“What Gift Can I Bring?”
Every December, the question echoes across shopping malls, Amazon wish lists, and crowded calendars:“What gift can I bring?”It’s the question of the season — part tradition, part love, and part pressure. We want to give something meaningful that says, “You matter to me.” Behind the ribbons and wrapping, that question goes deeper than most realize. It’s not the gifts we buy; it’s the posture of our hearts toward the One whose birth we celebrate.
Following the star to Bethlehem, the Magi carried gifts for the newborn King — gold, frankincense, and myrrh.Theydidn’tarrive empty-handed; they recognized the majesty of the Child. Each gift represented something profound: gold for royalty, frankincense for worship, and myrrh for sacrifice. Their giving was an act of worship, not obligation. They didn’t give to impress; they gave because their hearts were full of wonder.
BringYourTrust
Mary’s gift to Jesus wasn’t something wrapped in paper, but her willingness to trust God with her story. Her response —“Let it be to me according to your word”— is one of the beautiful acts of surrender in Scripture. Trust is one of the rarest, most precious gifts we can offer the Lord because it means letting go of control.
This December, many of us carry burdens — questions about the future, concerns for loved ones, or grief for what once was. The Lord invites us: “Lay those things at My feet and trust that My plans are still good.” The Babe in Bethlehem now reigns as the risen Savior, still guiding, still faithful, still near.
BringYourLove
Love was God’s gift to us on that first Christmas —“For GodsolovedtheworldthatHegaveHisonlySon.”Thebest way to honor that gift is by giving love in return. Not just to those who are easy to love, but to those who need it most. Forgiving someone who’s wrongedus,listeningpatiently, serving without recognition, we are offering Christ a gift wrapped in compassion.
That same question has been asked in countless ways ever since. The shepherds brought their awe and adoration, Mary, her trust and obedience, Joseph, his faithfulness. Even the innkeeper, though his gift was simply a stable, made space for Jesus. Each offered what they could; God received it with joy.
So, what gift can we bring to Jesus this Christmas?
BringYourWorship
The first and greatest gift we can give is our worship. Not justthesongswesing,butthesurrenderbehindthem.True worship is the offering of ourselves — our time, attention, priorities, and affection. The psalmist said,“What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?”(Psalm 116:12). The answer wasn’t gold or incense, but thanksgiving and praise.
Worship is costly, not in dollars but in devotion. Coming to God when life is hard; choosing faith when feelings fade; honoring Christ when culture forgets Him. When gathering on Sabbath mornings or quieting our hearts in prayer, we join the chorus of heaven beginning that first Christmas night:“Glory to God in the highest.”
Love takes many forms — a handwritten note, a visit to someone who’s lonely, an extra seat at the table, a prayer whispered for someone not asking for it. While seemingly small, theyarethegiftsheaven notices.
BringYourBrokenness
The most surprising truth of Christmas is – God wants our brokenness. He came into our world not because we had it together, but because we didn’t. The manger declared that noplaceistoohumble,nohearttoomessyforHispresence. If your heart feels cracked or weary this season, bring that to Him. The baby who cried in Bethlehem would one day cry out from the cross, “It is finished.” He knows pain, loss, and loneliness. Bringing Him our wounds, He gives us His healing in return. That exchange is the greatest gift of all.
BringYourAvailability
The Christmas story is filled with ordinary people making themselves available for God’s extraordinary plan. Mary said yes. Joseph obeyed. The shepherds went and told. The wise men traveled far. None of them knew exactly how it would unfold, but they made themselves available. Maybe the most meaningful gift you can bring to Christ this year is your availability — your willingness to say, “Lord, here I am. Use me.” That could mean serving in a ministry, mentoring someone younger in faith, or slowing down to hear God’s voice again.
Continued on page 7…
Captain ChristianGilmerSchool
By Jean Davey
In 1950, Captain W. W. Gilmer, a retired Naval Captain who served in World War I, donated $2,000 to expand the school house which was first established in 1910. In gratitude for this gift, the school was named in his honor –Captain Gilmer Christian School (CGCS) and the title remained after their current facility was built in 1971.
According to their website, Captaingilmer.org, their mission is to be “anchored in Christ using a biblical foundation to promote academic excellence.” Their vision is “to strive for students to become their best by reaching both academic and relational goals through discovering servitude locally and abroad, being distinctive in academic achievements, and living out the gospel.” Their Christcentered teachers consistently maintain appropriate certification and are required to hold a BS/BA degree in Education. Additionally, half of their teachers hold MA degrees. CGCS is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.” Captain Gilmer Christian School has also been ranked in the top 2.5% of schools in the country.
Dr. Sarah Wilson is the principal of Captain Gilmer School and has been serving in this role for seven years beginning in 2019/2020 during the COVID pandemic. On the staff currently are ten teachers, 5 support staff, secretary, registrar, and special teachers for music, art, library and Spanish. They are always looking for substitute teachers, Dr. Wilson adds.
She shared that the school does a lot ofoutreachtoservethecommunity. Thestudentsandstaff helped in so many ways after Hurricane Helene. She referred to this as “beauty out of ashes.” Each year the school has a special ceremony and breakfast to serve veterans for Veterans Day. They are always looking for ways to share God’s love to others.
The school is also looking for ways of improving the physical school growth as time and funds permit, such as recently adding a pavilion.
