Devotional 12-25-17

Lectionary Readings:  Isaiah 9: 2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2: 11-14; Luke 2: 1-20.

⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, unto the City of David which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David) ⁵to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, who was great with child. ⁶And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. ⁷And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2: 4-7 KJV

History tells us that women have been carrying babies and delivering them without the benefit of hospitals and professional care givers for centuries.  As a nurse and as a mother, I am very grateful that I have lived in a different age.  But looking at Mary’s pregnancy and delivery experience I am still in awe.  The entire experience must have been overwhelming—the journey to Jerusalem during the last month of pregnancy on a donkey; the labor and birth in a stable with no record of any assistance of a midwife, mother, cousin or other family; and the lack of the amenities of home such as water, bedding, etc.  According to the Gospel of Luke, his birth was heralded by angels who sang to a group of shepherds and they became the baby’s first visitors.  And yet, in these humble beginnings, Mary brought forth the son that she knew was also the Son of God.

Fast forward to 1995:  my house fire occurred the morning of December 7th and I spent a week or so in the hospital for smoke inhalation.  My son, David, and I were homeless and living with my brother.  My speaking voice was gravely at best, I couldn’t sing and was still very weak, but I wanted to attend JM’s Christmas Eve service.  My son and his fiancé volunteered to drive through the icy weather to escort me to JM.  The picture is a little more complete when you know that Kirsten was also “great with child”. David notified me the next morning that Kirsten was in labor and my firstborn grandson made his entry into this world at about 6:30 pm on Christmas Day. Austin was the most marvelous gift and immediately changed our  lives!!!  He was surrounded by family which included multiple generations, as well as a host of immediate and extended family members.  He was attended by professionals who measured and evaluated all his bodily functions.  The room was filled with light and was warm and pleasant.  Mother and baby were healthy and doing well.

The “birth story” for these two babies was very different, but the boys were no less loved or warmly greeted. Both of these babies were very precious to their mothers.  However, God had very different plans for their lives.  God loved us so much that he sent his only son to earth to become a human who would ultimately give his life for all of our sins.  This marvelous, extravagant, matchless gift of love would change the world.  Two thousand years later, we are still trying to understand and accept this life changing gift.  Many of us struggle to believe that we are loved to that degree because the sacrifice of a son would be more than a mother or father could bear.  But that is exactly how much we are loved by God.

This great gift, given just for us, is that we are loved just as we are.  God loves us with all our flaws and cracks, rough edges and faults.  When we offer ourselves to this love, we are enveloped in the loving outstretched arms of one who is delighted with us and sings and rejoices that we are his.  He calls us by name, reminds us to “be not afraid” and loves us beyond our understanding.  Just as a baby lifts up its arms to be held, God offers us a baby to love, once again on this Christmas Day.  This baby will change our lives and show us that love is indeed the greatest gift of all.

“Love came down at Christmas
Love all lovely, Love divine;
Love was born at Christmas;
Star and angels gave the sign.

May you be showered with Christmas Blessings today and always!!

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-24-17

Luke 1:26-38, and 46b-55 are the scripture readings for the day.  This familiar story includes a surprising twist, one that speaks as powerfully to our time as it did to the first hearers, two thousand years ago. The angel Gabriel is sent to Nazareth, a town (not really a city) in Galilee, to a young unmarried woman named Mary.  Given the time and place, Mary is almost surely a teenager; she avows in the story that she is a virgin.  Approached by a messenger from God, she initially needs reassurance: “Don’t be afraid,” Gabriel tells her.  After the announcement that she will bear a son, and name him Jesus, a ruler for David’ s house and kingdom, Mary begins to find her voice.  She asks, point blank, “How...?” Gabriel tells her she will be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, and this baby will be God’s Son. He tells her that her relative Elizabeth is six months pregnant, even though she is old and was thought to be unable to conceive a child.  Whether one is old or young “nothing’s impossible for God,” Gabriel insists.  Mary says “let it be with me just as you have said.”  

The Mary in this part of the story is often portrayed in art as a meek, quiet small-town girl, eyes downcast, as she says that big “yes” to God.  But this is where the story begins to move, literally and figuratively, into new territory.  In Luke’s narrative, Mary immediately leaves her home and most of her family (not to mention her fiancé’ Joseph) and travels to the hill country, to Elizabeth’s home. This is a surprising journey for a young, unmarried woman in 1st century Galilee.  She is welcomed and affirmed, both by Elizabeth and her unborn son.  And then Mary breaks into song.  The Magnificat, as it is known, is Mary’s song glorifying God and celebrating the powerful reversal that God can create. Mary begins with the personal--”He has looked with favor on the lowly status of his servant,” but moves quickly to the universal: “He shows mercy to everyone...who honors him as God.” Mary praises God for action in history: “He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.  He has pulled down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly.” She testifies from her own experience “He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed.”  Mary praises God for coming to the aid of her people, “just as he promised to our ancestors....”

