2015 Advent Devotional

A Symbol of Faith

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The Advent Wreath

A Symbol of Faith

The Advent Wreath is a prominent presence in our worship during Advent. It has specific components that symbolize primary points of our faith in Jesus Christ: • • •

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The round wreath, a circle with no beginning or end, reminds us of the eternity of God’s love.

The evergreen leaves of the wreath remind us that, as the evergreen leaves in winter are a reminder that life continues even in a season when it appears death has occurred, so in God there is always hope beyond despair.

The lights of the candles are a reminder that fire is a symbol for the presence of God and that God’s light/presence is greater than any darkness we face.

Within this year’s devotional booklet are devotional sharings from church members and church staff. Some speak directly to the symbolism of the Advent Wreath; some reflect the larger themes of the eternity of God’s love, our hope beyond despair, and the certainty of God’s presence that is greater than any darkness. Also, on each Sunday of Advent there are reflections on the biblical text to be used in worship on that Sunday and on the day close to each Sunday there are reflections on familiar carols that will be sung in worship.

With this devotional we join together as a congregation and prepare to receive afresh the greatest gift ever given. In this Advent season, as we increasingly light more candles, may the light of God’s love and grace grow within each of us and may we as a congregation be a beacon of hope in the world.

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Sunday, November 29

First Sunday in Advent

The Prophet Candle, the candle of hope Today’s Scripture: Jeremiah 33:1-3, 14-16 The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still confined in the court of the guard: Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. ..

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: "The Lord is our righteousness."

Reflect: The 33rd chapter of Jeremiah is a declaration of hope in a time of despair. It is addressed to a people who have experienced the crushing collapse of their nation with the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of its wall. Yet, great as the despair brought by loss of national sovereignty with the defeat by the Babylonians, perhaps even greater despair was experienced in the destruction of the Temple. There were questions throbbing within the hearts of the people.

Could they still worship God without the Temple? Even more desperately, would they ever again be in the presence of God? Jeremiah’s words, to those who were in utter defeat, were that God was absolutely not through with them. God was absolutely still with them, even in Babylon. God still had gracious plans for their future. In the midst of darkness and despair, God’s certain faithfulness was their certain hope.

As you light the first Advent Candle, claim the certainty of God’s light shining in our darkness. May joy enter your heart with the knowledge that in Christ hope is always before us.

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Monday, November 30 Yesterday, at the 11 a.m. service we sang: “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” Reflect on how the lyrics speak to you. The background notes for this carol in Glory to God point out that with its opening “Come,” this hymn sounds the note of entreaty and invitation that characterizes the Advent season (from the Latin adventus = “coming”) It is blending of memory and hope helps us to give voice to our present faith as we stand between the past and the future.

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. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a king, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne.

Yesterday, at the 9 am service we sang: ”O Come O Come Emmanuel” Pray for Christ’s Spirit to enter your heart and reign your life.

Tuesday, December 1 I have experienced hope in a time of sadness, through both my work and my personal experience, when I’ve dealt with the severe illness or tragic death of a child. Is there anything more frightening, disheartening, or threatening for a parent to have to endure? We are never prepared for such an event, be it known to be inevitable over some period of time, or for it to happen suddenly and unexpectedly. All of the oxygen goes out of the room; one’s heart is broken; the world is turned upside down. Yet I marvel at how parents endure, and often grow stronger in their faith, after going through such a tragedy.

There are struggles to be sure- I personally can attest to that- but hope wins out. Our belief in the Christ child’s birth, his life, and ultimately his death and resurrection, gives us a hope and peace that pass all understanding. Hope wins. Praise God, hope wins.

Tim Eichenbrenner

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Wednesday, December 2 The Story of the Sardis Advent Wreath The Sardis Advent Wreath was designed by John Taylor. He relays the following account of its creation: Some years ago, I was asked by the worship committee to come up with an idea to display differently, the Advent wreath.

Before, the wreath had been suspended by a chain which hung from the Chancel ceiling.

Historically, the height and position of the wreath had presented an awkward approach in lighting the candles due to the fact that many of the families asked to participate, wanted their children to do this, and in the case of the younger children, had to be held up by a parent.

