Please read John 1:1-14
“In the beginning was the Word,” writes the author of the Gospel of John, clearly echoing the first verse of Genesis, the first Book of the Hebrew Bible. The original audience of the Gospel would have recognized the power of the Word in the Hebrew Bible. God spoke creation in Genesis. Before time and space and in the midst of chaos, God’s spoken Word brings order, light and dark, earth and sky, sea and earth, animals and humans. There is power in the word.
On Christmas, we might prefer a Gospel that begins with a birth narrative. We would rather focus on the Baby Jesus, tender and mild. But today we have the Gospel of John, who skips the birth and focuses boldly on who Jesus is. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.”
Over 2000 years later, we understand the Word as Jesus, but this was a audacious claim at the time it was written. Here the Gospel writer claims that the Word is united with but distinct from God. Christians understand the Word to be Jesus, so here the author asserts that Jesus preexisted creation.
Early Christians argued about whether Jesus was the same as God or merely similar to God. The Gospel of John was used to bolster the argument that Jesus and God are one with the Holy Spirit, which became the hallmark of Christianity, albeit no less mysterious today.
If Jesus has existed since before creation, why would we celebrate a birthday? Our celebration of Christmas is the culmination of the Advent Season, called The Incarnation. The root word of “incarnation” means “flesh.” Unfortunately, English does not have many examples of positive use of that root word. Think of carnal knowledge or carnage. Carnation seems to work until you realize the flower is so named because it is flesh-colored. Ew.
Incarnation literally means the “in-flesh-ment” of God. “And the Word became flesh and lived among us.” Today we celebrate God’s flesh and blood in human history. God loved creation so much that he entered into humanity. God allowed himself to be born in the same manner all of us were born. Through Jesus, God experienced life as a human. Because of Jesus, God knows and understands our joys and sorrows, our pain and suffering. God cares that much. By taking on human flesh and all its particular traits, God endowed all human beings as sacred and worthy.
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
Rev. Jeff Taylor
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Devotional 12-24-19
Scripture Luke 2:1-20
“O Little Town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie” begins the familiar 19th century hymn, and yet Bethlehem wasn’t quiet two thousand years ago, with crowds flocking there for the census Luke tells us about in today’s gospel lesson. It isn’t quiet now, either. I recently had the privilege of visiting Bethlehem with a group from our church. We were with over two hundred spiritual pilgrims from the West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, led by our Bishop to “walk with Jesus” through the Holy Land. Of course our first days were spent in the area where scripture tells us that Jesus was born. Bethlehem is in Palestine, surrounded by border guards and fences, and on every corner and parking lot merchants hawk their wares while tour buses inch past each other on the narrow streets. The first church we visited was the Chapel of the Shepherd’s Field, built in 1953 on top of much earlier ruins and a cave. Tradition says this is the site where angels announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. The current church is cleverly designed with a dome that resembles a nomad’s tent. Outside, a fountain includes a flock of stone sheep. Inside are lovely paintings depicting the events described in Luke’s gospel, but we had to navigate around many other tour groups and ongoing worship services. It was difficult to imagine a quiet night, or angels’ songs, in the chapel itself. I found a quiet spot in the gardens and spent some minutes in prayer.
The Church of the Nativity sits in Manger Square, not far away. In the second century, the Roman Emperor Hadrian had a pagan temple built there, over top of caves that early Christians were already revering as the site of Jesus’ birth. When Constantine made Christianity the religion of the Empire in the fourth century, he sent his mother to the Holy Land to find the places and relics important to the gospel stories. Ironically, it’s the pagan temple that marked the spot for Helena to find it, and there have been Christian churches there continuously since 339 CE. It is one of the most crowded tourist attractions in the Holy Land, and there’s a long wait to go down narrow steps to a grotto marked with a silver star. A cleric stands nearby, constantly asking people not to linger, but somehow we all do, for just a minute’s whispered prayer. Is this really the place where God’s son was born? I don’t actually know, but I recognize that two thousand years of prayer and devotion have made it sacred. I certainly felt the Spirit there. At the same time, it was noisy, crowded, touristy in a lot of ways, not at all like the images from Christmas hymns.
During our Advent study this year, we’ve been using James W. Moore’s Finding Bethlehem in the Midst of Bedlam. One of the main teachings of this study is that God always comes to us in the midst of our crowded, busy, messy lives. There’s always bedlam, but it’s also always possible to encounter God and feel the love and peace that were promised on this Holy Night, so long ago. The Roman Empire couldn’t stop people from worship, and actually saved the memory of a sacred location by trying to stamp out Christianity in its early days. The crowds in Bethlehem, when Mary and Joseph journeyed there, and the crowds that are there now, have no power to prevent the greatest gift of all, the presence of the Holy One in our midst. My prayer for you this evening is that you find Bethlehem in your heart, and are revived and renewed. Merry, holy Christmas.
Rev. Terry Deane
“O Little Town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie” begins the familiar 19th century hymn, and yet Bethlehem wasn’t quiet two thousand years ago, with crowds flocking there for the census Luke tells us about in today’s gospel lesson. It isn’t quiet now, either. I recently had the privilege of visiting Bethlehem with a group from our church. We were with over two hundred spiritual pilgrims from the West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, led by our Bishop to “walk with Jesus” through the Holy Land. Of course our first days were spent in the area where scripture tells us that Jesus was born. Bethlehem is in Palestine, surrounded by border guards and fences, and on every corner and parking lot merchants hawk their wares while tour buses inch past each other on the narrow streets. The first church we visited was the Chapel of the Shepherd’s Field, built in 1953 on top of much earlier ruins and a cave. Tradition says this is the site where angels announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. The current church is cleverly designed with a dome that resembles a nomad’s tent. Outside, a fountain includes a flock of stone sheep. Inside are lovely paintings depicting the events described in Luke’s gospel, but we had to navigate around many other tour groups and ongoing worship services. It was difficult to imagine a quiet night, or angels’ songs, in the chapel itself. I found a quiet spot in the gardens and spent some minutes in prayer.
The Church of the Nativity sits in Manger Square, not far away. In the second century, the Roman Emperor Hadrian had a pagan temple built there, over top of caves that early Christians were already revering as the site of Jesus’ birth. When Constantine made Christianity the religion of the Empire in the fourth century, he sent his mother to the Holy Land to find the places and relics important to the gospel stories. Ironically, it’s the pagan temple that marked the spot for Helena to find it, and there have been Christian churches there continuously since 339 CE. It is one of the most crowded tourist attractions in the Holy Land, and there’s a long wait to go down narrow steps to a grotto marked with a silver star. A cleric stands nearby, constantly asking people not to linger, but somehow we all do, for just a minute’s whispered prayer. Is this really the place where God’s son was born? I don’t actually know, but I recognize that two thousand years of prayer and devotion have made it sacred. I certainly felt the Spirit there. At the same time, it was noisy, crowded, touristy in a lot of ways, not at all like the images from Christmas hymns.
During our Advent study this year, we’ve been using James W. Moore’s Finding Bethlehem in the Midst of Bedlam. One of the main teachings of this study is that God always comes to us in the midst of our crowded, busy, messy lives. There’s always bedlam, but it’s also always possible to encounter God and feel the love and peace that were promised on this Holy Night, so long ago. The Roman Empire couldn’t stop people from worship, and actually saved the memory of a sacred location by trying to stamp out Christianity in its early days. The crowds in Bethlehem, when Mary and Joseph journeyed there, and the crowds that are there now, have no power to prevent the greatest gift of all, the presence of the Holy One in our midst. My prayer for you this evening is that you find Bethlehem in your heart, and are revived and renewed. Merry, holy Christmas.
Rev. Terry Deane
Monday, December 23, 2019
Devotional 12-23-19
Anticipation
Today we are only two days away from Christmas. The anticipation is building! Recently I have been remembering the Christmas’ of my childhood. My families tradition was that after church, two weeks before Christmas, we’d go and pick out our Christmas tree. It would sit in a bucket of water on the porch until the next Sunday when we would spend the afternoon decorating it. No presents were put under the tree until we were asleep on Christmas Eve. There were four children in my family and we all stayed upstairs on the top step waiting until our parents had their coffee and the tree lights on. Then we were called down to what seemed like a Christmas miracle. Talk about anticipation! That may be the definition of it for a child!
