2018 Advent Devotional

2018 Advent Devotional

1st Sunday of Advent, December 2 Dear Friends,

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The Advent journey of 2018 begins! That means Thanksgiving is behind us and we are beginning the preparations for Christmas.

For many of us, it’s the busiest season of the year. We move quickly from one thing to another. There is decorating to be done, family gatherings, baking, parties, shopping, special programs, concerts, church activities, and on and on. Probably most of us have lists (notice the plural) of things to do that would take two or three people to accomplish it all. Sometimes it feels as though we place ourselves in some holiday automatic pilot.

But think about the word “holiday.” It is the combination of two important words: holy and day. Advent is the Holy Day preparation season! Advent is that four-week journey of spiritual preparation for the Celebration of the Nativity, when we rehearse again the birth of Christ in our lives. Sometime during the season, usually Christmas Eve around 5 or 6 p.m., we finally wake up to the fact that there really is a deeper meaning to all the activities of December. It is a holy season! So let’s not wait so long this year! I encourage you to set aside ten to fifteen minutes a day to be in a spiritual journey to Bethlehem so that you might meet Christ again, and perhaps in a different way.

The Good News of Christmas is that Christ is with us! We are not alone. Christ came… Christ comes… and Christ will come again and again! Let us open our minds and hearts to be spiritually receptive to the Holy Day season.

Our spiritual journey through Advent of 2018 will focus on “A Pilgrimage to Bethlehem.” Pilgrimage has long been part of our spiritual heritage. While our journey to Bethlehem will most likely not be a trip to the Holy Land, we can spiritually prepare, anticipate, watch and listen, and expect a unique revelation from God. I found a quote recently from someone named Phil Cousineau. He said, “Pilgrimage means being alert to a time when all that’s needed is a trip to simply lose yourself in order to find yourself.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we truly found ourselves this Advent season! That is a trip that is enticing to me. How about you?

Certainly, that is my prayer for us as we enter the journey to discovering Christ anew by reading these devotions through this Advent season. May Advent and Christmas be a holy time for us all. May it be a season of genuine spiritual renewal for us as individuals, as a church, and as a society.

Pastor Bob Hundley

Monday, December 3

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your path. Proverbs 3:5-6 As I was pondering this Advent devotion, I couldn’t help but think about the many pilgrimages I have made over the years to find my Jesus and how I have come to lean on this verse from Proverbs.

In the Methodist system, we clergy families are called by the District Superintendent and told where the Cabinet and the Bishop have decided we should go. We aren’t asked where we would like to go and where we see ourselves fitting, we are told where we will go and usually to a church owned home, called a parsonage. One church where we served, we literally had to move out of the home we owned and across town, because the church-owned a parsonage. If we do not go where they send us, we must go before the Bishop and plead our case and hope the Bishop will understand.

In the beginning we choose our vocation, but not necessarily where we will serve it out. I remember Bob and I dreading the month of January, waiting it out, hoping we wouldn’t get a call from the District Superintendent.

Every time the phone would ring we would cringe, especially if it was in the evening. What it would mean for us was uprooting our home, our children, saying goodbye to friends and neighbors and places where we shopped, where we worked, and especially where we had developed our spiritual life.

Each time we have made a move I would ask myself: Who will be “the Star” that will guide us in our new place?

Who will open their door to us and welcome us in?

Will we be accepted? How long will we stay?

Who will be our spiritual leader and guide?

Where and in whom will we find our Jesus?

So in the Advent season, I ask myself: Will I be “The Star” who guides the visitor?

Will I be the one who will open my door and welcome the stranger?

Will I be the one who is accepting and comforting?

Am I willing to be a spiritual leader and guide?

Will others see Jesus in me?

Prayer: Come Holy Spirit Come, descend on us each day where and how you find us. Be in us, be around us, and guide our path as we journey to find you in this season of Advent. Amen.

Pigeon Hundley

Tuesday, December 4

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Journeying through Seasons Let those who plant with tears reap the harvest with joyful shouts. Let those who go out, crying and carrying their seed, come home with joyful shouts, carrying bales of grain! Psalm 126:5-6 I like seasons. Even winter. I am happy to spend a day outside enjoying the beauty and serenity of a snowy day. The early darkness and cold evenings give me an opportunity to slow down, to be inside, and look inward. I choose to eat seasonally, and spend time cooking warm comforting winter foods like squash, potatoes, and soups. I especially love to bake breads, muffins, and cookies in the winter months. Add some music in the background, a snowy winter scene out of the window, and smells from the oven, and I can feel refreshed. I also spend a little more time on the couch reading and reflecting.

