2024 Advent Devotional




December15thAM-Lessons&Carols-JoinusforTraditional WorshiponDecember15thateither9a.m.or11:15a.m.inthe Sanctuary,forLessonsandCarols,“ForUntoUsaChildisBorn.”Sing yourfavoriteChristmashymnsandenjoyChristmascarolsofferedby theEastminsterChancelChoirandOrchestra.Thisannualworship serviceisaculminationoftheAdventSeasoneachDecemberandthe perfectwaytoprepareourheartsforthecomingoftheChristChild.
December15thPM-LivingNativity-JoinusintheCourtyardon December15thforoneofthreeshowings(5p.m.,6p.m.&7p.m.)of Eastminster’sLivingNativity.Children’sChoirsofAngels,WiseMen, andMary,Joseph,andtheBabyJesuswillbeplayedbyEastminster membersandyouth.Thisisawonderfuleveningadoredbyall.There willevenbelivestockamidstthestable.
December19th-Carols&Keyboards-Comeenjoythesoundsofthe seasonfeaturingninepianistsonfourpianosandthevoicesofthe EastminsterChancelChoir.Amongtheselectedmusic,twopieces commissionedbycomposersSkipStradtmanandDr.BryonBlackwill bepremiered.JoinusforamealinThompsonHallat5:45p.m.,then moveintotheSanctuaryat7p.m.fortheconcert.It’safunevening,a greatwaytogetintotheChristmasspirit,andisopentoall!
December22nd-LongestNightPeaceService-Eastminster’s LongestNightPeaceServiceisaworshipservicethatgivespeoplespace toreflectontheirrelationshipswithGodandacknowledgethatthe holidaysaren’talwaysthehappiestseasonforthosewhoaregrievinga lovedone.PleasesetasidetimetojoinourCareMinistryonDecember 22nd,at4p.m.,intheSanctuary.
December24th-ChristmasEveWorship-JoinusonTuesdayfor ChristmasEveworshipateither5p.m.(Children’sService),7p.m. (FamilyCandlelight),or9p.m.(CandlelightCommunion).
December25th-ChristmasDayWorship-Wewillhaveoneworship serviceonChristmasDay,intheSanctuary,at10:30a.m.Dresscasually andplantosingChristmasfavorites.
"Avoiceofonecallinginthewilderness:‘PreparethewayfortheLord.Makestraight pathsforhim.’"-Matthew3:3,Isaiah40:3,John1:23
Twinklinglightsinbrightwhiteorfestivered,green,andblueglowinwindowsof homes,instoresdownmainstreets,andthroughtreesliningneighborhoods.The flickeringluminescenceremindsusthattheseasonofourSavior’sbirthhasarrived, andthetimehascometoprepare.
Takeamomenttodaytoconsiderwhatyou’repreparingfor.
Mylistofpresentstopurchasepreparesmeforthegift-givingextravaganza.My calendarpreparesmeforeventswithfamilyandfriends.Markedpagesinmyrecipe bookspreparemeforholidaybakingandentertainingsistersandbrothers,children, andgrandparentsaroundourdiningroomtable.
InEastminster’slibrary,thetitleofabookhasalwayscaughtmyeye:ChristmasIs NotYourBirthday.I’veneverreadit,butthetitlespeakstome.Becauseinour “selfie”culture,itsureseemsthatmanyofusmistakeJesus’sbirthdayforourown. Wetooeasilypointtoourselves,ourto-do’s,ourtime,ourstress,ratherthan pointingtotheOnewhocametosaveusfromoursinfulnatureandprovideus witheverlastingpeace.
Oneguygotitrightalong,longtimeago.BesidetheJordanRiver,awildand woolyfellanamedJohntheBaptistattractedpeoplebythehundredswithhisfiery wordsandconvincingconvictions.ButwhenJewishleadersasked,“Areyouthe Messiah?”heresistedthecomplimentandpointedtohiscloserelative,Jesus,asthe Onewho’sgreater.
“Theyaskedhim,‘Thenwhoareyou?...’JohnrepliedinthewordsofIsaiahthe prophet,‘Iamthevoiceofonecallinginthewilderness.Makestraightthewayfor theLord’”(John1:22-23).“Ibaptizeyouwithwaterforrepentance.Butafterme comesonemorepowerfulthanI,whosesandalsIamnotworthytocarry” (Matthew3:11).
ThehumblespiritofJohntheBaptistisabrightlighttomeatthebeginningofthis Adventseason.Inhishumility,inthemidstofcrowdsgatheringaroundhim,he pointedattentionawayfromhimselfandtowardtheLambofGod.Johnwassure ofhispurpose,andhewouldnotwaverfromit.
“[John]willbefilledwiththeHolySpirit,evenbeforeheisborn.Hewillbring backmanyofthepeopleofIsraeltotheLordtheirGod.Andhewillgoonbefore
theLord…toturntheheartsof…thedisobedienttothewisdomoftherighteous–tomakereadyapeoplepreparedfortheLord”(Luke1:15b-17).
HowcanyouprepareandmakestraightpathsforthecomingofourLord?Remove obstaclesinyourwaybyhonestlyconfessingoursinsofselfishness.ShareJesus’s lovebyhelpingothersknowhimmore.Whenyoufeeltheurgetopointtoyourself, stressingoveryourhomedecor,partymenu,andgiftlist,pointupwardinsteadto Jesus.AndallowthePrinceofPeacetofillyouwiththecalmofasilentWinter’s night.
Prayer:WonderfulCounselor,PrinceofPeace–Inourworldofsinanddarkness, remindmedailytopointtoandlooktowardtheLightofChristmas,YourSonJesus. Amen.
SubmittedbyCarolineBennett
Second Day of Advent Monday, December 2, 2024
"TrustintheLordwithallyourheart,anddonotrelyonyourowninsight." -Proverbs3:5
AsIwaitthisAdvent,IfindmyselfthinkingaboutElizabeth,Zechariah,Mary,and Joseph,whowerealsowaitingduringthatfirstAdventseason–waitingforbabies. BeingtheagethatIam,IremainmystifiedbythenewsgivenElizabethand Zechariah.Ababyattheirage?Notonlythat,butalsotheyweretoldtheirbaby wastohaveadivinepurpose.
WhataboutMary?Shewasayoung,single,virginteenbearingGod’sveryown Son,asshewentthroughpregnancyandchildbirthwithalltheculturalstigma associated.AndJoseph,howwashetounderstandandfollowthrough,givensuch abafflingsituation?
Thesewereordinarypeople,notunlikeus,calledontoimmediatelysetasidetheir ownlifeplansandengageintheunimaginable.Granted,God’sangeldidappearto themtooutlinetheirassignedroles(WhocouldignoreGabriel?).Buttheir assignmentsmusthaveseemedincredibleandabitprecarious,givennormalhuman expectationsforlifeintheirtime.
Whatissoremarkable,though,isthatwithoutknowinghowitwouldallplayout, theyeachacceptedtheirmind-bogglingroleswithveryfewquestionsasked.What trust!Seeingashowtheyweregivenonlylimitedinformation,youmightcallit “blindtrust.”
Elizabeth,Zechariah,Mary,andJosephrespondedoutofdeepfaithtoGod’scall andsimplytrustedthatGodhadagreaterplanforthemthantheycouldenvision. TrustingintheLordwithalltheirheartandnotrelyingontheirowninsight,they acceptedGod’srulefortheirlife.TheytrustedthatwithGod,anythingispossible.
Godcallsustodolikewise.Asbelievers,wetooarecalledtosetasideourlimited humaninsightandacceptGod’sruleforourlife,trustingthathisgreaterplanis trustworthy,good,andtrue.Outofdeepandsteadfastlove,Godprovideswhatwe needtomeetthechallenge.Wemightnotgetanangel,butGodgaveushisSon,his writtenWord,andhisHolySpirittoguideusalongthenarrowwayofthetrueand abundantlifeheoffers.Throughtheconduitofprayer,healsoprovidesdirect accesstohimselfalongtheway.Whatcaringlovetoequipusforourroleinhis divineplan!