Three of Arden’s SDA church members are teachers at CaptainGilmer. TheyareMaryBethHaganwhohastaught for fifteen years consecutively but also taught seven more years in the 1990’s. Terry-Ann Nelson just began teaching this school year, and Shelly Maskelony has taught for four years. PastorRichhasbeenagreatsupporttotheschoolby giving Bible studies and also helping Kevin Johnson with after school sports for the children. Pastor Eric Bates is actively involved in the classroom and has been a big support.
FourotherArdenchurchmembersarealsopartofCGCS. Kelly Barthelemy is the librarian and Spanish teacher, and Christina Karolyi is a teacher assistant. Madison Hamm serves as a teacher assistant and teaches piano, giving private lessons after school and also playing for our music class.Also, Juanita Miles volunteers in the library on a regular basis.
When asked what impact CGCS has had on students and the teachers personally, Mary Beth Hagan states “Students come to CGCS from all different backgrounds. But when they are with us, we consider ourselves a family. We help each other, cheer for each other, and feel sadness for each other when things are tough. The teachers I work with are extremely dedicated and bend over backwards to help their students in any way possible. Most of theteachers put untoldhours into their classrooms and lessons, giving their best to the students. Wearealwaystheretohelpeachotherout withastudent or curriculum idea. The staff is very supportive of each other as well as theirstudents. I have had many students come back to me after graduating and reminisce on all the positive things they learned while at CGCS, and how they knew they were loved.”
This past summer they partnered with Riverside Farm InstituteinZambia,Africa.Sometraveledthereandhelped with teacher training. They also raised $8,000 to put rest rooms in the classroom buildings, adding the Bible into theircurriculumandpurchasedBiblesforthem. Theyplan on going again for the opportunity to spread the gospel to this area.
She shares, “The school has had a big impact on the students that walk through our doors. We teachers pray for our students,bothprivatelyandcollectivelyas thestaffmeetstogethereverymorningfor worship. We have a Bible class every day where we read directly from the Bible and try to apply it to our lives. We talkabouthowGodmadeourworldsointricatelyandwith such a specific and organized plan as we delve into various science topics. We have a specific class each week called "Character Counts" where students interact with and practice Biblical concepts of kindness, patience, empathy, and many others. There have been numerous times when I have had the privilege of praying with a specific student or group of students about a problem and have seen many answers to prayer, and we celebrate them.”
Let’s continue to support and pray for the faculty and students at Captain Gilmer Christian School.
“WhyTell Shepherds?”the
Aby Max Hammonds
(based on “The Desire of Ages”, Chapter 4)
ngelic observers discovered that very few in Judea werepreparedtowelcomethebirthofGod’sSon.Not the Zealots planning their next attack. Not the Jerusalem merchants counting their bounty from census travelers. Not the temple priests focused on power and the temple treasury. Who among the population was studying the prophecies and awaiting His arrival?
Amidstthegrazingsheeppasturedonthehillsoutheastof Bethlehem, Jethniel, the head shepherd, gathered with his assistants for the mid-day meal: Quintus, a well-educated Egyptian former slave; Nahum, a burly, brusque shepherd embittered and disillusioned from his brother’s death by Roman soldiers; Onias, his curious sixteen-year-old nephew; and Shalomon Tobias, a recent addition to the group.
Last night, when Quintus had asked difficult questions aboutMessianicprophecies,Nahumhadbitterlyexpressed his disbelief in scripture and distrust of humanity – and God. When Onias, his nephew, tried to defend the scriptures, Shalomon Tobias had stepped in to add substance to the nephew’s claims. In the shouting that ensued, Nahum had challenged Shalomon on his knowledge of scripture. And Shalomon revealed that he had formerly been a scribe.
Amid exchanged accusations, Jethniel quickly called a truce and sent everyone to their beds in the limestone cave just above them. Except Shalomon, who took up the first watch of the night.
Next morning, Nahum and Onias struggled with the flocks on the south road, scattering before the constant stream of travelers. Shalomon helped Nahum guide them to pools of quiet water below the spring. With quiet camaraderie restored, the group gathered for the simple noon meal Quintus had prepared.
But Quintus needed to know about Messiah. “I am sorry, Master Jethniel. I still do not understand. Who is Messiah? How would I know Him?”
Jethniel set his soup pot on the ground. “Shalomon, can you help us? I think we would all like to know more.”
Shalomonsetdownhispotaswell.“Wheretobegin?”He looked at Nahum. “ – without controversy.”
“He is to be born in Bethlehem, yes?” Onias offered. “And soon, according to the prophet Daniel,” Shalomon
added.
Wanting to be controversial, Nahum spoke up, “But scripture says He’ll be in Galilee. But why go there, I don’t know.”
“AsalighttotheGentiles,Nahum,”Shalomonsaidgently. Because of Quintus’ shocked look, he quickly added, “Yes, that’s you, Quintus.”
Jethniel rubbed his ear, trying to recall childhood synagogue lessons. “I think Isaiah says God will call Him out of Egypt.”
“This Messiah of yours really gets around,” Nahum said sullenly.
ButShalomonshiftedhisgazetoJethniel.“Andespecially, yours, Master Jethniel. The Scriptures call Him the Great Shepherd – just like you and Nahum – who will lay down His life for His sheep.” Then Shalomon gazed sadly at Nahum’sslumpedform.“HeisyourMessiahalso,Nahum.” Nahum jumped up, spilling his dinner and shouting, “I don’t need a shepherd or a Messiah.”
Shalomon shook his head with great patience. “You are much troubled and scattered – like your sheep this morning. I think you do.” At this Nahum threw up his hands and walked away.
