-AMaVo Blog-

Romans 15:4 – Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us.

The Scriptures give us patience and encouragement so that we can have hope. Back to the Word, and the Word became flesh. Over the years, I have come to depend on God’s word every day of my life. It breathes life into me! He speaks to me through His word. It gives me hope when all seems lost.

While writing this series, God spoke these words to me - The baby Jesus RESTS in the midst of tragedy. So while I am flustered with the preparations of Christmas, the baby Jesus rests. When I can’t stretch the checkbook to pay the bills, the baby Jesus rests.

A marriage is falling apart and the baby Jesus rests. My clothes are too tight and yet the baby Jesus rests. You may have lost a loved one this past year, and the baby Jesus continues resting. We live in a broken world. Daily reports of violence, falsehoods, and deception scream for our attention. We feel great pain when faced with all the suffering that is a result of the dark forces. We try to live up to standards that are of the world and not of our Lord.

And, the baby Jesus rests. Are you ready for some rest? Maybe the peace that passes all understanding? Let this verse adorn you –

Zephaniah 3:17 – The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

Let go and rest in the hope of Jesus. Let Him be your Crown of Hope.

The story of Jesus’ birth is not so silent and holy. In fact, if this documented story occurred in today’s culture it would definitely make its way to the top of the bestsellers list! For sure it would go viral!!!!

Here’s the scene:
A pregnant, unwed teenager (which is punishable by stoning in the Jewish culture). Her fiancée knowing full well he wasn’t the father yet standing by her. Jealous masterminds conniving the death of all infants under the age of 2.

A King born in the humblest of all conditions, no Ritz Carlton’s available! And lastly, this verse sending chills down every reader’s back! Revelations 12:4-6 – His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and threw them down to the earth. He stood in front of the woman who was ready to give birth so he could eat her baby as soon as it was born. Then the woman gave birth to a son who will rule all the nations with an iron rod. And her child was taken up to God and to his throne. The woman ran away into the desert to a place God prepared for her where she would be taken care of for one thousand two hundred sixty days.

There was a war in heaven and the great dragon, the accuser of our brethren was about to be thrown down. Satan knew what the Christ child meant and put every evil effort into stopping what would prove to be his demise. But we serve a God who is greater than our circumstances. He even numbered the days of caring for Mary! His plan was to redeem His children and fulfill His promises.

There is no greater hope.

To capture the season of Advent in words is challenging. Depending on the season of  your life, advent will speak to you in a different way. For certain, I know this time of the year gives great energy to hope. It is a season of hope.

A great prophecy of the past rings out. Jeremiah 29:11 - ”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Not only did God create us in His image, we came packaged with a set of blueprints!

And those plans are intended to fill us with a sense of longing, to provide guidance, and above all, to love and be loved.

Love came down………in the form of a baby. All of our hope and dreams are now focused on a Bethlehem manger that is full of love. And oh, what a story that tells!

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – There is a time for everything, and everything on earth has its special season.

I love this piece of wisdom from King Solomon. It has helped me gain perspective on the ebb and flow of life. But I have also learned that every season is not without a dark side. And the creation story took a downward turn when sin entered God’s magnificent garden.

The serpent offered an apple and mankind bit. Then God said, Genesis 3:15 - I will make you and the woman enemies to each other. Your descendants and her descendants will be enemies. 

He was talking to the serpent, otherwise known as Satan. The evil one lies, deceives, and attempts to steal our joy and peace. He will stop at nothing to make our lives miserable. He knows our weak spots and will use every trick of the trade to bring us down.

There is however, a second part to Genesis 3:15………One of her descendants will crush your head, and you will bite his heel.

God was talking about Jesus on the horizon, that ray of hope. He knew it would take
a Savior to die on the cross to remove the darkness (evil) that plagued the earth. His love was so great for you that He was willing to lay down His only son for your life.

You are the apple of His eye!

In the beginning……..and we must go there because journeys are like board games, there is always a starting point.

And the starting point of your journey dates back to creation. Creation is God’s imprint on your life.

Genesis 1:27 – So God created human beings in His image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female.

Let that verse percolate awhile! You were created in the image of God! God chose you, complete with every unique strand of DNA to be His child. The creator of the heavens and earth chose you to be His child.

Psalm 138:13-14 – You made my whole being, you formed me in my mother’s womb. I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well. 

You are valued. You are honored. You are loved. You are intentional.

Thank you Lord for the uniqueness and blessing of each person reading this.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12

Dark. Bleak. Lonely. Broken. Hopeless.

Sound familiar?

You are not alone in your struggles.

In the midst of your tragedies, a ray of hope is on the horizon.

Isaiah 9:6 – 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.

Join us during this advent season as we seek the truth.

Then you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.  John 8:32

No more lies. No more deception.

There is hope.

During this advent season, we invite you to join us on a journey in discovering our reason for hope. Hope and hearts go together. So our hope is that a few hearts may be changed as we look to unveil the truth.

Most importantly, our hope is to encourage those who carry heavy burdens. The discovery of God’s light and love is miraculous. Changed hearts change people. A prayer – Dear Jesus, As we study your word, I pray that lessons will be learned, hearts will be changed, and the presence of your spirit may be felt.  To you we give all the glory.    Amen.

We couldn't be more excited to launch our newest AMaVo Exclusive Design - the Proverbs 31 Hi-Lo Tee. Our vision came to life and now we can share it with all of you.  And of course we're thrilled the verse "She is clothed in strength and dignity" from Proverbs 31:25 adorns the front. We believe fashion is truly an extension of what's happening on the inside. Display your confidence and love for the Lord with the new Proverbs 31 Tee.

Now it's your turn. Tell us your thoughts - do you love the vintage nickel or the vintage blue? What verse or phrase do you want to see next? Make your voice heard in the comments.

 

 Shop the look:

Proverbs 31 Hi-Lo Tee - Vintage Nickel

Proverbs 31 Hi-Lo Tee - Vintage Blue

 

 

 

Layering with sweaters as the seasons change is a no brainer. But don't throw on just any cardi. With so many options available, keep color palette and silhouette in mind. Maybe a long cardigan sweater is up your alley, or maybe a chunky fringe cardigan. You'll want a cardigan sweater that pairs effortlessly with many existing pieces in your closet, too. We're walking you through two of our favorite new pieces. Which layering piece is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! 

 

 

 

Shop the looks: 

Element Joni Pastel Cardigan 

Element Dreamer Fringe Cardigan