Devotional 12-25-20

 Please read John 1:1-14

In the beginning was the Word
    and the Word was with God
    and the Word was God.
The Word was with God in the beginning.
Everything came into being through the Word,
    and without the Word
    nothing came into being.
What came into being
    through the Word was life, 
    and the life was the light for all people.
The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.
A man named John was sent from God. He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him everyone would believe in the light. He himself wasn’t the light, but his mission was to testify concerning the light.
The true light that shines on all people
    was coming into the world.
The light was in the world,
    and the world came into being through the light,
        but the world didn’t recognize the light.
The light came to his own people,
    and his own people didn’t welcome him.
But those who did welcome him,
        those who believed in his name,
    he authorized to become God’s children,
        born not from blood,
        nor from human desire or passion,
        but born from God.
The Word became flesh
    and made his home among us.
We have seen his glory,
    glory like that of a father’s only son,
        full of grace and truth.

John begins his version of the Gospel with a hope-giving message of a light that cannot be overcome. He wrote during the time of a despot ruler. His message surely resonated with his original audience who would have recognized his references to the story of Creation when God spoke light and life into being. And John goes on to make the bold claim that the Word became flesh and made his home among us. I like the image from Eugene Peterson’s The Message that God “moved into the neighborhood.” 

But make no mistake—the Baby Jesus whose birth we celebrate today, who moved into the neighborhood, holds the same power as the God of Creation. This Christmas morning, we might prefer to focus on the meek and mild baby in a manger. But John presents us with the bold claim that this baby was with God before creation. His claim is only audacious if it is not true. Early Christians argued about whether Jesus was the same as God or merely similar to God. Believing, trinitarian Christians bet our eternal lives on the truth of John’s claim. 

John’s message resonates with us in 2020. We long to hear a hope-filled message. This time will be remembered in history for political disunity, discord, racial tension, and a pandemic that has killed over 1.4 million persons worldwide. 2020—the year we couldn’t even gather together in church. Wouldn’t a shining light be welcomed in these days? Honestly, I’d like to see God-in-flesh come in this Christmas and shine a light that would unite our nation and church, bring about justice for all, and wipe out COVID 19 and all disease. Quickly.

I would be in good company. The original disciples who followed Jesus were frustrated that he did not act to overthrow the Roman empire to bring about their image of the Kingdom of God. John says the people did not welcome the light.

Perhaps Jesus has shown us the way as a light shining in the wilderness through the troubles of this life but we choose not to be enlightened, preferring our own tried and failed methods. A good question for us to ponder this Christmas is how we will welcome the light of Christ this year and in the future.

Rev. Jeff Taylor

Devotional 12-24-20

 Ah, Christmas Eve!   We’ve hurried & planned. We’ve decorated & baked.  We’ve whispered about gifts which are now in their lovely wrappings beneath the shining Christmas tree.  The day we’ve imagined & looked forward to has arrived.     This year it’s different.  No parties or company from far away. Perhaps then next year gatherings will be all the sweeter.   But all anticipation & celebration this year & every other year has a sound track running under it.  Christmas is never the same without the carols.  Quickly, let’s sing!

Good Christian friends, rejoice,   Rejoice! Emanuel shall come, O   O come, all ye faithful, joyful,   Joy to the world!  the world in solemn stillness lay     lay down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,   how still we see thee lie, above thy deep & dreamless sleep the silent     Silent night, Holy night, wondrous star lend thy light.  With the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King.  Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born!

May your Christmas of 2020 be blessed, calm & bright.

Jill Henton

Devotional 12-23-20

 Read Luke 2: 1-20   This is Luke’s telling of the birth of Jesus and the shepherds and angels at Jesus birth.

Everyone has a birthday but not everyone celebrates their birthday. 

Do you remember when you were young what is was like to look forward to a birthday celebration?

Unfortunately for me, I was born on December 31 so I was a tax deduction!  However, the kid beside me was the first born of the New Year and he received a $500 Savings Bond (trust me- back then that was a lot of money), diaper service for a year and a encyclopedia set.  My Dad always claimed I cost him money from the day I was born!

When I read this passage, I always wonder what Joseph and Mary must have been feeling.

Joseph had been told in a dream what was to happen and Mary had the angel Garbriel announcing God’s plan.  The trip to Bethlehem must have been a challenge physically and emotionally for both.

So it is, as we approach Christmas, I ask you what effect has the news of Christ’s birth had on you?  Is it same as last year, has it awakened a new sense of joy in your spiritual life, given you hope for the future, or caused you to thank God for his grace and forgiveness?

On our spiritual walk, we “grow” from infancy to adulthood.  I challenge you to take time from your work/play schedule this Holiday Season and spend time developing a deeper desire to know God, have a love for others, know the joy of God’s grace, his strength through tough times and true peace which this world does not offer!

My hope for each of us this Advent Season is to prepare ourselves both physically and emotionally to Know God/Know Peace

Prayer: Heavenly Father as we approach Christmas Day let us stop and remember.  Remember we are forgiven/We are loved/We are blessed/We are imperfect/Yet we are instruments here in God’s Kingdom on Earth!  May it always be so.

Marv Jones

Devotional 12-22-20

 Psalm 72:3

“The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.”

I have always loved this verse because it applies directly to me and the peace that I feel when I’m in the mountains. We’re blessed to have a second home in Canaan Valley, WV, and every time we drive up the mountain from Elkins, WV, toward Canaan, I look ahead at the mountainous landscape…which Bill calls my “view”…and I feel a sense of peace come over me. 

We have been going to Canaan since the mid-80’s mainly to ski. I imagine that I didn’t feel much “peace” there at that point because we had three children, lots of clothes and skis to haul, food to pack, and much more. However, several years ago I had a different experience.

I was an itinerate teacher in Cabell County at the time and had been assigned a new school in addition to my home school. While I was teaching the same three grades in both schools, I quickly realized that the same lesson plans weren’t going to work. The students were poles apart in their knowledge and educational backgrounds. Plus the fact that they had had a substitute teacher for two years didn’t help.  They had been running the show! This was going to have to take some serious planning. It was at that point on the next Friday afternoon that I packed up every resource I had and headed to the mountains!! 

During the drive I kept trying to figure out just how I was going to get the students in that new school to where I knew that they needed to be. While I’ve never thought of myself as an anxious person, I think my anxiety had kicked in. As I crossed the first mountain out of Elkins that day, I looked out and noticed the magnitude and beauty in front of me, and a “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) came over me. I knew that everything would be all right; I’d figure it out. 

During this Advent season, we focus on Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus. I can’t help but wonder what was going through Mary’s mind as she rode on the back of that donkey, nine months pregnant.  I doubt that she was at peace!! Then she had to spend the night in a stable. How could it get any worse????  However, after Jesus was born and she held that precious baby in her arms, I’m sure that she felt a peace much greater than I felt, and still feel, every time I head up the mountain out of Elkins and look at my “view.”

