UC 2015 Advent Booklet

Evergreen– Ever life Everlasting– Eternal Life

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

A Celebration of Advent 2015

As Christmas draws near, it is important to me as a mother to make sure to celebrate as many of the Christmas traditions that continue to exist in our culture. These customs can include foods, songs, ceremonies, shopping habits, and even the color coded plastic that we spend all day trying to put together and light up in our living rooms.

The origin, of this particular custom isn’t clear, but the tree seems to be one of the most common celebrated traditions in North America. A 16th century German preacher, Martin Luther, may have been the first person to bring a tree into the house. He was said to be walking through the forest the night before Christmas. He looked up, and what he saw was so beautiful that he went home and told his children that it reminded him of Jesus, who left the stars of heaven to come to earth at Christmas.

This German tradition spread, and eventually, in 1821, we had our first report from america by Matthew Zahm of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who saw his friends looking for a good tree to put in the living room. Not long after that, we decorated with fruits

and nuts, then upgraded to candles and light bulbs. This tradition has only continued to grow. It has become the single most important item that shows the world that your family has entered into the Christmas season.

And why did all this start? Because of the beauty.

The tree is a part of the world that God has created for us that we can bring into our homes. We decorate it to show our appreciation of it. We love it and care for it as long as it will let us.

And during this time, we are reminded of the evergreen that symbolizes everlasting life.

You may prefer to go to Walmart and make that bold decision of buying a pre-lit tree rather than fighting with strands of lights,. You may prefer to bundle up the family for an outing that includes a saw. Either way you decide, let whatever you light up in your house, AFTER THANKSGIVING, be a representation of your thankfulness for the Christmas Season and your love for Christ. And may the smell of pine and evergreen remind you of that beautiful night.

Carrie Mattingly, editor

Writers for the week of Hope

Adrianna Roaden is a UC freshman. She is from Corbin, KY and is a member of the class of 2019. She is involved in Appalachian Ministries and the Disciples Praise Team. She enjoys playing the guitar and reading.

Sarah Rainous is from Cincinnati, OH and is a member of the 2017 graduating class. She works on campus as a UC Campus Ambassador. Sarah is a quadruplet and loves having three twin sisters.

Bonnie Nutt is a member of the class of 2017. Bonnie is on the women's wrestling, cross country, and the track and field team.

In 2013, Bonnie received the Champions of Character award for cross country. Bonnie loves spending time with her teammates and building friendships with everyone.

BreAnna Begley is a member of the graduating class of 2019.

She is a Biology major, and is working in the English Department at UC. She has 3 brothers and 3 sisters. BreAnna graduated in the top 10 of her high school class and is a member of the National Arts Honors Society. She loves going to UC, and likes to hike at Cumberland Falls. She is happy that she has made so many new friends at UC. Yeager Smith is a member of the class of 2016. He is a missions and ministry major, and currently works in the UC Cafeteria. He is from Alabama and likes cats, bad puns, birds, trees, and playing with kids and clouds. Yeager also enjoys music.

Erin McMullin– Erin works as an Ambassador in Admissions and is a member of the class of 2016. Erin is the president of Sigma Tau Delta (the English honors society), and works for the Governor’s Scholar Program.

Sunday, November 29

Psalm 42

We live in a broken world. People die, people feel abandoned, people are ill, and people are depressed. It is when the thunder roars and the water closes in that a true Christian praises the Lord. Despite being heartbroken a Christian will push forward and praise God. Why? A Christian knows God has a plan. A Christian knows that God will never abandon His people. A Christian knows that God made this promise known when He sent Jesus to us.

Jesus is the gift of hope that one day this broken world will be no more. Jesus was born to save us from our sin and this world. One day we will live with God in eternal peace where there are no tears. It is during our time here in this world that we can spread this gift of hope to others. Share the wonderful gift of Jesus to others this Christmas season.

