UC 2013 Advent Booklet

Advent 2013

The Department of Missions and Ministry of University of the Cumberlands invites you to

A Celebration of Advent 2013

"What Child Is This?"

What child is this, who laid to rest, On Mary's lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christian, fear, for sinners here, The silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spear shall pierce him through, The Cross be borne for me, for you.

Hail, hail the Word Made Flesh, The Babe, the Son of Mary So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come peasant, king, to own him.

The King of Kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone him.

Raise, raise a song on high, The virgin sings her lullaby.

Joy, joy for Christ is born, The Babe, the son of Mary.

-William Chatterton Dix, 1865

Every year it never fails. I tell myself I’m going to leave more time for thought and prayer and time to take in the meaning of the Christmas season, but I can’t. How does this happen?

Why is it that I find myself sitting at First Baptist Church in the Christmas Eve service realizing that for yet another year have I let it happen again? Christmas for most Americans has become so commercialized and engrossing that the true meaning of Christmas is lost. It is our job as parents and grandparents to make sure this meaning is not lost. We must remind our children of the reason for the Christmas season.

It is during that church service that I am able to reflect on what Christmas means to me. It is important to remember that I am blessed with what others might not have been given. What did Mary have when her child was born? Was her biggest concern having a safe, warm place for her new baby? This seems not much different than what our true desires are now when faced with the challenge of having a child. Christmas was not always so difficult. It was a time for our families to be together appreciating God’s blessings we’ve been given. I’m sure that day Mary was thankful for what she was given during the time of birth of her son.

The song “What Child is This?” demonstrates the struggles that we face with having a child: Then, now and always.

-Carrie Mattingly, editor

Writers for the week of Hope Heather Cheney is a 2002 graduate who resides in Texas. She is the Head Basketball coach at Dallas Thunder. She is married to David Cheney. They have 2 dogs, Rock and Bella.

Mike Wilson is a 1994 graduate and is the CEO of myLIFEspeaks. He is married to Missy and has 5 kids. In January 2012, he was able to launch, myLIFEspeaks, a mission organization that works with individuals with special needs in the country of Haiti. He has special memories of making friends who are still friends 20 years later, playing intramural sports and volleyball.

Chuck Powell is a 2004 graduate who now resides in Tennessee. Currently he is the Director of Youth Ministries, First Farragut United Methodist Church, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Jeremiah Massengale is a 2005 graduate working on campus as Assistant Professor of Communication Arts. He is married to Carolyn and has two boys.

When he is not teaching or advising the award-winning campus newspaper, he freelances as a contributor to USA TODAY college, PopMatters, RELEVANT, and Glide Magazine. He has spent most of his adult life at UC and is thankful for the significant part it played in shaping who he is today.

Caleb Vander Ark is a “soon to be alumnus� majoring in Missions and Ministry and Political Science. He is planning on marrying Emily Hemphill in January 2014. Even though he has a degree in P.S. and Christian Studies, he is an avid technology enthusiast who also enjoys the outdoors. He was privileged to work as a Resident Assistant for three years (two years as a Senior Resident Assistant) in Kleist Hall under the leadership of Ben Clayton.

Emily Hemphill is a senior with a major in English and Missions and Ministry. She is the Senior Resident Assistant in Gillespie Hall and is engaged to Caleb Vander Ark. She is the President of Sigma Tau Delta (English Honor Society), winner of The 2013 Creative and Critical Writing Award and likes to read, write, and hike.

Jamey Temple is a 2003 graduate. She is the mother of three children under the age of seven, who not only keep her Facebook statuses entertaining, but also help co-create bedtime stories. In her spare time, Jamey utilizes her MFA from Spalding University, life experience as a patient and mother, and career experience as a publications coordinator by teaching writing and public relations courses at University of the Cumberlands where she also acts as managing editor of its literary journal, Pensworth.

Sunday, December 1

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Hope is a word we use a little too often in our world. To so many, HOPE has lost its meaning.

This past year, hope took on a whole new meaning. Two days before Christmas 2012, my mother told us she had breast cancer. Hope never seemed so far away. Thankfully, however, my mother had a different perspective. She spoke softly and said, “I trust God and know He will use this time for His glory.” I thought, “You’re kidding me. How can you say that?” She said it because she believed it. She had HOPE. I prayed that day that God would give me the same hope He gave my mother. I trusted He would give me that same confidence in Him. That night as I put my head on the pillow, I realized I had a peaceful feeling. God had restored my hope. He had taken away my fear and worry and replaced it with confidence in Him. He showed me the meaning of hope.

I am happy to report that my mother is doing well. She had surgery and is now taking medication for the cancer. No chemo was needed. I believe that because my mother had that hope and confidence from the beginning, God blessed her.

Do you need your hope restored? Do you need to find your confidence in God again? He’s there waiting to give it to you. All you have to do is ask and trust Him to do it!

-Heather Cheney

Monday, December 2

Titus 3:4-7

HOPE for the FUTURE As we prepare for the Advent Season, we build toward the celebration of the birth of Jesus. His birth is the reason for many exciting celebrations as we realize the HOPE we have through Jesus Christ.

