2015 Advent Devotional

2015 Advent Devotional

This devotional booklet has been put together for your use during the season of Advent. Each devotion has been written with care and love by a member of First Church. There is a devotion for every day, beginning with Sunday, November 29. We hope that the booklet will encourage a disciplined approach to scripture and inspirational reading, and will foster your own spiritual growth.

Dear Friends, The Advent journey of 2015 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 for the very first time. I wonder, what does the celebration of the coming of Christ mean to us this year? What gift do we have to offer Him – or better yet, what gift does Christ have to offer us?

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 this year will focus on the "Fruits of the Spirit."

I find it fascinating that the traditional themes of Advent are the first four "Fruits of the Spirit." We will be on a journey to both discover and practice love, joy, peace, and patience.

May Advent and Christmas be a time of genuine spiritual renewal as together, we seek God’s gifts AND fruits, not only in our lives, but also in our world.

Pastor Bob Hundley

1st Sunday of Advent, November 29, 2015

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Learning the Languages of Love We have many parts in one body, but the parts don’t all have the same function. In the same way, though there are many of us, we are one body in Christ, and individually we belong to each other. Romans 12:4-5 This fall’s discussion topic for our Couples in Faith class was Dr. Gary Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages. The author proposes that each person feels loved and expresses love to others in five main “languages:” quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, physical touch, and acts of service. Using a questionnaire to help us figure out which of these make us feel the most loved, some of us identified with one main “language,” while others found that two or more were equally important to them.

(I personally tied for physical touch and quality time, while my wife Bethany identified with quality time and acts of service).

As we group members talked about the daily give and take of trying to make sure our spouses feel loved, I was struck by the gracious sacrifice that this requires. Setting aside time and energy to do something meaningful for others is an intentional gift of self -- especially when you are going out of your own comfort zone to speak a foreign “love-language.” For me, this has been a slow lesson of realizing that every time I complete a task on the “honey-do” list, my wife receives it loud and clear as me saying, “I love you” without words. And every time she reaches out to hold my hand, she is doing the same.

The Advent season is our time to reflect on the miracle of the incarnation, and how desperately we still need it. In light of what I’ve learned about love languages, I am convinced that by being born into this Earthly life as a human being in Jesus Christ, God showed the world how deeply God understands and loves each of us by using every love-language that we human beings speak. Jesus spent quality time teaching and partying with us. He gave affirming words of encouragement and hope. He shared gifts of bread and wine with us. He used physical touch to heal and rescue.

And He performed acts of service, not only through washing the feet of his disciples, but through the ultimate act of sacrificial love -- accepting death by crucifixion.

Message received!

Prayer: Jesus, your life showed just how much God loves us by speaking to us in our own “language” -- entering our broken world as fully human.

Thank You for giving us what we need in so many ways. May we share Your sustaining love with those around us in a language they will understand.

Amen.

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Pete Muszkiewicz

Monday, November 30, 2015

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The Calendar Thank God for his gift that words can’t describe! 2 Corinthians 9:15 As a new mother to a rambunctious infant, I am also juggling a career and household and I find myself sighing heavily at my calendar, each day filled to the brim with appointments and tasks. When the cold weather settles in and that same calendar begins to bear the additional weight of holiday tasks, Christmas parties and shopping lists, I find myself wincing.

How can I take on more water while I am already drowning? I spend my days negotiating with the clock, hoping not to disappoint my son, my husband, our friends, and coworkers.

Why? Because it’s Christmas! I want so badly to see everyone, to experience everything, and to bring smiles to the faces of those I love. I want to give cookies, entertain guests, attend parties, and find the perfect gifts.

Somewhere I got the idea that by force of my will alone I can make Christmas magical, and I work very hard to do just that. Somehow, I don’t think I’m the only one.

Frankly, it’s exhausting. Working so diligently not to let anyone down, I find myself snapping at my husband, speeding through time with my son, and ignoring any task that isn’t immediately due.

And when I look up? When I finally take a breath? By then it’s January, and while the calendar begins to clear, the aftermath of the past weeks lingers. In my fervor to delight everyone around me I’ve missed the holiday season completely. I was in attendance, but I was not present.

In thinking that I alone was responsible for a good Christmas, I’ve taken both the work and the glory of Christmas onto my own shoulders and forgotten to include God at all.

This year, I resolve to let Christ be the magic of Christmas, and cut myself some slack in that department. I promise not to forget him, even if I have to pencil him in on my calendar.

Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me to be present this Christmas season.

Help me to let go of my calendar and to give myself wholly to the spiritual meaning of Christmas. Help me to remember your most gracious giving, and strive to live by your example. I give to you the glory Lord, for Christmas and every single day; for spiritual magic and gifts of faith.

Thank you Lord, for this season. Amen.

Kayla Strodawa-Domeyer

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Tuesday, December 1, 2015

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Down In My Heart to Stay Love came down at Christmas, love oh lovely, love divine. . . .

When I was a young girl in grade school, every summer my mother would send my sisters and me to Bible School. We went to the Reformed Church on Lake Drive near Eastern that is now a beautiful apartment/condo building. It wasn’t our “normal” place to attend church, but my thought is that any place my mother could take us for a week and drop us off for the morning was a blessing. Little did she know, I’m sure, that this is where I would find such joy and excitement in learning some of the Bible School songs that I still know and sing today!

Bible School would begin each day with everyone gathering in the church’s huge auditorium and the worship leader would teach and lead us in singing. I remember he would encourage us to stand and sing with such enthusiasm. My favorite song was, I’ve got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart, I’ve got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart, down in my heart to stay.

I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart, I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus down in my heart, down in my heart to stay.

