December 2021 - Sherry Stahl

Month: December 2021

Christmas Message 2021

Merry Christmas!

It’s the day before we celebrate our Saviour’s Birth and I’m feeling more thankful for Jesus coming as a babe in the manger more than ever after doing a deep dive into Advent for the past month.

I hope you’ve been journeying along with me, but if not, I’ve provided links to everything below. Whether you like to read, watch or listen to your content… I’ve got you covered with blogs, devotions, recipes, radio & podcast episodes, Instagram Advent Talks, and a special Bible Study teaching, Christmas Crackers – Expecting Good Gifts From God! On Christmas Day, I have the final Advent Series episode Christ is Saviour of The World, with 3-time GMA Female Vocalist, Brooke Nicholls, talking about pursuing God and singing her newly released Christmas song.

There’s enough here to fill in your Christmas downtime for sure!

My prayer for you this Christmas comes from

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may OVERflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I’m wishing you and yours, a VERY Merry Christmas. Now, go grab some hot cocoa, your device of choice (maybe some headphones), and be inspired!

Watch The Christmas Bible Study

Christmas Crackers
Expecting Good Gifts From God

More Soul H2O Resources

Want a Refreshing Inbox?

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Episodes
Soul H2O Radio & Podcast
5 Advent Series Episodes from this year are at the top or search “Christmas” for past Christmas episodes.

Listen

On The Blog
Quality holiday time
Links to all the Christmas Soul H2O Devotions, posts, Radio & Podcast Episodes, Recipes, and more!

Christmas Soul H2O Devotions

Spotify
Christmas Playlist
Fill your house or car with hours of holiday cheer!

Listen

Social Media
Advent Talks on Instagram
Each recording is under 10 minutes of Advent info and inspiration.

Watch

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

DOWNLOAD THESE REFRESHING RESOURCES TO HELP QUENCH YOUR SPIRITUAL THIRST!

ENDNOTES

1. None This Week

WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED

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Peace… Lost in Translation
I didn’t grow up in a church that celebrated Advent. I’ve searched out What’s The Right Way To Celebrate Advent? and then did a post each week following the themes of Advent: HOPE, LOVE, JOY, PEACE, and then a special CHRISTMAS message from me.

Listen to the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Advent Series or the watch my Instagram Live Advent Series videos.

Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show: HOPE, LOVE, JOY, PEACE

Soul H2O Devotions/Posts: What’s The Right Way To Celebrate Advent?
Advent Themes Posts: HOPE, LOVE, JOY, PEACE, and a special CHRISTMAS message from me.

Instagram Lives: Wednesdays at 12-12:10pm EST in December

Soul H2O Devotion

Peace… Lost in Translation

My friend Claudia Raymundo only moved to Canada when she was about eight. Claudia is a certified translator and has worked on government projects to put English documents into Spanish or vice-versa. Even with all her training, when we’re talking, it seems there will always come a time when she’ll say, “Oh, how do you say this in English?” and sometimes she says there’s really no way to translate this word or phrase in English, so she paints me a picture with her words as to what it means.

Sometimes it’s just difficult to translate words from one language to another. And the word for peace in Isaiah 9:6 is one of those words.

Translating Peace

The English word translated peace here is Shalom in the original Hebrew. It truly is one of those “lost in translation” words. All of our Bibles translate this word to say peace but there really isn’t just one word that aptly defines it. The original word includes all of these definitions: well, happy, friendly; welfare, health, prosperity, peace, (good) health, peace(peaceable, peaceably), prosper(prosperity, prosperous), quiet, tranquillity, contentment, rest, safe(safety), salute, welfare, well, wholly. ¹

Do you see how translating shalom as “just” peace falls short of the original intent of what Isaiah was trying to convey? Jesus is the Prince of Peace but He came to bring much more than peace… much, much more. In our modern language I think holistically healthy and peaceful would be a better way to describe this little word Shalom.

Real Peace

In Luke 2:8-14 the angels proclaim to the shepherds how the Messiah would bring Peace on earth for all men, when they said: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” it wasn’t just some airy-fairy beauty pageant wish for “World Peace”, but a boots-to-the-ground, reality-ready, peace. That doesn’t mean you won’t have difficult circumstances, but that God’s presence, Emmanuel, God with us would bring peace in the midst of chaos, loneliness, and hurt.

Jesus knew what it was like to go through times where he faced complete distress. In the garden of Eden, before His crucifixion, Jesus was under so much anguish that he sweated drops of blood, which we know now is medically possible when someone is that stressed out. The issue isn’t that Jesus stressed this much but that He didn’t stay there.

Through prayer, Jesus released this toxic stress and put His faith in the Father, amidst the most difficult of circumstances. As you read the account of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, you don’t see a man in worry, fear, or distress… He seems unrealistically calm and peaceful, not allowing the difficulties of life to steal the peace in His heart and mind.

Jesus got to the place of peace through struggle, so he could fully become your Prince of Peace. Now, it’s time for you to apply that peace to your life.