Hope has been defined as a confident desire. We see that on display in this passage from Titus 3:4-7, “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the HOPE of eternal life.”

I have been blessed to see individuals who have learned that true hope is bigger than their situations and circumstances. Working in Haiti for the past 10 years has introduced me to people who by many definitions would be considered the poorest of the poor and to others they would be known as the “least of these.” I have been able to meet people who live in houses smaller than many kitchens. I have been in homes with dirt floors, no windows, thatch roofs and no electricity. It is in these humble homes that I have seen a hope unlike anything I have experienced before. As I watch believers in Haiti I am reminded of the true HOPE that Jesus brings us in the present and in the future.

-Mike Wilson

Tuesday, December 3

1 Corinthians 13:12

God seems to have woven the idea of new beginnings into the fabric of creation. Time is based completely on new beginnings…a new hour, a new day, a new year, a new century. Scripture is chock full of new beginnings. Adam and Eve began again outside the garden; Moses had a new chance after he committed murder; David was able to begin again and again after committing a number of terrible sins; the disciples ran away but had the opportunity to lead the world to Christ. Paul’s new beginning came with his blinding on the Damascus Road.

Paul reminds us that we don’t really see the whole picture yet. We see, but dimly. When we struggle in life, it’s easy to see the world as a dark, desolate place. When we triumph, we tend to see the world as on our side. Both of these views are incomplete. One leads to despair, and the other leads to pride.

Christ came to bring the picture into clearer focus. We can have hope that Christ came to give us a new beginning, a fresh start, a clearer picture of the way the world is supposed to be. During this time of waiting and anticipating the remembrance of when God became flesh, let’s examine how we see. Don’t despair, because there’s a new beginning in Christ. Don’t get too pumped up about yourself either, because there’s a new beginning in Christ. Allow God, in the incarnate Christ, to bring the picture into clearer focus for you. Our only hope is in seeing the world the way Jesus does, not dimly.

Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

-Chuck Powell

Wednesday, December 4

Galatians 2:20-21

A story involves a character who wants something and overcomes conflict to get it. Sure, there’s more to it than that, but the meaningful stories we enjoy most almost always involve an audacious goal and a tremendous amount of conflict standing in the way.

It wasn’t easy for Frodo to destroy the ring or for Marty McFly to get back to 1985. It wasn’t easy for Dorothy to get back to Kansas or for Katniss to win the Hunger Games. It wasn’t easy for Marlin to find Nemo or for Andy Dufresne to escape from Shawshank.

No matter how bleak things look, hope carries the hero through his or her difficult journey. Stories remind us that even though struggles are sure to come our way, the conclusion will be worth it.

As we celebrate Christmas let’s remember history’s greatest story, God’s rescue plan.

The Creator of the entire universe made Himself small and came to Earth as a baby to begin the most amazing rescue the world would ever know. God wanted to give hope to a people who, like sheep, had wandered off. A restored relationship with you; that was God’s big, bold ambition.

As a part of this rescue story, Jesus literally gave everything He had to rescue us. He overcame insurmountable conflict for you and me. It wasn’t easy, but He knew the conclusion would be worth it. Now the hope He carried has been offered to you.

What a beautiful, true story to reflect on during this Christmas season.

-Jeremiah Massengale

Thursday, December 5

John 3:30

We live in a hopeless world. Across the globe, thousands die each day from starvation, dehydration, war and disease.

Millions more go to bed hungry, exhausted and with no hope for a better tomorrow. Then Christmas comes around, and for a month or so the world lights up. Words like “joy,” “peace” and “hope” are plastered across society, and people greet one another with a smile and holiday cheer. Then the New Year rolls around, and life goes back to normal.

Yet the very fact that our world goes back to its normal wearisome self after Christmas ends defeats the whole meaning of the holiday in the first place. The great God and Creator of the universe came down in the form of His own creation to save us.

He did not come to give us hope and peace for one month out of the year. He came to save His people for eternity and to give hope to the hopeless.

We live in a hopeless world that has been given hope by its Creator, the hope that He will make all things new and wipe away every tear. Until that day, He has given His Church the task of bringing the hope of new life to the world. How do we do this? We must decrease, that He may increase through us.

This Christmas season, bring the hope of Christ to those around you. It is the hope that will last for eternity, not just one month of the year.

-Caleb Vander Ark

Friday, December 6

2 Corinthians 5:17-19

If I had to choose one reason why I love the Christmas season so much, it would be because it is full of hope. In a world where the news on TV is depressing and our topics of conversation with friends and family are not much better, Christmas is a time when all of the bad stuff seems to be pushed aside by the hope that there is more to life.

The same thing is true of the Bible. It’s a book that’s full of hope that there is more to life than the terrible things that happen every week, all year long. Like 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 says, if we are in Christ, then the old has passed away, and we have been transformed into new people. I don’t know about you, but that seems like the hopeful start of something to me.

