2024 Advent Devotional

HOLY 2024 Second-Ponce Advent Devotional

PAUSES

Stopping to Listen to God’s Voice During Advent

HOLY PAUSES

An introduction from the Editor

Have you ever stopped to think deeply about the Christmas story? Or the story of God working in the universe?

The idea of Jesus coming to Earth—as a human being to live, breathe, work and walk among us—amazes and confounds me.

When I stop to contemplate that God would leave His throne in heaven to ultimately die for our sins, I am perplexed and humbled. This sacrifice is so immeasurable that it should give us all pause.

Paul’s words to the Philippians remind us how we should respond: … though [Jesus] was in the form of God, [He] did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And, being found in human form, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. Therefore, God also highly exalted Him and gave Him the Name that is above every Name, so that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:6–11) It is in this spirit of gratitude and humility that we offer the 2024 Advent devotional as an opportunity to stop and consider the Savior, His character and the gift of salvation. To take holy pauses. To bow our knees in reverence and confess Jesus is Lord. We hope that you are blessed by each reading and are challenged to take holy pauses by these words of faith.

Karen Harwell Editor

SPECIAL THANKS TO: • Alison Kosnett and Gayle Suggs for their help with editing and identification of Scriptures • Candice Young for her graphic design and publication talent • Tiffany Baumstark, Chris Boltin and Vicki McCaskey for their help with proofreading • The Discipleship Council for their support and discussion of the topic

ABOUT THIS BOOK Ways to use and share this devotional

Advent is a time of waiting for the Messiah. A time to commit yourself to looking for the hope, peace, joy and love that we find in the babe Jesus who became our Messiah, Savior and Lord.

This year, the Discipleship Council encourages you to pause (wait) during Advent—to rest, listen, ponder and rejoice.

Each week begins on Sunday with a discussion of the weekly theme and suggested actions to live out the devotional material. Six days of devotions are provided each week (instead of the usual seven). We encourage you to be intentional and deliberate in your consideration of the scriptural ideas, taking time to listen to God. Each devotion, written by a Second-Ponce member, will encourage you to pause through the Scripture, short devotional thoughts, questions to ponder and prayers to God. We suggest you spend time alone with the daily devotionals (or read them with your immediate family). Then, each week, you might discuss the questions or engage in one of the suggested actions with other family, friends or your SPdL small group, as appropriate. If other actions come to mind, please create your own ways to explore holy pauses!

We know how busy things get this time of year, so do not feel pressured to complete each action. The suggestions range from simple to more involved, and they can also stretch into the new year as you try different ways to pause. We hope that you will cultivate habits of pausing and resting that carry on as spiritual practices in your life throughout the year.

EASY WAYS TO SHARE THIS ADVENT DEVOTIONAL WITH OTHERS: • Bring them a hard copy (Available in the Welcome Center) • Send them an email with the link to the PDF version (Available at www.spdl.org/advent) • Forward them your daily Advent email and encourage them to sign up for future ones (Emails begin Sat, Nov. 30) • Email Candice Young to make sure their name is added to the daily email list: cyoung@spdl.org.

WEEK 1

December 1–7

PAUSING TO

REST Take a Sunday afternoon nap or meditate and pray.

BE STILL AND KNOW

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1

“Take time to smell the roses” was a frequent suggestion of one of my young adult Sunday School teachers. I am often given the advice to “take time to care for yourself.” “Make sure you get plenty of rest,” my friends tell me. We keep striving and working and trying to please. We fear we might just miss out on something, and we hate to ask for help. It’s hard to give up control, isn’t it? Ever hear that saying, “I’ll rest when I die?”

God calls us to “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) Here the word for still (rapha) means to let go or release—to surrender—to rest in the comfort and the security of God’s love, wisdom and power. God also promises to give “power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak” (Isaiah 40:29 TLB). God will provide.

Humanity’s first day after creation was a day of rest (sabbat). The Creator stopped to commemorate creation. That is how important God felt resting was. When we go full bore all the time, we really do miss out. We miss those moments of simply enjoying the life God gave us. We miss time spent communing with God. We are just not fully available for life and those we love.

This week we encourage you to stop and simply rest. Rest in God’s love. To quit, as one blogger suggested, running on “peppermint-scented fumes” and cinnamon-flavored fuel. To savor instead the life-giving bread and cup that Jesus gave us.

PRAYER Creator God, show me where and when to pause for rest and reflection. Show me what I need to surrender. Help me to slow down this Advent season to truly consider the babe in the manger Who grew to be the Savior of the universe. Thank you for this amazing gift. Amen.

SUGGESTED ACTIONS • Spend quality time alone—no TV or social media, set your phone on silent • Take a Sunday afternoon nap • Meditate and pray • Get up hourly at work to stretch or walk (set a reminder or timer) • Psychologists suggest that there are seven types of rest (physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, sensory, creative & social).