The darkness helps me slow down, restore, and gives me a chance to grow.

I haven’t found the same joy in the metaphorical darkness of seasons in life: death, working through character flaws, experiencing changes in relationships, and facing worries and uncertainty about climate change, politics, and inequality. It is more difficult to trudge through these challenges, and even more difficult to embrace this darkness. Their end is much less predictable than even our unpredictable winters. However, embracing these challenges can force us to look inside and hopefully grow, albeit in much more difficult ways than cold winters.

As we journey to Bethlehem and celebrate the birth of Christ, we experience the winter solstice, the darkest day of the year. Following this dark day, Christ’s light presents a symbol of warmth, hope, new life, eternal life, and unconditional love. We are reminded and comforted by the spirits of angels living among us. We are reminded that we carry the light of Christ, giving us the strength to embrace our experiences and grow.

I am grateful for the changing seasons. I am still working on appreciating and growing through the darkest and most challenging metaphorical seasons.

And during this time on the journey, I am reminded to ask the questions, ”Am I bringing Christ’s light to this world? Am I practicing loving kindness through my actions? Am I working to comprehend, and change behaviors, beliefs, and policies to combat climate change and the impacts it is projected to have in my lifetime on all of God’s creatures great and small? Am I sharing Christ’s light where and with whom it is needed most? How are my decisions and consumption affecting those in this country and other countries? Am I sharing God’s grace and resources with those beyond my lifestyle enclave?”

Prayer: Dear God, at this time especially, I am in awe of and full of gratitude for the light of Christ. Help us recognize that each of us is responsible for illuminating our community through our lights and actions. Amen.

Kalie Charnley

Wednesday, December 5

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Christmas Caring, Christmas Love And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10:24 Peace is knowing we are doing our best with what God has given us to use.

First United Methodist Church is the center of my social life. Sixty Plus luncheon, Caring Connection and numerous Bible study classes fill my social calendar. It was Helen Lyman, a long-time member of FUMC, who told me of FUMC’s great programs for youth. She had 4 sons and I had 3. I met her and we shared a Cub Scout den together. I joined FUMC in 1964. What a red letter day in my life.

FUMC is a caring, loving church. Christmas brings out the best in our holiday sharing. We start with the hanging of the greens. We light the Advent candle weekly. The people who serve MLK Academy see that all students get a Christmas gift and a gift to give, knowing many have single parents.

Christmas Eve morning we host Casey’s Breakfast for our neighbors and friends experiencing homelessness. Each person receives a sock filled with gifts, candy, soup, and hygiene items.

In the holiday season, members and youth come caroling to our homebound and elderly. I myself have thus been so honored. We have a special service for those who are grieving or distressed, called Blue Christmas, with meditative music and prayers. We light a candle for those we love, and comfort one another.

The crowning of the holiday has 3 services on Christmas Eve. The 5 o’clock service is for families with children. The kids put on a skit. The 7 o’clock service includes liturgical dance. The 7 & 9 o’clock services have communion and we raise our candles in reverence. The music is overwhelming, the message uplifting. When I leave I am not only nurtured, I am filled with the Holy Spirit. This is what Christmas is about for me.

I have been a member for over 50 years, and at age 95 they have seen me through many celebrations and crises. You will not find a church more loving and giving than the members here and the dedicated staff. As a church community, we truly strive to do our best with what God has given us to use.

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for our church family and for the gift of community. As we journey together through this time of Advent, may our participation in this faith community help us to better express your love in our world. Amen.

Elaine Youngs

Thursday, December 6

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Grace Notes For unto us a Child is born, for unto us Son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Grace notes are the embellishments in music that are not essential to the melodic line. I see the melody of our lives being sustained by God’s grace.

God loved us before we were born, God forgives our sins if we only ask, and God helps us become more sanctified through becoming more Christlike in our lives.

I became particularly reflective when I turned 70 a couple of months ago. I began to see the grace that God has given me throughout my life. I thanked God for that abundant good grace. God put experiences and people in my path who helped me grow spiritually. God has winked and smiled at me by putting me in situations where I can grow and change.

I know that God’s grace is currently working with me on patience, which is not one of my strengths. God has provided me with the opportunity to tutor a little boy from Uganda who is quite shy. I have to be focused and intentional on how I tutor him. I have to be patient to bring him out of his shell. I know I can do it through God. God will give me the encouragement and patience that I need. As God revealed the Christ child to mankind, God will give me wisdom and create the teachable moments for the little boy and myself. How exciting it is to see God work in our lives and the lives of others! Let us experience the magnificent Epiphany this Christmas in our lives! Let the Holy Spirit be made manifest this Christmas to you and your loved ones.