-Adrianna Roaden

Monday, November 30

Colossians 1:25-27

For 400 years between the Old and New Testaments, the Israelites as a nation had not heard from God. (To put this in perspective, the USA has only existed for 239 years.) By the time Jesus Christ was born, nobody had seen or heard about any major miracles, signs, or words from God for generations. A lot of Israelites had probably given up hope, staring at their cruel world in despair, figuring the Lord would never show Himself again.

Sound familiar to a world newly abounding in depression, anxiety, and terrorism?

To the Israelites, God had been “kept hidden for ages and generations.” Some of them felt helpless and forgotten, like how some of us feel today. But then what happened? By grace, God sent His son Jesus to Earth to someday bridge the gap between God and man. Plus, after he did, the Holy Spirit came to the Christians. This is what the verse means when it says “Christ [is] in you.” The pleasure of heaven will not be sitting in clouds or singing songs, it will be living in full communion with God. And if the Spirit lives in you, then you have that pleasure already!

-Sarah Rainous

Tuesday, December 1 Types of Evergreens and Their Meanings

Balsam- (the most commonly used evergreen for wreaths) eager anticipation; a familiar emotion associated with Advent Fir– symbolizing a lifting up Pine– conveys the meaning of eternal life Spruce– represent hope in adversity Cedar– one of the more fragrant and longer lasting evergreens and indicates incorruptibility and healing, and so it is associated with eternal life through Christ Juniper– symbolizes protection, and that they do well!

Holly– to foresee, to understand in such a way as to predict, to prophesy Non– evergreen plants and their meanings Bay laurel– symbolizes a just reward, a victory over death Mistletoe– represents overcoming difficulties Ivy– symbolizes protection, joy and fidelity...all consistent with “to whom we cling”

Wednesday, December 2

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Hope has become a word that we use in reference to unsure optimism. We use the word hope as if it were the same as a wish or a desire; both of which lead to potential empty longings.

But what does hope really stand for? The Hebrew and Greek meaning of the word hope is certainty. It is described in Scripture as a strong and confident expectation. How different would our lives look if we applied the real meaning of hope to our relationship with God? Instead of using the wishy washy modern idea of hope, let’s apply the certainty of who we are in Christ to our everyday life. When we are rooted in Christ we bear good fruit, it’s just what we do. It is natural and, despite what modern Christianity teaches, it happens effortlessly.

That is unless we uproot ourselves, carry our roots, and plant them in the desert. If we do this our leaves will surely wither. But when we have certainty or hope in the Lord we do not fear.

The trials we face become obsolete because we know that in Christ we stand and grow in abundant life!

-Bonnie Nutt

Thursday, December 3

John 3:30

“He must become greater, I must become less.�

In today’s society, it is hard to surrender our control. We must always be on top of every situation at hand in order to feel confident that things are going to go the way that they are supposed to. As a student, I find it very hard to relinquish control and give it all to God. Between tests, quizzes, and homework, sometimes we all get lost in the hustle of things to surrender ourselves and situations. However, when the moment comes and we realize that we are incapable of controlling all things and that God is the only one who can do so, our lives will not necessarily become easier, instead we will have peace in knowing that God has everything under control. It gives us hope to know that there is a greater power controlling all aspects in our daily lives and that power has a plan laid out for us already, and all we have to do is listen to Him. Knowing that, we should have hope that there is always better for us; as long as we are willing to stay on a righteous path God will lead us through the dark. So I urge you to leave everything at the feet of Jesus and let his light shine through you and each day you will come one step closer to the future that He has intended for you.

-BreAnna Begley

Friday, December 4

1Peter 1:3-4, Luke 12:31-34

For most of my life, the word “hope” meant nothing to me. I don’t mean that my life has been terribly dark or difficult (it hasn’t), or that I was ever a pessimistic person (I wasn’t). Hope just never really had much of a place in my life. It never struck me as being very important, or very meaningful. But over the past couple of years, I’ve come to embrace the unavoidable truth that, as an adopted son of God, I have a hope.

