Advent Devotional 12-25-25

Read Luke 2:1-20

Two weeks before Christmas, a nine-year-old girl was walking with her friend down the street, sliding on the ice. And as they walked and slid, they talked about what they hoped they would get for Christmas. Things that nine-year-old girls dream about, I suppose. And they stopped to talk to an old man named Harry who lived on that street. When they saw him, he was on his knees pulling up the dead weeds around a big oak tree. And he was wearing an old wool jacket that was badly frayed. And a worn-out old pair of garden gloves. His fingers were sticking out the ends. And they were blue from the cold.

When they asked Harry what he was doing, he told the girls he was getting the yard in shape as a Christmas present to his mother. She had passed on, he said, several years ago. And they could see tears in his eyes as he patted the old oak tree. “My mother was all I had. She loved her yard and her trees, so I do this for her at Christmas.” And his words touched something in their hearts.  And the next thing he knew, they were down on their knees helping him pull weeds around the trees. 

It took the three of them the rest of the day to finish the job. And when they finished, Harry pressed a dollar into each of their hands and said, “I wish I could pay you more, but it’s all I’ve got right now.” 

Now, those two girls had often passed Harry’s house, and as they walked home they remembered that the house was kind of shabby. And there wasn’t a Christmas wreath on the front door. There wasn’t a tree inside or stockings or angels or even a nativity scene for decoration. There was just Harry, who seemed so lonely and so all alone, sitting in a chair by the window looking out at the trees. And the dollar—well, the dollar nearly burned a hole of guilt in the heart of the one nine-year-old girl. So, the next morning she called her friend, and they talked about it. And this is what they decided to do. They put their dollars in a jar. And they labeled the jar with a piece of paper that said, “Harry’s Christmas present”. And they started looking for little jobs to do for people so they could earn more money to put in the jar. And every nickel and dime and dollar they earned went into the jar. 

Two days before Christmas they had enough money to buy a nice new pair of gloves and a Christmas card. So, on Christmas Eve they went to Harry’s house singing Christmas carols at his doorstep. And when he opened the door, they presented him with the gloves wrapped in green foil with a gold ribbon, and the Christmas card, and a pumpkin pie still warm from the oven. And his hands were trembling, but he tore the paper from the gloves, and they were amazed. They were speechless. Because Harry took the gloves, held them to his face and wept.
God slipped in. He didn’t whisk Harry out of the world or even out of that place. But he stepped in with him. Through the loving hearts of two young girls, God slipped in. The word was made flesh. And he dwelt among them, those three. 

And so it is with you and me. In the everyday, ordinary encounters of our lives, God longs to be made known. And in every act of kindness, in every loving deed, in every heartfelt gesture of love and grace the Word is again made flesh and Christ is made known. Share the gift of Emmanuel with someone today. Let them experience the love of Christ through you. And share with them the great good news that the Word made flesh still dwells among us.

The Peace of Christ be with you.

Rev. Tom Nolan 

Advent Devotional 12-24-25

Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 

Luke 2:1-21  Common English Bible:
Jesus’ birth
In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom.

Announcement to shepherds
Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified.

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. 11 Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.”

When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully. The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been told.

Jesus’ circumcision, naming, and temple presentation
When eight days had passed, Jesus’ parents circumcised him and gave him the name Jesus. This was the name given to him by the angel before he was conceived.  

This year I am reminded of the first scripture I was taught to memorize as a child, John 3:16 “ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”   -KJV
     
In Luke’s beloved Gospel narrative, we see how God’s love for all humankind unfolded with the coming of God’s only Son, Jesus. Here, it is God’s angel who came directly from the heavenly realm to the humble shepherds to bring this wonderful, joyous news for all people. Author Jill J. Duffield writes, “God did not remain aloof or aloft in the heavenly realm, leaving us to our own devices or limitations. The Triune God refuses to let chaos, sin, evil, or death have the final word. When all is obscured and we are terrified and utterly vulnerable, Jesus moves into the neighborhood. . . and we see the face of God in unexpected places...”  God became one of us, fully human yet fully divine. Born of a woman, living among us, completely relating to us, Jesus later died for us to save us from our sins, thus reconciling us to God our Creator. 
     
