2022 Advent Devotional

Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church 2022 Advent Devotional

Jesus is the greatest gift of love.

But what could we give to make Him feel loved in return?

Jesus

The Gifts We Give

A collection of Advent devotions about how our lives can be worthy gifts to God.

WOULD JESUS

Understand Your Heart?

OUR LIVES AS QUALITY AND USEFUL GIFTS TO GOD We all know that giving gifts is a Christmas season tradition, but what kind of gift-giver are you?

Are you a serious planner with detailed lists who spends hours searching catalogs, stores and online for the perfect present?

Are you a last-minute shopper who searches for a gift that works and is in the right price range, but might not be the best present for someone?

I have a friend who is the best gift-giver. She knows me well enough—and is quite generous—to find just the perfect thing. Her presents are always unique and ones I’ll immediately like, use and enjoy! The gift is usually wrapped inside a mailed box, creating an even more enjoyable experience when opening it. When I receive that package from North Carolina—for my birthday, Christmas or “just because”—I’m always thrilled to open it. I feel loved.

Have you ever thought about the gifts you give Jesus? We give our time, talents and resources to support the Kingdom of God—and those are important things—but what about the quality and usefulness of those gifts? Would Jesus feel loved in receiving them? Would He understand your heart? The magi traveled great distances to bring the most valuable elements—the best and most precious things they could find—to the Christ child. What is your best and most precious gift? Perhaps in addition to giving to our church and other organizations, God would feel most loved by the gifts of our hearts and lives.

In The Gifts We Give Jesus, our Advent devotions center on giving good gifts to God. We’ve organized this book into four “gifts”—from our church’s four foundational pillars—that we can give to God: • Adoration and Praise | Worship | November 27–December 3 • Learning and Growth | Discipleship | December 4–10 • Sharing and Serving | Missions | December 11–17 • Love and Fellowship | Community | December 18–25 We hope you are blessed, rejuvenated and challenged by these words of faith.

Karen Harwell, editor

GETTING THE MOST

from this Devotional

WORDS OF FAITH AS GIFTS TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS

We encourage you to make reading and sharing this devotional a daily practice. Carve out dedicated time to ponder the thoughts, explore the activities and lift the prayers offered in this book.

WHAT’S NEW IN THIS EDITION

The 2022 Advent Devotional is divided into four weekly themes—introduced every Sunday—with an overview page and exploration activities to help put the theme into action. Activities range from simple tasks to more involved opportunities. As you’re able, try one or two exploration activities each week.

Enjoy them on your own or by including family or friends. You may be inspired to create your own activities. We’ve included a few helpful implementation tips on our website at www.spdl.org/advent.

A LIST OF IDEAS FOR USING AND SHARING

Start your day by reading a devotion Take your devotional to work and read during a break Read them as a household at the dinner table Add these devotions to your daily quiet time Choose a different location—an old favorite or some place new—and designate it for reading devotions Bring extra copies to work, family dinners or coffee with a friend Put a copy in a neighbors mailbox Send an email or text with a link to the PDF (www.spdl.org/advent) Forward your daily Advent email to others WHERE TO FIND THIS DEVOTIONAL

Hard copies | Available in the Welcome Center PDF | Available online at www.spdl.org/advent Daily emails | Sent at 6 a.m. each day of the Advent season ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you receive the church e-newsletter on Wednesdays and Fridays, you’ll automatically get our daily Advent emails. To confirm you’re on the list or to be added to it, contact Candice Young at cyoung@spdl.org.

FOR BY GRACE | YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED

Accepting God’s Most Precious Gift

HOPE, ACCEPTANCE, LOVE AND FORGIVENESS SECOND-PONCE SHARES GOD’S ETERNAL SALVATION If you do not have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, it is our hope that you will accept His most precious gift of all—eternal, undeserved salvation. The message of Jesus is one of hope, acceptance, love and forgiveness.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves—it is the gift of God! Ephesians 2:8 To accept this amazing and awesome gift, relinquish control and give your life to God: • • • • • •

Pray | Talk to God Proclaim | Express to God you believe in Jesus as God’s Son who died for our sins and was resurrected in victory over death Acknowledge | Admit to God that all people sin and need forgiveness Petition | Ask God’s forgiveness for your sins and for God’s salvation from those sins Accept | Welcome Christ as your Savior and Lord Seek | Find a local Christian community to help you walk in faith with Jesus

SECOND-PONCE WANTS TO WALK WITH YOU Accepting the gift of salvation is a big step, and our church family commits to walking with you through this journey. Our ministerial staff would love to answer questions, talk further or share in your decision to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

We know that blindly reaching out to folks can be unnerving, so we invite you to read a bit about our caring team of ministers at www.spdl.org/bios. Below is their contact information, or join us for worship Sundays at 11 a.m. and chat with them in person.

• Dr. Dock Hollingsworth | Senior Pastor | Author of the December 25 devotion 404.591.4344 | dhollingsworth@spdl.org • Rev. John Uldrick | Associate Pastor | Author of the December 7 devotion 404.591.4366 | juldrick@spdl.org • Rev. Allie Osborne | Minister of Community and Children’s Discipleship | Author of the December 17 devotion 404.591.4386 | aosborne@spdl.org • Bill Gabbard | Music Minister | Author of the December 2 devotion 404.591.4368 | bgabbard@spdl.org

ADVENT WEEK 1

November 27-December 2

ADVENT WEEK 1 | GIFTS OF WORSHIP

Praise

Giving Jesus OurAdoration and Praise

EXPLORING WORSHIP

THE INTENIONALITY OF WORSHIP AND SERVICE Have you ever wondered why we use the term “worship service” to describe our time together on Sunday mornings? When you think about it, the individual words—worship and service—are inextricably linked. In addition to singing, praying and listening to God’s Word, our acts of service to others are also forms of worship. The Message translation of a verse from Romans so wonderfully describes this: So, here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Romans 12:1 (MSG).

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This week, use your everyday, ordinary life as an offering of praise and adoration to God. SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK • Listen to praise music on the way to work or school • Spend time outside. Walk around your neighborhood or visit a local or state park. Notice the details of God’s creation and offer gratitude for its beauty • Try your hand at art. As you sketch, color, paint, craft or meditate on God’s amazing creation of our hands and their abilities.

• Make plans to attend the Second-Ponce Christmas Cantata on Sunday, December 4 at 11 a.m. and invite others • Join us on Wednesday, December 7 for a festive meal (serving line opens at 5 p.m.) and a Christmas sing-a-long (beginning at 6 p.m.)

• If you’re out of town, find a local church and attend their worship service • Choose one Psalm per day and read it out loud • Commit to putting your best foot forward in work, school, family time, friendships and play • Create your own worship activity PRAYER FOR THE WEEK God of all creation, I offer myself to You as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to you as this is my true and proper worship. Help me to go about my days with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. Amen.