Knowing that one day I will be with God in His Kingdom does not just serve to give me peace about life after death. It has come to be elemental to my outlook on my present life. I quite simply cannot live without it. As a real and concrete future reality, its light shines into and colors my present reality. I never dabble in despair, because it’s a lie.

Our hope in Christ enables us (and in a way, forces us) to let go. If our final destination is certain and unchanging, how can we bear to be satisfied with things that will fade away, rather than pursuing the Kingdom? Like acid, our hope burns away our attempts to delude ourselves by thinking that anything less than Kingdom reality will fulfill the needs of our spirit. Therefore, we can let go of false hopes of fulfillment in earthly, fading things.

We cannot escape our hope. It will overtake us. So for my part, I choose to let go, and run out to meet it with open arms—today.

-Yeager Smith

Saturday, December 5

Psalm 39:7-9

What do I look for?

In an age of entitlement, I find our society has a bad case of the me-me-me’s. When did we become so focused on “what I need” and “what I want”? What can I do to bring happiness to my life?

With our egocentric worldview, life has become less about the Lord’s Great Commission for our lives and more about our own desires. As Christians, we can absolutely take our troubles and needs to God – our hope is in our All-Providing Savior. But, as David asks in Psalm 39:7, “what do we look for?”

Sometimes, I find myself looking to God only in times of need as a sense of refuge for my brokenness. What about on the other days? What about praising God for the many blessings He provides me daily? My favorite singer Lauren Daigle in her song “First” says, “Before I bring my need, I will bring my heart.”

These lyrics resonate as a calling to have a personal relationship with my Father instead of seeking Him only in rough times. I should not just bring my sadness to God only for Him to make me new; I should also bring my praise and devotion. The Lord deserves to be the Master of our hearts and lives. We need to give him the reign over our lives in all aspects. His love is the same yesterday, today, and forever – as should our praise be.

-Erin McMullen

Writers for the week of Peace

Jamie Becknell is a member of the graduating class of 2019 and is majoring in Biology. She is from Owsley County, Kentucky.

She has a passion about working for God. She enjoys reading and loves all animals.

Lenee Figliola is from Virginia and is a member of the 2018 graduating class. She currently works in the MSMN office. She is majoring in Human Services. Her favorite part about the campus are the Christmas lights during the Christmas Season.

Kim Brown is from Barbourville, KY and is a member of the 2019 graduating class. She has two siblings, Payton and Bryan.

Kim is the 2015 Kentucky State Champion Textile Winner. She is new to UC, and is looking forward to creating memories here on campus.

Julia McPherson is a work study in the English Department.

She is expected to graduate in 2018 with a major in Business. She and her twin brother run cross country. Julia enjoys spending time with her teammates and campus events.

Abagail Criswell is a member of the 2019 graduating class and is majoring in biology. She is from Brownstown, IN and works in the work study department. Abigail plays volleyball for the UC junior varsity team. In the future, she plans to do foreign missions. Her favorite memories at UC are the paint fest, Homecoming, and late night singing in Gillespie.

Sunday, December 6

Psalm 34:11-14

Psalm 34:11-14 teaches a valuable lesson for all of us. It states, “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” For me, this verse is like a dose of medicine that we should take every day. To enjoy life, we should stay away from the things that can make us hurt. This verse talks about telling lies, and day-to-day sins like these are one of the main things that can separate us from the Lord if we let them take us over.

When we are close to God, He lights our paths for us, but sin is like a blinding veil that gets pulled over our eyes when we commit deeds that go against God’s will. That’s why we must remember to keep our eyes fixed on God, If we live by truth and righteousness then there can be no room for darkness. We should always do our best to follow God’s path so that even on the days when we are tested, we will know that with God, we can get through anything.

-Jamie Becknell

Monday, December 7

Isaiah 54:10

One time, last year, somebody called me a “nice Christian woman”. Ew. How boring is that? That sounded so gross to me. It got me thinking about what Christianity really is. This whole idea of Jesus is pretty radical. The thought that blood is the only payment for sin, so God willingly was murdered by his own creation, all in the name of Love. This is an extreme thing. This is radical. And so, as a follower of Christ, I am following the most radical, intense, passionate, and selfless being that has ever existed. Therefore, the moments that lie ahead are probably going to be a little scary. They are probably going to look a little crazy.

