Devotion - December 25, 2023

 Let's Have a Conversation

Please read Luke 2:8-20

As I write this, I wonder where you are as you are reading it.  Are you sitting near your Christmas tree amid the discarded paper from gifts? Or is it quiet at your house, and you sit in your living room, a little bit lonely? Or maybe you are reading this on your phone, late on Christmas Eve (because the devotionals arrive in people’s mailboxes at 10:00 p.m. the night before).  Are you one of those people who read the devotion before looking at the “signature” and you are trying to guess who I am? Did you skip the scripture reading because you decided you’ve read it before and don’t need to read it again? I do that sometimes; don’t tell anyone.  

Whoever you are, wherever you are, whenever it is, let’s have a conversation.  You grab the beverage of your choice, and I’ll get mine, and we’ll talk. Ready?

First, go back and read the scripture.  I’ll wait.  

What did you notice about it?  For me, the verse that spoke the loudest today was verse 20: “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”  First, the shepherds left their fields, followed the angel’s instructions, saw the child, and then – then they went and told everybody.  Tis was not the quiet pondering of Mary.  This is glory and praise!

Have you had your heart “strangely warmed?” Was there a moment that felt like the fire of God in your life? Or the quiet presence of the holy? Have you had an experience of the presence of God that was real and important to you?  Why do you believe?  

Sometimes those experiences are gigantic and overwhelming, like seeing the savior in a manger.  Sometimes they are the quiet certainty that God exists and loves you.  They can be dramatic like trumpets or subtle like feathers landing on your heart.  What has your experience been like?

Have you had a conversation with someone about it? Have you gathered your favorite beverage and taken a moment to share the light of God with someone else?  We celebrate the birth of Christ today, and we remember that Christ came into the world.  Christ has come into the world, but also into your life.  Will you glorify and praise God? Will you share the grace of God with a friend?  Will you have a conversation and bring light into this dark world?

Kim Matthews
(Did you guess it was me?)

Devotion - December 24, 2023

 

The Birth of Jesus

Luke 2:(1-7), 8-20                  

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.  ² This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.³ All went to their own towns to be registered.  ⁴ Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.  ⁵ He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.  ⁶ While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.  ⁷ And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.  ⁸ In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

⁹ Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:  ¹¹ to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.  ¹² This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”  ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,  ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

A few select verses from Luke’s telling of this familiar beloved story of Jesus’ birth stands out for me this year. They are verses 6-7a, “While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger . . .” 

There’s nothing like a newborn baby to bring smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts. We are moved by their vulnerability, helplessness, and dependence on others. It takes care, nurture, and love to help an infant thrive with hopes of reaching their potential. 

Here, something special has taken place as was foretold. We picture young mother Mary tending to her newborn while Joseph maintains a watchful eye and comforting presence nearby. 

What did Mary see and experience when she first cuddled her baby close and looked into Jesus’ eyes? When a baby looks into your eyes there is something that takes place, a kind of instinctual love that cannot well be put into words. Meeting a baby is special. It is a soul-to-soul bonding which many mothers describe as a love, “like I’ve never known before.”

I wonder what Mary was thinking. Was she remembering what the angel Gabriel had said to her?(see Luke 1:26-38). After all, she did conceive while still a virgin and birthed a son as he had said. Could her baby really be the Son of the Most High? 

Excerpts from a popular song* come to mind, “. . . Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God. . . . Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect lamb? That? sleeping child you’re holding is the great, I Am. Mary did you know?” 

Maybe that is how it is with God who comes to meet each of us in a unique way. God wants to unite with us, love us, and wants our love in return. In this holy season may we look into the eyes of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. May we welcome him anew to bond with us, nurture and love us through this life and in the life to come. Oh, the possibilities of how we can grow and thrive in God’s love! 

Prayer:  O Creator, Redeemer, and King, you love us so much! You left your heavenly realm to come to earth to live among us as one of us. You want nothing more than for us to accept your love and to love you in return. Thank you for helping us relate to you through Jesus. Help us show our love for you by loving and caring for others. Through Jesus the Messiah we pray. Amen.

*Mary Did you Know: by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene.  Copyright Word Music and Rufus Music c/o Giather Msuic Co. 1991. 

Rev. Annette Carper

 

Devotion - December 23, 2023

 Please read Luke 1:46-55 and Luke1:8-14

Signs of expectancy filled the time before Christ’s birth. The day of Christ’s birth, Christians call Christmas.  I am sure we are all following our own signs of Christmas expectancy. For myself, music is one of those signs.  Music tells the story of Christmas.  

The following was taken from words written “From the Editor”, Lynda Hasseler, giving explanation of a hymn. As a member of the Johnson Memorial UMC choir, I have and am using a copy of the choral piece to write this devotion.