And then with great animation, we would add the next verse very fast using the words: I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus, way down deep in the depths of my heart...

We would giggle and laugh trying to say it and sing it fast and sing it over and over again. I have looked back at that time in Bible School so many times in my life as the pivotal turning point in my love for Jesus.

Love did come down at Christmas and at the Reformed Church Bible School each summer. My hope for you this Christmas is that you rediscover some little piece of love or joy down deep in the depths of your heart that led you to Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to rediscover the love and joy of the gift of your son. Amen.

Pigeon Hundley

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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

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No More Mourning He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 The Christmas season is filled with anticipation of joyous events: holiday parties, time with family, gifts, church activities, etc. But for those who have experienced the loss of a parent, sibling, child or spouse, the holidays are filled with another type of anticipation: dread. As one gathers for the holiday events, there will be a missing plate at the dinner table, gifts that were never purchased to never be opened, extra space in the pew at church. This year will be the third Christmas that my family will celebrate after losing my father. And while the sharpness of the loss may have dulled, the depth remains.

Christmas is the hardest collective time of the year for me. Everywhere I look, I see reminders of the gatherings ahead. In every conversation I’m reminded of friends and co-workers who will partake in family traditions that continue on unaltered. So I’m left longing for the Christmases of past when my father was still with us and healthy, and I wonder why our family had to be the family to experience loss and tragedy. At Christmastime, it’s even more apparent and a constant reminder that some families are left intact while others, like mine, are broken apart.

At Christmas, as I gather with my family, I’ll reflect on the year and I’ll remember that life continues on and joyous events will continue, even amidst the pain. I’ll look back and remember that this year my family celebrated the marriage of my brother to his wonderful wife and the start of their life together. And I’ll be brought back to the scripture that started this passage. As I celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas and as I relive the pain of our loss, I’m reminded that through the life and death of Christ we have the promise of no more mourning, crying or pain, and that the sadness of death is only temporary.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I ask that you surround those who are experiencing loss this Christmas season. May they feel your comfort through their pain and may they remember the promise of life that was fulfilled in the birth and death of our Lord. Amen.

Angela Norton Join us for Blue Christmas Service tonight at 7 PM in the Upper Room.

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Thursday, December 3, 2015

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Agents of Love and Peace Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 During Advent, many of us tend to reflect on our lives, the past year, and the meaning of Advent. What changes have happened or are we making in our lives? In what ways have we moved forward in our relationship with God, our relationships with others and our understanding of what God is bringing about in our lives and the life of our church?

Jesus states in John 14:6, “I am the truth.” He doesn’t say that he knows or understands the truth but that He is the truth. Christ is the clearest expression of God. Christ is all that is good, just and true in human form.

That is essential to understanding our faith and scripture.

The truth is best expressed in how we live our lives. We can talk about stories and ideas about truth but the truest and most accurate expression of truth is shown in how we walk day by day. The call to Christians is to live out our faith, to embody it as fully and truly as possible more than we are called to ponder or debate ideas.

Following or imitating Christ’s life is a daunting standard. But it is precisely because we seek to live according to the power and grace of Jesus Christ that we are transformed by God and are a part of the body of Christ. We are able to more fully live in the truth - because Christ is the truth.

So how do we get there? There is not a list of easy steps that we take that will show us what it means to “take up our cross” or “share in his resurrection.” God’s ways are many times beyond our understanding. We need to do what is asked of us one day, one step at a time. It is hard work but it should reflect our gratefulness to a God who gifts us with love and grace.

We need to live as the agents of love and peace in the world even as (or maybe especially as) we bring our brokenness before God and are vulnerable before our fellow believers. We need to love and serve each other as members of One Body. As we reflect on this year and this season let us be aware of the work of God in our lives and follow with joy the things God asks of us.

Prayer: Give us grace, Lord, and teach us to pass it on to others. Amen.

Betty Mounts

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Friday, December 4, 2015

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Unity …But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the part with less honor so that there won’t be division in the body and so the parts might have mutual concern for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part gets the glory, all the parts celebrate with it. 1 Corinthians 12:24-26.

Paul talks about the importance of different parts of the body right after he talks about the different gifts each of us might have (wisdom, knowledge, etc.), and right before he talks about the different roles we each might play (apostle, teacher, healer, etc.). Context is everything.

The message is clear that we need each other.

I am convinced that the search to find happiness will not be gratified by self-reward or fulfilling material desires. For me, the spiritual aspect of Advent is often overwhelmed by the commercial message that drives us to buy gifts for everyone. It seems to become a competition to get the best price on each thing I buy, and in fact, it becomes almost a second job to make sure that I have found just the right gift for everyone. While the giving of gifts is certainly fun, and it is often heartwarming to make a recipient happy, all that pleasure seems transient. Even a few months later I can’t remember all the presents I gave or received at Christmas.

Interestingly, when I pause to reflect, I realize that I can easily remember the joy I feel when I participate in the caroling to the homebound from our church each year. That act epitomizes for me the role of the church as community, reaching out to those who at times may be forgotten by our larger body. It’s amazing to see how those who have lost so many memories will smile and sing their favorite Christmas songs with the caroling church group. Likewise, I can remember with delight, shared words with someone when I deliver a meal, or conversations and insights that arise through church adult education classes. Church members who travel to Cuba or Nicaragua want to go again and again because of the true joy of Jesus they experience in reaching out to others in our global community. Acting on our mutual concern for one another brings Christ to the world over and over.

Prayer: God, thank you for the miracle of all the spiritual gifts at work in our community. During Advent, let me rejoice in the unity that your love brings when we recognize that our differences make us stronger. Amen.