Imagine actually trusting God, the Creator of the universe, the most knowledgeable of all, the one who is literally Love.

When you trust Him enough to do His will (and you will be faced with the decision), you can have peace about doing even the scariest of things. Faith wouldn’t be necessary if everything was easy. God’s view is bigger and different than ours. And it is up to us to trust in His complete wisdom.

This life can either be terrifying or meaningless. And it’s totally up to me. So no, following Christ is not “nice”. It’s radical, intense and can be very scary, and sometimes look pretty stupid.

But with a steadfast mind, knowing that the God of the universe is in control, we can have peace.

-Lenee Figlioli

Tuesday, December 8

John 16:33

Traditional meaning of evergreen Laurel– signifies victory over persecution and suffering Pine, holly, and yew– immortality Cedar– strength and healing Holly on the prickly leaves– reminds us of the crown of thorns Circle of the wreath- (has no beginning and no end) symbolizes the eternity of God, the mortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ.

Pine cones, or nuts used to decorate the wreathsymbolize life and resurrection All together- the wreath of evergreens depicts the immortality of our soul and the new, everlasting life promised to us through Christ, the eternal Word of the Father, who entered our world becoming true man and who was victorious over sin and death through His own passion, death, and resurrection.

Wednesday, December 9

Ephesians 4:1-6

Our main objective as humans is to find our purpose here on Earth. In our heads we continually ask: Why am I here? What does God want me to do? What is my purpose? Everyone has a purpose, God has called each of us to glorify his kingdom. In Ephesians 4:1 Paul urges us Christians "to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” Often we live our lives the way we want to live, allowing worldly things to hinder our walk with Christ. We need to live the calling that God wants us to live. Paul gives clues on our need to experience the transforming power of grace.

1.

We need to be humble before God. The power of grace

starts working when we listen to God’s wisdom instead of our own personal preferences.

2. We need to be patient with others.

3. we need unify ourselves with God. We are all searching for our purpose, including myself.

We have to constantly remind ourselves that God will always prepare us for whatever he has planned. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” –(Jermiah 29:11 KJV)

- Kim Brown

Thursday, December 10

James 3:17-18

Haiku James 3:17- 18 Heaven; peace-loving Wisdom above of the purest creates righteousness

-Julia McPherson

Friday, December 11

Zechariah 9:9-12

As a little girl, I remember always being afraid of the dark.

Every night before I went to sleep, I would make sure the hallway light was on and my door was cracked. The dark seemed like the scariest place in the world.

Now as a freshman in college, I only wish that fear of the dark was the one thing I had to worry about. Instead there are the worries of making decisions that will affect my future, being true to myself, and the responsibilities of becoming an adult. My parents worked hard at preparing me to be responsible with the lessons of right and wrong, respecting others, and even to do my very best no matter the circumstance, but now it’s up to me to apply them to my life.

College has definitely been a new

experience and at times somewhat overwhelming. Moving five hours from home and living with a complete stranger has only been the beginning of the notorious freshmen adventure. Life has brought struggles and even with the dreaded finals on the rise, I know now that I can make it. As a little girl afraid of the dark or during the week when I have upcoming papers and tests, I realize that I’ve never truly been alone. God has been with me.

Peace of God cover me Through the storm cover me Only in you I am safe, only in you I’m secure Only in you I find peace, so cover me By: Mark Condon -Abigail Criswell

Saturday, December 12

John 14:27

I’ve received a lot of Christmas gifts in my life: Socks, tents, basketballs, pickles, and many more things that are no longer with us. Gifts make Christmas more fun (usually). Still, with all the hubbub to find the perfect gift, gifts may be just as much shrouded in stress as they are shrouded in joy.

