Devotional 12-25-13

Have you ever received a unique gift, a one of a kind present, something never seen or heard of before?  Something completely different – new, beyond your wildest dreams???  Have you ever really searched for such a gift for someone else?

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

WOW !!!!! – The baby Jesus is that one of a kind, unique, completely different gift – that you have received this day. JESUS is our gift from God – to save each of us from our sinful ways, and to give us eternal life.

Jesus – fully human and fully divine – man and God – truly unique – the perfect gift.

Jesus is our perfect example in all ways, filled with awe-inspiring love and grace and understanding.

So how will you share this perfectly unique gift that God has given to you once again this Christmas Day?  Will you share Jesus with others during the coming days and years?  Will you be open to God’s grace and guidance, so that everyone you encounter may experience your unique, one of a kind present – Jesus?

BLESSINGS AND JOY TO EACH OF YOU ON THIS CHRISTMAS DAY
AMEN

Rev. Suzanne Ellis

PS -- Merry Christmas to all of you from all of us who are part of the Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church Devotional Ministry.  We pray your Christmas season is warm and bright with the love of God.  Kim

Devotional 12-24-13

Christmas Eve

Luke 22:50-51:  Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear.  But Jesus said, ‘No more of this!’ And he touched his ear and healed him.  

On Christmas Eve, we close our eyes, and we can imagine what it would have been like to have been standing in a stable, in a dark corner, watching as Mary held her newborn son.  Perhaps Joseph kneels near them, held speechless in the amazement that parents feel when a child arrives.  We can imagine the love shared between the three of them, and it surrounds us, filling us with joy.  As we watch, we are humbled by the realization that God has come into the world because of that love.  What have we done to earn this love?  It is no wonder that grace is described as amazing.

Then we read the words of Luke 22:50-51.  Even in the moment of betrayal, the love expressed in a stable is made evident.   In the slice of the sword, can we hear the echo of the weapons used to kill the young infant sons in the time of Jesus’ birth?  In Jesus’ gentle touch to restore the slave, can we feel the brush of a father’s hand against his son’s newborn cheek?  In the power of healing, can we remember Jesus love made manifest in his incarnation?   Jesus not only loves us, but he also models for us what love is, and how love acts.

Our world is not a quiet stable.  It is more like the world of the garden, when betrayal and fear threatened to overcome love.  What is our response in a world such as this?  Will we respond to hatred with hatred?  Violence with violence?  Or will we offer what has been offered to us?  Will we offer what Jesus offered to the slave of the high priest?  When we respond with healing – the love of Christ – all of us are made whole.  Consider today who in your life needs the healing touch of Christ through you.

Prayer:  Creating God, we thank you that you give us grace enough to love each other.  Amen. 

Kim Matthews

Devotional 12-23-13

“Light in the Darkness”

Lectionary Readings:  Isaiah 9:2-7;  Psalm 96; Titus 2:1-14;  Luke 2: 1-14.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;  on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned....For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9: 2 and 6

“It was a dark and stormy night.”  (No, I’m not writing the beginning of a novel).  But, I was awakened by the blowing wind outside and the lack of light and power inside.  It was the middle of the night, so I set the battery operated clock and went back to sleep only to find that there was still no power on Friday morning when I needed to begin my day.  I had to shower and get to work – patients were depending on me.  So I lit some candles and headed into the shower.  Whoever said that showering by candlelight is romantic???? Oh, well.  However, I know what a difference a little light makes.  Showering, dressing and preparing for public display is much, much better in a lighted area.  I am definitely not a rugged primitive sort.  

When Jesus proclaimed in John 8:12 that he was the “Light of the World,” he wasn’t speaking of actual light, but we certainly can understand this language.  Even in a world with powerful electricity, there are dark areas that we avoid because we fear for our safety. Many of us walk in the darkness of our own soul, weighed down by burdens and obstacles. Jesus said that anyone who followed him would not stumble in the darkness – that he would provide plenty of light. When we follow Jesus we become part of that light – safe and protected and encouraged to share the light with others. Accepting Jesus into our hearts connects us to the light.  We are no longer “walking in darkness.”   We’ve all sung the children’s song:  “This Little Light of Mine” using out finger as the light and waving it as we sang.  We are a blessed people who have been given this great gift of light.  The Light of the World is Jesus!

The Light came first as a baby and recalling the joy of a baby’s birth helps us to reconnect to the light. When I get to sing the Messiah which contains a chorus using the words of Isaiah:  “For Unto Us A Child is Born”, the power and majesty of Isaiah’s prophecy is revealed to me.  The story of Jesus is mysterious, unbelievable, glorious, overwhelming and real.  We are hesitant to give up all our busy ways to let him in, though.  We have this time before Christmas every year to prepare once again to accept the baby in the manger.  Time is running out on the Advent Calendar, but there is always time for the Father to accept one of his own and welcome them into the circle of light that is the Son.  

It’s not an Advent or Christmas Carol, but the words call us to accept the light and live as a changed person:

Come! Live in the light! 

Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord!

We are called to be light for the kingdom, 

to live in the freedom of the city of God!

Come! Open your heart! 

Show your mercy to all those in fear!  

We are called to be hope for the hopeless 

so all hatred and blindness will be no more!

Sing!  Sing a new song! 

Sing of that great day when all will be one!  

God will reign, and we’ll walk with each other 

as sisters and brothers, united in love!

Refrain:  We are called to act with justice;    

We are called to love tenderly;

We are called to serve one another;

to walk humbly with God!

Dear God of Glorious Light:  We ask once again for you to have patience with us.  We have been ignoring your messages this season.  We’ve tried, but we have allowed the busyness and worldly distractions to draw us away from the light. Help us to sweep away the darkness in our hearts that keep them from becoming ready for you to enter in.   Fill our hearts once again with the fresh new light of today that gives us guidance and direction.  Continue to call us to live in the light!  AMEN

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-22-13

As part of my prayer and devotional life as a Benedictine Oblate, I was re-introduced to a beautiful reminder of the meaning of Advent & Christmas – “The O Antiphons.”  An “antiphon” is a responsive reading or chant prior to a Psalm or Hymn or other reading.  It derives from the words – “opposite voice.”   Used by the monks and others, it is what we would know as “responsive reading or singing.”   The antiphon is most often a Scripture text.