Several years ago, our daughter surprised us with a plaque that has the words of Psalm 72:3 on it. It’s a constant reminder of how blessed I am to experience the peace that the mountains bring to me. My prayer is that you, too, will somehow find peace during this crazy, COVID-filled, busy Holiday season.

Please pray with me…
Dear Lord, as we go through this troubled time and busy season, help us to find peace in our busiest of days. Amen.

Marilyn Murdock

Devotional 12-21-20

 If Only in My Dreams

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” was written by the Lyricist Kim Gannon and composer Walter Kent and was first recorded in 1943 by Bing Crosby. The song is sung from the point of view of a soldier stationed overseas during World War II, writing a letter to his family. – Wikipedia

Long before I started writing this devotional, that song kept creeping into my thoughts. It’s one of my favorites although it is quite short and somewhat melancholy. The words are simple, to the point, and heart wrenching.

I’ll be home for Christmas.
You can plan on me.
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree.

Christmas Eve will find me
Where the lovelight gleams.
I’ll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams.

Like many of you, I grew up in the church and learned so many beautiful Christmas hymns from an early age, but my love of more secular Christmas songs came from listening to the Firestone Christmas Albums of the 1960s. As we trimmed the tree, we sipped hot chocolate and sang along to Bing, Perry Como, and Julie Andrews. That’s probably when I first heard the song and my parents’ explanation about its significance to those who lived through WWII. I think it made my parents sad because it reminded them of those they had lost in the war, but they also remembered the hope it had given them that loved ones would soon be home.

In 2020 we have a different foe. Covid 19 has turned our world upside down. We now wear masks as part of our attire, and some of us have stayed away from family get-togethers and celebrations. By now, most of us know someone who has contracted this terrible disease, and some have even lost friends and family members. You can see why the line “I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams,” might be appropriate for a time when patients who go into the hospital may not come back out right away! 

Why would I write about something so sad during this joyous holiday? I guess I just want us to remember that some of us are not joyous. Some of us don’t have enough to eat. Some of us haven’t had a decent paycheck since March. Some of us have lost everything. And too many will only be home for Christmas in our dreams. 

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your blessings. Please be with your children who feel so alone and forgotten during this holiday season. I especially ask you to be those who are suffering from illnesses that do not allow a human touch. Let them feel your loving arms around them. And be with those earthly angels we call doctors, nurses, and first responders. They definitely need a heavenly hug. In Your name we pray.

Amen
Becky Warren

Devotional 12-20-20

 PROMISES, PROMISES …..

As I write this Advent Devotion, the Pandemic is raging in our country and all over the world. It is difficult to think about Christmas when people are so sick and dying.  It is especially important to remember the true meaning of Christmas and not the parties, gifting and such aspects of the season. My sister and I were talking about my writing a devotion and the topics.  We also mentioned that so many people were asking us for prayers for specific people who were ill. SO MANY!  We say that we will but do we keep all those promises??  Is it possible?
    
In  2 Samuel God makes a promise to David. The promise is called a Covenant. David is promised that his House will bear the birth of the Messiah. It will be an ever lasting Dynasty. God kept his promise.  We as Christians should be able to keep our promises but we are human and forget. But is it that simple?  I do not think so .There are so many promises that being a Christian entails.  We are supposed to love our neighbor, care for the poor, and so much more.  I usually say that I am a “Work in Progress” but is that a “cop out”? Perhaps we as Christians should exchange our thoughts of the commercial trimmings for keeping our promises to others and to God. We can make this a better world through love and understanding. That will be especially difficult for me because of our current political and historical situation.  But I can at least make a PROMISE to try! Perhaps when we pray for the sick we should set a specific time in the day just for them. Count to ten before judging others. Make a conscious effort to help heal this world and ourselves.

So on this day let us remember that God’s promise to give us a Savior who will die for our sins that we may have everlasting life and be able to see our loved ones who have gone before us. Let us celebrate His birthday as we imagine the light at the end of this tunnel that is attempting to overpower our thoughts.

Let us pray:
Our heavenly Father, give us the motivation and the determination to fulfill our promises to you and others and to have faith that we can “cast our anxieties on you because you care for us.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Carol Brown

Devotional 12-19-20

 

The Kingdom is Coming

Lectionary Readings:  2 Samuel 7: 1-11, 16; Luke 1: 46b-55; Romans 16: 25-27; Luke 1: 26-28

The word of God came to Nathan, the prophet: “Your house (David’s) and your kingdom will endure forever before me.  Your throne will be established forever.” 2 Samuel 7: 16

The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.  Luke 1:32b-33 

Elizabeth (Mary’s cousin) says: “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1: 45

The angel Gabriel visited Mary to give her the news that she would bear a son who would be great and be called the son of the Most High.  Gabriel further explains that the ancestors of this special child include Abraham, Jacob, Jesse and David.  Abraham was promised by other angels hundreds of years before, that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars.  David was promised by God through the prophet Nathan that his kingdom would endure, and his throne would be established forever.  Mary’s acceptance of God’s plan for her as outlined through Gabriel fulfilled the promises God gave to the Old Testament patriarchs.  Jesus birth, life and death fulfilled God’s mysterious majestic plan for our salvation.

God’s plans are revealed in a time and manner that are not always expected or easily understood. I marvel at Mary’s acceptance of the plan with only the brief glimpses of the plan given her by Gabriel.  She was brave enough to ask: “How can this happen?’ But there were many more details of her future that remained hidden and details of her actual relationship with Jesus, her son, are not described in the Gospels. Yet she stepped forward to accept God’s plan.  She was willing to let the plan unfold in God’s time. Her eventual acceptance was a miracle in itself.

Gabriel also told Mary that her cousin, Elizabeth was pregnant.  Elizabeth had been barren, but Gabriel tells Mary that all things are possible with God. A key piece of these events occurs when Mary visits Elizabeth.  (This part of the story is not included in the lectionary readings for this week, but it is in Luke-Chapter 1.) Elizabeth seems to know what Mary will reveal just by hearing her greeting as she enters. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaims: “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child you will bear!...Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”  After receiving Elizabeth’s affirmation, Mary is able to sing the wonderful words that we have come to call “The Magnificat”.

We find that Mary was still a little tentative about everything the angel had revealed, even though she had told him that she “was the Lord’s servant”, until Elizabeth fulfilled a part of God’s plan by encouraging Mary.  Sometimes we are called to step forward ourselves—we are called to say yes to God’s plan. But other times, we are called to encourage others in their quest to follow God’s plan for them.  Our calling may be to be an encourager or a safe place for others to express doubts and concerns. Elizabeth provided the encouragement Mary required to fully accept God’s plan.