This Christmas, you will be offered a gift. However, it won’t just be the usual socks, movies, electronics, things that smell nice, and possibly ugly clothing. You will be offered peace.

Now, Wal-Mart is not advertising half-priced peace (and, if it was, it’d be gone at 12:01 on Black Friday). Peace is offered by the only person who can give it.

In John 14, Jesus said, “my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” Jesus was about to leave his disciples, but he gave them this comfort before he left: “I have told you; know before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.” The gift of peace was not something that made Jesus’ death any physically easier, nor is it something that will make your life perfect today, but it is something that shows you what your life is meant to be. As you hear the words “peace on earth” spoken this Christmas, know that they can be said truly. By His sacrifice, Jesus gave us the ability to have certainty in our future.

This Christmas, peace is offered. Will you accept?

-Mary Connell

Writers for the week of Joy

Jenna Hensley is a member of the 2019 graduating class and is from Williamsburg, KY. Jenna does her work study at Mountain Outreach. UC is a family tradition. Both her parents attended, met each other, and now work at UC along with her aunt and uncle who also met on campus. Jenna’s sister also attended.

Favorite moment: Hanging of the Green.

Myah Fletcher is a member of the class of 2019. She is from Georgetown, KY. Myah is majoring in MSMN and Human Services and wishes to work in or own an orphanage in the future.

Myah currently sponsors a nine year old named Selam from Ethiopia. She enjoys camping with her family.

Sarah Walden is a member of the class of 2017. She is from Williamsburg, KY and the co-leader of the Disciples Praise Team. She particularly loves the way UC decorates with lights at Christmas.

Alisha Prewitt works as a cashier at the Dollar Tree and is an employee at the Williamsburg Flower shop. She is an active member of the Future Farmers of America. Her most special memory of UC happened last year while still in high school when a poem she entered into the Pensworth Creative Writing contest won first place. She was thrilled to read her poetry in front of all the English professors and English majors at the celebration.

Katelyn Dunne Megan Smits is a member of the 2018 graduating class. Megan is from Knoxville, TN and enjoys going home every weekend to visit her very supportive family. She enjoys sewing and reading in her free time. Megan also loves playing games with her siblings.

Sunday, December 13

Psalm 16:11

In Haiti, the children in the orphanage that I have grown to love dearly always have a nightly devotion and time of worship.

It’s such a blessing to just sit and listen to those young disciples praise God. Even through all the tragedies they have been through, they never lose their faith in Jesus. But when you look into the faces of those sweet babies, you can see something different in them. It isn’t just happiness in them. No, it’s something much more brilliant radiating out from inside them. And when you hear them speak of how they trust God to find them good homes, when you hear them sing of how “God is so good”, you begin to wonder how they do it. And suddenly you realize that it’s God’s love and joy that you see in their eyes.

Joy is often confused with happiness. Happiness is a temporary feeling that fades when confronted with the daily trials of life. Joy is a state of being. Joy is not something that can be wiped away. Joy is given by God through prayer, but joy must also be received. To gain joy, one must place everything, even life itself, in the hands of the Almighty God. Give your struggles to God daily and He will replace them with His unfailing love, His incomprehensible peace, and His unshakable joy. Make the choice to trust in His promises. Make the choice to be joyful in Christ a daily choice.

- Jenna Hensley

Monday, December 14

John 3:27-30

It is a blessing to give rather than receive. Each Thanksgiving my grandparents give my cousins and me money to spend on someone in need during the holidays. It is inspiring to hear how differently everyone uses their money and to show my younger cousins the value of giving. I remember the family I gave my money to last year, but I don’t remember the gifts I received.

It brings me joy to help a family in need; it only brings me happiness to receive a gift. Are you joyful or happy? The world makes it kind of impossible to not be happy during Christmas.

After all the gifts are opened and we have to take down the tree, we feel sadness because it is all over. For me, happiness is having pleasure and being in a state of contentment and joy is having confident assurance of God’s work and love in our lives.