Something about Christmas compels the new creations inside of people to show much more than they do the rest of the year, I think. During this season, pay attention to this, not just wondering what life would be like if this hopeful spirit lasted all year, but finding ways that you can make sure it does, at least as far as you’re concerned. Then, when the ugly things happen, remember that in the end, the old will pass away, and when all is made new maybe the sweet and hopeful feeling of the Christmas season will be part of everyday life.

-Emily Hemphill

Wednesday, December 7

Psalm 42:1-5

I had always heard that women go through nesting phases.

This proved to be true while awaiting the birth of our first biological child, Declan, this past year. The house was never clean enough.

Each corner, crevice, and closet had to be decluttered. I even convinced my husband, B.J., to convert a half bath into a closet.

It was during one of these cleaning sessions that I happened upon a box, long forgotten. Inside were papers and magazines relating to an adoption process we had begun in 2007. One form was of particular interest, a medical conditions checklist. In the international adoption world, this list is one of the most important forms in the matching process. Potential adoptive parents mark what medical conditions they will or will not accept, and social workers use that list to match parents with children. What caught me by surprise is how little we were open to. Did we think we would only love a perfect child?

It wasn’t too long after that form was turned in that we learned the Vietnam program would close, and the child we were seeking, that “perfect” child, likely didn’t exist. We got this news just before Christmas. I remember sitting on our red loveseat, in front of the Christmas tree, crossing my arms over an empty lap, crying, thinking that we’d never become parents.

But God had other plans. Just a month later, we found our first child, Jadon, on a waiting child’s list due to special needs.

Saying “yes” tested our faith. Were we the right parents for him?

Could we do this?

We brought Jadon home from South Korea in May 2008, and two years later, we returned to South Korea to bring home a little girl, Chloe, who was also labeled “special needs.” None of our children, including our healthy biological son, are perfect. Neither are we. In our weakness, we thought we knew better and didn’t trust in our God-given abilities. Thankfully, God knows better than we do, but is also patient with us during the mending process.

We now ask ourselves a different question: what if we had said no? What blessings we would have missed!

-Jamey Temple

Writers for the week of Peace

Tony Pursley is a 1999 graduate who currently works as an instructor at Langsford Learning Center. He is married to Ruthanne Pursley and has a newborn son, Cohen. Over the summer, he performed the role of Frederic in Pirates of Penzance at Iroquois Amphitheater. He has memories of walking along the railroad tracks to Sunshine Valley, the Chamber Choir trip to Germany and Austria, and meaningful interactions with friends and professors.

Toney Cooksey is a 2003 graduate. He is a Senior Pastor at Homeport Church and Homeport Church Planting Network in Mississippi. He is married to Jessica Cooksey and enjoys offshore fishing.

Janie Powell is a 2003 graduate who is now working as a Chaplain at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, TN. She is married to Charles Powell (class of 2004) and enjoys photography and running. She has fond memories of Dr. Broome’s American Denominations class and Dr. Bob’s Prophets class. She also appreciates times with her sweet friends and suite mates from Asher Hall, who are life-long friends.

Betsy Thomas is a 2003 graduate. She is a chiropractic assistant, a yoga instructor at a Christian-based yoga studio and a recruiter for a financial firm.

She is married and has a baby due in May. She remembers UC for its great friendships, taking in the beauty while walking across the bridge at sunset and late night trips to Wal-Mart to avoid studying.

Donna Colegrove is a 1971 graduate. She retired as a Music Educator. She is married to Michael Colegrove, whom she met here on campus, and has one daughter and two grandsons. She is a member of The Lexington Singers, a member of First Baptist Church-Williamsburg and enjoys reading, music and spending time with her family.

Cristy Hall is a 2001 graduate. She is in her third year of teaching in the English Department and is the faculty sponsor of Sigma Tau Delta. In her spare time, she enjoys spoiling her three nephews.

Shelby Garrison is a “soon to be” alumna. She will graduate in 2014 with a degree in Human Services and Criminal Justice.

Sunday, December 8

James 3:17-18

I couldn’t look her in the face, and I certainly couldn’t say, “Hello.” We had been apart for far too long. Too much damage had been done. So, I turned away. I acted as if I hadn’t seen her and promptly asked someone standing near me, “Could you please direct me to the restroom?” Quite the skillful cover, wouldn’t you say?

It would be some time before I could actually look again into the face of the woman I eventually married. Yet, that terribly awkward Saturday evening encounter in the hallway of Immanuel Baptist Church proved to be the beginning of peacefully sowing a harvest of righteousness for me. There was much peace to be made.

Much about me romantically had not been righteous. No one had experienced this more fully than Ruthanne Elizabeth Fulton, and she was the first person who loved me well enough to call me to account for it. In true manly fashion, I foolishly ran away.

Thankfully, our surprise encounter five years later changed everything. The realization finally came. I had not been redeemed by a faithful God in order to persist in foolishness.

Initially, the process of peace was slow. I made the first move to reconnect. Her response? Silence. In time, God did graciously grant us a renewed friendship. Friendship led to romance. Best of all, romance led to covenant commitment through marriage, with all of its manifold blessings. A harvest of righteousness, indeed!