Prayer

Father… Thank You for understanding my need for peace and sending your son .Jesus, I thank You for being willing to come down to this earth and suffer, to be my peace. I ask for your holistically healthy and peaceful presence to invade my mind, emotions, and physical body. Let your true shalom bring peace to every area of my life. In Jesus Name…Amen

Join Me Weekly For Advent Talks
Through The Themes of Advent
Every Wednesday at 12-12:10pm EST
on Instagram Live
December 1(Hope), 8(Love), 15 (Joy), 22(Peace)

Follow Sherry on Instagram

Verses to help fill up your well.
1. Isaiah 9:6

2. Luke 2:8-14

3. Ephesians 2:14

4. Colossians 1:20
Soul H2O Resources

*Are you a Christian woman struggling through a difficult situation, feeling alone, questioning God and yourself? Let me travel through the desert of your difficulty with you!

This course will help you grow to trust God with your heart and future, increase your freedom as you break unhealthy patterns, letting go of past or present hurts to trust your decision-making and believe in your value.

Want a Refreshing Inbox?

Get a FREE Soul H2O Book Sampler {and a coupon} when you Sign Up to Get the Soul H2O Devotions, Show Notifications, and updates from me!

Share With a Friend

#musicpic

#musicpic SONG: Light of the World by Lauren Daigle
Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/_cLhaZIBSpo

Soul H2O Spotify Playlist: Online
Soul H2O Spotify Playlist: Online | On App

Advent Series: Peace For The Holidays | EP #91

Peace For The Holidays is a part of the Advent Series on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Episode #91.

You can find the Show Notes at http://www.soulh2o.com/91

Splash Online Event

Childlike Faith Series – Christmas Crackers
Expecting Good Gifts From God

Watch the recorded Facebook LIVE!

Join us in the Soul H₂O Splash Facebook Group to watch the recorded live and be updated for the next live event.

Advent Inspiration for your Christmas Season

Devotions, Podcast Episodes, Recipes, Christmas Messages and more!
https://www.sherrystahl.com/advent-inspiration-for-your-christmas-season/

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

DOWNLOAD THESE REFRESHING RESOURCES TO HELP QUENCH YOUR SPIRITUAL THIRST!

ENDNOTES

1. Bible Hub Website Accessed: December 1, 2021 Definition of Peace https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7965.htm

WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED
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Why The Gospel Is Good News That Brings Joy
The third week of Advent is a special week and most everyone celebrates with a focus on JOY, along with a pinky-rose coloured candle.
An article in The Daily Press explained how, “The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, called Gaudete Sunday” which means “rejoice.” And what colour is as happy and joyful as the colour pink?
It’s not just a different candle that is lit during the third week of Advent, but there are different carols sung too, songs of joy fill churches.

Soul H2O Devotion

Why The Gospel Is Good News That Brings Joy
Pre-pandemic, you just never knew who would be at the Christmas dinner table. My family would often invite people in who didn’t have others to celebrate with and the Lord knows, we always have WAY MORE food than needed. It might be someone who was down and out on their luck or just people who didn’t have family nearby.
I think there’s great joy in knowing that Jesus came to set a seat at the table for anyone, not just a select few.
Take a look at your nativity set and actually think about the people surrounding the manger, along with all the others in the Christmas narratives recorded in Scripture.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!
Luke 2:10-11 NIV

First of all, there’s a baby. God could have chosen to come down as an adult but he didn’t. He chose to come down as baby. The gospel is for the youngest of the young. Next, there is Mary and Joseph, she’s a teen mom and he was just a young step dad.
The gospel is for the young.
The first people to hear about the good news of the savior coming to earth was actually Mary’s older cousin Elizabeth. When she found out, she was so excited. Elizabeth and her hubby Zechariah housed Mary for the first part of her pregnancy. They were probably in their 40s or 50s as Zechariah was still working… so the gospel is for middle-aged people too.
The gospel is for middle-aged people.
Anna and Simeon in the synagogue were seniors in their later years, waiting for the promised Messiah and they were filled with joy as they recognized Jesus as the Christ.
The gospel is for seniors.
The wealthy, wise, and educated magi came from the east. Men with different skin tones, backgrounds, and beliefs from the others in this story.
The gospel is for the wealthy, wise, and educated.
For people of every nationality or ethnicity.
And then, there were the shepherds; just regular, every day, working class people.
The gospel is for the the average Joe or Joanne.
The gospel is good news because it’s for everyone!
No matter your race, creed, colour or family background, the gospel is good news that brings joy for you!

Prayer

Father… I want to thank You for including me into your family. Your gospel is good news for me. Help me to live in a joy-filled way that entices everyone to long for the good news your love can bring into their lives. In Jesus Name…Amen

Verses to help fill up your well.
1. Luke 2:10-11
2. Acts 2:28
3. Psalm 16:11
4. Luke 24:46-48
Soul H2O Resources

Are you a Christian woman struggling through a difficult situation, feeling alone, questioning God and yourself? Let me travel through the desert of your difficulty with you!
This course will help you grow to trust God with your heart and future, increase your freedom as you break unhealthy patterns, letting go of past or present hurts to trust your decision-making and believe in your value.