OFFERING GOD OUR PRAISE

By Becky Smith FOCAL SCRIPTURE: Philippians 2:9–11

MON/NOV

28

My first impulse when I read this text is to start singing! “He is Lord” immediately comes to mind, a Scripture song taken directly from these verses in Philippians. “Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

Reading just verse nine, “...God also highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name,” I also think of the song “Jesus, Name Above All Names.” I first learned it in German and remember the first time I heard it in English.

It’s amazing that just three Bible verses can have me singing at least two songs. These verses actually exhort us to worship God, and in singing them we are doing exactly that!

Those who put music to these words used their talents and callings as gifts to God and—at the same time—as gifts to us. What a wonderful way for us to also give God our praise. It is spiritually and emotionally powerful when good texts and music come together.

In this season of giving, one of the things we can offer God is our praise in words and song. Let every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

PRAYER: Lord of all, we praise and thank You for Scripture and song and the gift of Jesus. Amen.

ABOUT BECKY: Becky Nichols Smith is happily retired from career-work, and finds joy as a wife, mother and grandmother of four. Becky chairs our Worship Council and sings in the Sanctuary Choir.

PRESS THE RED BUTTON—OFTEN

By The Harle Family—Duncan, Sharon and Maria FOCAL SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:8–15

TUE/NOV

29

Tuesday Novembe

Christmas time in the Harle home always means decorations in every corner of the living room.

One such beloved piece is a plastic nativity barn that has all the characters—versions of Joseph and Mary, baby Jesus in a trough, the three wise men and a sprinkling of barn animals scattered all around. On top of this barn hangs an angel seemingly watching over this family of plastic characters. But the true beauty of this very ordinary piece of decoration is a little red button on the side of the barn and if you press it, Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from the Messiah plays out loud and clear, narrated by the “voice of God.” This voice also proclaims the Good News of the birth of Christ, as it gives glory to God. Maria loves this decoration. As a young child she would be the first to press that little red button, and she pressed it often throughout the Christmas season. This humble plastic decoration reminds our family of the simplicity of the birth of Christ, the proclamation of a Living God and His eternal reign as our Messiah.

PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for reminding us of the reason for celebrating Christmas. Help us to practice Christmas in our hearts all throughout the year. Amen.

ABOUT THE HARLES: Duncan, Sharon and Maria Harle are long-time members of Second-Ponce. Duncan and Sharon have served as Deacons and lead in adult Sunday School. Maria is a high school Junior at Atlanta Classical Academy and a member of the youth ministry.

THE MOST PRECIOUS GIFT

By Ernesto Lima Parets FOCAL SCRIPTURE: Psalm 95:1–7a

WED/NOV

30

We all have unique gifts that make us different—those faculties that allow us to dedicate ourselves to specific professions or make us especially useful in daily activities. Using these gifts to help and bless others is a way of praising God. In my case, making music is the best way I can praise God. Music allows for exceptional communication with Him because—even though I perform for the enjoyment of others and myself—I am giving Him the most valuable things I have: truth, emotions, honesty and ideas.

Music is perhaps the best way I can praise Him because it transcends all languages and all cultural differences. Music is a universal language all human beings can use to communicate; it is one of God’s most sublime languages. But I also believe that our lives are the most precious gift we can offer to Jesus. Living life in communion, dedication and support for others is, for me, the most beautiful way to offer praise. And nothing pleases God more than seeing us surrender our existence to Him and His creation.

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for depositing Your gifts in us. Let us share them and thus live a life in communion with You and praise You until the end of our days. Amen.

ABOUT ERNESTO: Born in Havana, Cuba, our Music Ministry Intern Ernesto Lima Parets has dedicated most of his life to music. He is finishing his master’s degree in Choral Conducting at Georgia State University and wishes to be useful to God and His people.

WITH MY WHOLE LIFE

By Andrea Clark FOCAL SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2:2; 11

THU/DEC

01

The wise men came in search of Jesus—who was promised—to give Him their best gifts. But our best gift is Jesus himself, and we should honor him with our most wonderful treasures. The magi worshipped the Christ Child by giving gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh and by bowing down in adoration, gratitude and honor.

But what can I do to worship Jesus?

I can praise Jesus with adoration because of who He is as Father God, Creator, Love, Sovereign, Holy, Eternal, Good, Perfect.

I can worship Jesus with gratitude for what He does as Alpha, Omega, Gracious, Merciful, Patient, Provider, Loving, Savior.

I can honor Jesus with praise because He is Worthy, Faithful, Powerful, Glory, Righteous, Just, Accessible, Wise, Impartial I will adore Jesus by choosing to love others, not based on if they’re deserving, but because they were created in His image.

I will cultivate an attitude of gratitude by thanking Jesus and talking with Him through prayer and daily reading His word.

I will honor Jesus by always being obedient to His word and voice, not just in the presence of others.

I’m learning that worshipping God is not just about singing songs or listening to praise music. I must worship Him with my whole life.

What can you do?

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, show us how to worship and praise in ways that are new and pleasing to You. Help us to first acknowledge You for who You are and thank You for what You do and will do. We always want to adore and praise You with honor, that You may be glorified. Amen.

ABOUT ANDREA: Andrea Clark says of herself, “I am the daughter of Father God, wife of Christopher Clark, mother of three beautiful adult girls and grandmother of one grandson.” Andrea and Christopher joined Second-Ponce in July 2022.

COME BEFORE HIM SINGING

By Bill Gabbard FOCAL SCRIPTURE: Psalm 100:1–5 Wednesday I embraced Christ as Savior in the summer of 1975 at the age of 14. The previous fall, I was invited November

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to a high school youth fellowship and, for several months, had faithfully attended weekly meetings which were sponsored by the local mission church where I lived. Every Tuesday night, we opened the weekly fellowship with songs—usually three or four—all of which were directly based on Scriptural texts. I was one of the few members of the group who could play the guitar, so I was quickly put on the music team—as a teenager! This was my first taste of musical leadership, and one of the first Scripture songs I learned was a setting of this Psalm.

It took me a while to figure out that the book of Psalms, in addition to its other uses, is the hymnbook for the people of God. I learned that Psalms like Psalm 100 are meant to be used as “calls to worship,” or proclamations by a musician or musical group, announcing that it is time for the assembly to begin focusing its attention on the Lord.

Each week, when I lead worship, I think about this Psalm as I and my fellow church musicians encourage everyone assembled in the Sanctuary to “come before His presence with singing” (verse 2). We should do so, as the same verse says, “with gladness.” Why? Because we are in the presence of our Creator and our Savior Jesus!

