Tag: hope

Wonder as You Wander the Road to Bethlehem

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Every December, the world starts rushing as seasonal lights go up, calendars fill up quickly, and Christmas playlists spill from department store speakers before the Thanksgiving leftovers have even cooled. There is a cultural trend to rush in and rush through the holiday season.

But Advent invites a different rhythm. It invites us not to hurry, but to wonder.

Advent beckons us to wander slowly, thoughtfully, hopefully down the long road toward Bethlehem. And somewhere along that road, if we allow it, wonder begins to rise inside us like a sacred warmth.

The old Appalachian Christmas carol “I Wonder as I Wander” captures this spirit fittingly. Its haunting melody and simple lyrics invite us into a posture of awe as we contemplate the mystery of Christ stepping into our world. The song itself echoes Advent’s message: as we wander toward Bethlehem, it is the wondering that prepares our hearts and minds to welcome the Christ child, yet again.

Over a century ago, when crowds gathered in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, waiting for news of the Wright brothers’ first flight, they lived in a moment thick with anticipation. Before anyone saw an airplane lift off the ground, people gazed at the horizon, holding their breath, wondering if something extraordinary was about to break into the ordinary. That is Advent. It is the pause before the miracle.

Wonder cultivates the fertile soil of our minds, readying us to learn and grow. As Socrates reasoned, “Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.”

Advent isn’t a day trip. It is a progressive journey. Think of Advent as the “loading bar” on your computer or phone. It moves slowly from 6%…to 28%…to 75%. You can’t rush it, and you can’t ignore it. That little bar is doing important behind-the-scenes work—downloading, preparing, aligning things so the device can function as it should.

Advent does the same for the human heart. It prepares us, steadies us, and positions us to receive Christ not with fatigue but with awe.

We are not the first ones to travel this path. Scripture is full of wanderers whose journey shapes our own:

  • The prophets wandered with hope (Isaiah 9:2–7).
  • Mary wandered toward Bethlehem with courage (Luke 1:38).
  • Joseph wandered with obedience (Matthew 1:20–24).
  • The shepherds wandered with expectancy (Luke 2:8–15).

They did not rush. They wandered faithfully, trusting that God would help them navigate the journey.

And so do we.

In December of 1941, with the world engulfed in war, Winston Churchill stood beside President Franklin Roosevelt on the White House lawn for a Christmas Eve service. The future felt frightening, the headlines heavy. Yet together they read John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

That night, in the shadow of conflict, nations heard a reminder that has anchored believers for centuries: even in the world’s darkest winters, God’s light shines in the dark places and spaces of life, a message we need to hear resoundingly this year.

Perhaps we must learn to wonder again. Advent prompts us to slow down enough to see grace glowing at the edges of our days, sort of like candlelight in a dark sanctuary, gentle yet unignorable.

This season is not about racing toward a date on the calendar. It is about traveling with intention and a spirit of inquiry. About noticing God’s presence in the challenges, in the questions, in the silences, and in the small mercies. It is about recapturing the holy wonder that first stirred in Bethlehem, a holy curiosity that echoes the humble, searching tone of “I Wonder as I Wander.”

Isaiah invites us to walk this road with hope: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). Mark calls us to prepare the way (Mark 1:3). Mary teaches us to magnify the Lord (Luke 1:46).

As you wander the road to Bethlehem this year, may wonder rise in you again, wonder that steadies your spirit, softens your pace, and opens your heart and mind to the One who is coming.

Don’t rush there. Wander. And wonder.

Because those who wander the road to Bethlehem with wonder do not merely celebrate Christmas—they are ready to welcome the Christ child when they arrive, and then to follow him from the manger to the cross and beyond.

(Barry Howard is a retired pastor who now serves as a leadership coach and consultant with the Center for Healthy Churches. He and his wife live on Cove Lake in northeast Alabama.)

Bruised But Not Broken: Clinging to Hope Through Tough Times

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Life brings its share of losses—some expected, others blindsiding. But when hope fades, everything else can unravel. Without hope, even the strongest faith can feel as stagnant as swamp water.

During difficult seasons, hope is the energy source that fuels perseverance and ignites determination. Theologian Emil Brunner captured this truth well: “What oxygen is to the lungs, such is hope to the meaning of life.” Without it, we suffocate in despair.

Micah, a prophet called to speak during one of Israel’s darkest times, refused to let despair take hold. Surrounded by corruption, injustice, and looming disaster, Micah declared:

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7)

More than 2,500 years later, our hope in Christ remains our most reliable source for spiritual strength and courage. No matter how uncertain the circumstances, we work for positive change, we advocate for the underserved and underprivileged, and we lean into the promise that “with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

Hope Is Not Naive

We live in an era saturated with gloom and pessimism. Division and discontent dominate the national conversation. And perhaps most troubling, this sense of despair has seeped into the church—a place meant to be a beacon of hope.