The “O Antiphons” are used at Vespers (evening prayer) in the last seven days of Advent in Western Christian traditions (December 17 – 23).  The “O Antiphon” precedes the praying or singing of the Magnificat (The Song of Mary, Luke 1:46-55), the traditional evening prayer.  They are referred to as the “O Antiphons” because the title of each one begins with the exclamation “O”.  Each antiphon is a name of Christ, one of his attributes mentioned in Scripture. They are:

December 17: O Sapientia (Wisdom)  (Proverbs 8:12, I Corinthians 1:24)

December 18: O Adonai (Lord)  (Exodus 19:16)

December 19: O Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse)  (Isaiah 11:1)

December 20: O Clavis David (Key of David)  (Revelation 3:7)

December 21: O Oriens (Dayspring)  (Malachi 4:2, Luke 1:78-79)

December 22: O Rex Gentium (King of the nations)

December 23: O Emmanuel (God with us)  (Isaiah 7:14,  Matthew 1:23)

We sing a traditional Advent hymn (UM Hymnal #211) – “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” derived from these antiphons.      The text for the hymn comes from antiphon texts dating back to the 8th century – “The O Antiphons.”  A metrical version of five of the verses appeared in the 13th century, which was translated into English by J.M. Neale in 1851. 

Writer and teacher, Bosco Peters, says of the antiphons, “The O Antiphons come at the end of Advent to tie together the prophetic hopes of a people who have waited not for just three or four weeks for the coming of the Lord, but for whole centuries. There is no knowing now why these particular ancient hints about Bethlehem were chosen instead of any number of others. . .  They tell us to be patient just a little while longer, and describe the wonders in store on the other side of Christmas Eve. At the same time, they implore Jesus-to-be-born to tarry not, come quickly, come soon.” 

The “O Antiphons” themselves contain a riddled petition of prayer. Written out together across a page in Latin, the first letter of the antiphons (Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia) form a reverse acrostic spelling “Ero cras” translated from Latin - “I will be there tomorrow”.    

May we be blessed again by remembering the coming of God into human life in the babe of Bethlehem – Jesus Christ.  “O come, O come, Emmanuel” – God with us!

Dr. William H. Wilson (Bill)

Devotional 12-21-13

Psalm 80:19 – Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved!

As I began to write this devotional, trying to find the hope and promise of the advent season has been difficult. There have been some changes in my life that have made searching for hope difficult to say the least. Then, as with most times of doubt and despair, God’s face shines and the hope of a new day can be seen through His grace.

In this time of hope and new beginning, I have been struggling to find the joy of the season. I have felt that my prayers were falling on deaf ears, and I felt alone. Then without notice or warning, God shows us that we are not alone, and our prayers do not fall on deaf ears. He provides us with signs that he is here, and cares for our every tear. His face shines upon us through many different ways.

In the last few weeks, I have been surprised by conversations that I am sure have been when God’s face has been shining on me. In one conversation, I was reminded that when we are in need, the Holy Spirit will take our load. I was also reminded by another conversation of the comfort that can be felt knowing that others are offering prayers for those in a time of need can be very powerful. Can you imagine the fear and doubt that Joseph and Mary must have felt? There must have been many times where they felt scared, alone, and the search for Joy and Love must have been very difficult. Joseph was prepared to dismiss Mary, until an angel appeared in a dream. The conversation he had in that dream convinced him that God had truly chosen him to be with Mary during this amazing time.

In this time of Hope, Love and Joy, remember that God’s face does shine upon us. When we have trouble finding peace, we need only to ask the Holy Spirit to carry the load. Holy Spirit, in this season of advent, many people continually struggle to find the comfort of God’s grace. Let His face shine upon you and give you peace. Amen

Hulse Budd

Devotional 12-20-13

Have you ever stopped to imagine just what are these wonders of His mighty love? We could try listing them---but that would take eternity, especially since there’s little likelihood we’d ever find the words that could adequately describe His Love. Or we could point to biblical examples of our incredible world to the mercy shown to a motley crew of fishermen.

Then there are the wonders we’ve seen in our own world: a weeping father brought to the throne of grace, finally set free from the bondage of alcohol; a sexually abused friend finding peace and healing in the tender embrace of the Lord; a tiny European nun bringing hope to the diseased and homeless and unloved in India.

We have many opportunities each day to see the wonders of His mighty love. But there is one Wonder that surpasses all others. One evidence of His mighty love that stands so far apart from all else that it is the very definitions of love itself: Jesus Christ, nailed to a cross, dying so we might live.

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” Make no mistake about it, the apostle John tells us in his first letter (4:10)---this is love. John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, would be one to know.

Love is the Father placing the burden of sin on the shoulders of His Son so we would no longer have to bear it ourselves.

That, the apostle Paul wrote in the letter we call Romans, is exactly how God chose to demonstrate His love for us. He allowed His Son to die for us while we were still sinners (5:8). We didn’t have to get our act together before we came to the cross. He didn’t require us to take a drug test or go twenty-four hours without lying or apologize to anyone for anything. No, all we had to do was come.

There, at the foot of the cross, His mighty Love would meet us. And there we would find the power and the strength to begin life all over again, this time knowing that we’re loved. We were always loved, of course, but we didn’t know it. We couldn’t know it because we didn’t know God. And knowing God, we now know love –because God is love.

That’s  a lot to take in. No wonder the wisdom of God appears to be foolishness to those outside His family of believers. If we hadn’t experienced all this for ourselves – if we hadn’t danced for joy after first crawling to the cross – well, we’d no doubt find all this pretty hard to believe.

When you come right down to it, it’s all a wonder.