The times before Jesus’ birth were very difficult times for the Jewish people. Isaiah 9: 2(NIV) tells us: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light on those living in the shadow of death a light has dawned.” The passage goes on to describe how wonderful life will be “”For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. “(Isaiah 9: 6-7 NIV) Can you imagine how much the people living under Roman rule were anticipating the birth of their savior?
As an adult, I don’t feel the same anticipation as I did as a child sitting on those steps waiting to be called down to that brightly lit tree surrounded by presents. Nor do I feel the anticipation of the Jewish people waiting for an earthly savior. I am anticipating a different kind of miracle--the opening of hands and hearts in love. A generosity of spirit that Christmas seems to bring out in people. Just as Jesus’ birth brought light to a dark world so many years ago, he also brings light to the darkness in our world today through us.
Spread the love! Spread the joy! Sing “Glory to God in the highest!” (Luke 2:14 NIV)
Margaret Williams
The times before Jesus’ birth were very difficult times for the Jewish people. Isaiah 9: 2(NIV) tells us: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light on those living in the shadow of death a light has dawned.” The passage goes on to describe how wonderful life will be “”For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. “(Isaiah 9: 6-7 NIV) Can you imagine how much the people living under Roman rule were anticipating the birth of their savior?
As an adult, I don’t feel the same anticipation as I did as a child sitting on those steps waiting to be called down to that brightly lit tree surrounded by presents. Nor do I feel the anticipation of the Jewish people waiting for an earthly savior. I am anticipating a different kind of miracle--the opening of hands and hearts in love. A generosity of spirit that Christmas seems to bring out in people. Just as Jesus’ birth brought light to a dark world so many years ago, he also brings light to the darkness in our world today through us.
Spread the love! Spread the joy! Sing “Glory to God in the highest!” (Luke 2:14 NIV)
Margaret Williams
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Devotional 12-22-19
Almost
Almost is a wonderful word, it’s a message of hope. As you read this devotional dwell on the fact that in a few days we will once again experience the joy of Jesus’ birth. No greater gift was ever given.
Sometimes I try to imagine what it must have been like for Mary. This was Mary’s first born child. She had never before given birth and there was no hospital bed, no attending physician, no medication, can you imagine? Only a cattle shed and a group of curious onlookers.
And what was Joseph thinking? Did he wonder if he was doing the right thing by staying with Mary and supporting her. What would people say??
For us it’s almost here, the day of rejoicing over our Savior’s birth.. As we take a trip with our small children to visit Grandma the most frequently heard question is, “Are we there yet?” and our response is, “Almost”
What a message of hope. It’s almost here, rejoice and be glad, OUR SAVIOR IS BORN.
Jean Dean
Sometimes I try to imagine what it must have been like for Mary. This was Mary’s first born child. She had never before given birth and there was no hospital bed, no attending physician, no medication, can you imagine? Only a cattle shed and a group of curious onlookers.
And what was Joseph thinking? Did he wonder if he was doing the right thing by staying with Mary and supporting her. What would people say??
For us it’s almost here, the day of rejoicing over our Savior’s birth.. As we take a trip with our small children to visit Grandma the most frequently heard question is, “Are we there yet?” and our response is, “Almost”
What a message of hope. It’s almost here, rejoice and be glad, OUR SAVIOR IS BORN.
Jean Dean
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Devotional 12-21-19
We Will Always Call the Place We Grew Up Home
Hello, some of you know me and some don’t. My wife and I were married in this church, well not in the sanctuary but upstairs in Jack Lipphardt’s office when he was here. At that time I wasn’t much into religion or faith for that matter. My wife, Marcia, on the other hand was and still is deeply rooted in the Methodist Church. She insisted on being married in the church and so we compromised on Jack’s Office, technically in the church.
We don’t attend JM any longer but I still receive the emails. I have seen the call for devotionals in the past but never gave them much thought as really I am not sure what exactly one is, but the last email resulted in me replying. Why? I have no clue, I responded without even considering that I would eventually be sitting here pondering where to start with my first devotional. The first one to a church I don’t attend anymore. Why would my first devotional be to a church I no longer attend? Well because I love this church and while we attend First Church now, this place not the building but the people who attend church here will all ways be in my heart. Even after we left JM, when we would attend a special service here Jack would shake my hand and say welcome home. This is my faith home. In the short time I was here I found faith.
So how could someone who some of you don’t even know call this home? The best way to explain it is to walk you through how I found God and how JM assisted me in that journey. There were multiple scripture options to relate my devotional to. I read through the options and decided on Isiah 7: 10-16. I read before and after this section trying to relate but 10-12 stuck out to me. 10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.” The Lord says to ask for a sign but Ahaz refuses and says he will not put the lord to the test!
How often do we ask for a sign from God? I can say I have. God, show me that things are going to be ok, God prove to me you exist, God show me the way, God I need you to…. Ahaz says I will not ask. I will not put the lord to the test. That is some serious faith in God if you ask me.
How do you get to that point? That point in your faith journey where you trust God undoubtedly. Your response is I will not test God because I trust God so much that I know with every ounce of being that I don’t need a sign and I won’t test God. WOW!
I know I am not there yet. I don’t know if I will ever get there.
So how far have I come though? Well I have come a long way in a short time. I have discovered faith in God is a journey we all travel. Some get on the road and hit a few bumps and they are like Ahaz but most struggle. I am in that “most” category. My journey has been a rough one. I was raised Jewish while attending Catholic private school. Bar Mitzvah, did that, and was at Wednesday mass 4 days later. Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu, Melekh ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav uuuuuhhh…. that’s about my extent of Hebrew now. Talk about a confused kid!
From age 13 to 30 I had all but given up on church and faith for that matter. Did I believe in God even? Well I know when Marcia asked me when we were dating, if I believed in God, I lied and said yes. I wasn’t sure and just said yes because I didn’t want to screw things up as I knew she was pretty rooted in her faith.
I admit this freely now. There was a time in my life I didn’t believe in God. Does this make me a bad person? Maybe to some but I don’t think so. Many lose faith for all sorts of reasons. Finding faith after losing it is where I noticed my biggest strength in God. When you lose faith in God that is when you have given up on even testing God. You are lost. I have been lost and I have been found. Later on in the book of Isaiah 53 6We all, like sheep, have gone astray each of us has turned to our own way.
So how does a Jewish Catholic Atheist end up now as a Mess-o-thothist? I am not sure how to designate myself really. I say that as I am not baptized nor do I take communion, but I am pretty involved in my journey. I am still a bit confused on organized religion as many are.
Let me take you down bulleted version to how I ended up believing in God and began my journey. I give you the bulleted version as I doubt many want to miss any meals reading this.
- Marcia got divorced.
- I got divorced.
- Marcia’s best friend, my cousin plays match maker.
- No go on a relationship starting a 1000 miles apart.
- 2008 Recession.
- I find myself homeless living on the road out of a hotels.
- One weekend I embark on a spontaneous road trip to Ashland, KY.
- I see an angel….. Wait an angel? Yes an angel. I can tell you when I saw an angel. I either saw an angel or Marcia is an angel, most would agree she is. All I know is a pretty bight light surrounded Marcia that day. I am not trying to tell a love story, even though that sounds like the beginning of one. While this was not the first time Marcia and I had met, we briefly met as kids, Marcia showed up at my cousins house when I was visiting. She walked in and she had a glow surrounding her. I kid you not an actual glow. It was like a sign from God. I consider it a sign. We began a long distance relationship from that point forward. Was I testing God? No God shined his light on Marcia so I could see the path forward.
- Back to Texas I went.
- Work was going nowhere.
- Couple of visits from me to West Virginia, and her to Texas.
- Laid off another victim of the recession.
- Desperate and homeless, I relocate to West Virginia.
- Now you may be thinking this timeline is a long one but that road trip was in mid-2009 and I moved to West Virginia in January 2010. Talk about speed dating!
