Christmas decoration, LED star, with gold lettered sentiment O Holy Night Star with five diamond openings to let the light shine through. 3.75″ x 3.75″; operates on two button-cell batteries which are included. On/off switch on the bottom Creamy ceramic in glossy finish; small space decor; tabletop, shelf, or mantel – a light-up accent; Christian Christmas

The Case for Christmas: A Journalist Investigates the Identity of the Child in the Manger By Lee Strobel / Zondervan Who was in the manger that first Christmas morning? Some say he would become a great moral leader. Others, a social critic. Still others view Jesus as a profound philosopher, a rabbi, a feminist, a prophet, and more. Many are convinced he was the divine Son of God. Who was he really? And how can you know for sure? Consulting experts on the Bible, archaeology, and messianic prophecy, award-winning legal journalist Lee Strobel searches out the true identity of the child in the manger. If Jesus really was God in the flesh, then there ought to be credible evidence, including: Eyewitness Evidence – Can the biographies of Jesus be trusted? Scientific Evidence – What does archaeology reveal? Profile Evidence – Did Jesus fulfill the attributes of God? Fingerprint Evidence – Did Jesus uniquely match the identity of the Messiah? The Case for Christmas invites readers to consider why Christmas matters in the first place. Somewhere beyond the traditions of the holiday lies the truth. This little book is perfect as a gift or for use in ministry during the Christmas season or any other time of the year.

A Baxter Family Christmas By Karen Kingsbury / Howard Books The Baxters always spend Christmas together. Each family member struggles with their father’s decision to invite the new owner of their sister’s heart to such a joyous occasion. They may miss out if they choose not to go. Forgiveness doesn’t come easy when it’s yourself you must forgive.

Maggie’s Christmas Miracle, DVD By Karen Kingsbury / Hallmark A single mom, Maggie tries to balance devotion to her son, Jordan, with her career. Then she meets Casey, a tutor who’s becoming more of a father figure to Jordan. With the help of faith and fate, will Maggie discover that anything is possible at Christmas—even finding happiness and love again? Based on the novel by Karen Kingsbury. English subtitles. Closed-captioned. Approx. 85 minutes.

Real Life Nativity Set, Complete Collection, 10.25-inch size Traditional and elegant Real Life Nativity Complete set is truly lifelike in color, design, facial expression, and detail. Set includes 15 figures and lighted stable; figures range to 10.25″ tall.Mary kneels in loving adoration beside the Christ child and Joseph’s expression reflects love and joy. The baby Jesus can be held in Mary’s arms or swaddled in the manger. Kneeling Mary figure is 6″ tall; manger is 2.5″ high and baby Jesus figure is 2.75″ long. Also included: shepherds and angel three-piece set, three kings with gifts of gold,frankincense, and myrrh; pedestal star; four animalsand lighted stable in which to display the Nativity Scene. Crafted of resin, museum quality, heirloom nativity set in representation of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Foundations, Nativity with Creche Set Foundations Collection by Karen Hahn Nativity Set with light-up stable and seven figures. The snow-trimmed roof of the stable is inscribed with Bible verse quote For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.Each figurine is inscribed with Bible verses of the Christmas story from the gospels.

Nativity Set, Sparkle Frost, 11 Pieces, 5 Inches Nativity Set 11 pieces, cast in resin, ranging to 5″ high.What makes this unique? Full color figures; rich detail on all garments and accessories; each piece is coated with a permanent sparkle frost finish. Set includes Holy Family, angel, three kings with gifts, and shepherd with sheep, plus three animals. In the joy of holiday celebrations and family get-togethers, it’s easy to overlook the true meaning of our Christmas. The nativity set turns us to the arrival of the promised Savior, the Messiah, Emmanuel. God with us. In vivid imagery and detail, we see the Christ child in a stable, the Savior of the world has come.