ThatfirstChristmas,Godusedordinaryfolksofdeepfaithtoworkouthisgreat redemptiveplanandchangetheworld.TheytrustedinGodandhispathforthem. TheworkingoutofGod’splancontinuestodaythroughordinaryfolkslikeus.We arecalledtotrusttheLordwithallourheartandstepoutindeepfaithtofollowhis wayandengageintheunimaginable.Asweapproachthemangeronceagain,we canjoinElizabeth,Zechariah,Mary,andJosephintrustingthatwithGod, anythingispossible.
Prayer:FaithfulandlovingGod,wetrustinyouwithallourhearts.Helpusto relinquishourowncontrolandopenourheartsandmindstoallowyourHolySpirit toempowerustofulfillourroleinyourdivineplan.Allpraiseandglorybeyours. ThroughyourSonwepray,Amen.
SubmittedbyPamHalligan
“Hemustbecomegreater;Imustbecomeless.”-John3:30
Iadorethedeep,richstoriesoftheOldTestament.Iparticularlyloveseeingthe breadcrumbsthatGodplacedintheOldTestamentthatpredictedJesusasour LordandSavior.
“Christ”isaGreekword,and“Messiah”isaHebrewword.However,theyboth meanthesamething–“theanointedone.”PriortothebirthofJesus,thearrivalof theMessiahwasexpectedandheavilyprophesied.Therewasonemajorproblem, though.WhileeveryoneagreedGodwouldsendaSavior,manydisagreedonwhat thisMessiahwouldaccomplish.
IsraelwasoccupiedbytheRomanempireatthetimeJesuswasborn.Some scholarsbelievedthattheupcomingMessiahwouldbeawarriorandoverthrowthe Romans.OthersbelievedthattheAnointedOnewouldbeakingwhowouldhave greatwealthandpower.Itappearsthatalmosteveryoneexpectedtheprophesied ChristtoresemblesomeonelikeKingDavid.Spoileralert:Jesuswasnotwhatthey expected.
Despitethefulfillmentoftheprophesies,practicallyeveryonearoundJesusmissed thathewaswhohesaidhewas.Inpreparationforthisdevotional,Ididadeepdive onJesusfulfillingtheprophesiesoftheOldTestament.Mostscholarsbelievethat theOldTestamenthadmorethan324prophesiesabouttheMessiah.Asstaggering asthisis,webelievethatJesusfulfilled324prophesiescollectivelywrittenby40 differentmenoverthespanof1500years.Letthatsinkin.Jesusfulfilledallof them.
Yet,almosteveryonearoundJesusdeniedhim.Theyclaimedhewascrazy.They mockedhim.Theykilledhim.TheydidallofthisbecauseJesuswasnotwhatthey expected.
InreviewingtheBible,wehavetheprivilegeofhindsightandcanscoffathow badlyeveryonemissedJesusbeingtheChristandSaviorsentbyGod.Butifweare honestwithourselves,don’twestillmissthisfacttoday?Don’twedenythingsthat areplainlyinfrontofusbecauseweareexpectingsomethingelse?Howmany timeshavewelookedintherearviewmirrorofourlivesandclearlyseenwhatGod intendedforus,butwewantednothingtodowithitatthetime?Forme,itismore timesthanIwishtoadmit.
ThisChristmas,Idareyoutobebold.Idareyoutosetasideyourexpectations.I dareyoutoseekJesusfirst.Idareyoutofoldintohiswillandsetasideyourwill.I dareyoutoallowJesustobegreaterandforyoutobecomeless.
Prayer:Jesus,weloveyou!Wepraythatweseekyoufirstandfoldintoyourwill! Amen.
SubmittedbyDrewRichardson
“ForinJesusChristeveryoneofGod’spromisesisa‘Yes.’Forthisreasonitis throughhimthatwesaythe‘Amen,’tothegloryofGod.”-2Corinthians1:20
Theholidaysareafavoritetimeoftheyearformany.Thefunfamily memoriesanddeliciousfoodChristmasbringseachyearmakeithardforit nottobe.Butinthemidstofchaosthatcomeswithhavingmanyfamily membersunderoneroof,IhavestruggledtorememberwhatChristmasis about.
IfyouaskfivedifferentpeoplewhatthetruemeaningofChristmasis,you’re probablygoingtogetfivedifferentanswers.Ifyouhadaskedmeafewyears ago,Iwould’vejustsaidit’saboutthebirthofJesus,whichisn’twrong–but notthewholestory.Christmashasalotofmeaningssurroundingit,andone ofthemIhadforgottenaboutuntilrecently.Yes,Christmasisabouthow GodsentJesustowashawayoursins,butindoingthat,Christmasisalso aboutGodfulfillingapromisemadetous.
InDeuteronomy18:18,GodsaystoMoses,“Iwillraiseupforthema prophetlikeyoufromamongtheirownpeople;Iwillputmywordsinthe mouthoftheprophet,whoshallspeaktothemeverythingthatIcommand.”
WhenI’mmadatGodorthinkhehasforgottenIexist,Iliketorememberhis promisefromDeuteronomybecause,inactuality,wearenotforgotten.God showsusthatwiththebirthofJesus.
Prayer:Lord,thankyouforstayingrightbyoursidethroughourtimesoffaith andtimesofdoubt.Thankyouforshowinguswearenotforgottenand fulfillingyourpromises,evenwhenwedon’talwaysfulfillourstoyou.Amen.
SubmittedbyEvinCateJohnson,SenioratRich1MiddleCollege
(EvinCateisthedaughterofChrisandthelateMillieJohnson.)
“LetthepeaceofChristruleinyourhearts,towhichindeedyouwerecalled inonebody.Andbethankful.”-Colossians3:15
It’snotanuncommonpracticeforustotaketime,aswearepreparingfor Christmas Day, to sit down with our kids and make a Christmas list of our “wants.” These days, it may be the only time they see a catalog, as they’re pointing out the items that catch their eye, and parents and grandparents,auntsandunclesaretakingnote.
There is no escaping that consumerism and gift exchange are an integral partofourChristmasholiday,evenifitdoescomewithahealthybalance of fellowship and family time, meaningful worship, special holiday traditions,andlotsofmerriment.
Aside from a few Christmas gifts of my childhood, I don’t really rememberanypresentsinparticular.ButIdoremember,vividly,atimely lessoningratitudethatIreceivedduringAdventwhenIwasaroundeight yearsold.
My parents had given me an early Christmas card, which I was delighted to receive. In it was a sticker sheet (amazing!) and a nice little note inscribed with instructions to place stickers on the things you like. I will neverforgetthejoyofgoingaroundmyroomandputtingstickersonall of my favorite things. I loved my Pound Puppy; he got a sticker. I loved my tape player; it got a sticker. My bed, some books, my favorite pillow. Theyallgotstickers.Mybabysisteracrossthehall–sticker.
WhatIdidn’trealizewasthattherewasabackpagetothecardwithalist ofthingsImayhave“wanted”…andtheintentionwastomakeasortofa ChristmaslistbyputtingstickersbythoseitemsthatIliked.
But what I had done, unintentionally, was to identify things already aroundmethatIloved.Whatwasintendedtobeanactivityoflistingmy wants became an exercise of gratitude. I will never forget my parents’ smiles when they saw my room covered in stickers. I was much older whenmymomsharedwithmeaboutthecard,andthehonest,beautiful
Fifth Day of Advent Thursday, December 5, 2024
messIhadmadebyputtingstickersallovertheplace.Wefoundtinystarstickerson things,evenyearslater,areminderofthatsweetmistake.
But, was it a mistake, really? I think not. That lesson in gratitude was a gift in itselfonethatIhaveneverforgotten.Iamsurethatmyparentshadsomegreatpresentsfor me that Christmas morning- but I don’t remember them. I do remember that card though,andthosestickers,andhowgooditmademefeeltocountmyblessingsthat Adventmorning.
Prayer: God of Joy and Delight, help me to be ever-aware of your gracious blessings in my life; tune my heart to sing your praise, giving thanks, each and everyday.Amen.