Peggy Thompson

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Saturday, December 5, 2015

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Hope of The World The Lord will give strength to his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. Psalm 29:11 In the story of Pandora’s Box, humankind, out of greed or curiosity, opened the box, letting out all manner of evil. The box was closed in haste sealing in the last item – HOPE. Without hope, we have despair.

Similarly, in the Bible we read that humans sinned against God by not being obedient and all manner of evil was unleashed. But unlike Pandora, God wanted people to have hope, so God sent God’s son Jesus into our world. Jesus, the Messiah, the hope of the world, came to reconcile us to God. Because of this, we celebrate Jesus’ birth.

When calamity strikes, adrenaline kicks in and we do what we can to solve the problem. When someone called animal control on my neighbor’s dog, she was given 24 hours to get the necessary shots and license or her beloved pet would be taken away. We wanted to have hope. We called my vet and were able to schedule an appointment for the next day. My neighbor, who is unable to drive and has limited financial resources, was able to get the necessary money and I drove the dog to the vet. All was accomplished in the 24-hour time limit. I considered it a miracle of God. On a Friday afternoon another friend was told by child protective services that he needed to find housing by Tuesday or his two children would be taken into foster care. He went to church on Sunday and prayed with the pastor. That very day he put down two months rent on an apartment.

We had looked for months without finding anything. With God’s help a miracle happened.

When our feeble efforts are not enough, we hope in God. God provides for our needs. Peace comes when solutions are found. Don’t we all need a little hope? Let us rely on the power of Christ to heal our brokenness and give us hope.

Prayer: Thank you God for the hope and peace that only you can provide.

Let us rest in your all-powerful care. Amen.

Diane Hagan

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2nd Sunday of Advent, December 6, 2015

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Unspeakable Joy!

And a little child will lead them. Isaiah 11:6 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace. Isaiah 55:12

Advent is not only a time of expectant watching and waiting but also a time of great joy. As your Parish Nurse, I am often given the privilege of journeying with you through joyful and difficult times. Here are parts of two such journeys.

I met Dana and Jason when they were expecting their first child. I checked in with Dana throughout her pregnancy and was delighted to hold Ronan the day after he arrived at St Mary’s Hospital. As he grew, it became apparent that something wasn’t quite right. I remember meeting an exhausted Dana with toddler Ronan and having Ronan let out piercing screams throughout our lunch. With subsequent testing, it was determined Ronan was autistic and would need special education support going forward.

I met the Wezeman family as a result of our Adoption Ministry. In 2008, Ruth and Ed traveled to Beijing to bring their 4-year old daughter, Kamryn, home. Kamryn and I hit it off immediately. She would yell “Marj” whenever she saw me at church and run to give me a hug! My refrigerator was covered with pictures and crafts that Kamryn had made in Sunday School.

Fast forward several years - Ronan is 10 and Kamryn is 11. Ronan now comes forward for the Children’s Moments and looks out at the congregation with wonder. Kamryn thinks she is “too old” for the Children’s Moments now that she is taller than I am. However, twice this fall tears of joy came to my eyes as Ronan acolyted in worship! Kamryn walked with him down the aisle and prompted him in lighting and extinguishing the chancel candles. When I told Ronan what a great job he did, he grinned from ear to ear. And when I thanked Kamryn for being so patient and helping Ronan, she shrugged her shoulders, smiled and said, “It’s no big deal.”

Yes, Kamryn, it really is a big deal! The love of two families supported by their church family has made this special relationship possible – a boy with special needs and a girl from China – thriving and being what God has created them to be. Unspeakable joy!

Do not be afraid for I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all people! Luke 2:10

Prayer: Dear God, help us to remember that the best gifts are not those wrapped under the tree but are those unexpected gifts of joy you give us every day. Make us truly ready for celebrating your gift of Jesus, our peace, love, and JOY! Amen.

Marj Timmerman

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Monday, December 7, 2015

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Joy of Every Longing Heart

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He will swallow up death forever. The LORD God will wipe tears from every face; he will remove his people’s disgrace from off the whole Earth, for the LORD has spoken. They will say on that day, “Look! This is our God, for whom we have waited –and he has saved us! This is the LORD for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation!” Isaiah 25:8-9

The evening news has become a distant memory in our home now that my wife and I “share” it with our two young children. The axiom that “bad news travels faster than good” has never seemed truer for us. Wars, murders, death, and deceit dominate headlines and broadcasts each night. The occasional feel good story aside, we have concluded the news is just plainly a poor viewing choice for our small children.

But these stories convey to us just how prevalent evil and sin are in the world. A reaction of helplessness and futility to this fact seems normal and commonplace. And the spectacle that is the looming Presidential election does little to console anyone about our future. Some look around at the negativity all around us and conclude that these are signs of the end of the world.

This fact was made more poignantly clear to me after watching a recent news story covering the Syrian refugees fleeing their war torn home. The parting shot of the story was of a young boy who had drowned as the boat he was fleeing in approached the beach and apparent safety. Watching the waves lap over his body made this father feel despair, sadness, and even anger.

In the ensuing weeks I began to wonder… Is it all right for a Christian to pray for the end of this world? After all, all things are in God’s hands and everything will happen in “God’s good time.” Who am I to question God’s will?

There is a facet of fear regarding the unknown. Fear may make us reluctant to pray or even long for the “End Times” to come. As a child I remember a feeling of trepidation when thinking about the end of this world and the transition to heaven. I suspect there are others who have felt the same…

And then I remembered the season of Advent.