“The Advent hymn, People Look East, first appeared in The Oxford Book of Carols (1928).  The lively, traditional French carol, BESANCON, which earlier appeared with the anonymous text, “Shepherds, shake off your drowsy sleep,” provides a festive musical setting for this wonderful Advent text by Eleanor Farjeon. In the creative hands of composer, Craig Courtney, this lively tune and imaginative text become even more festive as the arrangement captures the air of an Irish jig.  Except for one word that changes in the last two lines of each stanza, the poem and its musical setting give the sense of a refrain. “Love” in turn, is defined as “Guest,” “Rose,” “Star,” and “Lord.

The lyrics go as such:

“People, look East, the time is near of crowning of the year, 
Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth, and set the table.
People, look East and sing today: Love the Guest is on the way.
Furrows, be glad. Though Earth is bare, one more seed is planted there:
Give up your strength the seed to nourish, that in course the flower may flourish.
People, look East and sing today. Love, the Rose is on the way.
Birds though ye long have ceased to build, guard the nest that must be filled.
Even the hour when wings are frozen, he for fledging time has chosen.
People, look East and sing today: Love, the bird is on the way.
Stars, keep the watch, when night is dim, one more light the bowl shall brim.
Shining beyond the frosty weather, bright as sun and moon together.
People, look East and sing today: Love, the star is on the way.
Angels, announce to man and beast Him who cometh from the East.
Set every peak and valley humming with the word the Lord is coming.
People, look East and sing today. Love, the Lord is on the way.”

People, Look East: Lyrics by Eleanor Farjeon, Arranged for SATB by Craig Courtney, Beckenhorst Press, Inc.  Columbus, Ohio

People, look East, the Lord is on the way. May God bless us all. Merry Christmas!

Kay Lewis

Devotion - December 22, 2023

The Blessed Mary

Read: Luke 1:46-55

Mary glorified God in song for what he was going to do for the world through her.  God is pictured as a champion of the poor, the oppressed and the despised.  When Mary said, “From now on all generations will call me blessed,” was she being proud?  No, she was recognizing and accepting the gift God had given her.  If Mary had denied her incredible position, she would have been throwing God’s blessing back at him.  Pride is refusing to accept God’s gifts or taking credit for what God has done.  Humility is accepting the gifts and using them to praise and serve God.  Don’t deny, belittle, or ignore your gifts.  Thank God for them and use them to his glory.

God kept his promise to Abraham to be merciful to God’s people forever.  Christ’s birth fulfilled the promise, and Mary understood this.  She had known Jesus’s mission from before his birth.  She was not surprised when her special son eventually announced that he was the Messiah.

Let us Pray,
Dear Lord, rhank you for the Blessed Mary that you chose so long ago to be Jesus’s mother.  She was so humble to accept what you had instore for her.  Help us to not deny, belittle or ignore the God given gifts, so we can use them to glorify your name.  Be with us as we follow God’s journey during this Christmas season.  Remembering that Jesus is the reason for the Season.  In Jesus Name,  Amen.

Melanie Herr

Devotion - December 21, 2023

 Luke 1:26-38: The angel Gabriel appears to Mary. “Fear not,” he says, “The Lord is with you.” And so he is. The Lord is with you…

Let me tell you a little story about that. There were two sisters from Brazil who told their story a few years ago in a church magazine. Identical twins they were. Both of them blind from the time they were born. And when they were ten, their father lost his job. It happened not long before Christmas. And they knew that Christmas wouldn’t be the same that year, because they were so poor. It would be like any other day. 

On Christmas morning they were all sitting together at the breakfast table. And their mother started praying the Lord’s prayer, “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,” she prayed. And when she came to “give us this day our daily bread,” her voice gave way, and the twins, Vilma and Ruth, could hear their mother crying. So, they finished the prayer for her. 

Just as they reached the end of the prayer, they heard someone knocking at their door. It was one of the neighbors. And this kind, warm-hearted woman had brought a basket of fresh-baked bread for their breakfast. Oh, there is just something about the smell of bread -- something good and wholesome and holy. It smells like home. Like love. The kind of love that’s there when you know you’re not alone, when you’re with someone who cares, someone you can depend on, someone who’s with you and for you no matter what ….

One of the sisters said that it wasn’t until she sensed the fragrance of bread and the joy in their mother’s voice that she realized that there had been no food on the table that morning. And that’s when they knew that God had come near -- that God was with them and for them. When the neighbor came with open hands and an open heart, carrying with her the fragrance of Christ who is the Bread of Life.

That’s who you are. You are the fragrance of Christ. And like Christ-scented candles you have been called by your God to spread the healing, affirming, life-giving aroma of God’s loving presence wherever you go, to all the people around you -- the people God loves.  

“Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)

Rev. Tom Nolan

Devotion - December 20, 2023

 Luke 11: 29-30 -- As the crowds increased, Jesus said, ”This is a wicked generation. It asks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.  30 For As Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the son of Man be to this generation.

As I write this, it is late October and there are already signs up advertising Christmas items for sale. These include Christmas trees, decorations, lights…..you know the drill. As we travel over the Holidays, we depend on and look for signs telling us where we are and where we are headed.

Stop/Go/Yield/Merge all are signals designed to smooth out traffic flows and make us safer.

