Dear Beloved,
As we stand at the beginning of a new Advent season, a time of anticipation and preparation, I am reminded of the deep sense of "coming toward" that it holds. The days grow shorter, and a special kind of light emerges from the darkness as we prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas.
This year, like the ones before it, has presented its share of challenges. Yet, in the midst of it all, Advent calls us to find renewed hope and to see the great mystery of God's presence in our lives and the world. It is a season of waiting, but waiting in hope, as we look forward to the peace and joy that Christ's birth brings.
To help us enter into this season more fully, I invite you to bask in the presence of God through the reading of these devotionals. I want express my proud gratitude to all of the authors who contributed to this year’s devotional book. This is the beginning of another fruitful ministry here at “The T”.
May the hope of Advent be with you and your families. May you experience the peace of Christ’s coming anew into our world, our homes, our church community, and our hearts.
Let’s keep growing! Let’s keep moving forward! Let’s keep lifting the work of Jesus Christ higher.
May God continue to richly bless you and your family.
Be Fruitful!!
Rev. Dr. D. K. Kearney, Senior Pastor
ADVENT
As I gave thought to this topic, I realized that I had taken the word, Advent, for granted.
After examining various literature booklets and hymnals, I began to realize the importance of this season to each of us Christians. It is the gift of time. Yes, time to focus upon, renew, and concentrate on the greatest Gift of all! Advent is a clear reminder of God’s Gift to humankind of His Love: the Baby Jesus, who was/is fully God & fully man.
Note: The fact that God’s Gift was a baby is significant because humankind generally adores babies.
This Baby was born into a world that expected a king or military leader to free them from tyranny of Rome.
This baby Jesus was special, bringing joy, hope, peace and love.
Therefore, let us all adore Him.
Our church hymnals declare:
“Come Thou Long - Expected Jesus” (#103)
“Christians Awake” (#117)
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (#102)
“Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” (#107)
“Angels from the Realms of Glory” (#119)
What, then, should we do in 2025 to thank God for the historic first-coming of Jesus so long ago? (as we await His Second-coming)
Let us look closely at the word, ADVENT
A - Admit your sinfulness; Accept Christs’ Love; Act Kindly to your neighbor/ strangers.
D - Devote daily time in prayer and praise; Die to the charms of this world; Demonstrate holiness.
V - Vow to live a holier life; Value your time with Jesus & God’s word; Voice your faith in Jesus for others to hear.
E - Expect Jesus to return!; Endure the life you live faithfully; Encourage family & friends to grow with you.
N - Name your blessings aloud; Nurture your knowledge of the Bible; Negate negative talk and actions.
T - Tell others what Jesus means to you; Thank God every day for His Blessings; Treasure the joy that you feel.
Dr. Frances M. Plummer
ADVENT A SEASON OF HOPE
While we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. Titus 2:13 NLT
What is hope?
To the Christian, hope is not a mere wish for superficial things like a good job, fine clothes, grand home or expensive car. Hope is not just the manifestation that comes from positive thinking. For the Christian hope lies in the power of Jesus’s birth, life, death, and resurrection. Hope is a great source of peace. This peace comes from knowing that God is in control of our lives. Hope is alive based on the resurrection of Jesus, our risen savior. Our hope is rooted in God’s love, faithfulness, and goodness. Christian hope is also grounded in the belief that God will fulfill His word in our lives.
As we move through the season of Advent, let us be reminded that Christian hope is an expectation and anticipation that rests upon our belief in the promises found in God’s word. Let us prepare the way for Jesus, the hope of the world as we reflect on his birth. Live with expectant hope as we look forward to when Jesus returns to reunite Heaven and Earth. And finally, celebrate our hope by praying, saturating ourselves in God’s word and worshipping the One who gives us hope with our faith community.