Quintus folded his hands prayer-like and looked up. “Lay down His life? How will He do this?
Shalomon shook his head and sat down. “I don’t know, Quintus. I don’t understand that part.”
Onias scrunched his eyes, trying to think. “He is David’s son . . . and God’s Son, Yes? . . . I mean, David writes ‘You are My Son.’”
Nahum,returningtothegroup,laughed,“ButDavidalso wrote ‘The Lord said to My Lord’” and laughed again. Shalomon looked up at him. “Very good, Nahum” stopping Nahum in mid-laugh. “Yes, and do you know why?” When Nahum slowly shook his head, Shalomon said, “Not only is He David’s Son and God’s son . . . He is GodHimself.”Shalomonpausedamoment.“Isaiahgives us His titles: ‘Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’”
QuintusraisedhishandsinsupplicationtoShalomon,“I do not understand, Master Teacher. The Father AND the Son?”
“Neither do I.” Shalomon slowly shook his head. “But I know it’s true. Isaiah gives us His name . . . Immanuel.”
“God with us,” Onias whispered reverently.
Afteramomentofawedsilence,Jethnielannouncedina stern, fatherly voice, “Here’s a question. What faithful shepherd is looking after our sheep?”
As if awakened from sleep, everyone scrambled to their feet to rush to their duties. All except Quintus, still on his knees, imploring, “May we continue this discussion tonight?” To which Jethniel reluctantly agreed.
That evening, to the north, Bethlehem was surrounded with the campfires of many travelers. But on the shepherd’s hill only the waning moon, the stars, and a small fire lit their modest meal. Then Quintus stood, bowed low to Shalomon, and asked, “Now please, sir. My reward.”
4 | www.ArdenAdventist.org
Shalomon extended his hand toward Jethniel, asking permission. Nahum sat quietly, saying nothing. Onias quicklysatwithcrossedlegsexpectantly.Jethnielnodded and Shalomon began.
“Let’s start with what David tells us about Messiah,” Shalomon said. “‘Behold, I come. In the scroll it is written ofMe.IdelighttodoThywill,OmyGod.’Andinanother psalm: ‘Into Thy hands I commit My spirit.’ The Messiah is committed to following the Lord in righteousness.”
Jethniel shifted his weight, uncomfortably. “That’s not something the rest of us can do.”
“Exactly.” Shalomon welcomed the interaction. “ He will come do it for us – and show us how.”
“Including suffering?” Onias also wanted to interact.
“Wait!” Quintus started up, arms upraised in shock. “What do you mean – suffering? I thought he was a king! I thought he would free me of such things.”
Shalomongentlymotionedforcalm.“TheMessiahisnot always what we expect.”
Onias was eagerly on his knees. “‘He is despised and rejected of men.’ Is not that Messiah?”
Shalomon turned to him. “I agree. It is Messiah.”
Nahum looked up, disagreeable and resistive. “And not the Messiah I expected.”
“What did you expect?” Shalomon questioned. Nahum, caught off guard by the question, stammered. “Someone to set things right. Do something about the Romans.” Now He stood. “Yes. A fighter for us!””
“Will there be a fight?” Now peaceful Jethniel was engaged.
“Yes.” Onias spoke quietly, sadly. “And He will lose. He will be rejected.”
Nahum pointed to Onias, shouting, “There! Just like all the others. Some Messiah he turned out to be.” Suddenly embarrassed, he turned away in anger and disgust.
Quintus strained to remember something he’d read. “The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone.” Quintus looked up, eyes bright with discovery. “He’s alive!”
But Jethniel sat shaking his head, “He dies and yet He lives. How can this be?”
“ I do not know.” Shalomon shrugged his shoulders. “Another mystery.”
“Maybe a resurrection?” Onias offered. “Perhaps? The scripture says . . .”
“Ridiculous!” Nahum, returning to the campfire, shoutedathisnephew.“Whatdoesthescripturesayabout your dead Messiah?
Shalomon answered in quiet, even tones, “‘You will not allow the Holy One to undergo decay.’ And from Job: ‘I know my Redeemer lives.’ Is not that a resurrection?”
Frightened,Oniasspokecarefully.“SoundslikeHe’svery much alive, Uncle.”
“Well, he can . . .,” Nahum wanted to be angry but his voice caught “. . . start His . . . His resurrection . . .” struggling for control, tears welling up and lips aquiver “. . . by resurrecting my brother!” Slamming his fist into hispalm,hesatheavilyandbegantosob.Jethniel,shaking
his head, shouldered the bulky shepherd, patting his back in empathy.
Quintus struggled also with his understanding. “I want to know this Messiah of yours, Master Teacher. But how can I recognize Him?
Onias pleaded, “Can you pray for us, Master Teacher?”
Jethniel placed his hand on Nahum’s head. Quintus pressed his palms together. Onias closed his eyes. Shalomon knelt in his usual place, raising his hands and face heavenward. “O, God of the cosmos. We are only humble shepherds. Yet we call on you to help us. We are searching for You and stumbling over mysteries we don’t understand. We are discussing Messiah and need a revelation from You. We long to see – to find our Redeemer, Your Son – the Messiah. But we don’t know how to find Him . . .
A light formed above the shepherds, increasing in intensity. A voice spoke, “Do not be afraid” as a being gradually took form in the brilliance. Everyone froze.
Jethniel spoke haltingly. “Is it a ghost?”