Prayer: Lord, be with us this Advent season. Let each of us experience Christ’s redeeming grace and love. Let us demonstrate this love to all people. Amen.

Allyson Cave

Friday, December 7

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The Themes of Advent And you will have confidence because there is hope. Job 11:18 I received the emails in late August: one from Pastor Tim and the other from Audrey Kawel. Each proposed that I help lead an Advent class at Clark Retirement Community this Advent season. “Wow,” I thought. “This is really too early for me.”

It was not long after that I met with Richard Youells, my now co-leader, and shared thoughts while we looked at the Cokesbury Publishing Catalog.

I was enthralled by the study using The Nutcracker as a theme, but then the questions came: “Which study had a DVD? A leader’s guide? Discussion questions?” We finally settled on “Songs For the Waiting” and ordered a copy.

It has no DVD or leader’s guide.

In October, Otis and I took a trip to Chicago. As we waited ahead of his Parkinson’s doctor appointment, he told me that he would be preaching on Laity Sunday and that his sermon title was going to be “Hope.” “Hope” he said, “has been on the minds of the congregation. Several generous members have recently passed away. The budget has been increased by $10,000 for next year.”

In that moment, I thought of Advent and the four candles: hope, joy, love, and peace.

As I write this, it is now November, and my co-leader and I continue to plan for this season of waiting. We have devotional books. We have readings, hymns, and scripture. I am responsible for the first reading. It is from Psalm 137. The Israelites are in exile. “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is the hymn.

Now I see the connection. The Israelites have no hope: the hymn gives us hope.

My prayer for us during this Advent is that hope, joy, love, and peace become themes of our lives during this season.

George Bob

Saturday, December 8

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Middle School Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 Middle school was hard. I am a perfectionist. I expected too much of myself and felt like others did, too. As a result I didn’t have much confidence in myself. I didn’t seem to fit in. Other kids were not always nice or accepting of me. I tried to pray about it, but it seemed like God was not listening. I felt frustrated and alone.

In 7th grade I started confirmation class at FUMC. I was hoping I would get some answers. I was hoping to get a better understanding of religion and how it worked with God. I wanted to know how to better connect with God, how to get answers from God. I was really blessed to have Marj Timmerman as my mentor. She made me feel good about myself. Once I felt good about myself, I was able to open up more and trust God more. I realized I didn’t need an obvious sign from God in order to know that God was listening to me. I realized that I could feel God through normal activities.

I found that coloring was a good way for me to feel connected to God. I discovered that coloring allowed me to be still and not distracted. I could feel God’s presence and I began to understand how much God cares for me.

Knowing God loves me, in spite of my imperfections, has set me on the path to having more confidence about myself.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for loving me as I am. While I am not perfect by worldly standards, I am perfect in your eyes. Your love gives me the confidence to trust and connect with you, so that you may guide me through the ups and downs of life. Please help others who are struggling to find their own way to connect with you so they, too, may know the peace and comfort of your love.

Abby Schuiling

2nd Sunday in Advent, December 9

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Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (United Methodist Hymnal, 400) Come, thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above.

Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer; hither by thy help I’m come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God; he, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be!

Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.

Advent Prayer (UMH, 201) Merciful God, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation.

Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may celebrate aright the commemoration of the nativity, and may await with joy the coming in glory of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Monday, December 10

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Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 This passage is a good guide for the holidays.

As we journey through this Advent season, we’re likely to run into times of challenges in our relationships with our partners, our in-laws, our parents, our children, our coworkers, and friends. It seems as though everyone feels stressed during the holidays and we tend to take our frustrations out on those closest to us. During these times, remember that love is kind. We all face demanding schedules, time traveling on slippery roads, and long checkout lines. During times of frustration, remember that love is patient. Presents will be sent, opened, and posted on social media. During these times of excitement or disappointment, remember that love does not boast or envy.

We especially wanted to share this passage with you because today is our two-year wedding anniversary. We’ve used this passage from First Corinthians as a guide as we’ve journeyed through our relationship. We’ve learned that you must be patient with each other and kind. In difficult situations, this passage has reminded us that love isn’t self-seeking and it doesn’t keep records of wrongs. Instead, we should offer hope, especially during the the hard times. So if you see someone struggling this Advent season, look for ways to offer love. And if you are struggling this Advent season, remember that God is always with you.

Prayer: God, thank you for the blessings of relationships. Help us to offer kindness and patience in our relationships as we journey through this Christmas season. Help us to show love today and always. Amen.