We don’t need the lights to be dimmed or candles to be lit, although those worship aids can be used sometimes to help us focus. God’s Word is sufficient! God’s Holy Spirit causes our hearts to turn to and focus on Him! PRAYER: O God, Your steadfast and enduring love does indeed last forever. Each and every time we gather to worship You, may Your Holy Spirit call and remind us to come through the gates of the Sanctuary and into the courts of Your blessed presence with up-raised voices. Singing in Your presence is heavenly! May we enjoy this little taste of Heaven each and every time we gather to worship You! In Jesus’ precious Name, Amen.

ABOUT BILL: Bill Gabbard is in his fourth year of leading Second-Ponce’s music ministry. This Christmas season, he and his wife, Mary Lynn, joyously await the arrival of their eighth grandchild.

TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN

By Comfort Ellis FOCAL SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 12:28–29

SAT/DEC

03

Advent occasionally reminds me of the adage “To whom much is given, much is expected.” In a sense, Hebrews 12:28 echoes that. God loves us so much that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die and save us. Because of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice we are redeemed and have the certain knowledge of our Lord’s abiding presence in all circumstances.

Considering all that God has given and done, we should be thankful.

Growing up, I was blessed to have people of faith encouraging me to read the Bible and to personally know the God of the Scripture. I thank the Lord for the blessed community of believers who continue to tell the story of Jesus. My hope is that each of us will not just simply repeat the story, but—with our own individual voices—make distinct claims of who we perceive this Person of the Advent—Jesus Christ—to be. We must interpret for our lives what that means. Through our personal experiences with Jesus, we will have something to add to the story—testimonies and declarations about Jesus that are uniquely ours.

Therefore, since we receive a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude and offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship with reverence and awe. Indeed, to whom much is given, much is expected. We have unlimited reasons to be thankful and could spend the rest of our lives worshipping and giving thanks and praise to God. A thankful heart will always find ways to express its gratitude.

PRAYER: Gracious and sustaining God, how excellent is Your name in all the earth. Please teach us how to worship, praise, serve and honor You, so that what we say and do is pleasing and acceptable in Your sight. Amen.

ABOUT COMFORT: Comfort Ellis, Second-Ponce’s Controller and Benefits Administrator, is an ordained minister with a Master of Divinity degree from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She loves to travel and said, “it has been a privilege and absolute joy to meet and get to know people from various countries and cultures.”

ADVENT WEEK 2 | GIFTS OF DISCIPLESHIP

Giving Jesus Our Learning and Growth

EXPLORING DISCIPLESHIP WHAT IS THE CONDITION OF YOUR SOIL?

In Matthew 13, Jesus shared the Parable of the Sower—the story of a farmer who scattered his crop seed in different places hoping for a bountiful harvest. The resulting crop’s abundance varied based on the condition—receptiveness—of each location’s soil.

Sunday

Birds ate the seeds scattered along the path because the seeds could not sink into the dry, dense DECEMBER dirt. When the seeds fell on rocky ground, where no nutrients were available to let the seed take root, they withered and died. And thorns choked out the good seeds of those that were scattered among them. Imagine how frustrated the sower must have been when so much seed was wasted on poor soil. But all was not lost because some seeds were scattered on good soil and a wonderful and vibrant crop grew!

04

Farmers today spend time reconditioning the soil to yield the greatest crop growth. Various approaches include using special fertilizer, rotating crops and even adding worms! It’s a long-term and never-ending process, much like our relationship with God. Personal discipleship is a lifelong act of love for God, striving to know Him better and helping others along the way.

What do you need to do to improve your “soil” so that it is hospitable for the Sower (God) and rich for harvest? This week, in addition to your regular spiritual practices, we encourage you to spend intentional time in discipleship.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK • Start a habit! Read the Bible & pray daily from now through December 31 • Try a new way of praying or walk a prayer labyrinth (find tips and ideas at www.spdl.org/advent) • Read a non-fiction book on Christian living or a Scriptural theme while you are taking time off during the holidays • Take a day of “Sabbath” and intentionally rest and meditate on God’s word—He created Sabbath, remember?

• Decline a holiday party invitation to spend some extra time with God • Spend 20 minutes in silence with God, listening for His voice • Strive for your Sunday School or small group attendance to be more consistent and encourage others to do the same • Start a new Bible study in the new year PRAYER FOR THE WEEK Father God, increase my desire to know You. Help me to model my life after the greatest gift ever given—Jesus. Lead me to actions that increase the goodness of my soil for harvest. Amen.

EVERY FIBER OF MY BEING

By Gayle Suggs FOCAL SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 6:4–9

MON/DEC

05

Several years ago, a friend and her family moved to a different house in the same city. But as moves often go, they quickly found something in the new home that needed to be fixed and required removing an exterior board above the front door. When the board came off, the contractor called my friend to come look. Using a Sharpie, the former owner (who had also been the home’s builder) had written a favorite Scripture verse on the framing over the entry door. This Bible verse was a testament to the builder’s faith in God; he had taken Deuteronomy 6:9 quite literally!

Today’s Scripture reminds us of who God is and how much He loves us. To reciprocate this love takes every fiber of our being—heart, soul and strength. Truly, we are holistic beings. And as recipients of the Greatest Gift of all, we give back to God by keeping His commands. We seek to deepen our understanding of God through the study of His word. We pray and ask for His direction. And we teach the next generation what we have learned about God, not just on Sunday mornings, but daily by the way we live and serve. Our gift back to God is the gift of all that we are—heart, soul and strength.

Let me encourage you this season to write down a favorite Bible verse and put it where you’ll see it daily. It doesn’t have to be on your doorframe—the bathroom mirror or kitchen refrigerator would be fine. Read that verse daily and remember to give all of yourself—every fiber of your being—back to God each morning.

PRAYER: Holy Father, we give You back the life we owe—heart, soul and strength. Use all that we are for Your Kingdom and glory.

In Christ’s name, Amen.

ABOUT GAYLE: Gayle Suggs is Chair of the Discipleship Council, an adult Sunday School teacher, member of the Sanctuary Choir and helps with Second-Ponce communications. She and her husband, Rob, live in Brookhaven and are the parents of two adult children.

DO NOT NEGLECT YOUR GIFT

By Becky Shoaf FOCAL SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 4:13–16

TUE/DEC

06

When I was ordained in 2005, something happened during the “laying on hands.” It felt like standing in a sacred space. Some people have similar experiences when being baptized. For me, this was evidence of my commitment to proclaim the Good News to the poor and promote freedom for the oppressed (Luke 4); both are part of the commitments I made that day. With great certainty, I can say that we are all called to preach the Good News by the way we live and the choices we make.