- No Jobs in West Virginia but offers outside in Louisiana.A long distance relationship is not an option, What to do? Forced to consider moving for work I consider college at 30 years old! College = Debt in my mind but Marcia tells me don’t look at it as debt but an investment in yourself. I had never thought of it that way but I know that investment I will pay on for many years to come. No regrets though.
- I started College at Marshall University with only a GED. I decide to go big, must have something to do with being a native Texan. I choose to major in Engineering. Starting 10 years out from dropping out of High School it was going to be tough.
- Marcia gets pregnant before I even start. I was committed to investing in myself and didn’t waiver.
“I remember when I first loved my children. It was not on the day when they climbed into my lap, hugged me, and said, “I love you, Daddy.” It was not on the day when they took their first step or babbled “Dadda.” It was not on the day they quit crying when I held them. It was not on the day they were born. The first day I loved them was when my wife announced, “We’re going to have a baby.”This is an excerpt from If Grace Is True by Philip Gulley & James Mulholland the first book I studied in Sunday school here at JM.
- Marriage???? Been there done that not really interested. Remember that glow.
- Married up stairs.
- Codie Josephine Canterbury comes along.
- More school
- Dad passes away unexpectedly
- Heaven and Hell?
Ok you’re caught up.
I was suddenly struck with the notion of where my dad maybe after death and this deeply concerned me. He lived a pretty crazy life and I was now ready to explore my faith. Funny how death sometimes does that. I was not testing God but felt for my own sake I should explore my faith to better understand my concerns.
I remember the first time I attended a service at JM. I came unknowing to Marcia showing up late and sitting a few rows behind her, our friend Lucas, and Cordie. After the service I was welcomed and told I should really meet the Canterburys who were about my age.
I started attending services and Sunday school lead by Jeff Taylor. I was introduced to that book, If Grace was True. This book was everything I had wanted to believe in but written down for me. Another sign? It is not for everyone but it really opened my eyes to faith. It gave me a starting point to believe in God.
So it began my Journey and with it my home, here at JM.
Was I testing God? No! While I can’t say for certain my faith is not strong enough to never test God as Azah refused to. I do trust God enough to follow any light that he may shine to light my way.
Andrew Canterbury
I was suddenly struck with the notion of where my dad maybe after death and this deeply concerned me. He lived a pretty crazy life and I was now ready to explore my faith. Funny how death sometimes does that. I was not testing God but felt for my own sake I should explore my faith to better understand my concerns.
I remember the first time I attended a service at JM. I came unknowing to Marcia showing up late and sitting a few rows behind her, our friend Lucas, and Cordie. After the service I was welcomed and told I should really meet the Canterburys who were about my age.
I started attending services and Sunday school lead by Jeff Taylor. I was introduced to that book, If Grace was True. This book was everything I had wanted to believe in but written down for me. Another sign? It is not for everyone but it really opened my eyes to faith. It gave me a starting point to believe in God.
So it began my Journey and with it my home, here at JM.
Was I testing God? No! While I can’t say for certain my faith is not strong enough to never test God as Azah refused to. I do trust God enough to follow any light that he may shine to light my way.
Andrew Canterbury
Friday, December 20, 2019
Devotional 12-20-19
A Recurring Advent Calendar
Recently my friend and I were walking through Home Goods, one of our favorite places to “window shop,” when we spied some beautiful Advent calendars. We discussed the different shapes and sizes, and the fact that most included some sort of bite-sized candy to be eaten as the countdown to Christmas Day progressed, and little windows were opened to reveal a Christmas picture. We also were a little upset that neither one of us had received an Advent calendar when we were children. I don’t know if we were not worthy or our parents thought that there was already enough sugar being distributed though family gatherings and Christmas parties. As an adult, I did receive a handmade calendar that has been part of my family’s Christmas tradition since 1975.
The many calendars at Home Goods reminded me of a posting that had come across my Facebook page in early October. It came from a website called The Passionate Penny Pincher. The title of the posting was “A Reverse Advent Calendar.” The idea was to place a different food item in a box each day from December first through the twenty-fifth and then take the box to a food pantry or food bank. Instead of taking a piece of candy each day leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ, we would be giving a food item to someone in need.
Right now, some of you are thinking, “That’s a good idea, but it’s the end of December, too late to begin an Advent project. You’re right! But we can do something even better! Let’s make a recurring Advent calendar! Let’s mark the calendar with a checkmark or sticker as we fill the box with one food item each day, and then take the box to a food pantry at the end of every month. We can show our thankfulness for God’s Son by feeding His earthly children. I think He’d like that much better than a Christmas tie.
Below are the lyrics to the song “Thankful,” written by David Foster and Carole Bayer Sager. The words are beautiful by themselves, but take the time to find the song sung by Josh Groban on YouTube or on his CD, Noel. You’ll be thankful that you did.
“Thankful”
Somedays, we forget to look around us.
Somedays, we can’t see the joy that surrounds us.
So caught up inside ourselves,
We take when we should give.
So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be,
And on this day, we hope for
What we still can’t see.
It’s up to us, to be the change,
And even though we all can still do more,
There’s so much to be thankful for.
Amen
Becky Warren
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Devotional 12-19-19
Inspired by Isaiah 35:1-10
The lifeless places, the dry places
Shall become full of life,
Bursting with gladness
Abundance.
Overflowing.
Like a crocus blooming in the spring
after a very long, cold winter,
singing its way with joy into life.
Glory and majesty shall be obvious,
And they shall see the glory of the Lord,
the majesty of our God.
Weakness shall be transformed to strength
Feebleness will become firm.
Those who are afraid will find courage.
Here is your God.
God is coming with passion and loyalty.
God is coming to bring life.
God is coming to save you.
Blindness will be replaced with wonderful colors
Deafness will be replaced with song.
Those who cannot walk will dance
and the speechless will preach.
The desert will overflow with waterfalls
And the wilderness will have a view of the ocean.
Hot sand will become a pool of clean, clear water,
and the thirsty will drink.
The land of jackals will be unrecognizable,
And weeds will be changed to food.
The dangerous highway will become Holy,
a safe place to travel,
where all of God’s children will find a home,
and none shall be lost.
The predator shall not be found there,
And all of the Lord’s people will return,
singing, dancing,
Joy personified.
Heaven on earth.
Everlasting joy.
Sorrow and sighing will be gone,
And gladness will be forever.
Kim Matthews
The lifeless places, the dry places
Shall become full of life,
Bursting with gladness
Abundance.
Overflowing.
Like a crocus blooming in the spring
after a very long, cold winter,
singing its way with joy into life.
Glory and majesty shall be obvious,
And they shall see the glory of the Lord,
the majesty of our God.
Weakness shall be transformed to strength
Feebleness will become firm.
Those who are afraid will find courage.
Here is your God.
God is coming with passion and loyalty.
God is coming to bring life.
God is coming to save you.
Blindness will be replaced with wonderful colors
Deafness will be replaced with song.
Those who cannot walk will dance
and the speechless will preach.
The desert will overflow with waterfalls
And the wilderness will have a view of the ocean.
Hot sand will become a pool of clean, clear water,
and the thirsty will drink.
The land of jackals will be unrecognizable,
And weeds will be changed to food.
The dangerous highway will become Holy,
a safe place to travel,
where all of God’s children will find a home,
and none shall be lost.
The predator shall not be found there,
And all of the Lord’s people will return,
singing, dancing,
Joy personified.
Heaven on earth.
Everlasting joy.
Sorrow and sighing will be gone,
And gladness will be forever.
Kim Matthews
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Devotional 12-18-19
Psalm 80: 1-3
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. Stir up your might, and come to save us! Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
I enjoy the fall and winter seasons. The majesty of God is easily seen in the changing colors of fall and the beautiful views of fresh fallen snow. Also, the holiday seasons of the fall and winter are my favorite times of the year. As with most changes, there are some difficult adjustments to make every year. As the days become shorter, I enjoy the cooler temperatures, but the increase in darkness can be depressing. The days and weeks after the end of daylight saving time can be especially difficult for me. Even as I enjoy the holidays, adjusting to events occurring in the darkness of the the evenings instead of the light of spring and summer can be very difficult.