SubmittedbyRev.EmilyMooneyhan
Sixth Day of Advent Friday, December 6, 2024
“…prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morningdarkness,andtreadethuponthehighplacesoftheearth,theLord,theGodof hosts,ishisname.”-Amos4:12-13,KJV
Each Christmas throughout my childhood, my family and I journeyed to southern Virginiatovisitmygrandparents.Admittedly,theroadbetweenWinston-Salemand Martinsville,ourdestination,wasdesolateandbarren,butIcouldalwayscountona familiarmarkerperchedontheshoulderofHighway220-awoodenchurchsignno larger than Notre Dame’s “Play Like a Champion Today.” This church sign boldly proclaimedthenews:“PreparetomeetGod.”
Frankly, I thought this sign was hilarious. You expect to meet God in a tiny church outsideofEden,NC?Andyet,wemay.
TheseeminglyvengefulGodoftheOldTestamenthasgonetogreatlengthstoknow us, to be known by us, and to never let us go. But how often do we prepare to encounter God before we go to church or before we walk in the sanctuary? Do we expecttoexperiencetheDivine?Dowehavefaiththateachmomentissacred?
Sixth Day of Advent Friday, December 6, 2024
Continued...
God broke through the mundanity and chaos and disorder of our world. He who was rich became poor for our sake. The Creator of the universe poured himself out and became a helpless infant so that we may know him and know thatheisgood.
AndbyhissacrificeonthecrossandthepromiseoftheHolySpiritatbaptism, we can meet God on the side of Highway 220. He can speak to us and we can know his voice out of the goodness of his divine nature in which he calls us to participate.
NexttimewewitnessandparticipateinabaptismorreceiveHolyCommunion or pray together or witness a marriage, may we experience our Lord who is ultimately merciful- and, by his own grace, available, amongst us, and living in ourheartsalready.
PreparetomeetGod.Glorybetohim.
Prayer: “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted,andeverymountainandhillshallbemadelow:andthecrookedshallbe made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”*AMEN.
*Isaiah40:3-5
SubmittedbyRanMinter
Seventh Day of Advent Saturday, December 7, 2024
“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,PrinceofPeace.”-Isaiah9:6
AsIhavegrownolder,Ihavebeenabletoenjoyamorepeacefulexistence,evenat Christmas. The excitement of opening presents, family get-togethers, the hustle and bustle of last minute shopping have, thankfully, taken a backseat to the eager anticipationofthebirthofourLordandSaviorJesusChrist.Adventhasbecomea timetoreadymyselfforthecelebrationofthebirthofthePrinceofPeace.
I have been blessed on a few occasions to really know the peace of God. You know, the peace that passes all understanding. While I long to have that peace always, I appreciate that I might take it for granted if it were available all the time.HavinghadthatpeacehascertainlymademeclosertoGodandthankful that I know what the peace of God really is. As I think back to the moments when I experienced this peace, I am assured that I will experience it again. Perhapsnotinthisworld,butcertainlyinthenext.
Ithinksometimeswehavetoconsciouslylookforpeace.Wehavetobewilling tobestill,toclearourminds,toearnestlypetitionGodtoopenourheartsand minds to find peace. A hike in the woods, a quiet walk on a beach, an appreciation of a spectacular sunrise or sunset can give us peace. Stilling ourselves can be challenging but oh so worthwhile, especially during the busy Christmasseason.
I hope that you will be intentional in this Advent season about slowing down enough to be able to experience some peace. I pray that God grants you the peacethatpassesallunderstanding.IpraythatthisChristmaswillbringmuch neededpeacetousall!
Prayer: Loving God, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus the Christ. As we ready ourselves to celebrate his birth, help us to seek your peace. We ask that this be the year when we can all appreciate the peace that passes understanding, the peacethatcanonlycomefromyou.Strengthenus,Lord,tohelpspreadyourpeace throughouttheworld.IntheholynameofJesus,wepray.Amen.
“AllthosegatheredherewillknowthatitisnotbyswordorspeartheLordsaves;for thebattleistheLord’s,andhewillgiveallofyouintoourhands.”-ISamuel17:47
WhilewemaynotfaceliteralgiantslikeyoungshepherdDaviddidinthebookof 1Samuel,weallencounterhardshipsandchallenges,maybeespeciallyduringthe holidays.
“Giants”cancomeintheformofrejection,fear,control,anger,oraddiction.Many peopleareunawareofthesegiantsintheirlives.AsweprepareforChristmas,the giantofcontrolcandemandperfection,regardingpresents,food,andhomedecor. Thegiantofaddictioncantakeholdwithtemptationsofrichfoods,alcohol,and evensportsgambling,whichincreasesovertheholidays.Thegiantofrejectioncan feelinsurmountableafterlosingalovedoneorbeingaloneduringthisseason.
ThestoryofDavidteachesusalotaboutbattlinggiants.YoungDavidwastaking foodandsuppliestohisolderbrothersstandingonthefrontlineagainsttheenemy. Everysingleday,for40daysstraight,agiantnamedGoliathcameouttotauntthe entireIsraelitearmy,defytheirGod,andchallengeanyonetofacehiminbattle. DavidheardGoliathmockingGodandrefusedtoletitstand.
DespiteKingSaul'sdoubtsaboutthisyouthandhislackofarmor,DavidtellsSaul, “TheLordwhorescuedmefromthepawofthelionandthepawofthebear,will rescuemefromthehandofthisPhilistine”(v.37).HisfaiththatGodwouldbeby hissidehelpedDavidwinthebattle.
InthebookGoliathMustFall,authorLouieGigliodescribeshowhehimselffaced giantsofcontrol,rejection,depression,andanxietyandhowhefiguredoutthe remedy,truth,andsecrettofacinganygiant.Giglioremindsreadersthatwe,like David,cannotfacegiantsalone.Weneedsomeonetofightthisbattleforus,and Jesusistheanswer.Jesuswillfaceanygiantinlifethatmaybeharassing,taunting, ordebilitatingus.
Remembertodaythatweareneverfightingabattlealone.Jesuswillalwayshelpus withwhatevergiantwearefacing.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for having already won the battle. Help us remember that you,Jesus,willgooutandfaceourgiants.Amen.
SubmittedbyJohn
Sloan
“AsJesusandhisdiscipleswereontheirway,hecametoavillagewherea womannamedMarthaopenedherhometohim.Shehadasistercalled Mary,whosatattheLord’sfeetlisteningtowhathesaid.ButMarthawas distractedbyallthepreparationsthathadtobemade.Shecametohimand asked,‘Lord,don’tyoucarethatmysisterhasleftmetodotheworkby myself?Tellhertohelpme!’‘Martha,Martha,’theLordanswered,‘youare worriedandupsetaboutmanythings,butfewthingsareneeded–orindeed onlyone.Maryhaschosenwhatisbetter,anditwillnotbetakenawayfrom her.’”-Luke10:38-42
Afewweeksago,whileservingatEastminster’sFootcareMinistry,I receivedoneofthebestcomplimentsIcanrememberinalongtime.Iwas workingonaman’sfeet.Theywereunkemptanddesperatelyneededmy attention.Helookeddownatmeandkindlysaid,“Youseemtoreallylove yourwork.”
Nowthismightnotsoundlikeatop10compliment,buttoa“Martha”like myself,itwaseverything.AsthecoordinatoroftheFootcareMinistry,itis easytobecomesoworriedabouttheprepwork(schedulingvolunteers, purchasingsupplies,replenishingcleantowels,orderingthecorrectsize shoesandsocks,andonandon…)thatoften,IamlikeMartha–toobusyto seeGod.Tooworriedtositathisfeet.Tooself-absorbedtohearGod’s message.
ItisanoxymorontobeservingGodandstillbefilledwithworries.Where Godis,thereispeace,soifyouaretrulyservinghiminhisstrengthandnot yours,worryhasnoplacethere.
AsIreadtoday’sscripture,IwonderifJesuswasaddressingMartha's attitudemorethanheractsofservice.Ifshewerepreparingamealwitha lovingandgenerousspiritratherthanbeingstressedandworried,Jesus' responsemighthavebeenverydifferent.Jesusisnotundervaluingthetasks ofhospitalityandhomemaking.Heisaddressingtheheartattitudewith whichweserve.Whenourserviceturnsusintoacrankymonster,it'stime tohearJesus'rebuke.