The word “advent” comes from the Latin adventus, which means “coming” or “arrival.” It is during Advent that we eagerly await the coming of our Messiah, our Savior. A time when we reflect on the centuries past when God’s people of the Old Testament longed and waited for the first coming of our Redeemer. Our celebration of Advent mirrors their excited anticipation. The end of pain and suffering will come! This is not a time to cower in fear or desperation as we bide our time, but a time of eagerness, a time of joy, a time of celebration!

“…Israel’s strength and consolation hope of all the earth thou art dear desire of every nation joy of every longing heart…” Amen.

Scott Sjoerdsma

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

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The Beginning of Our Story And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7 When you think of Christmas, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind?

Most likely, you thought of gift giving, shopping, carols, desserts, wrapping paper, etc. And why wouldn’t you? Christmas is one of the biggest holidays of the year, one that everyone knows about and most everyone celebrates. And yet, even with all of the fun stuff listed above, many of us tend to forget where Christmas comes from.

As a young child, I was a huge fan of the Christian-based children’s cartoon Veggie Tales. With its self-described “Sunday morning values and Saturday morning fun,” it is a show both kids and adults can get behind.

Their very first Christmas video centered on a town that didn’t “get” Christmas. Oh, they had Christmas to be certain; they loved the packages and trees and decorations, but they didn’t understand what the Christmas season was really about. We ourselves fall into the same trap every year— and hey, we’re human, it happens. That’s what the Advent season is for: to remind us of the real reason why there is a holiday called “Christmas.”

The Christmas story is one we’ve all heard countless times: Jesus was born unto Joseph and Mary, with shepherds and wise men alike all coming to witness the glorious moment. Many of us have nativity scenes we display in our house depicting the story, a subtle reminder of the importance of the story. Jesus came into our midst as a human being, destined to die so that we would be destined to spend eternity with God. Advent is the beginning of Jesus’ story, and by extension the beginning of ours. So as we head into the Christmas season for the umpteenth time, let’s use Advent to remind ourselves of the story that puts the “Christ” in “Christmas.”

Prayer: Lord, as we celebrate the Christmas season, help us remember that you are the source of the most wonderful time of the year. In a world where “commercialism,” as Charlie Brown calls it, holds a firm grip on our society, it’s easy to forget the real reason for the season; help us take time to worship as we prepare for the arrival of your son. Amen.

Sean Walker

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Wednesday, December 9, 2015

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There’s A Song In The Air… Psalm 46:10 Indeed, in the air, on the radio, in the shops, in the elevator, while on hold, and on and on…

There are radio stations that put “a song in the air” from November 1st through the day after Christmas, then, just when it feels most appropriate to hear Christmas music, it comes to an abrupt end. All of this is rather upsetting to me in a myriad of ways, not the least to my sense of liturgical time. Advent, it seems, is perhaps the most abused part of the Christian year by the culture at large.

Advent is a time of preparation. However, how we prepare and what we think we are preparing for are important questions. Christopher Herrick’s amazing poem hints at a more internal preparation.

Christ, He requires still, wheresoe’er He comes to feed or lodge, to have the best of rooms: Give Him the choice; grant Him the nobler part of all the house: the best of all’s the heart. – Christopher Herrick The preparation of the heart requires slowing down and deeply listening for that song. Here again, in this anonymous poem, we will know of Christ’s coming not through external pomp, but an internal harmony.

Thou shalt know him when he comes, Not by any din of drums, Nor his manners, nor his airs, Nor by any thing he wears.

Thou shalt know him when he comes, Not by a crown nor by a gown, But his coming known shall be, By the holy harmony which his coming makes in thee. Thou shalt know him when he comes. - Anonymous I encourage you to find time to sit quietly in a candle-lit room for a period of time several times a week this Advent. We have this opportunity here at church with the Wednesday evening Refresh services, but you can practice it at home as well. In doing so, we should think beyond Christmas to what it means to welcome the Christ.

When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and the princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flocks, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among brothers, To make music in the heart. – Howard Thurman Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

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Eric Strand

Thursday, December 10, 2015

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Clothe Yourself In Love As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another, and if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12 - 14 When I read the list of the Fruits of the Spirit that were suggested as a guide for these Advent devotionals, my mom kept popping into my head.

She died ten years ago and for some reason, I’ve been reminded of her at every turn recently. Although she was not demonstrative, when I read the Colossians passage 3:14, “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony,” I felt as if she was there as the model for that scripture. She set the bar very high in setting the example of clothing oneself in love.

Mom was one of these people who was likeable from the start. She exhibited kindness and compassion to the point that as we were growing up, my sisters’ friends and my friends wanted to adopt her as their own.

She had a quiet way about her (humility and meekness) that attracted people to her. She also had a very long fuse: it was rare to see her upset.

Mom’s patience with everyone, family members, coworkers, and friends alike, was notable. She was a very forgiving and peaceful person.

Mom had a strong, quiet faith. She didn’t talk about it; she just went to work and showed where her priorities were. She was very active in her church by serving on the altar guild, the choir, one of the women’s guilds, the handbell choir, and on the search committee, to name a few of her commitments. Her Bible and prayer book played a significant part in her spiritual life, too. You could find them on her bedside table to begin and end her day well.

Imagine my good fortune having such a person right in front of me who bound everything together in perfect harmony by clothing herself in love.

In this time of reflection on the gift of the Christ child, it is the perfect time to counts one’s blessings, and that is what I do daily.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for all the blessings you bestow upon us.

May we always be grateful. Always. Amen.

Mary Molhoek

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Friday, December 11, 2015

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Beads, Friendship, and God Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 I participated in the summer study, A Bead and A Prayer. Since I was introduced to the beads, I’ve talked to God more. My friendship with God is greater. When I talk and listen to God and others, the beads give me the feeling God is with me. I’ve known this all my life, but the beads give me a hands-on reminder.