The holiday season is filled with joyful gatherings, festive music, and special meaning. A season when we all are reminded to give a little more, sharing our gifts, talents and light with others. Unfortunately, many people continue to be surrounded by darkness. People that do not know the true meaning of the Christmas season and have never felt the love of Jesus.
Throughout the Christmas season, as we read in Psalm 80, we re reminded that God is our shepherd, and his light will save each of us from the darkness. Each of us can be that light for others in our daily interactions with others. At any moment, you may be the difference that shows someone the light of God and the true meaning of Christmas that helps to pull someone from the darkness to the light.
Dear God,
Thank you for being our light! Thank you for sharing your son Jesus with us. During this holiday season, may your light shine through each of us that others may feel and know your love.
Amen
Hulse Budd
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. Stir up your might, and come to save us! Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
I enjoy the fall and winter seasons. The majesty of God is easily seen in the changing colors of fall and the beautiful views of fresh fallen snow. Also, the holiday seasons of the fall and winter are my favorite times of the year. As with most changes, there are some difficult adjustments to make every year. As the days become shorter, I enjoy the cooler temperatures, but the increase in darkness can be depressing. The days and weeks after the end of daylight saving time can be especially difficult for me. Even as I enjoy the holidays, adjusting to events occurring in the darkness of the the evenings instead of the light of spring and summer can be very difficult.
The holiday season is filled with joyful gatherings, festive music, and special meaning. A season when we all are reminded to give a little more, sharing our gifts, talents and light with others. Unfortunately, many people continue to be surrounded by darkness. People that do not know the true meaning of the Christmas season and have never felt the love of Jesus.
Throughout the Christmas season, as we read in Psalm 80, we re reminded that God is our shepherd, and his light will save each of us from the darkness. Each of us can be that light for others in our daily interactions with others. At any moment, you may be the difference that shows someone the light of God and the true meaning of Christmas that helps to pull someone from the darkness to the light.
Dear God,
Thank you for being our light! Thank you for sharing your son Jesus with us. During this holiday season, may your light shine through each of us that others may feel and know your love.
Amen
Hulse Budd
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Devotional 12-17-19
Please read: Isaiah 7:10-16
14 Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign. The young woman is pregnant and is about to give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel. 15 He will eat butter and honey, and learn to reject evil and choose good. (Common English Bible)
I was given this date, December 17 to write a devotion. Today is the birth date of my son’s father.
Although we did not stay married very long, we reared a beautiful, hard-working, and God fearing, son.
He is loving and loved. I am ever grateful and blessed that God gave me a son to love. I am also grateful and blessed that God gave me His Son to love and be loved. It is a good day.
Matthew 1:22-23 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet (Isaiah). 23 “ The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel,” ---which means, “God with us.” (NIV)
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Kay Lewis
14 Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign. The young woman is pregnant and is about to give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel. 15 He will eat butter and honey, and learn to reject evil and choose good. (Common English Bible)
I was given this date, December 17 to write a devotion. Today is the birth date of my son’s father.
Although we did not stay married very long, we reared a beautiful, hard-working, and God fearing, son.
He is loving and loved. I am ever grateful and blessed that God gave me a son to love. I am also grateful and blessed that God gave me His Son to love and be loved. It is a good day.
Matthew 1:22-23 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet (Isaiah). 23 “ The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel,” ---which means, “God with us.” (NIV)
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Kay Lewis
Monday, December 16, 2019
Devotional 12-16-19
ANTICIPATION
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel” (that is God is with us). Isaiah 7:14 NIB
Isaiah’s prophecy was given in the seventh century BCE. Although Isaiah was concerned with the political war of the Jewish people of his day, the early Christians, as well as the Christians of this present age, hear these words in Isaiah 7, as a promise from God. Isaiah’s prophecy causes Christians to yearn for the birth of Immanuel – the one who is God, and who is with us. ANTICIPATION
In the seventh century BCE, the Jewish world was in upheaval. Politics, war, alliances, deceit – turmoil was rampant. The people felt as if God had turned away from them, because of their behavior and their sin. They wanted to know that God was still with them. They needed a sign to feel hopeful again. ANTICIPATION
Our world seems strangely similar. Politics, war, alliances, deceit – turmoil is still rampant. We know now that we are the ones that turn away from God, and not the other way around. However, we still want to know that God is with us. We still need that sign, so we can feel hopeful as well. ANTICIPATION
So hear these words of Isaiah 7:14 once again and remember that God sent His Son Jesus, - Immanuel – to remind us that God is with us, every second of every day of our life. God’s light and love came to us in the form of a baby at Christmas. It was God’s concern for God’s people, and hope for us.
ANTICIPATION!!!!!
Blessings,
Rev. Suzanne Ellis
Isaiah’s prophecy was given in the seventh century BCE. Although Isaiah was concerned with the political war of the Jewish people of his day, the early Christians, as well as the Christians of this present age, hear these words in Isaiah 7, as a promise from God. Isaiah’s prophecy causes Christians to yearn for the birth of Immanuel – the one who is God, and who is with us. ANTICIPATION
In the seventh century BCE, the Jewish world was in upheaval. Politics, war, alliances, deceit – turmoil was rampant. The people felt as if God had turned away from them, because of their behavior and their sin. They wanted to know that God was still with them. They needed a sign to feel hopeful again. ANTICIPATION
Our world seems strangely similar. Politics, war, alliances, deceit – turmoil is still rampant. We know now that we are the ones that turn away from God, and not the other way around. However, we still want to know that God is with us. We still need that sign, so we can feel hopeful as well. ANTICIPATION
So hear these words of Isaiah 7:14 once again and remember that God sent His Son Jesus, - Immanuel – to remind us that God is with us, every second of every day of our life. God’s light and love came to us in the form of a baby at Christmas. It was God’s concern for God’s people, and hope for us.
ANTICIPATION!!!!!
Blessings,
Rev. Suzanne Ellis
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Devotional 12-15-19
Word of the Year
Psalm 146:5-10
My childhood friend Jan always adopts a “Word of the Year” – a mantra for her guidance and improvement over the coming year. For 2019, her word was strength. She worked on her physical, mental and spiritual strength. Jan joined a fitness club and hired a trainer. She has taken various classes and adventures to expand her mind.
Jan had ample opportunity to work on her spiritual strength this year. Her mother was diagnosed with cancer and undertook chemo and radiation treatments at the same time, as that greatly improved her chances of beating the disease. Unfortunately, the treatments made her very ill – so ill that she couldn’t eat and was unable to get out of bed. She landed in the hospital and the doctors began to discuss various end of life options. Jan, her family and friends all prayed. And prayed. And prayed. All of our spiritual strength was increased as we petitioned the Lord for healing and watched Him work a miracle.
Jan’s mom has greatly improved and continues to work on recovering her physical strength. She’s progressed from needing a special lift to get out of bed to walking, relearning how to cook and working on doing things for herself. She’s moved to an assisted living facility where she will gain enough strength to go back to her own home. Her healing is a gift and a blessing from God!
During this Advent season, I’m re-focusing on gifts from God. He so graciously provides us with strength, comfort and presence. These all flow from God’s greatest gift – the love that came to earth in His Son.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gifts you provide each day and especially for the gift of your Son. Help us find ways to share your love with those we meet each day. Amen.
Shelly Shideler
My childhood friend Jan always adopts a “Word of the Year” – a mantra for her guidance and improvement over the coming year. For 2019, her word was strength. She worked on her physical, mental and spiritual strength. Jan joined a fitness club and hired a trainer. She has taken various classes and adventures to expand her mind.
Jan had ample opportunity to work on her spiritual strength this year. Her mother was diagnosed with cancer and undertook chemo and radiation treatments at the same time, as that greatly improved her chances of beating the disease. Unfortunately, the treatments made her very ill – so ill that she couldn’t eat and was unable to get out of bed. She landed in the hospital and the doctors began to discuss various end of life options. Jan, her family and friends all prayed. And prayed. And prayed. All of our spiritual strength was increased as we petitioned the Lord for healing and watched Him work a miracle.