Choose one to use as a theme this week, then, make it a goal to try all seven in the coming months. Find what type of rest best renews your soul. See some suggestions at www.spdl.org/rest.

WHEW! IT’S A LOT!

By Howell Williams

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2

SCRIPTURE: MARK 6:31

In our day-to-day life it is often hard to find quiet time, and much more so during the Christmas season which has always felt to me like the busiest time of the year. We can get caught up in the Christmas tree, decorating, baking, sending cards, concerts, school pageants, buying presents and perhaps trips to visit family. Whew, it’s a lot!

However, it is essential to make some time for quiet reflection. We certainly want to focus on the reason we celebrate Christmas: Jesus’ birth. Spending daily time with an Advent devotional can center us and give us time to pause and reconnect with God. In our Scripture verse, Jesus is suggesting to His disciples that they do just that—pause and rest. Jesus often went away to a “desolate” place for renewal where He prayed and spent time with His Father. Doing the same thing will also bring us renewal and rest.

How could you ensure that you set aside devotional time each day?

What feels like rest can vary for different people. What activity feels restful to you?

PRAYER

A LITTLE ABOUT HOWELL

Dear Heavenly Father,

Howell, Chair of the Discipleship Council, has been a teacher in the Friendship Sunday School class. She is an active Deacon and serves on the Coffee and Offering Teams.

Thank You for the wonderful gift of Your Son. In this season especially, let us pause to reflect (and rest) on how much You love us and how much You have blessed our lives. Fill us with Your peace and Your Spirit.

In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

GOD MADE BEDTIME

By The Kids’ Club at Second-Ponce

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3

SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 2:1–3 In the Kids’ Club, we love to create things.

On Wednesday nights, we make different types of art together and Ms. Allie hangs them up in the hallway on a bulletin board that says, “Art from the Heart.” We plant garden beds on the plaza and pick the food when it’s ready. Then on Sunday mornings, we build the play sticks all the way to the ceiling!

We also love to learn about the things that God created.

Posters of God’s creation are on the wall in our Sunday School room, and the last poster says that God created rest. It’s like God made bedtime so that we would all know how to go to sleep at the end of the day. We don’t think we would ever forget to go to sleep, but it’s still good that God reminds us how important it is. After we’ve been creating all day, we should probably go to bed so that we can create more tomorrow.

What is your favorite thing to create? Does it make you tired?

Do you get plenty of rest?

PRAYER Dear God, thank You for teaching us that we need to rest. May we never run out of energy to create amazing things every day.

Amen.

A LITTLE ABOUT THE KIDS’ CLUB The Kids’ Club is a space we learn and grow together—hearing stories from the Bible and practicing the love of Christ through art, music, reading and games.

FEELING GUILTY

By Robert Hubble

SCRIPTURE: LUKE 5:15–16; MARK 6:46, MATT 14:22–23

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4

Jesus performed many miracles, acts of healing and kindness, and lessons of wisdom. It would be easy to forget—or ignore— another thing which Jesus often did ... He rested.

Jesus rested, sought solitude and prayed. Often in the Bible our Godly acts are compared to trees and vines bearing fruit. It is important to recall that trees and vines do not bear fruit constantly. They have seasons of dormancy, of rest, of growth. We must have confidence in God to allow ourselves to take a break, so that when we do works in His Name, they are done well. We must give ourselves the grace needed to rest. God’s Will be done.

Do you ever feel guilty when resting?

Have you experienced a time when you were desperately trying to accomplish something and kept messing up due to stress or weariness?

PRAYER

A LITTLE ABOUT ROBERT

Dear Lord,

Robert and his wife, Heather, have been members of SPdL for more than 14 years. They have two children, Alaina (13) and Nathan (10). Robert is an active Deacon and a member of both the Discipleship Council and the Planned Gifts Committee. When he isn’t busy spoiling his cats, he enjoys visiting National Parks and cheering for the Tennessee Volunteers.

Give me the confidence and assurance needed to rest in You and to know that You command us to rest for our health—physically, mentally and spiritually— so that we may serve You and serve our neighbors.

In Your Son’s Holy Name we pray, Amen.

COME TO ME

By John Roma

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 11:28 Many times, I have taken on too much work to the point of being overwhelmed, especially at Christmas. I worked until I was totally exhausted.

Jesus invites us to “Come to Me all who are weary and burdened.”

If you are tired and struggling, He can give you rest. This also describes a path to God our Father and it is not one of labor and hard work. Following Jesus frees us from carrying the burden of our sin because He has already done that work.

We should allow ourselves to lay down our burdens and take a break to worship God. We need to be still and quiet and prepare our hearts for Christmas.

What burden do you need to lay down today?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, bring peace and rest into our lives—rest that can only come from above. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A LITTLE ABOUT JOHN: John first attended the 1978 Christmas Eve service at Second-Ponce. He and his family joined the church the next year. John often sings in the Sanctuary Choir and does double duty as both the Church Historian and Librarian. John and his partner, Dave, enjoy traveling the world.