After some deliberation and sketching, I came up with the idea of a sturdy stand, that gave the height necessary for the congregation to see, but low enough for the participating families to light the candles safely.

The end result was a pedestal with an octagonal base, a single vertical column supporting a platform on which to place the wreath. a raised border surrounding the platform, prevented the wreath from moving.

Bill Tucker still had his workshop going, so volunteered to build the stand. The wood and finish matches all of the trim and wood surfaces in the chancel. The stand is easily moved, and stored, and presents a safe flexible accommodation for the wreath.

John’s description of the need to raise the Advent Wreath to a height that could be seen, while still be available for lighting by children, brought to mind the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:14 – 16. Consider how that passage is recorded in The Message: "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the Godcolors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

An Advent question: How are you bearing the light of the good news of Jesus Christ, how are you “bringing out the God-colors in the world”?

Jane Fobel

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Thursday, December 3 …and a little child shall lead them. ~Isaiah 11:46c When I was pregnant with my son, it seemed like everyone I talked to told me how much my life would change once I had the baby. I certainly knew that my life would be turned upside down, but there was no way anything anyone told me could really prepare me for motherhood. The lack of sleep, the overwhelming diapers, the absolute joy of watching my children discover life was amazing. My son Max and my daughter Josie have truly changed my perspective on all things in life, including Christmas.

This became clear to me one Christmas Eve when my son was a baby. As I helped arrange the manger scene for the Family Christmas Eve service at my last church, I happened to glance down at the rather odd-looking baby doll that was filling in for Jesus in a bed on the hay. It suddenly occurred to me that my son, who was five months old at the time, could have easily filled in for the baby Jesus that night. While it probably would’ve involved quite a bit of fussing on his part and a bundle of nerves on my part, it would have been a bit closer to the reality of that first Christmas than a baby doll surrounded by stuffed animals.

The reality is although Jesus was (and is) God in the flesh, he still fussed and cried, and had dirty diapers that Mary and Joseph held their noses as they changed. As I looked down in that manger, I felt a sense of wonder that God would come to us as a baby to care for us, and to be cared for by us. My perspective shifted into a new understanding of what it truly means for Jesus to be Immanuel, God with us. Jesus, both human and divine, experienced life with us and for us. How wonderful is God’s love and grace!

Katie Harrington

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Friday, December 4 The candles of Christmas remind me of God’s constant presence which strengthens me to try to follow his words as we read them in Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket but puts it on the lampstand and it gives light all over the house.”

But what does that really mean for us? In Ephesians 5:8-9 we read …but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light – for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true.

What are these good and right and true things we can do to reflect the light of the Lord? We can embrace the many mission opportunities both here and abroad that Sardis offers, we can teach others about God by teaching in Sunday School, we can care for those who are ill and grieving by being present with them and by praying for them and in many other ways our works can shine out.

But there is another way that strikes me as important and that can be found in the words of Mother Teresa: “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile”.

Jeanne Hammons

Saturday, December 5 Tomorrow at the 11 a.m. service, we will sing: “Angels We Have Heard on High” The background notes for this carol in Glory to God tell us that this French carol probably dates from the 1700s, though it was not printed until the following century. Because it uses a vernacular language for the narrative stanzas and Latin for the refrain, it belongs to a special category called “macaronic” or mixed -language texts.

Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains, and the mountain in reply echoing their joyous strains. Gloria in excelsis Deo Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heavenly song? Gloria in excelsis Deo! Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn king. Gloria in excelsis Deo! How would you in your own words describe the meaning of Christ’s birth? How does formal language like, “Gloria in excelsis Deo” enrich your worship?

Tomorrow at the 9 am service, we will sing: “Peace Has Come/O Come Let Us Adore Him” (Hillsong) 7

December 6

Second Sunday in Advent

The Bethlehem Candle, the candle of peace

Today’s Scripture : Isaiah 9: 2-7 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. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Reflect: Isaiah was a prophet to Jerusalem and the southern kingdom of Judah from 742 – 701 BCE. This was the period that the Assyrians were the world’s ruling empire. During Isaiah’s ministry in the southern kingdom, the northern kingdom of Israel was attacked by the Assyrian Empire and the northern kingdom fell to Assyria in 721 BCE and the citizens were taken into exile. Judah was able to remain a sovereign nation during this time, though Assyria was always a threat.