The apostle Paul, a strong defender of the faith and once called a “gifted child,” nurtured a close relationship with Timothy for more than 20 years. They both grew up not even mentioning the name of God, just as their Jewish mothers taught them. Yet God called the two to give up everything to preach the Good News daily. When Paul lost his independence to visit churches, he coached Timothy and found in him a succession plan with his “true son.” Timothy was dispatched to distant churches to teach from Paul’s letters and their conversations and shared experiences.

The same spiritual practices Timothy learned from Paul should inform our lives as Christians today. Prayer and scripture reading are our gifts to God as we imitate the life of Christ. This Scripture, 1 Timothy 4:13–16, turns my heart toward reconsidering the way I spend my time. Have I devoted my heart to sharing Scripture? What am I doing to share the Good News today? These are central questions, above many others, that are magnified in this Advent season. What will I give?

PRAYER: Help us share all the gifts You have entrusted to us, individually and collectively, O Lord. Here we are, send us. Amen.

ABOUT BECKY: Dr. Rebecca Shoaf is a retired hospital chaplain. She is one of the team teachers in her Sunday School class, a member of the Discipleship Council and part of the prayer group that gathers to lift up our ministers, staff and community.

MUSCLE MEMORY

By John Uldrick FOCAL SCRIPTURE: James 1:22–25

WED/DEC

07

The book of James is a letter written to Messianic Jews living outside the land of Israel. This first gathering of believers might have been the intended audience, but the book of James doesn’t read like something Paul wrote to a specific church at Corinth or Galatia. James’ letter was instructive for all followers of Jesus in that day and therefore is also clear and helpful for us today! James’ goal was to speak directly to the life and actions of Christ’s followers, pushing himself squarely into our everyday business.

Life is about action, isn’t it? As I reflect back on my life, so many of the things I remember fondly have been experiences I have lived—not just words I have read or even thoughts I have pondered. Father Richard Rohr, an American Franciscan priest and writer on spirituality, said, “We do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking.” Rohr may as well be talking directly about our passage from James today.

As Christians, we’re called to action—toward living out what we believe—because action and movement instruct. Action and movement are disciplines that create and build new muscle memory for Christ-followers. That muscle memory allows us to remember and follow through with Christ-centered and disciplined action, even when times are tough. May we build muscle memory that reflects on Christ’s example and calls us to live as active participants in the Kingdom of God! PRAYER: Christ of active love, call us towards more action and less talk. As we serve others in Your name, bless the new muscles we’ll build for growth that supports and expands Your Kingdom here on earth. Amen.

ABOUT JOHN: John Uldrick serves as Associate Pastor at Second-Ponce. He and his wife, Jennifer, celebrated 25 years of marriage in August and are proud of their grown children, Annalise and Charlie.

SECURE IT TO THE BASE

By Aaron and Amanda Payne FOCAL SCRIPTURE: Luke 6:46–49

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08

When we bought our first home, one of the things that excited us was the idea of a live Christmas tree for the holidays. There was just one problem: we didn’t have any experience putting up a live tree. Our families had live trees at different points in our childhoods, but neither of us paid much attention to that lesson.

The process of putting up our carefullyselected tree went something like this: Aaron (while on his hands and knees under the tree): Is it straight?

Amanda (while hugging the tree, trying her best to keep it from falling over): I think so? Just hurry and secure it to the base!

Aaron quickly attached the tree to the base, and we set about decorating. We added lights, ribbon and ornaments. We stood back when we were finished, relishing in our handiwork. As it turns out, making sure the trunk of the tree is secure in the base is really important. While we were sipping on celebratory cups of hot cocoa, the tree toppled.

Luckily, we didn’t lose any priceless ornaments during the ordeal, but we did learn a valuable lesson that we try to teach our kids every year when we’re putting up our tree. They, like us, get really excited about the idea of decorating and want to rush straight to throwing on lights and ornaments. We remind them that making sure the base is secure is really important and hopefully they’re paying attention!

PRAYER: God, we are thankful for opportunities to learn and re-learn important lessons about You. Help us as we learn to build our foundation and help others build theirs. Amen.

ABOUT AARON AND AMANDA: Aaron and Amanda Payne have been members of Second-Ponce for almost 14 years.

They are in the RelÁt Sunday School class and co-hosts of the Parents Connect Zoom small group. Aaron serves on the Finance Committee and Discipleship Council, and Amanda is an active Deacon. Their daughters, Clara and Emily, are active in the Kids’ Club. Aaron and Amanda are originally from Blue Ridge, Georgia, and enjoy returning to their hometown to spend time outdoors as a family.

ARE YOU WILLING TO TEACH?

By Howell Williams FOCAL SCRIPTURE: 2 Thessalonians 2:14–15

FRI/DEC

09

Are you willing to teach?

That question, from a Sunday School teacher, brought an immediate response from me—“No, never.” What an unimaginable question to ask an introvert—preposterous! I had just begun coming to Sunday School again after several years away; I wasn’t ready to teach. I had a real thirst to learn more ... Bible study, classes, Sunday School? Yes. Teaching? No, never.

However, God is persistent.

I was asked again, then again, and the third time I said, “Yes, I will try.” So, I made the leap of faith and taught my first lesson.

It was frightening, just as I knew that it would be. However, everyone in my Sunday School class was kind and supportive, and, for several years now, I have been doing the thing that terrified me.

This I am sure of: preparing a Sunday School lesson requires and allows me to go deeper into the Word. This is the gift of teaching—that you, the teacher, learn more. Preparing the lesson has deepened my knowledge and understanding of the Bible.

But how is teaching a gift to Jesus? Presenting a lesson based on Scripture helps us all to know God’s nature and His promises.

We also gain wisdom, discernment and encouragement. Teaching is a way to spread the Word of God and it has given me an avenue for action. It is service and when we serve others, we serve God. PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You that we are able to gather on Sunday morning to study Your word. We are grateful for the opportunity to come closer to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

ABOUT HOWELL: Howell Williams is a member of and teacher in the Friendship Sunday School class. She serves with the Discipleship Council and Sunday morning coffee team. In her spare time, she designs jewelry.

A Gift Only HOLDING THE FATHER’S HAND

JESUS CAN OFFER

By Terri Bunch

FOCAL SCRIPTURE: Psalm 73:23–28

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As a child, I remember standing at a busy intersection and without thinking, I lifted my hand. I was confident that my dad would be beside me and would take my hand to lead me safely across the street. As I grew older, I knew that my father would talk to me about anything; and that his wisdom and experience would guide me. Throughout my entire life, I knew my father was always there, and I could count on him for anything.

Today’s Scripture emphasizes that God, our Father, is with us and states, “you hold my right hand.” In the very same way that our own earthly fathers hold our hands to cross the street, our God will also hold our hands. We have the unique opportunity to be counseled by the Creator of the universe. He is always with us and He will always be with us.