If the church, called to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), surrenders to hopelessness, we risk rushing toward an apocalyptic future of our own making.

But real hope—the kind we see in Micah—is neither blind nor naive. It does not ignore reality. Instead, true hope compels us to rise above despair, face challenges with faith, and respond with wisdom and action.

The Arrogance of Despair

Years ago, pastor John Claypool had a sobering conversation with an elderly rabbi, a friend and fellow advocate in the civil rights movement. After a particularly frustrating meeting, Claypool sighed, “I think it’s hopeless. The problem is too deep, too complex. There’s simply no way out.”

The rabbi paused and then said something profound:

“Humanly speaking, despair is presumptuous. It assumes we know the future, but we don’t. Think of the times you thought something was hopeless, only to be surprised when unseen forces shifted everything. If God can create something out of nothing, if He can bring life from death, who are we to place limits on what He can do?”

That wisdom still speaks today. We do not have the luxury of declaring a situation hopeless because we are not the authors of the story.

The Rekindling of Hope

In the movie Hope Floats, the main character, Birdee Pruitt, describes hope this way:

“Beginnings are scary. Endings are usually sad. But it’s the middle that counts the most. Just give hope a chance to float up.”

Even when you think you’ve lost it, hope can emerge after a season of dormancy. Like stirring warm embers to rekindle a fire, real hope can be revived. It is nurtured when we commit to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8)—even when the path is difficult, even when we can’t yet see the way forward.

Hope is not an emotion. It’s a decision. And when we choose hope, we align ourselves with the God who makes the impossible possible.

(Barry Howard is a retired pastor who currently serves as a leadership coach and consultant with the Center for Healthy Churches.)

Taking the Scenic Route to Bethlehem

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Although plans for a federal highway system were underway as early as the 1930s, construction of the Interstate Highway System was officially authorized by the Federal Highway Aid Act of 1956. By the time I-20 opened between Atlanta and Birmingham in the 1970s, the residents of my hometown eagerly anticipated faster travel along this new freeway.

For years, my family had driven to Birmingham from Anniston on old Highway 78, a winding two-lane road that meandered across the Coosa River at Lake Logan Martin and over the mountains near Chula Vista. When I-20 finally opened, I was thrilled to accompany my grandparents on our annual Christmas trip to Birmingham’s Eastwood Mall. Our itinerary included shopping, visiting “the real Santa,” riding the escalator in Pizitz Department Store, and dining at Morrison’s Cafeteria.

To my surprise, my grandfather preferred the old two-lane highway over the new expressway. He often remarked, “The freeway is for people in a rush. The scenic route is for those who want to enjoy the trip.”

At the time, I didn’t know anything about Advent, but now I see how it invites us to take the scenic route to Bethlehem. The ethos of our economy pushes us toward Christmas in the fast lane, where the season seems defined by shopping, spending, and acquiring. John Jensen’s quip comes to mind: “The trouble with life in the fast lane is that you get to the other end in an awful hurry.” Advent, in contrast, encourages us to slow down and savor the scenery on the way to the manger.

As a young pastor, I was introduced to the colors and candles of Advent, and my journey toward Christmas changed forever. Now more than ever, I believe that as mission-driven Christians living in a market-driven culture, we need the reflective practices of Advent to help us resist the stealthy influences of materialism, busyness, and greed—forces that obscure the true message of the season and replace it with superficial slogans and commercial clichés.

Advent invites us to listen for a truth bigger than words and to long for a gift beyond material things. It reconnects us with the heart of the Christmas story, challenging us to reject cultural portrayals of a Jesus who promises prosperity, success, and self-fulfillment. Instead, it calls us to follow the biblical Jesus, who offers forgiveness, models simplicity, and teaches self-denial.

For Jesus followers and spiritual seekers alike, Advent is a scenic journey that begins with the promises of the prophets and culminates in the nativity. It’s a season of growing expectation that peaks when the Christ candle is lit and the Christmas star shines over Bethlehem.

Taking the scenic route to Bethlehem means revisiting the timeless stories of the prophets, Mary and Joseph’s journey, and the shepherds in the fields. It means pausing to notice the beauty of God’s work in the world and in our own lives.

By choosing this unhurried path, we open our hearts to both the joyful songs of angels and the mournful cries of a broken world. We make room for God to work in us, preparing us not just for the celebration of Christmas but for a life of following Jesus.

When we choose the scenic route to Bethlehem, avoiding the fast-paced cultural expressway, we create space to hear the still, small voice calling us to follow Jesus. By taking this road less traveled, we just might discover that the journey is every bit as meaningful as the destination.

(Revised article from 2017)

(Barry Howard is a retired pastor who currently serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches.)

10 Things We Need to Know About Joy

On By barrysnotes1 Comment

Joy is one of the most sought-after qualities in life, yet it often feels elusive.