Nahum fell on his face, hands outstretched. “My Lord and my God!”
Quintus scrambled backward into Shalomon’s chest. “Is it the Lord?”
Shalomon held him reassuringly. “No, it’s an angel.”
The form spoke again: “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be for all people. For unto you is bornthisday,inthecityofDavid,aSaviorwhoisMessiah the Lord.”
Without turning his head, Quintus whispered, “Our prayers, Master Teacher.”
As if in answer, the being spoke again, “And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
Nahum raised his head, found his tongue. “A manger? Where?”
Suddenly the entire sky burst into light and music. Angelic voices sang round after round: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men of good will.” Then the brilliance and echoes of song gradually faded into darkness.
Recoveringinthesilence,Jethnielspokequietly,“Let’sgo to Bethlehem and find this child that the Lord told us about.”
“So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.When theyhadseenthis,theymadeknownthestatementwhich had been told them about this Child” to everyone who would listen – from Bethlehem to Jerusalem.
ThefirstevangeliststoannouncethearrivalofMessiah–were shepherds.
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28Fundamentals: #20
TheSabbath
M
arkandMatthewenteredtheenclosedbackporchof their mother’s house. Matt set his basketball on the upper shelf. As they entered the kitchen, Pawpaw (a.k.a. Albert Groot, their grandfather) looked up. “Thought you were going to shoot hoops with the guys?”
“Well, we did.” Matthew shot a glance at Mark. “But then things kinda changed.”
Markpushedhishandsintohispantspockets.“Yeah.They sorta got outta hand.”
Mattmotionedforthemtogointothelivingroom.Mark shookhisheadandmovedtowardthetablewherePawpaw sat.“Itreallystartedtofeel...not...notright,y’know.”He sat in the chair across from Pawpaw. Looking over his shoulder, he glanced at Matt and at the chair next to him. Matt shrugged his shoulders and reluctantly sat down.
Pawpaw closed his Bible and looked quizzically at the two boys. “What happened?” he asked quietly.
Mark nodded for Matt to talk. “Well, we kinda passed the ball around, shot a few hoops, y’know. Like we do on Sabbath sometimes.” Matt looked at Mark, then shook his head.
Mark took a deep breath and began. “We began playing an easy three on three game, like we usually do on Sabbath. But very quickly one of the guys yelled that Matt wasn’t passing the ball to him but always to me. When I switched to the other team, someone on my team started playing kinda rough with Matt.” Mark paused, shook his headandcontinued.“Icalledatimeouttoremindeveryone thatitwasSabbathandwewerejustplayingforfun.Butone of my team shouted at me to stop protecting my baby brother – and some other things.” Mark shook his head again. “That’s when we looked at each other, picked up our ball, and came home.”
Markrecognizeda“Pawpaw”Biblequestion.“Genesis2:2, 3. The first Sabbath was the seventh day of Creation Week.” Pawpaw nodded, then looked at Matthew. “Matt, what threeactionsdidGoddoonthatfirstSabbath?”WhenMatt looked confused, Pawpaw said, “Look in your phone Bible, Matt. What three actions?”
“Oh.Ofcourse.”MarkquicklythumbedhisBibleprogram open. “Hmmm . . . God rested . . . and He blessed the Sabbath and sanctified it.”
Pawpaw smiled, “Yes, rest, blessing, sanctified. The rest and the blessing are not too hard to understand. But let’s focus on sanctified. What does the word mean – to sanctify?”
Mark nudged Matt to answer, knowing this lesson was primarily for him.
Matthew waved his hand, signaling, “I got this,” then turned to Pawpaw. “The root word is the Latin “sanctus” meaning “holy.” To make holy is to set aside something for a special holy purpose.”
“Very good, Matthew.” Pawpaw signaled a “thumbs up” and gave a knowing look to Mark.
“What purpose? For what purpose is the Sabbath set aside?Sabbathoccursattheendofcreationweektoremind us that God is Creator. What else does Sabbath signify?”
Matt was into the study now. “Deuteronomy 5:15, Pawpaw.TheSabbathisasignoffreeingIsraelfromslavery. And us, too, from the slavery of sin.”
Pawpaw smiled. “Good. A sign of Redemption. What else?”
Mark had to look up the next one. “Ezekiel 20:12. The Sabbath is a sign of our sanctification.”
Pawpaw leaned back in his chair, hands folded, fingers interlaced. “And what holy purpose are we set aside for, especially on Sabbath? This is crucial, Matt.”
“To worship God and enjoy being with our friends?”
“Not exactly.” Pawpaw sat forward, forearms on the table edge. “Sabbath is to celebrate our relationship with our Creator God. Being with our friends should be an extension of our celebration with God.”
Pawpaw looked from Matthew to Mark and back.
Mark spoke first. “We might have had God in mind initially today. But I think somewhere we got lost.”
Matt interrupted. “And our friends were not thinking about God or Sabbath. They were focused on winning the game.”
“We can’t always tell when something feels right on Sabbath . . . and when it’s not,” Matt said.
Pawpaw nodded his head. “It depends on the people.” He closed his eyes in thought. “When did the Sabbath begin?” Pawpaw then chuckled at his own obtuseness. “I mean, when was the Sabbath originated?”
Pawpaw nodded in agreement. “As I said, it depends on the people. If the attitude is not God-focused, then things get out of hand. It’s a lesson in life, boys. This doesn’t just happen on Sabbath.”
Mark nodded. “They’re still our friends. But I think we’ll find something else to do next Sabbath.”
