Cover image: The Trinity also called The Hospitality of Abraham is an icon created by Russian painter Andrei Rublev in the early 15th century.
The scene we see depicted in this icon occurs in Genesis 18. In this story, three mysterious strangers appear at Abraham's camp. Abraham immediately welcomes them and has Sarah, his wife, prepare loaves of bread, while servants prepare meat dishes. They concoct a lavish feast, for strangers, not knowing who they are. Through the course of the meal, it becomes clear that these strangers are more than they appear. Are they angelic messengers? Are the three one being, the LORD? The text is unclear. Christians have read this story as if these three strangers are the Trinity. Whoever they are, the point of the story revolves around hospitality. And this is the theme of Advent: welcoming the God who comes to us to be Emmanuel, God with us. Throughout Advent we invite you to meet the mysterious Stranger, Jesus Christ, again and again, day by day, in providing hospitality to others.
introduction
There are 26 days of Advent this year, and that gives us a little over three full weeks to prepare our hearts and minds, along with Christians around the world, for the celebration of Jesus’ birth…here in God’s created world. Our journey commences with scripture, travels through prayer, and ends in acts of kindness toward others.
Our theme for this year’s devotional is “hospitality.” Each day’s entry provides a scripture, a reflection on that scripture, and a prayer. Most of the scriptures come from the lectionary for this season of Advent. Others are drawn from those passages that point us to our call to provide hospitality (coming from the Latin hospes, meaning “a guest, stranger, sojourner, visitor or foreigner, also one who is bound by mutual ties of hospitality.”)
Throughout the time of Advent, we encounter the theme of hospitality as we prepare ourselves for the coming of God in the birth of Jesus Christ. We are told that Jesus, “though he was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking on human likeness, he became a slave.” Jesus became a stranger in need of hospitality in this world, and ultimately, he became the host who welcomes us at his table, nourishing us on his very self.
As we prepare for the Celebration of Christmas, use this time of reflection to see how we act both as host to Emmanuel, God with us, who in turn welcomes us in Jesus Christ and calls us to welcome and care for others (Matthew 25).
Interspersed into this devotional booklet, you will find a set of cookie recipes. These recipes come from our congregation members and friends, especially from our Sunday-morning hospitality teams. Think of ways, as you make cookies this season, that you can create hospitality for others through the simple act of baking. (And there are plenty of other ways to create hospitality. Perhaps scripture will inspire you as well to find ways to greet and welcome others.)
You will also find short weekly liturgies that will help you prayerfully light Advent wreath candles to usher in God’s light this season.
Rev. Mike Hegeman, Associate Pastor in Adult Education and Formation
advent week 1 november 30 - december 6
devotions
by
rev. dr. michael hegeman
Advent Wreath Lighting
Jesus is the light of the world…and he calls us to bring his light to the world. During Advent, the coldest and darkest time of the year, we use a special Advent wreath with four candles to represent the light of Jesus in our hearts and homes. Lighting the wreath each week provides an opportunity for meaningful connection and reflection–whether you do so alone or with loved ones around the table.
If you don’t have an Advent wreath, don’t worry! All you need is five candles. Traditionally, we use three purple, one pink, and one white which is placed in the center of the others. Each week, follow the prompts provided for prayer and reflection upon the growing light of Jesus in the world.
First Sunday of Advent - Lighting
the Hope Candle
Pray: Dear Jesus, as we light the candle on this Advent wreath, may the light of your presence bring joy to our hearts. Bless us as we draw near to you. Amen.
Light: The first purple candle. Say, “We light this candle for hope.”
Read Isaiah 9:2: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.
Reflect: What does hope mean to you? What is the difference between a wish and hope? How does Jesus give us hope?
Pray: Dear Jesus, you are the hope in our messy world. This Advent, help us slow down, listen to your voice, and focus on what’s really important. We place our hope in you as we prepare to celebrate your birth. Amen.
sunday, november 30
Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. ~ Matthew 24:42
Reflection: “Keep awake”? Well, one thing we know about being human is that we must sleep. We cannot survive more than a few days without sleep. The longest recorded time someone has gone without sleep is 11 days, and that was done under keen medical supervision. So, what does Jesus mean when he tells his disciples to “keep awake”? We are called to be mindful of opportunities to welcome the Lord upon his return. The Lord shows up again and again in our lives. Every day gives us a chance to welcome the Lord. In Matthew 25, we hear the many ways that we can welcome the Lord: feed the poor, clothe the naked, give drink to those who are thirsty, or visit those in prison. We can surely come up with more ways to welcome the Lord. Scripture challenges us to stay mindful of the ways that we can create hospitality, and this Advent will give us many opportunities to “keep awake.” Trust that the Lord is coming, and he comes with great mercy and grace.
Prayer: Lord, give us the wisdom to know when to rest and when to be ready for your coming. Help us to see you in all who are in need of hospitality. Be our host and guest at any feast we create. Amen.
monday, december 1
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. ~ Hebrews 13:2
Reflection: This is a well-known verse, most likely because it tantalizes us with the possibility that angels may be in our midst. One morning, back when I was in college, I uttered a simple prayer: God, let me serve you today. A few hours later, I was walking across the campus when an elderly person approached me and asked, “Do you know where I could find a typewriter? I need to type up a note.” Well, we happened to be in front of some administrative offices, and so I said, “Well, let’s check in here.” I found a secretary sitting at a desk, and I asked her, “Is it possible to type up a note for this woman here?” The secretary said, “Absolutely,” and, looking at the woman, asked, “What would you like typed up?” The woman said simply, “Here’s a notecard. Please type, ‘The door is open. Just knock and enter.’” The secretary typed this up and handed the card back to her. I walked the older woman out to the sidewalk, and we parted ways with her simple, “Thank you, young man.” I kept expecting to turn and see her disappear into thin air, but she simply turned a corner and was gone. Was she an angel? Who knows? I’m not sure it matters.