This Advent season will certainly be unique.  We are more separated by physical distance and will find it a little more difficult to complete our usual preparation routines.  Are we complaining about our “lot in life” or are we listening for the voice of God and His guidance toward different or unexpected ways to serve?? And are we following God’s leading to offer encouragement, affirmation, or positive feedback to others who seek answers and direction??? How can we put into practice the role modeling of Mary and Elizabeth who were called and answered “Yes”?? We cannot know the future any better than Mary and Elizabeth could understand their future.  However, we can rest assured that God is with us in the present and will continue into whatever the future holds. “Ready or not”, the King is coming, and His kingdom will be revealed!!!

Oh God of our past, present and future, we thank you for your unfailing love and guidance.  Grant us your mercy in our failings and missteps. Help us to pay attention to your voice as you patiently reveal your plan for our lives. Lead us to understand and follow your guidance to love others and serve you as we are called. AMEN

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-18-20

We all have our favorite Christmas carols and memories. When I was in high school, my voice didn’t lend much to the choir, but, under the direction of Mrs. Carolyn McDowell, I was part of a liturgical dance to “What Child Is This” in the yearly Christmas program. I always think of that happy time whenever I hear that hymn. 

“What Child Is This” was written by William Chatterton Dix, the manager of the Maritime Insurance Company in Glasgow, Scotland. In 1865, at 29 years of ago, Mr. Dix suffered a near-fatal illness coupled with a severe bout of depression. While recovering, he experienced a spiritual awakening. He became an avid reader of The Bible and started writing hymns. He wrote the lyrics of “What Child Is This” and set them to the English folksong, “Greensleeves,” which was already a beloved tune, not necessarily associated with Christmas, but considered festive. The tune dated back to 1642 and was referred to twice in Shakespeare’s “Merry Wives of Windsor.”

“What Child Is This” was published in 1871. Dix subsequently published more hymns like “As With Gladness Men of Old,” and “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus.” 

“What Child Is This” calls to mind the adoration of the shepherds and asks questions which might have been on their minds. The first question, “What child is this?” is answered in the chorus, “This is Christ the King.” In the second verse, we see the term “mean estate.” Why is a King born in a stable? The writer is also alluding to Christ’s future suffering and anguish. The final stanza focuses on those attending the birth. Both king and peasant have an equal chance to adore the Christ Child and benefit from His salvation. 

“Haste, haste, to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.”

If you would like to hear “What Child Is This” with the printed lyrics, go here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzjfNu0TrcA

Anita Gardner Farrell

Devotional 12-17-20

 Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

Last year was the first Advent and Christmas season that the United Methodist Foundation (where I work) spent in our new office space.  We enjoyed decorating the space for Christmas and planning for an Open House to welcome people into our space for cookies and tours.  Along with the Christmas tree, wreaths, and greenery, I set up a small nativity scene on a bookshelf.  It was in a small conference room; the open house came and went, and I forgot about the nativity.  One day in January I noticed it and packet it up to take it back home.

A few weeks later when we were setting up for a meeting, I noticed that I had missed the packing away the angel. I sat her on my desk, meaning to take her home so that she could join the rest of her set.  But I forgot, and then I started to enjoy having her sitting on my desk below my monitor, so I left her there.

And then, in February, we started hearing about a novel coronavirus.  By the middle of March, we were eating lunch in the office instead of going to restaurants.  By later March, we were working from home.  The world had begun to change.  We stopped traveling and started wearing masks.  Steve and I worshiped in our living room with our cat and didn’t get to see Josh graduate from the University of Alabama.  

We did eventually return to our office, but there are no longer large meetings in the conference rooms.  We meet with each other via Zoom, and when we are together, we stay apart and wear our masks.

And an angel sits on my desk.  She is now a reminder that even when the world changes, God will quiet us with his love.  Even when we feel lost, God will find and save us.  Even when we cannot sing together, God is singing over us. 

An angel is sitting on my desk, and she will stay there to remind me that God is with us.

Kim Matthews

Devotionals 12-16-20

 Disappointment

Have you every been disappointed? I mean REALLY disappointed. The kind of disappointment that you can taste. A bitter, ugly taste? Perhaps your disappointment stems from an event you felt was deserved and was now taken away…beyond your control.  We have been detoured because of a closed road – making us late for a show or maybe even missing the show. We have been booted off the beach and evacuated from a coastal town due to a hurricane. These were disappointments that ended…okay because we made accommodations. We overcame. In 1990 I was invited by my brother, serving in the US NAVY, to board and travel with the crew of an aircraft carrier. It was a special cruise offered to family as the carrier returned from a six-month deployment in the Mediterranean Sea. I was to board in Bermuda and ride four days back into port in Virginia. As you can imagine – I was EXCITED. The carrier was within a day of leaving the Med to come home when the army of Iraq went into Kuwait. Notwithstanding the general uneasiness of the whole unrest in the Middle East – yes, I was worried about my once in a lifetime cruise. Back in 1990 we got information via a landline call to an answering machine. I checked that number about a thousand times a day. The machine’s reply was “the cruise was off”. One day, very near when I would have been leaving, I got two letters (yes, real letters in the US Mail, not emails) from my brother. Being the good OCD guy that I am…my family says I’m CDO – which is alphabetical like it should be – I lined the letters up in chronological order according to postmark date.  I opened the first. Along with some general “hey, how’s it going?” it said…”GET TO BERMUDA HOWEVER YOU CAN. THE CRUISE IS ON” If you think you have a read on my level of elation, you’d be wrong. On a scale from 1-10 I was hovering above 100. I opened the second letter which I was sure contained more details about the trip. It said, “The cruise has been cancelled.” If you think you can imagine my level of disappointment, you’d be wrong again. On that same scale I was in the range of 492. The bitter taste in my mouth would last for a long time. My once in a lifetime adventure had be taken from me, and it was out of my control to change. I was too focused on ME to look at a bigger picture. In the end my brother and crew all returned safely to port. 

Do you suppose Mary was excited to be engaged? Excited to embark a new life with a new family of her own? Do you think she was disappointed to be given the news that her cruise had been cancelled? That she was to go on a different trip. Whatever disappointment she felt – she overcame and said, “Here I am…” 

Do you think Joseph was excited to be engaged? Do think he was disappointed to discover his bride-to-be was going to have a baby? He overcame. Saw the bigger picture and persevered. 

Do you think God is excited to see a strong, healthy Christian living in Huntington? One with means and energy to help others. Do you think he is disappointed when he sees ME complaining about…well, everything and nothing? As I continue to see the bigger and more important picture, I hope he perseveres and has patience with me. I shall overcome.

