Advent Devotional 12-21-24

The Biltmore Connection

During the Fall of 2018, my partner, Jon Parlier, suggested we go to Ashville, NC, to visit the Biltmore, the eight-thousand-acre estate of George Vanderbilt, son of shipping and railroad magnate, Cornelius Vanderbilt. Jon had gone to school in Ashville but had never visited the estate.  We decided to drive down on Christmas Eve, tour the home on Christmas Day, and drive back the next day.

On Christmas Eve, we left early, arrived at noon, and toured the village. Before going to dinner, we decided to attend the Christmas Eve service at Biltmore United Methodist Church.  The service was beautiful, but by the time it ended, we were famished! The restaurants we had planned on visiting had closed, but there in the distance was a brightly lit McDonald’s sign!  As we pulled into the parking lot, the sign went dark! McDonald’s had closed, and because it was Christmas Eve, almost everything else had closed, too. 

We found one open gas station. There we grabbed two gas station frozen burritos, some chips, and two Cokes. That food, zapped in a microwave, would be our Christmas Eve feast! The next day, we toured the beautiful Biltmore and drove home.  We had enjoyed a wonderful trip! 

Recently I ran across the bulletin from that Christmas Eve service. I wondered if Biltmore UMC had fared well during Tropical Storm Helene.  When I Googled it, a posting informed me that the church was permanently closed.  As I researched further, I found that Helene was not the cause.

A newspaper article from 2021 said that the church was selling its building and moving to a building which housed a mortuary and crematorium.  Their Facebook page said they became a Reconciling Ministry in 2022. Somewhere along the way, they joined forces with Wellspring Congregation and became Biltmore Village Cooperative Parish. Lucy B. Robbins is still their pastor and her on-line sermons continue to be filled with joy.

I am writing about this so that churches in similar circumstances can learn to be less fearful. Biltmore UMC gave up their big building because they decided that the people were the church, not the building. Then they decided God’s grace was for everyone. In addition, they have loved and have been loved by their female pastor who did not forsake her congregation.

I am thankful that Jon and I spent that Christmas Eve with such a loving congregation. I am thankful that we were not there to see the beginning of the end of Biltmore United Methodist Church but the advent of a congregation that continues to evolve. 

Prayer: 
Dear God, your church continues to evolve just as this race of humans does the same.  Ease our fears as we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory. Let us look to congregations such as Biltmore UMC for guidance. Bless them and keep them safe as they traverse a different path. Amen

Becky Wright Warren

Advent Devotional 12-20-24

Scriptures for Week 4:  Micah 5: 2-5; Psalm 80: 1-7; Luke 1: 39-55; Hebrews 10: 5-10.

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.  The virgin’s name was Mary.  He came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”  Luke 1: 26-28

Angels are prominently included in the story of the Messiah’s birth. Zechariah encountered an angel who revealed that his prayers for a son (John) were being answered. An angel appears to Mary and shares that she will bear a son without being with a man.  Joseph dreams of an instructing angel that guides him to accept Mary as his wife and child.  Angels appear to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth and are told to go and worship him. In each instance, the mortal being visited is overcome with fear-so much so that the angel’s first concern is to say:  “Be Not Afraid!! I come with good news”. Or “You have found favor with God.” Or “Your prayers have been heard.”

Angels have appeared previously in the Old Testament:

• The seraph with the sword sent to guard the gate of Eden
• God’s messengers sent to Sodom to save Abraham’s relatives there
• Angels ascending and descending the ladder to heaven in Jacob’s fitful dream
• The angel of death who passed over the homes of God’s faithful in Egypt
• The stately six-winged seraphim Isaiah saw before the throne of God
• The angel who slew 186,000 enemy troops to deliver Hezekiah and Jerusalem in the days of Isaiah
• And Daniel wo was preserved alive in the lions’ den as were his 3 friends in the fiery furnace

The psalmist proclaims that “God will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91)  I find these stories and scriptures very comforting.  In this world of chaos and confusion, God is still listening to our prayers; our concerns; our fears.  Most of us will never see or experience an “Angel Visit”, but perhaps we have been visited by “angels unaware”.  In Hebrews 13: 1-3 the writer shares: “Let mutual love continue.  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” I am certain that angels have cared for me, watched over my family and been a companion in my dark days.

As our family adds the angels handcrafted by my mother to our trees each season, it sweetly reminds us of the love-gift God sent us that first Christmas. What God’s angels were sent to tell is not an announcement of some distant birth of a friend or relative, but a birth that truly matters to each of us. Jesus’ birth is an “Up close and personal” event.  “Unto YOU is born this day in the city of David!” Jesus’ birth was over 2000 years ago, but he is born anew in our hearts each day of the year – but each of us have to prepare our hearts and invite Him in to our lives each season!

Prayer:
Dear Lord and Savior:  Thank you for sending your angels to continually share the good news with us. Help us to serve as caring servants to others so that the world might see you amid our fear and the world’s darkness.  May your light be reflected in all we do.  Amen

Chyrl Budd

Advent Devotional 12-19-24

 

The Magnificat – MARY’S SONG

Luke 1:39-55

In these verses we read the lyrics to the song Mary sings when she visits her cousin Elizabeth, who has also miraculously has recently become pregnant when past her child bearing years.  Mary’s song is called the Magnificat and is one of the  eight most ancient Christian hymns.  Originally sung as a Gregorian Chant or 5th century plainsong numerous composers have created their own settings of the Magnificat.  There are numerous hymns based on the Magnificat including The United Methodist Hymnal hymn called “My Soul Gives Glory to my God.” 