What about our faith travels? What are the signs we depend on to navigate our spiritual lives? In the scripture above. Jesus has been teaching and healing yet some in the crowds refused to believe and accused Jesus of driving out demons by Beelzebub! Others asked for further signs from Heaven. Even today we ask God for proof and question his goodness.

Advent arrives for us just in time! It reminds us of the many times in our life when we were downtrodden and suffered with doubts about our faith and where we were going. Advent serves as a gentle reminder of God’s goodness and unlimited gifts of never ending grace if we only slow down to read the signs in our life.

Advent offers us the perfect opportunity to slow down and yield to God’s will for each of us. Stop our busy, daily struggles long enough to GO to our heavenly father for a renewal of our spirit as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the Heavens! May it always be so.

Prayer: Father during this busy holiday season help us to navigate our daily travels so that we can remember your enduring promise of grace for each of us as we make this earthly journey. Amen

Marv Jones

Devotion -- December 19, 2023

God's Covenant with David
Now when the king was settled in his house and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to Nathan, “See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.” Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that you have in mind for the LORD is with you.”

But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan “Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the LORD: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, when I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’ Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the LORD of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel, and I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all you enemies from before you, and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place and be disturbed no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel, and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever....

“Your house and your throne shall be established forever.” In accordance with all these words and with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David. Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O LORD GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O LORD GOD; you have spoken also of your servant’s house into the distant future. May this be instruction for the people, O LORD GOD!” !! Samuel 7:1-13, 16-19 (NRSV)

Not only does this passage of scripture show us God’s covenant with King David, that his kingdom and throne will be established through David’s successor forever, but it also reminds the king, through Nathan, that throughout Israel’s long history, God has been with them, ever moving, ever defending and saving, ever loving His people, Israel.

During the Advent Season, we are reminded that God chose to enter our world as a vulnerable baby, one who will be called “Emanuel,” God with us, clothed not in the finery of a king, but clothed in human flesh, to experience all the human feelings, temptations, and choices we often are faced with every day of our lives. May we experience the Wonder of the birth of this Christ Child, King of Kings, LORD of lords, Prince of Peace, with the eyes of a child, of a shepherd, of Mary and Joseph, and remember the great and glorious Gift God gave us so many years ago, yet forever the sign of God’s unfailing love for His children.

Loving, Creator God, fill our hearts with Your light and love, that we may shine that light through our lives as we do our best to serve You and bring Your light and love to everyone we meet. It is in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, we pray. Amen

Linda Summers

Devotion - December 18, 2023

The Magnificat: Mary’s Radical Song
Please read Luke 1:46-55

Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer has described Mary’s song as “…the most passionate, the wildest, one might even say the most revolutionary Advent hymn ever sung.” While the Magnificat is a song of promise for the world’s poor, brokenhearted, and oppressed, it is not exactly good news for the strong and powerful. 

Mary’s song describes a reversal in the status quo: the proud are scattered and the humble honored. The hungry are fed and the rich sent away. The powerful are brought down, and the lowly are lifted up. Mary describes a reordered and renewed world characterized by love and justice. How can such a thing be accomplished? Only through the Christ she carries in her womb. 

Mary’s song about lifting up the lowly sets the tone for Luke’s account of the life, teaching, and ministry of Jesus. In Luke’s birth narrative, the Christ child’s life begins with the animals in a food trough because his parents are unable to find better shelter. In his first public sermon, Jesus announces that he brings good news to the poor. Throughout his life, Jesus lifts up the lowly. And Jesus calls those who want to be his disciples into this ministry of reversing roles, of lifting up the lowly and bringing down the powerful.

Speaking truth to power is difficult, even dangerous. Mary’s song goes against the Christian Nationalism that is espoused by many in power today. There are likely some powerful people who would not want us to read it. Did you know that Mary’s song has been banned as subversive by some governments in modern history? It is seen as subversive in its cultural, socioeconomic and political implications. Who would rebel against Mary’s song today?

Mary’s song tells us the promise of the lasting reign of Christ changes everything. There is no unjust system, oppressive hierarchy, or arrogant leadership structure that God will not upend. No promise God will fail to keep. There is no broken, exploited life God will not save. 

This Advent and Christmas, think about your part in Mary’s song. How is God magnified through your unique perspective and vision? What words have you found to express the hope of Christ you carry? Share it with the world one person at a time. Share it in actions and words.

Rev. Jeff Taylor

Devotional December 17, 2023

Please read John 1:6-8, 19-28

Have you ever thought about John?

His place in history is being the opening act. He was born to tell the people about Who was coming and Who he was and What he could do.

People came to him to be taught. They came to be baptized.

He always knew this would be his job, and he did it without regret. 

He loved Jesus. He knew he was the Son of God and he told everyone he saw that this was the One. 

It’s hard to imagine in this day and age, where supreme egos rule, that this man could put aside his ego to bring others to one who could save them. When everyone is so caught up in being #1, this man was happy to just save others by bringing them to Christ.

