Advent, coming to serve

Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

MARK 10:45, ESV

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“Christmas is about the coming of Christ into the world.

Open your heart to receive the best present imaginable: Jesus giving himself to die for you and to serve you all the rest of eternity. Receive this.

Turn away from self-help and sin. Become like little children. Trust him. Trust him. Trust him with your life.”

Excerpted from

The Dawning of Indestructible Joy

Daily Readings for Advent by John Piper

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Listen to a short introduction from Dr. John Piper here, where you can download a free digital copy.

Frederick Buechner

Frederick Buechner (pronounced BEEK-ner) was an American writer and theologian. He wrote thirty-nine published books as an important source of inspiration and learning for many readers.

His work encompasses many genres, including fiction, autobiography, essays, sermons, and other nonfiction. Buechner’s writing has often been praised for its ability to inspire readers to see the grace in their daily lives. He was 96 years old when he died in 2022.

A Crazy, Holy Grace: The Healing Power of Pain and Memory

“Frederick Buechner has grappled with the nature of pain, grief, and grace ever since his father committed suicide when Buechner was a young boy. He continued that search as a father when his daughter struggled with anorexia.

In this essential collection of essays, including one never before published, Frederick Buechner finds that the God who might seem so silent is ever near. He writes about what it means to be a steward of our pain, and about this grace from God that seems arbitrary and yet draws us to his holiness and care.

Finally he writes about the magic of memory and how it can close up the old wounds with the memories of past goodnesses and graces from God.”

(about the book from Amazon affiliate link)

Advent, giving in love

The meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this love. “God so loved . . .” And wonder of wonders, God gives this costly love to an undeserving world of sinners, like us.

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Author: Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me. View all posts by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.