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope”  -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Steve Matthews

Devotional 12-15-20

 Readings;  2 Samuel 7:1-11,16,  Luke 1:26-39,  Luke 1:46b-55,  Psalm 89:1-4.19-26,  Romans 16:25-27 CEB

Faith is the overwhelming theme throughout the readings for this week of Advent.  In 2 Samuel we hear from the Prophet Nathan that God is instructing him to tell King David to build him a house. That the Lord who has been with them from their time in Egypt to Israel and had done great things for the people of Israel.  That this house and throne will live forever by faith.  In the Psalm reading we are reminded that God has always been faithful to his people.  But in the end, they and we are to have faith in God for he is our Rock.  

In the new testament reading, from Luke, we see the passages that we are all too familiar with that of Mary’s story.  That Mary had been found the favored one to conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of God.  Mary is perplexed by this but ultimately has the faith that may be so.  

Oh to have the Faith of the Israelites and Mary.  

In my life I have Faith that God is present and Jesus is always with me, but I have trouble in having faith in persons or entities that make decisions that affect aspects of my life.  Entities or persons that don’t know me!  That only see information that can affect my life.  See I worry what might happen in the future.  What I need to remember is the “God is in Control” not others! That what ever decisions are made it will be fine.  And when I have a worry I need to tell myself God is in control in all things and that Jesus is always by my side.  I need the Faith of Mary.

Romans 16:25-27 CEB
²⁵ May the glory be to God who can strengthen you with my good news and the message that I preach about Jesus Christ. He can strengthen you with the announcement of the secret that was kept quiet for a long time. ²⁶ Now that secret is revealed through what the prophets wrote. It is made known to the Gentiles in order to lead to their faithful obedience based on the command of the eternal God. ²⁷ May the glory be to God, who alone is wise! May the glory be to him through Jesus Christ forever!  Amen.

Find Faith this Advent

Fred Herr

Devotional 12-14-20

 PREPARING THE WAY

Micah 5:2-4

The Lectionary readings this fall have focused on the Exodus story in which God prepared the way for the children of Israel by choosing a leader, providing food in the wilderness and parting the Rea Sea. Now forward to around 731 BC. The fall of Damascus marked the end Syria’s freedom and shortly thereafter the fall of Northern Kingdom followed. While Judah survived the Assyrian regime, it was a vassal state.  
   
It was during this period that Micah lived and prophesied and we learn that the Lord was preparing the way for the One to come.  “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth one who is to be ruler in Israel whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.”  In his commentary about the prophet, William Barclay points out that at the time of Micah’s writing, there were two towns called Bethlehem.  Micah chose the correct one where Jesus would be born.  (In Genesis 35:19, we learn that Ephrathah is identified with Bethlehem near the place where Rebecca died.)  Unlike some of the other prophets, Micah came from common people. He prophesied that the one to come would be born among the smaller, insignificant clans. Micah also described a shepherd king. “And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord, his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.”

Sometimes we miss God’s blessings because they do not come in the form or fashion we anticipate.  We may recall an occasion when our prayers were answered in ways we did not foresee.  Permit a brief personal example.  For over a year I have worked at finding a purchaser for our office building.  I had an idea of the perfect match, a small business or professional service which would utilize the downstairs rooms and benefit from the wonderful tenant in the second floor space.  Despite much work and assistance from real estate agents, nothing materialized.  In early fall an offer came which did not fit my image, one who wished to occupy the entire building.  I prayed and pursued the offer.  What I did not know at that time was that Agency upstairs had an opportunity to expand their business by relocating to the eastern part of the city at year end.  I did not know, but God knew and was preparing the way.  

There is a concept in our Christian faith called prevenient grace, that is, grace which precedes and comes before us.  It is another way of saying that God is at work, preparing the way just as through the prophet Micah so many years ago.  We are now deep into the Advent Season. May we give thanks for the ways in which God is at work in out lives, as we prepare for the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.  

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie;
Above the still and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by.
Yet in the dark streets shineth, an everlasting light;
The hope and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. “

Sue D. Woods

Devotional 12-13-20

 “Do you hear what I hear?”  asks a famous Christmas carol, written in the autumn of 1962 as a plea for peace during the Cuban missile crisis by a husband and wife duo (Shayne and Regney). The song takes its imagery from the gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth, and asks people to listen and think and pray. The scripture I want to focus on today similarly invites us to hear again the old, old story in a new way: 

Scripture Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

The Lord God’s spirit is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim release for captives, and liberation for prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor....

If this powerful affirmation of mission and ministry sounds familiar to you, it may be because you recognize it from the Gospel according to Luke, where it’s the text for Jesus’ first sermon in his hometown of Nazareth  (Luke 4:14-30).  Several centuries separate the first proclamation in the writings of the prophet Isaiah from its reading and interpretation by Jesus, but the message resounds across time. People in Isaiah’s day faced war, persecution, and troubles.  Those in first century Israel did, too.   Here and now, we still have war, poverty, brokenness, captivity, and bondage to all kinds of troubles, not to mention a global pandemic that threatens millions.  And yet, to everyone, from over two thousand years ago right up to the present,  this scripture shouts that God is at work in our world and in our lives. We aren’t alone!  God’s spirit empowers us.  God’s spirit calls us.  God sends us a Savior, and a model for the work that we can do in this world together. 

We are called to follow Jesus and care for the poor, the broken, the imprisoned, the suffering in our world.  “I, the Lord, love justice....” Isaiah 61:8 reminds us, and verse 11 promises “As the earth puts out its growth, and as a garden grows its seeds, so the Lord God will grow righteousness and praise before all the nations.”  Although these words are comforting, they are also challenging.  In first century Nazareth, the crowd at the synagogue didn’t appreciate Jesus’ reminder to them that God was at work among people in other nations---they were so angry with Jesus’ illustrations that they ran him out of town! Similarly, in our own time, we have to work at “hearing” other people, at really listening to them and their stories, especially when we perceive them as different from ourselves. It’s easy to put people in categories, but the challenge is to see and hear each person as someone of divine worth, for whom Jesus came to our world. This holy season, let’s prayerfully remember this scripture and what Jesus said about it.  Let’s work for peace, for righteousness, and for justice for all.  

Will you pray now for peace? 
Blessings,  
Rev. Terry Deane

Devotional 12-12-20

 

Joy is Coming

Read Psalm 126  

During these past months we have all had a mixture of emotional feelings that Iam sure we all felt like, “What have I done to deserve all of this?????

We are all in the same situation; still worried about our future!!!!

What’s going to become of us if we do not follow protocol——Wear Your Mask——Social Distance——Protect Your Self and Your Neighbor!

We must remember that God’s ability to restore life is beyond our understanding.
Forrest burns down and are able to grow back. Broken bones heal, even grief is not a permanent condition. 