During this season of Light and Love may we all think of who we can introduce to the Savior. How may we humble ourselves to raise others.

Dear heavenly Father, in this season where we celebrate the birth of your Son, our Savior, may we stop and think of others who need to hear this story, who need to know that there is grace and forgiveness there for them if they will stop and hear the Good News!  Amen.

I pray peace and blessings for you and yours.

Debbie McGinnis

Devotion - December 16, 2023

 Today would have been our mother’s 98th birthday.  Thinking of her birthday reminded me of some of our childhood Christmas traditions.  We may have put up a few decorations in early December, but the Christmas tree would not go up until after her birthday.  In those days, we had real Christmas trees (my Boy Scout Troop sold them).  We thought mother wanted to “protect” her birthday celebration, but it really was for safety. Trees with older style hot lights bulbs and tinsel (individual strands placed, not clumped together) dried out, and we wanted the tree to last until after New Year’s Day. 

Through the years, those traditions have changed. Decorating for Christmas has come earlier (and earlier!) and become much more elaborate. Even the church’s preparation has changed. During childhood days there was no Chrismon Tree, no Advent Wreath, and not really much talk about a season of Advent.  In the early 1970’s there was a time of liturgical renewal in the newly formed United Methodist Church. Advent Wreaths, greenery, and Chrismon Trees were added to sanctuaries. Some thought the church was following the secular world, but the worship leaders were trying to help us understand that we, the followers of Christ, needed some time to prepare for the celebration of the coming of Christ into our world.  Our liturgies, our trees, our candles all help us remember that we are preparing for Christ’s coming. 

As we prepare for the Third Sunday of Advent, we hear from John’s Gospel. We expect to hear about a young family on their holy journey to Bethlehem or maybe shepherds in the fields listening to the cantata of the angels. But John doesn’t offer any of the things that give us the warm feelings of Christmas. Instead, he points us toward the one who “leaped in his mother’s womb” when Elizabeth heard Mary’s story. Jesus’ cousin John comes to “prepare the way of the Lord” (Isa. 40:3) He comes to bear witness to the coming Light of God, reminding all who would listen that the world’s darkness cannot overpower the Light that comes to us in Christ. 

John speaks, and I am challenged to remember that our task, like his, is to bear witness to the light of Christ as a voice calling out in the wilderness of our disorganized, fractured, and selfish world. John’s task was to point the people of his day and time to the Christ whose love will transform the world.  That is our task today.

In the wilderness in which we live, Christ’s love challenges us to continue to share in the work John began. In this season when we are surrounded by so many lights, we are called to boldly let the Light of Christ shine through us, allowing the world to see the way of Christ’s love, hope, forgiveness, and grace.  There is a lot of darkness in our world these days. With John, we are challenged to live lives that point to the true Light, Jesus our Christ.  Prepare the way of the Lord!

Prayer:  Amazing God, giver of Christ to our world, help me to not trivialize the good news of your birth into the world.  May your Light, O Christ, shine through me.  Amen.

Rev. Dr. Mark Conner

Devotion - December 15, 2023

 Luke 1:46-55

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. 
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for the Mighty One has done great things for me, 
and holy is his name.

His mercy is for those who fear him 
from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm; 
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, 
and lifted up the lowly;

he has filled the hungry with good things, 
and sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel, 
in remembrance of his mercy,

according to the promise he made to our ancestors, 
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Devotion - December 14, 2023

A Legacy of Hope

It’s hard to believe, but here we are in the first week of Advent, a week signifying Hope, and boy, are we in need of it! If you are waking each morning ready to have that first cup of coffee with your favorite newscast, only to be bombarded with the horrors of war, abuse, disrespect, and desperation, then you and I have much in common. In this season of hope, why does everything seem so hopeless?

When that feeling takes over, this Baby Boomer begins to tell the stories of old – the 1950s – when life was wonderful, every Christmas was snowy, and there was joy throughout the land! Only it wasn’t that way everywhere, and it probably wasn’t really that way in Huntington, WV, where I grew up! I did have a very happy childhood, and I’ve written about it time and again, but I know from friends, family, and history books that such was not the case for everyone.

Many of my best memories include my brothers, Jim and Bert Wright, who also grew up attending Johnson Memorial Methodist Church. Whenever my brothers and I gathered and told stories, the love of family and home was evident, and laughter came easily. But tears also came easily in early September when my brother Jim lost his six-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His life was celebrated in North Carolina on October 1, 2023.  It would be up to me to carry his candle to Johnson Memorial’s altar in Huntington on All Saints’ Day Sunday. 

I was honored to participate, happy that my partner, Jon Parlier, carried a candle for my dear friend, Charlie Lewis, and proud that my family came to stand in honor of Uncle Jim. As the participants processed down the aisle, pictures of the saints flashed on the screen, and the choir sang softly. Then Pastor Annette gave a moving sermon; it was a beautiful service.