SilentNight?
“Away in a Manger” and “Silent Night.” Arguably, my two least favorite religious Christmas songs. They’re not particularly awful songs. Some years they just get overused, and I get tired of hearing the tunes over and over again.
Of course, they do have a few flaws in the lyrics. I mean, “nocryingHemakes”?Idoubtthat.Hewasababy,afterall. Nevertheless, Jesus was definitely laid in a manger, so I’ll give you that one.
But, come on, “silent night”? Sure, it may have been silent somewhere, but not in Bethlehem.
To start with, the inn was full. The Romans seemed a lot more interested in taxes than in health and safety codes, so the innkeeper keptthe“NoVacancy”sign off until pallets lay practically shoulder to shoulder in every room until even he could not squeeze in another customer without a course in advanced geometry. Silent?Hardly.WhenMary and Joseph arrived, Joseph had to practically shout his request to the preoccupied innkeeperovertheclatterofcrockeryandtheclamoroftoo many guests in too few rooms.
grunts, screams, and everything in between—of a woman feeling the greatest pain know to man . . . um, make that woman, of course. Silent? Hardly.
Outside, the fire, built large against wild predators, crackles, pops, “psssss,” as low class shepherds spiritedly hold forth their individual positions on Messianic prophecy. Suddenly angels are making the fire seem like a poor shadow and singing the first noels at the top of their superhumanlungs.Doesnobodyintownevenhearthis?Is Bethlehem so busy, so loud that its regular inhabitants and temporary denizens can’t see the light or hear the song? Between the people, the angels, and now these shepherds who are raising a ruckus pushing through the narrow streets to peer in every window, disturbing the animal occupants of every stable, and calling out to every passerby—“have you heard about a baby born tonight who has to sleep in a manger?”—well, it’s hardly silent.
Silent night? Nope! This is a bustling, raucous place! All is calm? Ha! Not at tax and census season!
Alloverthecity,everyinnandeveryhousewasfull.Itwas homecomingweek,courtesyofOctavian,CaesarAugustus. Silent? Hardly. Extended families gathering and chattering. Tales being swapped over the hearths. Cousins too excited to sleep, calling from pallet to pallet.
Outside the Roman soldiers patrolled. This many Jews in this small a town? Was everyone related to King David? Patrol seemed prudent. As loud as possible, to remind everyoneofRomanmight.Spearsrattling,shieldsclanking, boots slapping the ground, a sergeant calling cadence. Hardly silent.
Andthestable.Whetheritwasawoodenbarn,acooldark cave, or the area shared by both a family and their animals inapoortworoomhomeofthecommonpeople,justthink how loud, say, even one cow, a donkey, a couple of halfgrown lambs, and a handful of nervous chickens can really be in a tiny space. Now add the oh-so-focused sounds—
Holy and bright? On the contrary. The world, yes, even this little corner with only its tiny oil lamps and flickering torches to light the night, cringes in deepest spiritual darkness.
I guess only one thing is silent. Me.
Two thousand some odd years later, the nostalgia of the tune catches me unawares. Maybe it’s not so bad afterall.AsIlistentothesongagain,Ithink:maybeitis better to slow down, look around and listen. I don’t want to be too boisterous and busy, like the citizens of Bethlehem, when someone might be in need, when something truly holy might be happening. It is I who must be silent . . . so I don’t get too loud and entirely miss the Advent.
Note: I originally wrote this piece in 2005, but find it helpful to review and remind me every few Christmases. As we remember Jesus’ first advent, I wish you a happy, holy day and a silent, quiet night to refresh your soul. — Chris Small
Continued from page 2…
ThisChristmas,thequestionstilllingers:Whatgiftcan I bring?The truth is, God doesn’t need our gifts — but He delights in our hearts. The One who gave us everything invites us to give ourselves in return.
You may not have gold or frankincense, but you have something just as precious: a life that can glorify God, a heart that can love, and hands that can serve. That’s the gift He desires most.
As we celebrate the miracle of Emmanuel —God with us— may we each come to the manger not just to receive, but to bring. Bring your worship. Bring your trust. Bring your love. Bring your brokenness. Bring your availability. And as you do, discover that in giving yourself to Christ, you receive the greatest gift of all — His peace, His presence, and His unfailing joy.
“WanttoSeeMy
Muscles?”
Amuscle does only one activity – pull. It cannot push. It cannot move sideways or up and down. It can only pull. And a muscle fiber within the muscle can only pull at one setting – all or none. There is no pull at setting #1 for a little pull or setting #3 for a harder pull. When it is stimulated by the motor nerve coming to it, the muscle fiber pulls as hard as it can. Yet our bodies and our extremities need to move in many different ways, at different strengths, and in a controlled fashion. How do our muscles make that happen?
A muscle contains multiple muscle fibers bundled together into a motor unit. Each motor unit has a unique nerve that stimulates it. If a stronger pull is required, more motor units are recruited to pull together. If a stronger effort is needed, even more motor units join the effort. The stretch receptors in the muscle sense the resistance and signal as many motor units as are needed.
Each muscle is attached at two points, an anchor point that remains stationary and the attachment point to the body part in motion. Each muscle moves in only one direction. Therefore, to accomplish a unique motion that no one muscle can do alone, several muscles will function together, each muscle adding its particular direction of pull to accomplish the unique motion. An example: Raise the arm to place the fingers on the back of the neck. All the muscles of the shoulder mechanism work together because no one muscle alone can accomplish this motion.
accomplish the rotation while lifting the thigh.