Prayer: Lord, may I serve someone this day, without need of reward. Teach me what “hospitality” means in our time. In Christ, Amen.
tuesday, december 2
You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. ~ Romans 13:11-12
Reflection: The apostle Paul paints a picture of the early morning when the sun is not yet over the horizon, but its light is beginning to illumine the sky. I remember the first time I ever stayed up all night, awaiting the dawn. I was camping with my family and some family friends, just beyond the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona. I was a young teen, and there were other boys near the same age. We had challenged each other to see if we could stay awake all night. Well, we did it, but the night was long…and cold. I remember the slow changes that began to occur as the sun neared its dawning. I remember the winds that picked up. I remember the stars that began to wink out, one by one. I remember the encroaching light that shifted the dark blue night to an increasingly paler light. I remember the transformation of the heavens. And I remember being tired. We must have slept long through the day to make up for our vigil.
Looking back on that night, I remember how scary the night actually was. I never thought of putting on light as a coat of armor, but scripture encourages us to do so. The longest night is more bearable being clothed in the light of Christ.
Prayer: Dearest Lord, clothe us in your very self. Stand vigil with us through the longest of nights. Give us faith to await the dawn of your salvation.
Amen.
wednesday, december 3
For the sake of my relatives and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good. ~ Psalm 122:8-9
Reflection: The word “hospitality” gained a richer meaning for me after teaching in the Middle East. I remember once when I was in a little shop attached to a Catholic church on Mount Carmel. I told the shopkeeper that I was looking for recordings of Christian music in Arabic. She said, “Well, we have recordings of music from the 4th and 5th century.” “Do you have anything modern?” I asked. “Well, let me see. Well, I have this one cassette tape of modern Arab Christian music. It’s my own. I bring it with me to work every day to listen to. But you can take it. Clearly, it is for you.” “Can I give you some money for it?” “No, my friend. God wants you to have it. You bless me by receiving it.” And that was only one way I experienced hospitality in those weeks. I was welcomed as a guest in a foreign land. I will never forget the ways others have sought my good, especially in the name of the Lord.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as we remember your parting words, “Peace I give you; my peace I give unto you,” help us to be mindful of the ways we can seek others’ good, even as we welcome the promises of your birth. Amen.
thursday, december 4
The Lord shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. ~ Isaiah 2:4
Reflection: I really do love Isaiah’s vision: a world without wars. Imagine it! When I was young, there was this Coca-Cola commercial that featured the song, “I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony…” The commercial had all these people getting along and celebrating life…all around bottles of Coke. Well, it was the idea of people living in peace and harmony that was so attractive to me when I was young. All those people were smiling and singing! That’s kind of the way I picture Isaiah’s vision. There’s been a lot of wars since I was a young person in the 1970s. There are a lot of wars being waged right now. It’s so disheartening. But it also seems to be the way of this world. Advent calls us to something else though. The cry of the prophets is to faithfulness in any and every life situation. We are to hold onto this image of swords made into plowshares, even as we love and serve the least in the world. Our lives are not defined by the wars we create, but the love we wage. This Advent season, let’s make “love and peace” our fast.
Prayer: Loving God, restore in us the desire for peace, peace among nations, and peace between us and every other person. Most of all, let there be love. Let us not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Amen.
friday, december 5
You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. ~ Matthew 24:44
Reflection: There are multiple times in the teachings of Jesus where he talks about the suddenness of the coming of the Son of Man. Jesus also preached about the coming of the Kingdom of God. I think these two are related. In Jesus, we see the approach of God’s kingdom. How do we make ourselves “ready” for Jesus this Advent? We take a moment to breathe, to reflect, and to pray. We say, “Lord, when you come, find me loving.” The way to be ready for the coming of the Son of Man is to love God and love our neighbors. It’s the simplest, hardest thing we’ll do. And while we’re “busy” loving one another, we’re not worrying about the when, why, where, and how of Jesus’ return. Jesus comes to our hearts every day.
Prayer: Even so, Lord Jesus, quickly come. Open wide the gates of our hearts every day to welcome you in, so that we are transformed in our waiting, rejoicing in the many ways we see you in our midst already. Amen.
saturday, december 6
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. ~ Hebrews 13:16
Reflection: When we’re children, we don’t share naturally; that is, not every child does. Have you seen those videos that show two parents sitting on each side of a child? Everyone has a plate in front of them covered with a napkin. They say, “Three, two, one!” And each one reveals what’s under the napkin. The child always has two cookies. One parent has one, and the other parent has no cookie. The whole point of these videos is to see if the child will naturally want to share one of his or her cookies with the parent with no cookie. Some children respond immediately, wanting to give one of their cookies away. Most of the children do not have that instinct and just enjoy their two cookies. The parents seem to be deeply hurt when their child doesn’t share. The thing is, no young child should be faulted for not sharing. Young children are wired to be selfish. It’s part of their development; it’s about self-preservation. Empathy for most of us must be learned over time. As we grow emotionally, we can gain greater and greater capacities for compassion. I think we discover what “pleases God,” as we become more godlike, in sharing with others. During this Advent season, discover ways to “share” - and see how you meet God in the sharing, kind of like when Jesus was recognized on the road to Emmaus, when he shared bread with others.
Prayer: Lord, help us to see you as we share who we are and what we have with others. In Christ’s name. Amen.
oatmeal chocolate chunk cookies
from: Cathy Horrell (adapted from Ina Garten, Make It Ahead)
Ingredients
2 sticks of butter
¾ cup light brown sugar
¾ cup sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 ¾ cup flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 ¼ cup oats
1 12 oz. package bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips
¾ cup dried cherries
Fleur de sel (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line sheet pans with parchment paper. Mix the butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, then the eggs one at a time until thoroughly combined.