Happiness fades away, but nothing can change joy because God will always be there. John 3:29 reads, “It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man who is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success.” You experience joy on a new level when you see other’s happiness. This Christmas, ask for God’s guidance to help you fill joy in situations and experiences that uplift other people.

If we put God above ourselves, we will see through His eyes and recognize the needs of others. “He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30 -Myah Fletcher

Tuesday December 15

Habakkuk 3:17-19

In this time of advent we may all be facing the stresses of life. For students this may include not having the GPA you want, or for those in the workforce, not making the salary you believe you need. As busy people we have begun to place all these things in front of everything in our lives. We are always worrying about what we don’t have, instead of appreciating what we do have.

Then we try to fill our lives with things we believe that will bring us joy, to help deal with the stress in our life.

What we need to do is to realize that we already have the greatest source of joy in our lives : God. He may sometimes be the only thing in our life to bring us joy. We may be going through hard times, but he is there. We can seek him through the hard times, but we also have him during the good times. So remember during this time that God is there and you can find joy through him, because he is the ultimate Joy.

-Sarah Walden

Wednesday, December 16 Interesting Christmas Tree Dates

16th Century‐ Mar n Luther from Western Germany first brought a tree into the home.

1700– German immigrants brought the first tree to America 1850– Christmas tree became popular among U.S. popula on 1850’s (mid)‐ President Franklin Pierce arranged to have the first Christmas tree in the White House.

1900– one in five American families had a Christmas tree 1923– President Calvin Coolidge started the Na onal Christ‐ mas Tree Ligh ng Ceremony on the White House lawn.

1948– Macy’s displayed their first tree in Atlanta, GA 1951‐ The Christmas tree market was born when Catskill farmer Mark Carr hauled two ox sleds of evergreens into New York City and sold them all.

1960– Aluminum Christmas trees were popular 1965– A TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas was influen al on the pop culture surrounding the Christmas tree.

1979– President Jimmy Carter lit only the crowning star atop the tree in honor of the Americans being held hostage in Iran

Thursday, December 17

Nehemiah 8:10

Have you ever felt down in the dumps? Maybe you know the reason why, maybe you don’t. We all have those days where nothing goes right and sometimes we even have those days where everything seems to go right, but we still just feel a little down; it happens to the best of us. In this world full of sadness, troubling events, bitterness, and depression, it is too easy to become a pessimistic person.

Along with the problems in the world around us, college can be an especially difficult time in all of our lives. Whether our struggle is grades, friends, our sport, finals, or our social life, we can all sometimes be burdened down by the various issues in our lives. When we are stressed by these things I mentioned, or anything else, the devil wants us to feel overwhelmed with anxiety and to feel alone.

However, it is in these times that we should remember that our Father in Heaven is always with us, leading and guiding us through each day. During these stressful years of your life, don’t become weighed down by your burdens; embrace each new day as a gift from God and remember “the joy of The Lord is your strength.”

-Alisha Prewitt

Friday, December 18

2 Corinthians 8:1-4

Give all that you are able so that joy may be received.

From severe trials stems overflowing joy; from poverty wells generosity.

Give the gift of God to those who lack.

Build up God’s army, His warrior Brides.

Build up His Church.

God tests us so that we may fail, learn, love.

The gift of the Lord trumps all.

It is the most everlasting, cloaked in joy unending.

Christmas is the time of giving.

With presents passed around the tree, do not neglect the ultimate: your heart.

Be generous so that your joy may be tremendous, for this is the Word of the Lord.

Sometimes God puts severe trials in our lives in order to strengthen us. He tests us over and over again until we are able to overcome, to prosper. God teaches us not only to survive through troubles, but to thrive in them. He is gracious and merciful to us, and only wants what is good for us. Sometimes, though, we become disheartened if we do not succeed when He tests us. Our hearts well up with sadness and shame at our failings.

Saint Paul gives us the key to beating a season of blues: generosity. If we give what we are able, or even beyond, God will bless us with a tremendous joy – a joy whose extent is unimaginable beyond our greatest dreams.

