Encouragement is in the 2nd lesson for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, from Romans 15: May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the book of Acts we meet Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement”. He is a key part of the leadership of the early church and Paul’s ascendancy as an evangelist to the Gentiles. He is a champion of John Mark when Paul is upset with him leaving from one of Paul’s missionary journeys. He is a cheerleader for St. Paul and John Mark.

I like the image from the Romans passage of “the God of steadfastness and encouragement”. Can you see God the Father, cheering us on, always loving us, saying “well done!” and “you got this” and “I love you” when we need it the most! Our Steadfast Encouraging God – what a great image”.