That evening my grandchildren, Landon and Ruby Lewis, spent the night at my house. I brought up the morning’s service, thinking they would talk about it being extra-long or boring! I mean, they are teenagers! I was pleasantly surprised when Ruby said it was very nice – with no sarcasm! Then Landon quietly said that seeing all of the pictures on the screen made him think of those who had passed on and what they meant to everyone. It made him think of his own legacy. What will he leave behind? For a seventeen-year-old to ask that left me speechless.

And what will my legacy be? Today I decided to be more intentional to that end. As the world celebrates the coming of the baby Jesus, I want to project a happier, more hopeful demeanor. If you are struggling with feelings of hopelessness, join me in an attitude reset! I am going to begin with John Wesley’s Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to do all the good I can, by all the means I can, in all the ways I can, in all the places I can, at all the times I can, to all the people I can, as long as ever I can.      Amen

Becky Warren

Devotion - December 13, 2023

What Gets Left Behind

Isaiah 61:9 Their descendants shall be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people who the LORD has blessed.

Nearly 20 years ago I wrote a devotional about leaving a legacy. My sons were 11 and 8. I wrote of a song on Christian radio that especially moved me. It started out, “I want to leave a legacy, how will they remember me? Did I choose to love…” I still think about these things even though Grant and Josh are now 30 and 27. The story of legacy and what is being passed on added a layer this summer when my dad, 90 years old, passed away. Dad was not cuddly – not a lot of lap sitting and book reading but he was ALWAYS there. He supported my brother and me in whatever adventure we chose to embark on. There was NEVER a moment in my life that I ever doubted that he loved us. Dad could be gruff and opinionated. His circle of friends – at least to my eyes prior to August 1st – was small. Mom passed away in 2009 and while Dad did not close himself up, he just didn’t seem to be as willing to converse with strangers like Mom. I have never been more glad to be more wrong!!! Since his passing, Rob and I have fielded numerous phone calls, read countless cards, and been stopped in the street in front of his house by other residents, all telling of how much they enjoyed talking to him and how he “looked after” his neighbors. THAT’S a quality I would like for my sons to someday learn about me. That I chose to love, to be kind, to be watchful and caring, to be… like Grandpa. 

What my dad left behind was a legacy of immense talent in work working. Carvings that we will share and enjoy for all time. He left behind a legacy of being there for his children, his friends, and his neighbors. He left behind qualities worth emulating and as a son, passing on to my own children. Christ left behind a legacy that reads much the same: caring, sharing, giving and His example is to be followed. But what a comfort to be part of a people blessed by God – right here on earth – that we can model after to be more Christlike.

Steve Matthews

Devotion - December 12, 2023

 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.  And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. --Luke 6:32-22

I think we’re all familiar with Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. If you haven’t read the book, you’ve most likely seen one of the many movies or plays based on the famous tale. 
We know that Ebenezer Scrooge was a hateful old man. Dickens describes him:  “Oh ! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, was Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner! External heat and cold had little influence on him. No warmth could warm, no cold could chill him.” Not the man one would want for a neighbor, fellow church member, or casual acquaintance.

As we read on, we see that, not surprisingly, people respond to Scrooge by avoiding him entirely.
“Nobody ever stopped him in the street to say, with gladsome looks, ‘My dear Scrooge, how are you? When will you come to see me?’” 

And can you blame them? But I was thinking, what if even one person reached out to Scrooge in genuine friendship. Might he have softened a bit?

I am reminded of a story involving my Mother. We didn’t call her St. Joan for nothing. There was a fellow member of the United Methodist Women who had a reputation for being unpleasant and argumentative. This woman’s brother was a sweetheart, and I heard Mom say more than once, “I can’t believe they’re even related.” 

One year, Mom made Mrs. Grumpy a cake on her birthday. I asked, “why?” And she said that she assumed no one else would acknowledge her birthday. So, she delivered the cake which was accepted with so much gratitude and an expression of “I love you so much!”

Did the woman’s demeanor change? Not much, but Mom’s life was enriched by the experience. 
Is there someone you might reach out to this holiday season? A genuine compliment to the exhausted cashier, a friendly word to the fellow stocking shelves at the grocery store, some cookies to the mother you’ve noticed struggling to keep up with her children’s schedules, won’t change the world, but will make someone’s day a little better. And you will be better for it. That’s a start.

Anita Gardner Farrell

Devotion - December 11, 2023

 John 1: 6-8 -- There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. ⁷He came as witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. ⁸He himself was not the light. He came only as witness to the light.

John 1:19-27 -- Now this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. ²⁰He did not fail to confess but confessed freely. “I am not the Christ.” ²¹” Then who are you? Are you Elijah?’  He said, “I am not.”  “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” ²² Finally they said, “’then who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”  ²³ John replied in the words of the Prophet Elijah, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert.  Make straight the way for the Lord”  ²⁴ Now some Pharisees who had been sent then ²⁵questioned him. “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” ²⁶ “I baptize with water,”  John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. ²⁷He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

When I purchased my first Bible, I chose a Student Bible of The New International Version (Scripture taken from the Holy Bible). Two writers, Philip Yancey, and Tim Stafford wrote introductions for every Book in the Bible. In addition, brief explanations would sometimes appear prior to a chapter. I have paraphrased some of the notes which I felt were relative.