Thomas A. Johnston & Kathleen Gillette-Johnston

Tuesday, December 11

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Unexpected Journey The Lord your God is in your midst—a warrior bringing victory. He will create calm with his love; he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17(CEB) I’m writing about a very personal journey as a mom. Rae, the youngest of my three children is transgender.

Nine years ago Rae, raised as a girl, told our family that he identified as a man. Even though we understood ourselves to be accepting and loving, even though we thought we understood and accepted all in the LGTBQ community, this new journey was difficult for us. We had long talks to understand this new reality. We struggled with new pronouns. Sometimes we cried. Sometimes we laughed. Always we loved.

Slowly and carefully we shared this news with persons in our church and beyond. Love filled our conversations and acceptance filled our lives.

Rae’s gender identity is rarely the topic of conversation in our family now.

Rae is Rae: loving, smart, teller of goofy jokes, husband, son, brother, friend.

Happy ending, right?

Not so fast. I am ashamed to admit that there are still times I am reluctant to share our family’s story. I am painfully aware that The United Methodist Church continues to be divided over whom to fully accept and love. Our country debates whether Trans persons can legally be discriminated against.

The political climate is brutal. Fear of rejection and misunderstanding get in my way. I ignore comments I hear in casual conversations with people who don’t know me well. I don’t share my story when I could. Fear and anxiety so easily get in the way of love and calm.

So today I claim the words from Zephaniah reminding me that God is in our midst. God creates calm through God’s love and rejoices over each of us with singing. God rejoices over Rae as a man. God rejoices over my journey as a mom. God rejoices over all who accept everyone who is transgender. God rejoices over all who struggle to accept.

God loves us all! Imagine God singing with love and joy even in the midst of our struggles! This love is made manifest in the gift of Jesus. Jesus who sees beyond our gender, beyond our struggles, beyond our fear. Jesus whose very being is love.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your love that creates calm. Help me to move beyond my fear and to share my journey with love and joy. Amen.

Laure Mieskowski

Wednesday, December 12

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Perfect Love Casts Out Fear God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. I John 4: 16b-18 Having survived another national election, I thought of googling the sentiment in this quote by Paul Coelho, author of The Alchemist: “If you want to control someone, all you have to do is make them afraid.” That seems to be the theme around “negative” campaign ads – “my opponent is not a good person and you should be scared of them.”

Of course, politicians don’t have a corner on using fear to manipulate and control others. It was Martin Luther’s reaction to the Catholic Church’s practice of selling indulgences that led to the Reformation. Money, much of it used to build St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, was extracted from the peasant masses by putting forth the idea that favor could be received from a God who was intent on punishing people in hell.

The theme of fear also came to my mind having attended several of the Inclusion First events at church this week. I was reminded that rather than succumb to the tendency to fear and judge those who have had different experiences than myself (which actually happens to be every other of the over 7 billion people on earth), I can seek to understand others whatever our differences. The above Bible passage tells us that this is where God lives.

Prayer (also from Paul Coelho): May God give you For every storm, a rainbow For every tear, a smile, And a blessing in each trial.

For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, For every sigh, a sweet song, And an answer for each prayer. Amen Gary Rich

Thursday, December 13

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Be the light…even when you don’t want to.

You are the light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden, and no one lights a lamp and puts it under a clay pot. Instead, it is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. Make your light shine, so others will see the good you do and will praise your Parent in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 I am not a winter person. If it is below 50, I find every reason to go inside.

I could happily be a snowbird who flies south for the winter. So when I saw the forecast was going to involve the 20s, I was not looking forward to the evening I was about to spend outside…

Last night, I took the First Church’s Young Adult Group to Project Night Lights. Project Night Lights invites the kids staying in the DeVos Children’s Hospital to flash flashlights out of their windows. Then local law enforcement and community members respond by flashing their lights back. We were scheduled to do this project a (warmer) month earlier, but rain had cancelled the event. Because we were excited to be a part of this display of community, we ignored the cold and join the crowds outside.

And, wow, was it cold. I was wearing three pairs of socks, two pairs of pants, fluffy earmuffs, and few other layers, and I was still freezing. As we walked to our spot outside of the hospital, I wanted to say, “I’ll just wait inside.” Or, “I think I need to run back to the car for something…anything.” But then it happened. We saw the first lights start to flash out of the hospital windows.

I realized, tonight isn’t about me and how cold I am. It’s about seeing the light in these children and sharing my light with them. My frozen fingers were holding a visible light of hope, a reminder that these kids were surrounded by a community who cared. Standing next to me was a NICU nurse, who chose to use her night off to shine a light in for her fellow nurses and patients.

Together, with the others in our group, we held our light for everyone to see.