ThisChristmasseason,mygoalisnottoneglectmy“mustgetdonelist.”As a“TypeA”Marthatomyverycore,Idon’tseethathappening.Instead,I willpraytohearthosesweetwordsfromthatkindstrangerandendeavorto gothroughmybusydayswithasenseofjoyandloveforwhatIamtasked withdoing.
Ihavepreachedtomychildrenforyearsnow,“Attitudeiseverything!” Withtherightattitude,love,andkindness,perhapstherewillbemorespace forGodtoshowup.And,afterall,isn’tthatthegoal?
Prayer: Gracious God, help us cultivate Mary’s heart in a Martha world. Ourproblemisn'ttheworldweinhabitbuttheheartsthatinhabitus.Giveus undivided hearts. Ones that can shut out the clamor of this world and sit at yourfeetforrestandrestoration.InyourSon’sname,wepray.Amen.
SubmittedbyLibFoster
“’Come’hesaid.ThenPetergotdownoutoftheboat,walkedonthewaterand cametowardJesus.Butwhenhesawthewind,hewasafraidand,beginningto sink,criedout,‘LORDsaveme!’ImmediatelyJesusreachedouthishandand caughthim.‘Youoflittlefaith,’hesaid,‘whydidyoudoubt?’” -Matthew14:29-31
Oftentimes,fearanddoubtcancompletelycloudourvision,eventothepoint wherewecan’tseewhat’sinfrontofus.FromsomeofmyrecentScripture readings,abigthemeIhavetakenawayistheimportanceofperspective. Whereareyoufixingyoureyes?
InthebeginningoftheBible,timeandtimeagainGodperformsmiraclesfor theIsraeliteswhoeventuallyturntheirfocuselsewhere.Theybegintodoubt God,despiteallthewayshecontinuestoshowthemhowhewillneverfailto providewhentheyjusthavefaith.Alsointoday’sscripture,we’rereminded thatintheNewTestament,PeteralsodivertshisattentionawayfromGodand beginstosink.
Wherewefixeyesissoimportant.
Iheardasermonthathasreallystuckwithme.Itwasaboutawomandeciding toskiablackdiamondduringatriptothemountains.Shewasfearfuland hesitant,focusingintentlyonallthetreesandrocksalongthemountain,then shecrashed.Whatshelearnedisthatwhileskiingdownamountain,whereyou lookiswhereyou’regoingtogo.Ifyou’relookingattheobstaclesalongthe way,you’reprobablygoingtocrashintothem;butifyoukeepyoureyesfixed onwhereyouwanttogo,you’regoingtobeawholelotbetteroff.
2011 Christmas Musical
ThisAdventseason,beawareofwhereyouarefixingyoureyes.Ifyourfocusis onworry,busyness,ordoubts,you’vetakenyourfocusoffGod,andthere’sa prettygoodchanceyou’regoingtocrash.Takecourageandrememberthe LORD’sgoodness.Hewillneverletussinkorcrashbecauseheisagoodand faithfulFather.
Let’skeepoureyesontheLORDandlooktohimforhelpandguidance throughthisseason.LikePeterwalkingonwater,wewillexperienceGod’s abundantblessingsandfaithfulness.
Prayer:Atthestartofeachnewmorning,Lord,helpmeturnmyeyestoyou. Amen.
SubmittedbyStefanieLippard
“RejoiceintheLordalways.Iwillsayitagain:Rejoice!Letyourgentlenessbe evidenttoall.TheLordisnear.Donotbeanxiousaboutanything,butinevery situation,byprayerandpetition,withthanksgiving,presentyourrequeststoGod. AndthepeaceofGod,whichtranscendsallunderstanding,willguardyourhearts andyourmindsinChristJesus.”-Philippians4:4-7
Whatisthechaosofyourlifetoday?Isitminor,fleeting,andmoreofan inconvenience?Orisitserious,heavy,long-lasting?Mineistheformer,butwhen ithappenseveryday,itcansometimestakeatolllikethelatter.Mineisa toddler…well,twoofthem.
IsometimeswonderhowJesusbehavedasayoungchild.Weknowhewas perfect,butevenperfectioncanbestressfultotherightpersonatthewrongtime. Didsleep-deprivedandoccasionallyimpatientJosephgetfrustratedwithlittle Jesus?DoyouthinkJesusthrewhimselftothegroundandirrationallycried whenJosephgavehimthestrawberryyogurtpouchinsteadofthegrape?While wemaynotknowtheseanswers,weknowthingsturnedoutprettygreatforus throughJesusandhisultimatesacrificeonthecross.
IamnowconfidentthatwhateverIthoughtstresswaswhenIwasyounger,I clearlyhadnoidea.Thementalandphysicalburdenoftwoyoungchildren,who arewondrousinmillionsofwaysandareinconstantneedofattention,is grueling.I’llquicklyadmitthatIamnotwiredwithnaturalpatience.
Whilescriptureisn’tclearlycategorizedwitha“Toddler101”section,thereis immensesolaceandcomfortwecanfindinhowGodcallsustoliveourlives,and whereGodcallsustoturnwhenanxietystrikes.Isn’titmarvelouswhathappens whenwetrulyturnourselves,and/oroursituation,overtoGod?Perhapsthisis whymostofyouparentswitholderchildrenmustbethinking,“Iknowwehad thosemoments,butIcan’tevenrememberthemanylonger.”
Onseveraloccasions,afteranemotion-filledbattleoverliteralspilledmilk,I’ll oftenfindmyselfcatchingabreathinthebriefcalmnessafterthestorm.Outof theblue,I’llhear:“Daddy?”“Yes,sweetie,”I’llrespond.“Iloveyou,”shesays.The peaceofGod,whichtranscendsallunderstanding,willtakemybreathaway throughthoselittlegirls.It’salmostasifGodhimself,knowingmyweaknessand struggle,isremindingme:“Peyton?”“Yes,God.”“Iloveyou.Iknowyoucanhandle theburdensI’mgivingyou.”
Friends,whetheryourchaostodayisspilledmilkordevastatingloss,Godloves you.Hispeace,whichweoftendon’tunderstand,willguardourheartsand mindsinChristJesusifwelethim.ThanksbetoGodforthat.MerryChristmas.
Prayer:LordGod,thankyouforgivinguscomfortwhenweneeditmost.Mayyoube theOneweturntowhenchaosstrikes,whetherinbigwaysorsmall.InJesus’perfect namewepray,Amen.
Submitted
by
PeytonBryant
“InthetimeofKingHerod,afterJesuswasborninBethleheminJudea,wise menfromtheEastcametoJerusalem,asking,‘WhereistheChildwhohasbeen bornkingoftheJews?Forwehaveobservedhisstarrisingandhavecometopay himhomage.”-Matthew2:1-3,7-8
TheworldpourslayersandlayersofstuffontopoftheChristmasstory.Itcanbe hardtoseeJesusthroughallthethicklayers:Santa,reindeer,snowmen(snowwas ascommoninIsraelasinSC-itisthesamelatitude),icicles,theGrinch,Polar Express,shopping,traffic,lists,amazonboxthieves,elvesontheshelf….
YetthewisemensoughtJesus."WhereistheChildbornkingoftheJews?"The shepherdssoughthim-"Letusgoandseethisthingthathashappened,whichthe Lordhastoldusabout”(Luke2:15).
We,too,canseekGod.Wecanseekhiminworship.Deepdown,weknowthat churchistheplacetobeatChristmas.WecanseekGodinthescripturestories thatremindusthatGodcamedownandthatJesusisworthyof"homage,"or worship.WecanseekGodinprayer-prayerforourworld,ourland,ourchurch, ourfamilies.Godis,afterall,thefinalobjectofallseekinginprayer.