The leaders knew that at any time they might be overpowered by the Assyrians.

One of Isaiah’s key points was to call the people to trust God to protect them in this time and not to put their trust in alliances with other nations, trust and true peace would come from God alone. (see Isa. 30:15, 16) This passage lifts up the leadership that will be provided by God in the One whom God will cause to be born among them, work that God will accomplish for his people with zeal!

As you light the second candle of Advent, reflect on the names given to the wonderful child (vs. 6). May you claim the power of the One who alone brings ultimate peace.

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Monday, December 7 Advent Devotional Well, I don’t think anyone expected this. Who could have imagined that God – divine, holy, boundless, and beyond human comprehension – would become human, truly human, bound by time and space, gender, race, and class, embracing all the beauty and messiness of living and living in relationships.

God came to play in the dirt with us. Me. You! Not minding the mud caked in the creases of his hands, the dust forever clinging to sandaled feet, the overpowering sunshine and heat of summer, or the bitter, biting winter winds.

Jesus became a part of creation, part of human relationships.

And this is God? Yep. This is God.

A Story a womb – a tomb both empty poured out from the womb of Mary to the tomb of Joseph life springs anew folk gather wonder and amazement bright star in night sky sunrise shakes off darkness of night and early morning fog a womb – a tomb reason to rejoice Reflection and poem by Sara M. Martin 9

Tuesday, December 8 The Never-Ending Love of Christ Last year I moved to a place where the only access in or out is to go around a “circle” in the road. I call it a circle and everyone else I know calls it a circle. My GPS, Samantha, calls it quite formally: “the roundabout”. Whatever it’s called, no one seems to know what to do with it. I hear these things are common in Europe, but over here… not so much. It has four exits to it, but it’s not uncommon to see people drive around and around it until they, or their car, decides to get off of it and head in what is hopefully a different direction from whence they came. Depending on where you are going, in these “roundabouts”, often depends on where you were, but in this one, you’ll either end up in one of four places: housing, the Cherokee Nation, Cracker Barrel or the mall (I’ve never tried to visit our neighbors, but my house, Cracker Barrel and the mall see me quite often).

There are times that I would prefer to stay driving around and around in the circle for a long time. It seems that would be easier than figuring out which exit to take, all the while watching for other people driving around and around, exiting it as well, or what seems to be the worst of all problems… entering it.

No one knows who has the right of way at these things, even though there is a law. No one cares either. Most cars ignore the 4 giant red yield signs and just plow through, not looking one way or the other. It’s an accomplishment to enter the “circle” and make it out unscathed. But that accomplishment is worth gold once you get to where you’re going.

The never-ending love of God challenges me to stay in the circle. It tells me that even though the comforts of home and things that I know beckon at once exit, they are not always right for me and I need to keep embracing his love, even when I look longingly at other things. It challenges me to turn the wheel over and over in the same direction, staying on one course, even when I’d rather follow a path to things that are not good for me. It challenges me to keep on driving around, even when the glitz and glamour of this life summon me with worldly goods and treats.

The never-ending love of Christ is an over and over again comfort that is never-failing and never waning and as long as we stay on its path, we will always continue to experience it from the day we enter the circle of that love, until the day he calls us home.

Heather Eddy

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Wednesday, December 9 The Evergreen Leaves I have experienced hope in a time of sadness when falling leaves of Autumn remind me of the mysterious cycles of life. In the Eighth Grade, when a short story was assigned for us to read and to reflect upon, I began seeing leaves, green and not -so –green…The title of the story was “The Last Leaf” by O’Henry. Sadly, it was the personal narrative of a young girl whose beautiful life was ebbing. She attached great hope to the falling leaves outside her bedroom window…knowing that when the last leaf fell from its vine, her own life would expire also.