Inez Williams
WAITING WITH EXPECTATIONS
“So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.” -1 Peter 1:13
The promises of God: hope, peace, joy, and love. These are the foundation of our faith. Advent calls us to wait with purpose, to trust in the unseen, and to believe that light will break through the darkness Let this season of advent be more than countdowns and calendars. Let it be a journey inward, a quiet space where we silence distractions and make room for Emmanuel, “God with us.”
Prayer
Lord, in this season of waiting, help me to slow down and listen. Keep my heart steady and my mind focused on your promises Fill me with hope that endures, peace that calms, joy that overflows, and love that transforms. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Derrick A. Jamison
HOPE
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. -Romans 12:12-13 NIV
While the month of November welcomes in colder weather, joyous holiday music, festive decorations, family gatherings, gifts, and lots of holiday parties; it also ushers in the Advent season. As we move into Advent and begin to reflect on Christ’s birth and his future return let us also focus on hope and helping others.
This time of the year as far back as I could remember was always my favorite time of the year until 2014 when I unexpectedly lost my 5-year-old daughter. While many think or say that “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” holidays can also be a time of deep sorrow for many people struggling with grief after the loss of a loved one. For some this will be their first Christmas without their spouse, child, parent, or loved one. A song, an old photo or even a smell can cause a trigger. One of our duties that we are called to as disciples is to encourage others (Hebrews 3:13, 1 Thessalonian 5:11) and Advent is the perfect time to do so.
Many scriptures throughout the bible talk about encouraging others, however one of the most memorable stories happens when Jesus asks Peter if he loves him. Three times he is asked and Jesus challenges him that if he loves him to “feed his sheep” and to “care for his sheep” (John 21:15-17). We as Christians are called to nurture and support one another as this scripture suggests.
Simple gestures like sending a greeting card to someone who may be grieving or inviting that elderly neighbor over for a cup of coffee, or volunteering to serve a hot meal at a shelter, giving a warm smile to a stranger, or a quick text or call to an old friend are small acts of kindness that can offer hope! As disciples of God, we can offer the hope that has been given to us in a world that often lacks hope by encouraging others.
Jesus’ birth was a gift from God that provided the world with hope and salvation. May we continue to spread the good news of hope and salvation as we encourage others during this Advent season.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, in this season of Advent we thank you for the greatest gift of all-your Son Jesus Christ! Help us to see and acknowledge the countless blessings that you have provided daily in our lives. May our gratitude be more than a feeling or a word but let our gratitude move us to encourage others and to share the hope of the season. God, I pray that you lift the spirits of those that are feeling any type of affliction or depression. Use us Lord as your vessels to encourage believers and non-believers in this time where so much is happening in the world. God use us to feed your sheep! We love you God and we pray all these things in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Angelisa Hawes
OH HOLY NIGHT
Luke 2:1-20
As we prepare for this Advent Season let us remember the Holy Night when Jesus was born. With all of the confusion and chaos that was going on at that time, that one night was a Holy Night. As we face the confusion and chaos of the world today we can celebrate and hold on to the fact that Jesus was born to save us all from sin. We have to remember that night and stand strong and trust God’s plan. No matter what we are going through we can make it. We have to trust God and His word. Even though we may not feel worthy we have to remember and believe that we are welcome in God’s Kingdom regardless of our situations in life. My brothers and sisters when you reflect on that Holy Night fall on your knees and hear the angels’ voices, O night divine, O night when Christ was born, O night divine. I thank and praise God for that Holy night. It was a night divine. May peace be with you and may God bless you during this Advent Season.
Peace and Blessings
Cozette Jackson
A REFLECTION ON THE FOUR ADVENT CANDLES
Neither do men/people light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.” Matthew 5:15 (KJV)
Every year, lighting the Advent candles reminds me of the anticipation and excitement I felt during the Christmas season as a child. After celebrating the birth of Jesus the Christ, we would travel to see my grandparents and ALL my cousins. Yes, ALL my cousins first, second, third, etc.; representing thousands of generations of our family gathered together.
