2017 Advent Devotional

2017 Advent Devotional

Welcome to Advent 2017

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Time!

We use the word frequently, don’t we?

Phrases that are common for us to hear or utter might include: “We had a good time!”

“We are going through a hard time.”

“It’s about time.”

“Time and again …”

“Would you please be on time?”

“For the time being …”

“What’s the timetable?”

“From time to time …”

“What time is it?”

If we think deeply and carefully about time, it might elicit an array of reactions, intentions, and perhaps even regrets.

I’m not sure exactly what the reason is, but I have been doing a fair amount of pondering about time lately. Maybe it is because my parents are approaching their 90th birthdays and over 68 years of marriage. Maybe it is because in February, Pigeon and I will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. In many ways, it seems like 25 years has gone by so quickly.

It seems like only yesterday that we stood at the altar at Mayflower Congregational Church in Lansing and exchanged our vows. Then again, it seems like we have been together all our lives. Even though there are memories before Pigeon, I don’t like to think about time that has been spent without her. Maybe it is because I am approaching a red-letter birthday, the one that the government (as well as the denomination) has declared that I have reached full retirement age (even though I am not going to retire for several years yet). Maybe it’s because our children and granddaughter are aging – which means, by association, we are, too!

Maybe it’s because I have been wondering if I have used my time wisely and to the best advantage.

Advent is about time! We overlook the time aspect of Advent in favor of familiar themes of love, joy, peace, and hope. Or we focus on expectation, anticipation, and preparation.

Yet, when we ponder the scriptures of Advent, the ancient words of instruction and challenge leap out to us: “Watch! Stay alert! We do not know when the time is coming.”

“With the Lord, a single day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a single day.” “Watch. Wait. For we never know the time or the season of our Lord’s appearing.”

Our Advent journey of 2017 is going to focus on time!

The devotions that follow will assist us in our journey to Bethlehem. It will take some time for us to get there. Christmas Eve is a long way away … or … it will be here before we know it. But the truth is, how we spend our time, getting from here to there, is what Advent is all about.

Grace and peace to you (and to us all) as we enter the Advent journey.

Pastor Bob

1st Sunday of Advent, Sunday, December 3

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Twenty-Four Hours “Who among you by worrying can add a single moment to your life?”

“Therefore, stop worrying about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:27 & 34 There is an old song that is a favorite of mine and every time I hear it, it reminds me of this particular set of verses in Matthew.

Consider these words from the song: “What a difference a day made twenty-four little hours.” (Renee Olstead lyrics) Think to yourself what a difference twenty-four little hours can make to someone. It can be the difference: Between life and death Between good health and being terminal The ending of an old relationship and the joy of a new one Not having a job and then getting one or getting let go of a job but getting a better one Being in an accident or avoiding one Hearing good news or bad news In finding a cure In feeling hope In being loved In finding a friend In helping someone In finding your voice In making a difference “People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God reality, God initiative, God provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Matthew 6:32-36 Prayer: Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick. Lord Christ, give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous, and all for your love’s sake. Amen.

Pigeon Hundley

Monday, December 4

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What if Jesus were born TODAY? “Lord, you have been our help, generation after generation. Before the mountains were born, before you birthed the earth and the inhabited worldfrom forever in the past to forever in the future, you are God.” Psalm 90:1-2 If you’ve been in a Bible study, listened to a sermon, or just studied the Bible on your own, you have probably tried to imagine life in biblical times. It’s always interesting to read the commentaries in study Bibles to find out facts to put ourselves in their time.

Today, I challenge you to do the opposite: what if Jesus was due to be born in our time?

Joseph and Mary are engaged — hooray! 200 likes on their Instagram photo of Joseph grinning and Mary with a ring on her finger. Suddenly, Mary discovered she’s pregnant, but Joseph isn’t the father. He thought of leaving her, but then he had a dream where an angel told him that it was totally a God-thing and that this baby is actually from God, like, literally.

Since we don’t hear a ton about angels these days, Joseph actually believed the dream must really be something special and true, and he is supporting Mary in every way possible. Sure, there are still the skeptics, but there are also people who believe in miracles in our age, too.

Joseph’s grandma sent Joseph an email, inviting him to the family reunion back in his hometown on December 25, so they started making plans to go visit. Since that’s close to the due date, and Mary is a little worried to give birth on a plane, they are deciding to travel by car, and she’ll keep updating Google Maps on her phone with “hospitals near me” just in case.

Last week, before they left on the trip, they did a gender and name reveal party with their closest friends and Skyped-in family members: they’ll be having a boy named Jesus!

Word is getting around online that he is going to be a very special baby who will help change the world, especially considering who his spiritual father is.

Mary asked us all to write a prayer on a notecard for her to read to him once he’s born. Here’s mine, in case you want to pray it with me.

Hey Jesus! I’m so excited to meet you! There are so many people out here in the world who are so excited for your arrival! Come soon. We can’t wait!

You are so loved already, little guy. I’m praying that your life will make a big difference in the world and that you will feel surrounded by love from everyone you meet. Amen.