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

The Bible speaks of joy as something much deeper than momentary happiness—it’s a fruit of the Spirit, a gift from God that sustains us through all circumstances. Here are ten things we need to know about joy:

1. Joy is a gift from God. True joy is not something we manufacture on our own. It comes from a deep relationship with God, flowing from our awareness of God’s presence in our lives.

2. Joy is not dependent on circumstances. Happiness can change based on our situation, but joy remains steadfast. It’s possible to have joy even in difficult seasons because it comes from knowing God’s love and grace.

3. Joy and gratitude go hand in hand. A thankful heart cultivates joy. When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, we experience a greater sense of joy.

4. Joy is a choice. While joy is a gift, it also requires intentionality. We can choose to focus on God’s goodness and place our trust in God, even when life feels uncertain.

5. Joy energizes us. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Joy gives us the inner strength to endure trials and challenges with hope.

6. Joy is contagious. When we live with joy, it impacts those around us. A joyful spirit lifts others and creates an atmosphere of encouragement and positivity.

7. Joy comes through serving others. One of the greatest sources of joy is found in giving to and serving others. When we focus on the needs of others, we experience the joy that comes from living selflessly.

8. Joy and peace are connected. Joy and peace often go hand in hand. When we rest in God’s peace, it paves the way for joy to take root in our hearts.

9. Joy reflects our trust in God. When we trust that God has a plan for our lives and is working in us and through us to accomplish good, we can experience joy, even in uncertain times.

10. Joy is frequently found in the simple things. It’s often the little things and the routine things in life that bring the most joy. Max Lucado reminds us, “Find joy in the ordinary things.”  Likewise, Brene Brown suggests, “We risk missing out on joy when we get too busy chasing down the extraordinary.”

Rather than being a fleeting or situational emotion, joy is an attitude with which we proactively approach life. Joy is a disposition, a mindset that precedes and supersedes the highs and lows of our life experiences.

Henri Nouwen advised, “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”

(Barry Howard serves as the pastor at the Church at Wieuca in North Atlanta. He also serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches.)

Build Each Other Up: 10 Benefits of Encouragement

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

In our challenging and fast-paced world a simple word of encouragement can be a powerful force Encouragement not only lifts spirits but also fosters an environment where individuals can thrive. I Thessalonians 5:11 urges us, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Your simple word of encouragement can change the course of someone’s day, and in some cases, even impact the direction of their lives. Here are ten significant benefits of encouragement:

  1. Strengthens relationships. Offering encouragement can strengthen bonds between friends, family members, and colleagues. It shows that we care and are invested in the other person’s success and well-being, fostering deeper and more meaningful connections.

  2. Boosts confidence. Encouragement helps build self-esteem and confidence. When someone believes in us, it reinforces our belief in ourselves. This can lead to greater self-assurance and a willingness to take on new challenges.

  3. Enhances effectiveness. Positive reinforcement is a well-known motivator. Encouragement can significantly improve performance in both personal and professional settings. Whether it’s a pat on the back for a job well done or a pep talk before a big presentation, knowing someone is in our corner can drive us to excel.

  4. Inspires positive thinking. Encouragement cultivates a positive mindset. It shifts our focus from problems to possibilities, helping us approach situations with optimism and a can-do attitude.

  5. Nurtures resilience. Life is full of setbacks and failures. Encouragement helps build resilience, allowing us to bounce back from disappointments. It reminds us that failure is not the end, but a steppingstone to success.

  6. Promotes personal growth. Encouragement often pushes us out of our comfort zones, prompting personal growth and development. It inspires us to set higher goals, pursue new opportunities, and strive for continuous improvement.

  7. Improves mental health. Regular encouragement can have a significant impact on mental health. It reduces feelings of anxiety and depression, providing a sense of support and belonging. Knowing that someone believes in us can alleviate stress and promote emotional well-being.

  8. Fosters teamwork. In a team setting, encouragement boosts morale and builds a collaborative spirit. It helps team members feel valued and appreciated, leading to better cooperation and a more harmonious work environment.

  9. Fuels creativity. Encouragement stimulates creativity by providing a safe space for ideas to flourish. When we feel supported, we’re more likely to think outside the box and take creative risks without fear of judgment.

  10. Creates a ripple effect. Encouragement is contagious. When we receive encouragement, we’re more likely to pass it on to others. This creates a ripple effect, spreading positivity and inspiration throughout our communities.

Encouragement is a tangible expression of Christ’s love. Jesus consistently offered words of comfort, hope, and affirmation to his followers. As Jesus’ disciples, we are called to mirror that same love to others. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands us, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Through encouragement, we demonstrate the love of Christ and bear witness to his grace and compassion.

Encouragement is one important way to bring out the best in others. And when encouragment offered, it tends to build up the recipient and the benefactor.

(Barry Howard serves as the pastor at the Church at Wieuca in North Atlanta. He also serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches. You can follow him on Twitter at @BarrysNotes.)