Our tears can be seeds that will grow into a harvest of joy because God is able to bring good out of tragedy. When burdened by sorrow know that your time of sadness will end and that you will again find joy. We must be patient as we wait, God’s great harvest of Joy is coming!

In this advent season of 2020 we all must believe and trust in our God that He will never leave or forsake us. Trust in our Faith that He will bring Joy to all of his people through Jesus Christ.

Let us pray.

Dear Lord, give us the strength to get through this scary time, knowing it won’t last for ever. Hold your people in your hands and reassure us that you are there and will continue to guide us down this path.  Restore our lives as you only can do and continue your harvest to bring Joy to all your people through their faith and trust in you. 
In Jesus name,
Amen

Melanie Herr

Devotional 12-11-20

 John 1:6-8, 19-28

Every 11 months all the projects, sorting, and removing that is done in our house completely stops.  Some of this has to do with the fact that time is often filled with other church functions and gift buying and wrapping, but most of it is that we find peace in the house.  We decorate and set up five trees of various sized all with ornaments and thousands of lights weaving in and out the branches.  The house smells like balsam, we make spiced ciders, and we forgo overhead lighting for desk lamps and the glow of all the greenery.  We create a cozy house.  We find peace in Advent.  We see this in the church too as our church is decorated even now with greens, a tree, and the advent wreath.  The advent season and the peace it can bring is not lost in our empty sanctuary.  But that is not reality.  Reality is COVID.  Reality is chaos and confusion in this life and most actually in this pandemic.  

We have made the nativity story into my house at Christmas: a clean, gleaming and shiny story with a young girl in blue and her husband standing by her side with a light shining over them.  Peace in darkness.  But then in the Advent lectionaries is COVID.  A crazy looking man that resembles more Black Beard than the depicted grace of Mary.  I have always loved the thought of John the Baptist, a wild outlier who was never the one.  I suppose as a preachers kid, then youth director, then ministers wife I’ve always related to the ‘I am not the one, but the one is coming later.’

I agree with and try to live into the messy of a faith in God. Not pretending to have it all together but to live in a desert, understanding that I’m called to be a strong example of a Christian, full of uncertainty but understanding I am not the one, but I need to point to the one.  I need to acknowledge that although I want to have a cozy house at Christmas that is often not what a faith in Christ looks like.  It often looks like late night phone call at 2am, helping someone know it’s OK.  It’s often the unplanned and unscheduled 3 hour conversation that occurred when dropping off a paper. It’s stopping just to be there when someone is crying.  It’s disorder and mayhem. It’s John the Baptist in his camel hair spending time with people in fine linens and gems.  It is the other 11 months of the year.

So have a little COVID in your faith life.  Be a little “messy,” but be an example of faith for others, pointing to Christ and pointing to the one in midst of the pandemic of your life.

Tobyn Wells

Devotional 12-10-20

 Oaks of Righteousness

As I prepare to write a devotional, l always start by reading the suggested scriptures and make note of all the verses that are particularly meaningful to me. I read Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lords favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and to provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” I thought ‘yes!’ A year of God’s favor was what I was hoping 2020 would be! Last year was not a good year for my family. We needed a year of the Lords favor, a year of healing. Instead Covid struck, my Dad passed away, we had major plumbing and subsequent mold problems, and friends and family with serious health problems. It does not feel like a year of God’s favor! But, this is not about me and my problems. It is not about 2020. It is about Jesus. Jesus quotes Isaiah 61:1-2 in Luke 4:18-19 and then adds “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” This scripture is about the love, forgiveness, and hope that Jesus would bring to the world.

How do we make 2020 and all the pain and suffering that it has brought about Jesus? John the Baptist shows us. When he was asked by the Pharisees who he was, he answered, “I am the voice of one crying in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord.” (John 1:23 NIV). He didn’t talk about himself. He told them about Jesus. We can do the same. We can humble ourselves as John the Baptist did and make everything about Jesus and how he has gotten us through this year. We can work at staying joyful, praying continuously, and finding things to give thanks for no matter what the circumstances (Thessalonians 5:16). This is not easy to do when you are hurting and stressed, but if we try to do these things I think we can come through 2020 stronger Christians than ever. Maybe we can even be “oaks of righteousness, plantings of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:3 NIV)

Margaret Williams

Devotional 12-9-20

 

December 9, 2020

Lectionary Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126,  1 Thessalonians 5:16-24,  John 1: 6-8, 19-28

John 61: 6-8    There once was a man, his name John, sent by God to point out the way to the Life- Light . He came to show everyone where to look, who to believe in.  John was not himself the Light; he was there to show the way to the Light.     The Message by Eugene H. Peterson   

John 61: 19-28
When Jews from Jerusalem sent  a group of priests and officials to ask John who he was, he was completely honest. He didn’t evade the question.  He told the plain truth.  “I am not the Messiah”.
   
They pressed him, “Who then? Elijah?”
   
“I am not.”
   
“The Prophet?”
   
“No.

Exasperated they said,  “Who, then?”  We need an answer for those who sent us. Tell us something--anything!--about yourself.” 
“I’m thunder in the desert: ‘Make the road straight for God!’ I’m doing what the prophet Isaiah preached.”
   
Those sent to question him were from the Pharisee party. Now they had a question for their own;
“If you’re neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet, why do you baptize?”
   
John answered, “I only baptize using water. A person you don’t recognize has taken his stand in your midst. He comes after me, but he is not in second place to me. I am not even worthy to hold his coat
for him.”
   
These conversations took place in Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing at the time.

From The Message , Eugene H. Peterson,  2005, Nav Press

Prayer:  Our dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for the Light and for those that showed the way. Show me how to shine the Light to others.  Amen

Kay Lewis

Devotional 12-8-20

 1  Thessalonians 5:16-18

The overarching theme of this week’s lectionary is to rejoice and give thanks to God in all circumstances.  Paul instructed the church at Thessalonica to rejoice (be joyful) even in the face of persecution because a life of holy faithfulness and gratitude pleases God.
Written to new converts to Christianity, Paul’s instructions are to the point:

Rejoice!  Pray without ceasing.  In everything give thanks.  

• Rejoice, because even in the worst of times and trials, God is with us and will sustain us.
• Pray without ceasing because only a constant connection to God through our prayer life will bring comfort and assurance;
• In everything give thanks. Henri Nouwen, a Catholic theologian and spiritual writer reminds us that “every time we decide to be grateful it will be easier to see new things to be grateful for.  Gratitude begets gratitude, just as love begets love”. 

Why?  Because this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.

Most of us grumble about the changes in our daily lives made necessary because of the COVID-19 virus.  We focus mostly on what has changed: what we have lost; what we cannot do.  Do we appreciate the friends, family and neighbors who call regularly?  Do our daily prayers begin with thanks to God for all things?  All people?  All situations?  Are we truly leading a life of gratitude  if we only pray for those we like and who like us?