Taken from Shout to the Lord  foreword by Darlene Zschech 

Chapter 4 The Wonder of Your Mighty Love.

Melanie Herr

Devotional 12-19-13

Just Joe

And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.  Matthew 1:19

I was the church lay leader in 2004 when Rev. Joseph Shreve was appointed senior pastor of Johnson Memorial.  He and Vicky moved into the parsonage a day earlier than we expected.  I went over to welcome them and to see if they needed anything that evening; the moving van would not arrive until the next day.  During our brief conversation, I asked Rev. Shreve what he wanted the congregation to call him: Rev. Shreve?  Dr. Shreve?  Pastor Joe?

“Just Joe,” was the reply.  So of course, when I introduced Rev. Shreve during the time of announcements the following Sunday, I called him “Just Joe.”  The name stuck for a while among some of the church comedians. Namely, me.

Our scripture lesson today is about another “Just Joe.”  We know very little from the gospels about Joseph, but in Matthew’s introduction, we learn that he is “just.”  What does “just” mean?  As an adverb, it can mean “simply” as in “Just call me Joe;” it can mean “barely” as in “I turned my devotion in just in time;” or it can mean “precisely,” as in “the trombone sounded just right.”  As an adjective, however, “just” is more closely related to the Latin original justus, which meant “lawful” or “right.”  This, of course, is what Matthew means when he refers to Joseph as “just.”  In fact, other translations call Joseph a “righteous man.”

It is this quality of being just or righteous that moves Joseph to act compassionately toward Mary.  We know the birth stories so well that we sometimes forget the shock and hurt Joseph must have experienced upon learning that she was pregnant.  The law permitted, perhaps even required that Mary should be put to death.  Joseph, because he was just, resolved to handle it quietly and preserve her life.

I regret that we do not know more about Joseph.  I like to imagine that as a boy, Jesus was formed, informed, and influenced by Joseph.  I think of my relationship with my own father and wonder if Jesus had a similar relationship with Joseph that might have provided the image for God as father.  Maybe Jesus spent time in Joseph’s shop and learned the trade of carpentry, among other things.  Jesus might have found in Joseph an example of compassion and in looking out for others.  Perhaps Joseph taught Jesus how to treat others with caring and compassion.  

Of course, when an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream to explain the circumstances of the pregnancy, and the fulfillment of the prophet Isaiah that “the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel,” we discover more evidence of Joseph’s justness.  “When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him…”  Matthew 1:24.  This lesson in obedience to God’s will might have proven to be the most important, and challenging example that Jesus would recall near the end of his own life.

Jeff Taylor

Devotional 12-18-13

O Lord, forgive

Our insensitivity to the needs of others,

     O Lord, Forgive.

Our prejudice and fear that prevent us from loving,

     O Lord, forgive.

The narrowness of our vision and 

our shrinking from your demands,

     O Lord, forgive.

Our resentment against those who have hurt us,

     O Lord, forgive.

Our desire to do your work in our way,

     O Lord, forgive.

Our impatience with those who are different from us,

     O Lord, forgive.

Our failure to listen properly to other points of view,

     O Lord, forgive.

Our fear of coming out of the fortress of our own

souls into fuller life and deeper love,

     O Lord, forgive.

--A modern prayer from Toronto, Canada

Anita Gardner Farrell

Devotional 12-17-13

Jesus Christ the Apple Tree

One of my favorite songs, appropriate for Christmas or any time of year, is Elizabeth Poston’s arrangement of William Northup’s hymn Jesus Christ the Apple Tree.  The melody is simple but lovely and haunting, and there is a beautiful way that the phrases build and release.  It would serve as quite a good meditation for any of us.  Especially in this crazy season of gift-buying, cookie-baking, and family-visiting, we have to keep our spiritual centers.

The following is the message I hear in this song:

Only with the soul can one find the tree of life.  With our worldly senses, we are distracted by worldly things.  The tree of life is a constant source of the spiritual food upon which we can all truly thrive.  Even the most fruitful natural tree is no comparison with Jesus Christ the apple tree.

Though with our eyes we cannot literally see Christ, His glory is ever-present and mystifyingly tangible.  The beauty of the tree of life is astounding.

We spend all our lives seeking happiness; we spend all our time and money on imperfect solutions to our woes.  True joy is found in Christ the apple tree.

After all our energy has been used to serve ourselves, we may find ourselves catching our breath by seeking Christ.  We discover a peace with Him that we forgot or that we never realized, and we can rest in His embrace.

The fruit of the tree of life feeds the soul and revitalizes it.  Christ strengthens us, and our spiritual selves want nothing more than to be with Him.

An additional note on this song is that it is written in such a way that it never truly feels as though it has ended… much like our journeys of faith.  My prayer for all of us is that the branches of the tree of life reach to every corner of our hearts and every aspect of our lives during this blessed holiday season and always.

This web address is for a performance of the song done by the Choir of St. John’s College of Cambridge.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPJBFYuUWvY  

Natalie Wray

Devotional 12-16-13

  

Christmas Pictures

When my parents celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary, they had a dinner party and invited friends and family.  My brothers, Jim and Bert Wright, and I decided we would say a few words about how blessed we were to have been born into such a loving household.  

I spoke first; Jimmy added his comments and was followed by my older brother, Bert.  When Bert began his oration, he lamented the fact that he had allowed us to precede him because we had taken all of the good stories. I had suggested earlier that we get our stories straight and was outvoted, so I didn’t feel too sorry for him.

Bert decided to use family photos as the focus of his talk, specifically targeting the Christmas pictures.  We did have quite a few pictures of the family in front of the tree, some with Bert as an only child, some with Bert and Jimmy, and finally the good ones when I joined the clan.  Bert made the observation that in most of the later pictures he looked as if he were about to cry.  His analysis led him to believe that in the earlier pictures he had not been forced to share presents, food, or parents, so he was happy.  Then Jim and I came along, and he became increasingly distressed. The dinner crowd laughed; Jimmy and I failed to see the humor.