As we rush around preparing for finals and purchasing holiday presents, don’t forget to give the best present of all, one straight from the heart – the Word of God. In order to receive the joy that God desires to grant us, we must give of our hearts to those around us. Tell people about the free gift of redemption Jesus Christ has given to us all.

-Katelyn Dunne

Saturday, December 19

Philippians 2: 1-4

In the first two verses, Paul focuses on a Christian’s identity in Christ, and he stresses the importance of unity within the body of Christ. When we are one with Christ, we receive encouragement to press on through our trials and tribulations. A “consolation of love” means comfort. Through Jesus, we find the comfort and peace only He can provide. In our union with Christ, we obtain fellowship; this fellowship gives us confidence that we are never alone and that God will continually be with us. Lastly, our need for affection and compassion is met through Jesus Christ. He overwhelms us with his unconditional love and meets our needs. Next, Paul states that he desires to obtain joy and complete fulfillment through his union with Christ. Unity within the body of Christ occurs when we are “of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” This verse delineates how unity is obtained; as Christians, we have the same values and desire to honor and glorify God. Through Christ, we find ultimate fulfillment in joy.

In the last two verses, Paul focuses on how Christians should behave and conduct themselves in order to be unified as the body of Christ. We must act selflessly and humbly; we must not seek selfish gain. As Christians, unified in Christ, we must abstain from jealousy and seek to serve others and consider the interests of others.

-Megan Smits

Writers for the week of Love

Kristen Beaty is a senior at UC and will graduate in the spring.

She is from Jacksboro, TN and works in the MSMN department.

She loves church, volunteer work, traveling, and singing/music.

Kristen enjoys being a Bigs and Littles Club member. She claims to be a dork at heart and has many memories of department lunches and sledding down UC hills in the winter.

Caroline Straw

Sarah Watkins is senior at UC graduating in December. She is from Benton, KY and majored in Christian Ministry and minored in psychology. While at UC, she was able to do an internship at Crossroads Baptist Church. One of Sarah’s best memories was performing in Spotlight.

Alisha Prewitt works as a cashier at the Dollar Tree and is an employee at the Williamsburg Flower shop. She is an active member of the Future Farmers of America. Her most special memory of UC happened last year while still in high school when a poem she entered into the Pensworth Creative Writing contest won first place. She was thrilled to read her poetry in front of all the English professors and English majors at the celebration.

Annmarie Lake is a member of the class of 2017. Annmarie is a biology major, and has made the Deans list every semester.

Annmarie is from Mason, OH and is a member of the UC Cross Country & Track and Field team. In 2015, she received the Champions of Character Award for XC.

Sunday, December 20

John 15:13

~For my sister Amber~ This time of year we thank the Lord for the many blessings He has given us. The verse John 15:13 reminds me every day that God has blessed me with friends who have become my family. The bond between two friends can withstand even the roughest of waters and the relationship between my best friend and I has done just that. Growing up I was bullied and didn’t really have any friends at all. Looking back I can remember longing for a friend who was funny, understanding, and basically someone to just stick by me. It may sound sad but every wish I made was for such a friend and soon God blessed me with someone who is even better than I could have hoped for. This girl is not just my best friend but my sister. She is someone who has never done anything cross towards me, she laughs with me, sings with me, cries with me, and prays with me. Together we support each other and remind the other constantly to have faith and trust in the Lord. We believe that God has made us friends for these reasons and many others. Sometimes we don’t take the time to thank God for the friendships we are given but I thank Him every day for this amazing sister that is by my side always.

-Kristen Beaty

Monday, December 21

Galatians 2:20-21

When I read the scripture Galatians 2:20-21, I am reminded of the wonderful gift that the Lord works through us.

When we die to ourselves, and choose to be crucified with Christ, there is an awesome transformation that takes place. We no longer live our life to fulfill our human desires, but the Lord’s will for our life. He works in our life, in ways we are not strong.

He is our strength. He is the true encourager, provider, and sustainer that we can believe in. It can be challenging to trust him, but he is always there with us through our journey of life.