I have 3 instant reactions when contemplating these verses in Luke.  First that a woman and mother’s song has become one of the most celebrated songs of the Christian faith.  This gives me hope that the female perspective has had a greater impact on Christianity than history often portrays.  The prayers of a woman facing pregnancy and the joy of a woman proclaiming her faith are central to all of Christian faith.

A second thought that struck me was even before Jesus was born Mary understood what his message would be.  She speaks of God and his works and proclaims he has “scattered the proud in their conceit, casting down the mighty from their thrones and lifting up the lowly. You have filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.”   These words are considered so revolutionary in India, Guatemala and Argentina that they banned Mary’s Song during different periods in their history.

The third is that when the mother of Jesus needed to share her joy and faith she did so through music.  Music is the medium where I have most often felt enveloped by the Divine.  Because words are inadequate the emotion of music can create an opening in the heart for us to receive God’s message and feel his love.  Music is frequently referenced in the Bible.  All manner of songs and instruments are mentioned.  Indeed, the whole book of Psalms is a collection of poems and songs meant to be sung.

Psalm 98 exhorts us to “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” 

So perhaps we can take time this Advent season to reflect on 3 things. 

1. Think about the joy and hope mixed with sorrow all mothers face when carrying a child.  Mary, so faithful and full of wonder and hope who will soon face hardship and sorrow.  As an unmarried pregnant woman who must give birth in a stable and later watch her son be prosecuted and executed before He arises from the Dead.  How quick are we to judge women who are pregnant or caring for children?  What do we really know about their lives and circumstances?  Have we extended respect and understanding to mothers for their joy and sorrow to come?
2. While we all try to make our holiday decorations beautiful and to shop for the most perfect present remember Mary’s words and Jesus’s teachings.   We all do not need more things but there are many others who do need even the basic things.  We all could use a helping hand or a kind word or a moment of laughter and so can those around you.  Do we need all those calories so easy to come by at Christmas?  Share it with those in need.
3. As we hear an endless stream of Christmas music everywhere we go pay special attention to the old carols and hymns.  Think about their words and give yourself over to the music and the message.

Leslie Petteys

Advent Devotional 12-18-24

 ‘With God you are Never Alone’

Read Luke 1:39-55

Have you ever envied people who God apparently singled out for special blessing?  A cure for jealousy is to rejoice with those people; realizing that God uses his people in ways suited to his purpose.  When you rejoice with what God has done for your friends realize that He can lift you up and bless and keep you in his care too! 

When your life is going along well and you think “I am grateful for what God has given me, God is good, all the time, God Is Good! But wait…………………. You never know when there will be a turn in the road.” This happened in my family…. Three years ago my older brother, Mike, a very healthy 75-year-old was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma. This led to so many meds…… infusions, scans, and MRI, and health issues going up and down throughout the years. 

This August Mike called me to let me know that they were going to be in Ohio in October and would come to visit me on October 8th, four days after my knee replacement on Oct 4th.

I was so looking forward to seeing him! He said he was feeling good other than being tired because he had just finished playing 18 holes of golf.  That Sunday he was taken to hospital and admitted to ICU.  He was diagnosed with a small brain bleed, very high blood pressure, kidneys and gastrointestinal issue.  His vitals were normal, his condition continued to decline, he was taken to a Hospice Facility. We wanted to go to Texas to see him, but there was nothing we could do because he was sedated. Mike went Home on August 20th. 

Mikes Celebration of Life was on September 30th in Dallas, and we were driving down to attend.  In the meantime, I was scheduled for a third knee replacement on October 4th, at my pre-opt appointment they did a EKG, it showed some abnormal results that could cancel my surgery; this scared me!  They got me an appointment with a cardiologist in 2 days, he determined that since I had no shortness of breath, no pain, or feeling tired, there was no reason to cancel my surgery!!!  Thank you, God!

My knee replacement was done on October 4th, everything went well, until about 2 weeks after surgery, I was having complications with the pain medication, that was so bad that Fred had to cancel my Surprise 75th Birthday Party.  We finally have everything worked out now. Tylenol is my friend, and physical therapy helps getting my knee bending and moving.

With everything that happened, I can say, “Thank God for being there for our family.”

I am so thankful to our church family and friends for all the prayers, calls, messages, and cards of sympathy, Happy Birthday, and get-well cards that were sent to me. They gave me strength to keep going! I am thankful for my loving husband, Fred, for taking care of me!
I couldn’t have done it with out you! 

If you are facing situations and need support, you too can have the love and support from God!  All you must do is to call on him!  He will be there for you too!

Let us Pray,
Dear Lord thank you for caring for us during any tough situation that may come our way.
Please keep us in your caring hands and guide us on the path that you see that we need.
We trust in you and know that you are leading us the way that you want us to go.