For me, the powerful movement in this story is how God’s Messiah has already changed Mary’s life and world, even before his birth.  She begins as a frightened young woman, asking questions and then moving to acceptance.  That could be all we hear.  But instead, Mary becomes a person with a mission.  She takes a journey, shares her good news, and then celebrates that news.  She recognizes that the promise isn’t just for her, but will radically transform the world.  Mary sees the reversal of favor from the “rich and powerful”  whom the worldly assume are recipients of God’s favor, to the “lowly and hungry,” and she sings thanks and praise.  God is with us! Even when we have limited resources, whether we are old or young, wherever we are, God remembers God’s promises, and offers new life in this world and the next.  Thanks be to God. Amen. 

Rev. Terry Deane

Devotional 12-23-17

Universal Application

It is the day before Christmas Eve, the most anticipated day of the Advent Season.  If we read the suggested lectionary readings in chronological order, we find a review of the story or God’s plan for us.

In 2 Samuel 11 we learn about God’s promise to David and how it came to be.  David feels that now he has a permanent home, he wants to give God a permanent home instead of a tent. He tells Nathan who at first thinks it is a good idea but learns that God does not. God appreciates the intention or gesture.  He wants to give David a House. Thus, we learn about God’s Covenant or Promise to David.  From the House of David would be God’s son who would be born of woman. David does not completely understand but he believes in God’s promise.

This praise of God’s love is in Psalm 89. Which says that His Love will stand forever as well as the Covenant with David to establish his line and make the throne firm throughout all generations.

In Luke 1: 26-38 we find the story of the angel’s visit to Mary in which Mary is told that she will bear the son of God. Immediately, Mary feels that she is blessed but wonders how since she is a virgin. The angel tells her that the Holy Spirit will cause the conception.  She tells Mary that all things are possible with God. She mentions that even Elizabeth is too old to bear children but she is 6 months pregnant as an example. Mary goes to visit Elizabeth.

Luke 1: 46-55 is known as Mary’s Song.  Mary was glorified when she was told she would bear God’s Son.  She would be God’s humble servant and felt for all generation be blessed. Elizabeth had believed her and that helped in her understanding.  Mary also praised God for helping Israel by being merciful to Abraham and his descendants as he promised our ancestors.

Romans 16: 25-27 seems to put the ribbon on the Advent Story.  Paul talks to the Romans.  He tells them that the Gospel is finally disclosed to ALL PEOPLE, not just to Israel.  God is the savior to all people, all generations.

Years ago when I taught English Composition, I would give a specific statement about a certain reading and ask the students to write a composition that showed how the statement could be universally applied.  Statement: Over 2000 years ago,
A virgin gave birth to a baby boy in a manager. How does that apply to today? What have we learned?

We have learned that sometimes the “intention” to do something can be as important as the accomplishment. We also learned that the giving reflects the greatness of the giver and not the receiver. God appreciated David’s plan but God’s gift to David showed his greatness. David understood this.  The birth of God’s Son applies to all of us even in 2017. Let us see the universal application of a baby born in a manager and feel as blessed as Mary did in her song.

Lord, Hear our Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to always remember that that baby boy dies for all of us as we anticipate the celebration of His birth.  Amen

Carolee Brown

Devotional 12-22-17

God’s Promise to David

Lectionary Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-11

At this point in scripture, David has emerged as a warrior. Winning battles against his enemies then being anointed King over Judah.  In addition, he was able to get Israel to join with him and conquer the Jebusites in Jerusalem.  This is why Jerusalem is sometimes called the city of David.  Once all this was done, David settles into his palace and enjoys rest from his enemies.  It is at this juncture that David reflects on living in splendor while the ark of God remains in a tent.  David makes plans to build the temple in Jerusalem so that God might have a proper house to dwell in.  However, God has other plans and has Nathan, the prophet, declare that David will not build the temple but his offspring will.

I suspect most of us are sometimes like David- at least during Advent ! While we may not be engaged in battles or uniting tribes I think we all have a tendency to get our own jobs, cares or dreams taken care of first. Only after we have achieved what WE want- do we begin to think about what God may want from us!  During the secular Christmas Season we get bleary-eyed from all of the advertising, promotions and sentiments that come our way. This can serve to distract us from God’s plan for us.  Like David, we tend to make decisions for God that we think is right.

However, Advent calls us to a higher purpose. During these turbulent times we must ask ourselves this question.  Do we favor God by working for him or do we savor God  by worshipping him?  Your answer will dictate how you feel on Christmas morning.