Those moments were filled with hope as I looked forward to seeing everyone, peace in knowing I was cared for and protected, joy that overflowed when we finally reunited, and love that warmed the room as we gathered for dinner, shared stories and laughter, and afterwards the conversations had as the women and girls (grandmother, mom, aunts, & cousins) washed dishes. (I had no idea what the males discussed!)
Because each candle represents 1,000 years for the 4,000 years from the first human beings created by God until the birth of Jesus the Christ (hope, peace, joy, love). For me, each candle symbolizes connecting the meaning of the season to both my faith and family tradition.
May the hope, peace, joy, and love of God be with you this Advent season and beyond!
Selerya O. Moore
HOPE THAT RENEWS
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Advent is a season of sacred preparation and holy expectation. We await the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ not with anxiety, but with Hope. Hope in His birth, hope in His return, and hope in His abiding presence. Even in times of uncertainty and adversity, we are anchored by the assurance that Christ’s coming brings light to every shadow.
Hope is not fragile optimism it is a secure trust in a faithful God. The One who spoke creation into being is the same God who promises to renew our strength. When we place our hope in Him, we rise above weariness and walk forward with courage. Advent reminds us that we are not alone. Emmanuel God with us walks beside us, leading us toward a future filled with His peace. Our hope is built not on circumstance, but on Christ. He is our promise, our strength, and our song.
"My hope is built on nothing less / Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; / I dare not trust the sweetest frame, / But wholly lean on Jesus’ name./ On Christ the solid rock I stand;/All other ground is sinking sand./All other ground is sinking sand." My Hope is Built on Nothing Less, Edward Mote
Prayer: Gracious God. In this season of waiting, fill our hearts with holy hope. When the days feel heavy and the nights long, remind us that Your promises never fail. Help us to trust in Your timing, rest in Your presence, and rejoice in the coming of Christ. May our hope in You be a light to others, a strength for today, and a song for tomorrow. Amen.
Dr. Deborah M. Sewell
ADVENT IS APPROACHING
Scripture: Psalm 46:10
Advent is fast approaching. Advent is a time of deeper reflection, a sacred pause, and an opportunity to prepare our hearts for something far more significant: the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the promise of His return.
As the days grow shorter and the crispness of the air reminds us that winter is near, a familiar sense of anticipation begins to stir. Advent is fast approaching. For the world around us, this season often means rushing headlong into the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations shopping, decorating, and planning parties. But for us, Advent is a time of deeper reflection, a sacred pause, and an opportunity to prepare our hearts for something far more significant: the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the promise of His return.
The word "Advent" comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” It is a time when we look back in gratitude at God’s faithfulness, live intentionally in the present, and look forward with hope to the fulfillment of His promises. Let us reflect on how Advent can transform us as we embrace its truth. There are three essential aspects of Advent: Pause for Prayer, Share Hope, and Focus on the Promise.
Pause for Prayer: Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God!”
Advent is a call to slow down in a world that never seems to stop. It is a time to resist the noise and distractions that compete for our attention. Prayer is central to this season because it centers our hearts on God.
Pausing for prayer will transform us during Advent. It can help us to:
1. Reconnect with God: Just as Jesus often withdrew to pray, we, too, are invited to retreat into His presence. During Advent, light an Advent candle, meditate on Scripture, or sit quietly, allowing God’s peace to fill your heart. Prayer helps us realign our priorities and draws us closer to the One we celebrate.
2. Have A Heart of Gratitude: In prayer, we remember God’s faithfulness in sending Jesus as our Saviour. Reflecting on the incarnation the miracle of Emmanuel, “God with us” reminds us that God’s love is personal, present, and powerful.
3. Gives us Strength for the Present: Life can feel overwhelming, especially during this season, but prayer reminds us that God is our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in trouble.