All we must do is reach up.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we are grateful that You are always with us. Thank You for the gift of Your presence in our lives. Amen.

ABOUT COMFORT: Comfort Ellis, Second-Ponce’s church accountant, is an ordained minister with a Master of Divinity degree from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She loves to travel, saying “it has been a privilege and

ABOUT TERRI: Terri Bunch is a 6th-grade math teacher at Campbell Middle School. She has been a member of Second-Ponce since 1985.

ADVENT WEEK 3 | GIFTS OF MISSIONS

Giving Jesus Our Sharing and Serving

EXPLORING MISSIONS

DIVE RIGHT IN AND HELP

God asks us to help others, meet needs, show hospitality and share our knowledge of His character with the world—that’s mission. Jesus leads by example by providing food to the hungry, healing to the sick and preaching and teaching the values of the Kingdom of God. God loves us and He showed it through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

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Often, we give from the remainder of our abundance, skimming a little off the top to “give back.”

Sometimes, we even hesitate to give at all because we might be scammed. What if, as Paul suggests, we “in humility, value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3)? What would your response be if your child’s best friend was so hungry they could not concentrate in school, if your mother needed to heat her house or if your best friend suddenly lost their job and, with it, health insurance for their family? I hope your answer is to dive right in and help!

God asks us to value others—those we barely know, those who are our enemies, those with a different lifestyle than us—as the same, or better, than ourselves and as worthy of our love and support. Mission involves both helping your neighbor and telling them about Jesus. This week, spend some intentional time sharing and serving others.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK • Prepare a gift bag (or two) for someone homeless to keep in your car (bag suggestions at www.spdl.org/advent) • Thank a cashier for their help—calling them by name—and commit to praying for that person all week • Put a little extra money into the tip of your server at a restaurant • Mail a grocery gift card anonymously to someone you know who is having trouble making ends meet • Donate the cost of your daily cup of coffee or a similar treat this week or month to a non-profit whose work you admire • Go on a trash walk and help clean up the neighborhood or local park • Leave a bag of quarters with a note on a washing machine at a laundromat or on a parking meter • Donate new children’s pajamas, underwear or socks to a local shelter • Share what Christ means to you with a coworker or friend • Speak up in the breakroom against injustice and bullying • Decide as a household to forego an extra present and commit those resources to the long-term support of others PRAYER FOR THE WEEK God of justice, mercy and love, show me ways to help others and share Your love and salvation with them. Help me to step outside my comfort zone to share and serve. Amen.

Pruning for a Bountiful PILING IN THE STATION WAGON

HARVEST

By George Trusler

FOCAL SCRIPTURE: 1 John 3:16–18

MON/DEC

12

Growing up in a small town in South Carolina and going to the local Baptist Church taught me much about giving and helping others. We didn’t really know it, but we didn’t have a lot and neither did anyone else in the community.

But at Christmas, all the neighbors came together to do all we could to help a few families in more need than us. We would search for the best price on turkeys and oranges. Moms would make pies and cakes. We even got some hard candy from Mr. Gossett who worked for a candy company. We would pile into a couple of station wagons and drive to the households that had been chosen to receive our help. We would surprise them with this gift of food and sing carols.

Giving to others … that’s what we are to do to show our love, just like the love Jesus showed to us.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, please help us to remember the love Jesus showed to us by dying on the cross. In our daily actions, help us to love others in a way that reflects the love of God. Amen.

ABOUT GEORGE: George Trusler, a member of Second-Ponce since 2015, chairs our Mission Council. He sings bass in the Sanctuary choir, is a member of the Biblical Explorers Sunday School class, an active Deacon and member of the Finance Committee. George also serves behind the scenes of multiple ministries. He has participated in six mission trips to Miami and often serves as the chef!

EVERY DAY IS A GOOD DAY

By Gail Thomas FOCAL SCRIPTURE: Matthew 28:18–20

TUE/DEC

13

“Every day I’m here is a good day.”

This was an answer given to me as one of our RCA (Respite Care Atlanta) members was leaving for the day. And you know what? It was exactly the way I felt!

Through volunteering with Respite Care, I have been blessed with the opportunity to spend time with those in our surrounding community who are on the dementia spectrum. We share with them a day filled with cognitive activities, crafts, music, exercise, games and food. Most of all, they are individually attended to by loving and compassionate volunteers.

I feel this is a God-given gift to me, as it fills a need I have to exemplify His love to others. It’s a mission field with the reward of smiles and hugs as participants say “hello,” “goodbye” and “see you next time!”

I am reminded of Isaiah’s words of response to God, “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then said I, ‘Here I am Lord, send me.’” (Isaiah 6:8) Every day is a good day for these words to be our response to Jesus’ Great Commission to “Go ye therefore.”

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for the health and physical ability that allows me to do Your will ... to love and serve others in words and actions. You have blessed me with family, church and church friends and country ... my heart overflows with gratitude.

Amen.

ABOUT GAIL: Gail Thomas, a member of Second-Ponce since 2007, volunteers as a receptionist in the church office. She was ordained as a Deacon in 2020, is active in the Gloriana Sunday School class and volunteers with the Respite Care Atlanta (RCA) program which is co-sponsored by Second-Ponce. She also is blessed to be able to spend time with her twelve locally residing grandchildren.

OFFERING OUR EMPTINESS

By Jennifer Uldrick FOCAL SCRIPTURE: Galatians 6:7–10

WED/NOV

14

Henri Nouwen wrote in Reaching Out, “But real training for service asks for a hard and often painful process of self-emptying. The main problem of service is to be a way without being ‘in the way.’” So many times, when we try to serve others and to do good in Christ’s name, we get in the way, don’t we? We think we know what’s best for them.

Our own experience is so vast and insightful; we can “fix” their problems. When we train to serve others though, it’s not training to become rich, but rather to become voluntarily poor. Instead of attempting to fulfill ourselves, we are to empty ourselves. Instead of attempting to conquer God, or even others, we surrender to God’s saving power.

But every day, our world tells us about the importance of power and influence. Our world says “followers” matter, clicks matter and power over others is the best. Instead, maybe the job we’re called to as Christians—this work of doing good—is to remain a voice crying out about our weakness. As Nouwen describes it, maybe our good work for the good of all is “offering our emptiness, our usefulness in becoming useless, our power in becoming powerless.” After all, when we get our own desires out of the way of Christ’s call on our life, the harvest is plentiful, isn’t it?

PRAYER: Christ has no body but ours. Ours are the only hands with which He can do His work. Ours are the only feet with which He can go about the world. Ours are the only eyes through which His compassion can shine forth upon a troubled world. Christ has no body on earth but ours. Amen. (Adapted from Teresa of Avila)

ABOUT JENNIFER: Jennifer Uldrick serves as Principal at West Central Elementary in Rome, Georgia. She and her husband, John, celebrated 25 years of marriage in August and are proud of their grown children, Annalise and Charlie.