Prayer: Heavenly Father we thank you for our time on earth. We thank you for the many blessings you have bestowed on each of us.  Help us to respond to your gift of grace, your gift of living water, your promise of everlasting life as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the heavens.  Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 12-21-17

’Tis the Season

 Please read Luke 1: 46B-55

This is the season of giving, celebrating God’s gift of Jesus to the world. What an amazing gift that was! God used Mary and in using her, He blessed her beyond her imagination. Mary celebrated that gift and all of God’s goodness in her song the “Magnificat.”

 How often do we celebrate God’s gifts to us? It is always so easy to forget how blessed we really are. It is especially easy at this time of year when we are overwhelmed with to do lists and rushing from one activity to another. The best gifts come from the heart and don’t necessarily involve money. They do often involve time. I know that’s in short supply right now, but that makes it that much more meaningful. This Christmas give God the gift of your time. Settle yourself and think of all the blessings in your life. Let the realization of God’s love for you permeate your whole being. Then go out and sing your own “Magnificat” by spreading God’s love to the world! Isn’t that the true meaning of the season—to spread God’s love?

Margaret Williams

Devotional 12-20-17

In December last year,  I promised myself that this year, I would end the craziness of all the preparations for Christmas—shopping, decorating the house, writing Christmas cards,  and wrapping presents, early—to spend more time in prayer, meditation, silence, and rest (Oh, yes! Sweet rest…!) to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Finishing up my tasks early, about a week or so before Christmas Eve (at the very latest), will give me time to read, study, and focus on the meaningful truths of the birth of Christ.

I will read the Advent devotionals slowly, taking time to think about the message each has for me.

I will pray for those suffering, throughout the world, under governments which are ruthless and violent.

I will pray for those here at home who are less fortunate than I—those who are alone with no home, no family, no food, no security.

I will pray for abused and neglected children, that they may find safety and love in a place where they will feel secure.

I will pray for those who suffer from substance abuse.

I will also pray for God’s small, innocent and vulnerable creatures who may be lost, abused, and neglected, that they may find “furever” homes.

These thoughts weigh heavily on my heart, and I will pray for guidance to see ways in which I, though just one, can make a difference.

I read once about reading, studying, then comparing the Biblical rendition of the birth of Christ in Matthew l: 18 through 2:12, and Luke 2:1-20:
1) What do I see for the first time?
2) What strikes me about the narratives?
3) How are the two accounts different?
4) What do the stories reveal about God?

 And I plan, too, to rest (Ah, sweet rest!)—as often as I can, until the arrival of Christmas Eve.

All this being said, perhaps I can experience Christmas in a fresh, new, and powerful way.  You might want try it, too!

Diane Feaganes

Devotional 12-19-17

Is it really only 6 days until Christmas!!  With all of the hustle and bustle, time certainly seems to fly.  At our house the Christmas Holiday season is full of traditions. The decorations, candy making, cookie baking, and of course preparation of the Christmas feast with all of the trimmings.  When my grandparents were living, we found ourselves at their house on Christmas Eve to open presents with them and usually a Monty’s Pizza was involved. It was a magical time of year when we also celebrated my mother’s birthday.  I remember one special Christmas in 1979, when I went into labor with our first son, Matthew. Mark and I were leaving his parents’ house after lunch when it all started. Well Matthew did not want to see the cold world and his arrival did not occur until the morning of Dec 26. I remember family being there to provide support waiting through the night to see this precious child. As I reflect on this momentous event, I am reminded of how alone Mary must have felt without her family around as she gave birth to our savior. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us that we are never alone. When we are feeling our loneliest and afraid we need to remember that God is with us always and provides the strength we need. We are never truly alone.

Sharon McAllister

Devotional 12-18-17

Luke 1:46b-55 (CEB)

In Mary’s song the writer is humbly glorifying God for choosing Mary as the Mother of his Son.  But is also glorifying God to all.  Mary has just visited Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-44 CEB) who is also blessed with child.  Elizabeth says to Mary that she, Mary, is blessed among all to be the servant that God called to have his Son.  Mary realizes this is the fulfillment of the prophets.  She doesn’t stop here in her glorification.  Mary says that “God will glorify all who honor God from generation to generation.”

This is what God does for every one of us daily. As we glorify him. God provides all of our needs, he is merciful, shows justice and is loving.

As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Advent season let us remember. That we are to be like this to all we meet daily.  To be the hands and feet of Christ.  As the Prophet Micah says; (Micah 6:8 NIV) “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Have a blessed Advent and Christmas.

Fred Herr

Devotional 12-17-17

Rejoice

Rejoice, the Lord is King!
Your Lord and King adore:
mortals, give thanks and sing,
and triumph evermore.
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice; again I say, rejoice.                         (UM Hymnal – 715 - Charles Wesley, 1746)

Christmas time is indeed a time to rejoice.  As the hymn states, we are to rejoice.  We are to lift up our hearts and voices and rejoice. God provides. Jesus is here. REJOICE!