Butthereisalso“fake”seeking.AfterJesus’sbirth,HerodpretendedtoseekJesus inorderto“worship”him.ThisblasphemyoftheHolySpiritwassoevidentin Herod'sseekingChristjusttokillhim.Today,Ihaveyettofigureoutthejoyof anatheisttryingtoruinaChristian'sfaithwithargumentor,worse,persecution. Butsuchthingshavebeentriedmillionsandmillionsoftimes.Eachyearabout 100,000Christiandiefortheirfaithratherthandenyingit.Likecurrent persecutors,Herod’sseekingwasmotivatedbyanoutrightthwartingofGod’s glory.
Onamuchlesserscale,wecanseeformsoffakeseekingtoday:thepersonwho justgoesalongwiththerest,buttheirheartisnotinworship.Yet,eventhisis betterthannotmovingtowardGodatall.Noneofushasabsolutelyfaultless motivesinourseeking.Ourseekingismeasuredinreticence-holdingbackpart ofourselves-andcanbepollutedwithfalsemotivesorthoughts.However,ifwe waittoseekGoduntilweareabsolutelypureinthoughtormotive,wewillbe frozenbyourownsin.
Despiteourmixedmotives,ourpastsins,orourpresenterrors,wearecalledto seekourLord.
IntheclassicmovieIt'saWonderfulLife,themaincharacterprays,“DearFather inHeaven,I'mnotaprayingman,butifyou'reupthereandyoucanhearme, showmetheway."Sucharealmostallourprayers-mixedwithnaivedoubt.
Likethewisemenandtheshepherds,wereallyarecalledtojustseekGod.Wise men(andwomen)stillseekourLordtoday.
LettheHolySpiritcutthroughwithconvictionthelayersofdefense,distraction, anddenialtofindthetruthunderneathitall.
Prayer:Father,thankyouthatbeforewelovedyou,youlovedus.Beforewesought you,yousoughtus.Soinspireandquickeninusadesiretoseekyounow.
SubmittedbyRev.Dr.BenSloan
“ThisisthedaythattheLordhasmade;letusrejoiceandbegladinit.”
-Psalm118:24
Theholidayseasonisuponus,withallofitsmagicandwonder,butalsoits hustleandbustle.I’vethoughtbacktoholidaysofthepast,andrealizedhow guiltyIamoffailingtoliveinthemoment.Insteadofappreciatingthe specialnessoftheseason,Iseemtobesweptawayinit.Insteadofenjoyingthe wonderandjoyofthistime,Iamalwaysanticipatingandplanningforthenext day.Afterwards,whentheseasonisover,Iamfilledwithregretforhowquickly thetimepassed.
DidIlivefullyineachmomentandappreciateit,asGodwantsmeto?OrdidI selfishlyfocusonmyownwantsandneeds?
InPsalm118:24,weareremindedthat“thisisthedaytheLordhasmade.Letus, then,rejoiceandbegladinit.”TheLordknowswearenotatpeacewith ourselvesortheworldaroundus.Heknowsweareselfishandself-centered.He realizesourearthlywantsandneedsarelouderthanourlongingtobeatpeace. So,scripturetellsustostop,slowdown,bepresentandgroundedineach moment,andbegladforeachmomentbeforeit’sgone.
Whenthehurriesofeverydaylifehaveushustlingandbustling,it’seasytoforget allthethingsthatshouldmakeusglad:thebreathoflife,preciousmomentswith ourfriendsandfamily,and,ofcourse,thepricelessgiftofGodmadefleshinthe LordJesus.Thebeautyoftwinklinglights;thejollyfunofmusic,andlaughter, andbeingwiththepeoplewelove;andthegivingofgiftstoshowourlove.These thingsshouldnotdistractusfromthesilentnightstoreflectonhowgoodGod is.Weshouldrejoiceandbegladinitalways.
Mypersonalgoalforthisseasonistobepresentandfullyatpeaceandinjoywith everymoment.Insteadoffranticallytryingtomakeeverylittlething“perfect,”I wanttobaskinlife’simperfections.Ratherthanplanningeverysinglesecondof theholidayseasonwithoutspacetojustbestill,Iplantoslowdownand recognizeGodinthepresent.Inplaceofexpectations,Idesirepeace.Timeis fleetingandifwefailtoappreciateit,itwillbegone.
Doesthissoundhard?Doesitfeelimpossible?RecallGod’spromisetoMoses: “Mypresencewillgowithyou,andIwillgiveyourest”(Exodus33:14).This year,letyourheartbelight,andhaveyourselfamerrylittleChristmasnow.
Prayer:“MaythegraceoftheLordJesusChrist,andtheloveofGod,andthe fellowshipoftheHolySpiritbewithyouall”(2Corinthians13:14).Amen.
SubmittedbyLyndeyBryant
“Andtherewereshepherdslivingoutinthefieldsnearby,keepingwatchovertheir flockatnight.AnangeloftheLordappearedtothem,andthegloryoftheLord shonearoundthem,andtheywereterrified.Buttheangelsaidtothem,‘Donotbe afraid.Ibringyougoodnewsthatwillcausegreatjoyforallthepeople.’”
-Luke2:8-10
ImaginetheCEOofaninternationallytradedcompanysharingthenewsofthe latestproductlaunch.Theannouncementwouldbecarefullycuratedandvetted bytheBoardandWallStreetbeforeadvertisementsandpressreleaseswereissued tothemediaand“influencers”inourdayandtime.Idoubtheorshewouldfirst sharethenewswiththestaffwhoservedinthecompanycafeteria.
Indeed,Matthew’sversionoftheChristmasstoryrecountsinMatthew2:1-2, “TheMagiarrivedatHerod’spalaceinJerusalemasking,‘Whereistheonewho hasbeenbornthekingoftheJews?’”SeemslogicalthattheMagiwentto Jerusalem,right?Thecapitalcitywouldlikelybetheepicenterofallworldlynews.
InterestinglywefindtheoppositeofwhatonewouldexpectintheGospelof Luke.God’sperfectcommunicationplanthatseemedtobreakallthe“rules”was onethatsetthetoneforthewayJesuswouldleadandcommunicatehislovefor all.
WhilethetruefocusofthescriptureisthebirthofourMessiah,Ican’thelpbut reflectonwhyGodchosetorevealthebirthofJesustotheshepherdsfirst.
PerhapsthiswashiswayofprovingtoustheGoodNewswasforallpeople. Shepherdslivedalowlylifeandwereoftenconsideredoutcasts.MaybeGodknew theywould“getit.”Afterall,theycaredforsheeptoo,andalthoughwemaynot likeit,youhavetolaughatthemanywayswecanbecomparedtosheep(nosense ofdirection,needy,social).Ihaveheardthatsheepwillactuallyfollowothersheep withoutthinking,evenifitisoffacliff.TheBibletellsusinMatthew18:12-14 thattheShepherdwillgotoalllengthstofindonelostsheepandrejoiceoverthe onefound.
Today’sscriptureactuallytellsuswhattheshepherdsweredoingastheangelof theLordappeared–“keepingwatchovertheirflockatnight.”Isn’tthatwhatJesus doesforus?
PerhapsthismessagewassomehowaforeshadowingofthelifeoftheGreat Shepherdwhohadjustbeenborn.InJohn10:1-21,Jesustellstheparableofthe GoodShepherdinwhichhecompareshimselftoashepherdwhodeeplycaresfor andprotectshissheep,evenwillingtolaydownhislifeforthem.
Howdidtheselowlyshepherdsrespond?Theyheardthenews,theywenttosee forthemselves,theyspreadtheword,andallwhoheardwereamazed.Canwedo thesame?
Prayer:HeavenlyFather,duringthisAdventseasonwecelebratethegreatestnews ofall–thebirthofyourSon,ourLordandSaviorJesusChrist.Thankyou,Lord, forsendingtheGreatShepherdwhotendstoallyoursheep.Letourearshearhis voiceandletourheartsoverflowwiththanksgivingandpraise.Inhisnamewe pray,Amen.
SubmittedbyCaryDuRantGraham
Third Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 15, 2024
“[Joseph]went[toBethlehem]toregisterwithMary,whowaspledgedtobe marriedtohimandwasexpectingachild.”-Luke2:5
JosephandMary’stravelingonadonkeyfromonetowntothenextwasanact ofobediencetoGod.