God’s love for us came full circle from Jesus coming to live among us to his returning to God. One day he will come again to take believers to himself, and we will have everlasting life with God in heaven. 
     
As the angel and humble shepherds first bore witness of the good news may we, too bear witness to the God who refuses to abandon us and sends the Son, not to condemn this world, but to save it.
     
May you and yours experience God’s love and blessings this Christmas and always.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Annette Carper 

Advent Devotional 12-23-25

Isaiah 9:2-7,  Psalm 96,  Luke 2:1-20

I chose the scripture from Titus to share with you. 

Titus 2: 11-15: The grace of God has appeared, bringing  salvation to all people.  It educates us so that we can live sensible, ethical, and godly lives right now by rejecting ungodly lives and the desires of this world.   At the same time we wait for the blessed hope and the glorious appearance of our great God and savior Jesus Christ.  He gave himself for us in order to rescue us from every kind of lawless behavior, and cleanse a special people for himself who are eager to do good actions.   Talk about these things. Encourage and correct with complete authority. Don’t let anyone disrespect you.

Pray with me. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving the gift of your son, Jesus Christ, to us. Let us treat others as He treats us.  Amen.

Kay Lewis

Advent Devotional 12-22-25

In Darkness

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness-on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.  For the yoke of their burden and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. (Isaiah  9:2-4)

Several years ago, when our boys were still young, we took a day trip to Carter Caves. Josh was still young enough that he rode in a carrier on Steve’s back. While we were there, we went on a tour of one of the caves. The tour guide admonished us to be very careful – don’t touch the walls because the mineral deposits – the stalactites and stalagmites – are very fragile. And be careful; the floor can be slick if it is wet. And, hey, let me show you what darkness is really like when I TURN OFF ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE CAVE.

We live in a world that can sometimes be dark. There are dangerous obstacles around us that can make our journeys hard to navigate. Surrounding us are parts of the world that can be broken or even shattered. And we are holding on with love to the people who are around us – those for whom we are responsible. Those who we love more than we love ourselves.  The world can be a dark and scary place. It’s no wonder we need God.

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Great will be his authority, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Please don’t forget that when the world seems the darkest, when the ground underneath your feet is slick and unsteady, when everything seems fragile and frightening, and even when you worry about those you love, remember that a child has been born into your world. That child, the Prince of Peace, is so great a light that you can see your way. In that great light, you can see the presence of God. 

Don’t forget.

Prayer: Loving God, thank you for the light. Open our eyes to your presence so that we realize we are not in darkness.  Help us to remember. Amen.

Kim Matthews 

Advent Devotional 12-21-25

Don’t Be Afraid

Please Read Matthew 1:18-25

Advent is a season of waiting—a time to prepare our hearts for God’s arrival. Joseph’s story reminds that we find that preparation isn’t always calm or comfortable. Waiting can be confusing.

While they were engaged to be married, Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant, and the baby was not his. Because he was a “righteous man,” according to Matthew, he didn’t want to humiliate her. Joseph decided to call off their engagement quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the child she carries was conceived by the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:19–20 (CEB)

I imagine that Joseph thought he understood the direction his life would take. He and Mary would get married, have children, and build a nice home together while Joseph worked as a carpenter. Then came the news that shattered his plans—Mary was pregnant, and the child wasn’t his. 

Joseph’s response was human. He would end their engagement. But his response was also measured and compassionate. Some other righteous man might have exposed Mary publicly to protect his own name and subject her to punishment under the law. Joseph’s sense of right and wrong was guided by grace and mercy.

Then, something totally unexpected happened. God intervened. “Do not be afraid,” the angel said. “What is happening here is the work of the Holy Spirit.”

In that moment, Joseph learned what many of us discover in Advent: God’s plans can upend our own, but they are always rooted in love.
Joseph’s faith was not loud or public—it was obedient. He trusted the voice that came in a dream. He welcomed Mary into his home. He named the child Jesus, just as the angel said. Through his quiet courage, the promise of Emmanuel—God with us—entered the world.