-Tony Pursley

Monday, December 9

Psalm 62:1-2

This time last year, my father was informed of his need of a heart transplant. He is 64 years old, completely healthy with the exception that his heart is worn out. 2013 has been a year of waiting. Waiting to see if he was a candidate for a heart transplant. Waiting as the doctors installed an artificial heart.

Waiting as the doctors installed a second artificial heart, when the first heart failed. Waiting 7 days for my father to respond after this second surgery. Waiting to get out of the hospital. Waiting for grandchildren to finally get to see Papa at home. Now we wait again for the call to come saying that there is a match beginning a two-hour countdown until his third major surgery. Waiting.

My family has spent many nights thinking about the fact that we are waiting for someone’s life to end to give my father an opportunity for life in the future. Oddly enough, many in the past have experienced this situation. God in His sovereignty had promised one day that the Messiah would come and give His life to give mankind the opportunity for life eternally. This season celebrates the arrival of the one who would give His life for us.

God was faithful. God has always proven faithful, and His faithfulness gives us peace. It was God’s faithfulness that allowed David to sing “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken” (Psalm 62:1-2) . It was a peace David had come to know, it is His peace that my family are discovering more and more each day, and it is His peace that we pray all may experience.

-Toney Cooksey

Tuesday, December 10

Matthew 5:14-15

My preschooler has several books that have to be held up to a lamp to absorb light. We hold them to the light, read the words, then quickly turn out that light to see the glow-in-the-dark images on the page. These images light up a dark room; they make the frightening fun; they bring a little bit of light into a big dark place. My girl squeals with delight at the magic of this phenomenon that is phosphorescence. The Greek “phos” that has been translated into “light” in Matthew is also the root of the word “phosphorescent.” In my daughter’s books, the light we see is emitted from the page. That’s what makes it special: ordinary books are illuminated by daylight or ambient light, but these magical glow-in-the-dark books have light coming from them!

Our relationship and submission to The Light from John 1 has changed us and given us our own light! Phosphorescence from a book seems like magic to a child, but it's downright miraculous when from our spirit. Jesus says, “YOU are the light.”

As Christ-followers, we are like Jesus, and the light is part of us.

Our nearness to The Light gives us light. It is both in us and beyond us. As long as we remain near our light source, we will not lose that light. “A city on top of a hill cannot be hidden!”

In this quiet anticipation of Advent, let us remain mindful of the GOOD NEWS of our phosphorescence. May our light shine on all in our house, may we be a city on a hill and a beacon of reconciliation, peace, justice and light to the world.

-Janie Powell

Wednesday, December 11

Romans 5:1-2

Growing up in Ohio and Indiana I became accustomed to seasonal changes, and my time at Cumberland was no different. I remember leaving the dorm on a crisp fall day and looking at the hills bright with reds and oranges. I remember walking across the bridge and smelling spring in the air. I loved it.

A few years later I moved to the gorgeous state of Arizona. It really is breath-taking country. Rolling deserts. Blue skies. Sunsets. Mountains. Cacti. But, in truth, hardly any noticeable season changes. It took some time to adjust to the holidays. It is difficult to hear your favorite holiday songs with the sun shining and your neighbor hanging Christmas lights around the cactus in his front yard. I kept complaining that it just did not “feel” like Christmas.

Sometimes God’s gifts do not always “feel” like we expect. The Savior of the World was born into the quietness and stench of a stable. He did not look like a Savior or smell like a Savior or sound like a Savior. Yet, he was. Though the moment did not “feel” miraculous, it was. Jesus became the missing piece that created peace between God and man. No crowded malls. No blinking lights. No shopping or sales. No snow or cookies. No sleighs with gifts. Just a quiet moment that changed the world forever.

-Betsy Thomas

Wednesday, December 12

Psalm 103:11-12

Have you ever felt His perfect peace flood your soul? This is something we all yearn for, wish for, pray for. When it happens, it can’t be described, only felt and cherished.

Like many of you, I am fortunate that I have felt this perfect peace. It happened recently as I was waiting for surgery to repair a foot broken during a recent fall. I have tried to explain the feeling to several people but have been unable to because it was a deep personal experience I had with my Savior.

Peace is what our Lord wants for all of us, in all areas of our lives. As our scripture passage states, as far as the sunrise is from the sunset, as high as heaven is over the earth, our Lord is with us ready to give His peace. Why is our life not filled with His peace all the time? This is a question that is soul searching. The translation of Philippians 4:7 in The Message gives us a beautiful description of His peace. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.

If we are able to feel His perfect peace one time, two times, every day, every other day . . . . what a blessing, what an indescribable experience!

My prayer for all of us this advent season is that His peace will envelope each of us in a mighty way so we can keep Him close to us every day of the New Year.

