Okay, this is the embarrassing part of the day where I realize I had not sent out my Advent devotion email. But before I get to that, I wanted to share some exciting news. My Pastor called me tonight and said that our church will match the money that I am able to raise for Graham and Danae Johnson, up to $1,000. HOW GREAT IS THAT? If you feel so led, there is a donation page on my website. Thank you to those who have already donation today. I have not told Graham about the matching funds. I think I will wait until next week to bless Graham and Danae with your generosity.

Now, for today’s words for Advent. The devotion below was written several weeks ago, but as I re-read it, how timely it is. I am amazed by God this day.

“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6

There are many words that describe the character of God and yet some times the simple ones can mean so very much. As I read these words from Isaiah I read them as they are written. No in-depth interpretation or analysis but then I went back and broke them down and really found that what I wanted to hear was “wonderful”. For this particular place I am at, that one word stood out as one I needed to hear.

So many times I want for God to be something specific to meet a need that I have at a given moment. Yes, I want to box God in. To say that at this moment I need God to be THIS. Yet what I should find myself doing, what I should find myself being, is delighting in the simplicity of a wonderful God. Among other things Merriam-Webster tells me wonderful can mean astonishing and amazing. Yeah! That’s what I want, every day. To be filled with God’s wonder. To be WONDER-FILLED. To be astonished and amazed by God.