Molly Molhoek

Tuesday, December 5

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What Child is This?

“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12 My favorite Christmas carol is “What Child is This?” I love the melody “Greensleeves” and the words by William Dix are beautiful and thoughtprovoking. William Dix wrote these lyrics while he was recuperating from a long illness. He experienced a spiritual renewal during his recuperation.

The question: “What Child is This?” The first line creates a picture-perfect image of a beautiful, peaceful baby resting in the arms of his mother. He is resting among common animals in an unadorned stall. Angels greet him singing sweet anthems. Shepherds watch him closely.

I feel great joy in these lyrics and they make me think of the new babies that we have born each year at our church. I love to look at their cherubic pictures posted on our bulletin board. I enjoy the “dedication of the babies service” with its occasional spontaneous cries and the commitment that our congregation makes to love and support our babies and their families. Each child will have his or her own spiritual journey. He or she will face the joys and challenges of being human.

Christ’s birth marks the beginning of something new, miraculous, and wonderful in each one of us. As we begin the Advent season, let us personalize and savor the gift of Jesus. He has given universal love and abundant joy to all of us.

Lord, as we approach Advent this year, we are most thankful for your love for us. We adore your son just as the Magi once did. Help us to focus on loving others extravagantly this year as you have loved us.

Allyson Cave

Wednesday, December 6

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Finding Time “But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 Christmas is a time of bright lights, smells of fresh cut pine trees, and Salvation Army bells. Christmas is filled with long lists, rushing around, and pressure. Advent is a time of preparing to travel to Bethlehem, the smell of the manger, and the sight of a wondrous star before us. I think of Advent as a time of stillness, journeying, wonder, and fear.

Each year I try to prepare for both. It helps me to remember to be still and listen. What I hear this year is tinged and formed with grief. I struggle with loss on all levels from losing the house my parents lived in for 30 years, and all the belongings with it, to the deaths of my father and cousin. My feelings of sadness and anger accompany me on my journey as I walk through Advent. I take solace that others feel the same way and that God walks with me.

I think of Mary holding all the words in her heart. I think of her remembering them as she watched the walk to the cross. I find myself thinking about my father taking Mike and me out to cut down our Christmas trees each year, candles lighting the living room, and the taste of my mother’s spiced nuts. It will be different this year. We will not be out getting a tree or making spiced nuts. I do have the light that burns in the window helping me to find my way on the journey. I look to find the time to be still and allow the grief to be present.

I find this time of year to be complex. Christmas is seen through the lens of the cross. There is joy and pain in the beginning and the end. I will work on finding the time to treasure all the words spoken and unspoken to me in my grief and ponder them.

Creator and Sustainer, continue to hold all of us who grieve and hear the words in our hearts. Allow room for the tears, the anger and the joy that accompany us all the time, not just in this season. I pray for those around us to light the way on days when we cannot see in the darkness, to give them wisdom and for their well being. As the days grow shorter, the love grows longer. Help us to find the time to ponder and remember the love you sent into the world in the form of your son. Amen.

Jan Miller

Join us for the Blue Christmas Service on Wednesday, December 6 at 7:00 pm in The Upper Room — A Taizé-style service for those who have experienced loss

Thursday, December 7

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Redeeming Love “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.” Galatians 4:4 The Apostle Paul wrote to the the churches in Galatia correcting what some scholars believe was confusion about the good news. The people had a tendency to believe a “different gospel” than the one that had been preached. This different message states that in order to receive forgiveness of sins, one must perform the “works of the law” as described in the Torah (the five books of Moses) as well as to adhere to Jewish tradition. Paul wrote a correction to this view of faith. He wrote that the Law was not given to make us right with God, but to show us that we can never get right with God by only doing good works. What that means is that doing good things like giving, or attending church, joining church, or anything that we might do as an attempt to “make us right with God,” will never be enough.

The good news is that in the “fullness of time,” when the time set by God had reached its full term, God sent Jesus, to redeem and rescue us!

Paul’s statement speaks of God’s Kingdom that breaks into our time again and again, as Christ is born anew as Savior of the world. The personal application for us is that we, too, are adopted as children of God through faith in Christ.

God sent Christ to redeem us. God’s love is a gift. God’s grace is unmerited.

It is not possible for us to earn God’s love or grace. We simply receive it by faith.

How then do we enter into this redemption? Through the forgiveness of our sins and receiving God’s gift of eternal life.

In this season of Advent when we remember the time in which you came so long ago, may your coming again to us redeem us anew. In our time, we need you to be born in us again. Amen.

Wayne Mounts

Friday, December 8

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Hidden in Plain Sight “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Colossians 3:2 In helping our daughter Stephanie move into her new condominium, I took on the responsibility of cleaning the bathroom. It looked to me like the cover over the bathroom fan had not been cleaned in several years. I took it off, and made the huge mistake of running the plastic grille under the faucet to try to dissipate all the dust. What resulted was dust-mud in all of the long slits in the grille. I had to use a sharply folded paper towel and slide it, slat by slat, through at least a hundred cavities in the vent cover to remove the wet dust. This mindless task gave me a chance to think about what metaphor this could possibly represent. I had thought this menial task would result in quick gratification, but I had really made a mess that was taking far too long to solve. For some reason, I kept ignoring a persistent idea in my back brain, that if I turned the vent cover over, I might find an easier way to get the dust out. Stubbornly, though it was tedious and only marginally successful, I persisted with my paper towel, looking only at one side of the grille.