-Donna Colegrove

Friday, December 13

Zechariah 9:9-12

Several years ago, my parents were given a once-in-alifetime opportunity to visit the Holy Land and to observe the stable that many historians believe to be the actual birthplace of Christ. Browsing through their pictures, the thing that immediately caught my eye was how rugged and dirty this dwelling was. Its weather-beaten stones and rusty floors, which were used to house animals in biblical times, strikingly contrasts with the modern replica nativities we use to decorate our fireplace mantels.

With what fear and anxiety must Mary and Joseph have approached that lowly stable, preparing to deliver the son of God in a rock-solid receptacle designed for sheep and goats to feed from. Indeed, our still-life images of shepherds and angels blessing the babe on bended knee tell only part of the frightful, tear-filled journey that lies between the manger in Bethlehem and the cross of Calvary.

As I look back over the sufferings I have privately experienced over the past year, I’d be lying to say that I’ve endured them all without grumbling or complaint. It’s easy to question God’s methods and timing when the journey He has paved for us is plagued with so much sorrow. Yet, I trust that even in moments when the burden of living consumes our thoughts and dampens our spirits—when human nature makes us question (and even rail) against our circumstances—that in this season of hope, Christ’s perfect peace will be felt in our hearts through whatever storms we might be facing and that we will find the strength of mind to tackle whatever challenges and uncertainties await us.

-Cristy Hall

Saturday, December 14

Peter 3:10-11

During the Christmas season, there is such an overwhelming feeling of peace. When the lights and decorations adorn houses, they twinkle and remind of the years of old, the memories of family during the holiday season. If you are lucky, you live where it snows; the combination of twinkling lights, soft looking mounds of snow, falling snow flakes and the sound of Christmas music create such a humble feeling. It is quiet, but not lonely; it is a time of reflection.

1 Peter 3:10-11 reminds us that in the world in which we live, there is evil, and it can come from many different avenues.

Christmas time offers us a brief respite from all the ugly that is in this world and reminds us of things wholly good and peaceful.

For many, Christmas time calls for extra feelings of jolliness and good will for one’s fellow man; however, it should also remind us that peace is not only for the advent season, it should be part off our daily routine. As life continues on and times change, we must actively remember seeking peace can be quite simple; the love of Our Lord and a relationship with Him can give even those most wanting, the peace they desperately seek. Finding that internal peace is then reflected out for all to see, and that is the greatest gift anyone can receive.

-Shelby Garrison

Writers for the week of Joy Michelle Gross is a 2003 graduate. She is currently a 7th grade math teacher. She is married to Mike and has a baby boy on the way whom they plan to name Micah. She still keeps in touch with the great friends she met here her freshman year at UC.

Carolyn Reaves is a 1974 and 2011 graduate. She is currently the Director of the Academic Resource Center and an adjunct faculty member. She is married to Rev. Anthony Reaves at Faber Baptist Church; sings in a gospel group, “Divine Purpose” and has two daughters and five grandchildren. She was an art major and had a career of working in the public schools as a teacher, principal and supervisor of schools before retiring and coming to work at the University of the Cumberlands.

Catherine Mack is a 2006 graduate who is a staff writer at Cross International, a nonprofit that equips churches around the world to serve the poorest of the poor. In March she was able to travel to Haiti to report about some of our ministry partners there. She still likes to swim, has taken up running and leads a girl’s Bible Study at her church. Her favorite memories here are startling people with Hutton Hall’s life-sized cardboard cutout of Humphrey Bogart and her classes with amazing professors who love the Lord and love their students.

Sherry Roaden is a 2011 graduate and is an Administrative Assistant to President Taylor. She has a daughter, Emily Hollins, who currently attends college.

David Bergman graduated in 1989 and is currently the Director of Alumni Services and Assistant to the President. He has two children Emma and Landon. His honors include Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities ‘87, UC Athletic Hall of Fame Chair since 2005, President of Williamsburg Kiwanis Club 2006-2007, a Founder & Co-chair Kiwanis Cruise since 2003, Kentucky-Tennessee Kiwanis Member of the Year 2013 and an Upward Basketball Coach since 2008.

Magan Atwood is a 2006 graduate now working as an Associate Campus Minister and Director of Appalachian Ministries at UC. She is married to David, a 2007 and 2009 graduate, who teaches math at Whitley Middle. They have one son who is 9 months old and are hoping to adopt again soon. She received a Masters of Religion in Pastoral Counseling in 2011 and is a Certified Pastoral Counselor and professional Life Coach.

Kelsey Day is a 2013 graduate. She is a Semester Missionary for Baptist Campus Ministry at University of the Cumberlands. She is engaged to Jordan Infield and will always remember his proposal at the gazebo on campus.

Sunday, December 15

Psalm 100

As a child, the anticipation of Christmas always made me more joyful than any other season. My sisters and I would count all the Christmas lights, while singing carols, as my parents drove down the street. We would carefully survey the presents under the tree and try to determine the contents without messing the packaging. We would join our extended family for a wonderful Christmas Eve meal, and then wake up early to see what Santa brought us. Oh the joy of Christmas as a child!

Once I became an adult, I struggled to find joy in presents, lights and meals. Presents were expensive, and putting up lights and making meals were hard work. I found myself feeling guilty for my sinful attitude and wondered what stole my joy.