While I was not actually bothered by Bert’s comments, I was interested enough to see for myself if his remarks were true.  As I combed through the holiday albums, I realized he was right. But the sorrow had not only affected him.  I realized that as we had aged, sadness had crept into all of our faces. 

What had caused the sadness? Why did we look as if we had lost our last friend?  I have no idea.  I imagine it had something to do with spoiled children and sleep deprivation.  What I do know is that my parents did everything they could to keep Christ in Christmas. We attended church and Sunday school regularly, read the Christmas story from the Bible, sang in the choir, set up the manger scene, and sang Christmas carols to shut-ins.  But I guess that was not enough.   Even in the ‘50s and ‘60s that was hardly enough to combat the mass marketing coming across the air waves. When December 26 came, so did the emptiness.   It would be many years and credit cards later before I would understand that Sears, Hecks, Hills, and Wal-Mart were not to blame.  I was the one who hadn’t put Christ first. 

Take a minute to look at your photographs from Christmases past. Somewhere in the trees, presents, lights, and delicious food, do you see Christ? Do your children and grandchildren see Him? If He came back today, would He know whose birthday you were celebrating?  

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, you sent your son in a form we could understand. We love the idea of a tiny baby being born in a stable with loving parents and neighbors around.  Help us to remember that the baby would grow into a man who would take away the sins of the world.  That is the true Christmas picture.  Amen

Becky Warren

Devotional 12-15-13

Kindness at Christmas Time

. . . the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Galations 5:22

At Christmas time we are especially aware of the need to be kind, to share, to give, and to love. When Christ came to earth He demonstrated the meaning of love and kindness.  As we move toward Christmas day, let us remember to practice kindness and give it freely.

When I retired ten years ago, my office staff gave me a small book, Words on Kindness, that was compiled by Helen Exley of Great Britain for Hallmark. The book contains quotes from many different sources, all of which describe the concept of kindness and its importance in human relationships and the relationship of God and his people. I would like to share a few of these with you.

Christmas is a time of kindness and giving. We give because we love and because we like the way it feels to make someone else happy. Exley quotes Joyce Hifler as stating, “Giving is so often thought of in terms of the things we give, but our greatest giving is of our time, kindness,and even comfort for those who need it.” Rabbi Harold Kushner focused on the effect of giving on us: “When you carry out acts of kindness you get a wonderful feeling inside. It is as though something inside your body responds and says, Yes, this is how I ought to feel.”

Mohammed believed that “a person’s true wealth is the good he or she does in the world.” Exley quoted the Talmud, which indicates that, “When a person does a good deed when he or she didn’t have to, God looks down and smiles and says, ‘For this moment alone, it was worth creating the world.”  Isn’t that a wonderful image?

Emily Dickinson’s beautiful poem expresses her ideas about the value of kindness. She said, “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, or cool one pain, or help one fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain.”

Prayer: Dear God, Father of our Savior,who was born at Christmastime, help us to remember to be kind and loving even when the holidays get hectic. Help us to feel what others feel who need our kindness.  Amen.

Maudie Karickhoff

Devotional 12-14-13

  

One wonders what it was all like from the view of John the Baptist:

I was so certain…I want to still be certain…but the experience of meeting him and the experience I am now in…I can’t seem to make them stand together in the same mind.

He came to me! It was so strange that he should come to me, but he did. I baptized the Lamb of God, the Messiah! I trembled as I did it, bewildered at having such a tremendous task in my hands. And right then and there the heaven’s opened! Jehovah spoke and the Holy Spirit settled on him! And it just stayed there on him!

It was all happening so dramatically and so quickly. Generations of hopes and expectations were finally going to break out in the world! The prophets spoke such great words of promise and hope for us, it seemed at times that all of it could only be stories, but here it was – happening in front of me! I was in the middle of it all! 

As he continued up the river bank I wondered what he would say, what he would do. He walked up the bank…and he kept walking…and walking…he walked out of sight. Not a word to any of us. No call to arms, not a call to repentance, no great revelation, no summoning of angelic hosts to battle as in the days of King David. Where was the might and fire we were waiting for? Where the swift arm of God’s salvation? Where the strong hand of justice for the weak? Where the Messiah? That was him, right? I saw what I saw, I heard what I heard…that did happen…It did. 

He came back! Doing miracles and teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven. He spent time with…sinners and traitors? With women? Ignorant tradesmen? What good, a fisherman? Can you fish for people? The unclean, prostitutes, tax collectors, Samaritans, what kind of Kingdom is he assembling?? 

And I, I sit in prison because I was unafraid to speak truth to power. Does Jesus know I’m here? It’s been so long…doesn’t he care what has happened to me? Doesn’t he care about the way things are? He must care…he must. Maybe he can’t do anything about it. But he is the Messiah, isn’t he? When will he stop teaching and healing and become king? Did I misread the signals? Is he the one?  I send some old disciples to ask.

He sent me back a message…”You know what I have done. You know who I am. Trust me.”

Somehow when I heard his answer, it felt like the burden he was carrying was so much heavier than the burden of my own doubts. If believing in him will make his heart a little less heavy…I will lay my burden down, and I will be glad to have made his burden lighter. Even without understanding all that he does…I will trust who he is.

Rev. Joseph Hill

Devotional 12-13-14

The Long Expected Jesus

At the time of Jesus’ birth Israel was part of the Roman Empire. Seventy percent of the population lived in what we would consider poverty. Jews could pay more than half of their income in taxes. (10% to priests and Levites, 10% for temple sacrifices, 3% for the poor, and the rest to Rome.) Life was hard and the people were anxious for their promised Messiah. There were many prophesies predicting the coming of a savior, a Messiah. Some were specific:

“A shoot will come from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a branch will bear fruit.”(Isaiah 11:1 NIV)

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.”(Isaiah 7:14 NIV)

“But you Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judea; for out of you will come the ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.(Micah 5:2 NIV)

The birth of Jesus fulfilled the scriptures. Both Mary and Joseph were descendants of King David. (See Matthew 1:1-17 for the genealogy of both.) Mary was a virgin when she was impregnated by the Holy Spirit. And because of the decree of Caesar Augustus  that a census be taken, Joseph,  with Mary, as a descendant of David had to travel to Bethlehem. Thus Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Into this world ruled under the iron fist of Rome came the long expected Savior. From the beginning of His life on earth He was not what people were expecting. He was not born in royal surroundings. He was born to humble parents in a dark and dirty stable. This set the tone for His life and ministry. 