Fri. & Sat. Dec. 6 & 7

NAPS

By Allie Osborne SCRIPTURE: JEREMIAH 6:16

I do not enjoy naps. There is something about closing my eyes while the sun is out that feels like the day has passed me by. Naps make me groggy and disoriented. I have also been known to wake up the next day.

Resting feels like a waste—a waste of time, a waste of potential, a wasted chunk of life—when there is literally so much to do. I’m always doing more than one thing at a time. I must start the coffee so that it’s brewing while I wash my face; I eat lunch while I’m catching up on my favorite shows; I listen to podcasts while I fold the laundry; I pray in passing whenever something pops into my brain that I want to share with God. It’s exhausting!

God’s direction is to stop, listen, discern and go. Not because there aren’t a million things to accomplish, but because our bodies and our brains were not designed to consume so much and produce so much without taking the time to reset. The rest that God has commanded of us is not intended to slow us down or hold us back—it’s intended to heal us. And I am reminded of that in this week of pausing to rest.

What keeps you from resting, and how do you find rest when you really need it?

PRAYER God of Respite, give us the patience and contentment to allow ourselves moments of rest. Let each deep breath be a reset in our physical and spiritual lives. Amen.

A LITTLE ABOUT ALLIE Allie serves as Minister of Missions and Children’s Discipleship. She and her two cats, Poppy and Scooter, are celebrating four years in Atlanta this December.

WEEK 2

December 8–14

PAUSING TO

LISTEN Spend time with a friend—listening to more than what is being said. Search for the feelings and needs and then respond.

ARE YOU LISTENING?

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8

I often find myself trying to multi-task while watching television. Luckily, my cable has a built-in DVR so I can pause and rewind when I’ve missed the critical football play or a key visual clue in the murder mystery. I regularly find my mind wandering, wishing I could rewind during a conversation with a friend or in moments of worship when I miss an important piece of the message.

How many times do we quickly read through our daily devotional feeling like we’ve checked something off our to do list for the day? Then, we ask ourselves, “Why isn’t God answering?” When God is asking us, “Are you listening?”

God has said repeatedly that when we call to Him, He will answer and tell us “Great and unsearchable things you do not know,” (Jeremiah 33:3): Remarkable secrets Great and hidden things Things beyond what we can imagine Marvelous and wonderful things God also repeatedly promises to hear and answer our prayers (Matthew 21:22, John 14:14, etc.). This week I encourage you to take several holy pauses to listen to God. To listen in new ways. To listen for new and possibly marvelous things. To really pay attention to what God reveals.

PRAYER (spend some quiet time listening after each phrase): God Who hears, help me to pay attention. Cultivate in me a desire to hear from You and then respond. Show me marvelous and wonderful things this week. Help me to show those things to others. Amen.

SUGGESTED ACTIONS • Read Scripture aloud or use an app with an audio Bible. Close your eyes and listen. Visualize what is going on. Possible Scriptures to start with are Psalm 119 or Luke 24:13–35. Jot down how the Scripture engages your senses. What do you hear, see, feel, smell? What has God revealed?

• Sit and listen to religious Christmas music (do NOT multi-task; just listen) • Spend time with a friend—listening to more than what is being said. Search for the feelings and needs and then respond.

• Sit outside with your eyes closed for at least one minute. Identify all the individual sounds you hear.

GOD SPEAKS IN THE SILENCE OF THE HEART

By Alison Kosnett

SCRIPTURE: 1 SAMUEL 3:7–11

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9

Before Samuel becomes one of Israel’s most revered prophets, he was introduced to us as a dedicated, but not very insightful, youth working for Eli in the temple at Shiloh. Samuel does not recognize God’s voice the first three times that He calls him.

Only with Eli’s guidance does Samuel begin to recognize God’s voice and learn how to respond appropriately. No more going through the motions of repetitive duties, Samuel understands that he has been called into a relationship with the living, speaking God and that his role is to listen with a quiet heart, with humility and with obedience.

In her book In the Heart of the World: Thoughts, Stories and Prayers, Mother Theresa said that: “In the silence of the heart, God speaks. If you face God in prayer and silence, God will speak to you. To make possible true inner silence, practice: Silence of the eyes, by seeking always the beauty and goodness of God everywhere, and closing them to the faults of others; Silence of the ears, by listening always to the voice of God and to the cry of the poor and needy; Silence of the tongue, by praising God and speaking the life-giving Word of God; Silence of the mind, by opening it to the truth and knowledge of God in prayer and contemplation, and by closing it to all untruths and distractions; and Silence of the heart, by loving God with our heart, soul, mind and strength.”

Do our prayers tend to sound like a monologue listing all the things we need God to do for us, and the problems that we need Him to solve? How do we adjust our attitudes and schedules so that we can quiet our hearts and listen to God? PRAYER Father, please teach us to quiet our hearts and minds so that we can seek Your face, hear Your voice and trust You completely.