I realized that true joy is found only in God, and we need to look at the root of our joy. God created His people, the sheep of His pasture, and He longs for us to be happy. Nowhere in the Bible are people condemned for wanting to be happy. It is when they forsake God and begin to look for happiness elsewhere that they lose their joy. I had been looking for joy in material possessions. Those things will never make us truly joyful. But, if the root of our joy is Christ, then nothing can steal our joy. It is only then that we can make a joyful noise to the Lord and serve Him with gladness.

-Michelle Gross

Monday, December 16

Matthew 25:34-40

How do we really treat others? Are we kind to strangers?

Do we have compassion for those whom the world often looks at in a way that shows them as not being “good enough?” Jesus clearly wants us to never put people on a high pedestal of being worth more than another person while using others as a doormat.

Have you thought about what Jesus would think of how you treat others? Would you be found being Christ-like in your daily life, or would you be found lacking?

His word lets us know that if we treat our fellowman unfairly and look down on the less fortunate, we may as well have treated Jesus Christ the same way. It is easy for us to forget about others’ needs when we are basking in the warmth of a comfortable home, smelling a good meal being prepared and having nice warm clothes to wear. What if you had to exchange places with the unfortunate for just one day? Would you be satisfied being treated the way you treat others?

This season, think of the joy you could share with others and the blessings you could receive by just visiting a homeless shelter, sharing a meal with a family that may not be able to have a good meal, or just sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with a neighbor who might need encouragement. You will be blessed for sharing your joy with others. Joy to the World the Lord Has Come!

-Carolyn Reaves

Tuesday, December 17

Habakkuk 3:17-19

How Great Our Joy Joy. What a beautiful, magnificent word. I used to think joy came from life working out exactly the way I planned it. Just by inserting my wishing-quarter into a giant, God-shaped vending machine, He would do exactly what I asked. Life would be sunshine, happiness and roses.

Naïve, immature and selfish? Absolutely. But if we’re really honest, isn’t that what many of us get fooled into believing about joy?

In contrast, joy can grow in difficult times. The times when I can’t figure what God is up to, the times that don’t make any sense, the times my plans are derailed. When I have experienced heartache, grief, pain and sadness and realize God has never left my side, joy always follows. When I finally relinquish control and realize that God’s ways are higher than mine, and his plans far exceed anything I could dream up (Isaiah 55:5), my joy grows. My circumstances are not where joy comes from, but from God Himself.

That’s why Christmas makes joy so sweet—it’s the ultimate example of God not doing things our way. Instead, he gives us Himself. No one would have written the nativity story the way God did; a manger, a virgin, a bright star and a jealous king. But in the end, the world received the greatest joy of alltime, Jesus Christ. God grows joy in surprising, beautiful and difficult ways. No matter what circumstances you’re facing right now, draw near to the Lord. He has a big package of joy waiting for you!

-Catherine Mack

Wednesday, December 18

Thessalonians 5:16-18

The Apostle Paul instructed the church at Thessalonica to “Rejoice evermore, Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Prayer has to become a lifestyle for each Christian. We must strive to be in constant communication with the Lord. We have to be aware He is always present with us and show Him our love for Him as he does us.

My parents taught me at a very early age to always say my prayers before I went to sleep each night. That’s how I instructed my daughter. But, while this is a good thing, it is not enough to pray only once a day. Christians must pray without ceasing and always be thankful for God’s blessings on us. We are admonished to live a life of gratitude, giving constant praise to the Lord for His mercy and His goodness.

God wants to be in our hearts day and night. Surely we must never become complacent and unmoved by His goodness!

Offering ourselves as a sacrifice holy and acceptable to Him certainly includes living a lifestyle of prayer and thanksgiving.

Look around you right now and think about how you have been blessed. He is my JOY. He is so worthy!

-Sherry Roaden

Thursday, December 19

Isaiah 61:1-3

The Advent Season is God’s gift through Christ our Savior. For many it is a time of renewing faith. It is a time of sustaining hope. It is also a time of sharing personal rather than material gifts. Each represents a seed. If nourished, these seeds allow us to spread JOY. God wants this for us.

While in my first year of work at University of the Cumberlands, a family member commented that I had found my true calling. Curious, I asked, “What would cause you to make such a statement?” The response, “You seem to have found JOY in life.” I was humbled and appreciative of this recognition.

Finding JOY has stayed with me since. My formative years were blessed with a stable family life, a rich Christianprincipled home along with a balance of ingredients one needs to navigate life’s journey. JOY was at the bow of this amazing adventure.

Like seeds, our gifts are within us along the Purpose Road. It is our decision to develop and share the gifts or to keep them hidden. Yes, we put ourselves at risk by sharing our JOY openly with others. However, if we smile from our hearts and share the JOY, it strengthens our relationships, work, success and true purpose. The Spirit of God encourages us to give JOY and others to receive it. Consider practicing JOY in this order.

Jesus Others You This Advent Season, give thanks to those who influence and encourage this process.