Sift the flour, baking soda, salt, and oats together, then slowly add to the butter mixture until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and cherries until the dough is well mixed. Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, scoop round balls of dough onto the cookie sheet. Sprinkle lightly with fleur de sel (optional). Bake for 10-12 minutes, until browned.
chai spice girls
from: Michelle Rogers
Prep: 25 min. | Chill: 3 hrs. | Bake: 12 min.
Makes: 18-20 cookies | Oven: 350ºF
Cookie dough ingredients
2 spiced chai-flavored tea bags
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
11/2 cups butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
2 Tbsp. molasses
Directions
Powdered Sugar Icing ingredients
11/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
4 tsp. milk
1. Remove tea bag contents; discard bags. In a medium bowl, combine tea, flour, and pumpkin pie spice; set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter on medium to high for 30 seconds. Add sugar; beat until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and molasses. Beat in as much of the flour mixture as you can; stir in the remaining flour. Divide the dough in half. Cover and refrigerate 3 hours or until easy to handle.
3. Preheat the oven to 350º. Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll half the dough at a time to 1/4" thickness. Cut dough with 4 -inch gingerbread girl cutters.
4. Bake for 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheets for 2 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely. Decorate with powdered sugar icing.
Powdered Sugar Icing
In a medium bowl combine powdered sugar, vanilla and milk. Stir in additional milk, 1 tsp. at a time, until piping consistency.
To store
Layer cookies between waxed paper in a covered airtight container. Store at room temperature up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
brown butter sugar cookies
from: Pat Malpiedi
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 1/3 cups sugar, plus 1/4 cup for rolling
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Directions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Let cook until medium golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat to stop the cooking. Transfer the butter to a heatproof bowl or measuring cup and let it cool completely, about 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or hand mixer, cream the cooled butter with 1 1/3 cups of the sugar until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, followed by the vanilla. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour mixture until just combined.
Put the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar on a shallow plate. Using a 1/3 cup scoop, scoop the dough directly into the sugar. Roll to coat well and place on the prepared baking sheet. Press lightly to flatten the tops. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.
Arrange the cookie dough mounds on 2 unlined baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through, until the cookies are just set and the edges are lightly golden, 18 to 20 minutes. Allow to cool slightly on the baking sheets, about 5 minutes, before transferring the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
chocolate to the max cookies from: Merry Cole Bender's Mother-in-Law G'Bev
Ingredients
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate
6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
2 Tbsp. butter
1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. expression powder or instant coffee
1/2 tsp. vanilla
6 oz. chocolate chips
4-8 oz. chopped pecans (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350.
Cover baking sheets with tin foil. Melt the unsweetened chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate with the butter (stove or microwave). Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the dry aside.
Beat eggs, sugar, coffee, and vanilla until fluffy. Stir in the melted chocolate chips. Then fold in the dry mixture. Add the chocolate chips and the nuts. Stir just until mixed, don’t overdo.
Drop rounded teaspoons onto cookie sheets 2 inches apart. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes until cracked and glossy. Be careful not to overbake.
If possible, cool as soon as possible. Best when served fresh!
advent week 2
december 7 - 13
devotions by rev. leah quarles
First Sunday of Advent - Lighting
the Peace Candle
Pray: Dear Jesus, as we light the candles on this Advent wreath, may the light of your presence bring joy to our hearts. Bless us as we draw near to you. Amen.
Light: The first and second purple candles. Say, “We light these candles for hope and peace.”
Read Isaiah 2:1-5: This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord.
Reflect: Where do you find peace in your life? What does peace feel like in your body? What would a peaceful Christmas look like for you?
Pray: Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace. Fill us with a deep and abiding peace. Bring your peace to every life and in every corner of your creation. Help us to share your peace with everyone. Amen.
sunday, december 7
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” John is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” ~ Matthew 3:2-3
Reflection: Preparing for Christmas this year came earlier than I could have imagined. When Amazon’s Christmas catalog full of toys arrived the first week of October, our 5-year-old got to work. “Christmas is coming! Prepare the list for Santa!” She began circling all the toys she hopes for–even toys for mom and dad. In just two days, she combed through the catalog thoughtfully at least 6 times that I witnessed. She brought it with her on car rides, visited it over breakfast, and once again after school. Then came the realization, “I need to clean my room and get rid of the old toys.”
John’s cry in the wilderness isn’t only about clearing roads or changing habits–it’s a call to make space. Repentance means turning around, shifting direction, reordering our hearts to receive what’s already drawing near: the presence of God among us. In other words, John’s call is an invitation to holy hospitality. To consider what we need to clean out in order to make space to host the divine love that arrives, often unannounced, seeking room in our crowded schedules, anxious minds, and guarded hearts. May we prepare the way this season by making space in our hearts to receive and reflect God’s hospitality–to care for others as Christ cares for us, to make room for those who long for belonging and warmth.
Prayer: Lord, as you draw near, may you find my heart with open space, ready to welcome the light of Emmanuel and ready to welcome others. Amen.
monday, december 8
Be hospitable to one another without complaining. ~ 1 Peter 4:9
Reflect: I’ve spent many years working in a professional kitchen. To be completely honest, it’s not uncommon to hear complaints from staff about food restrictions. Are you really allergic to onions, or do you just not like their taste? I’ve read online chat forums about weddings and parties where hosts insist on not catering to dietary restrictions or preferences. They can just eat around what they don’t like or bring their own food. It’s almost like the hosts just want to say, “How dare they!” As if this is a personal attack. But what if we had a change in perspective? Instead of finding restrictions annoying, why not view this challenge to our menu planning as a way to honor our guests? For if feeding people around your table is truly about hospitality, about connecting with another regardless of who they are or what they eat, then may we joyfully take on the challenge to feed them well.