Make our hearts pure so we can be Your servants. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A LITTLE ABOUT ALISON Alison is the daughter of Eunice Elliott who first came to SPdL as Youth Director in 1958. Alison grew up at Second-Ponce and then joined the church in 2023 when she and her husband retired to the Atlanta area after careers in government.

SHEMA

By Gayle Suggs

SCRIPTURE: PSALM 85:8; DEUTERONOMY 6:4–5

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10

Do you have trouble hearing God speak to you? I know I do. The noise of everyday life, the demands put upon us by family, jobs and social obligations can all drown out the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. And I think that is certainly true during this time of year, the very season when we should be listening.

The Hebrew word for hear or listen is shema. We learned about that word earlier this year in SPdLU when we studied Deuteronomy 6:4–5. Shema doesn’t just mean to let the sound waves touch your ear. Instead, we are to act upon what we hear from God, obeying His voice. Listening and obeying brings us His peace. In the middle of the chaos of our lives, He sends a sense of peace that transcends the world’s understanding of peace.

What word do you need to hear from God during Advent?

How do you perceive God’s peace when you obey His voice?

PRAYER

A LITTLE ABOUT GAYLE

Father,

Gayle enjoys teaching in the New Covenant Sunday School class, singing in the Sanctuary Choir and serving on the Discipleship Council. She is the wife of Rob and the mom of two adult children, Sally and Robert.

Help us quiet our souls so we can listen for You to speak.

Let Your Spirit touch our spirits and show us the way to follow You and spread Your peace during this holy season.

Amen.

LISTEN TO CHRIST

By Abigail Reams

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 17:5 I am blessed to have an active social life with high school sports, friends and the youth group at Second-Ponce. I have noticed when I am with friends, teammates or my youth group, we love nothing better than to “talk among ourselves.” We always have so much news to share, drama to sort out and thoughts to vet, that it seems we can never catch up. If permitted, we might chat all day. However, I have learned over time that, at some point, we must pause, stop speaking and listen to our leader.

Similarly, we can only learn and grow when we pause to listen to the One anointed to teach us and to lead us—Jesus Christ.

Thankfully, my church and my school have selected excellent leaders who follow Christ and who we can also trust to follow. As the Scripture teaches, so has our God. God calls His people to listen to Christ.

How can we pause during this Advent season to listen to Him as instructed?

As you pause to listen to Christ, what message are you expecting?

PRAYER

A LITTLE ABOUT ABIGAIL

Father,

Abigail is a senior at Woodward Academy where she plays soccer and is pursuing a Service Honors distinction. She has been active at SPdL since birth—growing through the nursery, Mission Friends, Children’s Choir, Youth Group, Sunday School and church. Her parents are Jill and Steve Reams and her siblings are Sarah and Jake.

Thank You for sending Your Son to the world as an example of how to live. Help me stop, pause and listen to Him. (Pause here for a few minutes of silent prayer.)

Amen.

LISTEN FIRST, THEN SPEAK

By Aaron Payne

SCRIPTURE: JAMES 1:19

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12

Ram Dass is quoted as saying, “We’re all just walking each other home.”

The book of James is packed with a lot of “real world” advice, but today’s Scripture in particular gives us very clear instructions regarding how we should interact with others to be a better walking companion.

It’s pretty simple: listen first, then speak. And I don’t think by “listen” the writer meant “hear the noise;” we should really “listen” and try to understand the other person’s point of view. In doing so, it gives us an opportunity to see (or hear) the person as a fellow child of God—someone with hopes for the journey ahead and baggage they carry from the past.

Have you ever said something you wish you could un-say because you weren’t slow to become angry?

What are some ways you can be a better listener?

PRAYER: God, thank You for giving us opportunities to meet fellow travelers on life’s journey. Help us to be better walking companions by teaching us how we can listen first so that we can hear them and hear You. Amen.

A LITTLE ABOUT AARON: Aaron has been a member of Second-Ponce for more than 15 years, and is currently serving on the Finance Committee and the Discipleship Council. He and his wife, Amanda, are members of the Bridge Builders Sunday School class and their daughters—Clara and Emily—are active in the Kids’ Club.

Fri. & Sat. Dec. 13 & 14

JESUS IS KNOCKING

By Mary Kay Artress

SCRIPTURE: REVELATION 3:20 I don’t have a doorbell. If someone comes to see me, they stand outside the door and knock. Is there anything more joyous than getting that knock from a good friend or loved one? When I hear a friend at my door, I open it and invite them in.

Jesus is my friend! I open the door and let Him in. I listen to His voice. In the quiet of my soul, I hear Him encouraging me, cheering me on in moments of doubt and comforting me when I am upset. We need to quiet the noise about us and listen for His knock, listen for His warm hello. Jesus loves us like no one else ever can or will!