Muchthesameway,whenwearepreparingforJesus’birth,weneedtodeny ourownselfishdesiresandfocusonourLord.
"Ifanyonedesirestocomeafterme[Jesus],lethimdenyhimself,andtakeuphis cross,andfollowme"(Matthew16:24).
Jesus'requirementsforbeinghisfollowerrequiresmorethanleavingsomething behind.Hetellsusto"come"andbringyourburdensalongwithyou.Peter explainsitanotherway:"Thereforehumbleyourselvesunderthemightyhand
Third Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 15, 2024
ofGod,sothathemayexaltyouattheappropriatetime,castingallyourcareson him,forhecaresaboutyou"(1Peter5:7).
Whendidyoutakeajourneyorstepoutinfaith,purelyoutofobedienceto God?Maryisourexampleofdevotionandobedience.AsthemotherofJesus, shewasinthegripofGod'shand.Andsoarewe.
Prayer:DearFather,aswecomeclosertothemanger,remindusofthecross.Keep usinyourcareasourjourneybringsuseverclosertoyou.InJesus’holyname, Amen.
SubmittedbyChrisLawson
Sixteenth Day of Advent Monday, December 16, 2024
“ButwhenthekindnessandloveofGodourSaviorappeared,hesavedus,not becauseofrighteousthingswehaddone,butbecauseofhismercy.Hesavedus throughthewashingofrebirthandrenewalbytheHolySpirit,whomhepoured outonusgenerouslythroughJesusChristourSavior.”-Titus3:4-6
Theholidayseasoniseasilyovershadowedbythoughtsaboutpresentsorplans. However,themostimportantpartoftheholidaysisn’ttangiblegifts,butthe onesgivenfromGodhimself.Thesegiftsareeasilyforgottenbecausetheyare notinboxesyoucanseeunderyourtree,orinbagswithcolorfultissuepaper.
Manyfamiliesgetcaughtupintherushoftheholidaysandforgetto acknowledgetherealpurposeofChristmas.AlthoughGod’sgiftcannotbeheld orseen,itisnever-endingandnever-wavering.GodallowedhisonlySontodie onthecrossforussothatwecanbeforgivenforoursins.
So,Christmasisn’taboutfindingorreceivingtheperfectpresent-becausewe alreadyhavereceiveditfromtheLordourGod.Hegaveusthegiftof forgivenessandeverlastinglove.
Prayer:DearGod,helpustoseeyourlove,evenondaysthatwearedistractedor worried.Letusknowthesacrificesyouhavemadeforus,andhelpusremember thegiftsyouhavegivenus.Allowustoseeyourpresenceduringtheholidayseason. Thankyouforyournever-endinglove.
SubmittedbyLucyStallworth,SophomoreatA.C.FloraHighSchool
(LucyisthedaughterofTommyandHeatherStallworth.)
“For a Child has been born for us, a Son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6
As I write this, I’m coming off a rough few weeks. I felt a bit broken and a lot tearful. The rose of my new job lost its bloom, or so I thought for a time. My mind ran amok trying to make sense of my situation, to strategize, to figure out what I needed to do to fix it. (Note what I said: what I needed to do to fix it.)
Had I prayed about it? No. Had I even thought to ask God for help? Also no. Then came Dr. Douglass Key’s October 17th devotional about taking matters into our own hands, about forgetting the promises of God. That was me. I’d forgotten.
God and I had an overdue chat. Later that morning, I walked down the hill to the local diner and treated myself to breakfast while I wrote down all my false beliefs about my situation. Then I wrote the truths. The summary of those truths is that I didn’t need to fix a thing, because God already had. I am his child and my happiness is in him. The only person I need to please is him. The work I do, I do to glorify him.
Just like that, I was at peace. The peace that passes all understanding wiped all my hurt and stress away in an instant. I was once again in God’s hands. I was home.
Seventeenth Day of Advent Tuesday, December 17, 2024
You’rewondering,Iknow,whatthishastodowithAdvent.Itispeace.God’s peace.TheChristmasseasonbringsmepeace.Thethoughtofgoinghomeand beingwithmyfamilyforalongbreakgivesmepeace.Seeingmyfriendsand worshippinginmyownchurchbringsmepeace.BeingwiththosewhomIlove givesmepeace.JustthethoughtoftheChristmasEvecandlelightservicebrings mepeace.AsIthinkofthememorialChristmastreeandtheornamentsthat honormymotherandfather,IamremindedtheyarewithourLordfor
“HewenttheretoregisterwithMary,whowaspledgedtobemarriedtohim andwasexpectingachild.Whiletheywerethere,thetimecameforthebabyto beborn,andshegavebirthtoherfirstborn,ason.Shewrappedhimincloths andplacedhiminamanger,becausetherewasnoguestroomavailablefor them.”-Luke2:5-7
ThestoryofJesus’sbirthisoneofthemostwell-knownstoriesthroughout theentireBible.Celebratedinchurchesglobally,thisstoryisretoldevery Christmas.However,notmuchemphasisisputonthesettingofJesus’sbirth, otherthanittakesplaceinBethlehem.Thesetting,however,isanimportant aspectthatsometimescanbeoverlooked.
ScripturesaysthatJesuswasborninamangerinaplacewhereanimalswere kept.Theexactdetailsareunknown,astheoriginalGreekwritingusesthe word“καταλύματι”(katalymati)meaning“placetolodge.”Thiscouldmean anythingfromstable,cave,oreventent.However,thefactremainsthat Christwasborninthepresenceofanimals.Thistypeofplacelikelywould havebeenworkedbypeasantsandwasavoidedbypeopleofstatus–thus, signifyingthehumbleandsimplebeginningsofChrist.
AstheChristChildwasinthepresenceofanimals,itislikelythattherewas genuinefilthallaroundhim.Christ,God’sonlySon,theonewhowould inspirebelieversallaroundtheworld,theonewhodiedforoursins,wasborn aroundaloadoffilth.Tome,thisservesasananalogyoftheworldChristhad justentered–aperfectmanenteringaworldfullofsin.
Fromtheverybeginningofhislife,Christexperiencedandshowedhumility. Inthehustleandbustleofourownlives,itcanbeveryeasytoforgetallthat Christhasdoneforus.Buthangontothistruth.Christmodeledhumility throughouthislife.Andthroughhisstory,heteachesustodothesame. Greatthingscancomefromhumbleandsimplebeginnings.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, during this Advent season please help me remember the sacrifices that you have made for me. Your sacrifices have given me life and allow me to be here in this world. Without you, I would have nothing. Help me remember you for as long as I live and use what you have givenmetoglorifyyou,OLord.ItisinyournamethatIpray.Amen.
SubmittedbyJamesBlackwelder
“ThepeoplewhowalkedindarknesshaveseenagreatLight;thosewhodweltin alandofdeepdarkness,onthemhasLightshone.”-Isaiah9:2
Therearemanykindsofdarknessintheworld.Thereisphysicaldarkness.We noticeitespeciallyatthistimeofyear,mostnotablyonthedarkestdayofthe year,thewintersolstice,thedaywiththefewesthoursofsunlight.Webrighten upthedarknesswithChristmaslightsandcandles,whichbringbeautyand cheertoatimethatcouldveryeasilybecomegloomyanddepressing.
Thereisemotionaldarknesswhichcomesinmomentsoffearorworryorstress orphysicalexhaustion.Wehaveallexperiencedtheemotionaldarknessof depressionthatwillsetinwhenwefeeltrappedinproblemsthatoverwhelmus. Emotionaldarknesscanputagraycloudoverusandtakethejoyoutofliving.
Thereisspiritualdarknessaswell.St.JohnoftheCrosscalledit“thedarknight ofthesoul.”TheremaybetimeswhenwefeeldistantfromGodandwe’renot alwayssurewhy.Sometimeswedoknowwhyandwemustfindourwaybackto God,whowashereallalong.