Jesus is still often not what we are expecting. We try to fit Jesus into our own frame of reference. Too often at Christmas we look for Jesus in a beautifully wrapped package under the Christmas tree. Then we are disappointed when we don’t find him there. Instead of trying to fit Jesus into a Christmas box, we need to open our hearts and minds to Him.

Margaret Williams

Devotional 12-12-13

Mary's Song

Luke 1:46b-55

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.  Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.  His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.  He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.  He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.  He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Reflection

This may well be the most revolutionary song ever written.  It is a song of power from a powerless person. It came from the lips of a girl in a male-dominated world.  It came from the streets of a backwater town.  Her nation was a pebble in the shoe of the

greatest superpower in history.  She did not even have anything to do with the birth of this child! But she knew the tide had turned.  This Messiah was not being sent to the high and mighty but to a peasant child like her.  He came without a man’s permission.  He came without the blessing of Rome.  He came to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted.  He came to change everything.  He came to care for those that the world did not recognize.  He came to reach the homeless, the helpless, and the lost.  How did she know all that?  Because he came first of all to her.  If you want to see the power of God in action, do not wait too long in the pews. Do not read too much theology. And above all, do not sit with those who are comfortable.  Go the least and lowest. Tell them Mary sent you.

Prayer:  Lord, I wish I was a brave person, like Mary. She saw your revolutionary hand at work through her, and she still said “yes.” Place me next to the uncomfortable, the afflicted. Send me to the least and the lowest.   Amen.

May this Advent season bless you with the spirit of the living God and remembrance of the reason for the season.

Jim Perry

Devotional 12-11-13

“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name’

I think it is interesting to read how a song came to be written.  This devotion is from the book, 52 Hymn Story Devotions by Lucy Neeley Adams, Abingdon Press, Nashville.  While this is not a hymn one usually thinks of around Christmas time, it is about the life of our Lord Jesus.

“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”

“Signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”    Acts 4:30

If the Christian had just one anthem of praise, this would be it.  In every nation where it is sung, it speaks to the deep spiritual needs of all.  Someone has said, “As long as there are Christians on earth, this hymn will continue to be sung, and after that –  in heaven.”

The composer of the hymn was Edward Perronet, who was born in Sundridge, England, in 1726.  He was the son of a priest of the Church of England, and he, too, was ordained into that church.  Young Perronet, however, felt the church cold and too formal, and began to work with two Anglican priests, John and Charles Wesley, who were experiencing the same struggle.

They started preaching in the streets.  Soon many people who were searching for a deeper faith gathered in the open air to hear the fiery evangelists. 

The trio faced much persecution from those who disagreed with their ministry, sometimes even the threat of physical harm. John Wesley wrote in his diary:” Today Edward Perronet was thrown down and rolled in mud and mire.”

But out of those times of distress came Perronet’s powerful testimony of praise: “All hail the power of Jesus’ name!”  That same power flowed into the lives of true believers in the early church.  Recorded in Acts 3 is the first miracle after Pentecost.  The healing of the lame man at the temple caused an uproar from the Jewish leaders who watched the miracle.  Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, said, “ in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk” (Acts 3:6).  Instantly, the man leaped to his feet.  The rulers and elders of the Jews, fearing this message would spread as a result of this miracle, commanded the disciples “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18).

The disciples did not obey this order, but continued to preach in that powerful Name.  The results are astounding, as the gospel message has spread to millions throughout the centuries.

Lord Jesus, we crown you Lord of all.  Hallelujah. Amen.

All hail the power of Jesus’ name!

Let angels prostrate fall;

bring forth the royal diadem,

and crown him Lord of all.

Bring forth the royal diadem,

and crown him Lord of all.

Edward Perronet, 1779; alt. by John Rippon, 1787

Kay Lewis

Devotional 12-10-13

  

James 5:7  —  Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming.  See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.  You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.  

The Jones’ family farm is located in Spout Springs, Virginia (near Appomattox).  Every Summer my parents would drive me up to the farm from Princeton, West Virginia to spend a week with my cousins and also to get a taste of farm living (read hard/hot/manual labor)!  I can recall looking at a row of beans that looked as if it went from Spout Springs to the Atlantic Ocean!  It did not take long for me to know I never wanted to work or own a farm!  However, it did give me a great appreciation for farming and the fruits of that labor.

James’ admonition to the Christians to be patient and wait is just as true today as it was 2,000 years ago.  Many people (Christians included), can not wait for Christmas to arrive.  They enjoy the presents, the food, the family and the fellowship.  Yet, they feel empty when the day is done.  Why is this?

I believe it is because they did not take the time to “plant” the proper spiritual seed. Advent is the time for planting and feeding your soul as you prepare yourself for the spiritual journey towards Christmas!  Daily prayer, scripture readings and active participation in Worship are all part of the “rains” that nourish our spiritual walk.

We can not expect to harvest growth with the Holy Spirit unless we are willing to invest our time and talents in preparation for the coming of our Lord!

Won’t you join me this Advent in working the fields with our labors and waiting on the “Spiritual Rains” to grow in faith?

