Devotional Journal& the Message of Peace

This Second Sunday in Advent brings the message of Peace.

The Shalom Peace of God has come to the whole earth. The Hebrew word Shalom means far more than a cease-fire or peace of mind. It means complete wholeness, as God intended us to be. It includes health, safety, security, friendship, and salvation, being forgiven, and debts paid for. In essence, peace is the reality of hope for each of us and for the world.

Jesus, Yeshua, Messiah fulfilled the prophecy of peace when He said,

“The Spirit of Adonay Yahweh,The Almighty Sovereign Lord and Master,
is with me because Yahweh,The Ever-Present One,
has anointed me to deliver good news to humble people.
He has sent me to heal those who are broken hearted,
to announce that captives will be set free
and prisoners will be released.

Adapted from Isaiah 61:1 NOG

He has sent me to announce the year of Yahweh’s good will and the day our Elohim’s,
The All-Powerful Infinite Creator’s,
day of vengeance, to comfort all those who grieve.
He has sent me to provide for all those who grieve in Zion,
to give them beauty and crowns instead of ashes, the oil of joy,
instead of tears of grief, and clothes of praise instead of a spirit of weakness.

Adapted from Isaiah 61:2-3 NOG

Today, we celebrate and yearn for the Shalom of God to be birthed in our hearts, lives, community, and world. We are reminded that one night, nearly 2000 years ago, in the hills of Bethlehem, everything changed in a twinkling of an eye, when Heaven burst onto Earth.

“Shepherds were in the fields near Bethlehem.They were taking turns watching their flock during the night.An angel from the Lord suddenly appeared to them.The glory of the Lord filled the area with light, and they were terrified.The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid!I have good news for you, a message that will fill everyone with joy.Today your Savior, Christ the Lord, was born in David’s city.This is how you will recognize him:You will find an infant wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger. “

Suddenly, a large army of angels appeared with the angel. They were praising God by saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those who have his good will.”

(Luke 2:8-13 NOG)

[vc_column_text]This Advent season I'm participating in Mary Brack's "Advent Words 2018" devotional and creative response. You can find out all about it on her website: https://www.foundonbrighton.com/. The pages in this post are entries in my Advent 2019 journal.Mary has generously made a calendar list of words and Scripture, and includes a daily devotional sent to your Inbox when you sign up on her website. You can also join her facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wordschallengegroup/ and post your journal entries and responses there as we connect with one another. It's not too late to sign up and join in the anticipation and celebration of Christ coming to earth.Mary is one of three of us who host a Living Your Word of the Year Facebook Group. Bernice, Mary, and I are excited about 2019 and the new inspiration coming soon. Stay tuned!

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For art tips and information on my favorite supplies, click here.

Links to Posts about Word-of-the-Year & Everyday Journaling:" color="violet"][vc_column_text]Making an everyday, calendar journal in a Leuchtturm1917 or Moleskine journal: https://valeriesjodin.com/2017/12/calendar-everyday-journal/

Ideas for scroll and banner headings for theme pages in an everyday journal: https://valeriesjodin.com/2018/01/theme-headings-everyday-journal/

About exploring a word of the year: https://valeriesjodin.com/2016/01/my-word-and-shape-for-2016-flowing-out/

A surprise that led to an animal of the year: https://valeriesjodin.com/2016/01/surprise-animal-of-year-yes/"Why Journal? The Benefits of Journaling" 

In addition to the post contents, check out the comments. People have contributed great reasons for journal keeping. If you are seeking a Word for the year, you may find inspiration in the post "Listening for My Word of the Year."

Visit my Pinterest Board: https://www.pinterest.com/valeriesjodin/everyday-yearly-journals/

Bible Journaling often is another facet of exploring a word or theme. In the Bible Journaling with Stencils & More e-course, I walk through how I Bible journal, the process of study and techniques.

To find out more information check out: https://valeriesjodin.com/e-courses/