He loves us with an everlasting love. All we have to do is listen. Listen for His knock.

Listen for His voice. Open the door of our hearts and let His love and peace flood our souls.

What is distracting you from Jesus’ voice today?

How can you better listen for His direction?

PRAYER Lord Jesus, today I am listening for Your knock and Your voice. I ask you to come into my day and give me all that I need to get through this season. Take away the stress and the busyness and help me to focus on You and Your kingdom. Amen.

A LITTLE ABOUT MARY KAY Mary Kay, a retired accountant, is a member of the New Covenant Sunday School class and serves on the Discipleship Council. She feels blessed by her seven nieces and nephews and three great nieces and nephews.

WEEK 3

December 15–21

PAUSING TO

PONDER

Take a few silent minutes to scroll through the photos on your phone or flip through a treasured photo album. Ponder in gratitude the blessing of family and friends, experiences and God’s world.

STOP TO CONSIDER

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15

I am always amazed at Mary’s attitude and acceptance of her role in bringing Jesus into the world. The magnitude of that action changed everything. In Luke 1, an angel visits Mary to tell her the news that she would birth Jesus (the Lord is salvation).

Surely, she was scared and overwhelmed, but her response after some time was a beautiful song of praise—after which I am sure she spent much time pondering her circumstances, worrying about the future and wondering how to be a mother to the Son of God (excuse my extrapolation into the Scripture).

Then, after all the activities surrounding Jesus’ birth—visits from an army of angels and sweaty, stinky shepherds, nursing a newborn resting in a manger and responding to a pilgrimage census—she “treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart,” (Luke 2:19). This verse sits quietly in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the Christmas story. Oh, how we can learn from that.

This week, stop to think. Stop to consider. And like Mary, stop in the midst of the hustle and bustle to ponder God’s love.

PRAYER (spend some quiet time listening after each phrase): Father of Jesus: Help me to stop and ponder ... to consider Your Son’s birth, life, death and resurrection in new ways ... to ponder ways I can serve You. Help me to appreciate the Advent and Christmas season by seeing places to stop and take holy pauses and include others. Amen.

SUGGESTED ACTIONS (Be intentional. Schedule the time. Disconnect) • Walk a labyrinth or use a printed hand-held labyrinth. Consider God’s love for you and how God is calling you to respond during these quiet moments.

• Take a few silent minutes to scroll through the photos on your phone or flip through a treasured photo album. Ponder in gratitude the blessing of family and friends, experiences and God’s world.

• Spend some quiet time contemplating the quote below. You may want to write a response to God or further questions for God on a sheet of paper or the margins of this book.

The Omnipotent, in one instant, made Himself breakable. He who had been Spirit became pierceable. He who was larger than the universe became an embryo. And He Who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young girl.

God as a fetus. Holiness sleeping in a womb. The Creator of Life being created. –Max Lucado

TO WRITE THE LOVE OF GOD WOULD DRAIN THE OCEAN DRY

By Daniel Vestal

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16

SCRIPTURE: I CORINTHIANS 2:9

The last stanza of an old gospel song, “The Love of God,” by Frederick M. Lehman goes like this: Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made; Were every stalk on earth a quill, And every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry; Nor could the scroll contain the whole, Though stretched from sky to sky.

The reason for God’s promise of unimaginable blessings in the future is because God’s love for us is infinite. The more we ponder divine love, the more we will grow in our human love, both to God and to one another. Love begets love. Love enables us to receive even more of what God has prepared for us. Something truly to ponder.

What does it mean to you that God’s love is infinite?

What causes you to doubt or question God’s love?

PRAYER Why, O Lord, would I ever doubt or question Your love? Help me, O Lord, to receive Your love, trust Your love and let it cleanse, heal and change me. Amen.

A LITTLE ABOUT DANIEL Daniel is a Baptist minister, husband to Earlene for 58 years, father of three children and a grandfather of seven.

JOSEPH’S PONDERINGS

By Carla Scoggins

SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 4:20–27; Matthew 1:20

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17

When reading Proverbs 4:20–27, Solomon reminds us of the importance of seeking Godly wisdom in our daily lives. Verse 26 (NKJV) says, “Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.”

Pondering is defined as thinking carefully before making decisions. Matthew 1:20 tells us that Joseph pondered; he gave careful thought to Mary’s pregnancy. Should he reject Mary as his wife? Should he allow her to be publicly humiliated? Or should he choose the path of obedience and marry her as the angel of the Lord directed?

Hallelujah! We know the path Joseph took. He was obedient to God and wed Mary. Because of this marriage, Joseph was now established as the earthly father of Jesus. Prophecy was fulfilled: The Messiah was born from the line of David.

Reflect on your life so far. Recognize how Godly obedience has established your life.

How will you seek to obey God in future decisions?

PRAYER Father God, open our hearts and minds to Your direction. May we have the wisdom to obey. Amen.