NEVER MISS AN OPPORTUNITY

By Anne Marie Alexander FOCAL SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 13:15–16

THU/DEC

15

My father was the most generous man I have ever known. To me, he was larger than life. His generosity of spirit overflowed in his actions, his words and even his laughter! Most of all, I remember him telling me to never miss an opportunity to do someone a favor. As an adult, I have relied on that advice in my personal and professional lives. I will admit that I have done favors for people hoping for one in return, but the best favors were given when I expected nothing back.

In fact, as a Christian, those words of advice from my father have taken on an even greater meaning. Doing someone a favor has become helping an elderly stranger with heavy lifting at the grocery store, making a donation or providing a meal to help others or speaking words of support to build people up rather than tear them down.

I have always thought of these things as serving God, but they are also sacrifices. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were required. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ offered the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. Now, our sacrifices are to praise God, sing His praises and do good, and through these things, communicate our joy and love for the God who loves us beyond measure!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I thank You and praise You for the beautiful view from my window every morning, for the love and fellowship I find in my church and for the opportunity to praise You every day with my words and with my actions! Amen.

ABOUT ANNE MARIE: Anne Marie Alexander is an active Deacon and part of the Open Door Sunday School class. She prays with a small Zoom-based group for the ministries of Second-Ponce. Anne Marie also coordinates the friendly faces of the Sunday morning greeters in the Welcome Center.

USING MY GIFTS

By Angelyn Turner FOCAL SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 4:10

FRI/DEC

16

God has given each of us different gifts, and we need to use those gifts to serve and help others.

When I think about the gifts God has given me, my thoughts immediately turn to music. I love to sing and make music of all kinds.

Working with children’s choirs for most of my “Second-Ponce life,” I found that my other passion is children—sharing and helping them understand God’s love, particularly through music. That is one reason I felt a distinct pull over the last two years to be a part of the Miami mission trip. I can give back to the Lord by showing my love for the children and my love for Jesus.

What talents, skills and resources has God gifted to you? How can you use those gifts to serve and help others?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, using the gifts You gave, give me a passion for sharing Christ’s love with all I meet. Help me to be mindful of helping others in all that I do. Amen.

ABOUT ANGELYN: Angelyn Turner has been a member of Second-Ponce and the Sanctuary Choir since just after college.

She volunteers on Wednesday nights in the Kids’ Club. Angelyn and her husband, Noel, met at Second-Ponce and raised their two sons here.

Light A GiftofOnly BREAKING THE RULES

THE JESUS WORLD CAN OFFER

By Allie Osborne

FOCAL SCRIPTURE: Micah 6:8

SAT/DEC

17

I love to break the rules. … and I think most of us do. We drive 8mph over the speed limit because 9 could get us a ticket. We log in to our cousin’s fiancé’s sister’s Netflix account and pretend to live in the same household. We bring our coffee mugs into the Sanctuary, but we keep them below pew level and lean over to sip quickly when we think no one is watching. We find small ways to step outside of the boundaries that have been set for us. But why do we do that? Why not just follow the rules?

I once had a conversation with my manager at Starbucks after I was in trouble for the third time for heating up my personal chicken nuggets in the company oven. She asked me, “Why is it so hard for you to follow the rules?” I thought hard about her question and answered, “Because it’s not important to me.”

When we think about what it takes to be a part of God’s family, it’s easy to drift to the list of do’s and don’ts like we would have at a job. We do pray, we do worship, we do love thy neighbor; we don’t cheat, we don’t steal, we don’t murder. We do show up on time, we do follow the dress code, we don’t put our nuggets in the company oven. It’s like we can put a big green check next to the rules we follow and a big red X next to the rules we don’t.

But God’s rules are different. The requirements to be a part of God’s family are not neatly listed for us even though we have tried for centuries to make it that simple. It’s less about what we do and what we don’t do, and more about who we are—and we are each someone who is loved deeply by a God whose forgiveness never dries up. We do justice, we love kindness and we walk humbly with God because it’s important to us. We live for the moment when all of us rule-breakers come face-to-face with mercy.

PRAYER: God of salvation, we are imperfect beings set to accomplish impossible tasks. Yet, deep in Your mercy where we abide, our only requirement is to be loved by You. Lead us alongside You to justice, to kindness and to mercy. Amen.

ABOUT ALLIE: Rev. Allie Osborne and her two cats, Poppy and Scooter, came to us from Richmond, Virginia. Allie serves as the Minister of Community and Children’s Discipleship at Second-Ponce.

ADVENT WEEK 4 | GIFTS OF COMMUNITY

Giving Jesus Our Love and Fellowship

EXPLORING COMMUNITY IT IS IN THE WALKING SIDE BY SIDE

In Acts 2, we learn why the early church’s message spread so quickly. They devoted themselves to God and each other. They spent life together—sharing meals, giving corporately to those in need, rejoicing together in worship and even sharing struggles. Others around them couldn’t help but see a difference in how this group acted and treated each other. They showed love.

Sunday

DECEMBER

18

COVID has impacted our gathering in so many ways. We are grateful for the technology that allows us to remotely participate in worship, Sunday School or SPdLU, but one more brick is laid in the barrier wall to true fellowship and learning every time we miss something. Be honest, how many times have you gotten up in the middle of online worship to “just take care of something.” How often have you played a game on your phone or checked Instagram while sitting through online Bible study? How many times have you joined Zoom without video?

Hebrews exhorts us to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess … not giving up in meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” Every time we neglect to spend time with fellow believers (whether at Second-Ponce or elsewhere), a little bit of hope is lost and a little bit of defeat is gained. It’s in walking side by side that we receive daily support and encouragement—whether through family, friends, fellow church members or other believers.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK • Call a friend you have not spoken to in a long time • Visit an elderly or homebound neighbor or church member bringing homemade treats and little necessities like lotion, mints, a devotional book, etc.

• Ask for forgiveness from a coworker or family member • Sit in a different part of the Sanctuary during worship and have a conversation with those around you • Help a sibling with their chores • Write a note of thanks to a SPdL lay leader or volunteer (i.e., Sunday School teacher, children’s volunteer, church desk volunteer, administrative staff member, choir or orchestra member) or some other volunteer in the community • Invite a church member/family to share a meal together in January PRAYER FOR THE WEEK God of love, help me to love others fully, completely and extravagantly. Help me to step outside my comfort zone to show love. Amen.