From Autumns through Advents, falling leaves and evergreen leaves represent to me the cycles of living and dying as they proceed onward toward renewal in their growth.

For me, having been a Cancer-Survivor now for eight Autumns and Advent, I refuse to attach dying significance to the falling leaves’ cycles! Evergreen is a much more hopeful and creative symbol, as life in its inherently sticky and oily growth, survives brittleness, cold and patient waiting for even more ever-green growth.

A Christmas Fir, Spruce, Pine, Holly and Ivy are symbols of a much more productive Hope. More than ever before, I see their trunks, branches, leaves and vines as survivors, too. If they can survive and remain green in their seasons, so may I! Lyn Sutterlin

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Thursday, December 10 Circles of Meaning There are some variations to the shape of Advent Wreaths, but typically they are round, a circle. The circle is a shape without a beginning or an end, it is continuous. That makes a circle the perfect symbol of the never ending love of God which was made real for us in the gift of Jesus.

At Sardis we have another circle, a round logo that we use in the Education Building. This logo designates our church as a place for our children. I love the imagery of people – of different ages, sizes, shapes, and ethnicity - joining hands in one grand circle. To me, this logo that welcomes children is also a vision of the community that is made possible by Jesus Christ. Our shared faith in Christ trumps all our differences. In Christ all the walls we create are broken down, we are made one treasured community. (Ephesians 2:13,14) I think this Advent, when we light the advent candles in worship at Sardis and when we light our family Advent Wreath at home, I will have a new appreciation for the power of the circle. I will give thanks for being surrounded by the circle of God’s never ending love that was revealed in Christ; I will commit myself to breaking down walls of separation and living into the unity that has been created by Christ. Thanks be to God for the multitude of possibilities that are ours in Christ.

Jane Fobel

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Friday, December 11 Growing up we always had an advent wreath in our home at Christmas to "countdown" the Sundays until Christmas Eve. So, when I had my own home and family I took out that old wreath stored with my Christmas stuff in the attic, bought some new candles and put it on the table. My daughter Kelly started asking questions about the wreath, questions that I couldn't answer. Being an inquisitive person and wanting to be an informed parent, I began my research into "Advent". I always wondered why I felt more alive as winter approached and most of nature was decaying and growing dormant. I didn't understand the nudging that always came at this time to grow closer to the Lord, a kind of awakening that coincided with the season. I finally got it when I made my very own advent wreath that first year at Sardis. Nellie Allison taught me its meaning while she showed me how to make a wreath using a pie plate, some oasis, greenery from the shrubs and trees around the church and purple, pink and white candles. I have never forgotten that day. Perhaps that is why my advent wreath stays out all year. It reminds me that God's unending love does not have an expiration date and the hope for life abundant through Christ never dies or falters. And when I light the candles I know that God's light that illuminates our dark world is ever present in us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amazing what one day and one person in the life of another can do.

Pat Campbell

Saturday, December 12 Tomorrow at the 11 a.m. service, we will sing, we will sing: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”. Originating in the 9th Century as plain song, this Advent hymn developed in the 19th Century in “efforts to reclaim Christian treasures from pre-Reformation sources.” (Glory to God) O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

O Come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by Thine Advent here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

O Come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind; bid envy, strife, and discord cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s peace. Rejoice!

Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

Is there some truth of Christ’s love that needs to be recovered from your past?

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December 13

Third Sunday in Advent

The Shepherd Candle, the candle of joy

Today’s Scripture: Mark 1:1-8 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,' John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

Reflect: The theme for the third week in Advent is joy, and we all want joy. John the Baptist may not be one of the more expected Biblical characters who would come to our minds when we think about joy, how much joy could one have eating locusts?

John the Baptist is actually an exceptional Biblical character to lead us to joy.

Joy takes a firm root in a spirit that has been properly prepared, and John calls us to prepare. John calls us to prepare a spirit of receptivity for all that God wants to give to us.

Think about planting a garden. There will be volunteer plants that spring up unexpectedly, there will be plants that take root in hostile terrain; however, those gardens that give us such joy with their abundant blossoms, vibrant color and delightful scents are the result of disciplined care for the ground and preparation of the soil.