Were you to take a dose look through each of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), you would see that there are both similarities and differences, and each writer has his own style of writing. I think that may be attributed to their personalities and their personal goals in writing their Book. There’s no doubt all of them may have been nervous as they thought about and determined what they might write about Jesus. Three of the writers included their version of the birth of Jesus. Rather than just stating facts in his writing, John liked to think things through and really figure out the meaning of what Jesus had said and done.

Three of the Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, and Luke all included the story of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. They were all somewhat similar, but each put his personal touch in his story. Clearly, John broke sharply from the other Gospel writers. He did things his own way, and John chose not to include the birth of Jesus in his Gospel. Or did he? While it is not at all like the approach of the other three Gospel writers, I believe our scriptures do tell the story. Read the scriptures again, carefully. John’s version is The Coming of Christ. The others are the birth of Christ. But they all, in their own way, are preparing us during this Advent season for Christmas and Jesus’ arrival!

Diane Feaganes

Devotion - December 10, 2023

The Messiah Comes

Lectionary Readings:  Isaiah 40: 1-11; Psalm 85: 2 Peter 3: 8-15; and Mark 1: 1-8.

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.  Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.”  Isaiah 40: 1-2 NIV

“It is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way.” a voice of one calling in the desert: “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” Mark 1: 2-3. NIV

These words are so familiar to me because of the genius of George F. Handel. He wrote the great oratorio “Messiah” in 1741 in a matter of twenty-four days, and it was first performed in Dublin, Ireland, on April 13th, 1742, with Handel, himself conducting the performance.  The oratorio opens with a tenor solo titled “Comfort Ye My People” with the text based on the passage of Isaiah in this week’s lectionary. According to a household copy of this great work, the words of “Messiah” were selected from the Holy Scriptures by Charles Jennens. 

The entire work shares scripturally based references to the birth, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah. Many choirs, soloists and orchestra members have performed the entire work or various parts of “Messiah” ever since that first performance. I am told I attended my first performance of the Christmas portion of “Messiah” when I was 18 months old, and I have been blessed to sing in and attend multiple performances since that time.  

The genius of Handel in using many passages from the Bible as the lyrics (as selected by Mr. Jennens) of the oratorio is very significant for us. For example, by including the passage from the fortieth chapter of Isaiah, the audience is made aware of scripture that tells a part of the story of Jesus to many who could not read the scriptures themselves. The Isaiah passage is echoed in the Gospel of Mark who is explaining that John would be “making the path straight” for Jesus. In Handel’s time, books including the Bible were difficult for the average person to secure. Handel’s music and words helped people to learn the “Good News” of Jesus life, death and resurrection. 

Music encourages us to listen with our hearts as well as our ears. The music of Advent and Christmas help me to understand God’s gift to the world more fully.  Setting words to music can sometimes have a very emotional reaction in our hearts and minds.  Passages can remind of the matchless, extravagant love that God shared by sending His Son to us as a human baby. The story is truly phenomenal and sharing it through music and words helps us to witness to our faith. Just like many of our hymns, the singing of the story helps us to understand the message.  Sometimes a tune stays in our minds and helps us remember the words and then their meaning also becomes clearer, and we learn the story more effectively.  

So, as you sing the carols and hymns of the season, take another look at the words and then the meaning of the story behind them.  Let the words fill your hearts with the gift of God’s love for each of you.  Sing out loud and joyfully in the knowledge that Jesus came into this world for YOU! (Just as you are!!)  The story found in the words of “Messiah” are as true today as they were centuries ago.  As Isaiah says in chapter 40 verse 9:  “…..lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid;  say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!”

Dear Lord of All, we thank you for your servant, G. F. Handel, who offered your words and message of salvation into our lives.  We are awed and humbled by the message, but even more in awe of the Messiah who you so freely shared for each of us. We thank you for all the music you have given us throughout the ages and the blessing we receive each time we share your message through song. May the joy of your Good News become so contagious that all will know of your Son.  AMEN

Chyrl Budd

Devotion - December 9, 2023

 A Prayer inspired by Psalm 27

Please spend a moment in prayer.

In you, O God, we place our trust.  Please keep us in your care and in your presence.  At times the world feels like it is full of enemies; there are times when it feels like the world schemes against us. We trust in you, O God.

Draw us close and open our eyes to your nature.  Show us which way to go.  Lead us in your truth. Teach us your ways.  In, O God, is our salvation. 

Every day, when we open our eyes and when we fall asleep, remind us of who you are.  Help us to not forget your love and compassion.  May others be reminded of who you are by who we are.

We confess we have not loved you.  We have not followed you. Forgive us and erase our sins.  See us with your eyes of love and cover us with goodness.  In you we place our trust.  

Amen.