Jan’s mom has greatly improved and continues to work on recovering her physical strength. She’s progressed from needing a special lift to get out of bed to walking, relearning how to cook and working on doing things for herself. She’s moved to an assisted living facility where she will gain enough strength to go back to her own home. Her healing is a gift and a blessing from God!
During this Advent season, I’m re-focusing on gifts from God. He so graciously provides us with strength, comfort and presence. These all flow from God’s greatest gift – the love that came to earth in His Son.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gifts you provide each day and especially for the gift of your Son. Help us find ways to share your love with those we meet each day. Amen.
Shelly Shideler
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Devotional 12-14-19
The Clock
I can NOT believe it is already Advent season. Time just keeps ticking away. The concept of time has always fascinated me. A construct created and ordained by our heavenly Father (Gen 1: 14-18, Psalm 104:19, Dan 2:21, Acts 1:7,8). It evokes different feelings inside us at various times in our lives. We were not created to be finite beings, therefore, time is the enemy. It’s either moving too slow or too fast. Praise God he didn’t leave us in our fallen, finite state. Praise Him for appointing the perfect time, before the foundation of the world, He would enter into His creation by sending his beloved eternal Son to save His children. There is no other more perfect gift.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
As we celebrate the first Advent, we should remember His reason and purpose for coming. Because we are fallen, finite humans stained with sin, He came to rescue and ransom those whom are His. Praising and rejoicing that on the cross He defeated sin, death and time. We eagerly await his second and final Advent when we’ll be united with Jesus, forever stopping the clock.
Jenny Matthews
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
As we celebrate the first Advent, we should remember His reason and purpose for coming. Because we are fallen, finite humans stained with sin, He came to rescue and ransom those whom are His. Praising and rejoicing that on the cross He defeated sin, death and time. We eagerly await his second and final Advent when we’ll be united with Jesus, forever stopping the clock.
Jenny Matthews
Friday, December 13, 2019
Devotional 12-13-19
Psalm 146:5-10 New Revised Standard Version
Praise for God’s help
5 Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
Whose hope is in the Lord their God,
6 who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith forever;
7 who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free;
8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
The Lord loves the righteous.
9 The Lord watches over the strangers;
he upholds the orphan and the widow,
But the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
10 The Lord will reign forever, your God,
O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord!
Praise for God’s help
5 Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
Whose hope is in the Lord their God,
6 who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith forever;
7 who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free;
8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
The Lord loves the righteous.
9 The Lord watches over the strangers;
he upholds the orphan and the widow,
But the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
10 The Lord will reign forever, your God,
O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord!
How comforting this must have been to the people hearing these words so very long ago. And how gracious they must have been as one verse after another, they were reminded of the glory of the Lord and all He had done for His people. They were reminded of the greatness of God’s magnificent creation surrounding them. But most of all, they knew their God would “…reign forever…for all generations.” And I can almost hear them shouting with the psalmist as he offered up, “Praise the Lord!”
As we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, let us remember that God is part of the big picture, and we are forever thankful for that. So let us raise our hearts and voices as is appropriate, saying
“PRAISE THE LORD!”
Diane Feaganes
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Devotional 12-12-19
Keeping Watch
Luke 2: 8 “And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field and keeping watch by night over their flock.”
There are a number of references in the Bible to shepherds and comforting images related to them. Yet the work of a shepherd was difficult and demanding, a lowly and lonely job. It required constant attention to provide grazing pastures by day, then keeping watch and protection from predators at night. It was to the shepherds that the angel of the Lord first appeared with joyous, “breaking news.”
A Savior for all people was born in the city of David, Christ the Lord. In Bethlehem, the city of David, the young mother Mary was keeping watch over the infant child born in a most humble setting. She, too, had been visited by an angel months before and learned that she was “highly favored,” chosen by God for an extraordinary purpose.
One of my most memorable childhood Christmas’ happened long ago when I was about eight years old. A kind woman named Sarah came several hours a week to our apartment to assist our mother with household tasks. She was probably about thirty years of age although she seemed older to me. As I recall she had four children. Her husband was a decent person when sober but it was another story when he squandered family resources on alcohol. One such episode happened several weeks before Christmas that year. My parents were concerned for Sarah and keeping watch over the situation as Christmas neared. They knew that if there would be any Christmas for Sarah’s family, we were called to provide it. While our mother handled most of the planning, each person in our family had a responsibility. Mine was to purchase a special gift for Sarah’s three-year-old daughter. I went to the toy department with some money I had saved but mostly money given to me for this gift. I purchased a doll. A few days later I realized that I had bought a gift I would like rather than one for Sarah’s young child. I asked my mother to take me back to the store. A gracious sales clerk greeted me. I told her why I was returning the gift and why I needed the money returned to me. “I can do that.” She seemed like an angel as she counted the dollar bills and coins in my hand. “Before your go, there is a doll I believe is what you want.” It was indeed, a baby doll perfect in every way. On the morning of Christmas Eve, we filled stockings with an apple, orange, candy canes and smaller gifts for each child. That evening we went as a family to Sarah’s home after her children were tucked into bed. She met us on her porch. When she saw the gifts and food, tears flowed down her face. Her only words were: “Thank you Lord, Jesus; thank you Lord, Jesus.” It seemed to me that we had been to Bethlehem that night.
And so, as we are keeping watch over usual responsibilities and extra tasks this Advent season, it is well to ponder where God may be calling us to share good news. As we respond to God’s leading, there is a word for the wise. Stay attentive, for you never know when you might meet an angel of the Lord.
Sue Darlington Woods
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Devotional 12-11-19
An Advent Growing in God and Christ
Read: Psalm 146:5-10 and Matthew 11:2-11 Common English Bible (CEB)
During Advent we celebrate the coming birth of Christ while others are thinking of his second coming. This isn’t much different than the Hebrews of the Old Testament. They had been waiting for one that would be their king. “The Messiah will help usher in the redemption of the Jewish people . . . [will be a] judge and descendant of King David . . . great warrior . . . skilled judge . . . [and] academic head.”
Contemporary Jewish views stress the messianic era of peace and minimized or altogether rejected the belief in a literal, personal Messiah. It emphasized human responsibility and effort to repair the world, heal society, and usher in a utopian era of civilization: “There is no messiah, just a messianic age . . . Reform Judaism rejected the traditional Jewish hope for an heir of King David to arise.”1
In our Christian life we look at Christ as one that came to heal: the world, the sick, the lost, those that do not see, work for justice, to help the immigrant and the widow. This is not much different than the contemporary Jewish view.
Christ is not with us now so we are to carry on what he began. John Wesley says that God has bestowed on us grace that is threefold, one of which is Sanctifying Grace. This Sanctifying Grace is the one that occurs as we mature after our Salvation. This grace is the one in which we begin to grow throughout our life to be more like Christ. We are to: grow into our knowledge of God, through study, how we respond to human needs and justice, and how we strengthen the love of our neighbor. Our thoughts and actions and how we respond to them become more a tuned with God’s. This whole process is continuous and made perfect in our love of God and love of each other.
So, this Advent make a commitment to study God more, look to how you could improve human need and justice and love your neighbor. How your daily thoughts and actions can become more like God’s.
Have a very Blessed and Grace filled Advent.
Peace of God be with you,
Fred Herr
1 J Spitzer, “Who Is the Messiah?” My Jewish Learning, 2017,
During Advent we celebrate the coming birth of Christ while others are thinking of his second coming. This isn’t much different than the Hebrews of the Old Testament. They had been waiting for one that would be their king. “The Messiah will help usher in the redemption of the Jewish people . . . [will be a] judge and descendant of King David . . . great warrior . . . skilled judge . . . [and] academic head.”
Contemporary Jewish views stress the messianic era of peace and minimized or altogether rejected the belief in a literal, personal Messiah. It emphasized human responsibility and effort to repair the world, heal society, and usher in a utopian era of civilization: “There is no messiah, just a messianic age . . . Reform Judaism rejected the traditional Jewish hope for an heir of King David to arise.”1
In our Christian life we look at Christ as one that came to heal: the world, the sick, the lost, those that do not see, work for justice, to help the immigrant and the widow. This is not much different than the contemporary Jewish view.