Prayer: Lord, help us to be your light, even when we don’t want to. When we’re stuck at awkward parties, working just a few more hours, or getting lastminute supplies, use us to shine your love. Push us to recognize your light shining through others and to be thankful for these opportunities. Amen.

Sami Marasigan

Friday, December 14

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Perfect Unity Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14 We are not perfect. Our world is not perfect. Today we face so many struggles: death, gun shootings, natural disasters, discrimination, and more. Personally, my heart has become weighed down by issues specifically related to the acceptance of others. My mind struggles with grasping the reality of some people who do not accept others simply by the color of their skin, their sexuality, their political ideologies, or other differences. These injustices have been placed on my heart.

One example in my life is the acceptance of people’s sexuality. I realize not everyone has to agree with my beliefs; however, the division of people pains me. God has called us to accept each other so we may be in perfect unity.

How can we do that if we keep trying to divide ourselves into groups? We don’t have to agree with others’ beliefs and behaviors, but God calls us to respect each other’s personhood in spite of our differences.

I often feel frustrated and angry when people treat others poorly. I look to God to give me direction on how to deal with these differing views. I pray God will direct my path and help me to impact society, thereby easing the burden of those who feel unaccepted. If God accepts us and loves us for who we are, shouldn’t we do the same? In spite of my desire to be accepting of all people, I have judged others. We’re all guilty of this sin at some point in our lives. However, no matter why we judge people, we must work toward accepting them through forgiveness and love, as God has forgiven and loves us.

Prayer: Dear God, please change the judgment and hate in our hearts. Let us love each other with acceptance and kindness so that we may truly be a unified community under you. Amen.

Emma Schuiling

Saturday, December 15

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Where will your journey take you?

A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders.

He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (CEB) The journey for Jesus started long before his birth in Bethlehem. In Isaiah, we are given the vision of a child coming into the world who will show a way of life, who accepts all his children as his. In his path, Jesus became the model for us to follow. Will we be like Jesus and be open and inclusive to all?

Can we do it?

People come to our building for help every day. Do we open the door and invite them in? Or not?

The journey that Jesus took taught us how to help in many ways of life.

For me, every day is a journey. Not just getting to work, but in helping others. I feel very fortunate to work at this church. Sundays provide many opportunities for worship, education, and fellowship. During the week, our church has many activities for all, along with providing space for other groups in using the building. Almost every evening we have activities in our building. I am proud that we are open to the community in the use of our facilities.

The journey is the destination for me. We continue to explore new ministries to help others. What is your passion and could we add that to the church’s journey? Over 183 years of doing ministry here in downtown Grand Rapids, we have had an immense impact on our local and global community. The journey has changed for every generation that has been on this campus. What will be our next path in the journey?

A lot has changed since I went to Sunday school in Detroit many, many years ago. There have been many changes in society and how we do our ministry.

What happened in the sixties is no longer relevant in 2018. Be open to the change and use the model that Jesus provided.

So what is the next step in the journey?

Prayer: Dear God, be with us in this journey. As we greet each new day with joy, help us to know you are present with us. Amen.

Emil Jensen

3rd Sunday of Advent, Sunday, December 16

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You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5: 14-16 (CEB) One of my favorite seasons is Advent. We decorate our homes, inside and out, with lights. Our street is filled with candlelit windows, fully lit Christmas trees peeking through curtains, wreaths, and lampposts lit up for all to see.

I fill each of our rooms with lights. Lights on trees, lights on garlands adorning shelves, and even lights wrapped around the banister. It becomes easy to go from room to room in the evening without turning on a lamp because the light from the Christmas decorations is bright enough.

A recurring theme I heard throughout Pastor Bob’s Beatitudes sermon series was about light. Jesus spent time explaining to his disciples, and to the crowds, ways to be the light. Some examples highlighted were how a city on a hill cannot be hidden, and when you turn on a light you don’t hide it under a basket. These examples are still applicable to 21st century living.

The Advent season makes it easy to reflect on these examples as we experience lights from Christmas decorations during the darkest time of the year. During this sermon series, I felt challenged to find new ways to be the light. How can I find a way to help a stranger, to feed someone who is hungry, or to give clothes to someone who needs warmth? I am asking God to use our Christmas lights to remind me to be the light.

Prayer: God of light and wonder, I am grateful that for the brightness that breaks through the dark days of winter. Help me to find ways to be a bright light for someone who needs it during this season. Amen.

Emily Uebbing

Monday, December 17

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Walking Each Other Home And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.” Luke 3:10-14 “We’re all just walking each other home” (Ram Dass). My elderly patient shared this simple, yet profound statement with me while we talked at her bedside in the hospital. She explained how this concept of interdependence meant so much to her over the years of joy and struggle. She walked her husband home through his time in Hospice, she walked alongside friends who lost loved ones, and now nurses and caretakers walked with her in a time of need. She impressed upon me the importance of realizing that our journeys are intertwined and that we can be Christ’s representative walking with others in support and empathy no matter the situation.