 It is easy to forget about God’s grace when things are going well.  When there is sickness or calamity, we are quick to call on God to “fix things”.   And when circumstances are improved, we soon overlook God’s grace on our behalf.  We are quick to tell all about ”our good luck”:  avoiding bankruptcy because a check came in the mail; getting good lab results when our chronic disease is under control; happy to accept God’s good will for us without acknowledging God as the source of that goodness.  

We receive this wisdom from Paul because he not only “talked the talk, he walked the walk.” Paul lived the kind of gratitude he taught us to embrace.  Imprisoned and maltreated, he witnessed repeatedly to the fact that to do the work of Christ, even in prison, was a joy.  To be imprisoned for doing God’s work was a joy. Thanks be to God.

Prayer:  Open our hearts and minds, God, to know and affirm your goodness in our lives and in the world around us. Help us to be joyful and celebrate daily because we can see your love in action, despite what we might face as trials and tribulations. Help us to live in gratitude each day.  Amen.

Dorothy Turner-Lacy

Devotional 12-7-20

 Psalm 126 (CEB)

¹ When the LORD changed Zion’s circumstances for the better, it was like we had been dreaming. ² Our mouths were suddenly filled with laughter; our tongues were filled with joyful shouts. It was even said, at that time, among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them!” ³ Yes, the LORD has done great things for us, and we are overjoyed. ⁴ LORD, change our circumstances for the better, like dry streams in the desert waste! ⁵ Let those who plant with tears reap the harvest with joyful shouts. ⁶ Let those who go out, crying and carrying their seed, come home with joyful shouts, carrying bales of grain!

What a year this has been! My personality makes me prone to wallow in sadness and misery. I mean, there is nothing more fulfilling than dwelling on the huge list of things we cannot do this year, right? How weird Advent is now, and why bother trying to find any joy in Christmas? There will be empty places at the table, there will be empty hearts, longing for past Christmases. There will be no large choral celebrations. Forget caroling door to door. The title of the carol “In the Bleak Midwinter” has never seemed more appropriate. I was sad even as I began to write this. I was bummed that I had to sit down and try to find something hopeful to say about Advent. 

And I read this Psalm. Its hopefulness and joy lifted me up. My friend just reminded me that the Messiah comes again, whether or not we are ready. Well, whether or not we are even interested. The Messiah’s birth brings hope. Remember the weekly advent themes? Hope, peace, joy, love. I thought of the words from the hymn “…strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside. Great is thy faithfulness…” May we have the strength that is required to exist in these trying times. May we keep hope for the better days that await us. May we try to experience the calm of God’s peace. May we try to find some joy this season. And may we open our hearts with love as we wait for the birth of the Messiah. It’s a different year. And my prayer is that we will find some new meaning in Advent as we experience those differences. 
My favorite Dr. Seuss quote ever:  “And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ‘till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

Bruce Rous

Devotional 12-6-20

 Isaiah 40:1-11

Recently, I had someone say to me, you always talk about love, when you give a sermon or write a devotion.  I know when I see your name attached to a sermon or devotion, it will have something to do with GOD’S love.  

I stopped and thought about what this person had said to me, and I knew she was right almost immediately.  I believe with all my heart and mind and soul, that every part of our relationship with God begins and ends with love.   God’s always present and never- ending love for each of us, as well as our continual need for God’s grace and love as we try to live up to Jesus’ perfect example, is what our days should be about.  Jesus said in Matthew 23:37-38, “ You shall love the Lord your God with all our heart, with all of your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

So when I read Isaiah 40:1-11, once again all I could think about and see in those words, was God’s love, beckoning us to come home, so we could feel God’s always present and never ending love for us. And there was Jesus treating us like a shepherd, gathering us in his arms and surrounding us with His love.

This has been such a difficult year for all of us, from the noise and the chaos to the virus and the isolation.  Isaiah paints this picture in my mind of Jesus reaching out for us and encircling us in his arms, reminding us to come home to God’s love, that just feels so comforting and peaceful. Now is the time for us to turn ourselves to that love that is always there, just waiting for us.  Allow yourself to feel the grace, the peace and the joy.  It is GOD’S  LOVE!!  First, last and always!!

AMEN, 

Rev. Suzanne Ellis

Devotional 12-5-20

Read 2 Peter 3: 8-15

⁸ Don’t let it escape your notice, dear friends, that with the Lord a single day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a single day. ⁹ The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives. ¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day the heavens will pass away with a dreadful noise, the elements will be consumed by fire, and the earth and all the works done on it will be exposed.

Why are we always in such a rush?  In today’s world, with social media, twenty-four hour news alerts, and a seemingly endless stream of videos, we have been conditioned to expect instant access to information.  We rush from place to place checking phones for messages calls and other alerts in order to meet the next deadline, or ensure we have the most current information.  During the holiday season we all seem to rush even more, at least I do, trying to be sure everything is ready for holiday celebrations and gatherings.

In the lectionary text for this week, we read in 2 Peter, “The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives.”.  In many places throughout the bible, there are lessons that try to teach us patience.  Why is  patience so difficult?  In todays world, we could blame technology or the constant streams of information, but people have obviously been struggling with patience for a very long time.

When we talk with God, are we expecting instant answers?  There are times we are probably all guilty of thinking, “God isn’t listening” or “Why me God”, during times of stress or when we are discouraged.  If we learn and practice patience, God will answer our prayers in his way, and in his time.  During the season of advent we are told to be patient and prepare for the coming of the Lord.  In today’s commercialized culture, we often stress and lose patience in order to be sure everything is ready for Christmas.  But, if we try to keep the true reasons for advent in our hearts and minds, with patience, we will be able to  prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ.

This year is especially different.  With concerns of the Covid-19 virus, many plans have been changed in order to keep people safe and healthy.  This year we will need patience in our lives more than ever.  Patience is one thing that will help us to work through each day as we prepare, not only for the coming of the Lord, but to continue to ensure our families and our church are safe and prepared.   God bless each and every one of you! 

Hulse Budd

Devotional 12-4-20

 Please read Mark 1:1-8:

The beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, God’s Son, happened just as it was written about in the prophecy of Isaiah: 

“Look, I am sending my messenger before you. He will prepare your way, a voice shouting in the wilderness: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight.”

John the Baptist was in the wilderness calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. Everyone in Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to the Jordan River and were being baptized by John as they confessed their sins. John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. He announced, “One stronger than I am is coming after me. I’m not even worthy to bend over and loosen the strap of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

It’s hard to imagine hearing about Jesus for the first time from Mark. From as early as I remember, probably not unlike many other cradle Christians, I learned one blended version of the stories of Jesus. It wasn’t until I was much older that I began to realize that each gospel writer had his unique perspective, context, and audience. I can understand why Matthew and Luke, who both used Mark as a source for the gospels they authored, included more about the background and birth of Jesus so we could have a chance to get used to the idea of who this Jesus is.