-David Bergman

Friday, December 20

Acts 1:8

It is hard to think of the Christmas season without thinking of the word joy. Picturing our Savior entering the world in such lowly conditions and knowing that he was and is a King brings joy to the soul. The fact that Christ would leave the splendor of heaven to come to earth to live among us, to buy us back for the Father is overwhelming. But, realizing that this love relationship He died for was only the beginning breathes even more life into the advent season.

In the book of Acts we watch the early church unfold. We watch as believers begin to move and serve in the power of the Holy Spirit. There is a joy revealed in Acts that has not been fully seen before the birth, death, and resurrection of our Lord. This joy is revealed in our purpose and His promise.

In Acts 1:8 God tells us to go. We are to be His voice, His hands and His feet. We are to be His witnesses in our home towns, in our states, in our country and across the world. He not only makes our purpose clear, He gives us a promise that the power of the Holy Spirit will guide us as we serve.

What joy it is to know that God sent His son to save us, to give us eternal life, but that He did not stop there. He sent Christ to give us a purpose and a calling. To know that God chooses to use us to share His love and to spread this good news is amazing.

And to know that He promises that the Holy Spirit will be empowering us every step of the way is certainly reason to be joyous.

There is no greater joy than to follow Christ and to share his love with the people in our Judea, Samaria and the remotest parts of the earth. May you be filled with the joy of Christ this advent season as you seek to make His love known.

-Magan Atwood

Saturday, December 21

Psalm 150

Psalm 150 is the closing hymn of praise in the book. What a fitting way to end this book of praise; with a direct encouragement for you to praise God too. The verse that sticks out to me most is the last and sums up how we should join in this rejoicing song of praise.

Psalm 150:6 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.�

In all of our days we are to praise the Lord. What I love about this verse is that it shows that every aspect of our lives can be worship to God. We can wash the dishes at home and praise God. God has placed within everyone different passions. The passions can be playing sports, writing, singing, dancing, helping others or working in the yard. We are to rejoice and praise God in all of this. Every breath is to be praise to God. This gives us a joy in that we, simple people, are loved by God and that He created us and sent His son to die on the cross for us. Everything that we do in life, whether big or small, can be worship to God. Praising God brings joy to us. Even in hard times we are comforted by the love and joy that He brings to our life. How are you praising God today? We should rejoice daily in the Lord for He has been good to us! Let everything you do today, tomorrow and the next praise the Lord!

-Kelsey Day

Writers for the week of Love

Casey Woods is a 2003 graduate residing in Georgia. She is currently teaching science lab to an entire elementary school. She has traveled and taught in many places, including spending two years serving in Peru as an English teacher at a Christian school. This experience led her to go on to grad school and obtain her Masters in Education.

Steve Davidson is a 1988 graduate. He is Pastor of First Baptist Church, Sellersburg, Indiana. He is married to his wife Debbie “Pickle” class of 1985 whom he met at UC. They have a son Chris who is working on his masters at Liberty University and a daughter, Whitney, a student at California Baptist University. Steve was Dr. Bob Dunston’s prize student and graduated from Southern Seminary with a M.Div. in 1996 and a Th.M. in 2006.

Tyler Bird is a “soon to be graduate.” He is currently an Office Assistant and Campus Ambassador for the Office of Admissions. He lives with his grandparents and is considering the possibility of marriage. He plays the guitar and sings in the band OH! Divide. He has too many good memories to mention them all, but two of his favorites would be OH! Divide and working on an Appalachian Ministries summer team.

Mandy King graduated in 2003 and is a full-time, stay at home mama as well as a part-time birth doula. Her husband is David King (class of 2003), and they have 6 children. Her favorite memories of Cumberland include being proposed to in the Archer parking lot as well as meeting and still enjoying the sweet and incredibly fun friendships of Jamey (Hill) Temple, Janie (Toy) Powell, Kristian (Mulberry) Howe, Theresa (Hudson) McKay, and Betsy (Moore) Thomas!

Sunday, December 22

1 John 4:15-17

While living six hours away from my family, I had a major health scare and almost lost my life. For a fleeting second, I was panicked and full of fear that my physical life was over and that I was going to die alone. Doctors and nurses continued to come in and share bad news about my condition. I literally cried out to Jesus that night and within a few minutes there was a peace and love that came over me in the hospital room. I can honestly say without a shadow of doubt that it was Jesus with me at that moment, and He took away my fear and gave me complete peace and love.

1 John 4:15-17 reminds us that we have been given the true gift of love, at Christmas and each day in life and forever more, when we accept God’s Son for whom He truly is, the Son who came to save us. Through Jesus, God’s gift to us is true love that helps us when we are fearful, matures us in our walk with Him and loves us at our weakest times. Wow, what a gift!