Praying with beads brings me peace and a sense of love and devotion.

I am able to give more of me to others and God. The beads keep me closer to the new friends I’ve made at First Church. They remind me that I can “find God” everywhere, even when the beads are not with me at my bedside or hooked to my purse. A new friend bought my beads. She is a friend you can count on. She is a light, and everything that makes me happier. Just like Jesus. When I am down I remember the beads and my friends are with me. Just like Jesus and God. We all need a reminder sometimes to keep us on the track of life. So hug your beads and pray for others. Show Jesus and God what’s in your heart and mind.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the gift of prayer. Help me to pray continually during this Advent season. Amen.

Shirley A. Rice

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Saturday, December 12, 2015

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Called We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 This past summer I went on FUMC’s first mission trip to Detroit to participate in the Cass Community Social Services program. It was the first mission trip I had been on as well. The trip to Cass Community opened my eyes, my soul, and my faith to a whole new world. I saw how God’s grace works in many ways each day and how I could be part of an amazing thing.

We did different activities and helped people in different ways. We helped them make mud mats out of old tires. Unemployed people learned this skill and taught us how to make the mats. We also helped in the day center for people with special needs and disabilities. Most of these adults live in foster care. They have a sense of community and purpose when attending the daily programs at Cass Community. I could tell we helped by seeing the expressions on their faces as we walked in. We helped teach social skills and we played games with them. They were so happy to see us. Sometimes God just asks us to bring a smile to someone else’s face.

While I was on this trip I had a few moments of quiet time with God. I felt a calling from God saying this is what you need to do. When I left Cass Community I felt amazed like I knew God had called me to this trip.

I currently attend Cornerstone University and I am enrolled in the ministry leadership program. I feel God has called me to this ministry and I plan on going on the next trip to Cass Community. I plan on using my degree to continue touching lives because I feel God has called me to serve Him in this way.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for calling us to serve others. Amen.

Kathy Gillette

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3rd Sunday of Advent, December 13, 2015

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The Peaceful Mommy Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other. And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Colossians 3:12-14 “All of my kids slept through the night by the time they were six weeks old!” I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard this or a similar phrase and thought, “Boo! I don’t want to hear that!” It’s been a full year since I had a full night of sleep and to be honest, peace, love, patience, and joy are the last things on my mind when I’m cloudy and overly tired.

In July of last year, I started taking a yoga class with my best friend. At the time, I was pregnant with Remy and I needed the stretching and the strength that comes with yoga, and I enjoyed giggling with my friend at the silly yoga poses. As time went on, however, and moving became difficult with my expanding frame, I began to find more than a good workout in each class. It was near the end of my pregnancy when I began to feel grounded and more connected to myself during and after my yoga class.

Fast-forward a year and I’m still practicing yoga; my physical needs are different than they were when I started, but the emotional development continues. I’ve learned to forgive myself for the things I’m not-so-goodat, and extend a little love inward. As my connection to self becomes stronger, my relationship with God improves; I’m better able to sense God’s presence and will with a clear mind and grounded body.

This work toward clarity (and it is work) brings me peace. I am able to be more loving, more patient, and more joyful, even with an overly tired mind and a screaming toddler.

How do you find peace? Where and when do you feel connected to yourself? When is the last time you forgave yourself? Give yourself peace this Christmas.

Prayer: O God, during this season of Advent, may I exemplify your peace in this world. Help me to walk in your light. Amen.

Audrey Kawel

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Monday, December 14, 2015

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Amazing Grace John testified about him, crying out, “This is the one of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is greater than me because he existed before me.’”

From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace; as the Law was given through Moses, so grace and truth came into being through Jesus Christ. John 1:15-17

When I go out, I want “Amazing Grace.” But not the way we usually sing it. I want them standing on the pews and dancing in the aisles. Let the saints go marching out!

To be found, to see again, to gain courage, to arrive safely, to be saved— these are all pretty good reasons for celebration. To have the favor of GOD, God’s blessing without condition: that is grace! It is a gift from God to humanity— no strings attached.

In 1740, John Wesley preached his sermon, “Free Grace,” declaring it free for all: “It does not depend on any power or merit in man; no, not in any degree, neither in whole, nor in part. It does not in anywise depend either on the good works or righteousness of the receiver; not on anything he has done, or anything he is. It does not depend on his endeavors. It does not depend on his good tempers, or good desires, or good purposes and intentions; for all these flow from the free grace of God; they are the streams only, not the fountain.”

Wesley went on to say that being free, unconditional and available to all, grace negates the Calvinist theology of predestination. He argued that if part of humanity is “infallibly saved” and the remainder irrevocably damned, what is the point of preaching salvation?

As for me, I’ll take all the grace I can get. I need it. And I celebrate it.

We all should.

Grace – it is nothing short of amazing!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your gift of grace. Help us to be filled with gratitude! Amen.

John Warnock

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Tuesday, December 15, 2015

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Prayer Fort Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:15 This year the Children and Worship program has added a prayer corner to our worship center. We pulled one of the two feet high shelves away from the wall and hung some tulle from the ceiling. This drapes over the shelves creating a sort of ethereal shelter. It’s actually more like a prayer fort than a prayer corner. Inside is a soft velvety pillow in bright red -- because sitting with God is both a royal and comfortable experience.

We adults have never discussed parameters for the prayer fort. It’s a busy place; everyone wants a turn in this magical space. We can only see the tops of the children's soft heads, and so we’re never quite sure what the kids do back there with God. Some of them talk; others don’t. Some are very quiet and still; others aren’t. There is no right or wrong way to be in the prayer fort.