What does pausing for prayer look like for you this Advent? Perhaps it’s creating a new rhythm setting aside a specific time daily to pray or starting an Advent devotional. When we pause for prayer, we make space for God to speak into our lives, transforming our hearts.
Share Hope: Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”
Advent isn’t just about what we receive; it’s also about what we give. As we prepare to celebrate God’s ultimate gift Jesus we are called to share His hope and love with others.
In a world filled with loneliness, pain, and despair, our actions and words have the power to reflect Christ’s light. Here are ways we can share hope this Advent: Acts of Kindness: Offer a helping hand to someone in need, prepare a meal for a neighbor, or write an encouraging note to a friend. These small gestures can point people to the love of Jesus.
Words of Life: In conversations, let your words reflect the hope you have in Christ. Share the reason for the season and the joy that comes from knowing Him.
Serving the Least: Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Advent invites us to reach out to those who are hurting, homeless, or hungry. How can you reflect God’s heart to someone who feels forgotten?
When we share hope, we embody the gospel in practical ways, showing the world the true meaning of Advent.
Focus on the Promise: John 14:3 “When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”
Advent is not just about looking back to Jesus’ first coming; it is also about looking ahead to His return. This dual focus gives Advent its unique richness it reminds us that the story of Christmas doesn’t end in the manger but points to the fulfilment of God’s eternal plan.
Focusing on the promise of Christ’s return transforms us in several ways: 1. Living with Purpose: Knowing Jesus will come again inspires us to live faithfully and intentionally. It encourages us to examine our lives and align our priorities with God’s kingdom.
2. Persevering in Hope: In a world filled with brokenness, the promise of Jesus’ return reminds us that all things will be made new. This hope sustains us when life feels hard and assures us that God’s plan is unfolding perfectly.
3. Proclaiming the Gospel: Advent is an opportunity to share the good news that Jesus came to save us and is coming again to reign as King. Let this season inspire us to boldly proclaim His love and truth to those who don’t yet know Him.
Are you living with the promise of Christ’s return in view? Advent calls us to lift our eyes from the temporary and focus on the eternal.
Conclusion
As we approach Advent, let us embrace this sacred season of waiting and wonder. Pause for prayer, share hope with those around you, and focus on the promise of Christ’s return. These practices will transform your Advent experience and draw you closer to the Savior.
Remember, Advent is a gift a reminder that God’s timing is perfect, His love is constant, and His promises are sure. Let’s choose to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts to welcome Him afresh.
This Advent, may you be transformed by the truth of Emmanuel, God with us. Let’s journey through this season with hearts open to His love and ready to share His light with the world.
Rev. Grace Hollis
POWERFUL, POTENT PEACE
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” -John 14:27
As I reflect on the season of Advent, I consider the myriad of emotions I am currently experiencing. I am filled with so many mixed feelings: uncertainty, grief, happiness, sadness, and the list goes on. However, one feeling ultimately triumphs over all: peace. Not merely ordinary peace, but a powerful, potent peace. A peace that is not worldly, but spiritual. The peace that can combat any state of fear or anxiety; a powerful, potent peace that only God can provide. Scripture says, 'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid' (John 14:27). This scripture reminds me that through every circumstance, I possess a God-given peace through Jesus Christ that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Let this remind you that whenever you are experiencing a myriad of emotions and mixed feelings like uncertainty, grief, happiness, sadness, etc. God gives you this same peace: A Powerful, Potent Peace!"
Let us pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we enter this Advent season, we thank You for Your peace not just any peace, but Your powerful, potent peace. Many in this world may be experiencing so many feelings due to life's circumstances: feelings of anxiety, depression, uncertainty, doubt, grief, and sadness. Whatever the feelings, Lord, we pray that in these moments, they are reminded that Your powerful, potent peace triumphs all, and You are with them always to give them that.