As you light the third candle of Advent, pray for God’s Spirit to be at work with your spirit, cultivating and preparing your spirit to receive all the joy that Christ seeks to place within your heart.

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Monday, December 14 Streets and stores are bustling with merry shoppers, lights illuminate windows and Christmas trees, and yards are decorated with manger scenes, reindeer, and Santa. Happiness abounds at Christmas. But not for everyone. For some, the holidays stir up just the opposite of emotions- sadness, loneliness, despair, grief. Perhaps at no other time does one more acutely feel the absence of friends and loved ones who are no longer with us. This is when memories come forward, stirred by a Christmas scene, a carol, or an ornament that had a special meaning for that lost loved one. Holiday traditions go by the wayside, as Christmas just isn’t the same anymore.

But just as the bright star led the Magi to find the baby Jesus, and a single candle can illuminate an entire room, revealing things missed in the dark, our spiritual and emotional darkness is illuminated by God’s light. Not a light we see, but rather the lightening of our mood, the renewal of our faith, and the ability to move on with our lives. Our darkness is broken and our spirits are lifted, for at Christmas we are reminded that unto each and every one of us is born a Savior, the Light of the world.

Tim Eichenbrenner

Tuesday, December 15 The August after I turned 11, I took a trip to Illinois with my grandfather, a reward for having cooked many of our family dinners that summer. During the car ride, he sang along to Barry Manilow, the Oak Ridge Boys, Barbra Streisand and others. I can still hear his rich baritone singing the latter’s “Evergreen”. ‘Two lights that shine as one, morning glory and midnight sun.

Time we've learned to sail above. Time won't change the meaning of one love, ageless and ever evergreen’.

Once I left for college, we didn’t communicate as much and his last years were spent in bed. Not being used to people in that condition, I was uncomfortable at my last visits with him and it was painfully obvious to us both. In 2002, when I was living in Texas, he passed away. I drove through the night to make it home for his funeral service. After not being the exemplary granddaughter those last years, even though he never shied away from letting it be known that I was his favorite of the three grandchildren, I knew I had to be there. Perhaps in death, something I could say or do would make up for what I couldn’t do in life.

The sadness of regret, hurt and the absence of life can at least be partially filled with the fact that as bleak as the winter gets, some of God’s creations are evergreen and desolate cold, snow and ice cannot change their true nature.

His love can withstand the winters of our lives, ready to present to us the green in the midst of despair as well as the ‘new’ when spring arrives. God’s love is that evergreen presence through all of the things that would otherwise separate us from Him and from the love of one another.

Heather Eddy

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Wednesday, December 16 The Advent wreath with all of its symbolism has long been a favorite symbol of the season of Advent for me. The candles and the evergreen, its simplicity and beauty are reminders of the wondrous birth of Christ.

The circle created by the wreath always symbolizes the never ending love of God. So often we use images of circles to mark special events, groups or people. Circles are everywhere around us.

A few circles we recognize: • • • • • •

Circle of Life Family Circle Full Circle Circle of Friends Prayer Circle Winner’s Circle

And who can think of circles without including… “With this ring”?

Christians even use the picture of interlocking circles to represent the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The circle is a symbolic representation of our life cycle: birth, life and death.

Christ began as we all do, with birth. His earthly life ended, as ours will one day. His resurrection holds for us the promise that we will continue with him eternally. Life is a circle, a constant loop.

Memories of our family devotions around the Advent Wreath are always strong and joyful. Now, it is wonderful to realize that the circle is ever growing as the traditions established in our home continue in the homes of our sons and their families.

The Advent wreath is a symbol of God’s everlasting love for us. The birth of a promise born in a manger.