We can get unlimited joy from the Lord. The love he gives is overflowing and abundant. When we die to our human nature and let the Lord live in us, amazing things can happen. I encourage you to give your life for the Lord. It is the best decision you can make. A personal relationship with Jesus is life changing. When you submit your life to the Lord and continue to seek his will, he will lead you and show you the ways you can serve him and you will find true fulfillment. When we give the gift of our life to the Lord we can have a transcending peace.

- Caroline Straw

Tuesday, December 22

Matthew 5:43-44

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging; O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging; Not only green when summer's here, But also when ' s cold and drear.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Much pleasure thou can'st give me; O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Much pleasure thou can'st give me; How o en has the Christmas tree Aorded me the greatest glee!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Much pleasure thou can'st give me.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy candles shine so brightly!

From base to summit, gay and bright, There's only splendor for the sight.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

How richly God has decked thee!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

How richly God has decked thee!

Thou bidst us true and faithful be, And trust in God unchangingly.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

How richly God has decked thee!

Wednesday, December 23

Romans 8:28

Love is a strong word. It can hurt you and embrace you at the same time. Sometimes we doubt God’s love, am I right? We think that He could not possibly understand what we are going through or that He just does not seem to care? God does care. I know in my life, I have wanted to doubt God’s love because my life feels like it is in a continuous slump. When God wrecks my plans, I have to remember that He is doing this for my good. Yes, when He wrecks our plans it stings. Boy, does it sting, but there is something much greater ahead than we can ever imagine!

So today, think about all of the times that God has wrecked your plans but showed you that His plan was so much better! Personally, the Cumberlands was not the school of my choice. The prior university I was going to had been shut down, but God still had everything under control. At the time, it did not make sense, but ever since God wrecked my plans and showed me the Cumberlands; I have had so many opportunities that the last university could not provide for me. Never for a minute think that God wants you to suffer. He is showing you His love and how He is always carrying you.

-Sarah Watkins

Thursday, December 24

1 John 4:11

As Christians in this modern world, it is easy to forget the most basic and the most essential part of Christianity: love. As college students, we sometimes get caught up in getting into a certain friend group and sometimes we feel that it is important to be accepted into a certain crowd. To God, we are all equal, and he expects us to treat all of his children with kindness and for all of us to show his love to everyone.

While Jesus was here on earth, he didn't pick and choose who to love and who to heal; he was an example of the most amazing love you could ever imagine. A love that included laying down his life for you and me. So, the next time you’re tempted to be unkind to someone who isn’t “cool” or isn't part of your clique, remember how Jesus loves you. Your sinful self isn’t “cool” either and Jesus willingly died for you. Let’s be true examples of believers; let’s love each other because God first loved us.

-Alisha Prewitt

Friday, December 25

Matthew 6:30-33

"But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

I don’t know about you, but my life is the hardest when I dwell on all my worries and to-do lists. This passage says God takes care of the grass in the field, so won’t he take care of us? It is hard to humble yourself by letting go and giving God control over your life, but it is also supremely rewarding. When you’re tight with Jesus you have the power to love others and love yourself like He does. We can relax because we know our Father – the creator of the universe – holds us in His hands. When we focus on God there is no room in our hearts left over for the worries to creep in.

Ask God to fill you with his love today so you can pour out love to others.

Ask God to inspire you to build your relationship with him.

Thank God for loving you and for the freely given gift of grace.

-Annmarie Lake

Acknowledgments Thank you to University of the Cumberlands’ faculty and staff 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, Carolyn Reaves, for your inspiring and uplifting art. Dr. Reaves was able to help tell the story of “Evergreen—Eternal Life” through her work.

Carolyn is encouraging, and a great artist who lets God shine through her work.

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, Jessica Noe for her help and time. In addition, many thanks must go to Media Relations and to the Campus Supply Center for printing and distributing the 2015 Advent booklet.

Blessings!

-Carrie Mattingly, editor

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