The Gospel of Mark jumps right an urgent message of preparedness. There are no angel messengers, no Baby Jesus or wise men. We learn nothing at all about the birth of Jesus from Mark. Instead, Mark begins by referring to the prophetic writings of the Hebrew Scriptures that point to the coming of the Lord when valleys are lifted up and mountains torn down. This is a message that would have comforted those who lived on the margins of society and would have disturbed those in positions of comfort. 

Mark then turns to the wilderness and the preaching of John the Baptist, who called the people to repent and to be baptized as an outward sign of the change in their hearts and lives. We can think of the Advent Season as an invitation to repentance and forgiveness. And don’t I know some people who can use that invitation!

Whether we care to admit it or not, this is surely an invitation we all need to hear. Even though I don’t care to admit it, this is the message I need to hear this Advent Season. Repentance means turning from our old ways and going in a different direction. It means being open to receive the gift of forgiveness and new life. 

But there is more to it than repentance and forgiveness. John knows, according to Mark, that something huge is about to happen. The world is about to change. So welcome to the Advent wilderness, where John the Baptist invites you to get ready: Jesus is coming!

Rev. Jeff Taylor

Devotional 12-3-20

 Psalm 85: 1-2, 8-13

A PRAYER FOR THE RESTORATION OF GOD’S FAVOUR

    
 A KorahPsalm
     
(A note of interest) Psalm 85 is one of a several psalms “...ascribed to the Sons of Korah. Korah, a rebel against Moses’ leadership, died in his rebellion. His children were spared, and many years later David chose their clan to found a temple choir (1 Chronicles 6:31-37). These psalms apparently were part of a musical collection they used.” New International Students’ Version.     

The liturgy for the beginning of Advent offers some thoughtful scriptures, including words of comfort for God’s people, seeking God’s approval, hearing John the Baptist’s proclamation and Simon Peter’s reminder of the coming of Christ. This may be somewhat surprising as we review these Advent scriptures. But be assured, the story of Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, the birth of Jesus and what we think of as Advent’s Christmas story, will come later. 
           
Psalm 85 is a humble appeal to God to end His anger and bring back the peace and tranquility of the past, when He was good to his people. There’s a lot of speculation about God’s response, because if it’s a “yes!” a great change is about to occur! From The Message:
                                         8-9 God’s about to pronounce his people well,  
                                        The holy people he loves so much,
                                               So they’ll never again live like fools.
                                        see how close his salvation is to those who fear him?
                                               Our country is home base for Glory!
                                        10-13 Love and Truth meet in the street,
                                               Right Living and Whole Living embrace and kiss!
                                        Truth sprouts green from the ground,
                                               Right Living pours from the skies!
                                        Oh yes! God gives Goodness and Beauty;
                                                Our land responds with Bounty and Blessing.
                                         Right Living strides out before him,
                                                  And clears a path for his passage.
Indeed! The psalm does speak of the coming of Christ! And that’s what Advent is about.

Diane Feaganes

Devotional 12-2-20

 Please read Isaiah 40: 1-11

Isaiah 40:1-11 (New Revised Standard Version)

Comfort, O comfort my people,
    says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
    and cry to her
that she has served her term,
    that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the LORD’s hand
    double for all her sins.
3 A voice cries out:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD,
    make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
    and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
    and the rough places a plain.
5 Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
    and all people shall see it together,
    for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
6 A voice says, “Cry out!”
    And I said, “What shall I cry?”
All people are grass,
    their constancy is like the flower of the field.
7 The grass withers, the flower fades,
    when the breath of the LORD blows upon it;
    surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades;
    but the word of our God will stand forever.
9 Get you up to a high mountain,
    O Zion, herald of good tidings;[a]
lift up your voice with strength,
    O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,[b]
    lift it up, do not fear;
say to the cities of Judah,
    “Here is your God!”
10 See, the Lord GOD comes with might,
    and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him,
    and his recompense before him.
11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd;
    he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom,
    and gently lead the mother sheep.

What will we do with Advent this year?  Many of my “usual” preparations just won’t work right now. Much of those usual things have to do with setting the scene for Christmas: decorating the sanctuary with the Chrismon Trees, adding lights and candles, watching as the Advent Wreath is lighted; putting up Nativities; listening for certain Advent hymns with their words of expectation; rehearsing, singing, and listening to the music of the season; experiencing the joy of the church family together in worship and social get-togethers; and preparations of our homes for family and friends.  

I must confess that I have spent too much time and energy fretting over what I have been missing during this long season of COVID-19. I’m mourning what was and frustrated that what I think “should be” just isn’t safely possible this year. Sometimes I feel like throwing myself a grand pity-party. 

I am reading Isaiah 40 with a different appreciation for how Isaiah addressed the people of Israel. I am whining about the things I am missing, but then realize how the people of Israel were enduring exile. They were enslaved in a foreign land. They were separated from family, friends, and community.  They didn’t realize just how much they missed their Temple in Jerusalem until they could not go there for worship. Absence made their hearts grow fonder and, in that separation, many began to realize the sin of their past, discovering that they had taken God and their special relationship with God for granted. 

The 40th Chapter of Isaiah begins a new message for those exiled people. Isaiah offers from God words of comfort, assurance, and hope. A return is coming. The assurance and love are offered along with some words of caution. The people will not return to the way things were before they left. Getting back to their home will take some hard work and effort. The way through the wilderness won’t be a “walk in the park” but a physical and spiritual journey with God through the desert way, through the  valleys, over the mountains, and into that place where the glory of the Lord will be revealed.  Through it all, God will lead them.  Like a shepherd, God will gather them together in arms of love to care and feed them.  It is a glorious vision of restoration and wholeness. 

These great words Isaiah bring comfort, preparation, assurance, and promise to a troubled people. As people of faith, we understand that Isaiah spoke not only to the people in exile, but to the people longing for the coming of their Christ, and even to us in all the situations we face in this day and time. Hear these words of the 40th Chapter as Isaiah speaks particularly to us.

I still do not know exactly how we will make our Advent preparations this year. It will look and feel differently than it has in the past.  I will try to spend more time this Advent preparing, not so much with external decorations or the season’s usual traditions, but with the faith-filled ways of the journey home from exile.  I will try to hear the words of scripture and music differently because my ears and heart are longing for something more. I will try to appreciate the journey to Bethlehem differently because of the mountains, valleys, and deserts we know these days. I will try to wait differently-- more expectantly, more hopefully-- this year because I am learning new meanings of patience and hope.  I will try to worry less and celebrate more as the reality of God’s amazing gift of Christ with us becomes ever more real.  