As we contemplate the concept of a pilgrimage this Advent, we join Christians all over the world in a journey to Bethlehem to meet our example and model in the child Christ. A pilgrimage is a journey with a destination well known and respected. In Luke we hear the words of John the Baptist foretelling the character of Christ and reminding us of the life we are to live. This is our pilgrimage - to form our journey after that of Christ and walk with each other along the way. We are to be generous, compassionate, fair, and just. As we journey anywhere we want to know the directions. The simple instructions that John provides are a prescription for a rich and joyful journey, not an easy one and not one that can rely on our own impulses, but one in which we are invested in community and meeting the needs of those around us.

We are all on a journey, each with unique mountain tops, valleys, twists and bumps in the road. Our journey may be like Mary’s over the miles between Nazareth and Bethlehem full of anticipation and apprehension about the unknown path ahead of us. The expectation of a birth foretold mirrors the expectation we feel as we approach major life milestones and transitions.

Along with the scripture and the example of Jesus’ life of service I hold Emily Dickinson’s poem IV as a template for my life’s journey.

Part I: Life, IV — If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain. Emily Dickinson Prayer: Dear God, May we all strive in each day and each decision to consider the other, lift up one another, and journey together in grace and peace. Amen.

Iain Charnley

Tuesday, December 18

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The Journey Is the Destination The crooked roads will be made straight and the rough ways smooth. Luke 3:6 “Within the journey is the destination,” might be another way to phrase that statement. Compare the ‘journey’ to our “life journey,” where there are many stops along the way - and many of them unplanned, full of surprises, or possibly while completing a detour. The detours can be long or short, the surprises joy-filled or sad.

This summer Ruth and I took a long journey, which had many stops, engaged hundreds of people, took many roads, both smooth and twisty and rough, and included some of those unexpected stops along the way. Some of them were for mechanical failures and physical anomalies, and there were extended stops to linger longer in visually attractive settings. All this was the journey.

Was there a destination?

For us, this trip was a great stress reliever: a time to enjoy God’s beauty, God’s children, and breathe in God’s love during a slower-paced period of time. In life it is the same. It is just stretched out over a longer time than any trip.

We will have many stops along the way. There are or have been hundreds or even thousands of people we have been engaged with along this journey.

Many have been helpful and supportive, engaging us, encouraging us, and nudging us to continue our journey. Some may have been “in the way,” causing detours. But here we are, still on that journey. Is there a destination?

We all have had necessary stops along the way for repairs to our body, our mind, and our spiritual self as well. All of these help us to be nurtured and to continue the journey. Is there a destination?

But isn’t this, then, the true essence of life’s journey? It is being able to continue, using the resources we can find along the way. There are always resources, both human and material, that can aid us in our journey. God has provided those. Is there a destination?

Perhaps the destination is within that journey itself. What happens to us as we engage people, come out on the other side of detours, manage the unexpected stops, and drive those many rough roads successfully?

I believe we are reaching our destination when we continue our journey. The journey itself becomes the destination. We are reaching our goal, our soughtafter place. As the exiles returned from that long journey to Jerusalem, the prophets wrote: “(and they will)…return to Zion with songs of joy and carrying sheaves.” (Ps 126:6) Jim Strohmer

Wednesday, December 19

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Who is my neighbor?

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:25-37 Advent reminds us of the vulnerability of Jesus coming into a harsh world.

His parents were traveling with no place to stay, without medical help for a teen to deliver her first child, an illegitimate child. Throughout the life of Christ, we are reminded about the outliers, the susceptible, the ostracized; and our call to love them as our neighbor. His parents escaped Israel to avoid Jesus being killed. In his adult life, Jesus tells us very clearly, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for me.”

This fall was the first time in many years that Nancy and Bob Gillette have not lead a medical mission team to Nicaragua. This country is in upheaval and chaos and is unsafe. Doctora Mir and her family and neighbors are hungry. Dr. Alexander, one of Christ’s MOST gracious servants, is in prison. My colleague from the Children’s Hospital just returned from a medical mission to Costa Rica, where they served in slum clinics for hundreds of fleeing Nicaraguans.

She stated that they were the most gracious, patient, lovely people – who had lost their homes, family members, fleeing like Mary and Joseph to save their child’s life.

I think of the thousands of trekking Guatemalans passing through Mexico.