A LITTLE ABOUT CARLA Carla is a member of the New Covenant Class and will join the Discipleship Council in 2025. She and her husband, Randy, have been members of SPdL since 1980. They have two grown sons and four grandchildren.

TINSEL AND BRIGHT PAPER

By Rob Suggs

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18

SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 4:8

This is brilliant: In 1990, researchers came across a batch of autobiographies written by nuns sixty years earlier. They analyzed the writings for positive language, then checked on the lives of those nuns since then. Who lived longest? Best? It was the ones whose words showed the most positivity all those years earlier.

We keep thinking success makes us happy, but it’s the other way around. Happiness brings success, well-being, even physical health. Maybe that’s why Paul, in today’s Scripture, urges us to wrap our thoughts in the tinsel and bright paper of pure goodness. To do so offers a gift not only to us, but to all those around us. We elevate our thinking to that realm where every day is Christmas joy: The kingdom of God. How’s your mindset today? What are God’s Christmas gifts to you on this day?

PRAYER

A LITTLE ABOUT ROB

Lord, Father of lights,

Rob, author or ghostwriter of nearly 90 books, grew up in Second-Ponce. He is an active Deacon and teaches in the New Covenant Sunday School class.

Rob lives in Brookhaven with his wife, Gayle, and their cat, Lucy. Rob & Gayle have two adult children, Robert and Sally.

Brighten our minds and hearts. Fill us with Your truth and life, so that we may be Christmas candles to illuminate a dark world.

Amen.

PONDERING GOD’S CREATION

By Jonathan Hall

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19

SCRIPTURE: PSALM 8 In this Psalm, we encounter the ancient Psalmist undergoing an existential crisis as they compare the awesome wonder of God and creation to the relative smallness of human beings.

Why do I matter, and what is the point of my existence?

These questions feel particularly relevant as we face ever-uncertain times in our world. Hey God, what about us humans down here? Remember us?

As the Psalm continues, we are reminded of a fundamental reality of our existence: God creates each of us in God’s holy image; and as image-bearers we are called to take care of God’s creation. May these eternal truths inspire us anew as we prepare for the coming of the Christ child.

Spend some time marveling at God’s creation. How can you intentionally care for God’s creation today?

PRAYER: O Lord, the earth proclaims the majesty of Your Name, and we along with it offer our prayer of thanksgiving, for You have made us in Your image. Help me to honor the blessings You have given me as I recognize the divine within me and within all creatures and creation around me. Amen.

A LITTLE ABOUT JONATHAN: Jonathan serves as Minister of Community and Student Discipleship at Second-Ponce. He and his wife, Milligan, enjoy spending as much time as possible with their one-year-old cat, Neil.

Fri. & Sat. Dec. 20 & 21

DIVINE VALUES, GOD’S WAYS

By Dan Hayes

SCRIPTURE: PSALM 119:11–16 As we “pause to ponder” in this 2024 Advent season, the Psalmist in Psalm 119:15 remarks on the importance of our “meditating on God’s ways.” The reason this is so important—and indeed, wonderful—is that when we do so, we create space for God to “show up” in our experience, not simply through words but through God’s actual infusing these ways into our experience.

What then are God’s ways? To me, God’s ways are the divine values in which it is said God delights, exemplified by God’s gracious treatment of human beings in our world (see, for example, Jeremiah 9:23–24).

How do we meditate upon these ways during the holidays in a way that opens the door to a more personal, direct experience of God? One practice I have used is to make a list of some of these values (example: kindness, generosity, justice, peace etc.). Then, each day following Christmas, focus on one of these values. For example, kindness. Carry out an intent during the day to be especially kind, and to notice both kindness and unkindness expressed in yourself, others and in relationships and tasks. Notice how this intention toward kindness affects your day.

DEVO CONTINUED ... See if you can sense the kindness of God toward you and those you interact with. At night, jot down how kindness was especially expressed by you or another or by God. The next day pick another way and do the same. Hopefully you will start to notice these divine ways becoming more a part of your life!

What are the most important ways God works in the world?

PRAYER Lord, Your ways toward me and the world are so kind and gracious. Help me to pay attention to one way today and seek to also practice it intentionally as well. Then please manifest Your presence in my experience. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A LITTLE ABOUT DAN Dan and his wife, Charlotte, have been members of Second-Ponce since 1973. Dan is one of the teachers of the Grace Sunday School class. He is a former CRU staff member and also the Founder of Orchard, formerly Atlanta Community Ministries (ACM), which began in this church in 1996.

WEEK 4

December 22–25

PAUSING TO

REJOICE Sing with gusto a hymn of praise (even if you are off-key). Suggestions: Joy to the World, Angels We Have Heard On High or Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.

LEAPING FOR JOY

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22

As I recently reread the first two chapters of Luke—and cruised the internet for ideas for this year’s Advent devotional—the following kept resonating with me: John the Baptist leapt for joy in Elizabeth’s womb when Mary came to visit! It’s repeated twice in Luke 1:41-44: Then Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child [John the Baptist] leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leapt for joy.