Melanie Herr

Advent Devotional 12-17-24

A highlight of the Christmas Season is our Sanctuary Choir’s Service of Lessons and Carols which includes Scripture readings, anthems and Christmas carols. One of the most delightful anthems is the Zither Carol, a traditional Czech folk tune with a waltz-like rhythm. The carol is named for the zither, a stringed instrument. While not always played on a zither, the carol is named for the instrument’s unique melodic sound. The lyrics were written by Sir Malcolm Sargen (1985-1967), an English conductor, organist, and composer, who arranged the version we hear.

Zither Carol

Girls and boys
Leave your toys
Make no noise
Kneel at his crib and worship him
At thy shrine
Child divine
We are thine
Our Savior’s here

Hallelujah the church bells ring
Hallelujah the angels sing
Hallelujah from everything
All must draw near

On that day
Far away
Jesus lay
Angels were watching ‘round his head
Holy Child Mother mild, undefiled
We sing thy praise

Hallelujah the church bells ring
Hallelujah the angels sing
Hallelujah from everything
Our hearts we raise

Shepherds came
At the fame
Of thy name
Angels their guide to Bethlehem
In that place
Filled with grace
Saw thy face
Stood at the door

Hallelujah the church bells ring
Hallelujah the angels sing
Hallelujah from everything
Love evermore

Wise men too
Haste to do
Homage new
Gold, myrrh and frankincense they bring
As ‘twas said
Starlight led
To thy bed
Bending their knee

Hallelujah the church bells ring
Hallelujah the angels sing
Hallelujah from everything
Worshiping thee

Oh, that we
All might be
Good as He
Spotless, with God in unity
Savior dear
Ever near
With us here
Since life began

Hallelujah the church bells ring
Hallelujah the angels sing
Hallelujah from everything
God head made Man

Cherubim
Seraphim
Worship him
Sun, moon and stars proclaim his power
Every day
On our way
We shall say
Hallelujah

Hallelujah the church bells ring
Hallelujah the angels sing
Hallelujah from everything
Hallelujah

You can listen to the Zither Carol at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EvfPmZOw60

Anita Farrell

Advent Devotional 12-16-24

 “The Great O Antiphons” – deep corporate prayers preparing for Christmas

One of my deepest expressions of prayer during the Advent season is shared with the universal Church – praying each evening The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) and for the seven days of the last week of Advent praying the antiphons known as “The Great O Antiphons”.

The O Antiphons developed during the Church’s very first centuries. Spiritual writers mention them in the 6th century; by the 8th century, they were being used in the liturgy of the Church. There are seven of these special antiphons and their texts come from the Hebrew Scriptures, the Prophetic and Wisdom Books.

The O Antiphons are short prayers sung before and after the Magnificat, the prayer of Mary in Luke 1:46-55, when coming to visit Elizabeth her cousin, Mary praises God for God’s favor & wondrous deeds. The Magnificat is sung during Vespers, evening prayer. The O Antiphons begin on December 17th, seven days before the Vigil of Christmas (Christmas Eve). The seventh and last antiphon is sung at Vespers on December 23rd. They are called the “O Antiphons” because they all begin with the letter-word “O”: they address Jesus by one of his Hebrew Scripture titles. They are fervent and deep prayers asking Jesus Christ to come to us and into this world in which we live – a world fractured and broken.

Advent has been about the many ways in which the Lord comes. He came at Bethlehem as a baby – God choosing to become human. In the Church and our daily lives he comes to us through his holy Presence. He comes in the breaking of the bread. He comes in the words of Holy Scripture. He comes in the persons around us and with whom we live.  He also comes in the person of our neighbors, especially those who are in need. He will come again at the end of time as Judge of the living and the dead.

The Latin versions of each of the titles of the Messiah are: Sapientia (Wisdom), Adonai (Lord), Radix (Root), Clavis (Key), Oriens (Rising Dawn), Rex (King), and Emmanuel (God with us).   Take the first letters of each of the titles, starting with the last and working back to the first.  They form an acrostic and spell: EROCRAS or “ero cras… I will be (there) tomorrow”.

The hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (UM Hymnal #211) is a hymn reworking of the seven O Antiphons. When we sing it, we are joining ourselves with Christians stretching back across centuries and throughout the whole world today who pray as all Christians do, “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20)
Here are the traditional O Antiphons:

17 Dec.  O Sapientia (Wisdom), coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end, mightily and sweetly ordering all things: come and teach us the way of prudence.

18 Dec. O Adonai (Lord) and leader of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flames of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: come and redeem us with outstretched arm.

19 Dec. O Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse), who stand as a sign among the people, before whom kings shall shut their mouths, to whom the nations shall make supplication:  come to deliver us, and tarry not.

20 Dec. O Clavis David (Key of David) and scepter of the house of Israel; who open and none can shut; who shut and none can open:  come and lead to freedom the prisoner who sits in darkness and the shadow of death.

21 Dec. O Oriens (Rising Dawn), splendor of eternal Light and Sun of Justice:  come and illuminate those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.

22 Dec. O Rex Gentium (King of the nations) and their Desire, the Cornerstone who binds two into one:  come and save (humankind), whom you fashioned from clay.

23 Dec. O Emmanuel (God with us), our King and Lawgiver, the hope of all nations and their Savior: come and save us, O Lord our God!