Prayer: Lord, you welcome us, with all our personal likes and dislikes, to your table. You honor who we are while at the same time nourishing us. May we do the same for those at our table. Amen.
tuesday, december 9
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Romans 15:5-6
Reflect: When I was younger, I played in an orchestra. As much as I loved playing and practicing on my own at home, there was something riveting, something powerful that happened when each of the orchestra sections came together to play their parts. You could see where your one part added to the whole. The ‘boring’ section in my sheet music actually allowed for the beautiful melody of the first violins to pierce through the air or vice versa.
Harmony, in music and in life, doesn’t mean everything has to be the same. Harmony is the beauty that comes when many notes sound together, each distinct yet part of something greater. In Christ, God extends radical hospitality —welcoming each of us, with our differences and imperfections, our quirks and interests, into the household of grace. And as we are welcomed, we are called to extend that same welcome to others–appreciating the part they play in God’s wonderful score.
What would it look like this season, to be reminded to make room for another’s stories, interests, differences this season? How we might reflect the heart of Christ together? Hospitality, at its deepest, is not about the table we set but rather about the spirit we bring. When we practice this kind of welcome, our lives become a chorus of gratitude, our communities a place where God’s harmony is made known.
Prayer: All-encompassing God, help us to welcome others as you have welcomed us. Amen.
wednesday, december 10
May the Lord’s Anointed defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor. ~ Psalm 72:4
Reflection: I’ve had the opportunity to live in and visit other countries, and something quite comforting has happened each time: my hosts truly cared for me. Not only did they give me a place to sleep, but they showed me around town and introduced me to their favorite stores and restaurants. They translated for me and helped my family navigate foreign healthcare systems. They watched out for me in cities and protected me from thieves. At home in the States, I’m much more independent, but in foreign countries, I recognized my own vulnerability and my need for others’ hospitality.
The psalmist’s prayer is a vision of a world reordered by mercy and righteousness: where the poor are defended, the oppressed are lifted up, and the powerful use their strength to serve.
Hospitality is not only about opening our homes, but about opening our hearts to the struggles of others. It’s about considering the needs of others and recognizing what we can do to help them be at home. When we stand with the poor, feed the hungry, or advocate for the voiceless, we make room for Christ himself, who comes to us in the faces of those in need.
Prayer: Jesus, help me learn how to care for others from you. Give me the courage to act when I see the need to defend the cause of the poor, deliver the needy, and stand in the way of the oppressor. Amen.
thursday, december 11
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge, and the fear of the LORD. His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. ~ Isaiah 11:1-3a
Reflection: I have an orchid plant I refuse to give up on. I found it on a clearance shelf. It had no blooms, but I believed in it. For the last two years, I’ve faithfully tended to her, soaking her roots when she seemed thirsty–but of course not too much. Moving her around the house until I found what seems the perfect sun spot. I started to secondguess myself after year one–is this thing dead? But to my surprise, just weeks ago, I saw what I’ve been waiting for–a new green shoot.
700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah painted a picture of unexpected life—a green shoot springing from a dead stump. It’s a vision of hope breaking through barrenness, of God’s renewal growing where we thought nothing could.
Hospitality, at its heart, is the willingness to welcome what we did not expect–to trust that God’s Spirit brings life, wisdom, hope, and healing out of what seems cut off. What then does it look like to allow God’s promise to take root? To make room for Christ, who makes all things new? Renewing and bringing forth life from what once seemed lifeless.
Prayer: God of renewal, I trust you are a God who brings life from death. Help me to see the shoots you bring forth. Amen.
friday, december 12
With righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. ~ Isaiah 11:4, 6
Reflection: In Isaiah’s vision, we learn that God’s kingdom is like no other. Wolves dwell with lambs, predators rest beside prey, and a child leads them all. The prophet’s words turn power upside down— reminding us that God’s kingdom of peace and welcome comes not through strength or control, but from vulnerability, humility, and love.
Advent invites us to practice this same reversal. The hospitality of God is not exclusive—it is open to all. And it also surprises us. Remember, we welcome the Messiah not as a powerful ruler, but as a vulnerable baby. And in welcoming Jesus, we learn again how to receive one another with gentleness and openness, too.
To make room for this child is to make room for peace: to soften our defenses, to listen before judging, to believe that even the smallest act of kindness can reveal God’s presence. Hospitality begins when we allow ourselves to be led—not by fear, pride, or power but by Christ and his example of what God’s kingdom looks like.
Prayer: Jesus, you show us how to love the world God created, loves, and calls good. Help me to learn how to welcome the world as I seek to be a citizen in your kingdom. Amen.
saturday, december 13
May the Lord’s Anointed be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more. ~ Psalm 72:6-7
Reflection: The news was aflutter with non-stop updates, and I grew more and more excited. I need ingredients to make soup, warm sweaters, and cozy nights inside. I was preparing like I would for a nor'easter—excited at the thought of life slowing down and eager to see the landscape through the lens of different weather— in this case, rain. Five days of rain!
Every morning, I looked out the window to see clouds resting within the mountains. In the car, I witnessed overgrown washes now full of moving water. The plants in my yard popped green as can be. I didn’t realize they could (should?) look like that. Whether rain arrives gently or mightily, rain supports life wherever it falls.
The psalmist’s prayer envisions God’s anointed one—the coming Messiah—as renewing rain: a presence that restores, refreshes, and brings life. When we open ourselves to the movement of God’s Spirit, we become part of the flourishing described in this psalm. But may we not only be people well watered by God’s grace–but people who help that living water flow beyond us and outward to a dry and thirsty world.