Jesus is the Pruning for a Bountiful WATCH ME, AND DO WHAT I DO

GREATEST HARVEST GIFT

By Ron Watts

FOCAL SCRIPTURE: John 13:34

MON/DEC

19

When I was young, I wanted to tie my own necktie. Naturally, I asked my father for help. He could have given me detailed instructions or shown me a picture. But instead, he said, “Just watch me and do what I do.” After watching him a few times and trying to imitate what he did, I figured it out. I was proudly tying my own ties from then on.

As Jesus was leaving His disciples, He wanted them to know that it was essential that they love each other. His lesson was simple: just watch me and do what I do. Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated how we should love each other. Whether rich or poor, a devoted follower or one hungry person in a crowd of thousands, Jesus treated everyone with compassion. Jesus loved the people no one else loved. He even loved the people who wanted him killed.

Jesus knew that for the Church to survive, it must be built on love like His. When we follow His example, we build a strong, growing community of faith. The best gift we can give Jesus is to follow His example and love everyone. Even if they aren’t like us, even if they don’t love us. Everyone.

PRAYER: Father, thank You for sending Your Son to show us how to love one another. Help us to remember that every person we meet is someone You love and someone who needs our love in return. Amen.

ABOUT RON: Since 1974, Ron Watts has been active in the life of Second-Ponce including service as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Community Council chair and volunteer in the TV and communication ministries. Ron and his wife, Juliane, provide their support to a variety of church projects and events throughout the year. Ron was recently honored as a Life Deacon.

RECEPTION DESK COOKIES

By Sally Angevine

FOCAL SCRIPTURE: Romans 12:9–13; 16

TUE/DEC

20

Christina Rosetti’s poem set to music, “In the Bleak Midwinter,” asks, “What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I’d give Him a lamb; If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part.

Yet what can I give Him; give Him my heart.” Though none of us reading this devotional are shepherds or Wise Men, we can still find a message for us in that poem. We can all give Him our hearts, and when we do this, we act in love and service to others.

Second-Ponce affords us many opportunities to give Him our heart and to serve others. From supporting our partnership with Garden Hills Elementary students, to our Miami mission trip, to supporting Ukrainian aid projects and volunteering to help with special activities. We all have the chance to love others through our God-given gifts.

Every caring act is important; nothing is too small or insignificant when we are sincerely reaching out with genuine care for others. If you stop by the church office on Monday afternoons, I will share homemade cookies and a smile with you from the reception desk. You may not bake cookies, but you can always share a smile and a word of encouragement to everyone you see, whether at church or in your community. If you’ve missed seeing someone at church, take a few minutes to give them a call, send an email or write a note. Giving our hearts to Him requires giving our time and energy to Him, too. In a season of giving, loving God and loving others are our most precious gifts.

PRAYER: Lord, show us ways to give You our hearts by sharing our gifts from You with everyone we meet. Amen.

ABOUT SALLY: Sally Angevine is a retired elementary school teacher. Her grandparents were members of Second-Ponce for over 50 years and her mother grew up here. In addition to providing support to our church communications, Sally is in her third year of service as a reception desk volunteer in the church office.

Jesus is the PROTECTING THE CHRIST WITHIN

GREATEST GIFT

By Laurie Entrekin

FOCAL SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 3:13

WED/DEC

21

In my house at Christmas, there is so much joy and wonder in seeing pretty wrapped packages beneath a lit tree! My children still get down on the floor to closely inspect the gifts. Whether they can guess what’s inside or not, they expect all the presents to be good. They would never expect to unwrap, say, spoiled deli meat or a moth-eaten pair of socks. What an idea!

It’s got me thinking, though. The world outside my cozy den is not so straightforward. In a culture rampant with approvalseeking and the frenzied pursuit of physical beauty, looking good on the outside is no guarantee of inner goodness. On the flip side, unattractiveness is not a reliable marker of sin.

Sin is so deceptive. How often do we encounter sin and find it so truly repulsive that our reaction is the same as opening that bag of moldy turkey? Rather, sin appeals to us, to our longings for admiration, power and possessions. In its deceitfulness, sin may seem like a small price to pay for friends or followers. Over time, seasoned with shame, covered with secrets and lies to keep it hidden, sin hardens us. Before long, perhaps, we’re prettying up our sin. Later still, we might even go so far as to present it to a loved one with a wide smile on our faces, calling it the exact opposite of what it is.

Dear God, let us never deny our capacity for rebellion. Let us be mindful of our inner Herod!

As Christians, our hearts are Christ’s home. My heart is both my offering to God and the place where I receive His most precious gift to me. I cannot be hospitable to Christ when I allow my sin to live within me, too. The Lord’s voice calls us to believe, obey and to enter into the rest He has promised us. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts! There is mercy to be found at the throne of grace. This Christmas, may we, with confidence, draw near to receive it.

PRAYER: Lord, let us encourage one another to hear Your voice, to stand down and relinquish our sin, to protect the Christ life within us. Let us not turn away from each other in exasperation, despair or apathy. Let us speak with courage. Let us speak with hope. Let us speak with gentleness, without pointing fingers, since we ourselves are beset with weakness. And let us do all this while it is still today. Amen.

ABOUT LAURIE: Laurie Entrekin is a children’s Sunday School teacher and mom to two fantastic kids, Katie and Lindsey.

“SHARING” WITH MY SISTER

By Meg Rooney FOCAL SCRIPTURE: Colossians 3:13–14 (Msg)

THU/DEC

22

Growing up, one of the biggest struggles between my older sister, Beth, and me was sharing clothes. Beth had great style and, for some reason, never asked to borrow any of my clothes. But if I was lucky, I would be able to sneak out of the house wearing her new sweater that I had been eyeing for a week. No matter how hard I tried to be sneaky, she always found out I had worn her clothes without asking. I would offer words of apology, claiming that it would never happen again. Beth would begrudgingly forgive. And then it happened again the following week.

Have you ever asked for forgiveness when you knew you may have to ask again later? Have you ever felt like you are constantly extending forgiveness to others? Our Scripture today speaks about being called to “forgive as quickly and completely” as Jesus forgives us, even for the seemingly small act of borrowing your sister’s clothes without asking. As I continued to wear Beth’s clothes, she continued to “wear love.” It is not something you can borrow or take away. It is something that every person can freely give and freely receive. Love never goes out of style.

PRAYER: Creator God, please remind me that wearing love is the greatest commandment You ask of us. Encourage me to share that love wherever I go. Amen.

ABOUT MEG: From Richmond, Virginia, Meg Rooney is a first-year graduate student at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She serves Second-Ponce as the Interim Youth Intern and is a participant in the Sanctuary Choir on Sunday mornings.

Jesus is the

WALKING IN THE LIGHT TOGETHER

GREATEST GIFT

By Jill and Steve Reams

FOCAL SCRIPTURE: 1 John 1:7

FRI/DEC

23

Advent is the season of renewal, and it is also the season when lights suddenly appear everywhere.