Christ is not with us now so we are to carry on what he began. John Wesley says that God has bestowed on us grace that is threefold, one of which is Sanctifying Grace. This Sanctifying Grace is the one that occurs as we mature after our Salvation. This grace is the one in which we begin to grow throughout our life to be more like Christ. We are to: grow into our knowledge of God, through study, how we respond to human needs and justice, and how we strengthen the love of our neighbor. Our thoughts and actions and how we respond to them become more a tuned with God’s. This whole process is continuous and made perfect in our love of God and love of each other.
So, this Advent make a commitment to study God more, look to how you could improve human need and justice and love your neighbor. How your daily thoughts and actions can become more like God’s.
Have a very Blessed and Grace filled Advent.
Peace of God be with you,
Fred Herr
1 J Spitzer, “Who Is the Messiah?” My Jewish Learning, 2017,
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Devotional 12-10-19
alea iacta est
In 49BC Caesar was ordered back to Rome…and to NOT bring his army with him, to not cross the Rubicon River (then the northern border of Italy). As history records, he DID bring his army – the 13th legion - and DID cross the river. This was viewed by Rome as treason, insurrection and a declaration of war. Caesar, as the they marched across the shallow river was noted to have said, “alea iacta est” – the die is cast. And now in 2019 we know the phrase Crossing the Rubicon to mean having passed a point of no return.
Cort̩s arrived at the shore of the new world in 1519. As a statement of purpose and to motivate his men Рhe burned his ships. Burn the Ships > no turning back.
I cannot remember at any other point in my life such division over – EVERYTHING! Politics, religion, school, road construction, gun control, food and housing assistance, handling of drugs and users, a newly opened business; restaurant instead of a clothing store and to my utter confusion and dismay we are arguing on social media about a dag-gone hotdog at the football game… no matter the topic, there are two (or more) hard line opposing opinions with ZERO chance of acknowledging the other person’s view. It is US vs. THEM/ME vs. YOU. We jump into the fray, shout a defaming comment about the topic (person) and retreat. We don’t stay around to listen, understand and discuss. The river has not been crossed and the ship is waiting at the harbor to carry us away from any conviction.
An angel appeared to Mary and gave her news of unbelievable caliber. Her answer was not that of, oh they’ll never believe me, I’m busy. Choose someone else. Did she have enough time to weigh all the things that might be about to happen? We will never know. But what IS known is that her answer was to burn her ship! “Here I am, the servant of the Lord, let it be with me according to your word.” With the die cast, she returned to her village and her family.
Joseph also heard an angel’s story that had to be surreal. He had a plan > a compassionate plan but nonetheless a plan that would have distanced him from Mary. But no – ‘When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded.’ The river was crossed and there was no turning back.
As we stand at the door of the stable; is it just a place to go for Christmas presents? Do we go to the stable seeking confirmation of our own ideas? Do we go for permission to not like those that are different from us? As Christians, alea iacta est – it is time for us to have wet feet as we acknowledge that being Christ-like is an ‘all-in’ proposition. The point of no return. Love God-Love your neighbor…PERIOD. Step up to the stable, step across the threshold and smell the charred wood behind you.
Steve Matthews
Cort̩s arrived at the shore of the new world in 1519. As a statement of purpose and to motivate his men Рhe burned his ships. Burn the Ships > no turning back.
I cannot remember at any other point in my life such division over – EVERYTHING! Politics, religion, school, road construction, gun control, food and housing assistance, handling of drugs and users, a newly opened business; restaurant instead of a clothing store and to my utter confusion and dismay we are arguing on social media about a dag-gone hotdog at the football game… no matter the topic, there are two (or more) hard line opposing opinions with ZERO chance of acknowledging the other person’s view. It is US vs. THEM/ME vs. YOU. We jump into the fray, shout a defaming comment about the topic (person) and retreat. We don’t stay around to listen, understand and discuss. The river has not been crossed and the ship is waiting at the harbor to carry us away from any conviction.
An angel appeared to Mary and gave her news of unbelievable caliber. Her answer was not that of, oh they’ll never believe me, I’m busy. Choose someone else. Did she have enough time to weigh all the things that might be about to happen? We will never know. But what IS known is that her answer was to burn her ship! “Here I am, the servant of the Lord, let it be with me according to your word.” With the die cast, she returned to her village and her family.
Joseph also heard an angel’s story that had to be surreal. He had a plan > a compassionate plan but nonetheless a plan that would have distanced him from Mary. But no – ‘When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded.’ The river was crossed and there was no turning back.
As we stand at the door of the stable; is it just a place to go for Christmas presents? Do we go to the stable seeking confirmation of our own ideas? Do we go for permission to not like those that are different from us? As Christians, alea iacta est – it is time for us to have wet feet as we acknowledge that being Christ-like is an ‘all-in’ proposition. The point of no return. Love God-Love your neighbor…PERIOD. Step up to the stable, step across the threshold and smell the charred wood behind you.
Steve Matthews
Monday, December 09, 2019
Devotional 12-9-19
Generations to Generations
The readings for this day cover “joy” from the Old Testament and the roles of the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist and patience in the New Testament. In Isaiah 3: 1-10 and in Psalm 146: 5-10 we learn that there is joy in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah. We call it Advent. It will be a joyful experience for all. There will be singing, flowers will bloom. Gladness will be there! Happy is the man who will have God as his helper. God will be in every generation! Joy to the World!
In the book of Luke, Mary praises the Lord. She feels honored that she is the chosen one. She says generation after generation shall call her the blest of God. In Matthew 11: 2-11, John the Baptist is in prison so he sends disciples to see Jesus to ask Him if He is the Messiah. Jesus says that the fact that he has cured the sick and accomplished many miracles should be enough for John to believe. After the disciples leave, Jesus says that John the Baptist is the Messenger in the Scriptures who was sent to proceed Him to prepare the people to receive Him.
In the New Testament James 5: 46-55, James urges patience in waiting for the Lord’s return. He says sometimes patience is suffering but one should continue to trust in the Lord. He urges the people to help those who falter; to help them renew their faith in God. The person who helps bring back the believer has saved that person from the death of his soul. He has brought about forgiveness of his many sins.
So there you have it—the Christmas Story in a few readings from the Old and New Testament. The Advent, the choice of Mary to be the Mother of the Messiah, the use of John the Baptist to proceed the Messiah, the patience of the return of the Messiah and our responsibilities to help others. All of these readings say it will be generations through generations as it has been.
So how does it apply to our generation? We are in troubled times in our current history but so it was in that first generation. We must cling to the joy of the season, anticipate the lessons that God has taught us. We must have faith that if we do what He asked us to do, the joy can be genuine. James said to help those who falter and pray for others.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Give us the strength to remember your words. Let our generation continue to find joy in anticipation of your birth and joy in sharing the story for generations to come. Amen
Carol L. Brown
Sunday, December 08, 2019
Devotional 12-8-19
Read Romans 15: 1-13
This a letter from Paul trying to explain how a Christian should live, every day, not just at Christmas season. He writes beautiful and thought provoking messages. I don’t. I believe that he is telling us that we must help those of a weaker faith, not by condemnation, but by actually doing something positive for them. We are to do this even when it is not convenient. Jesus took on the problems of others without thinking of himself. We are to do likewise.
Our goal in the Christian life is to bring the Hope of the Holy Spirit to our brethren.
If Jesus said it, we had better do it.
Amen
Scott Ramsey
This a letter from Paul trying to explain how a Christian should live, every day, not just at Christmas season. He writes beautiful and thought provoking messages. I don’t. I believe that he is telling us that we must help those of a weaker faith, not by condemnation, but by actually doing something positive for them. We are to do this even when it is not convenient. Jesus took on the problems of others without thinking of himself. We are to do likewise.
Our goal in the Christian life is to bring the Hope of the Holy Spirit to our brethren.
If Jesus said it, we had better do it.
Amen
Scott Ramsey
Saturday, December 07, 2019
Devotional 12-7-19
The Mystery of Advent: Chaos or Connection?