Renda Brinson

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Thursday, December 17 Candle Sword Fighting “You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”

Psalm 18:28 Candles never really had a particular meaning in the Martin family when I was growing up. It could easily have to do with the fact that there were four of us and the idea of open flames around such a rambunctious group was probably not in anyone’s best interest. However, there was one time every year all four children and my mom and dad held candles: during the Christmas Eve worship service at First Presbyterian Church of Slidell, LA. I will always remember those Christmas Eve services fondly: it brought the entire family together for a night of worship and celebration, followed by a box of doughnuts at home! During the service, the very first thing my brothers and I would do when we received our candles was to pretend they were little swords and have a sword fight. And the first thing after that my mom would do would be to make a stern face and tell us to knock it off. My sister did not want to be involved with our silliness and my dad would just chuckle at us. Truthfully, I believe he wanted to be involved in the candle-turned-into-sword fighting! The Martin boys’ foolishness would usually happen before the candles were lit, but one year, we actually began the sparring after the candles were lit while the whole church was singing “Silent Night!” Needless to say, my mom was not amused, but my dad was again laughing at/with us.

Unfortunately, we all grew up and moved our separate ways. My mom and dad, along with my sister, live in Houston, my older brother still lives in Louisiana and my eldest brother lives in Florida. Also unfortunately, we do not see each other all that often. Fortunately for me, a couple years ago, my family gathered in Athens, GA to celebrate Christmas together and they all attended the Christmas Eve worship service, where we were each handed a candle.

And can you guess the first thing that we did when we received those candles?

Yup, sword fighting! My mom still frowned upon it, but my dad got a great chuckle to see his sons, all grown up with sons of our own, behaving like we did when we were kids.

I love my family very much, even though I do not get to see them often. I am glad that when I do have the chance to get together with my siblings, we act as if we are children all over again, never letting the memories – or our enthusiasm for fun – go. This year, as you celebrate the birth of Christ, remember the good memories from your childhood and how they helped shape you into the person you are today. My dad used to say, “You can choose your friends, but not your family. You’re stuck with them!” How true that is, but I am glad God chose the family that I do have!

Prayer: God, thank you for sending your son into the world to help light our way. Help us remember our families and the love they have for us. Amen.

Adrian Martin

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Friday, December 18 At the beginning of John’s Gospel - chapter 1 verse 5 are the words, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” During the Advent Season when I see the Advent candles being lit at the beginning of each worship service until the wreath is encircled by the lit candles as our Lord’s birth gets closer and closer, I am reminded of God’s love, steadfastness and amazing grace. How God’s presence encircles and dwells within each of us in every moment of our lives. That we are never without the “light” and love of God in all the joys and sorrows that come to us. This is the time to remember that the CREATOR - that REALITY itself - stepped into our reality and at his birth we were reborn too in the eternal heart of God. So let us, once again, approach the manger with joy and awe.

Alice A. Johnson

Saturday, December 19 Tomorrow at the 11 a.m. service, we will sing: “On This Day Earth Shall Ring”.

The background notes for this carol in Glory to God tell us that although this Latin carol for Christmas may have roots several centuries older than its 16th century emergence, the text was all in one language until its 20th century translator chose to adopt the original last two lines of the fourth stanza as a unifying refrain in all stanzas.

On this day earth shall ring with the song children sing to the Lord, Christ our King. Born on earth to save us; him the Father gave us. Ideo, Gloria in excelsis Deo! (Therefore, Glory to God in the highest) His the doom, ours the mirth; when He came down to earth Bethlehem saw his birth; Ox and ass beside Him from the cold would hide Him. . .

God’s bright star, o’er His head, Wise men three to Him led, kneeling low by His bed, Lay their gifts before Him, Praise Him and adore Him . . .

On this day angels sing; with their song earth shall ring. Praising Christ, heaven’s King Born on earth to save us; Peace and love He gave us. . .

Find a way to “punctuate” your day with the phrase “Glory to God in the highest.” Perhaps at the beginning of every even numbered hour you take a moment to say “Glory to God in the highest” – at 8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 2:00, etc.

– or at some pattern of your choosing. At the end of the day reflect on if or how that repeated phrase affected your day.

Tomorrow at the 9 a.m. service we will sing: “The First Noel” 18

December 20

Fourth Sunday in Advent

The Angel Candle, the candle of love

Today’s Scripture: Luke 1: 26-38 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

Reflect: Verse 37 is an incredible affirmation, “…nothing will be impossible with God,” but it does make you wonder. If nothing is impossible for God, weren’t there more efficient ways to declare his purposes for the earth and his people?