We, too, are invited to trust in what we cannot yet see. Advent invites us to believe that even in confusion, God is at work. Like Joseph, we are called to let go of fear and to make room for the unexpected presence of Christ.

Where is God calling you to trust beyond your own understanding? How will you prepare room for Christ’s presence this Advent?
Prayer: Dear God, in the middle of my expectations, help me hear your voice of reassurance: “Do not be afraid.” Give me the courage to trust you when life takes an unexpected turn, to act in faith rather than fear, and to welcome Christ into my heart and home. Amen.

Rev. Jeff Taylor

Advent Devotional 12-20-25

Centering Prayer
O God, our God, my God, you are Emmanuel. You are with us. Be with me now, and open my heart to hear your message. Amen.

Please Read
Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us."  When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Questions to Consider

• When the angel appears to Joseph, the angel says, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” What do you think Joseph was afraid of?
• As we read this passage, we see that Joseph was a righteous  and considerate man. How hard would it have been for him to do what the angel asked him to do?
• Is God calling you to do something that makes your afraid or that you think would be too hard to do?  How will you respond to God?
• What does it mean to you that the name of the son is to be Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us”?

Closing Prayer
O God, sometimes we are afraid. Help us to respond as Joseph did, with courage in our fear and strength in our worry. In your son’s name, Amen.

Advent Devotional 12-19-25

I see the calendar says it's soon Advent & Christmas! How can time pass so quickly? We've gotten over 15 calendars from MANY different good, hard working organizations. We made a list to keep sane. Giving to all wouldn't begin to pay them for all the postage & calendars - AND note pads, AND  address labels... so we give meaningfully to our list. 

But I need a calendar. Time passes so fast I can hardly keep up with needing to turn to the next month. Each month, I pray our small gift will help change the world. Hearing from all these helping organizations keeps my prayer list long. I can't send everyone money, but tho we may never know how prayer works, I rest in knowing it DOES work. Christ gives us gifts every day. A grateful heart finds them countless. 

In Advent, it's good to take time for mindfulness and thanking our great Lord for being able to share and count our days in gratefulness. Don't forget to mark your gratefulness calendars! 

Jill Henton 

Advent Devotional 12-18-25

 

Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-16

When I first read this scripture, I was confused. Why was the prophet so unhappy with King Ahaz’s reply about not testing the Lord? Didn’t Jesus have a similar reply to Satan in the wilderness? Then I learned the back story (it is in 2 Kings): during Ahaz’s reign in Judah, the kings of Samaria and Israel wanted to wage war against a weakened kingdom of Assyria. They wanted Ahaz to join them in this conquest. But Ahaz said no. In response, the two kings planned to march against Ahaz, dethrone him and install an ally. When Ahaz learned of this, he was terrified. But where did he turn for help? To Assyria and foreign gods. He even went so far as to sacrifice his son on the altar of a foreign idol!

God, through Isaiah, was trying to bring Ahaz back and stop his turning toward idols. Isaiah assured Ahaz that God would not let the plot against him succeed. But Ahaz didn’t listen. This is the point where our scripture reading picks up. Isaiah insists that God will give him a sign that He is the one true God, the God who can save him. But Ahaz says no. His protest about not putting God to the test was false piety. Ahaz thought he had it all figured out himself. He didn’t need God. Isaiah knew Ahaz’s true intentions. He persevered with his prophecy: there will be a sign. A young girl (later understood as a virgin) is pregnant and will bear a son named “Immanuel”, meaning “God is with us”. 

So, we know that Ahaz turned from the God of his people and looked for answers in the world around him. We know that Isaiah was faithful to his calling and spoke the word of God to Ahaz. But what does the passage tell us about God? I think it tells us that even when we turn away and think we can fix things all on our own, God will still be there actively seeking us. He never grows weary of waiting for us to come back to Him. No matter how foolish or stubborn we are, He doesn’t give up on us. Isaiah’s prophesy is for our time, too. God loves us so much that he sent this greatest of signs: unto us, a child is born. Unto us, a son is given. And his name is Immanuel. God IS with us. 