Blessings to all in this holy season; may God alone be glorified and let us prefer nothing to the love of Christ!

William H. Wilson (Bill)+
Retired, former District Superintendent & Assistant to the Bishop 

Advent Devotional 12-15-24

 It was a strange time for the people of Judah. So much had happened and so much was changing. And not all for the better. The truth is they were headed for dark and dreadful days because they had turned away God and God’s ways. So, Zephaniah the prophet warned of the judgement and destruction that would surely come. But all was not lost.  There was good news even in the darkest of times. God would bring them home.

It reminds me of a pastor named Veronica who says that when she was a little girl her best friend, who was seven years old, wanted to go home. The trouble is she was lost. And she was wandering up and down streets that didn’t look familiar. She was in some strange part of the city, and she wanted desperately to find the way home. But she didn’t even know which direction it was in. 

Finally, a policeman saw the little girl. He could see her tears and the fearful look in her eyes. So he offered to take her home. But the child had not memorized her address. So, he invited her to climb into his squad car and he would help her find her street. Up and down and all around they went, and the little girl still couldn’t find her way. She still couldn’t find the way home.

Then the little girl saw something familiar. She pointed it out to the police officer. And then she told him firmly, “You can let me out now. This is my church… and I can always find my way home from here.” 

And the child’s words touched something deep within the officer’s heart.... Because he felt it too – this longing for home. A different kind of home – where there is love and acceptance, and healing and hope, and grace and forgiveness. And for him it was like the singing of Silent Night on Christmas Eve. It was one of those warm, beautiful, holy moments when God seems so close....  

“This is my church,” she said.  

This is your church... and you can always find your way home from here. 

Rev. Tom Nolan

Advent Devotional 12-14-24

 We just had a big snowstorm over several days in Denver - about 2 feet deep when it ended. Things were canceled, much shoveling occurred and, of course, branches came down. I don’t like winter. It makes everything harder. AND colder, which I especially don’t like.  Yet I couldn’t miss the wondrous beauty all around. The moon shining through the bare branches was achingly beautiful. The brightness of everything when the sun came out was so pretty. The blue, blue sky against the dazzling white took my breath away.

I thought I’d be nothing but put out with it all. Instead I found myself praising and thanking God for this amazing world and the gift of the seasons. I WILL be happy when spring returns, but I’m finding so much joy in the beauty of nature at rest; I think I’ll be fine. Christmas will be a blessing once again. 

Jill Henton

Advent Devotional 12-13-24

 Filled With Expectation

One of the scripture readings for this week comes from the third chapter of Luke,  verses 7 through 18. It is about the actions, dare I say antics, of John the Baptist. He was the poster child for nonconformity. What he wore. What he ate. Calling those who came to hear him and to baptized a brood of vipers. Hmmm – not really how to win friends and influence people. But he spoke truth to power, and it got attention. If you have two coats > give one away. If you collect taxes > only collect what you are supposed to. If you have the power of a soldier or an official > do not abuse that by threat or extortion. 

We all have expectations of nearly everyone we encounter: our children, our significant other, our neighbors, co-workers, clerks in stores, waiters and waitresses in restaurants, social media “friends,” other drivers…and the list goes on. We expect ALL of these people to behave, to say and act exactly as we want them to. And when they don’t, we are disappointed. And now, I wonder how many people in the groups I’ve just named expect something from me that I fail miserably to ever provide. Not necessarily a second coat but a kind word, compassion, understanding, a helping hand, a smile…something other than a judgmental look or ‘harumph’ that THEY somehow didn’t measure up. I wonder how often God looks down, watching my day unfold, and posts “SMH” with a face palm emoji.

The passage ends as verse 15 begins, “As the people were filled with expectation…” Even after having been (somewhat) berated, it would seem that they had a moment of reckoning and an equal moment of excitement. 

This Christmas season, tiptoe up to the stable and peer in – don’t wake the baby 😉 – expect wonder, expect love, expect forgiveness, expect to be amazed, expect to be changed. May we live into the expectations God has of us. 

Merry Christmas,
Steve Matthews

Advent Devotional 12-12-24

 Bible readings: Isaiah 12:2-6, Luke 3:7-18

Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus
by Charles Wesley

Come, thou long expected Jesus.
Born to set Thy people free; 
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal spirit,
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all -sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Pray: Our gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for sending us Your Son into a world needing love and acceptance of all. 

I am grateful to call upon Jesus now, as we need to feel His love and acceptance in our world today.  Amen 

Kay Lewis

Advent Devotional 12-11-24

 Hey, have you Heard the GOOD NEWS !!!!
Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18

Key Reading Isaiah 12:2-6 CEB
² God is indeed my salvation; I will trust and won’t be afraid.  Yah, the Lord, is my strength and my shield; he has become my salvation.”  ³You will draw water with joy from the springs of salvation.  ⁴and you will say on that day: “Thank the Lord; call on God’s name; proclaim God’s deeds among the peoples; declare that God’s name is exalted.  ⁵Sing to the Lord, who has done glorious things; proclaim this throughout all the earth.”  ⁶Shout and sing for joy, city of Zion, because the holy one of Israel is great among you.