Multiple systems work to coordinate the work of all the muscle groups. To balance the intended motion and keep itundercontrol,muscleslocatedontheoppositesideofthe body or limb must pull in the opposite direction. And these muscles must be coordinated with the others so that the motion is smooth and controlled.
When a calf, a baby goat, or a colt is born, they are able to stand within half an hour from birth. They are born with the coordination of muscle groups already partially trained.Butforhumans,thecoordinationofallthevarious muscle groups around the hip or shoulder require a slow training process of the cerebellum, the two-sided, large bulbar mass at the base of the brain.
Individual muscles and muscle groups each have their individual control place in the strip of brain just above the ear (parietal lobe). But unlike animals, humans have to learn the patterns of coordination in the cerebellum for each of the complex motions of the body. Human children beginbyraisingtheirheadsat2monthsandtheirrumpsat 3-4 months. They can crawl at 6-7 months but are a year old or more before they have enough coordination among muscle groups to walk upright. The ultimate in muscle coordination is the gymnast’s intricate twists and turns in the floor mat routines or the balance beam or dismounts from various apparatus.
To make possible the fine, intricate, rapid, and coordinated motion of the fingers, hands, and forearms necessarytoplayaToscanini violin concerto or a Tchaikovsky piano concerto, the spinal cord has nerve centers that can work independently (without having to send messages to the brain and back). These centers are trained by multiple repetitive actions to carry out these motions rapidly without central control.
Some muscles serve in a group muscle. All muscles in the group are attached to the same moving point but different “heads” of the muscle group have different anchor points. To accomplish a motion in a unique direction requires the coordination of all the muscle heads in the group. An example:Liftthethighwiththekneepointinginwardthen rotate the knee from pointing inward to pointing upward and then outward while the thigh is being lifted. The four heads of the quadriceps muscle group attach at four different points around the hip joint, but they all come together to enclose the kneecap in a single tendon that attaches to the upper front of the shinbone. Together they pull with each head taking on more or less of the work to
In addition, another system in the spinal cord – without central control – modulates the muscles via a feedback mechanism. The system monitors and fine tunes muscle movements, increasing or decreasing them, to slow down in anticipation of the stopping point of a movement and to stop without jerkiness.
Of course, all these movements are coordinated with input from the eyes and from the balance mechanism of the inner ear.
How do we maintain our muscular system in optimal working order? Constant exercise to strengthen muscles and repetitive use to learn coordination and balance. The sedentary lifestyle is deadly. For life, get moving!
Don't miss the delicious recipe on-line!
Word Scramble “Gifts for David”
Five people gave gifts to David. In each set are the name of the giver, the origin of the giver, and the gift itself. Each word is scrambled. Two clues are given to help unscramble the words. Use the word clue first as an aid to solving the names. Use the Bible clue if the word clue isn’t enough help. Solving one of the words will give a big hint to solving the other words in each set. The linking words are NOT scrambled.
The Giver The Origin The Gift
1st Clue
Bible Clue
TAGIHOL of THAG gave DEFREHOA He tipped his hat and I Samuel 17 lost his head.
BIGALIA of REMLAC gave VOPRISSOIN She shared her fare I Samuel 25 and saved her household
LAZILIBAR of MIRGOLE gave PRUPOST He brought beds and bread II Samuel 17, 19 but refused his reward.
ZAHAMAI bar DOKAZ gave SEAGEMS He brought good news, II Samuel 18 but not bad.
ONDIA the TEZINE gave TEWRA He risked his life for II Samuel 23 a quaff untouched
. ,
WhatGiftCanI BringforJesus? APhysician’sReflectionfrom theEmergencyRoom
by Dan Reynolds
Christmas in the emergency room feels different. The world outside is wrapped in twinkling lights and festive music. Inside the ER, the hum of cardiac monitors andthehurriedfootstepsofnursesreplacecarolsandbells. For many of us working in medicine, Christmas isnot always calm or silent. Yet, in those chaotic, sacred spaces, I often find myself wondering:What gift can I bring for Jesus?
It’s my question asked throughout the years, especially on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day when I’m at work instead of at home with my family, sleeping under the lights of the Christmas tree or waking up Christmas morning to shrieks of joy with wrapping paper all around. Alas, for many in the medical profession, holidays are often spent in the hospital.
Around Christmastime, the ER can often be filled with people who have lost loved ones, passed or estranged. These patients are severely depressed or simply need an understanding and compassionate individual to listen. I realize in these moments: my most valuable gift isn’t a prescription or a procedure. It’spresence.
BringingCompassionatePresence
BringingSurrender
Thencomethenightswhenskillandeffortaren’tenough. I think of the times I’ve had to deliver devastating news — a life lost despite every intervention, a family shattered in an instant. Those are the moments that humble us to the core. There’s a quiet place in every physician’s soul where we wrestle with our limits, where we must surrender what we “cannot change; courage to change the things [we] can; and wisdom to know the difference” (Serenity Prayer). Surrender is not failure; it’s a form of worship. It’s the acknowledgment that healing, ultimately, belongs to God.
I’veprayedmoresilentprayersintraumabaysthaninany church pew. “Lord, hold them. Lord, help us. Lord, be near.” And sometimes, when the outcome isn’t what we hoped,IstillbelievethatHeisnear–tothebrokenhearted, to the weary physician, and to the grieving family.