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, we thank you for the season of Advent.  Help us to prepare ourselves again for the coming of your son Jesus Christ.  Allow your Spirit to rain down on us and feed us with that living water so that we will never thirst again.  Amen  

Marv Jones

Devotional 12-9-13

Zoom on By

 

Here’s a fun Sunday afternoon exercise.  Come zooming through Ritter Park, from the train towards the arch, at 23+ miles per hour >> on a bicycle! Keep in mind that the speed limit in Ritter Park is 20 MPH. Here’s the fun part…count how many cars pass you as if you were stopped on the side of the road fixing a flat tire. Are they in that big of a hurry to get somewhere really important? If so, perhaps they should have left sooner.  Maybe they just can’t stand to be BEHIND a bike. 

 

The speed limit as we approach Christmas is love, joy, peace and the recognition of the birth of Christ. And the realization of what His birth means in our in lives. Sometimes we can’t stand to be behind… Behind a neighbor, friend or co-worker that we hear is ‘finished’ with their shopping. Behind having the house decorated for guests. Behind in our food preparation or not selecting a turkey that’s as weighty as what others say they are planning. Behind in everything that we confuse for Christmas. 

 

The season passes too quickly as it is. Its already moving at 23 MPH is a 20 zone. Don’t be in a rush to get around it or worse still, knock it in a ditch because you have to do something Chritmas-ie.

 

Steve Matthews

Devotional 12-8-13

Matthew 3:1-12

This text is rather confrontational between John the Baptizer and those whom he called a brood of vipers.  Yet, within his venom are words that call for people to prepare for one who comes.  “Prepare the way of The Lord; make his paths straight.”  Following is a hymn composed for Advent, following the pattern of the Advent wreath’s succession of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace.  If you like to sing, look up the Repton hymn tune on Youtube.  This second Sunday of Advent finds many in the throes and anxieties of preparing for the secular celebrations of Christmas.  Instead, let the hymn help prepare us for Christ’s birth.

O Come, Thou Blessed Hope

O come, thou blessed Hope of God,

The Hope of being whole.

In fear or exile, grief or pain

We call to you again and again

To free the troubled, captive soul,

To free the restless soul.

O come, thou blessed Love of God,

The Love from Mary born:

Thou child who drew a mother’s face

And grew in wisdom, full of grace

To love us with each passing morn,

To love us each new morn.

O come, thou blessed Joy of God,

The Joy of dawning rays.

Come Jesus, now, the word made flesh;

Be born within our hearts, our créche.

Receive our joyful gifts of praise,

Receive our joyful praise.

O come thou blessed Peace of God,

The Peace of Christ be giv’n:

That calls the world to end all strife

With promise of abundant life

On earth as now it is in heav’n,

On earth as known in heav’n.

O come, thou Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace,

O come from heav’n above.

Emmanuel, now come and bless

The earth with your divine caress

And fill us with your heav’nly love.

Fill us with heav’nly love.

Jack Lipphardt, 2013

Tune setting:  Repton

Rev. Jack Lipphardt

Devotional 12-7-13

Romans 15:4-13

I am emphasizing verse 7:  “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

If there is ever a time when people think about what it means to be welcoming, it is surely during the Advent and Christmas holidays.  There are dinners to attend. Some are job related and we enjoy spending time with coworkers in more relaxed settings than the ordinary place we meet.  Others are family gatherings which have their own sets of joys and challenges. There are informal get-togethers with friends. There will be many activities at church. We decorate our homes and church. We shop for just the right present for loved ones.

 We cram so much into just a few short weeks!  We enjoy it, for the most part, or at least most people seem to, but does the frenetic activity really celebrate the incarnation of Jesus Christ, or prepare us for his return at the end of time: both reasons why we celebrate Advent and Christmas every year? Or does it stress us out and become more items on an overcrowded “to do” list? 

What if we asked God to help us welcome the Advent and Christmas seasons this year? Is it possible that we might feel less stress and more joy? To me, “welcome” means acceptance and helping people feel at home.  That way, the burden of enjoying the holidays is on me, not anyone else. Other people don’t have to do anything. But I do. When, on January 7, 2014, I look back on the time between Thanksgiving and Epiphany will I realize that to quite some extent, how I experienced this time has been up to me?

I’ve had some major health challenges this year and they have certainly helped me sift through what is important and what isn’t. Perfectly cooked meals? No. Beautiful decorations? Nice, but not necessary. Presents? Do we really need more things cluttering up our lives?

 I want to create an atmosphere in my home and churches where people feel comfortable being themselves. This may mean encouraging church members to follow up with visitors in meaningful ways. It might mean being courteous to the people who kind of drop in for worship or a meal. It means being welcoming to the “regulars” who don’t want to do any of those things. It even means being accepting to family members who are on the opposite end of the spiritual and political spectrum than I am.

If you think about it, one of the things God did at Christmas by sending His Son for our redemption, was to welcome us. In spite of our shortcomings, in spite of the poor choices we make, in spite of the anger and resentment towards other people that we all feel from time to time, we are welcomed into God’s household. The Scripture that I included with this devotional says to welcome all for the glory of God. Only for the glory of God. That’s how and why God has welcomed us, for His glory.  I pray that unconditional love can be an inspiration for us to welcome this sacred, and often challenging, time of year.

Rev. Dorcas Linger ConradThe United Methodist Churches of the West Liberty Charge, 

West Liberty, W. Va. 

Devotional 12-6-13

Suggested Scripture:  Matthew 13:47-50

Advent, or Parousia, as it is sometimes called, is the anticipation of the establishment of the kingdom of God on earth.  It is believed that God’s coming will be preceded by a day of judgment in which God will separate the saints from the sinners.

Now, let me back up a little and tell you about a book I encountered as a young person (a long time ago) in Methodist Youth Camp.  The book is titled “God’s Trombones” and is a collection of sermons preached by many old-time Black preachers during the period just after the Civil War.  James Weldon Johnson collected them and published them as “God’s Trombones,” a book that I have treasured all these years.  But, it is the kind of treasure that likes to be shared.  Therefore, since we are talking Advent and there just happens to be a sermon in “God’s Trombones” about judgment day, here in its entirety is the vision of one preacher of what judgment day will be like.