As my upper back and neck began to ache, I finally allowed myself to flip the plastic cover over, and…lo and behold, the slats were wider, and I could quickly and easily remove the dust. Within a few minutes, I had the vent cover replaced over the fan, looking almost new. There was my metaphor.

How often do I stick with old ideas and beliefs because they are comfortable, and because my mind is downright lazy and stuck? Our patterns of thought and responses to situations certainly become second nature, especially as we age. Sometimes, just flipping a problem upside down and getting a new perspective can shed light on a simple solution that I have been resisting solely out of inertia.

As I anticipate the Advent season when we celebrate the coming of Christ, I need to remind myself that having my usual expectations, and following my usual pre-Christmas habits during the coming weeks, might keep me from seeing things in a fresh and productive way. I hope I can listen to that “persistent idea” in my back brain that tells me to flip old ideas upside down and allow me to experience the arrival of Jesus in an enlightening manner. I hope that as I read scripture, pray, and listen to familiar Christmas hymns, what was once hidden from me will land in plain sight.

Dear God, help us to recognize and accept the love of Jesus that is hidden in plain sight.

Peggy Thompson

Saturday, December 9

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Keeping Score “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

So, we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.” Psalm 46:1-2 Last July, approaching my 94th birthday, I had a glitch in my schedule.

I spent Monday night in the ER because of a severe headache. The brain scan was normal, but I had high blood pressure. Tuesday and Wednesday passed without incident. However, Thursday morning my brain could not assemble facts, like my children’s names or my wedding date. Frightened, I had my boys return me to the hospital for an ultrasound of my brain.

As I traveled on the gurney down several halls, two elevators, to the basement, I talked to God about my family and friends. Like keeping score, I listed the many people who fill my life with love and appreciation – 3 children, 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many of my close First Church friends. I also remembered the people who have gone ahead of me – my husband Bob, son Kent, grandson Brian, Mom and Dad, sister Carol, and many of my First friends from over the years. My conclusion was that whatever happened, God would be with me, and it would be all right. Thankfully, the ultrasound showed no abnormal signs like a stroke or aneurysm, just high blood pressure that could be handled with a new medicine.

Dear God, As I pray, I am reminded of the hymn “It is well with my soul.”

Thank you for the scores of family and friends. Thank you for my many blessings and for your guidance throughout my life. Amen.

Elaine Youngs Deep Place Come near to God, and God will come near to you. James 4:8 The most important choice I ever made was to become a follower of Jesus Christ. As a believer, I try to make choices that live out my faith. Each day is busy and filled with activity that captures my attention and demands my time. People clamor for help and I want to be attentive to their needs.

Others never ask for assistance, so we must be alert to ways we can care.

Would someone appreciate a visit? How can I bring a smile to a child?

How can I bless others with my words? How can I show encouragement?

For a moment, please come with me to the deep place and sit on the steps and talk to the Lord before we come back to the shallow places of life.

Lord, Help, me to linger over your word and listen for your instruction. Ask me to take you deeper into an ever-increasing knowledge of truth. Guide me in your wisdom and insight. I want to experience your love as it washes over me and to be comforted. Give me renewal and refreshment so that my joy can overflow into the lives of others. Amen.

Patricia Sprague

2nd Sunday of Advent, Sunday, December 10

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Journeying Together “Beyond all things put on love, which is the bond of unity.” Colossians 3:15 Benjamin Hoff says in his book, The Tao of Pooh, “The main problem with this great obsession for saving time is very simple: you can’t save time.

You can only spend it. But you can spend it wisely or foolishly.”

Both Hoff’s book and Colossians mean a lot to us. They remind us to use our time wisely, to trust our bond as a couple, and our bond with God. We need to use our time wisely and not foolishly when comes to sharing our bond with God. This past year we both embarked on a spiritual journey together. The journey began when Kathy decided to go back to school to get her bachelor’s degree in ministry. For her, it was a journey of learning about ministry and growing closer to God as she took her classes and did the work needed for each class. For me, it was a journey of renewal as I helped her with her homework for each class. We both worked together on an internship with Camp Geneva over the summer. This was a ministry experience for Kathy and a renewal of getting back into ministry for me.

Since graduating from Cornerstone University, both Kathy and I began working with the Refuge Youth Network of Michigan, serving as youth leaders for the program. Working with youth in this program is bringing us both closer together and to God, and giving us the satisfaction of working as disciples.

A year ago today, we were married in the sanctuary of First Church. We cherish the time we’ve spent together as a couple and the time we have spent together serving in ministry.

Lord, thank you for the relationships we have with others, and with you.