What a spontaneous, pure reaction to the presence of the Savior of the World. Even prior to his birth, John the Baptist was proclaiming Jesus! Do we leap for joy when God comes near? Do you remember the chorus, usually sung in a round, “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice?” I have been humming it as I write this (and I apologize if it becomes an earworm for you, too). It is actually a Scripture verse from Philippians 4. The passage (v. 4–8) goes on to say that God’s peace, which passeth all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Jesus Christ. It also reminds us to think on (ponder) things that are true, honest and just, pure and praiseworthy. When we do that, we cannot help but rejoice.

Let us strive to keep our minds and hearts on Christ so that we can move through life confident and secure in God’s love and joy despite what is going on.

PRAYER (spend some quiet time listening after each phrase): Jehovah God, may we pause and rejoice when we hear the Name of Jesus! May we stop and consider that which is true and praiseworthy. May we entertain thoughts and actions that are worthy of rejoicing over. Help us to worship You daily. Praise the Lord! Amen.

SUGGESTED ACTIONS (Be intentional. Schedule the time. Disconnect) • Write your own Psalm or prayer of praise imagining your voice as the angels or your actions as those of the shepherds.

• Read a praise Psalm aloud each morning. Suggestions: Psalm 8, Psalm 98 or Psalm 145 • Sing with gusto a hymn of praise (even if you are off-key). Suggestions: Joy to the World, Angels We Have Heard On High or Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.

HOPE TO REJOICE OVER

By Angelyn Turner

SCRIPTURE: LUKE 1:41–56 (MARY’S SONG)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23

Many know today’s passage as Mary’s Song or the Magnificat—Latin for “my soul magnifies the Lord.” She goes on to say, “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

This passage teaches the true meaning of humility and obedience. Mary was humbled that she had been chosen and obedient to God’s call to be His servant and the mother of Jesus. Her acceptance is an example that invites us to give birth, in our own hearts, to Christ as Savior.

Mary was blessed to be chosen by God as the mother of Jesus. We are blessed as God’s children that our hope is found in God and in Jesus Christ as our Savior. It is hope for those who receive and believe God’s Word. It is hope to rejoice over.

Do you have that hope this season and all throughout the year?

PRAYER

A LITTLE ABOUT ANGELYN

Lord,

Angelyn is active in the music and children’s ministries.

She met her husband, Noel, at SPdL and they raised their two adult sons here.

Help me to be Your humble and obedient servant in all that I do. Thank You for sending Jesus to save us from our sins. We rejoice in the hope He brings!

Amen.

SHOUT WITH JOY! GOD’S LISTENING!

By Bill Gabbard

SCRIPTURE: PSALM 100

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24

As I write this, we’re in the midst of football season, and a lot of us are spending a considerable amount of time watching our favorite teams every weekend. Whether it’s the NFL, college, high school or the local youth league, shouts of joy, excitement and, yes, sometimes frustration and anguish, are ringing from coast to coast. As former football parents from youth league to Division I, we’ve been there (and if you dig enough you can find video proof of my favorite football mom shouting for joy on ESPN).

When we come together as a community to worship, we don’t shout, but we do sing. We lift our voices to a different level from that of our everyday speech. We sing as a group, together. Some sing louder or with more enthusiasm than others, but the important thing is that we are all singing as a body, a multitude of voices blended into one collective voice of praise. Our God delights in that. We definitely have something to sing about! Every Sunday when we come together to meet God, we affirm that He is there, that He made us, that He loves us, and that He has given us a way to gather and acknowledge His greatness and goodness. Sing it out loud! Shout out to God and give Him glory!

Whatever or however you feel at any given moment, do you express your feelings to God? Do you sometimes feel like you are in a vacuum, and that no one—not even God—is there to listen?

PRAYER Gracious God, we shout—sometimes in praise to You, sometimes with thanks and sometimes with frustration or anger.

Whatever causes us to shout or sing, help us remember the important thing: You are there, and You are always listening. May we remember to look forward to exalting Your praise, to shouting and singing face to face with You. Amen.

A LITTLE ABOUT BILL Bill is in his sixth year of music ministry at Second-Ponce. He and his wife, Mary Lynn, delight in the shouts and hugs of their grandchildren.

REJOICE & RESPOND!

By Karen Harwell

SCRIPTURE: LUKE 2:1–20

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25

Today is a day to rejoice. Jesus is born in Bethlehem!

When I looked at the Christmas story again recently, I was struck by all the action that I saw. A long, hard trip to be counted in a census (while pregnant!). Scrambling to find shelter for a woman in labor. The activity and exhausting work of birth. Visits from angels and shepherds. Songs of rejoicing. All of which seemed to run a bit in conflict to our devotional’s theme of Holy Pauses. Then, I looked at the story again.