Grown-ups can have prayer forts, too. On behalf of the children of our congregation, here are some recommendations to consider if you’d like to create one for yourself during this Advent season: 1. Make it sacred and special. Hang a cross or an inspiring picture in your fort or keep a bowl of meaningful objects that remind you of your blessings.

2. Stimulate the senses. Incorporate a soft pillow or blanket into your fort. Light a scented candle or put on soothing music.

3. Make it accessible. Your fort could simply be a wonderful chair in a corner or maybe a perfect spot on the couch.

4. Don’t set unrealistic expectations about what you do there. The simple act of purposefully being with God has a profound effect on our souls and the world around us. There is no right or wrong way to be in a prayer fort.

Prayer: Dear God, inspire us to create intentional time and space to be with you this Advent. Amen.

Tammy Taylor DeWitt

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Wednesday, December 16, 2015

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Self-Control But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23a He Named Me Malala is a documentary about Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl who, at age 15, was targeted, shot, and wounded in the head by members of the Taliban. They objected to her speaking out about the importance of educating girls. In the movie she is 17, has physically recovered from her injuries, and continues to be a strong advocate for her cause. She is asked if she is angry with her attackers, and she says she has no feelings of anger.

The film hints that may not be entirely healthy psychologically, and that she may be in denial about how much suffering the injury and the trauma caused.

Whatever shortcomings she may have had in expressing her feelings, it is notable that she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

So what is the best way to deal with the emotional part of ourselves? In my mental health training I learned that a lot of anxiety may stem from a fear that if we give our feelings too much of a foothold, we might in some way lose control resulting in shameful consequences. However, if we can trust our ability to control ourselves enough, we can allow ourselves to have those feelings and reactions, and be free to be the human selves that God made us to be.

Jesus seems to have no problem expressing himself and his heart for justice when he is railing against the piety of the Pharisees or driving the moneychangers from the temple with a whip made of cords. But Jesus was both passionate and compassionate. Charles Dickens, in his book The Life of Our Lord, offers this description of Jesus: “No one ever lived who was so good, so kind, so gentle, and so sorry for all people who did wrong, or were in any way ill or miserable, as He was.”

I was thinking in the last days of Jesus’ life he was a model of self-control.

When he is in Gethsemane and soldiers come to apprehend him, Peter strikes one of the men with a sword, cutting off one of his ears. Jesus’ reaction is to tell Peter to put away his sword, and to remind him that he is there to “drink the cup” the Father has given him. But then I remembered his cry of angst on the cross about feeling forsaken. Maybe that was one last reminder of his humanity – an emotional reaction to his plight - present in the midst of his divinity.

Dear God, thank you for your Spirit and that you love us for who we are.

Amen.

Gary Rich

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Thursday, December 17, 2015

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Gratitude As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.” Luke 17:11- 19 Ten men were healed of leprosy, a disease that ostracized them from family friends and community. Only one of the ten men healed came back to thank Jesus.

Dr. Joyce Brothers, a noted psychologist indicates that feeling gratitude is not born in us. It is something we are taught, typically by our parents, and we in turn must teach it to others.

Mahatma Gandhi said, “There is no way to gratitude. Gratitude is the way.”

The Greek word for gratitude (eucharistian) is built on the word for grace (charis).

Scientific studies have shown the following: • Being thankful improves our physical/emotional health. It opens the heart and activates positive emotional centers in the brain.

• Regular practice of gratitude can change the way our brain neurons fire into more positive automatic patterns.

• Holding on to feelings of thankfulness boosts our immune system and increases blood supply to our heart.

• Daily guided exercises or the habit of keeping a weekly gratitude journal can increase our alertness, enthusiasm, and energy, and improve our sleep.

• People who describe themselves as feeling grateful tend to suffer less stress and depression than the rest of the population.

God knows and social scientists now understand that when we focus on our blessings, it’s easier to keep our problems and concerns in the right perspective. If you train your mind to always concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.

Science is telling us that gratitude leads to grace; the Bible also reminds us that grace leads to gratitude. The lone Samaritan chose to close this beautiful circle of gratitude and grace in the presence of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: We lift our hearts and voices to you and say “Thank you dear God for all your blessings!” In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Bob Masselink

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At the end of the day for one week write down three things for which you are grateful.

Friday, December 18, 2015

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Christmas Gifts Opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 My mother likes to tell the story of my baby shower. She had waited to have children only to have two miscarriages before deciding to adopt. She was not sure if the baby would be a boy or a girl so the shower was done after I was born. She reports that she was given 10 pink dresses at that shower and luckily they were all different sizes so I could grow into them.

I have a hard time imaging her friends doing that as my mother, as well as her friends, were not girly girls. They were nurses and mountaineers.

It has taken me years to embrace the “pink” part of myself as well.

Somehow they recognized that both of us would need those gifts.

This fall, I was challenged to identify my gifts and service through the sermons and Serving from the Heart class. Like those dresses, I grow into my gifts or am given new ones. I can see where my gifts of encouragement and mercy fit into my job as a therapist. I am discovering how to develop the skills of administration and leadership, as I am now being lead into a new area in my professional life where I will have to learn to meet my deadlines. I don’t think I would have acted on this without the class or sermons.

This got me thinking about Mary and Joseph and the birth of their son.

What did they think about the gifts given to them by the Wise Men? Did Mary think, “What am I going to do with these? Will he grow into these gifts?” Was she appalled at the gift of Myrrh thinking, “Who gives a child something that is used at the time of burial?” What did they think would happen to their son that he would need a gift like that? Were they so focused on just making it through having a new baby, miles from home and in potential danger, to even think about it? Was it just something Mary kept in her heart to ponder?