Our personal adversaries today aren’t literal armies marching against us. But there is a seemingly endless list of battles we may face: health concerns, broken relationships, financial worries, grief and addictions, to name a few. Whatever our own adversaries, may we always remember the promise of God with us. We aren’t on our own. God is WITH us. He will provide strength, courage and wisdom for our individual struggles. 

In all circumstances, turn to God for deliverance. Once more, hear Isaiah’s promise: A young girl will bear a son called “Immanuel”.  God is with US.

Prayer: Thank you, God for sending your son Jesus as a sign to us of your love and faithfulness. Forgive us for the times we try to rely only on our own resources. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of your son -- this greatest of gifts -- help us to always remember the promise of your presence. May we always turn to you. In the blessed name of Jesus our Lord, Amen.

Mary Sue Beam

Advent Devotional 12-17-25

Just Waiting

On my family room table sits a digital picture frame that rotates family photos from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sometimes I just stop what I am doing and watch my life and the lives of those whom I love most flash before me.

I love those pictures. My husband, Don, and I shot many of them, and I chose the rest from my parents’ albums. Some make me homesick for those who are no longer with us while others remind me that time is flying by too quickly. I would be hard - pressed to pick out a favorite picture, but there is one that always takes my breath away. I call it “Just Waiting.”

This particular snapshot shows my granddaughter, Ruby, when she was about eight months old.  She had crawled to a bedroom door; she could hear her older brother Landon playing on the other side. The door was closed, and since she had not yet learned to knock, she sat there waiting for her playmate/teacher/partner-in-crime to emerge.  She did not cry or give up.  She just waited.

Just waited? Who today sits and waits for anything?  We live in a society that makes fun of people, phones, TVs, or cars that do not do something at the speed of light. I get out of sorts if my hamburger takes too long to emerge from Wendy’s drive-thru window. If the Kroger cashier takes too much time talking to the person in front of me, my blood pressure rises.  And if my phone rings while I am driving, I pull into a parking lot to take an all-important call. Waiting is not my thing.

How glad I am that God is not like me! How thankful I am that he loved us enough to wait. He created us and waited for us to love him. He sent people to tell us about him and waited for us to love him. He loved us unconditionally and waited for us to love him. Finally he loved us so much that he sent his son who would show us how to love his heavenly father and each other.

How about Ruby? Did her waiting pay off or was it a big waste of time?  I don’t know when Landon came out of the bedroom, nor do I know if he played with her as she so desperately wanted. It didn’t matter.  The love she felt for him that day was evident in the picture. And God?  Did his waiting pay off? As we celebrate the loveliest of seasons, we should remember how much we are loved. I just hope we were worth it.

This beautiful hymn, written by Charles Wesley, makes a wonderful prayer. Sing it, say it, or think it. God is waiting to hear from you.

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.

Amen

Becky Warren

Advent Devotional 12-16-25

Honky Tonk Christmas

In November I spent nearly a full work week in Nashville, Tennessee. The energy there is …well…WOW! There are high-end places to lounge around and have a meal, and there are …well…less than high-end places. In all the places music is playing or in most cases bing played. Nashville is ground zero for all those that want to break into the country music scene. I was in Tennessee for a meeting, so many of our activities were structured, meaning we went where were told – when we were told. Some of our down time found us in a few of the less than high-end places mentioned earlier. Interestingly enough though it was in these establishments that were perhaps overlooked by the masses, that things seemed ‘real.’ Shop owners and workers were eager to make your visit a good decision. Musicians were less focused on you being a big label agent, and more focused on you as a customer that liked what was played. I do think they still had a desire to be noticed, but it was not their focus…you were. 

I heard a local give his definition of a Honky Tonk. Our immediate reaction to that word stirs up unsavory images – as does a Wikipedia explanation and also a Webster definition – but I liked his take on it: always open, always have live music, always have food. Period! Boom! What could be more inviting or welcoming to a traveler or visitor? In my mind, extreme hospitality. It is none of the flashing lights yet all of the warmth. 