Help us focus on love during this time of Advent as we interact with the people in our lives and serve in ministry. Amen.

Thomas Alan Johnston II and Kathleen Haley Gillette-Johnston

Join us for the Sons Of Serendip Christmas Concert on Tuesday, December 12 at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary

Monday, December 11

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A Time for Questions “What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” 1 Corinthians 2:12 A time for questioning…. a time for seeking understanding of what God has freely given us.

The time in my life that I experienced the most significant understanding of God’s love and grace offered through Christ was a time I asked the biggest questions. I had watched my first childhood cancer patient, Noah, die a painful, difficult death. I watched his single mother, who had been a battered wife, lose her whole world. I thought, “If this was God’s will, the plan, then I am not interested in believing in this God.” In my bitter rejection of God, I had a mystical experience, whereby I came to know that God loves Noah and his mother — more than I could ever imagine.

That experience has sustained me through many years of treating children with cancer and many more difficult losses.

I believe I’m currently at another spiritual crossroad. I have more maturity and more trust that in asking tough questions, letting go of long-perceived truths, and venturing out, that God’s love will be there and I may recognize it in surprising ways.

My questions are many: Why so much division? Why such suffering and injustice? What is the church? Is it a gathering of people, caring and challenging and growing together? How do we serve our youth? The suicide rate for teenagers has steadily risen in the U.S. — what are we the followers of Jesus, the Prince of Peace doing to offer our teens this peace? Every single day in the U.S., 93 people die from gun violence (58 from suicide). How do we stop this? How do I best serve others? What does God want from the remaining years of my life? What is the mission of the church?

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, “In a world depending on force, coercive tyranny, and bloody violence, you are challenged to follow the way of love. You will then discover that unarmed love is the most powerful force in all the world.”

I pray for the Spirit who is from God to help and guide us through these questions and struggles. I recognize God gave me a mind and body to be a part of serving, a part of solutions. I hope to be part of a group of people, seeking answers to questions, and attempting to be God’s hands and feet in addressing tremendous needs.

Deanna Mitchell

Tuesday, December 12

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Love “Dear friends, let’s love each other, because love is from God, and everyone who loves is born from God and knows God. The person who doesn’t love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8 How easy is it to play the “woe is me” card. Even with the events that have happened around the world, I still struggle with my human faults.

I look at my actions and see them as mistakes. I could have done better.

I could have said those words in a more loving fashion. It’s a constant struggle for me as an outgoing and assertive individual who is not afraid to speak her mind.

As I was driving to work recently, the song “How He Loves” by David Crowder Band played on the radio. As I listened to the words I’ve heard dozens of times before, it hit me: it doesn’t matter how hard I try; it doesn’t matter when my good intentions are taken the wrong way; it doesn’t matter when I have loved and have received negative in return.

God loves me. Oh, how He loves me. Simply, without fault, and forever unconditionally: God loves me.

As we enter into a season filled with love, hope, and faith, may we carry the light of Christ’s love everywhere we go. And then may we continue to carry it out into the darkness.

God of Light, we ask that you fill us with love in this dark hour. As your children in faith, we turn over our sadness and our fears to you. Bring us peace. Help us to love each other, and help us to remember the simple fact that You love us. Amen.

Emily Uebbing

Join us for the Sons Of Serendip Christmas Concert tonight Tuesday, December 12 at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary — Tickets at www.GRFUMC.org/sos. Save $5 with “DECSOS” code.

Wednesday, December 13

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Growing Up “Your love, Lord, reaches the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.”

Psalm 36:5 I’ve been thinking a lot lately about getting older. I know, I’m not that old, but I’m not that young anymore either! I’m stuck somewhere in the middle. When talking about this with my friends, it’s easy to list the things that we don’t enjoy about getting older. Plus, I really like lists.

1. It’s no longer easy to just crash on someone’s floor. It hurts all over getting up the next day.

2. The same goes for staying up too late. You can’t rally and push through like you used to.

3. It really does bug me when kids are disrespectful.

4. I’m becoming my parents. Actually, put this in the plus and minus column.

5. Not all adults act like adults. They should, but they don’t and I can’t make them.

6. I really hate it when people say “Well, hard times will teach you a lesson in the end” or “Time will heal all wounds.” This is not always true, and definitely not always helpful.

However, thankfully, there are many things that I do like about being an adult that have come as a surprise to me.

1. Watching time pass, particularly the change of the seasons.

2. Wrinkles. They just showed up one day. It was a surprise, but not upsetting and I feel like I earned them!

3. Watching my daughter, niece, nephews and friends’ kids grow up. It’s incredible and bittersweet.

4. Watching my parents be grandparents. It’s incredible and bittersweet.

5. I can eat dessert whenever I want.

6. Having the chance to really be in love.

Time passing brings many changes, both good and bad and many of which I can’t control. However, I’m grateful for the things that have been the constancies in my life. My family. My friends. My God. Yes, my relationships have changed over time, as they should. But I need that solid foundation in order to handle change, to grow older, to stay steady. I have my God He has handled my ups and downs. I have hated Him, loved Him, railed at Him, begged from Him, and made peace with Him. God has still been there through it all, whether I believe it or not. My hopes in entering this holiday season is that I will just try to be present with Him. To remember Him, share with Him and perhaps show a little less begging and a little more praising.