Devotion - December 8, 2023

 Be Prepared

Readings: Is 40:1-11, Ps 85:1-2, Ps 85:8-13, 2 Peter 3:8-15, Mk 1:1-8

When I was a Boy Scout, the motto “Be Prepared” was one of the first statements I learned.   “Be Prepared” to do the right thing for any situation that may occur.  This has stuck with me throughout my life.  “Be prepared,” for the weather, for the unforeseen such as a disaster, prepare my finances, prepare me to protect my family and prepare me for my walk with God. 

As for preparing our spiritual life, God speaks to the people of Israel telling them to be prepared for the one to come.  One that will lead them in their life (Is 40:1-11) and cover their sins, (Ps 85:1-2, Ps 85:8-13).

In Mark (Mk 1:1-8) the reader hears that there is one being sent to prepare the way for another yet to come.  John the Baptist was the one sent to not only prepare the people for their salvation by being baptized to repent and remove their sins, but he goes one step further to inform them that there is another to come, and he will bring the Holy Spirit upon them.  So once again we were being prepared.

We do not know what tomorrow will bring in our life.  We can only live for today.  We are to be prepared, for the new heaven and earth (2 Peter 3:8-15) to come.   We can Prepare ourselves by, studying the word of God, praying, and having conversations with God and listen for the Holy Spirit to guide our walk.  We can be prepared for the celebration of Christ’s birth this Advent and prepare our souls by knowing Christ as our savior. “Be Prepared.”

Pray: Father God guide us to be prepared for the Birth of your son and prepare our souls by Christ’s salvation for the time when he will return and there is a new heaven and earth. Amen

Fred Herr
Certified Lay Servant

Devotion - December 7, 2023

 I love to sing. Church choir is my favorite activity. My favorite time is Christmas.  I love the carols and stories of Christmastime. This year is more appreciated than usual. Last August I had minor throat surgery.  They did warn me I might lose my voice, but didn’t mention it might not be the same or that it could take six months to get it back!  They promised it would come back, allowing that no surgical disasters occur. 

Surgery went well, but I did have no voice. I identify as a high soprano. I struggled to “hit” middle C – no longer the C  2 octaves higher. No sound I made sounded like singing. I wasn’t prepared for how sad it would make me. I sing in an auditioned ensemble. I listened to a recording and couldn’t sing with my part as I heard my voice singing in the recording. None of those notes were mine now.  It made me cry. The voice was just gone.  I didn’t rejoin the choir or my group when they restarted in the fall. I was very sad.  

The doctor recommended a voice therapist for me. The therapist got me started getting some notes back.  She said I should join my groups – just sing alto instead!  That worked – and I kept moving up - from tenor back to 2nd soprano!  I hope to be a 1st soprano again to sing for Christmas.  That would be my best present ever. If I’m now forever a 2nd -- I’m becoming fine with that, too.

The Spirit walked beside me through it all. I’m feeling so grateful - For patient and encouraging friends, healthy healing, and beautiful music to inspire. I hope you have a happy-ending story or two to share this year too.  

Great Creator, Lord of the Dance,  Help us appreciate the life you’ve given us, as we go through the good and bad, the happy and sad. You’re right by our side holding us up through the sad, as well as smiling and laughing with us at life as it comes, as we zoom through our days.  We’re grateful for your constant presence.  We just couldn’t do this without you!   Thanks for our friend, your son!  Amen 

Jill Henton

Devotion - December 6, 2023

 Could we dare dream of this?

Darkness

Cold, silent loneliness.
We walk in darkness.
Above us, the stars are silent
In their wandering across the sky.
Unmindful of us.
The streets are dark,
With no echo of hope.

Of what do we dream?
What impossible thought walks with us?

We walk in a land of deep darkness
And we can barely believe our eyes
We are startled by the light,
Shining onto us.
Shining into us.
Shining through us.

In a small forgotten village
Among a people never forgotten by their God
Was born a savior.
A baby.
A child of man born to save the children of God.
How can it be?
Could we dare to dream of this?

We sleep, while angels watch
We doubt, while heavenly hosts praise the glory of the birth.
Even the stars sing of this holy appearance of hope.
We dare not hope,
And yet we pray,
That our sin would be removed.
That light would enter into our lives
As the baby was born into a stable.

For a child is born
Unto us, a people in darkness.
His son is given to us.
How can it be?
Could we ever dream of this?

We dare not speak his name,
And yet it whispers in our hearts,
And explodes from our mouths.
Wonderful Counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace.
Tiny, tiny baby.
Savior of the world.

The light shines.
Born of Mary,
Born of God.
And with him peace is born
Peace beyond our understanding
Peace.
On his shoulders rides
Justice and righteousness
And we are brought into eternal light
By his love.

Could we ever have dreamed it?
Could we ever have imagined such a hope?
Come to us,
Abide with us
Our Lord, Emmanuel

Inspired by Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 and O Little Town of Bethlehem. 