Maybe one of the gifts we Christians can bring to Jesus this Christmas is surrender, with the willingness to trust Him when we’ve reached the end of what we can do.
BringingWonder
In the fast pace of emergency medicine, it’s easy to lose wonder. The human body becomes anatomy; suffering becomes routine. But every so often, something breaks through — a newborn’s first cry after a tense delivery, a patient who recovers against all odds, a simple “thank you” from someone you barely remember helping. Those moments remind me why I started this work. They rekindle awe not just at the miracle of medicine,butattheAuthoroflifeHimself. Christmas invites me back into that wonder. To gaze again at the mystery of Godmadeflesh—fragile,crying,wrapped in swaddling clothes — and to see in that tiny life the same Creator who holds my patients and me. That wonder changes the way I see everything. It turns the ER from a place of exhaustion into a place of holy encounter.
Maybe that’s one of the gifts we can bring to Jesus — the gift of presence. In the ER, we can’t always fix what’s broken. Sometimes all we can do is stand beside someone intheirpain,tobestillinthechaos.Itishardtotrulylisten to a patient’s physical or emotional pains when trying to multitask between multiple patients. But giving the gift of presence to every patient every time can be refreshing. I think Jesus treasures that kind of presence. The kind that listens, comforts, and stays. After all, His very name,Emmanuel, means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
As Christians, our presence and listening ear become small echoes of Him, a way to bring light into the dark corners of human suffering. That’s something worth laying at His feet this Christmas.
BringingMyWholeSelf
In the end, what can I bring to Jesus? Not perfection. Not always peace. But myself — my weary hands, my trained mind, my hopeful heart, my doubts, my compassion, and my limitations. Jesus doesn’t need my medical expertise, but He welcomes it when it’s offered with love. He doesn’t expect me to heal every patient, but He invites me to bring healing wherever I can, and to leave the rest with Him.
When I walk into a patient’s room on Christmas Eve, or any night, I remind myself:This is holy ground.I bring my stethoscope, my skill, my fatigue, and my faith. I bring all that I am, and I place it before the One who is still Emmanuel — God with us, even here.
And maybe that’s the true answer to the question:What can I bring for Jesus?Not just something, butsomeone— myself, surrendered in love, ready to serve, ready to see Him in every patient I care for.
Our family focus this month features Ed and Kim Ericson. They joined the ArdenSeventh-dayAdventistchurchinSeptember.
EdwasborninNewYorkCity,buthisfamilymovedtoNewJerseywherehelivedfor21 years. Ed was raised by an Adventist mother and grandparents. He had an older sister who died in 2018.
Kim was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and raised Adventist, in fact, third generation Seventh-day Adventist (SDA). She and her family moved to Michigan, then moved to North Carolina with her family when she was 11. Kim has one brother.
Ed attended Blue Mountain Academy for one year, then graduated from public high school in New Jersey. He first attended Southern Missionary College (now Southern Adventist University) for a year and a half as an art major. He switched to dental lab technology and earned an Associate’s Degree in Dental Lab Technology from Greenville TechnicalCollegeinSouthCarolina.Edworkedasadentaltechforfiveyearsthenjoined a Blue Mtn. Academy friend in his construction firm. He began subcontracting, specializing in tile installation. He is a Notary Public also. More recently, he is mostly retired due to some health concerns.
KimgraduatedfromFletcherAcademythenafterayearatSouthernMissionaryCollege, transferredtoGreenvilleTechnicalCollegeandearnedherAssociate’sDegreeinNursing. Shehasbeenanurseforforty-sevenyears.Thelastthirteenyears, she worked as a home health nurse with Carepartners which serves Black Mountain, Swannanoa, and the Asheville area.
EdandKimmetatSouthernMissionaryCollegeandhavebeen married forty-seven years. Ed owned a van and would bring fellowstudentstotheWesternNorthCarolinaarea.OnedayKim needed a ride and that’s how they first met!Also, both of their moms attended church and worked together. They have three adult daughters, Tara, Tasha, and Talia and have five grandchildren.
Ed and Kim have lived in different areas, but Mills River has been home for forty plus years. Kim’s parents opened a health food store in Hendersonville and in Asheville. Ed's parents moved to North Carolina from New Jersey around 1976. Ed's Mom and Kim's parents were charter members of the Upward SDA Church.
Their hobbies include hiking, seeking waterfalls, and gardening. Kim loves cooking and baking. They love family time and enjoy their children and those five precious grandchildren whenever possible!
TheirtravelshaveincludedEd'sMaranathabeetriptoMaineandKim’striptoNicaragua as a student missionary for the summer at age 17, then on a mission trip to Cameroon with family friends. Ed and Kim and their 3 daughters went on a Maranatha mission trip to Nicaragua in 2001with the Upward Pathfinder Club. This year, they traveled to their daughter, Tasha's, oceanfront wedding in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Ed and Kim were members of the Brevard SDA Church for about fifteen years. Due to a dwindling Caucasian membership there and the expanding Hispanic group at the Mills River SDA Church, a change was needed. At the Mills River pastor's suggestion, the Brevard church board voted to invite the Hispanics to make Brevard Church an Hispanic congregation.
Sincethen,theEricson’shavebeenvisitingatArdenforaboutayear.TheythankGodfor the love shown and the genuine friendliness they have found here. Ed and Kim feel especially "well fed" by the Arden pastoral staff. They enjoy attending the "Down Under” Sabbath School class.
We are so happy to welcome the Ericson’s to the Arden church family!