Several days a week, my husband and I pick up our grandchildren after school.  We enjoy this time together, playing and working on homework and building relationships.  Our only problem is that, on the way home from school, we have to drive by those magic golden arches, known as McDonalds.  And after a hard day at school, where the grandchildren have had to be on their best behavior and have studied their reading and math and every other subject, they surely must deserve a treat.  And to them, there is nothing better as a treat, than a “Happy Meal”.  It doesn’t matter that what would really be better, is for us to buy the food and then give them money to buy a toy later.  Only that “Happy Meal” with the surprise toy included, will cause them to rejoice!

In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians 5:16-19, he says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  We are to rejoice, and pray, and give thanks.  But here is the problem for us.  We are to rejoice and pray and give thanks all of the time.  Not just when good things happen – but all of the time – even when nothing is happening or when things are bad.  How is that even possible?  But Paul says that is what God wants us to do. What a test for our faith and our relationship with God.

As we prepare ourselves for this Christmas time, I encourage you to try to do what Paul has suggested.  As you try to rejoice and pray and give thanks through each day, through every circumstance, you will begin to feel your relationship and your trust in God beginning to deepen, and realize that God is in control. We must pray for God’s will to be done.  It is not easy, especially when things are difficult and trying, but it is only through God’s love and strength and grace, that we become the person God wants us to be.

Rejoice!  Again I say, Rejoice!

Blessings,
Rev. Suzanne Ellis

Devotional 12-16-17

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

16. Rejoice Evermore
17. Pray without ceasing
18. In everything give thanks for this the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you
19. Quench not the spirit
20. Despise not prophesyings
21. Prove all things
22. Abstain from all appearance of evil
23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

This epistle of Paul was written about 64 A.D. and was the first of his fourteen letters to the early Christian Church.  This scripture gives advice about a Christian’s personal relationship to God and problems faced in the daily life of the Church.

Paul exhorts Christians to rejoice even when persecuted.  (In the first century, persecution included imprisonment, torture, and death!)  Paul believed his advice to pray without ceasing is the secret to continual joy.  As we approach the Christmas season at Johnson Memorial we should take Paul’s advice to the Church at Thesalonika to heart.  Rejoice, give thanks and pray without ceasing as we celebrate the joy of Advent.

Lee Oxley

Devotional 12-15-17

John 1: 6-8

God sent John the Baptist as a witness to the fact that Jesus Christ is the true Light.  John himself is not the Light; he is only the witness to identify it.  Later on, the one who is the true Light arrived to shine on everyone comin into the world.

Do you think John the Baptist felt slighted that he was not the Messiah or “Light” but just the announcer.

Do you think he thought he was being overlooked...again.

I don’t. 

Have you ever been around someone that you just knew was destined for greater things, at church, at school at work or maybe a family reunion.?

I think all of us have had someone in our life like that but I can’t imagine how John must have felt when he really came to know Jesus and realized exactly who he was and what he was going to mean to the world. He must have been bursting with joy that HE was going to announce to so many that this man, this
“Lamb of God” was here to save all of us from our sins. This “Light” would change the world forever.

In this Advent season we celebrate the birth of this “Light”. It seems that everywhere we turn there is light to help us celebrate and it is beautiful and joyful even in dark times.

We are not John but each of us in our own way has the ability to share the Joy of Jesus and the Light he brings to our lives.

During this season it’s so easy to be tired or maybe sad at a loss you’ve suffered or some part of your life that didn’t turn out as planned. Try to remember that your face reflects your feelings. Try to remember the Light and let your face shine.

We never know what the person we’re passing is going through but maybe a smile from you will give them the lift they need to deal with their problems and maybe, they will pass it to someone else.

Dear Heavenly Father
Please forgive us Father when we’re too tired to do the things we know we should.
Help us to remember that we should share the joy you have given to us in the form of your perfect son.
Help us to realize that God loves us so much that he gave his only son for us.
May we remember always and try each day to share that joy with others.
Amen

Debbie McGinnis

Devotional 12-14-17

Father Richard Rohr, O.F.M., has always been one of my favorite authors.  His wisdom offered about who we are in Christ; stretching ourselves beyond the normal boundaries we believe will suffice in our Christian faith; and daring to become one in the purest sense of the word.  Becoming one with God, one with the Holy Spirit, one with Jesus Christ, is the only way we may truly become whole.

In his book, “Preparing for Christmas: Daily Meditations for Advent,” Fr. Rohr has given a stunningly timely and thought-provoking meditation on Isaiah 61:1.  The following I quote directly from his daily meditation entitled “Related in the Spirit.”