Isaiah is talking about salvation with God and his strength from God.  Jesus the water of life will be our Salvation.  We are charged with proclaiming God’s name and that of Jesus to the World.  As the Mission statement of the UMC says: The mission of the United Methodist Church is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

Over the years I have had to trust in God for his strength, guidance and shield.  Strength for me when my father died unexpectedly.  I had just spoken with him an hour before he died; I was  17.  God was our shield in all the schools I attended for nursing and then for my last career as a Cardiovascular Perfusionist (this is used in Open Heart Surgery). To attend that school, I had to leave my family and move to another city for a year and commute on weekends.  My wife Melanie depended on God’s shield as she had all the weight of the family on her shoulders that year.  

I have spoken of many of these moments of my life and others just to let others know of the greatness of God.  I would shout to the world if I could that Jesus is my Savior and God is my shield.  May my life help make Disciples for Jesus Christ to transform the world.

During this Advent season let us say to all we encounter of our Strength and Shield is God and that Salvation is through his son Jesus Christ.  That Jesus will return again to claim all his people.

As in Martin Shaw’s hymn “With a Voice of Singing.” 
With a voice of singing declare ye this, and let it be heard, Alleluia.
Utter it even unto the ends of the earth.
The Lord hath delivered his people, Alleluia.
O be joyful in God, all ye lands,
O sing praises to the honor of his name, make his praise to be glorious.

Let us pray:
Our Father makes me an instrument for all the world to know.  Help me make Disciples through the Good News of Jesus Christ and through my story to transform our World.  May the Holy Spirit be with me all the days of my life.   In Jesus name, Amen.

Fred Herr
Certified Lay Servant

Advent Devotional 12-10-24

Scripture Readings:  Micah 5: 2-5; Psalm 80: 1-7; Luke 1: 39-55; Hebrews 10; 5-10.

Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved. Psalm 80: 3.

It seems we are always looking for a way out of our troubles and challenges. The psalmist tells us that the Israelites did this also. I ask God frequently for a “fix” for one problem or other.  I don’t wait very often or very long for the answer, though.  When it doesn’t seem to come quickly, I continue to muddle through my life thinking I’ve just got to “do it myself”.  “How’s that working out for you??”, you ask.   “Not very well” I reply, followed by a BIG SIGH!!   

We have the benefit of generations of God’s people who have tried to “do it themselves” and the evidence that the method of excluding God does not work well. They were constantly failing to follow guidance and instruction and then feeling punished for negative outcomes. When are we going to learn from them that surrender, perseverance, and faithfulness are the ways to an effective walk with God based on the steadfast guidance that comes from the Holy Spirit??

I am greatly amazed that Mary was able to believe the angel Gabriel so quickly.  She truly was a light in the darkness. She immediately goes to Elizabeth to share her news and is rewarded with acceptance and affirmation. Her faith should be a clue to us as we move forward. She listened to God and was steadfast in her love for God and his son.
  
In this time of Advent, it should be clear that we have a great deal to think about. The external trappings of preparing for Christmas that we busily engage in are just a way to delight ourselves.  love the lights, music and food of Christmas, but are they speaking a language that brings me closer to preparing for Jesus’ birth in my heart???  Am I listening to that call for preparation??

We find it so easy to welcome a baby into our lives whether it is child, grandchild, niece/nephew, or even the child of a neighbor or friend.  We cuddle and coo with the baby, willing to accept the work of caring for the child as it grows into independence. The baby smiles and our hearts melt.  God definitely knew that we would accept a baby as a special gift.  What we now need to do is learn from the man he became; to follow his teachings; to be a servant to others; to acknowledge the sacrifice he made for us.  

“Come, dearest child, into our hearts, and leave your crib behind you!

Let this be where the new life starts for all who seek and find you.

To you the honor, thanks, and praise, for all your gifts this time of grace;

Come, conquer and deliver this world, and us, forever.”

3rd verse of “Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light:  # 223 UM Hymnal

Words by Johann Rist 1641

Prayer: 
Dear Matchless Marvelous God: Thank you for sending your son as a child so that we might open our hearts to receive your precious gift to us.  Help us to learn more of Him so that we might become better servants for the world we live in. Thank you for guidance from the scriptures and for the examples you send.  Come into My heart Lord Jesus!   AMEN

Chyrl Budd

Advent Devotional 12-9-24

 “I see him , but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel…. A ruler will come out of Jacob...” Numbers 24: 17, 19

Recently, 2 hurricanes struck Florida and also caused damage in Central Appalachia. If you live in Florida, you probably know the plans to make if one is headed in your direction. Remove all outdoor furniture so they don’t become projectiles. Buy extra food. water and gasoline and place plywood over windows. If available. Sandbag around entry ways and tape doors/windows for rain. In most cases the National Weather Service can predict ahead of time so you can be prepared.

In North Carolina and Tennessee, rains and wind were predicted, but no one could envision the damage coming. Floods. Mudslides with homes and roads totally gone! Power outage for weeks. Businesses destroyed; a way of life and dreams destroyed.

In Florida, plans could be made to try to minimize the damage and loss. In Appalachia there was no way to make alternate plans as the destruction was unplanned and impossible to anticipate.