ArdenSeventh-dayAdventistChurch IsaSafePlacetoGrow.
Our Purpose is, by God’s Grace, to reflect His character in our community, to demonstrate a quality of life that will attract all to be reconciled to Jesus Christ, and to encourage people to become His loving, maturing disciples.
GraceNotesEditorialStaff:
Max Hammonds...............................................Editor
Chris Small.................................................Columnist
Jean Davey..................................................Columnist
Max Hammonds..................Reporter & Columnist
Pen Braister-Sturgis.....................................Reporter
Sara McCord.................................................Reporter
Dan Reynolds...............................................Reporter
Arizona McCord...............Reporter & Proofreader
Chris Small .....................................Special Graphics
Jim & Carolyn Sullenberger................Proofreaders
Nolan Darnell........................Mailing Management
Shirley Wallstrom...................Circulation Manager
Whitney Barron.................................Layout Design
Comments, suggestions and praises are always welcome. Please email or contact the church office.
Services each Saturday morning: Sabbath School Bible Study, 9:30 a.m. Worship Service, 10:45 a.m.
Location: 35 Airport Road, Arden, NC 28704
Located on Highway 280, (Airport Road), 1.5 miles east of I-26 exit 40, and a quarter mile west of Highway 25.
Church Office:
Office Manager: Sharline Bliven Office Secretary: Summer Cronin Telephone: (828) 684-6700
Email: office@ardenadventist.org
Website: www.ardenadventist.com
Office Hours: Mon., Wed., Thurs.,9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Arden Adventist Pastoral Staff:
Senior Pastor: Eric Bates, D. Min. Email: ebates@carolinasda.org
Associate/Youth Pastor: Rich Maskelony, M .Div. Email: rmaskelony@carolinasda.org
GraceNotesis published monthly by the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church. Subscription is free by calling or emailing the office.†Doyou have questions about what Adventists believe? Would you like to become a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Would you like to study the Bible? You are invited to attend a Pastor’s Bible Study Class. Please call for location and time. All are always welcome.
† Disclaimer—The contents of Grace Notes, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained in this magazine of the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider, who is knowledgeable and experienced in the use of specific medical or Lifestyle Medicine interventions, or about questions you may haveregardingamedicalcondition.Neverdisregardprofessional medical advice, or delay in seeking it, because of information published in this magazine. Neither Grace Notes nor the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church recommend or endorse any specific tests, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned in published articles. Relianceonanyinformationprovidedissolelyatyourownrisk. If you have a medical emergency, call your healthcare provider or911immediately.
GRACE N TES
Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church 35 Airport Road Arden, North Carolina 28704 (828) 684-6700
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Arden Mission Trip to Bolivia with Quiet Hour Ministries
Dates: March 10-23, 2026
Location: Aiquile, Bolivia
Project: Multiple simultaneous evangelistic meetings, medical clinic, health education, construction project, and children's meetings
- On the Arden church website, Online Giving tab and give under the Mission ProjectsBolivia : https://adventistgiving.org/donate/ANT8BL
-Through the Quiet Hour website. Go to the Bolivia Mission Trip page, click the button "donate" and you may search for specific team members to give directly to their fundraising goal. https://qhministries.org/trips/bolivia-2026/. (QR code is attached below)
P UMPKIN AND OATMEAL PORRIDGE
Posted
by CREATION Life | Sep 30, 2025
This may be as close as you can get to eating a rich pumpkin pie, straight out of the oven, for breakfast without actually eating a pumpkin pie for breakfast. All the ingredients are there: healthy and creamy pumpkin puree, loaded with vitamins A, C and E; cinnamon, honey and spice; even a form of crust in the guise of good-for-you oatmeal, proven to lower cholesterol. Think of it as a morning crumble without the scoop of ice cream on top.
Prep Time: 3 minutes Cooking Time: 7 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Yield: 8 portions
Recipe Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
4 1/2 cups 1% milk
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds
1. Place oatmeal in a saucepan with the milk and let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. Bring the milk to a rapid simmer, add spices and honey, and lower the heat.
3. Whisk until almost thick, add the pumpkin puree, and cook through.
4. Serve and sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds.
Nutritional Data: calories 148, total fat 3.86g, sat fat 1.27g, cholesterol 6.86mg, sodium 61.61mg, carbohydrates 21.74g, fiber 2.24g, sugars 10.77g, protein 7.45g
Created by Chef Edwin Cabrera, Copyright © AdventHealth Press
DELIGHTED BY THE MUSIC
(October 03, 2025)
Have you ever listened to a dull and tired song only to be stirred and thrilled when it reprised in some new, higher key?
Then you know something of the grace of God, whatever else your story tells.
Grace comes to us as unexpected joy when our performance, short or long—had lifted neither us nor anyone around us. We were muddling through the music, vocalizing rote notes and mangling the lyrics. We didn’t know a brighter, higher anthem lay hidden in the lines.
But God in kindness teaches us to sing of faith so rich and love so sweet we are amazed we never knew it sooner. With one much-humbled, transformed saint named Paul, we happily exclaim, “Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was givento me to bring to theGentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things” (Eph 3:8-9).
Grace pulls us up—our bodies, minds, and especially our hopes—when we’ve been mumbling through the stanzas of our yesteryears. The God who lives and gives and gives again surprises us with freedom from our past and freedom for our future.
Hear what your life sounds like when set in God’s new, saving key. And stay in grace. -Bill Knott