Wasn’t this plan wide open for failure? Why didn’t God create loud speaker systems and announce clearly that God exists and these are the steps #1, #2, and #3 to being a follower of God. Why didn’t God reveal the divine plan and person in a way in which there could be no questions?

This passage is a remarkable demonstration of the nature of God’s power. The essence of God’s power is not force, it is love. God entered our world in gentleness and in partnership with some of the very least impressive people on earth, his plan was accomplished not because it was efficient but because it was pure love.

As you light the 4th candle of Advent, reflect on these words from the theologian Emil Brunner: “God so wills to be ‘almighty’ over us; that He wins our hearts through His condescension in His Son, in the Cross of the Son. No other Almighty Power of God could thus conquer and win our hearts. The heart is the one sphere which cannot be forced. No love can be forced – God the Creator makes us so free that even His coercion could not force us to love Him. But He has indeed created us so free because He wills to reveal himself to us as love, because our free love is the highest he desires.” (p. 254, The Doctrine of God) As you light the fourth candle of Advent, may you receive and return God’s great love.

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Monday, December 21 The Advent Wreath The round shape of the Advent Wreath reminds me of God nature – infinite, with no beginning and no end – of God’s love eternally present around us. The wreath also reminds me of the love of others which encircles each of us.

This year as I have had a grave illness and long, tedious recovery. I have been completely amazed at the love and concern shown me by my church family and so many others. I have definitely experienced it as God’s mercy. Christian brothers and sisters we might have thought of as “acquaintances” care for us more than we imagined. What a gift, what an incarnation of the Savior’s tender care. Thank you so much to my dear friends, old and new.

Jane Gilbert

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Tuesday, December 22 Oh, the excitement! Oh, the anticipation! This can’t be happening!

A wonderful guest is coming to our house, and will be staying for a while.

There is so much to do to prepare. What will we eat? The house must be cleaned. Is the guest room ready? The lawn must be mowed... the bushes trimmed… the walkway swept. We’re going to have such a nice time together.

What are some of the things that YOU do to prepare for a guest? What is the motivation? Do we prepare so that the guest will be impressed? Do we prepare so that the guest will be comfortable? Do we prepare to remove distractions from the focus of our visit?

Isaiah 40:3 (NIV) tells us to “…prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.” We can think of this passage in contextual prophesy, and read it as an event that took place in history. “The way” was prepared, and Christ came to us, to show us how to live a life that glorifies God. We often think of this passage yearly, when Advent rolls around on the Christian Year calendar, just after Thanksgiving. We find ourselves preparing for Christmas, as a yearly celebration of Christ’s birth.

But, what if we thought of this passage daily? “Prepare ye the way of the Lord,” daily! The passage continues: (It’s hard for me to write this without thinking of the tenor solo at the beginning of Handel’s Messiah.) “Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” When we level out the “rugged places” in our lives and make the path of the Lord level, the path that perhaps runs between us and God, in our thoughts, in our prayer, in our deeds; we are in a sense removing the obstacles and distractions from our lives that prevent us to more easily connect with God. And, in doing so daily, we CAN and WILL connect with God, allowing us to see his path for us, for that given day. We will then be able to see the needs of others, and how we might help to meet those needs. We might be able to see opportunities that will employ our strengths, gifts, and talents in very special ways, blessing someone, as well as ourselves, in the name of Christ Jesus. If we prepare our hearts for the Lord daily, as if we were preparing for a special guest in our homes, then our time with God will be more sincere, more special, more spiritual.

What are the “rugged places” in your life? What do you struggle with that gets in the way of having a daily connection with God? This passage of scripture, found in Psalm 55:22, encourages us all with a reminder; “cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.”