The Judgment Day

In that great day,

People, in that great day, 

God’s a-going to rain down fire.

God’s a-going to sit in the middle of the air

To judge the quick and the dead.

Early one of these mornings,

God’s a-going to call for Gabriel;

And God’s a-going to say to him: Gabriel,

Blow your silver trumpet, 

And wake the living nations.

And Gabriel’s going to ask him: Lord,

How loud must I blow it?

And God’s a-going to tell him: Gabriel,

Blow it calm and easy.

Then putting one foot on the mountain top,

And the other in the middle of the sea,

Gabriel’s going to stand and blow his horn,

To wake the living nations.

Then God’s a-going to say to him:  Gabriel,

Once more blow your silver trumpet,

And wake the nations underground.

And Gabriel’s going to ask him: Lord

How loud must I blow it?

And God’s a-going to tell him: Gabriel,

Like seven peals of thunder.

Then the tall, bright angel, Gabriel,

Will put one foot on the battlements of heaven

And the other one the steps of hell,

And blow that silver trumpet

Till he shakes old hell’s foundations.

And I feel Old Earth a-shuddering –

And I see the graves a-bursting –

And I hear a sound,

A blood-chilling sound.

What sound is it that I hear?

It’s the clicking together of dry bones,

Bone to bone – the dry bones.

And I see coming out of the bursting graves,

And marching up from the valley of death,

The army of the dead.

And the living and the dead in the twinkling of an eye

Are caught up in the middle of the air,

Before God’s judgment bar.

Oh-o-oh sinner,

Where will you stand,

In that great day when God’s a-going to rain down fire?

Oh, you gambling man – where will you stand?

You whore-mongering man – where will you stand?

Liars and backsliders – where will you stand,

In that great day when God’s a-going to rain down fire?

And God will divide the sheep from the goats,

The one on the right, the other on the left.

And to them on the right God’s a-going to say:

Enter into my kingdom.

And those who’ve come through great tribulations,

And washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb,

They will enter in –

Clothed in spotless white,

With starry crowns upon their heads,

And silver slippers on their feet,

And harps within their hands:

And two by two they’ll walk 

Up and down the golden street,

Feasting on the milk and honey

Singing new songs of Zion,

Chattering with the angels

All around the Great White Throne.

And to them on the left God’s a-going to say:

Depart from me into everlasting darkness,

Down into the bottomless pit.

And the wicked like lumps of lead will start to fall,

Headlong for seven days and nights they’ll fall,

Plumb into the big, black red-hot mouth of hell,

Belching out fire and brimstone.

And their cries like howling, yelping dogs,

Will go up with the fire and smoke from hell,

But God will stop his ears.

Too late, sinner!  Too late!

Good-bye sinner!  Good-bye!

In hell, sinner! In Hell!

Beyond the reach of the love of God.

And I hear a voice, crying crying:

Time shall be no more!

Time shall be no more!

Time shall be no more!

And the sun will go out like a candle in the wind,

The moon will turn to dripping blood,

The stars will fall like cinders,

And the sea will burn like tar;

And the earth shall melt away and be dissolved,

And the sky will roll up like a scroll.

With a wave of his hand God will blot out time,

And start the wheel of eternity.

Sinner, oh, sinner

Where will you stand

In that great day when God’s a-going to rain down fire?

Prayer:  Oh, Heavenly Father, we pray that with your grace and mercy, you will guide us and teach us how to live; so that when the time comes for you to judge us, we will all be welcomed into your heavenly kingdom.  And we offer our humble prayer in the name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Charlie Lewis

Devotional 12-5-13

Thankful

This season of the year with its beautiful colors and moderate temperatures stimulates the senses and is the perfect prelude to Thanksgiving which in turn helps to prepare our hearts for Christmas.  The incredible beauty of autumn heightens my awareness of the presence of God all around, and leads to reflection on the incredible ways God has blessed my life and how thankful I feel for those blessings, the essence of Thanksgiving.

  

It is not a coincidence that this time of year our church conducts its stewardship campaign.  Some groan at mention of the word stewardship and may even skip some Sundays during this time because they see it merely as the church trying to guilt them into parting with their money.  As I have grown in my faith, my perspective on giving has changed, however.  I have come to realize, thanks to the witness of fellow church members and the sermons from our pastors, that our giving doesn’t come from guilt but should be motivated by gratitude and done to glorify God through the church and its programs. Along with financial stewardship, we are also reminded to consider whether and how much we are sharing the other “riches” we possess – our time and talents – which are equally important to the life of the church.

Just as I’m glad autumn helps transition our weather from summer to winter, I’m grateful that stewardship season and Thanksgiving come before Christmas.  Appreciating just how rich we truly are in terms of blessings and gifts from God helps insulate us to some degree from those aspects of the Christmas season that are not spiritual.  Rabid consumerism forced on us way too soon, pressure to spend beyond our means, crowds, rampant rudeness and inconsideration, and the stress that comes with these things, threaten to blur our vision of the coming Christ child and replace the gratitude in our hearts with anger, frustration and even resentfulness, leaving no room for the most amazing blessing of all. This year, my prayer is that we may maintain an “attitude of gratitude,” and that we make an effort to find something to be thankful for in every situation even if we do so grudgingly with clenched teeth and fists.  I hope this will help keep our hearts open to receive and acknowledge the blessing of our Savior’s birth. 

Mary Taylor

Devotional 12-4-13

Tempus Fugit

Latin was never my favorite subject in school. Actually, it wasn’t the subject but the teacher I didn’t like. This many years later I don’t remember why I didn’t like her but I do know that what I learned from her teaching has been of benefit to me throughout my life. If you have studied Latin you know that it is the foundation for many languages and helps us even in the understanding of our own English language.

Some years ago I took my two sons and their wives to London,  and we visited the school I had attended. The buildings looked the same, the grounds where I had played field hockey (badly) and tennis (not much better) were unchanged. We went to the Administrative Building seeking to tour the classrooms, the chapel the auditorium and my particular nemesis, the gymnasium. We rang the bell and guess who opened the door. That’s right, my former Latin teacher! 

