Ivey Bateman-Goodwin

Fourth Sunday in Advent: Love

The fourth candle of Advent represents the ultimate love of God that He sent His only Son for us. Called the “Angel’s Candle,” the fourth candle of Advent is the color purple, leading us to eagerly await the new Kingdom of God on Earth.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” - Romans 12:2

Admittedly, there are times in our life when we may not feel God’s presence with us. Through our steadfast relationship with God over the years, we know that God is there with us each step of the way.

I lost my husband after a short battle with cancer and the time after was challenging and filled with many complex emotions. I found myself in one of those times where I could not see that God was with me.

About a year after the loss of my husband, I was invited to attend a spiritual weekend retreat. The theme verse for the weekend was Romans 12: 2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

That weekend was truly a transformation for me. It allowed me to know that God’s Grace happens… always. He is with us – never failing! Even when we are clouded with life’s challenges.

Thanks be to God for his magnificent grace!

-Ivey Bateman-Goodwin