These “caravans” have been politicized and even demonized. They flee for the same reason as Mary and Joseph. They love their children, they live in fear; they hold onto hope for a better future. If we demonize them, if we fear them, then we can escape the call from Christ to serve the least of these.

The Samaritan demonstrated the capacity for universal altruism. He made the concern for others the first law of his life. He did not follow the Old Testament view that my fellow Israelite is my neighbor but not the Philistine.

The Samaritan demonstrated courage to help save “his Jewish brother.” I have certainly seen this kind of courage in the doctors and team in Nicaragua. It is not often that my benevolence requires courage, risk-taking, and boldness.

Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me to find altruism: universal, excessive, even dangerous altruism – as you demonstrated with your life and with your parables. Help me to recognize my neighbor. Amen.

Deanna Mitchell

Thursday, December 20

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With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior…He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God. Luke 1:46-50 This fall, our sermon series examined the “be-attitudes,” which are part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, recounted in Matthew’s gospel, chapters 5-6.

In this sermon in front of a huge crowd, Jesus delivers poignant lessons, expounding on murder, adultery, retaliation, and flashy prayer, among other things. In Matthew 6:7-13, Jesus tells us how to pray. These seven verses stand out to me as one of the clearest answers that Jesus gives in the scriptures. The Lord’s Prayer elegantly summarizes his teachings and lays out a pathway to God’s kingdom.

“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.” Our most revered, holy parent.

“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Please, God, help us to be the instruments to bring in your kingdom. Help us to get rid of hate, violence, and prejudice. Remind us that this land really is your land, and that you want us to share your land and its bounty among your children. Help us to be peacemakers, your children.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus repeatedly asked us to give up our excesses, and our fear of missing out. What do I really need, and how does that differ from what I want? How can I make sure others are getting their daily bread, because that appears to be part of how Jesus envisions God’s kingdom? Our hunger should be for righteousness.

“Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” Oh, how often I think of this phrase, as I suppress my road rage, and then inadvertently cut someone off on the next block. The merciful will receive mercy. Have grace.

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” In our society, temptation is all around us. It is so easy to be selfish with time and treasure, and to look the other way when we should be speaking out against evil. Help us to be pure of heart, so that we may see your kingdom.

“For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory…FOREVER!” As the writer of Psalm 1 says, “the wicked are like dust that the wind blows away.” God’s kingdom is the only one that can last forever. It’s a kingdom of the humble and the generous, the kingdom of grace.

This Advent season, I want to journey with Jesus daily, and give thanks for his prayer.

Peggy Thompson

Friday, December 21

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Attitude of Gratitude Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s town, Bethlehem, in Judea, because he was a direct descendant of David, to be registered with his future wife, Mary, now in the later stages of her pregnancy. Luke 2:4-5 Central to the birth of Christ is the journey Joseph and Mary made to Bethlehem. With their journey began our ongoing Christian journey of faith.

One of the struggles with any journey is the temptation to focus on the destination to the neglect of the journey process. The question then becomes, how do we not fall victim to a destination focus and avoid missing out on truly experiencing life’s journey. Specifically, how do we live by Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

I have found that developing an Attitude of Gratitude (authored by Christian D. Larson 1909, The Ideal Made Real) provides the essential frame of mind to actualize this psalm. By looking purposely for what to be grateful for each day, we are predisposed to rejoicing. Clearly critics will consider this approach to be Pollyannaish; however, these same critics are predisposed to pessimism, which makes it very difficult to feel like rejoicing. On the surface it would appear that implementing the Attitude of Gratitude is a simple exercise, but as any practitioner can attest, such a discipline requires diligent effort. To find gratefulness in times of hardship and in the face of humiliation requires tremendous strength of character that is often beyond my ability. But fortunately, I have witnessed others with such fortitude be thankful for the way in which having painful experiences shows them how to reorder their lives.

In truth, don’t we all learn more from our failures than from our successes?

When I have reflected on how I could have handled most situations better, I am usually reminded of the Attitude of Gratitude practice. The best way to enjoy our life’s journey is to live in the present moment and an Attitude of Gratitude keeps our focus on finding gratifying moments so we can rejoice despite life’s struggles.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to develop an Attitude of Gratitude so we can live in the present moment with grace and joy in good times and in bad.

Jim Wood

Saturday, December 22

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Get Lost When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him… Matthew 1:24a When I was a kid, one of my favorite activities was going on a “get lost ride.”

