The dim Advent Wreath candlelight fell on the pew where I sat reflecting on my faith journey. Since my mid 20’s I have stumbled along searching for spiritual fulfillment. My life changed on my pilgrimage to the Holy Land. With great anticipation I asked our leader, “What do I need to study in preparation for the trip?” He smiled and said, “Nothing. God will do the teaching.”
Walk with me as my relationship grows with Jesus. Eleven hours after leaving home, our flight landed in Israel. My heart pounded as I stepped onto the land God gave his people so many years before. This experience is when Jesus became more than just a character in the Bible to me. As we sailed across the Sea of Galilee, a place where Jesus performed so many miracles, I gazed across the lake in awe imagining Jesus walking on this very water. He not only calmed the sudden storm, but he also calmed the apostles’ fear!
Reflect on your relationship with Jesus. How has he calmed you during a storm in your life?
As I wandered through the ruins of Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry, I had a sense of His presence there. I was overwhelmed with emotion in the Garden of Gethsemane knowing He had prayed there. Jesus became real to me. The Son of God who offered his life for the forgiveness of my sins. My Savior!
Recall when you proclaimed Jesus as your Savior. Where were you? How did it change your life?
Now we are in the Advent Season preparing for Jesus’ birth. As we light each candle of the Advent Wreath may hope, peace, joy, and love come to you and your loved ones!
Prayer:
Lord, may we sense your presence in each moment and may you become ever more real to us this season. Thank you for loving us, for calming our fears, and for giving us joy. Amen.