“The Spirit always connects, reconciles, forgives, heals and makes two into one.  It moves beyond human-made boundaries to utterly realign and renew that which is separated and alienated.  The ‘diabolical’ (from two Greek words, kia balein, that mean ‘to throw apart’), by contrast, always divides and separates that which could be united and at peace.  Just as the Spirit always makes one out of two, so the evil one invariably makes two out of one!  The evil one tears the fabric of life apart, while the Spirit comes to men, soften and heal.

In today’s reading from Isaiah, the prophet describes the coming Servant of Yahweh.  It is precisely this quote that Jesus first uses to announce the exact nature of his own ministry (Luke 4:18-19).  In each case Jesus describes his work as moving outside of polite and proper limits and boundaries to reunite things that have been marginalized or excluded by society: the poor, the imprisoned, the blind, the downtrodden.  His ministry is not to gather the so-called good into a private country club but to reach out to those on the edge and on the bottom, those who are ‘last’ to tell them they are, in fact, first!  That is almost the very job description of the Holy Spirit, and therefore of Jesus.

The more that we can put together, the more that we can ‘forgive’ and allow, the more we can include and enjoy, the more we tend to be living in the Spirit.  The more we need to reject, oppose, deny, exclude and eliminate, the more open we are to negative and destructive voices and to our own worst instincts.  As always, Jesus is our model of healing, outreach and reconciliation, the ultimate man of the Spirit.”

Fr. Rohr ends his meditation with these questions for reflection:   “What divisions exist in your life?  How can you let the Spirit mend those divisions?”

Gracious, loving Father, especially during this time of Advent, open our hearts to anticipate and embrace the beautiful longing we feel for an end to our brokenness, knowing our beloved Savior, Jesus, came in human form to demonstrate the healing wholeness offered to us all.  Give us the wisdom and courage to step out in faith to risk being one willing to reunite, to honor, and to love all Your children, all Your creation.  Amen

Linda Summers

Devotional 12-13-17

A Tale for Christmas Evening  
 by Lucy Carruth

Now that you’re tired of your toys, Sonny Boy,
And you’re cocking a sleepy eye,
Climb into my lap and I’ll tell you a tale
Of a time that is long gone by.

Over the sea, in a little old town---
No, your daddy was never there---
A Baby was born on the first Christmas Day,
In a place that was chill and bare.

He had no fire like the one we have here,
Where His mother would warm His toes,
Not even a roof covered over his head,
But the stars saw His eyelids close.

Yes, He was poor, but withal was a King,
As the Wise Men afar had been told;
And they came on their camels
    to bring Him rare gifts
Of frankincense, myrrh, and gold.

Where is He now? Why He’s here in our home,
But don’t look for Him with your eyes;
For He is the Spirit of Love, Sonny Boy,
And ev’rything good and wise.
 
Published by Ideals Publications
A Guideposts Company
Nashville, Tennessee
2011
Submitted by Kay Lewis

Devotional 12-12-17

Star of Wonder

Read Matthew 2:1-12

Thanks to nasa.gov, I get alerts when the International Space Station will be visible over Huntington. Thankfully, the directions are very specific: what time it will appear on the horizon, from which direction, how many minutes it will be visible, and in what direction it will disappear. I can’t explain why, but I love spotting the Space Station. I know the astronauts can’t see me waving and wishing them well, but it makes me feel good anyway.

Thinking about the Space Station got me to thinking about the Star of Bethlehem. It is mentioned only in Matthew. Most translations say “wise men” from the east came to honor the baby Jesus. Some say “magi” or “scholars” or “astrologers.” These were educated men of science! Their studies found a new star in the East signaling the birth of a new king.  I was interested to find a scientific explanation for the Star of Bethlehem.

Fred Grosse, a professor of physics and astronomy at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pa.,says the favorite hypothesis for the star of Bethlehem is a planetary conjunction.

A conjunction happens when two celestial objects appear to pass very near to each other from our perspective on Earth. Often, these conjunctions look like one large object rather than separate ones.

“In 6 BCE, Jupiter and Saturn passed each other three times, in May, September, and December – a triple conjunction,” Grosse says. Since the actual year of Jesus’ birth is tough to pin down, an event in 6 BCE remains a good candidate to explain what the Magi saw.

“Because this conjunction only happens once every 140 years, it would have been a significant event to astrologers from Babylon.

“A conjecture is that they saw the first passing from their homes, left for Jerusalem, and got there in time for the second or third passing to guide them to Bethlehem.”

Though this is the dominant explanation for the star in the east, it’s not the only one.

“Nova and Supernova are new objects which appear in the sky and then dim to oblivion,” Grosse explains. And they can put on the kind of show that first century astrologers would have noticed.

According to Chinese records, there were supernova that appeared in the sky right around the time when Jesus may have been born, in 4 and 5 BCE.
But the fact that there’s a possible scientific explanation to what the Magi saw, doesn’t mean to Grosse that the event loses its transcendence.

