Joy does not come from outward circumstances; joy comes from what is inside you. You can be suffering, but still have joy. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. - Psalm 30:5 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. 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. Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)

With the Christmas season in full swing, take time to prepare your hearts in the same manner that people who lived long ago did - examine your heart and mind and your walk with God. Humbly do what God says, "Love God and love others." Just as John the Baptist cried out when Jesus walked the earth, do the same : "Prepare the way of the Lord!"

The first candle in the weeks of Advent is the Candle of Hope. It symbolizes faith that God will keep his promises to humanity. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin: adventus. It means "arrival" or "coming", particularly of something having great importance.

God has standards that will protect you from rolling around in the mud with pigs.His standards are not to bind you, they are to prosper you! God says, ‘You are always with me, and everything I have is yours.' You don’t have the right to judge…‘cause at the bottom of the cross, the ground is level!