Prayer: “Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!” Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided — “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

Bethany Muszkiewicz

Thursday, December 14

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When You Know It’s Time “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: …a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 6 In 1992 I began working for First Church as the Christian Education Director. I loved this work: the joys of sharing the faith journey with children and adults, the creative process of designing classes, the collaborative work with staff and volunteers, and even the physical work of painting walls and stapling bulletin board designs. My work became even more interesting and challenging when I began working more closely with the mission and outreach ministries of the church - work I felt called to but totally unprepared for! What a blessing these 25 years were - full of laughter and tears, times of certainty and uncertainty, confidence and frustration - life at its fullest.

And yet, slowly throughout my 24th year I began to know that my time was done. It was a funny feeling to understand. I was still invested in my work, loved the people I worked with, and totally supportive of the vision and mission of First Church. It was just a feeling of “doneness.”

After some time of talking with my husband, close friends, and family, after time of prayer and discernment, I knew that it was time for me to retire. God had something else in store for me.

Isn’t it interesting how God calls us? God calls us to questions and discernments, to times of energy and times of rest, to beginnings and endings. I have never been aware of God communicating with me with a booming voice or burning bush. God communicates with me through times of wonderings and restlessness, calling me to search and give up so there is room for the next calling to be made clear.

My First Church friends kept asking me if I was going to be bored in retirement. How would I fill my time? I spent a few months resting and playing with my grandchildren. Now, in semi-retirement, I have answered a call to work with Circles of Grand Rapids. Circles seeks to reduce poverty by building community where all people have enough resources, relationships, and reasons to thrive. Each experience I had at First Church prepared me for this next time of my life. Searching has led to a new call, a new time. May Advent be a time of searching, preparing, and listening for God’s call in our lives.

Dear God, Thank you for the privilege of working in your church. Thank you for times of uncertainty, times of doneness, and times of new beginnings.

Amen.

Laure Mieskowski

Friday, December 15

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At the Appointed Time, Jesus “...as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” Ephesians 1: 7-10.

Listen, God is so awesome and considerate for all humanity. In the fullness of time, God sent His only begotten Son (Gal.4:4), (born of the virgin Mary, conceived of the Holy Spirit) to redeem all. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom. 5:6). We didn’t do anything to earn this salvation and redemption from sin. God loves us and wants us to reign with Him. In God’s own time, God’s Son Jesus Christ will return again with all power and authority over all things in heaven and on earth (Eph.1:10).

Who wouldn’t want to receive this love, grace and mercy from the One and only true God? “Today is the day for salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2).

While we wait, we do it with expectancy that all God’s promises will be fulfilled at his appointed time. No more worry, no more sickness, no more dying, no more short-comings and ridicule by others. No more schisms and dishonesty. This miraculous opportune event will relieve all of the burdens borne for however long of all who have endured it.

Think for just one moment, just imagine a glorious union with Jesus, God, the heavenly angels and all other believers. Just imagine a time of true peace and worship. Just imagine a time of no doubting, no more murdering and suffering. A time of embracing oneness of the Church: us.

A refreshing appointed time anew. Oh, praise God for this anticipated joining of the believers to Christ (2 Thess. 2:1). As we continue to trust and know that our savior Jesus Christ is thoughtful to return for us, we have to hold to our faith in unified oneness. Our hope is in God’s plan of redemption for all that believe.

Dear Lord, have mercy upon all according to your will. I pray that all will be prepared to receive your salvation and redemption before it’s too late. I pray that many will receive the redemption of God without doubt, without giving up on their hope in God. I pray that they hold to the power to become sons of God (John 1:12), and receive the eternal life to come. I thank you Jesus for your obedience to God, (John 4:34, Heb. 5:8). Amen.

Nandi Chendori

Join us for A Jazz Christmas with MacNaughton Blvd. on Saturday, December 16 at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary — This seasonal “swing” features music and readings for the season.

Saturday, December 16

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Moments “Then the angel said to them: ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people, for unto you is born this day in the City of David, as Savior, which is Christ, the Lord.’” Luke 2:10-11 What a breath-taking moment for the shepherds as they experienced this divine announcement. Certainly, they would speak of it the rest of their lives. We have all experienced moments that have taken our breath away, many divinely inspired or created. We have all looked in awe upon nature’s beauty ranging from majestic lakes, streams and oceans to forests, deserts, and mountains. Natural beauty can take our breath away and so can life experiences. I suspect that most of us have experienced our prayers being answered as we or loved ones have recovered from illness, given birth, graduated, found our life partner, obtained promotions, and found fulfillment. I’m reminded by a quote from Will Smith, author of Just the Two of Us and many other books: “Life isn’t how many breaths you take, but it’s the moments that take your breath away.”