As Christians, we are fortunate to have Advent to remind us to prepare! I suspect most of us spend a good deal of time and money at Christmas looking for that perfect present or buying food/drink for a family get-together. However, how much time and effort do we expend in our spiritual journey as we approach the birth of Christ? Advent serves as our weather service reminder to get ready for his coming. Might I gently suggest we spend more time with the Bible and prayer during this Advent season because there is much to celebrate as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the heavens! May it always be so.

Prayer:
Father help us to focus on your goodness and grace as we await your return. Amen

Marv Jones

Advent Devotional 12-8-24

The Straight Way

Please read Luke 3:1-6

Jesus entered history two thousand years ago to fulfill the long-promised coming of God’s kingdom on earth. With his birth in Bethlehem, the promise became a reality. We remember and celebrate his birth at Christmas, but Advent is a time when we prepare ourselves for Christ’s second coming to complete creation in God’s image.

Our gospel reading reminds us of the prophetic words of John the Baptist, who invites us to prepare the way of the Lord. How am I to prepare? “Repent.” This second week of Advent is an opportunity to contemplate the direction we are heading as people of God and to change direction when necessary. 

The shortest route between two points is a straight line. This is why it bugs me to fly south, say, to Atlanta, to go north, say, to New York City. Alas, I have no control over the airlines, so I simply deal with the cognitive dissonance of not taking the shortest route. These days, the uneasiness from going in the wrong direction may be the least uncomfortable of all the uncomfortable parts of flying.

On the other hand, when I am driving, I am in control! “Make his paths straight!” to prepare for the Lord’s coming, says John the Baptist. Those who have ridden anywhere with me know that I take that charge seriously. I am always looking for the straightest way. That translates to not backtracking. Not ever backtracking.
And finding the hypotenuse opposite a right angle. 

No matter what navigation aid I use, from paper maps and road atlases to AAA TripTiks to Google Maps and Waze, I always find a straighter way. I know better than all the greatest cartographers. Maybe not the quickest way; sometimes I lose time, yes, but I win on mileage.

Once, my colleague and I had to get from Parkersburg to Weston. The obvious route is to take Route 50 East to Clarksburg and pick up I-79 South to Weston. That is a right angle, and Weston is within the triangle created by the right angle. There had to be a straighter way. So, as we entered Ritchie County, I started thinking about a possible hypotenuse. As we were refueling in Ellenboro, I looked at the map on my phone and found it: I’d get off 50 and take Main Street to Salem, Patterson Fork to Raccoon Run, well, some of the roads didn’t have names, but I have a good internal compass.

As I was paying for the fuel, Kim overheard me asking the clerk if my plan made sense and the clerk’s clear answer: “Your best bet is just to go to I-79.” As we pulled out of the station, Kim said, “You’re not going to I-79, are you?” Repent! Make a U-turn.

Somewhere between Hog Lick and Possum Holler I almost started to have second thoughts about my intuition. Repent! Just then, we caught up to a logging truck. Quite a few logging trucks, actually. I was never an Eagle Scout, but I participated in scouting long enough to know that when the logging trucks in front of you are loaded with logs, they are going toward civilization, not away from it. So, I just followed the logging trucks for several miles, inch by painstakingly slow inch, to WESTON! Bingo. I was right all along.

Here is my confession. That is not even the worst example of my going to great lengths to avoid backtracking. The worst example, so far, involved a call to 911 to find out where I was stuck and a four-wheel drive to get me. Then a tow truck to take me back the next day to get my car. All to avoid…backtracking.

Sometimes, despite the clear directions from road signs, maps, and signals, we get so far off course that the only way to get right is to repent. To turn around and get back on track. To backtrack, hard as it may be.

As we live in between the already and the not yet, between the coming of Christ in Bethlehem and His second coming, we might examine where we are in relation to where we should be. Where do we need to make a course correction? Repent! Make a U-turn.

Prayer:
Dear God as we prepare for the coming of Christ, change our hearts and lives to conform to your ways. Amen.

Rev. Jeff Taylor

Advent Devotional 12-7-24

 Our Mountains

Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”  (Luke 3:5-6)

I live at the top of a mountain. Not everyone would call it a mountain; some might scoff at me and say it is a hill.  A short bump in the road. I realize I don’ t live on Pike’s Peak or Mt. Everest. I know that my mountain isn’t epic. To me, though, it is a mountain, especially in the winter. 

When winter comes, and the snow flies, and I am driving to work, I pause at the top of the “big hill” – the last and biggest downhill slope to reach the flatter roads near our home – and I definitely call it a mountain. I pause at the top to allow the car in front of me to slowly slide – I mean carefully drive – down the mountain. I wait for all the cars coming from Bill and Dana Kosto’s side of the mountain to make their way down so that my way is clear. Then I slowly start driving down our mountain in my all-wheel-drive CR-V. I ever so carefully pump the brakes (I know I’m not supposed to, but I want a slow speed – don’t correct my driving while I’m creeping). I pause where the ice always flows across the road and slowly roll over it. I take the big curve to the outside because I know the road slopes toward the ditch. When I reach the bottom, I celebrate. 