Prayer: God of living water, refresh what has grown weary, revive what feels cut down, and bring forth new life that reflects your righteousness and peace. Amen.
old fashioned snickerdoodles
from: Pat Elkington
Ingredients
1 cup butter - softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
¼ cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
3 ¾ cups flour - sifted
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. cream of tartar
½ tsp. salt
Directions
Mix together in a separate bowl:
½ cup sugar
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and blend in milk and vanilla. Add flour, soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
Use a 1 ½ Tbsp. cookie scoop and drop balls into the cinnamon/sugar mixture and fully cover. Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning pans halfway through the baking time. Makes 4 dozen cookies.
little cowboy cookies
from: Pat Elkington
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 Tbsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
1 ½ cups (3 sticks) butter, at room temperature
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 ½ cups packed light-brown sugar
3 eggs
1 Tbsp. vanilla
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
2 cups chopped pecans (8 oz.)
Directions
Heat the oven to 350 degrees
Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
In a very large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in sugars and combine thoroughly. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Beat in vanilla.
Stir in the flour mixture until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans.
For each cookie, drop ¼ cup of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing 3 inches apart.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes until edges are lightly browned; rotate halfway through.
Remove cookies from the rack to cool.
NOTE: These are very large cookies. Use a standard 1 ½ Tbsp. cookie scoop and the yield is 6-7 dozen cookies. Baking time should be reduced to 10-12 minutes.
old fashioned molasses cookies
from: Dana Belmonte
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup shortening
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
Directions
Cream sugar, butter, and shortening. Stir in egg and molasses. Combine remaining ingredients and add to butter mixture.
Roll dough into balls; roll in sugar. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
DO NOT OVERBAKE.
austrian chocolate balls
from: Janis Fitch
Makes: 3 dozen | Oven: 350ºF
Ingredients
2 squares unsweetened chocolate
1/3 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped nuts (I like pecans)
Directions
Glaze:
1 square unsweetened chocolate
1 Tbsp. butter
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 Tbsp. milk
Melt the chocolate and butter, and let cool. Add sugar, eggs and vanilla and blend well. Add flour and nuts and blend well. Shape into balls. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 9-11 minutes
Remove from the pan immediately and cool.
To make glaze, melt the chocolate and butter, add remaining ingredients and blend well.
Dip the tops of cooled cookies in glaze to cover. Allow to dry completely before storing. Store tightly covered.
DO NOT FREEZE!
advent week 3
december 14 - 22 devotions by rev.
erik khoobyarian
Third Sunday of Advent - Lighting the Joy Candle
Pray: Dear Jesus, as we light the candles on this Advent wreath, may the light of your presence bring joy to our hearts. Bless us as we draw near to you. Amen.
Light: The first and second purple candles and the pink candle. Say, “We light these candles for hope, peace and joy.”
Read Luke 2:8-20: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Reflect: What are the sources of joy in my life? What challenges prevent me from experiencing joy and how can I address those challenges? How can I bring joy to others this season?
Pray: God, help us focus on you during this busy season. We want to find you in the everyday moments. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives and share your joy with others. Amen.
sunday, december 14
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. ~ Luke 1:46b-49
Reflection: Do you ever pause and try and place yourself in the moment when Mary learns that she will be the bearer of the child of God? It is difficult! I imagine so many different emotions and conflicting concerns. What will people think? What an honor! Wow! Oh no. But there’s something different about this young woman, Mary. Something different revealed throughout her life and throughout scripture, but perhaps more than any other passage, in the song of Mary we call the “Magnificat”. Mary says, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
What moments have you experienced on your journey where you have been so moved by something that you have cried out to God in praise? There have been times in my life when this was something quite small and otherwise insignificant, but it felt like God was looking upon me with favor. But there have also been other times when I’ve had my breath taken away — moments where my hands went up toward heaven, a smile on my face, and my soul magnifying the Lord! May you watch for those moments.
Prayer: God of wonders, you reveal yourselves to us in ways we might miss seeing. Help us to see your handiwork in our lives, and may we be inspired to praise you with the praise of Mary when you bring us news of great joy! Amen.
monday, december 15
Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers. ~ Romans 12:13
Reflection: After church one Sunday, I was standing at the door and I overheard one man say to another: “I’m signed up to go to Andre House on Tuesday, want to hitch a ride and join me?” The men were talking about one of our mission partners who serves meals for unhoused individuals every day. I’m not sure why this moment struck me, but I think it was in part because it seemed so natural. I knew these two had prepared and served many meals at Andre House together, and I think it was the beauty of this reality that struck me. I want my life to so naturally be one that pursues such hospitality to strangers. I wonder how you might undertake to do the same? What would it look like for you to put your faith into action with such regularity that it became a natural pattern? Habits and patterns don’t happen overnight — but they do begin with a first step. May you find ways to pursue hospitality to strangers and to contribute to the needs of others.
Prayer: Gracious God, our Provider, use us to bring welcome and love to others. Take our gifts and meet the needs of others. Guide us in this season leading to Christmas and help us to use this time as preparation for what lies on the other side of the coming of the Christ Child. Amen.
tuesday, december 16
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. ~ James 5:7-8
Reflection: Oh, I don’t have patience. I mean, I really struggle with wanting things to happen so much so that I miss the things that are happening while I’m waiting. Does this ever happen to you? I think it must be somewhat common. As I read this scripture, I can’t help but think that the audience needed the reminder over and over again that waiting is a significant part of following God. The analogy of the farmer is helpful. He does his work, and then he must wait for the rains to come. Both the early rains and the late rains. I think it is the “and the late rains” that are so challenging for me. And yet when I’ve been patient by God’s grace, I have seen the harvest. The interesting thing about the farmer waiting for the late rains is that he really has no choice. Nothing we can do can speed along God’s time for us either. So, yes, we are told to be patient, but in some strange way, I wonder if we’re really being asked to find contentment in the waiting. For what are you waiting?