Humbly, Jared Daugherty 21

Wednesday, December 23 As we sit around the Advent wreath each week, we are aware of the light glowing brighter. First, one candle, then two and the brightness widens, casting large shadows around the wreath. In the glow of the flames, we get a sense of the peace of God, the wonder of the gift of Christ to the world, the stirrings of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

The light of the Advent wreath signifies the hope of the prophecies, of the coming of the Christ and the joy in fulfillment of those promises. Isaiah gives us the prophecies: “the people walking in darkness have seen a great light….a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2) “let us walk in the light of the Lord.” (Isaiah 2:5) “for the Lord will be your everlasting light”. (Isaiah 60:19) Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).

The Light has come to us in the Child born in Bethlehem. We now walk in the light of the greatest gift ever given. The darkness has been shattered. We have the promise of light in our lives that can dispel any darkness that comes to us.

Everlasting Light and Life have come to us! Hallelujah!

Renda Brinson

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December 24

Christmas Eve

Tonight’s Scripture: Luke 2 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 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.

Reflect: Think about all the different characters in these 7 verses: Emperor Augustus, Quirinius, Joseph, Mary, the-not-actually-mentioned-but-assumed inn keeper, and the baby Jesus. What does each represent for you? Does the Emperor represent impersonal power controlling people for his own ends, is Quirinius someone who is just one more layer of bureaucracy? Is Joseph someone who kept moving through the world’s obligation while still be obedient to his understanding of what God called him to do in that world? Is Mary someone with such complete trust in God that there is no hesitation to respond to God call, even if it is far beyond her comfort zone? Is the inn keeper someone who is trapped in current conditions, unable to imagine alternative possibilities? Is Jesus, entering the world as a baby, the clearest expression of the greater power of love over the power of the world? What other possibilities do these persons represent for you?

On this Christmas Eve, where do you find yourself, with whom do you most identify?

As you light the Christ Candle on this only Holy Night, and in your mind kneel before the cradle of love, pray for God to bring transformation where it is needed in your life, pray for encouragement to continue in the paths you are on that will lead to true and grace.

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December 25

Christmas Day

The Christ Candle

Love And suddenly there was with the angel and multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!? - Luke 2:13 The Sunday school teacher asked his class of 13 year olds, “What is faith?” A young girl fired back, “Believing something you know isn’t true.” Tragically, many people hold that view. Christianity does not have to take a back seat in the market place of ideas. To be a Christian does not mean you have to kiss your brain goodbye. Believing something does not make it true. Refusing to believe it does not make it false. Belief in Jesus Christ fits the facts infinitely better than disbelief.

The assignment was to, “call his name Jesus.” The name Jesus means to save.

Christ came as a light in our darkness to save us. In a world doubled over with hunger and violence, Jesus represents a move from the ridiculous to the sublime.

The rational does not get you to God. You need revelation. The revelation God sent our way is in the form of a baby, his son, Jesus Christ. Christ is the solution to our personal pollution. Jesus Christ is not a truth you master, but a truth before which you surrender. God’s answer to meaninglessness is not a principal or a program but a person, Jesus Christ.

Faith is not belief without proof but truth without reservation!

We are invited to trust in Jesus Christ because through him, events are altered, lives are changed, relationships are healed and love proves stronger than hate.

May the joy of knowing you have a savior make a difference in your life starting today.

Merry Christmas!

O God, words fail us when we try to express thanks for the Savior. Help our lives to express our gratitude. Thank you for this tangible expression of your love. We celebrate that this day and always. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

David G. Mckechnie

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Saturday, December 5 7:00 p.m.

Sanctuary

Sunday, December 6 3:00-3:30 p.m.

Chapel

Wednesday, December 9 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

Sunday, December 13 6:00 p.m.

Sardis Baptist Church Community worship service

Sunday, December 13 10:00 a.m.

During Sunday School hour Children’s Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 20 3:30 p.m.

Meet in the dining room Church-wide caroling

Wednesday, December 16 7:00 p.m.

Sanctuary A time to remember loved ones

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Thursday, December 24 4:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall 7:00, 9:00 & 11:00 p.m. Sanctuary Childcare available at 4:00 & 7:00

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Sardis Presbyterian Church 6100 Sardis Road Charlotte, NC 28270 704.366.1854 www.sardis.org

Sunday Worship Services 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall blended with contemporary music

11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary traditional music

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