I can drive all the way to Charleston in the snow with less worry than when I drive down our mountain.  It is an obstacle for me to reach the rest of the world.
Our passage today shares the words of John the Baptist as he quotes the prophet Isaiah, calling for repentance to make the way clear for the Lord to come. I, for one, can certainly imagine how low valleys, high mountains, and crooked roads can be obstacles. I can see how our sins and self-centeredness could block the way for the Lord to enter our lives, and therefore the entire world. 

I wouldn’t mind if my mountain were made low so that my obstacle to the world would be gone. I imagine repentance – our turning away from the metaphorical mountains and crooked habits that separate us from God – could make God’s way into the world possible. 

What  do we need to do to clear the way for God’s entrance into our lives and into the world? What repentance would make the path straight and the way smooth so that all flesh could see the salvation of God? What are our first best steps to make it so?

Kim Matthews

Advent Devotional 12-6-24

 “When Faith Grows Weary” 

Malachi 3:1-4

Sources: Student New International Version, Wikipedia

As I reviewed the scripture options for this week, I chose Malachi, Chapter 3:1-4. I must admit the Book of Malachi is new to me. I don’t recall ever having been directed to Malachi for reference, and as I turned for the first time to the book of Malachi, I was curious about its content.

Online, I learned that the Book of Malachi is in the prophetic books and is the last book in the Old Testament. The debate by scholars over Malachi’s identity seems to indicate from Hebrew history that his name in Hebrew means “My Messenger.” And we see him as just that in today’s scripture.

Malachi shares with the Israelites a message from God.

Over 400 hundred years prior to and during Malachi’s time, the Israelites forgot all about their Christian faith. They were turning away from God, and their lives changed when they ended their relationship with Him. They ignored the Laws of Moses, didn’t follow the rules. They saw no need for God. If He sent them no rewards, why bother with Him. They did whatever they chose with no consideration of anyone but themselves.

The message? A prophecy. Through Malachi, God tells the Israelites that he is sending a messenger (John the Baptist) to prepare His coming. “Suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come.” The Israelites were not ready for this.

Their lives had changed. The judgement of their behavior was imminent. And their behavior was intolerable. What would happen? They’d lost their faith in God. What would they do to make everything okay again? What would God do?

Soon we will celebrate the arrival of the Christ child. It will be a beautiful time of the year; one we always look forward to. As we celebrate, we cannot forget that this little baby is the Messiah. He is Jesus, the Son of God. And it seems to me to be a good time for us as Christians to have a look at our relationship with God, think about what we are doing or not doing in our lives as Christians. And we should thank Jesus our Savior for his sacrifice for us. You may want to make some changes. I plan to.

If you don’t know or wonder what happened to the Israelites, read on. The book of Malachi is just 3-4 pages.

Peace,
Diane Feaganes

Advent Devotional 12-5-24

For the past thirty-five years, it has been my honor to be part of the teaching rotation for the Johnson Memorial Koinonia Sunday School Class.  Recently my lesson fell on All Saints’ Day, a day set aside to remember faithful church members who had passed away in the previous year.

Instead of reaching for the Cokesbury teacher’s manual, I gathered the twenty-five Advent Devotional Project booklets (1999 – 2023) and began my “saint search.” I had an idea for a game called Name That Saint. I read through the booklets and chose five devotionals to be used in the game. 

At the beginning of class, I explained that I would share a devotional written in the past twenty-five years by one of JM’s saints. Class members were to listen carefully and guess the writer’s name. 

When I had finished reading the first devotional from the 1999 booklet, I asked if anyone could Name That Saint. Because my class members are very smart, and some have grown up in this church, guessing was not as hard as one might think. What we enjoyed most were the wonderful comments made about each person. I had known each of the saints, but hearing about their lives from those who knew them better made their stories come alive.

My class and I felt Jan Thornton’s empathy and frustration in her story about coming to the aid of a homeless man found sleeping in the Thornton barn. We shared the joy Jean Dean found in her studies of piano and voice. We will forever think of Joan Gardner as a young Mary dressed in her blue satin robe and singing “Away in the Manger.”  We also admired Dorothy Turner-Lacy even more after reading “Straighten Up and Fly Right.” And we were amazed but not surprised when Jean Modlin, President of the Marshall Faculty Wives Club, let go of her fear and let God work through her and others during the Christmas season after the Marshall Plane Crash on November 14, 1970.

I know that it seems strange to be talking about saints in an Advent devotional. Advent means arrival. Advent signifies the beginning. But what is special is that saints have already had their advents and their departures. They learned by watching others and practicing. They passed on much of that information. They were loved and returned that love. And sometimes they wrote about their lives. During this Advent season, take time to remember those who are no longer with you. Share with others your memories. Pass on a favorite recipe. Share a favorite joke. Do not forget to Name That Saint!

Prayer: 
Dear God, this is the 25th Anniversary of the Johnson Memorial Devotional Project. Thank you for your love and support. Thank you for inspiration. Thank you for each person who has shared and/or read devotionals. And thank you for Kim Matthews. She has been devoted to this project for twenty-five years. In Your name I pray. Amen

Becky Warren

Advent Devotional 12-4-24

 Luke 1:77-79 (The Message):

And you, my child, “Prophet of the Highest”, 
    Will go ahead of the Master to prepare his ways,
Present the offer of salvation to his people,
the forgiveness of their sins.
Through the heartfelt mercies of our God,
    God’s Sunrise will break in upon us,
Shining on those in the darkness,
    Those sitting in the shadow of death,
Then showing us the way, one foot at a time,
    down the path of peace.