Mary and Joseph traveled far. They traveled under duress…I mean pregnant and on a donkey…come on. By the time they reached Bethlehem I’m sure their requirement was basic: find a place to stay. They aren’t described as wealthy, so they most likely did not seek out the five-star hotel in town. I will choose to think of the Inn as a Honky Tonk Hotel. They were open.  Was there music? Maybe, but there was life – the inn keeper was there and willing to help. “I don’t have a room but let me set you up in this dry stable for the night.” And I refuse to believe that given what he saw, he didn’t feed them too. 

We have the opportunity to be Honky Tonk Christians. Not by published definitions but by what I (sort of) heard a local say – be open, be alive, be giving.

Merry Christmas, y’all.

Steve Matthews

Advent Devotional 12-15-25

Please read Matthew 1: 18-25 

As I read this scripture I was struck by the trust and faith that is shown by both Mary and Joseph. They were so young and had plans to marry and start a life together and everything changed in a very short time. 

Mary is visited by an angel who tells her she has found favor with God and that she will conceive and give birth to a son whom she will call Jesus and he will be called great and son of the most high. Mary doesn’t argue, shake her head and say “no”. She says her soul magnifies the Lord and her spirit rejoices in her Savior. She agrees to all of this and trusts in what she has been told. 

Likewise, when Joseph finds that Mary is with child he plans to marry her and quietly divorce her after the baby is born. That was his plan until he is told in a dream that he was to wed Mary and she would bear a son to fulfill a prophecy. He also did not question but trusted that this is what he was to do.  

I looked up the meaning of faith and trust and in Ephesians 2:8-9 we are told that “Trusting is what we do because of our faith. Trusting is believing in the promises of God in all circumstances. 

At this beautiful time of the year with so much promise before us, I pray that we can all use the trust and faith that God has shown us to live lives of hope and service to others. 

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father,  Help me to have trust in you always and use that trust to faithful do good works in your name.   Amen

Debbie McGinnis

Advent Devotional 12-14-25

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. (Proverbs 16: 9)

“Chance favors the prepared mind” is attributed to Louis Pasteur.

It is a motto I adopted early in my adult life and it has served me well.  Having an alternative to your decisions can help to even out the highs and lows that life brings.  As we age we can recall things that we achieved and planned for while also realizing those plans that never came to fruition.

During the Christmas season we expend a lot of time and effort organizing dinners. Shopping for that perfect gift or planning a road trip to visit family.  In the case of hosting a dinner we have to give thought to what we will serve, Who to invite, the date and time all come in to the decision not to mention the labor involved in buying the food. After all of that comes the cooking and clean-up (Whew)

For Christians, Advent is the reminder that we need to stop and prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of Jesus.  Ask yourself if you are making the same effort to read your Bible, engage in daily prayer and feeding your spirit?  

Advent can be a perfect time to focus on your spiritual self in the midst of all the commercial distractions we face as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the heavens.  May it always be so!

Prayer: Father in the rush of daily living help us to find the time to feed our souls and let your plan take control of our lives.  Amen

Marv Jones

Advent Devotional 12-13-25

Centering Prayer 

O God, our God, my God, you are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Amen. ( inspired by Psalm 46)

Please Read

Luke 1:46b-55

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowly state 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; indeed, 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 imagination 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 come to the aid of his child Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

Isaiah 35:3-7

Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees.  Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you."  Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be opened; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp; the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

Questions to Consider

• The passage from Luke is known as Mary’s Magnificat. Imagine Mary singing it as she realizes what is happening in her life. What reality of the world around her does she declare needs the intervention of God?
• What does this tell us that God values in her world (and our world)?
• In a world with people desperate for the presence of God, as described in Isaiah 35, how can we say to the fearful, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God.”

Closing Prayer

O God, if you are with us, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Thank you for surrounding us with your love. Amen.    (inspired by Psalm 46)

Advent Devotional 12-12-25

Upside-Down

Please read Luke 1:46b-55

“With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name.” Luke 1:46b–49 (CEB)

When Mary sings, she does so from a place the world would call insignificant. She is poor young woman from a remote village. She is pregnant and unmarried. Yet it is precisely in her seeming insignificance that God’s greatness is revealed.