“The symbolism is apparent. A small clear light, on a cold dark night, in a sometimes cold and dark world, leads the wise to the message of Jesus. The message tells us to love each passenger who journeys with us on this small, fragile, planet Earth.”

Anita Gardner Farrell

Devotional 12-11-17

Thessalonians 5:16-24
Rejoice always,pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus...

Paul has some very strange commands for us in this scripture. Rejoice always- if he had to live through my trials and tribulations, he wouldn’t expect me to live up to be ever rejoicing. Give thanks in all things? I just hit my thumb with a hammer, not something I am especially  thankful for. Pray continually? When would I ever get any work done or get to have fun? Way too much to expect, I’m only human you know.

 As I wrote the above words, it started me thinking. Every concern mentioned was centered on me. As Christians, we are supposed to think of others more and ourselves less.

My trials and tribulations , in fact , are child’s play compared to the things Paul suffered. Paul’s sufferings were child play compared to the sacrifice Jesus Christ suffered for my sake.

 Everyone goes through life, sometimes on the mountain top, sometimes in the valley. No one is immune from these ups and downs. If I followed Paul’s commands, I’d live a better life, not constantly focusing on self.

I’m not there, but am working on it.

Blessings in this Advent season.

Scott Ramsey

Devotional 12-10-17

advent – noun – the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event

synonyms: arrival, appearance, emergence, materialization, occurrence, dawn, birth, rise, development, coming

I have to level with you. I didn’t think I was going to get this devotional turned in on time. I mean, it was already a week late, but I thought it was going to be – well – not at all. One would think that with sixty-four Christmases under my belt, I could come up with one more story, one more observation, one more something! But as I looked through my previous offerings, I became numb. In other years, I had told you about my family Christmases in the ‘60s, the holidays with my husband and children, stories about my middle school students, the joy of seeing Christmas through grandchildren’s eyes, and then the loneliness of my first Christmas after Don’s death in 2016. I just didn’t want to look back anymore.

Before giving up, I decided to give it one more try. I brainstormed until a theme appeared. Everything I listed had to do with the arrival of someone or the occurrence of an event: my arrival into my family, the occurrence of my marriage, the arrival of my children and grandchildren, and the occurrence of Don’s death. These were all advents of my life that I had already explored.

In addition to those familiar events, I saw that I had listed more recent ones. When friends and family  wouldn’t take no for an answer, I was “forced” to try new activities, join new groups, reconnect with old friends, and make family visits that were long overdue. Later, when someone drove his car through my fence in the middle of the night, an old high school boyfriend came to my rescue, repaired the fence, repaired my truck, repaired my home, and brought joy back into my life.  Those arrivals and occurrences have brought about the advent of my new normal, and while I cherish the memories of my past, I can hardly wait to see what else my heavenly father has in store for me.

If you, too, have been struggling to find the joy of this Advent season, take a few moments to brainstorm the arrivals and occurrences in your life. Then try adding something new. Reconnect with old friends, help out a new charity, take up a new hobby, and smile - a lot - just because you can. The advent of the Christ child was all about trying something new to demonstrate God’s love for us. I can’t wait to see what else your heavenly father has in store for you.

A prayer for today.
“Christ, Be Our Light” by B. Farrell
Many the gifts, many the people,
Many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another,
Making your kingdom come.

Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts,
shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered today.
Amen

Becky Warren

Devotional 12-9-17

RECALCULATING

“Recalculating,” that blessed and sometimes cursed word uttered by our GPS. I tend to lean towards the cursed side… I plugged in an address – or if I’m feeling especially smarty pants > coordinates > for my destination and off I go. When I have followed everything to the letter, or so I think, I hear that word emanating from my dash board – RECALCULATING. I immediately slam into panic mode and ask – out loud (even if I’m the only one in the car) – “WHY? What do I need to recalculate?” I search the screen and my surroundings, wishing that I had the gift of a chameleon’s eyes and could make each one move and focus in its own direction.  Rarely a tragedy, I eventually get back on course.

I wonder if Mary and Joseph, as they set out on their wild, donkey road trip to Bethlehem, would have liked a GPS > or at least a note from Herod saying he had recalculated, and they indeed did NOT need to make the trip. Once road bound, a quick search for Point of Interest/Lodging could have been useful.

Yet on they trudged –directly into the face of overwhelming obstacles.

The wise men knew how to get home. A voice in a dream told them to recalculate.

Mary and Joseph knew their young son wasn’t with them on a journey home – so they had to recalculate (even follow the more direct command –‘Make a U turn at the first opportunity’).

We will read as Easter approaches the words, “ …he turned his face towards Jerusalem” and we will want to shout, “NO! Recalculate. Recalculate. There is danger ahead.” But on He will go – straight into harm’s way > so that we can be forgiven for all the wrong turns we have made and will make.