Prayer: God, help us to wait. Slow our breaths and guide our thoughts. Show us new things in the midst of our waiting and help that time to be a time of growth in new and unexpected ways. Amen.
wednesday, december 17
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” ~ Matthew 11:2-3
Reflection: I love hearing about people who invite others to our church. I love it because I truly do enjoy seeing people experience God in a new way, and if we can be a part of that, I’m excited! And I also love it because it means that the one making the invitation has experienced something of worth at Pinnacle. John the Baptist hears what is going on with Jesus, and he wants to know whether Jesus is “the real deal” (my translation).
There’s something quite remarkable about one great prophetic voice hearing about another and wanting to be part of what’s going on. John had his own following, but he wanted to bring the movements together. Really, though, he wanted to bring his friends and followers into the movement of Jesus. Are there people in your life you’d like to bring into the movement of Jesus?
Prayer: Gracious God, whose love knows no limits, we pray for those who are searching for the love which is found in you. Help us to care for and guide others on their journeys of faith. Amen.
thursday, december 18
Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. ~ Matthew 11:4-5
Reflection: Telling stories - telling our stories - is important. IT is especially important when these stories point to God. Stories of joy, but also stories of transformation. What are the important stories of your life? Where have there been moments where you’ve experienced God’s love in a way that made you stop in your tracks? Think for a minute or two about the memory. Who was there? What feelings do you remember? Now take some time and either write out the story or maybe even call someone and tell the story. Take a walk with a friend and share your story. In your story, you hold a piece of God. Don’t withhold it! Share it.
Prayer: God, you have revealed yourself to your children throughout history. Help us to remember the stories of our lives and to see you in them. Give us the courage to share those stories with others so that they might see you, too. Amen.
friday, december 19
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God. ~ Isaiah 35:1-2
Reflection: Whenever I visit the Desert Botanical Garden, I am overwhelmed by the gladness of the wilderness, the rejoicing and the blossom of the desert, and the joy! I don’t know that I had words for this until reading these verses again from Isaiah. There’s something special we experience here in the desert as it connects us to a scripture like this one. We don’t need to go to a place like the DBG to see nature giving praise to God, but the concentration there is like going to a cathedral! It is impossible to miss the fingerprints of God, and also impossible to ignore the beauty and wonder pointing back to God. Where do you experience nature giving praise to God? How does the natural world inspire you to give praise? Take some time today to go for a walk and look for nature’s song of praise. If going for a walk isn’t possible, perhaps you can look out the window or at some photos of the wilderness blossoming and reflecting the majesty of God.
Prayer: God of All Creation, you are a God of wonder and beauty. We give you thanks and praise you for the flowers and the blossoms and the trees and the plants which give forth praise to you! Help us to experience your beauty as a way to learn to praise you. Amen.
saturday, december 20
Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. ~ Psalm 146:5-8a
Reflection: Who is the God you follow? I wonder what words come to mind when you think of God? I know for me that I’ve realized that my images of God have both changed and expanded over time. The Psalms are filled with images of God. There are at least 100 ways that I’ve found in these songs, poems, and prayers to describe God. In Psalm 146, there is powerful imagery of placing our hope in this God who created all things, who keeps faith forever, who executes justice, and … the list goes on. If you sit with those descriptions of God, which ones stand out to you? And if you’re invited to do the work that God does, what can you do to partner with the God who gives food to the hungry? Christmas is right around the corner. This would be a good time to schedule an opportunity to put your faith into action in the new year.
Prayer: God, who is our Hope, in this time of anticipation, we pray that you will come into our lives in a new and different way. We give you thanks for your faithfulness and your love for all people. Help us to do what you do in the world. Come into our lives and show us your way. Amen.
Ingredients
joyous almond cookies
from: Mary Kuenstler
1 fourteen oz. bag of sweetened coconut flakes
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
⅔ cup chopped lightly salted almonds
1 fourteen oz. can sweetened condensed milk (regular or fat-free)
Directions Preheat the oven to 325°F
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl combine coconut, chocolate chips, almonds, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until combined.
Scoop out dough with a cookie scoop onto prepared baking sheet. Moisten the tips of your fingers with water and shape into discs. Pat the tops flat. Bake cookies for 12-14 minutes or until tips of coconut are just beginning to turn golden brown.
Let cool on baking sheet. Store cookies in an airtight container.
christmas candy cane cookies
from: Janis Fitch
Makes: 3-4 dozen | Oven: 375ºF
Cookie dough ingredients
1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 tsp. almond flavoring
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
Directions Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Topping ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
Mix together and set aside
Cream butter, shortening, and powdered sugar. Blend in egg and flavorings. Add salt and flour. Mix well. Divide the dough in half. Tint one-half with red food coloring. Shape 1/2 Tbsp. of red dough into a 4-inch rope. Repeat with 1/2 Tbsp. of the plain dough. Twist the rope pieces together and shape into a candy cane. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake about 9 minutes until set and lightly browned. Immediately sprinkle the peppermint mixture on cookies upon removal from the oven. Cool on racks.
Ingredients
ye olde sugar cookies
from: Dana Belmonte
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. fine sea salt
2 sticks unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
1¼ cups granulated sugar, plus ¼ cup for rolling
1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to combine. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium-high speed to beat the butter and 1¼ cups sugar until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.
Scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, and beat until combined, scraping the bowl down as needed. Slowly beat in the flour mixture.
Place the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar in a shallow dish. Using a large (3-tablespoon) spring-loaded scoop, divide the dough into balls, then roll in sugar to coat evenly.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart, and flatten slightly with the bottom of a measuring cup.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies set and begin to brown. Cool for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
chewy chewy sugar cookies
from: Sherrie LeMoine
Makes: 2 dozen | Oven: 350ºF
Ingredients
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
½ cups sugar, plus ⅓ cup for rolling
2 oz. cream cheese, cut into 8 pieces
Directions
6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and still warm
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 Tbsp. whole milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Adjust oven rack to the middle for best browning. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl.