Dear Lord, help me appreciate all the special moments in my life which you have so graciously given me. May I always be mindful of the time you have granted me and to celebrate with others their breath-taking moments as well as my own.

Gratitude for our Ministers at Clark

Jim Wood

Many of us are both residents of Clark Retirement Community and members of First United Methodist Church. In the fullness of time, we Clark residents are experiencing the joy of having chaplains at Clark coming to us through our First Church. Our joy is doubled by their ministry also in First Church. I want to try to express my gratitude for their ministry and care for us at Clark.

I once read of a pastor calling on a woman who was in great pain with cancer. As the pastor approached her hospital room, he heard her cries and went in hoping to give her some comfort. He asked her if she would like to spend a moment in prayer. She nodded. He took her hand and closed his eyes for a quiet moment to center himself before starting to pray for her. Before he could say a word he heard her voice: ”Dear God, please hold our pastor in your tender care and mercy. He means so much to us and is always there when we need him. Give him strength and let him know how much we love him. Amen.”

Can we pray that prayer for all ministers, and those closest to us? To Pastor Tim, Marj, Pastor Amee, Pastor Bob, Father Rock, and all those around the world?

Dick Youells, Chair of Clark’s Spiritual Life Committee

3rd Sunday of Advent, Sunday, December 17

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Are We There Yet? “She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus.” Matthew 1:21 Detouring around the marathon runners on the way to church one Sunday morning, we took an alternate route. It seemed longer so I asked our driver, Bob, “Are we there yet?” He patiently assured me we would be there in time for the offering - and we were, with time to spare.

I couldn’t help but wonder about Mary on her way to Bethlehem astride that donkey and being “heavy with child.” She, too, must have been anxious and asked Joseph probably more than once, “Are we there yet?”

She may have been upset - even with God and questioned Him after agreeing to give birth to His son and then sending her on this journey away from her family to a foreign land. She didn’t even know where they would be staying - “no reservations”. She could not have known the many anxious journeys she would take in the next 33 years, as she “pondered these things in her heart.” ....and the story continues!

We also will make many unplanned journeys in life. We will encounter loss of loved ones, financial problems, worries about our children and other members of our family and many more unknown challenges. As we walk these paths, we realize life does have times of disappointment, but God desires to walk with us, and through Him we have hope and peace. With joy and love we take the story to others of His birth. ...and the story continues!

The child born in a stable in Bethlehem was destined to walk to Calvary and die on the cross for our sins. We await his coming again! All people need to hear the wonderful news. Today we are commanded by God, who works through us, to take the story to others - as foretold! ...and the story continues!

Lord, grant me your peace when I must take those journeys I don’t want to take. Use me to touch the lives of others with the news of your coming.

Thank you for being with us, no matter what we are going through. We give you glory, God, and thank you for sending your son Jesus Christ to us.

Amen.

Luci Baer

Monday, December 18

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Rainbow Baby My daughter Magnolia is special for many reasons: her growing mane of curly hair, animated brown eyes, strong opinions, and a very active imagination. She is also adopted, but there is another reason that has been coming into focus for me recently.

Maggie is a rainbow baby.

In case you are unfamiliar with the term, a rainbow baby is a child born after the loss of an older sibling - a beautiful rainbow after a storm. When our son Asher was stillborn in 2013, Bethany and I were not only grieving his death, but also our dreams for ourselves as parents. We didn’t know if or when we would be ready to try again at growing our family. It took time, tears, and a lot of help (including the prayers of this congregation) for us to risk having our hearts broken once more, but with the pull of the Holy Spirit and the incredible sacrifice of Maggie’s birth mother, we brought our vibrant little girl home from the hospital just under three years since we said goodbye to Asher.

Today when I look at Maggie, I find myself wondering at the mystery of how she came into our lives. If Asher had lived, how could I still be Maggie’s dad? I don’t believe that God took Asher from us in order to teach us some sort of lesson, and yet in the fullness of time, He has been somehow turning our pain into joy. Maggie is very much her own person, and still it is Asher’s bittersweet legacy that makes her laughter sweeter, that makes me squeeze her a little tighter.

“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”

By the time Jesus was born, the Jewish people had been grieving many dreams - suffering so much, waiting so long to hear the voice of God. His birth among them was the transformation of deep heartache into a trembling joy. In Luke’s gospel, we hear it in the words of Mary, Zechariah, Simeon, and Anna. In fact, Luke writes that Simeon was “waiting for the consolation of Israel” (2:25).

Consolation - maybe that’s what I’m feeling when I watch Maggie these days: the tug of dreams that were once denied, now fulfilled by the grace of God. You see, Bethany is pregnant again, and this new baby is bringing up the hopes and fears of all our years. Maggie and I kiss the baby goodnight through Bethany’s belly, and I pray: God who dreams and grieves with us, who heals our broken hearts and leads us through death into abundant new life, hold us close now as we wait for the fullness of Your time. Amen.

Peter Muszkiewicz

Tuesday, December 19

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Finding Balance “I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened. For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness.”

Romans 10:2-3 In the history of the Reformation, there is the story of Felix Manz.