Kim Matthews

Devotion - December 5, 2023

 As we begin this second week of Advent, we are focusing on HOPE - as shown in these verses from Psalm 85:8, 10-12 (NIV): 

“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.

Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.  The Lord will give what is good.”

At this time of the year, our lives are so chaotic.  We are involved in many projects, too many commitments, and our lists grow longer each day.  Besides all of this, we live in a world that is even more chaotic, with wars, guns, skirmishes, disagreements, violence and hatred involving people in many communities and countries.  It is truly overwhelming.

So how do we center ourselves on hope in such chaos?  

The answer is simple. We need to stop and be quiet. Then we need to take a good, long look at ourselves.  And then we need to have a long talk with God.  If we want the chaos to stop, we need to find peace within ourselves and our relationship with God. 

God will help us find peace, no matter what. For the word “peace” not only means the absence of war; it also means having everything you need within yourself, to feel whole. Peace, tranquility and love. Peace begins with each one of us, and then we must share our peace, our tranquility, and our love with everyone we encounter.

HOPE - God gives us hope, starting with each new day that God gives us.  God promises to never leave us.  That’s the hope we need to focus on.   Amen.

Rev. Suzanne Ellis 

Devotion - December 4, 2023

 Waiting

When I was a little girl our family went to Camden Park once every summer. It was a big deal! My brother and sisters all knew when the trip was planned. Mom and Dad didn’t tell me until we were almost ready to walk out the door because I would get so excited I would make myself sick! Obviously I was not good at waiting as a child. I matured and got better at waiting. As an Air Force wife, I didn’t have a lot of choice! Life taught me how to wait.

We think of waiting at Advent as a time of excitement and hope. But it can also be filled with sadness, fear and anxiety. It is easy to get discouraged when there seems to be no end in sight. When we don’t know what, when or if something is going to happen, it’s not hard to lose hope as Zechariah and Elizabeth did. They thought their chance to have a child had passed.
They had given up and lost hope. God had a wonderful surprise for them in their old age, a child, who would prepare the way for the long awaited savior.

I have been thinking about all of the periods of waiting in my life. Some were hard, filled with anxiety. Others were times of excitement and anticipation. No matter what, there was always hope. I thank God for that.

Advent is a time of waiting. Waiting is hard whether it is filled with anxiety or excitement. It is especially difficult when it is filled with fear for what the future holds. I use a New International Life Application Bible. In the notes section for Isaiah 40: 1,2 it says “Seeds of comfort may take root in adversity. When your life seems to be falling apart, ask God to comfort you. You can’t escape adversity, but you may find God’s comfort as you face it.” That has certainly proved true for me! God promises to be there holding our hand as we wait, giving us the strength, comfort, and the peace we need. Reach out and take His hand. God has a good plan for you. He might even have a wonderful surprise just as He did for Zechariah and Elizabeth.

Margaret Williams

Devotion - December 3, 2023

 Scriptures: Isaiah 64: 1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

Advent is a time of expectant waiting; waiting for God to come down and live among us. The scripture readings also speak of expectant waiting - waiting for God to come and save His people. Here, Isaiah is writing after the exiles return to Jerusalem. They faced a temple in ruins and the extreme difficulties of rebuilding. God seemed far away, and Isaiah pleads for Him to again show His face. The Psalm reading is a similar plea for deliverance after some national tragedy. Both readings express an expectation of deliverance that comes with earthly power. The Israelites were waiting for a Messiah with political power and military might to restore their nation.

As Christians, we know a Messiah whose power did not come from political or military dominance. We can see how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies, but many of the people with him did not understand. They just didn’t quite get what Jesus was about. He didn’t fit their expectations and certainly wasn’t the savior they’d been imagining. It is easy for us, from our vantage point 2000 years later, to question why they didn’t see who Jesus was. How did they miss the message in his miracles, actions, and preaching? I tell myself that I would not have been so blind; I’d have surely been among his followers.

We know who it is we are waiting for this advent. Or do we? If I am honest, I wonder how often I have been guilty of “not getting” Jesus. My blindness comes not from unbelief, but from wanting to fit Jesus into my mold. Not the mold of a warrior or an earthly king, but a mold of my making. Perhaps I am not alone in doing this. I want a Jesus who sees the world and its people as I do. I want a Jesus who wants to spend time with the same people as I do, who would vote as I do and worship like I do. It’s so much easier to believe that Jesus thinks just like I do. 

This time of waiting is a good time to do a reset on who Jesus really is and what his coming revealed to us about God. It is a good time to remember that this savior told us to love our enemies, to forgive without end, to not store up treasures on earth and to seek first the kingdom of God. If I am serious about helping to make God’s kingdom come, I must take the time to search the scriptures and my heart and ready myself anew for this surprising Messiah. I must remember that the savior we are waiting for turned all expectations upside down. His was the power of love. And that is a power greater than anything man can conceive. 

I pray that we may all use this time of waiting to make ourselves ready to fully accept and share this surprising and powerful love. Come, Lord Jesus.

Mary Sue Beahm