Much deliberateness and pausing did occur. The angels came from heaven to proclaim “Glory to God in the Highest” to a group of rag-tag shepherds. The shepherds stopped tending their flocks to pay attention to the angels and then travel in haste to visit the Child. There was much rejoicing when each group stopped to entertain and act on their curiosity.

But that is not the end to the story. More responses continued. The angels returned to heaven. The shepherds returned to their flocks sharing their amazing story along the way to all who would listen. And Mary treasured all that she had heard in her heart and continued to ponder what had happened.

If the shepherds and angels had not paused to listen, ponder and respond where would the news of Jesus birth have gone?

PRAYER: Father, I rejoice in the birth of Jesus. I am thankful that the shepherds listened, investigated and then spread the good news.

Help me to also respond. Amen.

A LITTLE ABOUT KAREN: When asked to describe her work at SPdL, Karen says, “I’ve been a part-time jack of all trades for eight years now,” supporting various discipleship programs and administrative functions (and a member since 2007). An engineer by original vocation, Karen later followed a call to ministry and received her M.Div. at McAfee School of Theology.

THE BIRTH OF Luke 2:1–20

JESUS

And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone into their own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing, which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph and the Babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM SECOND-PONCE!

DEEPER DISCIPLESHIP

Second-Ponce offers a variety of in person and online opportunities to deepen your discipleship all yearlong.

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP VIDEOS | www.spdl.org/faithresources Here, you’ll find book and Bible studies and links to videos, our podcast and our blog. We hope that these resources deepen your relationship with God and with others.

PRAYER LIFE | www.spdl.org/pray Our church family welcomes the opportunity to pray for you and with you. On this page, you can share prayer requests, find guided prayer suggestions and access print and digital prayer resources. We hope these offerings help you grow in this essential spiritual discipline. Throughout your prayer life, Second-Ponce commits to joining you as a faithful prayer partner.

SUNDAY SCHOOL & SMALL GROUPS | www.spdl.org/adultsmallgroups At Second-Ponce, we have a variety of adult Sunday School classes based on common life stages and interests. On our website you’ll find descriptions of each class which include a bit about the class content, demographic make-up and a room location.

Additionally, one of our church greeters will happily help you find your way on Sunday morning.

SUPPER & SPDLU | www.spdl.org/rsvp Wednesday evenings, our church family gathers at 5 p.m. for Fellowship Supper followed by a time of adult discipleship called SPdLU (Second-Ponce de Leon University). These topical studies could focus on a Biblical book, theme or character or a real-world issue.

WORSHIP | www.spdl.org/worship | Watch online at www.youtube.com/secondponce Worship at Second-Ponce honors God and engages our own intellect and curiosity through relevant messages, music, prayer and Scripture. Here, we value everyone’s faith expression in a spirit of hospitality and truth.

WE SAVED YOU A SEAT AT SECOND-PONCE

ADVENT EVENTS Join us for fantastic music, worship and events this Advent season (December 1–25)!

• Mon, Dec. 2 | The Community Wellness Center’s Holiday Open House | During regular business hours • Wed, Dec. 4 | SPdLU: The Culture of Christmas | Supper at 5 p.m. | Program at 6 p.m. | Fellowship Hall • Sun, Dec. 8 | Christmas Cantata: A Service of Lessons and Carols | 11 a.m. | Sanctuary | Reception to follow • Tues, Dec. 10 | Prime Timers’ Christmas Governor’s Mansion Tour & Lunch | Tour (optional) at 10 a.m. | Lunch at Noon in the Fellowship Hall • Wed, Dec. 11 | Cookies & Carols | Supper at 5 p.m. | Program at 6 p.m. | Fellowship Hall • Sat, Dec 14 | Kids’ Club Pajama Christmas Party | 5:30–9 p.m.

• Fri & Sat, Dec. 20–21 | Youth Christmas Party & Lock-in • Tues, December 24 | Candlelight Christmas Eve Service | 6 p.m. | Sanctuary A FEW CALENDAR NOTES • Churchwide breakfast will be Sun, Dec. 22 in the Fellowship Hall. We will not have Sunday School on this day.

• The church office will be closed Mon, Dec. 23–Wed, Dec. 25. The office will close at Noon on Tues, Dec.31.

• There are no Wednesday night activities Dec. 25 or Jan. 1.

• There is no Sunday School on Dec. 29.

JOIN US ALL YEAR • Sunday School and Small Groups | Sundays | 9:45 a.m.

• Worship | Sundays | 11 a.m. | In person and online | www.livestream.com/spdl or www.youtube.com/secondponce • Fellowship Supper | Wednesdays | Serving line opens at 5 p.m. | $10/adult; $5/child • Adult Bible Study and Activities for Children and Youth | Wednesdays | 6 p.m.

GROWING IN CHRIST AND COMMUNITY— SHARING GOD’S LOVE IN THE WORLD

www.spdl.org