Place 1 ½ cups of sugar and cream cheese in a large bowl. Whisk in warm melted butter (some lumps of cream cheese will remain). Whisk in oil until incorporated. Whisk in egg, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Using a spatula, fold in the flour mixture until soft, homogeneous dough forms.
Spread the remaining ⅓ cup of sugar in a shallow dish. Working with 2 Tbsp. of dough at a time, roll into balls, then roll in sugar to coat; space dough balls two inches apart on prepared sheets. Using the bottom of a greased dry measuring cup, press each ball until 3 inches in diameter. Using sugar left in the dish, sprinkle two tsp. sugar over each sheet of cookies; (Raw cookies can be frozen for up to 1 month. Bake frozen cookies in a 350 degree oven for 17-22 minutes.)
Bake cookies, 1 sheet at a time, until edges are set and beginning to brown, 10-12 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through baking. Let cool on a sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before serving.
advent week 4
december 21 - 25
christmas week devotions by pinnacle pastors
Forth Sunday of Advent - Lighting the Love Candle
Pray: Dear Jesus, as we light the candles on this Advent wreath, may the light of your presence bring joy to our hearts. Bless us as we draw near to you. Amen.
Light: All four colored candles. Say, “We light these candles for hope, peace, joy and love.”
Read 1 John 4:9-16: God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us, and his love is perfected in us.
By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.
God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.
Reflect: How do you know you are loved? How have you experienced God’s love? What does it mean to love others as Christ loves us?
Pray: Jesus, may the light of your love always shine in our hearts. As Christmas draws closer, we marvel at your great love for us. Let your love transform every aspect of our lives and touch everyone we encounter. Amen.
sunday, december 21
An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” ~
Reflection: “Do not be afraid!” These are not the words we want to hear when we are told that an unexpected guest is coming. “My aunt Marge is coming to stay for a while, but don’t be afraid, it won’t be that long.” The angel’s message to Joseph, though, encompasses a whole lot of unknown about which Joseph could easily be very afraid. The whole world is about to get topsy-turvy, let alone his individual life. God is breaking into the scene of human existence, and it’s all going to happen in his household. And this news-bearer will soon tell Joseph to flee with Mary and the child, for the king is seeking his death! But, by all means, don’t be afraid.
I really need to hear the angel say, “Be strong and let your heart take courage. God is with you, more than you ever could know,” on top of “Do not be afraid.”
St. Benedict once said, “When a guest arrives, Christ arrives.” And when Christ comes, it’s by the power of the Holy Spirit!
Prayer: Lord, may we see you as the guest called Love! Amen.
by rev. dr. michael hegeman
monday, december 22
The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the native-born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. ~ Leviticus 19:34
Reflection: Throughout history, there have been tensions between various forms of “us and them,” and, equally consistent, there have been voices standing up to say that there should be no divisions. The voices calling for an end to divisions are voices speaking for God. This is unequivocal. And yet, many in the church are quick to turn a blind eye to God’s consistent message of welcome and hospitality for all when it comes to foreigners in their land. We come up with a lot of reasons. We convince ourselves through logic, and especially we convince ourselves based on concerns about our financial security. Advent invites us into the difficult reality that while Jesus is an infant, he and his parents will find themselves in a foreign land, escaping the threats of their own homeland. Take a moment, and this may be out of your comfort zone, to read the newspaper or other newsfeed through the lens of this scripture text today. Pray for the world you see.
Prayer: God of the traveller, the alien, the foreigner, help us to be welcoming and to see the stranger as you see them. Amen.
by rev. erik khoobyarian
tuesday, december 23
Mary will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, “God is with us.” ~ Matthew 1:21-23
Reflection: Before we clean. Before we craft an invite or plan the menu. Before we ever open our doors to others, God has opened God’s door to us. God is always the first to extend welcome, grace, love, and forgiveness. In response, we get to choose whether we receive God’s invitation.
Mary and Joseph chose to welcome the Messiah. For centuries since, people have been choosing to welcome Jesus into their hearts as well to be transformed.
This Christmas, what might it look like to open the door to Christ again? Is there a tiny locked door I’ve been keeping to myself? Is there a caveat I’ve placed at the threshold? Welcome….but please leave by 8 pm. Come on in, but don’t reorganize anything you find inside. May our hearts welcome Emmanuel just as we are, but may we also be willing to let God’s presence within us transform our lives and our welcome to others.
Prayer: Emmanuel, help me to welcome you in every aspect of my life, so that as my life is transformed, the world will be transformed too, because I carry you within me. Amen.
by rev. leah quarles
wednesday, december 24
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined. ~ Isaiah 9:2
Reflection: One thing I remember about living on the border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, especially around Christmas, for several years, was that the homes where Jersey people lived usually had an abundance of multi-colored lights in their windows. The Pennsylvania houses often had single white candle-like lights in each window. This was called the “Bethlehem” style. One group thought of themselves as tasteful and the others as gaudy. I won’t say who thought what about whom. What I loved was that in the darkness of winter…there was light. And all kinds of light. The single candle in the window made me think of someone holding vigil, keeping faithful through the night, expecting a long-awaited guest. The riotously colored houses were like a celebration of life for the guest who’s already arrived. We live in between the times, and our days can sometimes feel dark. We need the two lights: one that says, we’re waiting with patience, hope, and faith; the other saying, “We’re so glad for all that’s already occurred! God is with us in the midst of the night!” May the lights of the season draw you ever closer to the light of God, a light that welcomes the stranger home.
Prayer: Lord, draw us ever closer to you by the light of your Son Jesus. Give us hope to face the dark days. Burst forth with riotously colored lights, that we can celebrate even as we wait. Help us be ever mindful of those whose needs are greater than our own. Amen.
by rev. dr. michael hegeman
christmas
Christmas Eve or Christmas Day - Lighting the Christ Candle
Pray: Jesus, as we light these candles to celebrate your birth, may the light of your presence bring joy to our hearts this Christmas Day. Bless us as we draw near to you. Amen.