As we are preparing our hearts during this advent, we remember that through the birth of our Savior, we have been given the gift of love in this life and forevermore. Thank God for His gift of love today and may He fill your heart and home with the love and peace that only comes from the birth of His Son. -Casey Woods

Monday, December 23

Micah 6:8

I recently returned from visiting Bethlehem. I was so excited to get to see the modern city built on the courtyard and hillside, imagining what the shepherds may have experienced and what Mary and Joseph endured as they returned to the ancient homeland. The city was a fascinating place to visit. The centerpiece of the town is the Church of Nativity. It is built on the site believed by many to be the place where Jesus was born. Many believe that this Church is among the holiest sites in all the world.

It is, however, undergoing construction and certain portions of the facility were off limits to the public. As we approached the primary entrance, I was impressed with the doorway. No elaborate or fancy entry way. Just a simple opening. About 4.5 feet high and 3 feet wide. Our guide informed us that this was intentional; the opening would remain small and unimpressive, thus requiring everyone who would enter "to have to humble" themselves to enter the building.

Millions of pilgrims and tourists have entered that building. Millions have walked through that doorway and been encouraged to "humble" themselves upon entry. I was struck, though, with the reality of the moment. Why are so many willingly humbling themselves to enter a church building, yet are not willing to walk humbly before the Lord on a daily basis?

-Steve Davidson

Tuesday, December 24

Luke 2:6-7

“A Humble Beginning�

As this select passage from Luke paints the picture that is seen every Christmas in Nativity scenes around the world, many often forget the monumental importance of this miraculous event.

To most people, a Nativity scene is just cute, traditional Christmas decoration that has an insignificant story behind it, yet for any believer, the Nativity is the beginning of our salvation.

The Nativity is not only a beautiful picture of the love and obedience of Mary and Joseph, but the manger scene in Bethlehem is a perfect picture of the love of Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. The fact that God came to earth and had the most humble beginning is astounding to consider. Christ, the Ruler of all created things, came in the form of one of His prized creations in order to literally save or buy back humanity from Hell and death. God could have come to this earth and demanded all to worship Him. He could have had the most prestigious and luxurious life as the King of all created things, yet He came to earth and was born amongst smelly barn animals. Christ deserved all the splendor this Earth could muster, yet He came in to assume the role of servant, and not King. This humble beginning paved the road to Calvary, where our salvation was brought about by the innocent death of our Creator to buy back His creation. This is Love!

-Tyler Bird

Wednesday, December 25

Romans 12:9

Eleven years ago, my life drastically changed. At that time, I became a wife. A year later, as the Lord would have it, and much to our delight, our first son arrived and I became a mother. I had dreamed of both, and I could not have been more thrilled. With those beginnings, however, came the stark realization that I was selfish. I was selfish and my heart was bent toward me. My default mode was self. I mean, I knew that, but the sanctification that results from the sacrificial giving of a wife and mother to those whom she loves is exhausting. It was no longer about me but about them. I am not advocating a mother neglecting her own needs, physical or otherwise, but am speaking to a wife and mother's tireless efforts to care for her family. We surrender our sleep, our bodies, our free time, our hobbies and our preferences for others. Dying daily to evil choices, sinful tendencies, and, simply put, our love for ourselves, requires painful refining by the Lord. We learn to lay down our lives for love. And it's beautiful, really.

Christ's coming and, ultimately, his suffering, death and resurrection should humble us and offer a needed eternal perspective. Choosing to cling to what is righteous and good, even when it is painful and counter-intuitive, is obedience. The Word tells us: "...He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." -Philippians 2:8 This is sincere love and Christ is our example.

-Mandy King

Acknowledgments Thank you to University of the Cumberlands’ alumni who contributed to this year’s Advent booklet. Their willingness to write made this booklet possible and I hope that their words are blessings to all who read.

Thank you, also, to our “soon to be” alumni who took the time out of their busy senior year schedule to write for Advent. My hope is that someday they can look back on this contribution and recall fond memories of times at University of the Cumberlands.

Thank you, Carolyn Reaves, for your inspiring and uplifting art.

Dr. Reaves was able to help tell the story of “What Child is This?” through her work. Meeting her for the first time through this process, I have learned she is full of wonderful stories of University of the Cumberlands. Carolyn is encouraging, and her words will stay with me as I pursue my degree at UC. Furthermore, I would like to thank Dr. Bob Dunston, Chair of the Department of Missions and Ministry, and his wife Norma. This booklet could not have been completed without their help and guidance. I also would like to thank my student worker, Shelby Garrison, for her help and time. In addition, many thanks to Dr. Tom Frazier, professor of English, for proofreading this booklet.

Many thanks also must go to Media Relations and to the Campus Supply Center for printing and distributing the 2013 Advent booklet.

Blessings!

-Carrie Mattingly, editor

THE STABLE

The winds were scornful, Passing by; And gathering Angels Wondered why A burdened Mother Did not mind That only animals Were kind.

For who in all the world Could guess That God would search out Loneliness.

Sr. M. Chrysostom, O.S.B. Robert, Cyril. Mary Immaculate: God's Mother and Mine. New York: Marist Press, 1946.

And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy– the Son of God. Luke 1:35

We wish you a blessed Christmas season.

Department of Missions and Ministry University of the Cumberlands 7989 College Station Drive Williamsburg, KY 40769 (606) 539-4156