4th Sunday in Advent, December 23, 2018 “JOY”

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 Romans 15:13 (NRSV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

JOY
 
In 2011, my mom and I were talking about her Friday morning bible study group and how much she loved each member. They have a small gift exchange at their meeting just before Christmas and she was having a hard time trying to come up with something. I suggested maybe a special bookmark. I could cross stitch the design and she could then sew something on the back. She really liked the idea and I found some bright jewel toned threads and decided the simplest way would be to do words. I chose ‘Hope’, ‘Peace’, ‘Love’, ‘Faith’ and ‘Joy’.
 
As I worked on each one, I prayed with each tiny crossed stitch that I made, to bless and keep the recipient in His Loving hands and hold them close to Him.
 
I worried that I wouldn't be able to complete the 12 that she needed by the time she would need them. However, I was laid off from my job and was able to complete them in time. I even was invited to join the group at their luncheon at Olive Garden. These were expressions of faith that I was able to share with them.
 
Since then I haven't done much counted cross stitching. I long to return to the joy and peace I would experience each time I worked on a project. It was very therapeutic and relaxing. I love the designs by a company called Stoney Creek based in Michigan as they quite often have a Christian theme to them.
 
I pray as you read this during this Holiday Season to take time to craft something. It will help relax you from all the commercial stress that comes during this time. And pray to our Heavenly Father as you work on your project to Bless you and those around you and to remember the real reason for the season - that tiny baby born in a manger!
 
Mea Pomaikai (Blessings in Hawaiian)
Barbara Barcus