TheprophetIsaiahtoldaboutagreatLightwhowascomingintotheworldto givelighttoallwholivedindeepdarkness.Ofallthejoysandpromisesofthe Adventseason,thisonegivesmethegreatestcomfortandhope.Godentered theworldinthepersonofJesusChrist-areal,living,breathinghumanbeing. Godgaveushisverybest.Godgaveushimself.Jesusunderstoodhuman injustice,humansuffering,andhumansadnessandgrief.Heknewallkindsof darknessexperientially.Helivedit.
Jesuscametobringlighttotheworld,toyou,tome,andtoallpeople.Hecame tobringjustice,peace,hope,joy,love,comfort,andhelptoeveryoneinevery generationwhoishurtingandlost.TherearetimeswhenIhurtandfeellost.I turntotheLordinprayerandknowhewillbewithmeinmysufferingandwill helpmethroughthesuffering,inhisperfecttiming.Hehasbecomeafriend wholistensandcomfortsmeinthedeepestpartofmysoul.
MaythelightofJesusChristbringcomfortandjoytoyouandyourfamilythis Adventseason.Mayyoufeelhislove.Andmayitgiveyoujoyforthejourney.
Prayer:DearestLightoftheWorld,brightenourdarkness,filluswiththepeace thatonlyyoucangive.InChristwepray,Amen.
SubmittedbyRev.Dr.CarolByrd
“AndmyGodwillmeetallyourneedsaccordingtohisgloriousrichesinChrist Jesus.”-Philippians4:19
WhenIwasinfirstgrade,allIcanrememberaskingfromSantawas…aGarfield theCatstuffedanimal.Random,Iknow,anditwasdefinitelyashort-lived phase,butthatgoofy,orangecatwasatthetopofmylist.I’msuretherewere otherthingsonmywishlist,butIwasmostexcitedtocomedownstairsandsee Garfieldwaitingforme.
ImaginemysurprisewhenIcouldn’tfindhimanywhere.Therewasashinyblue bike–completewithgears–butallIwantedwastheBigGuy.Fastforward40 yearslater,andIstillrememberthatfeelingofdisappointment.Idon’tthinkI evermentionedittomyparents,butthememorystuckwithme.
Now,lookingback,IrealizehowoftenI’vetakenthingsforgranted–somany gifts,really–thatareplacedbeforemeeverydaybyalovingGodwhomeetsall myneeds.
Today’sversefromPhilippiansisonethatwillalwaysbeclosetomyheart. Shortlybeforemygrandmotherpassedaway,herpastorvisitedher.Shewasvery sickandmusthavesensedtheendwasnear.Whenherpastorkindlyaskedifshe neededanything,shesoftlyreplied,“Idon’tneedanythingatall,Ihave everythingIneed.”ShehadJesus.Thatwasallsheeverneeded,andsoonshe wouldbeseeinghimfacetofacewithhisarmsaroundher!
Thismoment,sharedinhereulogy,remindedmethatwhenwehaveJesus,we trulyhaveeverything.Hemeetsallourneeds,bothinthislifeandthenext.
ThisChristmas,let'srejoiceinthebirthofourSavior,savoringhispresence,his love,andhistendercareforusrightnow.It'seasytogetoverwhelmedbyour wantsandendlessto-dolists,butmaywepauseandrememberthegreatestGift ofall–JesustheChrist.
Prayer:DearGod,thankyouforthegloriousrichnesswehaveinyourSon,Jesus. Heistrulyallweneed.MayhisloveberebornineachofourheartsthisAdvent season.Filluswithhislightandlovetodayandalways.Inhispreciousnamewe pray,Amen.
SubmittedbyJulieHudson
"Iwillalsopraiseyouwiththeharpforyourfaithfulness,OmyGod;Iwillsing praisestoyouwiththelyre,OHolyOneofIsrael.Mylipswillshoutforjoy whenIsingpraisestoyou;mysoulalso,whichyouhaverescued.Alldaylong mytonguewilltalkofyourrighteoushelp,forthosewhotriedtodomeharm havebeenputtoshame,anddisgraced."-Psalm71:22-24
Inourcommonculture,wehavephrasessuchas“ohmygod”thatweuseina familiarandirreverentmanner,andhaveevenshortenedto“OMG.”Idida searchofmyiPadNRSVBibleandfoundthephrase“OmyGod”used throughouttheOldandNewTestaments.However,thephraseisusedeither inpraiseofGod,oraskingGodforhelp.Itwasneverused,asfarasIcantell, toexpresssurpriseordispleasureordisgust,asweusetheOMGphrasetoday.
OurGodisbothmajesticandintimateatthesametime.OurGodcreatedthe HeavensandEarth,createdcreaturesandus,andbroughtababy—hisdivine Son—tosavehispeoplefromthemselves.OurGodspokedirectlytohis prophetsand,throughJesus,spokedirectlytohispeople.
Iimaginethefearandsurpriseoftheshepherdswhenangelsappearedto them,tellingthemtheMessiahhadbeenbornandtheycouldfindhimin Bethlehem.Whentheshepherdsfoundthebaby,Iimaginethattheymight haveappropriatelyexpressedtheirawewithan“OmyGod”thatwouldbe filledwithreverenceandappreciation.Similarlythewisemen,whotraveleda longwaytofindthisMessiah,probablyexpressedsurpriseandwonder…and maybean“OmyGod”whentheysawatinybabywiththelivestock.Each personwhosawtheinfantMessiahwouldhaveexpressedgratitudetoGod (capitalG)withreverence.
TheOMGgodwecreateddoesnothingforus.Wehavetrivializedthevery ideathatthemajestyandpoweroftheCreatoroftheuniversecanbeusedto expressmeresurprise.Nexttimeyouaretemptedtodoan“OMG”because someonecutyouoffintraffic,orbecauseyoujusthadaterrificdessert,think abouttheideathatyouaremakingourGodintoasmall“g”god.Consciously changeyourlanguage,andyourthinkingwillbechangedaswell.
Prayer:OmyLord,myGod,helpmetolistentoyouandpraytoyouwith reverenceandhumility.IthankyouforsendingyourSontousasababy,ina family.HeisbothoneofusandadivineGiftdirectlyfromyou.Keepmefrom lettingthatGiftbecomemundaneandtrivial.Amen.
SubmittedbyJanetKatz
“Onenteringthehouse,theysawtheChildwithMary,hismother;andtheyknelt downandpaidhimhomage.Then,openingtheirtreasurechests,theyofferedhimgifts ofgold,frankincense,andmyrrh.”-Matthew2:11
WhatdoyouwantforChristmas?Duringthistimeofyear,wethinkalotabout presents.Givingthemandgettingthem.Maybechildrendoitmorethanadults, butIbetthereissomethingyoureallywant.Inmycase,itismoreaboutwanting togetthemratherthangivingtoothers.
WhatdoyouneedforChristmas?Formostofus,theanswerisnothing. AlthoughanewcaroravacationtotheGreekIsleswouldbenice,thosethings arenotneeds.
ThegreatestGiftofalltimeisJesus.Allweneedtodoisfollowhim.Maybefirst weoughttowanttofollowhim.
Prayer: Holy God, this Christmas season, help us to remember your Son, Jesus Christ.Amen.
SubmittedbyJohnHart
Twenty-Third
“ForaChildisborntous,aSonisgiventous.Thegovernmentwillrestonhis shoulders.Andhewillbecalled:WonderfulCounselor,MightyGod,Everlasting Father,PrinceofPeace."-Isaiah9:6
Mountainpineweigheddownsolow Branchesbowedwithsilentsnow
Butunderneaththeglistening
Thewordlesswoodislistening,listening,listening Forthefrostwillfly
WhentheChristmasbabycries
Beastthatbristlewiththecold
Huddleinthebitterblow
Butwhiletheblastisthundering
Theirfrozensoulsarewondering,wondering,wondering Ifthisisthenight
WhentheChristmasbabycries Forthefrostwillfly
WhentheChristmasbabycries Windcomescreepingthroughthecracks
Flameblowsfromthecandlewax
Yetthereisfaithforfragileman
AChildisborninBethlehem,Bethlehem,Bethlehem
Forourhopewillrise
Forourhopewillrise Forourhopewillrise
Theselyricsarefromthe2008song“WhentheChristmasBabyCries”byAnnie MosesBand.Thesongpaintsavividpictureofawinteryscene,aquietworld hushedunderablanketofsnow.Itisaworldthat,despiteitsstillness,isfilled withanticipationandhope.Theimageofthe“wordlesswood”listeningis particularlystrikingtome;itspeakstothelongingforsomethingmore,a yearningthatechoesintheheartsofallcreation.