Is it possible that our conscience, our upbringing, our association with a church, our association with church friends, serves as our LIFE GPS? My life could use such direction.  Not completely unlike the rich young ruler (except that I’m not rich or young or a ruler) I want to stand in front of a religious or moral life challenge and say, “Yeah. I do that.” Only to hear the word, Recalculating. I am not headed where I thought.

“I don’t want to give money to…” RECALCULATE.
“I don’t want to serve on…” RECALCULATE.
“I don’t want to be nice to…” RECALCULATE.
“I don’t want to…” RECALCULATE.

Think of being told to recalculate as being found. I thought I knew where I was going. Now I’m lost. But wait…someone sees me and is guiding me back onto a path.

This Christmas peek inside the stable. See that Mom and Dad and Baby have ARRIVED AT THEIR DESTINATION.  Understand that they came just for you and that the journey is just beginning. You will be asked many more times to RECALCULATE.

Steve Matthews

Devotional 12-8-17

Keeping history, HIS-story keepers

Every Christmas my family had the tradition to buy one new ornament for our tree. The ornament reflected something major that had happened in our lives that year. Some examples included my baby booties from the year I was born, a horse shoe from the year I got a horse, a Royal Guard figurine from the trip to London and Santa driving a convertible for the year I got my first car. It was also important to know the story behind each ornament so we could tell anyone our family history from each unique ornament.

As Christians we have similar special ornaments all throughout our lives and in our church that tell HIS-story. We have the manger, the cross, a lighted candle, Holy Communion and our Bible. These sacred ornaments remind us the stories of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost.. As Christians, it is equally important to know these stories to spread the word of HIS-story to other people throughout the world.

Devotional reading John 1:1-14

Laura Waggoner

Devotional 12-7-17

Elephants and Crickets

Please read Psalm 1:1-3 and Philippians 4:8

Have you ever had an elephant in your house? Probably not! But if you ever did, you would know exactly where it was. Have you ever had a cricket in your house? Last year I did, and I spent days searching for it. I would listen for that high-pitched chirping, and just when I thought I had found it, the chirping would stop. I spent a lot of time on this little cricket - lookng for it, listening for it. But when I stopped focusing on the cricket, one day it left my house.

At times life brings us “elephants” - the huge ordeals of death, divorce or disease. But for the most part, our days are spent with the circkets: those little things in life that seem to annoy us, stress us, dominate our thougths, and take our minds off more importnat things.

When our days seem full of cicket chatter, we can intentionally tune it out by turning to the Lord through scripture and prayer. We can thing about whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is commendable and worthy of praise. When we are listening for God’s word, we won’t be able to hear the crickets!

Prayer: Gracious God, keep our thougths on you today and how you want to use us in your world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Michael Vaught (Tennessee)
Published in the Upper Room on December 19, 2014.
Submitted by Mike Bowen.

Devotional 12-6-17

The Greatness of the Giver

Last week I received a package from California.  I wondered what I had done wrong. Sometimes when I search Amazon.com, I hit the wrong button, I order something that I did not intend to do. I have done that on a previous occasion. But to my surprise, it was a box of Truffles candy and a note from a former student from 18 years ago.  It made my day when I read her note!

This young lady complemented me for helping her apply to college in 1998.  She told me that she had completed her bachelor’s and master’s degree in addition to achieving her PhD.  She now is an advisor for pre-med students at Stanford.  Part of her work is to support students in achieving their career goals.  Then she said, “..as I had done for her.”  Boy, did that make me feel great!

 After reading the lectionary readings for my advent devotion yesterday and writing it, I began to think about my reaction to my gift and note from this young lady. It was complementary to ME, the Receiver. What about the Giver? God was very pleased with King David’s wanting to build him a temple but he did not want it.  He was pleased because of the intention.  We learn that the giving reflects the greatness of the giver and not the receiver.

I had been thinking what a great job I had done as her counselor.  What about the kind of person she had become?  Not many students would remember anything after 18 years much less take time in their busy lives take time to write a note of appreciation.  The giving reflects the greatness of this young lady and I am lucky to be the receiver!

During this time of Advent, we must remember that God GAVE his son for our sins.  We are the receivers of his greatness and mercy.

Hear our Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please keep us humble in understanding your gift to us and what it means.  Help us from being self-absorbed in what we do.  Your greatness is illustrated in your Gift and we are humble in receiving it.  Amen

Carolee Brown

Devotional 12-5-17

Mary’s Song of Praise

Luke 1: 47-55

As I wastched “The Great Depression” on public television, I felt sorry for the pathetic peole looking for work who were turned back by state police when they ried to enter California. I was reminded of the verse in Proverbs: “Wealth brings many friends, but the poor are left friendless.” (Proverbs 19:4)

In our Scirpture, Mary, a poor girl, sings God’s praise because He has shown His love for her in spite of her low position in society.  To her God had granted the privilege of giving birth to the Savior of the World! All succeeding generations would call her blessed.