Manz was a follower of the reformer Ulrich Zwingli, but split with him over Manz’s questioning the practice of infant baptism. Manz’s stance, that baptism could and should be done in adults, eventually led to his martyrdom. On January 5, 1527, his hands were bound and pulled behind his knees, and a pole was shoved between them to immobilize him. He then was dumped into Lake Zurich and met a violent death by drowning.

To my 21st century eyes, killing someone over their beliefs about baptism looks like “unenlightened zeal.”

In 1989, in the church basement after my grandmother’s funeral, I overheard my uncle (who grew up in that church but had moved away years before) ask the preacher this question: “What is the difference between justification and sanctification?” To me this sounded like what must have been a hot theological topic in the church about 50 years before. It would maybe be like my daughters hearing someone talking to me about “accepting Jesus as my personal savior” or “the second coming of Christ,” both ideas that were much more prominent in my childhood church experience than theirs. The question has caused me to since wonder if my childhood theological experience was focused much more on justification than sanctification.

This year’s confirmation class is learning about our Methodist history, including how Methodism spread across the U.S. in the 18th and 19th centuries. One activity considered the idea that, like two strands of DNA, Methodists are, at our hearts, just as concerned about the wellbeing of our community (the “social holiness” strand) as we are about our own well being (the “personal holiness” strand). They are also learning that we keep potentially destructive dogma in check by considering John Wesley’s quadrilateral approach to theological development by using scripture, tradition, reason, and experience to sort through what we believe.

I think our tendency toward self-centeredness has the capacity to blind us from the righteousness that comes from God. I need to be regularly reminded that God’s righteousness includes concern for the wellbeing of my neighbor as much as my own.

Dear God, may we keep our self-centeredness in check and live out a true balance of loving our neighbor as ourselves.

Gary Rich

Wednesday, December 20

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The End or the Beginning “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of Woman.” Galatians 4:4 Christmas Comfort Five days before Christmas, 2013 my family and I, and many friends, filled the church sanctuary for a memorial service honoring my husband’s life and his well-spent time on earth.

As the service unfolded, With the reading of beloved scriptures, Playing of pipe organ, brass, and piano music, Singing of favorite hymns, And comforting words by pastors and friends.

I found comfort in the chancel, Already prepared for Christ’s birth day With a white porcelain Mother and Child, surrounded by fragrant evergreens, white poinsettias and candles.

While above the chancel stretched the century-old Tiffany stained glass window telling of resurrection to eternal life.

My heart filled with Peace, Love, and Joy Hallelujah!

Amen Anne Zimmerman

Thursday, December 21

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Observing the Longest Night It is no accident that we celebrate the birth of Christ in close proximity to the Winter Solstice, that moment when the sun stands still at its lowest point of descent before it changes direction toward its highest point at the Summer Solstice. Here in Michigan, we are fortunate to have four seasons, and I think that watching and observing these four seasons is an aid to our spirituality.

We can observe a balance in the world outside that can help balance our world within. As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, there is a natural introspection that we should embrace. To embrace this natural experience is to allow for ritual and prayer that can help connect us to God. Light a candle, sing a song, say that the shadows shall not cross Make an oblation out of all you’ve lost in the longest night Right away, the song-writer describes a simple ritual with light, music, and prayer. An oblation is an offering, given in thanksgiving, and here, in thanks for all that has been lost.

Gather friends and cast your hopes into the fire as it snows And stare at God through the dark windows of the longest night of the year.

You don’t have to go through difficult times alone: gather your friends, your tribe, your community around. There’s no agenda, other than to be still and know that God is present.

A night that seems like a lifetime if you’re waiting for the sun So why not sing to the nighttime and the burning stars up above?

Yes, the night is long, but perhaps so much if you aren’t demanding light. “A watched pot never boils” are words that come to mind. Embrace the night and its length. The song speaks of an invitation: You are here, the longest night will happen whether you like it or not. Make peace with it and embrace the gift that is found within.

Come with drums, bells and horns; Or, come in silence, come forlorn Come like a miner to the door of the longest night There are no rules for observing the longest night: do what seems right, whether raucous or silent. But, seek the treasure that will surely be revealed.

For deep in the stillness, deep in the cold; Deep in the darkness, a miner knows That there is a diamond in the soul of the longest night of the year Recall the words of Isaiah 45:3: “I will give you hidden treasures of secret riches, so you will know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.”

Maybe peace hides in a storm; Maybe winter’s heart is warm And maybe light itself is born in the longest night…

The heavenly light now enters into this darkened world.

May the light of Christ be your light in this new year.

(The Longest Night – Peter Mayer. Find it on youtube!)

Eric Strand

Friday, December 22

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Our Measure of Time “Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.” ~ Charles Wesley The Jewish people long expected the Messiah. We believe the Messiah was Jesus. I struggle with Advent because Jesus came, lived, died. Now what?

Perhaps we are like computers that need to be unplugged to refresh.