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12
Has anyone else struggled with the conflicting emotions of eagerly anticipating the arrival of children and grandchildren coming in for Christmas vs woefully realizing the exhaustion of cleaning and decorating and cooking and baking for said children and grandchildren coming in for Christmas? How easily I fall prey to false expectations; the wolf and the lamb who live within me. Too much worry clouds my heart and dampens the joy I know I used to have as past Advent Seasons approached. How can I share the excitement of the shepherds at the manger in Bethlehem with my precious grandchildren? How do I let them know the mystery and miracle of the Christ child?
I’ll soon be entering the last year of my 60’s; therefore, it’s really disingenuous for me to think I can recapture the joy of a child looking forward to Christmas. But, is it really beyond my grasp? The Isaiah passage tells me not to give up; something new and better will be happening. A new leader of a new kingdom in which peace and harmony abound. I can look forward with hope for what many describe as “The Peaceable Kingdom,” one in which there are no adversaries, enemies, dangers or risks for my children and grandchildren. There will be no “them” and “us;” rather we will be able to care for one another, build relationships with one another, and let memories of risks and danger fade away. No longer will fear of “what might happen” determine how we embrace and share with one another.
Reading further in the Isaiah passage and moving on to Psalm 72, we learn of a new ruler who brings a fresh new way of being, of ruling. King Solomon’s prayer (Psalm 72) asks for God’s guidance and wisdom to rule in righteousness, with justice and compassion for all his people. The prayer is for life-giving, nurturing leadership for everyone. Indeed, these Old Testament passages offer all of us a reason to journey to the manger again!
In Seasons of Celebration, Thomas Merton wrote, “The Advent mystery is the beginning of the end of all in us that is not yet Christ.”
Gracious, merciful God:
May we welcome others, even as you have welcomed me, knowing that your mercy is for all people. Until we become like Christ, may harmony mark our holidays, and may the peace of Christ calm and correct our divided world. This, we pray in the name of the Advent Child, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
Linda Summers
Friday, December 06, 2019
Devotional 12-6-19
1 John 5: 1-5
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his command. 3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is Son of God.
During the Christmas season it is not uncommon to see signs proclaiming “Believe” but in this case it refers to Santa Claus! This scripture serves to remind us that Advent is a time to believe! Belief in God the father and also his son- Jesus Christ. For most of us, if we grew up in the church, we sometimes take our faith for granted . Advent season is a good time to pause and reflect on where we are and what we represent. How are we doing at showing love to God’s children, obeying his commands and worshiping his creation? The secular Christmas rush can cloud our thoughts and actions. However, I hope this scripture serves to remind all of us of the eternal gift of grace that Jesus represents on Christmas morning and the promise of eternal life that awaits each of us as we prepare for that house not made with hands but eternal to the heavens! May it always be so!
Prayer: Father help us this day to remember amidst all of the “noise” of this Holiday Season that the true gift we receive is not purchased but given in a act of true love and may we open our hearts to serving your Kingdom here on earth. Amen
Marv Jones
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his command. 3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is Son of God.
During the Christmas season it is not uncommon to see signs proclaiming “Believe” but in this case it refers to Santa Claus! This scripture serves to remind us that Advent is a time to believe! Belief in God the father and also his son- Jesus Christ. For most of us, if we grew up in the church, we sometimes take our faith for granted . Advent season is a good time to pause and reflect on where we are and what we represent. How are we doing at showing love to God’s children, obeying his commands and worshiping his creation? The secular Christmas rush can cloud our thoughts and actions. However, I hope this scripture serves to remind all of us of the eternal gift of grace that Jesus represents on Christmas morning and the promise of eternal life that awaits each of us as we prepare for that house not made with hands but eternal to the heavens! May it always be so!
Prayer: Father help us this day to remember amidst all of the “noise” of this Holiday Season that the true gift we receive is not purchased but given in a act of true love and may we open our hearts to serving your Kingdom here on earth. Amen
Marv Jones
Thursday, December 05, 2019
Devotional 12-5-19
May the God of Hope fill you with joy and peace.
The Scriptures bring us the current day symbols embodied in our Advent candles.
Hope: That all things are possible.
Peace: Our gift when we live in a world that respects and treats each other well.
Joy: Good feelings of happiness and security.
These are essential ingredients of our Christian Life.
Sue Sisson
The Scriptures bring us the current day symbols embodied in our Advent candles.
Hope: That all things are possible.
Peace: Our gift when we live in a world that respects and treats each other well.
Joy: Good feelings of happiness and security.
These are essential ingredients of our Christian Life.
Sue Sisson
Wednesday, December 04, 2019
Devotional 12-4-19
Read Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Paul as well as Clinton Marsh and just about everybody else tends to forget that it took a “yes” from Mary before God could “send forth his Son”—-and if there is any truth to that “when the time had fully come,” it is that Mary’s time had come when she went into labor at the end of her pregnancy: that’s when the time had fully come—-that is when Jesus’s time to be born had fully come!
As for “Had Jesus come to a different people in a different place at a different time…” I don’t think you can juggle his place in history—or Mary’s—that way; and since Jesus was born of Mary, you’d have to get her as well as Jesus into “a different people in a different place at a different time”—-which isn’t humanly or Godly, possible.
Of course, it is possible for God to have a Son of a woman “in a different people in a different place at a different time”—but that son wouldn’t be Jesus, for Jesus was Mary’s son as well as God’s—-which lottsa people tend to forget at times.
For all I know—for all anybody knows—God may have “proposed” (or propositioned?)…through the ages but, as far as we know, Mary was the first one to say an unqualified “yes”…
“When the time had fully come,”… and the “Time had fully come” only because the woman Mary said “Yes.”
—From The Gospel According to Abbie Jane Wells by Abbie Jane Wells
Let us pray,
Dear Lord, we are so fortunate that Mary said “yes” to many years ago, to become Jesus’s Mother. Mary is a true blessing for us to remember what she did for God’s people, she made it possible for The Christ Child, the Prince of Peace to come to earth to save us all from our sins.
We must thank you Lord for asking Her to follow your instructions for her life. Help us to follow your instructions for our life so we may be strong and brave to follow your calling during this advent season. We must remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Amen
Melanie Herr
Paul as well as Clinton Marsh and just about everybody else tends to forget that it took a “yes” from Mary before God could “send forth his Son”—-and if there is any truth to that “when the time had fully come,” it is that Mary’s time had come when she went into labor at the end of her pregnancy: that’s when the time had fully come—-that is when Jesus’s time to be born had fully come!
As for “Had Jesus come to a different people in a different place at a different time…” I don’t think you can juggle his place in history—or Mary’s—that way; and since Jesus was born of Mary, you’d have to get her as well as Jesus into “a different people in a different place at a different time”—-which isn’t humanly or Godly, possible.
Of course, it is possible for God to have a Son of a woman “in a different people in a different place at a different time”—but that son wouldn’t be Jesus, for Jesus was Mary’s son as well as God’s—-which lottsa people tend to forget at times.
For all I know—for all anybody knows—God may have “proposed” (or propositioned?)…through the ages but, as far as we know, Mary was the first one to say an unqualified “yes”…
“When the time had fully come,”… and the “Time had fully come” only because the woman Mary said “Yes.”
—From The Gospel According to Abbie Jane Wells by Abbie Jane Wells
Let us pray,
Dear Lord, we are so fortunate that Mary said “yes” to many years ago, to become Jesus’s Mother. Mary is a true blessing for us to remember what she did for God’s people, she made it possible for The Christ Child, the Prince of Peace to come to earth to save us all from our sins.
We must thank you Lord for asking Her to follow your instructions for her life. Help us to follow your instructions for our life so we may be strong and brave to follow your calling during this advent season. We must remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Amen
Melanie Herr
Tuesday, December 03, 2019
Devotional 12-3-19
Isaiah 1:1-10
Isaiah, son of the prophet Amoz, means “salvation of the Lord”. For years, commencing with the death of King Uzziah, through the tenure of three successive kings, Isaiah delivered his vivid messages of the demise and ultimate destruction of the two Hebrew tribes of Judah and Jerusalem.
As the political actions of kings grew less and less just, Isaiah’s words from God became an unwelcome voice. At the end of his life we see Isaiah banished from access to power, unwelcome in the King’s court. He is then hunted so he can be silenced; persecuted and killed like an enemy of the state. There had come a time when righteous truth would no longer be heard by unrighteous men.