Our family has a long tradition of driving around the city to view Christmas decorations. Even before we started a family, we loved doing this as a couple. After we had children, this tradition was a great way to get them to go to sleep before they figured out what we were up to. It is still thrilling when Christmas lights appear.

During Advent, we quite literally walk in the lights. But are we walking in the light spiritually as well? Scripture tells us that if we walk in the light, as Jesus is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. Walking in the light is essential to our fellowship. Some commentaries state that to walk in the light means to avoid wickedness and error. In other words, our sin undermines our community.

Christianity is meant to be practiced in a community and Second-Ponce always shows up when needed in ways big and small.

Our church prayerfully supports food banks and missions. Our Sunday School classes bring meals to support members in crisis and celebrate praiseworthy events. Several years ago, this powerful community supported our entire family, both physically and spiritually, when Steve faced a life-threatening illness. Our church family did not simply wake up and decide to make that effort. They were prepared to respond through tremendous community-building developed by many members walking in the light. None of us are perfect, which is why we need Jesus. As we approach another Christmas, strive to walk in the light for God, yourself and our church community.

PRAYER: Dear Lord as we approach another season of Your birth, please let us walk in the light to build a loving church community as You would have us do. Help us to be the Church to each other and the world. Amen.

ABOUT JILL AND STEVE: Jill and Steve Reams have been members of Second-Ponce for almost 25 years. They raised their three children, Abigail, Jake and Sarah, through active involvement in this loving and supportive community.

Light A GiftofOnly

CHRISTMAS EVE BLESSINGS

THE JESUS WORLD CAN OFFER

By Eddie Applegate

FOCAL SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 10:24–25

SAT/DEC

24

Encouragement and good deeds take on many forms during the Christmas season—acts of charity, donations to those in need and spreading goodwill and cheer. I personally experienced these encouraging and good deeds in December 2021 during an unexpected and unwanted situation. My dad had been unwell and had to be hospitalized.

We thought he’d make it home for Christmas, but sadly on December 23, 2021, he passed away.

The next day was Christmas Eve and I expected us to have a quiet day alone, but thankfully, we didn’t. Friends from church, neighbors and family all stepped up to deliver food, hugs, memories and love. They took time to check on us and provide for our needs even though they had their own plans and family to see. From my aunt inviting us over for a Christmas Day cookout to a couple I hadn’t seen in over 30 years dropping off chicken, people showed us the hands, feet and heart of Christ at Christmas.

Jesus did the same throughout His life, and He expects us to do the same all year long.

PRAYER: Father God, please help us remember this season to be Your hands, feet and hearts to those around us. May we help where needed and always show love to others. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

ABOUT COMFORT: Comfort Ellis, Second-Ponce’s church accountant, is an ordained minister with a Master of Divinity degree from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She loves to travel, saying “it has been a privilege and absolute joy to meet and get to know peoples from various countries and cultures.”

ABOUT EDDIE: Eddie Applegate has been a member of Second-Ponce for four years. He teaches Sunday School, serves as a Deacon and is active in the Sanctuary Choir. Originally from Alabama, Eddie works in ad sales support and has lived in Alpharetta for over ten years.

A GIFT BEYOND DESCRIPTION

By Dock Hollingsworth FOCAL SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 9:15

SUN/DEC

25

I love words. One of the joyful parts of my calling as a preacher is that I get to sit in my study and think, pray, write and try to put language to our shared experiences. I get to find God’s work in the world and then use words to help us all “enter the mystery” together. But sometimes what I hope to describe is just beyond my language; it is just too beautiful. As my friend Paul Duke once said, “Our best words describing God are just toy arrows flung at the moon.”

When my twins were born, I went mute. Every attempted description of what happened in that delivery room seemed beyond language. There are some moments that are so holy and captivating that our words all raise their hands and ask to be excused— they know they are not up to the task.

I’m convinced this is why we sing so much at Christmas. We know that simple prose won’t reach high enough; we need organ and brass and vocal notes that soar. Some of God’s grace and goodness is beyond what we can hope to describe. Maybe the Apostle Paul saw the limits of his language too when describing God’s Jesus gift to us. He threw up his hands, looked to heaven and said, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” Some gifts of grace are just beyond our describing.

PRAYER: Holy God, You have given us the gift of Your Son this Christmas Day. We try to give back to You our praise, but we confess that our words often fall short. So, rouse us to give more than words—inspire us to give our lives in service of the Christ Child, in Whose name we pray, Amen.

ABOUT DOCK: Dock Hollingworth is Senior Pastor of Second-Ponce. He and his wife, Melissa, get to spend Christmas with two children and two grandchildren who are reminders that God continues to give good gifts to the world.

YEA, LORD WE GREET THEE BORN THIS HAPPY MORNING

Merry Christmas!

SPEND ADVENT WITH US

THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT SECOND-PONCE NOVEMBER ADVENT SEASON EVENTS

• Sunday, Nov. 27 | First Sunday of Advent | Sunday School/Small Groups at 9:45 a.m. | Worship at 11 a.m.

• Wednesday, Nov. 30 | Last day of Toco Hills Community Alliance food drive

DECEMBER ADVENT SEASON EVENTS

• • • • • • • •

Saturday, Dec. 3 | Young Adult Friendsgiving/Christmas Party | 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 4 | Christmas Cantata: Let There Be Christmas | 11 a.m. | Sanctuary | Reception to follow Wednesday, Dec. 7 | Community Night and Christmas Carols | Dinner line opens at 5 p.m. | Carols at 6 p.m Friday–Saturday, Dec. 9–10 | Youth Christmas Party and Lock-In Tuesday, Dec. 13 | Prime Timers Christmas Meal & Trip to Botanical Gardens | 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17 | Kids’ Club Christmas Pajama Party | 5:30–9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 24 | Candlelight Christmas Eve Service | 6 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 25 | Christmas Day | No Sunday School | Coffee time at 10:15 a.m. | Worship at 11 a.m.

A FEW CALENDAR NOTES

• The church office will be closed Friday, December 23 and Monday, December 26 • There are no Wednesday night activities December 14, 21 or 28

JOIN US ALL YEAR

• • • •

Sunday School and Small Groups | Sundays | 9:45 a.m.

Worship | Sundays | 11 a.m. | In person and online | www.fb.com/secondponce | www.livestream.com/spdl Fellowship Supper | Wednesdays | Serving line opens at 5 p.m. | $8/adult; $5/child Adult Bible Study and Activities for Children and Youth | Wednesdays | 6 p.m.

Check out all Second-Ponce events at www.spdl.org/calendar.

Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church 2715 Peachtree RD NE | Atlanta, GA 30305 404.266.8111 | www.spdl.org | Facebook & Instagram: @secondponce