Our cat was born into our family. He lived, he died. When we miss him, we say, “He was a good boy. He always tried to be good.” But, he is gone. My mother also lived her life and she died. She used to say, “If you make others happy, then you’ll be happy, too.” She had a blessed life, in spite of her battles with cancer and having to live alone after Dad died.

After Mom was gone, my sister called me on our mother’s birthday. When we talked, there was no mention of Mom, but the call on her birthday honored her memory.

Jesus is more than a family pet who nagged us for food. Jesus is more than a mother who gave us life and taught us as best as she could. Jesus is our connection to God, creator of all life. He taught us with his life and words about God. But, more than that, after he died, he sent his indwelling spirit to all humankind that would accept the gift. Jesus was a gift. We have a comforter who can walk with us as we make this journey of our lifetime.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

God, during this Christmas season, help us to not forget Jesus who was your embrace of humanity. Help us to recognize that Jesus is more than the gifts, family visits, holiday parties, decorations, and Christmas music.

Help us to find Jesus in our hearts as we look forward to the celebration of his birth. Amen.

Diane Hagan

Saturday, December 23

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Unexpected Characters “‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will give birth to a son. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.’” Luke 1:28-32 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth and God saw that it was good. Then, the first people disobeyed God and broke their relationship with God. However, God wants to be in relationship with us and so decided on a rescue plan. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s plan unfolds through prophecy and the foreshadowing of Jesus’ coming and redemption of humankind.

At just the right time, God sent His Son into the world, the time of completeness, a time when God fulfilled the promises of the Old Testament. Surprisingly, God used the unusual, the odd, the unexpected, the amazing, even the common people.

Christ’s ancestry included sundry characters and unusual stories: Judah, the father of Perez, whose mother was Tamar, a widow who posed as a prostitute to get pregnant by him; Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab the heathen harlot from Jericho; Boaz, the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth a widowed Moabite not from Israel; and David, the father of Solomon whose mother had been Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba.

In Luke 1, God chose Mary, a lowly peasant girl, hardly of royal birth or lineage, to be the mother of Jesus.

In Luke 2, Jesus’ birth was first proclaimed to lowly shepherds and they delivered the message. “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”

In Matthew 28, it was the women followers of Jesus who discovered the risen Lord and delivered the message of resurrection.

God chose, and continues to choose, many unexpected people to be a part of the story.

Lord, bless us, Your servants and use us to bring Your kingdom. May Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Amen.

Jane Zwiers

4th Sunday of Advent, Sunday, December 24

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A Treasure in Simple Packaging “You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12 Remember the adage, “The best things come in small packages”? Perhaps consider, “The best things come in cardboard boxes.”

Having organized the MLK Gift of Giving program each Christmas for 13 years, I’ve enjoyed seeing inside thousands of gift boxes and imagining the excitement of children on Christmas day. Our congregation, tutors, and friends are enthusiastic, generous givers. My heart always fills as I organize and work with volunteers making Christmas as perfect as possible for MLK students. What I love about our program is parents complete 3 hours of volunteer work for each child, earning the presents requested.

Obviously, not all girls like dolls, not all boys desire car sets. Personalized gift packages are tailored to each child’s unique interests.

Historically there have been mistakes in donations. Thus, I make every effort to check each pile by locking myself in the gift collection area after hours. I examine every single bag, checking for accuracy of toys, and clothing sizes. A few years ago, a couple of my helpers called me over, looking in a cardboard box they believed filled with junk, concerned someone accidentally brought the wrong box intended instead for the trash. My assistants were noticeably upset. I put the box aside and that night after closer inspection, I discovered the suspicion was false.

This humble box contained an amazing gift, a thoughtful gift, actually, a very generous gift! There were cotton balls, empty bottles, rubber bands, baking soda, toothpicks, plastic spoons, zip baggies, random-seeming bottles of this, containers of that……all hand-packed by the donors. And then: Eureka! A book of science experiments!

These amazing donors noted a science kit requested for a 5th grade girl.

Instead of purchasing a commercially packaged set, they bought a book chock-full of experiments, read the supply list, collected and packaged everything needed to complete each science discovery activity! For a family living in poverty, it would have been impossible to provide the varied supplies needed to explore the book. I sat and cried, discovering the love and foresight in that plain, brown cardboard box filled with simple items.

Then I thought of the stable, a family of simple means peering into a wooden feeding trough, no better than a cardboard box. But inside that manger was a treasure, a complete package of everything humanity needed to discover the deep meaning of God’s love. An amazing gift, a thoughtful gift, actually - a very generous gift!

May we recognize God’s blessings this Christmas season. May we experience joy of discovery, knowing God has given everything needed, remember to look into simple cardboard boxes in our lives. Amen Jer Hon-Hawkins

Join us for Worship Sunday, December 24 at 10:00 am.

Christmas Eve Worship Services on Sunday, December 24 5:00 pm — An interactive family story-telling service 7:00 pm — A traditional candlelight communion service 9:00 pm — Contemplative Service: A quiet, meditative, candlelit service in the sanctuary

First United Methodist Church

227 Fulton St E Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 451.2879

www.GrandRapidsFUMC.org