Alberto Taulé, a Catalonian hymn writer, has offered his understanding of Isaiah’s words with the hymn, “Toda la Tierra/All Earth Is Waiting.”  (We don’t sing it often, but it is found in the UMH on page 210.)

Rev. Dr. Mark Conner

Devotional 12-1-20

 Advent.
A time when we light candles,
Sing about Emmanuel.
Prepare our hearts and minds
For the coming of Christ.

What does it matter?
Is it only about candles, and song?
Only about preparing ourselves?
What does it matter?

It matters because
I make mistakes.
I sin.
Every. Single. Day.
Without fail,
my day is punctuated
with those things I do not plan to do
and yet do anyway.
Like Swiss cheese,
my day is full of the holes
where my good intentions have failed.
If it weren’t for advent,
if it weren’t for the coming of Christ,
I would live in the pain
of my faults, my mistakes, and my sin.
Without hope.

Advent matters.

It matters because
the world is divided.
We hurt each other
Every. Single. Day.
Without fail,
our days are riddled
with the hate we pour on each other.
With the blank stare of indifference
to the hunger and sickness of others.
Our world is filled with the noise
of arguments and judgment,
of the cries pain of the oppressed.
If it weren’t for Advent
if it weren’t for the coming of Christ,
we would live in the hatred
of our divided world.
Without love.

Advent matters

It matters because
death is inevitable.
People die
Every. Single. Day.
Without relief.
our lives are lived
with the knowledge that we are dust,
with the grief of loss,
with the aching heart
of missing those we love.
Our world is filled with mourning,
with the loss of family
and of ourselves.
If it weren’t for Advent
if it weren’t for the coming of Christ,
we would live in the darkness
of a casket in the cemetery.
Without life.

Advent matters.

Because Christ has come,
because Christ is coming,
we light candles of hope, love, and life.
We sing of Christ with us.
our hearts are filled.
our lives are changed.
our future is eternal.

Advent matters.

Kim Matthews

Devotional 11-30-20

Stay the course!

Readings for the week: Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13, 2 Peter 3:8-15, Mark 1:1-8 CEB

This 2020 Advent season and year is like no other that most of us have ever seen in our lifetime.  We will probably not be celebrating Advent or even the Nativity, as in the past, with our families or our church family.  Stay the course!  

This second week of Advent is one of waiting or prophecy.  The Prophet Isaiah lived about 750 years prior to the birth of Christ.  In the writing from Isaiah 40:1-11 “all will be made straight” all rough places will be smooth, that the glory of the God will be seen by all humanity.  That God’s word will be forever.  Don’t be afraid for God’s strength was coming, that God will be like a Shepard to care for his flock and gently guide them.  Isaiah was speaking of one that is to come in the future of the Hebrews, this was their Advent.   

During our Advent Season we celebrate the time leading to the birth of Christ but it is the second coming of Christ that we await, 2 Peter 3:13 CEB “But according to his promise we are waiting for a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.”  

As 2020 rolls on to 2021 and we await Christ second coming.  We also wait for many changes in our life and the future, ie;  An end to the Pandemic, getting back to normal life, in-person worship, an end to this year’s election process, a united humanity, love and caring for our neighbors, acceptance of all.  But in all of this we need to be patient.  Stay the course!

2 Peter 3:8-9 Don’t let it escape your notice, dear friends, that with the Lord a single day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a single day. The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives.

The day will come when all is straight.  2 Peter 3: 14-15 Therefore, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found by him in peace—pure and faultless. Consider the patience of our Lord to be salvation.

Let us remember, my dear friends, Patience is a virtue !  As in Galatians 5:22 CEB But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

My friends I wish for you this year and always too, “Stay the Course”, be patient, stay in love with God, love one another and  look forward to the second coming of Christ when all will be made new! 

God bless all this Advent and to the future !

Prayer: Our Father thank you for the most wonderful gift of all, your Son the Christ.  Whom you sent to take away our sins and not judge.  Thank you for his teachings of love, caring, acceptance and compassion for all.  Please lead us as we Stay the Course though theses days and until Christ comes again.  In Christ Holy name, Amen!

Fred Herr

Devotional 11-29-20

“Looking back, I could really see God at work in that situation.”  

Have you ever heard someone say this?  Has it happened to you?  It has to me.  Occasionally, if I have my eyes and heart open, I am able to see God at work in current situations.   I was blessed with such an encounter while working on Johnson Memorial’s 150th Anniversary book.  

The book started with Frank Hanshaw’s detailed outline of possible subjects to be included.  The 150th Anniversary celebration committee then considered the names of folks who might be willing to write about a particular subject.  God certainly was at work during that time, as every person who was asked to write said “yes.”   One person answered our call for writing volunteers and her submission included material that was used as the introduction for an entire section, not just her writing.  Again, God at work.

As for the editors, one volunteered and I learned that her work life had involved advertising, which provided invaluable experience for this project. A former English teacher, a journalism major and an attorney all said “yes” when asked to help.  My husband, a meticulous note taker, was already involved. Each person brought something different to the table, all of which was needed.  The dedication, thoroughness and patience shown during this part of the project was amazing.  When we started the editing process, we didn’t know that, in one week alone, the group would spend eleven hours on conference calls reviewing every word that had been written.   Again, the team
God put together for this part of the project was a blessing and gift.

Finally, the volunteer who prepared the material for publishing was another of God’s provisions. She took our general idea and turned it into a beautiful cover.  She formatted text, edited pictures and rearranged things when the editors had another idea or changed their minds.  Was God at work here?  Definitely!  And, I was blessed to be a part of the entire process!

Where can you see God at work?  

Advent – a time of preparation for His arrival – provides us time to look.  We have the advantage of knowing the first part of the story – His Son’s birth.  We have faith and confidence in the rest of the story that God promises – the second coming of Christ.  Where are you seeing God’s work now, today?

The Lectionary for this week includes Mark 13:24 – 37, in which Jesus tells of his return.  Verses 32-33 state, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” (NIV) 
Reverend J. W. Johnson, for whom our church is named, took Jesus’ words to heart.  In 1890, Reverend Johnson participated in a Masonic initiation ritual, which he’d planned to complete.  However, he suffered an accident and was severely injured.  Johnson had experienced God’s work in his life and was ready to meet Him.  In speaking with the men gathered around his stretcher, he “urged upon them the importance of always being ready, for none knew when the summons would come.” *  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Son and for the work that you do daily.  We pray that you’ll continue to open our eyes so that we may recognize Your touch on the world each day.  Help us to prepare our hearts for your arrival.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

* Cincinnati Enquirer, January 14, 1890

Shelly Shideler