Light: All five candles.
Read Luke 2:10-11: And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Reflect: What is your favorite Christmas gift? How is Jesus God’s gift to the world? How can I continue to live out the themes of Advent—hope, peace, joy, and love—beyond the Christmas season?
Pray: Giver of all good Gifts, help us to daily celebrate the gift Jesus is and to share the gift of Christ’s, through spreading your hope, peace, joy, and love with all the world. Amen.
thursday, december 25
But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. ~ Titus 3:4-7
Reflection: On Christmas Day, we celebrate the birth of Jesus afresh. Each year, we talk about the little baby Jesus. On your birthday, whether you’re just a few years old or 102, I wonder if you think about being born or whether you reflect on your current life, or maybe your last year. I think a lot of people reflect on the last year – what’s happened since my last birthday? And thinking forward to the coming year. Take a moment today and reflect on your last year in relation to Jesus. How did you interact with Jesus through prayer, reading scripture, and talking about faith with others? How did you look for ways to experience the one who is described in the scripture from Titus as one who has poured out the Holy Spirit upon us? Celebrate today like you would celebrate other birthdays. Give thanks to God for the life that came into the world, reflect backward, and dream about what will come! Merry Christmas!
Prayer: God of New Beginnings, God of the Blessing of Life, God of the New Creation, we give you thanks for your son Jesus, and celebrate his life on this day. We pray for the coming year and for ways to celebrate Jesus each day. Thank you for sending us your son and for making us heirs in the bold hope of eternal life in Jesus! Amen.
by rev. erik khoobyarian
rosemary-citrus biscuits
from: Kathy Wilkins
Makes: 4 dozen | Oven: 375ºF
Ingredients
2 sticks butter, room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 ½ tsp. vanilla
1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
Directions
Use Cuisinart or by hand.
1 tsp. finely grated orange zest
1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
Raw sugar or sparkling sugar for rolling before baking
Cream the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla; add rosemary and citrus zests. Stir to combine. Add the flour and salt to form a stiff dough. Divide in half and form 2 rolls - each about 6 inches long and about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in parchment or plastic wrap and chill well.
Take an empty paper towel roll; cut it down the length so it opens; lay the roll of dough in it and secure lightly with a rubber band. This will help keep the cookies round as they chill.
To prepare for baking: Set the oven to 375 degrees. Prepare baking sheets with a layer of parchment paper. Unwrap each roll of dough and roll on a bed of sparkling or raw sugar to coat the outside of the “log”. Use a sharp knife to cut ¼-inch thick slices. Place at least 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake approx. 11 minutes, until lightly browned on the edges. Remove to the cooling rack when done. These may be baked a day or two ahead, as the flavors continue to develop. Store in a sealed container. Leftover cookies will keep for at least a week.
Note: These are slice and bake cookies. Dough will keep in the refrigerator for several days. Bake when you like. Baked cookies also freeze well.
peanut butter cup tarts
from: Kathy Wilkins
Makes: 3 dozen | Oven: 350ºF | Fun to make with children!
Ingredients
36 Reese’s milk chocolate peanut butter cup minis 1, 15-oz. roll of refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough (or choc chip cookie dough.)
Directions
Miniature muffin tins (36 or make in batches)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap candies and set aside. Slice the cookie dough into 9 slices, and then quarter each across the diameters, to make 36 pieces. Place 1 piece in each greased miniature muffin cup, point up – flatten slightly if you wish.
Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes until barely done. Remove and immediately push a Reese’s cup into each cookie-filled muffin cup. Cool. Lift each tart from the cup with the tip of a knife.
Variation: Use Rolos instead of Reese’s with chocolate chip cookie dough.
l'orange cookies
from: Renee Schenck
Makes: 3 dozen | Oven: 375ºF
Ingredients
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 Tbsp. grated orange rind
1 Tbsp. orange juice
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 cup chopped pecans
Directions
Cream shortening; gradually add sugar, beating at medium speed of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg, orange rind, and orange juice; beat well. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to creamed mixture, beating just until blended. Stir in pecans. Shape dough in a 15-inch-long roll; wrap in wax paper, and chill 2 hours or until dough is firm. Unwrap roll, and cut into ¼ inch slices; place on lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 17 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.
lemon ricotta cookies
from: Renee Schenck
Makes: 3 dozen | Oven: 350ºF
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp. lemon zest
1 cup whole milk ricotta (drained)
1 large egg
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
Directions
Lemon Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
Line a baking pan with a nonstick baking mat or parchment paper; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to mix together the sugar, butter, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest, until the mixture is light and fluffy; about 2 minutes. Beat in the ricotta, egg, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and mix until combined. Add in the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Cover the cookie dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Remove cookie dough from the refrigerator and use a cookie scoop to measure out about a tablespoon of batter and roll into a ball. Place on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the bottom of the cookie starts to brown slightly. (The cookies will not change color much.) Cook in the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the glaze, in a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Hold the cooled cookie upside down and dip the top of the cookie in the glaze. Return to the wire rack to dry completely.
mrs. claus' spiced walnuts
from: Mike Hegeman
Oven: 275ºF
Ingredients
5 cups walnut halves
1 cup sugar
3/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
Directions
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. allspice
1 egg white
2 Tbsp. water
In a small bowl slightly beat together egg white and water.
Put all dry ingredients into a large bowl - except the nuts. Add eggwater mixture to dry ingredients and mix well. Add nuts, mixing until all nuts are completely coated. Spread nuts out on a greased cookie sheet, separating them as much as possible. Cook at 275 degrees for 45 minutes, turning nuts over after 20 minutes.
REMOVE FROM COOKIE SHEET RIGHT AWAY onto another (ungreased) cookie sheet to completely cool. Store in airtight jars or containers.