ThesongthenturnsitsattentiontotheheartoftheChristmasstory:thebirthof JesusChrist.Itspeaksofthehopeandpromisethiseventbrings.Eveninthe midstofdarknessandcold,thelightofChristshinesbrightly.
Inspiredbythissong,duringthisAdventseason,let’sfirstembracethesilence. Sometimes,themostprofoundmomentshappeninsilence.Soduringthis Adventseason,taketimetobestillandlistentothevoiceofGod.
Second,let’shopeinthepromisethisAdventseason.ThebirthofJesusisa promiseofhope,peace,andeternallife,andwecanholdontothatpromise. Last,let’ssharethelightthisAdventseason.Justasthecandle’sflamedispelsthe darkness,letyourlifebealighttoothers,andsharetheloveandhopeofChrist withthosearoundyou.
Prayer:God,thankyouforsendingyourSon.ThankyouforsendingyourSonto redeemus.DuringthisAdventseason,maywelistenforyou,holdontoyour promise,andshareyourloveandpeacewiththeworld.Amen.
SubmittedbyAnnaMillsCox
“Sayamongthenations,‘TheLordisking!’Theworldisfirmlyestablished;it shallneverbemoved.Hewilljudgethepeopleswithequity."-Psalm96:10
Psalm96isthehymnofpraisethatthechurchtraditionallyreadsonChristmas Eve.NootherPsalmsetsthetableforChristmasDayquitelikethishymn.On thisnightofnights,God’speoplearesummonedtosing–announcetoall creationtheglory,majesty,honor,strength,andbeautyoftheGodofIsrael. “WorshiptheLordinholysplendor;tremblebeforehim,alltheearth”(v.9).On thisnightofnightsGod’speopleareassembledtobeholdtheholysplendorof theLordwrappedinswaddlingclothes,cradledinamanger,attendedby question-ponderingparentsandsocially-outcastshepherds.
Wearegatheredtothisunlikelyscenetosingthesemagnificentwordsthatthe worldandallthosewhodwellthereinwillknow:TheLordisKing!
Despitewhatyousee,despitewhatthenewssuggests,despitewhatthepowerful amongmightclaim,despitewhatthemarketsexpect,despiteallcounterfeit claimstothethroneandallappearancesofrankkingless-nessintheworldaswe knowit–Here,OWorld,isyourKing.Thisiswhathonorandmajesty,strength andbeautylooklike.Vulnerability.Compassion.Mercy.Solidaritywiththe question-ponderers,thedefiledanddiscarded.
ThosewhoknowandtrustthisKing,whoservethisKing,whoworshipand adorethisKingcelebrateonthisnightofnights–werejoicewithgladexultation asthePsalminsists–becausethislonganticipatedKing“iscoming.”Notjust comingtoBethlehemofJudeainthedaysofCaesarAugustus,butcomingright here,rightnow.ThereisneveradaythatChristisnotcomingtous,establishing hisreign,demonstratinghisgloryandstrength,demandingreverenceand loyaltyfromhispeople.
Heiscoming,andallcreationreceiveshimwithgladexpectation,forhebrings healingandhopeinhistrain:“Thenshallallthetreesoftheforestsingforjoy beforetheLord;forheiscoming,forheiscomingtojudgetheearth”(v.13).
Thetreesareecstatic.Thetreeshavebeenwaitingalongtimeforthisday, becausethepeoplesoftheworldareabouttofindoutthattheLordisKingand theyarenot.TheLordisKingandtheKingiscoming.
Thatiswhatwegatheraroundthemangertocelebrateandtodeclaretoaweary worldtonight.NobodyownstheworldbuttheOnewhomadeit.Nobodyrules theearthbuttheOnebeforewhomthewholeearthtrembles.Regardlessof whatwedoorisdonetous,regardlessofthegrandplansandschemesofhuman invention,“theworldisfirmlyestablished,itshallneverbemoved.”Anditshall neverbeourstopossess.
TheLordisKingandtheKingiscomingtojudgetheearth,tojudgethe peopleswithequity,tojudgetheworldwithrighteousnessandthepeopleswith histruth(vv.10,13).ThisroyalmissionthatweinauguratetonightintheCity ofDavid,isnotjustavictoryparadefortheGodofIsrael.TheLordisKingand theKingiscomingtosetthingsright.Heiscomingtovindicatetheinnocent, thevictims,theexploitedandabused,theafflictedandafraid,forthewidow andtheorphanandtheresidentalien.
ThisBaby’smajestyandstrengthhaveapromisetofulfill;apromisethatmight beuncomfortableforsomeofuswhohavegatheredaroundhismakeshiftcrib onthisnightofnights.Equityandrighteousnessmightnotbeourchosen standardforthecomingKing’sscalesofjustice.Wewouldprefercompromise andleniencyperhaps.Or,betteryet,nojudgementatall.Butwecan’tsaywe weren’twarned;wecan’tsaywedidn’tknow(Ex22:22,Deut10:18,14:29, 16:14,24:17-21,26:12,27:19…).Itreallydoesmatter.
TheLordisKingandtheKingiscoming.Lettheheavensbegladandletthe earthrejoice.
Prayer:Come,LordJesus.Cometojudgetheworldwithrighteousness.Comeheal what is hurting, bind up what is broken, restore what is fallen, reconcile what is estranged, fill what is empty, encourage what is fearful, redeem what is hopeless. ForyouareourKing,andweareyourpeople.Amen.
SubmittedbyRev.Dr.DouglassKey
“InthebeginningwastheWord,andtheWordwaswithGod,andtheWord wasGod.HewasinthebeginningwithGod….Whathascomeintobeingin himwaslife,andthelifewasthelightofallpeople.…AndtheWordbecame fleshandlivedamongus,andwehaveseenhisglory,thegloryasofafather’s onlyson,fullofgraceandtruth.”-John1:1-2,4,14
God,theCreatorofallthatis,reachedoutfromthehighestheavensand movedintotheneighborhood.NotjustinBethlehemthen,butalsoin Columbianow.TheWordbecamefleshinJesussothatyouandIandallthe worldwouldhearthevoice,seetheactions,feelthetouch,andexperiencethe self-giving,forgivingloveofGodinJesustheMessiah.
WhateverthestateofyoursoulthisChristmasday,pictureyourselfasa sheep.Andwhetheryouareawanderingsheep,ananxioussheep,asheep blindlyfocusedonthenextpatchofgrass,alonelysheep,orevenalostsheep, pictureJesus,theGoodShepherd,comingtoyou.Comingtoyouright whereyouare.Reachingtoyou,pickingyouup,andplacingyouonhis shoulders,ourLordsays,“Youaremychild,mybeloved.I’vecometobein relationshipwithyou,tobepresentwithyoualwaysandinallthings.I’ve comesothatinmeyoumighthavelifeandhaveitabundantly.”
Godlovesyouandwantsyou-andalltheworld-toknowhim,toknowhis love.That’swhyJesuswasborn.Whyhelived.Andwhyhewillinglydied. Forus.
“Ah,dearestJesus,holyChild, Maketheeabed,soft,undefiled, Withinmyheart,thatitmaybe AquietchamberkeptforThee. Myheartforveryjoydothleap, Mylipsnomorecansilencekeep, Itoomustsing,withjoyfultongue, Thatsweetestancientcradlesong, GlorytoGodinhighestheaven, WhountomanhisSonhathgiven Whileangelssingwithpiousmirth. Agladnewyeartoalltheearth.” -MartinLuther.
Twenty-Fifth
Prayer:Lord,maythemagic,themystery,andthemagnificenceofourSavior’s birth, you becoming flesh to come and dwell on earth, fill our souls afresh this dayandalways.Amen.
MerryChristmas!
Submitted
by
Rev.Dr.BradSmith
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light." -Isaiah 9:2