My granddad, a World War I veteran, had a reputation for being fair-minded and wise. But his patience and tolerance for ignorance or “wrong- headed thinking” was short. In times when he was truly vexed, he would head for the barn to talk to the animals- cows, pigs, donkeys, horses- he wasn’t partial. He could be heard in loud discourse about some subject or other that seemed quite clear from his wisdom and experience. He would end his talk by saying that even donkeys know where to come for food! So desensitized and selfish was the person he encountered, the person couldn’t even act in his own best self-interest.
If you’re a fan of the “Terminator” movie series, you know that a man in the future sends someone back into the past to make sure that his future mother and hence, he, himself, is saved from death. Why? Because the future man will save the human race and human civilization from machines that dominate all aspects of human life. Artificial intelligence ruled the nations, without valuing human values. God played no part of their lives.
It is not hard to imagine Isaiah’s prophecy to Judah and Jerusalem. He had been having the same waking dream or vision for about 60 years. He began in the year that King Uzziah died, persisting through King Jothom, King Ahaz and King Hezekiah. King Jotham and Hezekiah were good kings, but intervening was King Ahaz, recorded as being both profane and wicked. During the reign of Ahaz, the Jewish religion was almost destroyed, synagogues shuttered; and alters to false gods erected in every corner of Jerusalem. Isaiah was forced to flee for his life, was eventually captured and put to death. Even the wisdom of one sent by God was silenced, as idolatry and corruption became the new normal. They were quick to say “Why do we need God? What’s in it for us to serve Him?”
Into this brokenness and despair, God sent his representative to warn the rulers to change their ways, not just once, but numerous times. Thankfully, God does not give up on His people, even though many have turned away from him. God still acts to assure His people that there is a way to salvation. We are thankful that God saved a remnant of people to tell of God’s goodness so that we, too might have a chance for salvation.
Dorothy Turner-Lacy
Monday, December 02, 2019
Devotional 12-2-19
Ancestry.com
Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 11: 1-10; Psalm 72; Romans 15: 4-13 & Matthew 3: 1-12
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord—and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.” Isaiah 11: 1-4 (NIV)
One of the main purposes of Advent is to prepare our hearts and minds to receive Jesus as the extravagant gift of love from God. As we know, the story of Jesus birth is a fantastic tale using a combination of Gospels so we can have a full cast of characters. But Isaiah tells us that there is more to the story than what we read in Matthew and Luke. To get the full effect we need to look at those who preceded Jesus. Even though there is no opportunity to investigate by using modern day searches such “ancestry.com” or “my heritage.com”, etc. we do have access to a wealth of knowledge about Jesus’ family tree by utilizing the Old Testament.
The “stump of Jesse” referred to in the lectionary scripture describes a live branch that will grow out of a dead stump. This branch will bear fruit when the tree was thought to be lifeless and it refers to Jesus, the Messiah. The Jewish nation had been waiting for a Messiah for centuries and many continue to wait to this day. Isaiah’s prophecy points to the ancestry of the Messiah so that he will be recognized when he comes: “He will be a descendent of Jesse” and promises the people of Israel that the glory they remember from David’s time will come to them again. Samuel, as God’s representative, chose David, who was the youngest son of Jesse and the grandson of Boaz and Ruth to lead the kingdom of Israel. The relationship of Jesus to David gives us a starting place to look at those characters who preceded David and those who descended from David.
My study in looking at this scripture brought back a memory of when we created Jesse Trees to help us learn about the ancestry of Jesus. The trees were bare branch-type trees and different symbols of the ancestors were hung on the branches each day during Advent. The tree served as an “Advent calendar” to count down the days until Jesus birth. My brother graciously offered the loan of his collection of ornaments (created many years ago) for us to use and I will be placing a Jesse Tree complete with this collection of symbols in the Commons area of JM. There will also be a list of the Bible story, scripture and symbol that connects to the story for you to take home. The selected stories begin with creation and highlight the progression of God’s chosen people through the trials of Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, etc.
Sending his own Son to be with us was really a very characteristic thing for God to do. We sometimes hear that “the God of the Old Testament is a God of Justice; the God of the New Testament is a God of Love.” In fact, the Old Testament overflows with stories of God’s love. From the moment he began to make a world, God the Creator has also been the Redeemer, involved with his creatures in straightening out lives that kept going crooked. The Jesse Tree Advent calendar reminds us of some of these stories that add up to the long story of God’s compassion and challenge for humanity.
Dear God of our past, present and future, we thank you for our many blessings. We count among those blessings, the lessons of our scriptures, especially the stories of your people. The examples they set for us, the challenges they faced, the love that you continued to pour on them despite their risky choices give a glimpse of your mercy and grace. Help us to prepare our hearts to receive you once again and to dedicate ourselves to your service as you call. Amen.
Chyrl Budd
Sunday, December 01, 2019
Devotional 12-1-19
People were bringing children to Jesus so that he would bless them. But the disciples scolded them. When Jesus saw this, he grew angry and said to them, “Allow the children to come to me. Don’t forbid them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people like these children. I assure you that whoever doesn’t welcome God’s kingdom like a child will never enter it.” Then he hugged the children and blessed them. --Mark 10:13-16 (CEB)
This is the 20th year of Johnson Memorial UMC’s Advent Devotional Book. For 20 years, the woman I call our Devotional Czar, Kim Matthews, has challenged, encouraged, cajoled, and pleaded with members to write devotions. I can’t give her enough credit.
I looked back at what I wrote in 1999. I told a story concerning my son and our nativity set. Oddly, that same year, a friend told almost the same story about her son, which confirms my belief that often children are smarter than adults.
In that devotion, I wrote about people making themselves so crazy with Christmas preparations that the real meaning of the season was lost. These days, with my kids grown and gone, I don’t obsess about getting ready for Christmas at all. There’s no pressure to find that most-wanted toy or bake a thousand cookies.
Sadly, now I’m more likely to be obsessing about the state of the world, social justice, etc. Those matters also can cloud the joy the Christmas season dares to bring.
Here’s the gist of my story from 20 years ago:
When my oldest son was about five, he said something profound. I had set our Nativity set out on a table with Mary, Joseph, the Baby, Shepherds, Wise Men, and animals perfectly posing for their picture. One day I caught my son rearranging the figures. “What are you doing?” I asked, afraid he was ruining my perfect layout. He replied, “Everyone should be looking at the Baby.” He put the Baby in the center and placed all the other figures in a circle around Him. And it stayed that way.
So, if the hustle and bustle of the season or the weight of the world gets you down, remember those words from a five-year-old. “Everyone should be looking at the Baby.”
Anita Gardner Farrell
This is the 20th year of Johnson Memorial UMC’s Advent Devotional Book. For 20 years, the woman I call our Devotional Czar, Kim Matthews, has challenged, encouraged, cajoled, and pleaded with members to write devotions. I can’t give her enough credit.
I looked back at what I wrote in 1999. I told a story concerning my son and our nativity set. Oddly, that same year, a friend told almost the same story about her son, which confirms my belief that often children are smarter than adults.
In that devotion, I wrote about people making themselves so crazy with Christmas preparations that the real meaning of the season was lost. These days, with my kids grown and gone, I don’t obsess about getting ready for Christmas at all. There’s no pressure to find that most-wanted toy or bake a thousand cookies.
Sadly, now I’m more likely to be obsessing about the state of the world, social justice, etc. Those matters also can cloud the joy the Christmas season dares to bring.
Here’s the gist of my story from 20 years ago:
When my oldest son was about five, he said something profound. I had set our Nativity set out on a table with Mary, Joseph, the Baby, Shepherds, Wise Men, and animals perfectly posing for their picture. One day I caught my son rearranging the figures. “What are you doing?” I asked, afraid he was ruining my perfect layout. He replied, “Everyone should be looking at the Baby.” He put the Baby in the center and placed all the other figures in a circle around Him. And it stayed that way.
So, if the hustle and bustle of the season or the weight of the world gets you down, remember those words from a five-year-old. “Everyone should be looking at the Baby.”
Anita Gardner Farrell
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)