In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Chelsey C. Pridgen
SANTA CLAUSE OR JESUS’ BIRTH
American Citizens around this time of year go far into debt
And while the merchants gain by this the citizens worry and regret Tis the season to be jolly
The rest of the year we live in folly
Or do we do it in both cases
A contradiction there’s so much wasted
An what’s the contradiction here
It’s that we neglect so much throughout the year
And try to compensate on Christmas day
To give… repent… to mend our way
And what is even that much worse
We fool ourselves celebrating Jesus’ birth
And for this time, we stop… we pause…
And with our money praise Santa Clause
Now what’s the purpose of giving a gift
That’s based upon a merchant’s myth
Misusing God’s great gift of joy
By buying children some ole merchant’s toy
And children go deceived of truth
Taught lies right up through their very youth
And children’s family’s whose economics are less Feel short changed like they are not blessed
Jesus did not come for one day upon the earth
Nor for one season did the Master live
Nor did he simply choose his birth
As reason for his life to give
Nor was what he gave a superficial gift
Nor based he upon it a lusty merchant’s myth
That fools the children and the nations
And further deceives about salvation
The gifts we give should have God’s love as our purpose
Shared with one another as together we worship
And this as he commanded as our reason
And as community year-round for each and every season
Michael S. Hughes
Copyright 1985
THE COMPLETENESS OF PEACE
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” -Isaiah 9:6
Family of God as we find ourselves in another season of advent we celebrate the birth of Christ and his soon coming return.
This advent text of Isaiah announces in prophetic utterance the coming of the Savior. We call him Jesus. Isaiah tells us that Jesus will have the government rest on his shoulders and be seen as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
The interesting thing about this verse is the Hebrew word used for peace is shalom. Shalom is defined as wholeness with God, others, and ourselves.
While this season of advent finds us experiencing a government operating in division, deceit, destruction and debauchery. Yet, we should find hope in this Isaiah prophecy that lets us know God will make our world shalom; whole and complete.
Through prophetic voice God promises us that he will make all that is wrong right. That Jesus will come to allow us a life that’s whole and complete. Jesus is reigning King of the world and he will topple governments. He will bring us his shalom, the completeness of peace. He’s a Mighty God, so receive God’s shalom.
In this season of advent I pray you will experience the complete peace of God.
Rev. Darryl Williams
POSTURE OF THE WISE MEN
“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” -Matthew 2:9-12 NIV
The wise men sought Jesus. The posture the wise men took when they visit Jesus is both physical and spiritual. They were overjoyed, a much needed heart posture in our world. The wise men recognized the worth of the Christ, saw the child as worthy of praise, and they bowed down and worshiped, humbling themselves to worship Jesus for who He is. The wise men gave gifts – treasures. They offered their best to Jesus. The gifts of the wise men, gold, frankincense and myrrh, represent different aspects of Jesus’ identity. Gold symbolizes Jesus’ status as the “King of Kings” and His royalty. Frankincense represents His divinity and role as high priest. Myrrh denotes Jesus’ humanity and His future sacrificial death. The wise men were attentive to God’s leading. They obeyed God rather than man. They protected Jesus by taking a different route away from Herod. The wise men allowed God to lead them a different way. Finding Jesus may mean that your life must take a different direction, one that is responsive and obedient to God’s Word.
As you come to adore Jesus in this season like the Wise Men, may you be filled with expectation and joy!
Jesus, I want to have the posture of the Wise Men. I want my heart to be overjoyed and opened to You. I want to remember to worship You because You are worthy. I want to give my best to You, and I want to be open to the new ways that You are leading me, Amen.
Pamela C. Reynolds
JOY
For this Advent season, I want us to focus on JOY. Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.” We are currently in a season where our Faith is being tested but we must remember to always look to the Lord. He is the JOY that will bring us ultimate happiness even when we feel there is no happiness around. Another scripture to help solidify his JOY in our lives is James 1:2-3 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
Stay true to our Lord for He has done marvelous things!
Joseph
S. Fulmore, Jr.