Much to my surprise, she remembered me. Maybe I had been the kind of brat you don’t easily forget. Nevertheless she was so welcoming and kind I wondered why I had not liked her those many years ago. Perhaps because the passage of time changes our perceptions of many things and many people.

We hope for change, for promises to be fulfilled and in this Advent season we know that hope for a savior was fulfilled. Tempus fugit, time flies, but hope must never leave us. Let us rejoice in Jesus’ coming, the hope of the ages is fulfilled. 

Romans 15:4   For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Jean Dean

Devotional 12-3-13

Believe

In recent years a popular retailer began using “Believe” in their advertising. Of course it is in regards to “Believing” that you may receive a particular gift.  

What gift do we “Believe” that we will receive? In the Old Testament the Prophet Isaiah foretold of the birth of a little child that would lead them. (Isaiah 11:6)   In the early church “a rule of faith” (1) emerged in the Apostles Creed, what those of the church ‘Believe.” In the second line of the Apostles Creed it says that we “Believe” in “… Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary.” This of course is the birth of the little child that Isaiah prophesied many years before.

The birth of a little child that would grow into a man, who would lead people by giving his life for each and every one.  He is our salvation only if we will “Believe”!!

The birth of Jesus Christ is our gift from our Father God.  Do you “Believe”??? 

Grace and Peace,

Fred Herr

Readings for Fred’s Devotional:

Isaiah 11:1-6, New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Peaceful Kingdom

A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.  The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.

Luke 1:26-35

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.  He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”  The angel said to 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 holy; he will be called Son of God.

The Apostles Creed 

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth; 

And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord;

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, dead, and buried;

the third day he rose from the dead;

he ascended into heaven,

and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;

from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen. 

Fred Herr

Devotional 12-2-13

The Hope Chest

Matthew 3:1-12

This lesson from Matthew tells us about John the Baptist.  John began preaching in the Judean wilderness.  His clothing was woven from camel hair, and he wore a belt.  His food was locusts and honey.  People  from Jerusalem and all over the Jordan Valley came to the wilderness to hear him preach.  When they confessed  their sins, he would baptize them in the Jordan River.

When he saw the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be baptized, he denounced them. He told them just because they were Jews did not mean they would be saved.  They must repent and prove that they had turned from sin by doing worthy deeds. He baptized those who repented with water but then told them that someone else greater than he would baptize them with the holy spirit and fire.  Only He would know if they had truly repented.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John.  John did not want to do it because he felt unworthy.  Jesus asked that he please do it because He must do what was right.  Since Jesus was human, he must do what was necessary to show this characteristic. When John did baptize Jesus, a voice came from heaven saying, “This is my beloved son, and I am wonderfully pleased with him.”

At the heart of this lesson is the overall theme of hope.  John the Baptist appears as one who prepares the way with the talk of repentance.  There is hope for us in the future.  As the commentary by James Boyce says, “to borrow a metaphor, every Christian needs to have a HOPE CHEST.”  Since God’s reign is drawing near, it is important to know that God’s Promise will be kept.

We should not dwell on the past, but look toward the future.  Repentance and its seal of baptism signal a theme found in Matthew. Repentance and fruit belong together. Bearing of fruit (good deeds) means above all not to be enslaved by the past but to be open to the future of what God is doing and will do.

To me this lesson is saying that no matter what one has done in the past, if one repents and accepts responsibility for the future, one can look forward to the hope and promise of the future in God’s promise. We can move into this Advent season in hope and in the sure confidence that fruit for us is yet to come.

Carolee Brown

Devotional 12-1-13

Small Things and Possibility: An Advent Reflection

We live in a world in which bigger and better define our expectations for much of life--so much so that we tend not to see potential in small things. But as the prophet Zechariah reminds us (Zech 4:10), we should not “despise the day of small things,” because God does some of his best work with small beginnings and impossible situations.

It’s amazing that God often begins with small things and inadequate people. It certainly seems that God could have chosen “bigger” things and “better” people to do His work in the world. Yet if God can use them, and reveal Himself through them in such marvelous ways, it means that He might be able to use me. And it means that I need to be careful that I do not in my own self-righteousness put limits on what God can do with the smallest things, the most unlikely of people, in the most hopeless of circumstances. 

I think that is part of the wonder of the Advent Season.

I am convinced that one of the main purposes of the incarnation of Jesus was to provide hope. In fact, I believe that both the season of Advent and the season of Lent are about hope. It is not just hope for a better day or hope for the lessening of pain and suffering. It is more about hope that human existence has meaning and possibility beyond our present experiences, a hope that the limits of our lives are not nearly as narrow as we experience them to be. 

Our hope cannot be in circumstances, no matter how badly we want them. If our hope is only in our circumstances, we will always be disappointed. That is why we hope, not in circumstances, but in God. He has continually revealed himself to be a God of newness, of possibility, of redemption. The best example of that is the crucifixion itself, followed by the resurrection. That shadow of the cross falls even over the manger.

It all begins in the hope that God will come and come again into our world to reveal himself.  This time of year we contemplate that hope comes embodied and incarnated in a newborn baby, the perfect example of newness, potential, and possibility. During Advent, we long for that newness with the hope, the expectation, indeed the faith, that God will once again see our circumstances, hear our cries, and know our longings for a better world and a whole life (Ex 3:7). And we hope that as he first came as an infant, so he will come again as King!

Maybe that is what hope is about: a way to live authentically amidst all the problems of life ,with a Faith that continues to see possibility when there is no present evidence of it, just because God is God. That is also the wonder of Advent.

Taken from the writing of Dennis R. Bratcher, Executive Director of the Christian Resource Institute. He is a retired professor of Old Testament; he has earned the PhD in Biblical studies from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, and has served as an educator in the church for more than 25 years. He is an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene, and has recently served on staff at a United Methodist church.

Diane Feaganes