We are not always sure how we will use the gifts we receive. Then a situation comes up when they are put to use. Gifts are freely given and meant to be used. I am learning to open my treasure chests to share my gifts and practice service.

Prayer: Creator God, help me to see my gifts and to use them in your service to glorify your kingdom. Bestow on me wisdom to grow into my gifts or be open to new gifts. As this season unfolds, let me be open to using new gifts. Amen.

Jan Miller

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Saturday, December 19, 2015

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God’s Glorious Presence Then God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them;” and it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after their kind; and God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:11-12 I suspect that I am like many members of our congregation in that I am often most in touch with experiencing God’s love, peace and beauty when I commune with nature. Whether I am on a walk through the woods, standing by or in a stream, floating on a lake, gazing at mountains, looking down sweeping valleys or enjoying a sunrise or sunset, I feel God’s presence in God’s earthly creations. It is these times when I am most confident of God’s power, for I can’t imagine that such beauty resulted from mere happenstance. When I am thus awed by God’s creations I feel blessed, loved, and at peace.

Interestingly, when I am lacking awareness of God’s existence in nature as I get caught up in the business of day to day duties, mundane tasks and obligations, I can quickly lose my appreciation of God and consequently my sense of being loved, blessed and at peace. If communing with nature can provide us with the proper perspective of placing God and God’s gift of Jesus Christ first in our lives then maybe many of us would do well to remember to purposely take time to find God in nature. I have always come away from such experiences feeling renewed and more aware of how God intends for me to live my life in service to God and humankind. I just have to make a regular habit of taking time to be with God where I experience God to be most gloriously present.

Prayer: Lord, may I reconnect with your spirit regularly in nature. Help me to maintain my appreciation of you and attend to how you would have me live my life when I return to my activities of daily living. Amen.

Jim Wood

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4th Sunday in Advent, December 20, 2015

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Patience My brothers and sisters, think of the various tests you encounter as occasions for joy. After all, you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let this endurance complete its work so that you may be fully mature, complete, and lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 There is not enough time. Seriously. I can’t think of how often I think this during my workday. I know I’m not alone on this one, because I hear it all the time from those around me. Consequently, I have very little patience for, well, a lot of things. Traffic. Lines at the grocery store. People walking slowly in front of me. I’m not like this all the time. I do try to stop and smell the roses, but sometimes life is the sprint and not the marathon.

Then the Christmas season hits. Good grief. Work gets extra crazy, and going to the store is a nightmare. I’m not prepared for presents. I want to slow down; I try to slow down with middling success. Sometimes, I think about the song my mom used to sing to me when I was little. It went: Be patient, be patient, don’t be in such a hurry If you get, impatient, you’ll only start to worry Remember, remember, that God has patience too And think of all the people that have had to wait for you.

That might not be exactly right, but who has time to look it up? I definitely had this in my head one particularly crummy day at work when I went to pick up a group of fifth graders at the end of the day. I was rushing. They were dawdling. One in particular just wouldn’t stop what she was doing (some craft project) and come to the door. I kept prompting her from the door - growing very impatient - until the teacher finally stepped over and said, “Bethany, she’s trying to finish up something special for you right now.” Well, when she did finally come to the door it was to hand me a beautifully drawn picture of the two of us, with a note saying that she loved me as a Speech Teacher, thank you so much for helping her to get better at her work, and she hoped I had a blessed and wonderful Mother’s Day. Well, I took a deep breath, told her thank you, threw out my lesson plans, and spent our session outside talking with the girls that day. Okay God, I got it this time.

Prayer: God, please help me to slow down, particularly during the Christmas season and take the time to notice the beauty and love of Christ and those around me. Amen.

Bethany Muszkiewicz

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Monday, December 21, 2015

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Need to Develop More Patience?

David was 30 years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years.

2 Samuel 5:4 The passage above does not seem to contain much about patience, for David was young when he first became king. But remember that God promised David he would become king many years (15 years) earlier. “So Samuel took the horns of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers and from that day on the spirit of the Lord came upon David in power.” (1 Samuel 16:13) In the story of the Prodigal Son, the father watched and waited. He remembered he was dealing with a human being who had a will of his own. Oh, how many times have we dealt with the very same person in our life. A will of his/her own indeed! Here is a young man who, violating tradition, did not wait for the distribution of his share of the inheritance and wanted his share (only 1/3) NOW! We can read the enticements today... “I want it now!” “Do it now!”

But the father was willing to greet his son if he returned. He was patient and may have waited for many days, weeks or even years. There is the lesson. In the same way, God’s love is constant and patient and welcoming.

God will search for us and give us ample opportunity to respond, but God will not force us to respond. God waits patiently for us to come to our senses.

Now for the practical side and some ways we can practice patience. This season of Advent is a wonderful time to work on it. It involves anticipation and waiting for the coming of Jesus.

1. Accept that everyone is different. Do we accept others for the differences that they possess? Sometimes it is hard to see that the differences in other people are what make them special.

2. Share your skills. Being frustrated with others' lack of skill can be an avenue to sharing your skills with others.

3. Act instead of reacting. Can you actually do something about the situation? Get involved, or if not, maybe just relax or “take a break.”

4. Slowly count to ten. This is an old and time-tested approach to patience and it works. Deep breathing and slow breathing will aid this.

5. Look at things from a different angle. Using this approach often allows us to offer compassion instead of frustration.

May you be blessed in your attempts to overcome impatience.

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For whatever things were written before were written for our instruction, that through patience and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 Amen.