That’s what my sister and I called it. My dad would pile us both in the car, and at every intersection we came to we would get to tell him which way to turn until we were completely and utterly lost. Then my dad would have to find our way back home without any maps or GPS…the latter because it wasn’t invented yet! For all the spectacle and drama my dad made about us being so UTTERLY lost, I’m not sure we ever ended up more than a mile or two away from home. But to my childish imagination we had traveled from Michigan all the way to Canada and back! Getting lost was a grand and glorious adventure back then. But not anymore.

I’m not sure if my perspective changed because I got older or if it coincided with the invention of GPS, but now I absolutely hate being lost. One of the first things I do when I get in my car is pull up Google maps on my phone and search for where I’m going. I use GPS for more than just directions – I like to know what time I’ll arrive somewhere and what traffic or other obstacles I might encounter along the way. And beneath all of that I probably actually like to use GPS because my adult self likes security. I seem to have lost that part of myself that enjoyed getting lost. As an adult I want a map and a plan.

But the journey of life doesn’t exactly come with a map and a promise of things going according to plan, does it? I find this to be especially true when it comes to matters of faith. Faith requires us to trust in what we can’t see, to put our hope in the unexpected, and to follow teachings that sometimes push against our own desires or sensibilities.

Throughout Advent we have been reflecting on journeying and how that metaphor can help guide us as people of faith. One of the scriptural narratives I love to ponder during Advent is Joseph’s journey in Matthew 1:18-25. When I read this account I see a man whose plans and strategies for righteousness are invaded by the invitation to follow a dream. Joseph has every intention to dismiss his pregnant fiancée out of adherence to the religious rules that had guided him in the past, but God shows Joseph a different way. Through a dream, Joseph is awakened to outrageous hope and guided in a new direction, and Christ is born.

Joseph became lost to his own plans and instead allowed a new way of following Christ to be born in him. Each time Christ is born into our midst, we, too, are invited to be lost to ourselves: lost to our own plans for righteousness so that something surprising and holy and new can be born in

us. Stepping outside of our certainty and our plans can be uncomfortable or scary, but God is there in our midst, giving us new vision and guiding us to take the next faithful step. What would it mean for us to “get lost” in God’s dream for us and for our community?

Prayer: God, help us to live our lives centered on the hope of Christ rather than on our fears and uncertainties. May we trust You enough to get lost in Your dream for us and for our community. Amen.

Joan VanDessel

4th Sunday of Advent, Sunday, December 23

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For the Healing of the Nations (United Methodist Hymnal, 428) For the healing of the nations, Lord, we pray with one accord; for a just and equal sharing of the things that earth affords; to a life of love in action help us rise and pledge our word, help us rise and pledge our word.

Lead us forward into freedom, from despair your world release, that, redeemed from war and hatred, all may come and go in peace.

Show us how through care and goodness fear will die and hope increase, fear will die and hope increase.

All that kills abundant living, let it from the earth be banned; pride of status, race, or schooling, dogmas that obscure your plan.

In our common quest for justice may we hallow life’s brief span, may we hallow life’s brief span.

You, creator God, have written your great name on humankind; for our growing in your likeness bring the life of Christ to mind, that by our response and service earth its destiny may find, earth its destiny may find.

Monday, December 24

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Angel Aware Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace, among those whom he favors. Luke 2:17 I had a bout with the dreaded shingles last year and when a prescription arrived on my doorstep it included a little angel with the inscription, “You are in my prayers.” The meds and the prayers worked and I recovered! I was taken aback in that moment and more than pleased to know that someone was aware of my plight and was praying for me.

The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary saying, “Greetings, do not be afraid.”

Mary was surprised when Gabriel announced to her that she had been chosen to give birth to the son of God. She listened and accepted that she was called to do God’s will.

The shepherds were startled by an angel who appeared to them in their fields while they were tending their sheep, proclaiming, “Do not be afraid as I bring good news of great joy!” A host of angels said to the shepherds, “Glory to God in the Highest and peace on earth, good will to men,” and told them to go to Bethlehem to see this thing which had come to pass - the birth of the baby Jesus. They immediately began their journey to see as it had been told to them.

We are surrounded by “messengers,” if only we would take the time to listen and to tend to the needs of others and spread the good news.

I feel surrounded by angels when members of this church make sure I make it to church on Sunday and then see to my needs after we arrive. I am so appreciative of their concern and attention, and feel humbled by their special kindnesses. Not all angels have wings, you know!

According to the scripture, angels are “messengers” and can appear in many forms and at any time. God may be speaking to us through heavenly messengers, and we should be listening. May we all be aware of the “angels” in our lives and answer accordingly, with love.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the people through whom you have spoken to me. Help me to pay attention and to listen for your voice through those you send.

Speak to me, Lord, I am listening. Amen.

Luci Baer

First United Methodist Church

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

www.GRFUMC.org