Want a Refreshing Inbox?

Get a FREE Soul H2O Book Sampler {and a coupon} when you Sign Up to Get the Soul H2O Devotions, Show Notifications, and updates from me!

Share With a Friend

#musicpic

#musicpic SONG: Joy Unto the World – The Afters @ 3:56

Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu018_9wF7k

Soul H2O Spotify Playlist: Online | On App

Advent Series: Joy For The Holidays | EP #90

Joy For The Holidays is a part of the Advent Series on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Episode #90.
You can find the Show Notes at http://www.soulh2o.com/90

Splash Online Event

Childlike Faith Series – Christmas Crackers
Expecting Good Gifts From God

Join us in the Soul H₂O Splash Facebook Group December 16, 2021

Advent Inspiration for your Christmas Season

Devotions, Podcast Episodes, Recipes, Christmas Messages and more!
https://www.sherrystahl.com/advent-inspiration-for-your-christmas-season/

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

DOWNLOAD THESE REFRESHING RESOURCES TO HELP QUENCH YOUR SPIRITUAL THIRST!

ENDNOTES

1. None This Week

WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED
Read More
What’s Love Got To Do With It?
In the month of December, I’m running Advent Series all over on, the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show, through the devotions, and on Instagram Lives. This week, the focus is on Christmas Love.
Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show: Hope, Love, Joy, Peace, Jesus
Soul H2O Devotions/Posts: What’s The Right Way To Celebrate Advent, Hope, Love, Joy, Peace, Advent Inspiration For Your Christmas Season
Instagram Lives: Wednesdays at 12-12:10pm EST in December

Soul H2O Devotion

What’s Love Got To Do With It?

Well, I think Christmas and love are pretty much synonymous. Christmas is celebrating the moment in history when Christ, because of His love, left heaven and came down to earth. Jesus fully God, took on humanity; what theologians call, the incarnation. That Jesus forfeited the comforts of heaven to reach the hearts of people in this world still baffles me. That God the Father allowed His son to come overwhelms me. John 3:16 expresses the motive of love best when John says:

God’s love compelled Him to send Jesus, and in case you’re worried that God was a cruel Father to send His son, I hope you’ll see that love was also Jesus’ motivation for coming as you listen to what he said in John 10:17-18.

The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.
John 10:17-18 NIV

Jesus also says,

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
John 10:11

And then in John 15:12-14 He says:

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.
John 15:12-13 NIV

The nativity is a beautiful picture of how Jesus’ love compelled Him to come.

Jesus wasn’t forced to leave heaven and give up His life for you as a baby in the manger, or as a man on the cross. He had the authority to do whatever He wanted and, because of His love for you, He came as a baby, grew up and lived as a man, died, rose from the dead, so you could have eternal life and is coming back to live with you for all eternity!

This hope of Christ’s second return is the root focus of Advent. It’s great for you to celebrate His birth and the love that compelled Him to come, but never lose focus that because of His love, He’s not going to leave you in this mess we call the world. Jesus will come back and right now, He’s preparing a place, just for you!

So, what’s love got to do with Christmas? Everything.

Prayer

Father…I thank You for being willing to let Jesus come. Jesus, I thank You for your love and being willing to leave heaven, so You could become my Emmanuel. Knowing that You are willingly with me and are coming again, gives me the strength to face each new day, each new challenge with hope. In Jesus Name…Amen

Join Me Weekly For Advent Talks

Through The Themes of Advent
Every Wednesday at 12-12:10pm EST
on Instagram Live

December 1(Hope), 8(Love), 15 (Joy), 22(Peace)

Follow Sherry on Instagram

Verses to help fill up your well.
1. John 3:16
2. John 10:17-18
3. John 10:11
4. John 15:12-13
Soul H2O Resources

Want a Refreshing Inbox?

Get a FREE Soul H2O Book Sampler {and a coupon} when you Sign Up to Get the Soul H2O Devotions, Show Notifications, and updates from me!

Share With a Friend

#musicpic

#musicpic SONG:
Bring on the Holidays by Toby Mac
Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/HIhZ5O3eRJI
Christmas Spotify Playlist: Online

Advent Series: Hope For The Holidays | EP #88

Hope For The Holidays is a part of the Advent Series on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Episode #88.

You can find the Show Notes at http://www.soulh2o.com/88

Advent Series: Love For The Holidays | EP #89

Love For The Holidays is a part of the Advent Series on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Episode #89.
You can find the Show Notes at http://www.soulh2o.com/89

Splash Online Event

Childlike Faith Series – Christmas Crackers
Expecting Good Gifts From God

Join us in the Soul H₂O Splash Facebook Group December 16, 2021

Advent Inspiration for your Christmas Season

Devotions, Podcast Episodes, Recipes, Christmas Messages and more!
https://www.sherrystahl.com/advent-inspiration-for-your-christmas-season/

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

DOWNLOAD THESE REFRESHING RESOURCES TO HELP QUENCH YOUR SPIRITUAL THIRST!

ENDNOTES

1. None This Week

WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED
Read More