In sending the Christ child to a peasant girl, God revealed that His favor depends not upon our social status but solely upon our need.

Mary’s song is intended to voice the joy of God’s people everywhere in celebrating the birth of Jesus and his continued presence in our lives.
“My soul magnified the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in Go dmy Savior,
for the Mightly One ahs done
great things for me,
and holy is his name.”

Prayer:
O God, hank you for the blessed pirviledge of being included in your people. Please grant that Mary’s song may be our prayer, not only at Chritmas, but throughout the year. Amen

Rev. Joseph CaseySubmitted by Martha Casey

Devotional 12-4-17

Are You Ready for Christmas?

2 Peter 3:8-15a
Are you ready for Christmas? That’s the question you’ll probably be asked a hundred times already during this season. It’s a good question. We can take it in its purest sense: “Are you ready for the coming of Christ?” After all, Christ’s coming is at the center of our celebration. And Christ’s coming is the determining factor in how we live our lives—not only his first coming, but his second coming. That’s Peter’s message to his church: “Are you ready for the coming of Christ?”
Peter makes at least three observations about Christ’s coming that will ready us for this Advent season.

I. God’s Watch Keeps a Different Time
God made time and stands outside it. That’s why a thousand years is as one day and one day is as a thousand years.

Samantha started asking how long it was until Christmas back during the summer — and has been formulating her wish list since then also.  As a child, I remember it seemed like years between Thanksgiving and Christmas!  But God works according to God’s watch, not ours. When Jesus arrived in a stable, the timing caught even most of those looking for a Messiah off guard. Jesus’ advent occurred at the precise time God decided.

Christ’s second coming will be according to that same timing. Not when we expect or when we deem appropriate, but in God’s perfect timing.

II. God’s Tendency Is Patience - ours is impatience.
Just stand with me in a checkout line, especially during the Christmas rush, if you want to see what impatience looks like.  But God is patient - patient with us, and patient with the world. While many of us might like to see Christ’s second coming today, God waits, providing an opportunity for more people to respond to his love. Even in Jesus’ life, God displayed patience. He allowed Jesus to be born as a baby, waiting thirty years for him to become the man we came to know as the Christ. God’s tendency is patience.

III. God’s Surprise Entrance Calls for Readiness
Peter warns that the second coming will be a surprise. Like a thief in the night, Christ will come as an unexpected and, in many cases, uninvited Savior. Just like his birth, Jesus’ next coming will catch many by surprise. Peter says, as we anxiously await his arrival, our lives ought to be holy, godly, spotless specimens of purity. The ethics of Christianity are based on this eschatological surprise. Peter says we ought to live today as if it were our last because it might be! Every day is a constant recommitment to holy living because today just might be the Day. During this season when someone asks you, “Are you ready for Christmas?” take the question in its fullest sense: “Are you ready for the coming of Christ?”

Rev. Alan Williams

Devotional 12-3-17

1 Corinthians 1: 3-9

³ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
⁴ I give thanks to my[b] God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, ⁵ for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— ⁶ just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— ⁷ so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁸ He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

In this section of Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth, we are reminded of the amazing gift of Grace that we have received from God through Jesus Christ.  God’s Grace surrounds each of us, strengthening us as individuals, but also strengthening us as a church as we work and prepare for the coming of Christ.  God gives his grace freely knowing that we will each use our talents and gifts to make this world a better place.

Are we deserving of such a wonderful gift?  Each day brings a new challenge to meet the expectations that have been set in our crazy lives.  Even as we take great effort during this season of Advent to slow down and try to prepare for the coming of Jesus, we often fall short of our goals.  I am only one person.  What can I do or say that will make enough of an impact in this world to deserve this gift of Grace?  Paul reminds us that God has a plan, and he has called us to be a part of the fellowship of Christ.

One of my favorite ways to worship and be with God is through music.  Many of us most likely know many of the popular hymns and carols of the Christmas season.  One of my favorites (and probably yours) is Silent Night.  The third verse of this hymn reminds us of the grace of the season.

Silent night! Holy night! Son of God love’s pure light.  Radiant beams from thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace. Jesus, Lord at thy birth”.

Silent Night brings many fond memories of the Christmas season, and often helps me to remember the real reason for this joyous season.  God is calling us to be part of his fellowship by sending his son Jesus to live among us.  He knows we are not perfect, and yet he still calls.  Many times we fall, and He is there to help us up and point us in the right direction.

Dear God,
Thank you for your gift of Grace.  Help each of us to use our talents to be deserving of your gifts.  In this Advent season, you have asked us to be ready and prepare for the greatest gift, your son Jesus.  May each of us listen and prepare as we are called to you.  Amen  

Hulse Budd