All is Calm All is Bright Pillow Decorator Christmas pillow, 16″ x 16″ Lovely Christmas Collection by Lori Siebert Polyester fiber; panel inset with soft touch greenery design and artisan lettering all is calm. all is bright Wipe clean with damp cloth Soft green

Prince Of Peace Table Runner Prince of Peace Christmas table runner features chalkboard style design with Scripture verse in Christmas tree shaped typography. Cotton canvas runner; 12″ x 72″.His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, Price of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Foundations, Holy Family LED Figure Figurine Holy Family figurine is designed by Karen Hahn for her Foundations Collection One-piece figurine of Joseph and Mary embracing the Christ child Crafted of smooth stone resin in gentle pastels Lavishly embellished with textured fabrics, crystal trims, linen texture, and intricate details Note the loving expressions as Joseph and Mary share this sweet moment together with the newborn Savior Christmas star casts a soft glow over them, illuminated with soft white LED lighting. Figurine is just over 10″ tall; button cell battery is included An heirloom quality keepsake Christmas figurine to treasure

The Wonder of the Greatest Gift–An Interactive Family Celebration of Advent A Family Advent Activity that can be used year after year! Reclaim the wonder of Christmas as you open up this book and watch the tree pop-up! Every day of December, open the enclosed booklet and read your daily love letter from The Greatest Story ever told, right from our beginning in Genesis to our King’s coming under Bethlehem’s star. Know that His love has always, always, always been coming for you! After the day’s reading, fling open the one of the 25 advent doors – and discover that day’s Biblical ornament to hang on your very own tree that will end up telling the grandest Gospel story, from the Beginning to Bethlehem! Features: Beautiful 360°, 14″ Pop-Up Tree Daily Family Devotional Booklet 24 Full-Color Ornaments Star-Shaped Tree Topper

Waiting Here for You: An Advent Journey of Hope By Louie Giglio / Thomas Nelson This year, anticipate the busy season of Advent and Christmas with hope rather than dread. Join Passion conference founder and pastor Louie Giglio as you take hold of God’s great promise embodied in the 24-day countdown to Christ’s birth. Discover that waiting is not wasting when you’re waiting on the Lord. You’ll come away with peace and encouragement for your soul! 112 pages, paperback.

Merry Christmas Platter Oval Merry Christmas platter with Bible verse quote from John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Creamy ivory ceramic platter is 12″ x 9″ with recessed center and raised beaded design border. A festive accent for your Christmas table or party, and on display it’s a timeless Christmas message of hope. Upscale font design; snowflake accent trim. Dishwasher and microwave safe. You’ll want one for yourself, and what a meaningful Christmas gift to give.

Merry Christmas Pallet Art Christmas wall art, pallet decor 17″ x 17.5″ Artisan font Merry Christmas surrounded by painted wreath of greenery and poinsettia Handcrafted in the heart of Amish country USA Authentic pine slats, kiln-dried Rustic, natural, complete with wood grain irregularities and knots; sure to add to your country Christmas look

Nativity Ornament Christmas ornament in elegant marquise shape, is crafted of wood and beautifully displays the true story of Christmas, the birth of Christ in museum quality artwork and design. 5″ x 3.25″, with quote from Isaiah 9:6 Wonderful, Counselor….Prince of Peace. Artwork by Jon McNaughton.Trim the tree, or give as a meaningful Christmas gift. Flat wood ornament with Scripture verse.

Merry Christmas Door Mat Seasonal doormat for Christmas Outdoor/indoor Thick, non-slip rubber backing 17″ x 29″ Polyester top; permanent print; fade and mildew-resistant Printed in the USA Poinsettia and greenery design Merry Christmas

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Confetti, Platter By Lori Siebert / Demdaco

Joy to the World Light Box By Carson Home Accents Add warmth to your room decor with plug-in light box framed design Box is 6″ x 7.5″ x 3″ Insert image is 5″ x 7″ approximately Electrical cord with handy on/off switch; includes 7-watt bulb Illuminated accent Seasonal Christmas theme Joy to the World with dazzling ornaments and gifts.

Fisher-Price Little People Nativity Set

Little hearts will love the Fisher-Price ® Little People ® Nativity Set! Engage your toddler in the joy of celebrating the true meaning of Christmas with their own nativity set, complete with chubby, child-friendly figures and all the key characters that bring to life the story of Baby Jesus’ birth.

Celebrate the joy of Christmas with family-friendly Fisher-Price Nativity, an interactive playset that focuses on the first Christmas. Colorful, durable Little People include figures of Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus, plus the Christmas angel, wise men, animals, accessories and a stable, with light-up Christmas star! Includes 18 pieces altogether. Push the sound button to hear Away in a Manger softly play. On/Off switch for sound and light is in the back; requires 3 AA batteries (not included).

Kids can enjoy assembling the characters and retelling the story all through December.

Trusted toy design from Fisher-Price to teach the best Christmas story ever, for children and toddlers, Sunday School and nursery, baby shower and early Christmas gift idea.

Recommended age for play is 12 months to 4 years.