I confess that it has been many months since I’ve witnessed the sun rise. With retirement came the opportunity to sleep later. I wish I could say that the allure of seeing a beautiful sunrise is reason enough to set an early alarm. It isn’t for me. However, I have memories of many nights when I did see the sunrise, and it was a glorious, welcome sight. Many years ago, I worked with the youth group, and lock-ins were all the rage at the time. They convinced me to supervise two of those. Lock-ins were the events where the youth spent the night at the church. Those lock-ins were two of the longest nights for me. While some youth did finally fall asleep, I was pretty much awake all night. I thought dawn would never come. Likewise, I’ve had other sleepless nights when I thought the darkness would never end: pacing the floor with a fussy baby, up and down with a stomach virus or letting worries occupy my mind so that sleep wouldn’t come. The rising of the sun was such a welcome sight. It somehow gave me renewed hope and energy. It made such a difference to my spirit.

The scripture passage above is the ending of Zechariah’s prophesy after the birth of his son John. Many translations use “dawn from heaven,” which is a beautiful image. But writing this today, I am especially drawn to the imagery of “God’s Sunrise” in The Message. I’ve always thought that the reference here was only to Jesus, but the commentaries I consulted said that these verses are all a prophecy about John. He is the first ray of sunlight peeking over the horizon. He is not the true light, but the first indication of the light to come, which is Jesus, God incarnate. What welcome news to a people who had been waiting centuries for a Savior. Rather than stumbling in the dark, trying to make their way to God by themselves, a Savior was coming. And with John’s birth, His messenger – the “dayspring from on high” (KJV) – had arrived. He would tell the people how to prepare for the true light of the world. His message is for us, too. We have a Savior. Someone to show us the way to God; someone who will reconcile us to Him forever. John’s message is the same for us as for the Hebrew people 2000 years ago: Get ready. Prepare. This advent season, may we take time to meditate on John’s message: an offer of forgiveness, a time to turn from our selfish paths and turn our hearts to God.

God’s sunrise is coming. What a welcome sight! What a difference that will make! May we all be ready for the new day.

Prayer:
Oh God, thank you for your constant presence in our lives. Forgive us when we stumble blindly along, trying to have everything our way. Pierce our darkness and help prepare us once again for Your coming. Help us to see the light of your love, truth and mercy and then let that light into our souls so that we may reflect it out to the world. We ask this in the blessed name of your son Jesus, Amen.

Mary Sue Beahm

Advent Devotional 12-3-24

 Let It Shine!

John the Baptist was sent as a prophet to prepare the way for our Lord Jesus. He was to be a light shining in the darkness. Shouldn’t we all be a light? As a child in Sunday School, I remember singing, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine! Hide it under a bushel, no! I’m going to let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine! As I sang, I was sure my light was shining brightly! Children meet the world with wonder and pure hearts not yet tainted by hurtful experiences and prejudices that they have been taught.

It isn’t as easy for adults. We have life experiences that have left us with preconceived ideas, prejudices, hurt feelings, envy, bitterness, fear and often anger at what life has done to us. The good news is God is waiting for us to come to him for a heart-to-heart talk so we can let go of anything that is keeping us from living a humble life full of love, forgiveness, and gratitude. I think this is what Jesus meant when he said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mathew 18:3 NIV) When we become like little children, our light shines, God’s light, to everyone we meet. Let it shine!

Margaret Williams

Advent Devotional 12-2-24

 A Prayer for the Season of Advent 2024

Holy God
Prepare our hearts
As we await the Christ Child
Awaken them, stir them
So that our love will flow into the lives of others.
May loving-kindness guide us that we may live
With a blessing to all.
Thank you for the greatest gift,
For sending your son to earth.
We pray in the name of our Savior
Our Love Jesus

Martha Casey

Advent Devotional 12-1-24

 “All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.”   Psalm 25:10

Can it really be just December 1?  Stores everywhere have been full of Christmas decorations for months.  For weeks, ads on the television and in the newspapers have been encouraging consumers to buy, buy, buy those Christmas gifts and decorations, so we can prepare ourselves, our families and our homes for the Christmas season.  We have been pushed and shoved to hurry up and get with it!!

So how can we just slow down and not rush this celebration of Christmas?

We just need to -  STOP -  and focus on the one really important part about this season -  the birth of the baby Jesus. 

During this month of December, we just need to focus on “the steadfast love and faithfulness” God gave to us in the gift of His son Jesus!! 

Each morning as we wake up during this month of December, we need to take a deep breath and remember this baby, born in a stable, who came to save us from our sins.  Jesus, his life and his ministry, provides us with the perfect example of steadfast love and faithfulness.

Our full attention needs to be on Jesus, so we can be filled with Jesus’ love and faithfulness, and then in turn, we will be able to share Jesus’ love and faithfulness with everyone we encounter in our daily lives. 

We need to remember to ask God to love all of God’s children through us.

REMEMBER JESUS EVERYDAY!!

Amen

Rev. Suzanne Ellis