Jim Strohmer

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

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Anonymous The Lord has done great things for us. Psalm 126:3 Christmas is a season of giving, not only for our families but also for those less fortunate. Acts of kindness and “paying it forward” are most prevalent during this holy season. But acts of kindness are not limited to the holiday season.

Tears came to my eyes when I was in the office of Rosedale Cemetery, arranging for the interment of my grandson Brian’s ashes. I was told the fees had already been taken care of. Someone, who requested that his or her kindness by kept anonymous, had given a gift.

Brian was and still is loved by his grandmother. His erring ways disappointed me but did not harden my heart against him. His tragic death was responded to with so many acts of kindness toward me. I am thankful that God’s grace is extended to all. I am humbled by all the kindness, love and generosity shown to me by my many First Church friends.

God has promised that God will never leave us or forsake us. I know that God embraces Brian and will heal my loss until we meet again.

Prayer: God, thank you for your gifts of grace and mercy. Thank you for your many anonymous disciples who share your love each day. Amen.

Elaine Youngs

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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

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Sights, Sounds and Smells Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

My grandson, Matt, recently moved his family to the country and acclimated his small daughters, Jadyn and Hadley, to the sights and sounds of living in a rural area - unlike the city. Their grandpa came to help them move and soon noticed the air outside had a peculiar odor and remarked to Hadley about the awful smell. She replied, with all her 3-year old wisdom, “It’s ok Papa, that’s just cow poo!” She had already adjusted after a few days. Her mother, who was raised in the country, was able to assure her girls that such odors go with country living along with the open spaces, lots of cornfields, and other farm creatures and their odors. Fertilizer-time not withstanding, this season could be a difficult time on the olfactory senses but Hadley was handling it and assured her “papa” all was well.

Mary must have had some of those same thoughts when Joseph took her to the barn in Bethlehem where she eventually gave birth to the Baby Jesus. Mary was among the braying donkeys, whinnying horses, and a few goats and sheep, all adding to the sights, sounds and smells as she tended to her newborn son and laid him a manger - a feeding trough no less. So much for a “silent night.” One can only surmise there was clean straw in the manger and that Mary had been tended to and was assured that everything was all right.

Mary gave birth to the Christ child in a lowly manger that he might die for us, rise and come again. We are forever grateful for his lowly birth and are mindful of his constant abiding love. Even little Hadley is accepting of country smells and sounds in this time so we can empathize with Mary’s doubts and fears in this strange place so long ago.

Charles Wesley wrote, “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.”

We can fully appreciate the emotional challenges Mary and Joseph faced as they further entrusted themselves to God and the good news they were about to share with the world.

Prayer: Fill our hearts, Lord, with rejoicing at the gift of your love and forgiveness found in your son, Jesus. Amen.

Luci Baer

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Christmas Eve, December 24, 2015

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Plan B and Our Salvation Luke 2:1-7 When I was a child on the farm we had some crop failure and money was tight. Christmas was coming and we didn’t have money for a tree. It happened that two huge cedar trees in the front lawn of our home were dying. So Dad and the hired men cut the trees down. Yet there were still some green branches. So Dad placed them on and around the fireplace mantle and we had our version of a Christmas tree. Even today when I smell green cedar branches it reminds me of that Christmas time when we had to go to Plan B for a Christmas tree.

Going to Plan B was also what Joseph and Mary had to do when they arrived in Bethlehem. When Jesus was born into this world his parents laid him in a manager, as there was no room for them in the inn.

Allow me to use these stories as metaphors for how I see our lives develop for our salvation. Just as Dad would have wanted us to have a “real tree” for Christmas and just as Joseph and Mary would have wanted to be put into the guest room in the inn in which Jesus could be born, so our lives must go to Plan B as well. God would want us to stay innocent as a child as we grow up. Then we reach the age of accountability. We begin to make decisions that have the potential to draw us closer to God in Christ Jesus but also the potential to pull us away from our innocence and from God and put distance there. We call it sin.

God has a Plan B for our lives, however. God came in Christ Jesus, and through our relationship with him, provides us with the way to keep us in God’s care. The beginning of the life of Jesus started out with a Plan B and it ended that way also, on the cross. Even there, on the cross, God had a Plan B. God turned that cross from an instrument of death into a way for us to live with God forever in heaven. Even though we have crop failures in life and when we don’t always have a tree, God provides for us.

Hark the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King; peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinner reconciled!

Joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; With the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Hymnal #240 Prayer: Thank you, God, for coming in Christ Jesus for us to be with you forever. Amen.

Dick Youells

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Christmas Day, December 25, 2015

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Pearls Dear Lord, At this blessed gift-giving season when we celebrate your Birth Day, I’m reminded of the many gifts you give to me.

I add them as pearls On an imaginary pearl necklace I wear in my heart.

Here are a few of those pearls. ** Visits to my window from avian messengers; a cardinal, a goldfinch, a sparrow: bearing messages from loved ones, now with you. ** A shimmering “coat of many colors” sunset to mark a very special day. ** A magnificent towering gingko tree, fan shaped leaves a brilliant gold, an earthly survivor for 200 million years; reminding me I can be a survivor, too. ** A new companion to share my life; a white cat trimmed in black, named Dot, nimble and talkative at fifteen, who loves naps on laps, and making me laugh! ** A new great-nephew, Matthew, age thirteen, grandson of my sister Nancy, (now with you) whom he called “Grandma Nancy.”

He has asked to call me “Grandma Anne.”

My heart is full. I am blessed.

Thank you Lord, for these pearls.

And countless others from you.

Your presence in my life Is the largest pearl on my necklace.

Happy Birthday Amen.

Anne Zimmerman

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First United Methodist Church

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

www.GrandRapidsFUMC.org