We often romanticize Mary’s song. The Magnificat is more than a song of joy; it’s a declaration of a new world order. She proclaims that God has turned things upside down.

Would some complain today that Mary is too political?  “He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.” Would the powerful today call Mary a radical?

In God’s kingdom, those who are overlooked are honored, and those who hunger are fed. This is not the way power usually works. Through Mary’s voice, Advent reminds us that God’s coming doesn’t just comfort the humble, but also challenges the proud. God’s mercy lifts up those who have been pushed down and calls us to see the world through God’s values, not earth’s hierarchies.

Mary’s song is both deeply personal and profoundly public. It begins with her own experience of God’s favor. —“He has looked with favor on me”—and expands into a vision of justice that touches the whole world. Mary recognizes that what God is doing in her life is part of a larger story of salvation, stretching back to Abraham and forward to every generation.

Advent invites us to let our lives echo Mary’s confidence that God’s promises are trustworthy. Even when the world seems unchanged, her song declares that God is already at work turning things around.

Prayer: Dear God, teach me to see the world through your eyes of justice and compassion. Let my heart, like Mary’s, rejoice in you. Amen.

Rev. Jeff Taylor

Advent Devotional 12-11-25

Luke 1:39-55 – The Magnificat – MARY’S SONG
 
I love the Advent Season.  During the long, dark nights we see countless lights illuminating our homes and sky.  I love the smells of the season, pine needles, incense, and ginger.  I love that many people try their best to be kinder and more generous.  I love the stories of Christmas from the Bible to Dickens. But most of all I love the music. 

Music has always been the medium through which I felt enveloped by the Divine.  Whether I am humming the tune of a favorite hymn alone or singing in a group where all voices are raised together in praise, or just letting the music surround me it always touches my soul and emotions.

Music is frequently referenced in the Bible as a means of praise and worship. Psalm 98 exhorts us to "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!"  All manner of songs and variety of instruments are mentioned throughout the Old and New Testaments.    Indeed, the whole book of Psalms is a collection of poems and songs meant to be sung.  As Anne Lamott wrote in Traveling Mercies: “the singing enveloped me …. There was no sense of performance or judgment, only that the music was the breath and the food…. Somehow the singing wore down all the boundaries and distinction that kept me so isolated.”

But it is the hymns and carols of Christmas that particularly move me.

When informing Elizabeth of her pregnancy, Mary finds her voice through song to address this momentous news.  Mary’s song or the Magnificat is a testament to her faith, to the glory of God and the foretelling of Jesus’ teachings.  Despite the sorrows she will face she proclaims her faith in God.  She also tells us that God 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.”  She understands why she as a common woman from a small town has been chosen to carry the Son of God.

The multiple carols and hymns celebrating the birth of Jesus are to me the most beautiful of sacred music.  The melodies though often simple reflect great emotion and the words tell so many different aspects to the Christmas story.  What could be more touching than the question of “What Child is This?” or reflective of a mother’s hope in “Silent Night?”  What could be more awe inspiring than “O, Holy Night” or rousing and celebratory than “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “Joy to the World?”  I feel peace and love just thinking about them.  So, during this Advent season I hope you too will all take time to reflect on the words of all the carols sung and let the music envelop you and feel the Divine.

Leslie Petteys

Advent Devotional 12-10-25

 Taught to Love

Please read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. (I Thessalonians 4:9-10)

I often think about being a parent.  My husband and I have two adult sons, and even though they are 31 and 29 years old, we will always be their parents. They are so different from each other, but they are both loving and kind men. We’re proud of them and blessed by them. 
How do children learn how to love? I hope our sons learned love by being loved by us, and by witnessing how the adults in their lives loved each other. I think about children who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as child abuse, neglect, violence, or an unstable home, and the potential outcome of these experiences, such as negative impacts on brain development, health, and an inability to form lasting relationships. 

I am struck by what Paul wrote to the Church in Thessalonica: “you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.” Imagine that. Taught to love by God. Paul could have written this about us. We – you and I - have been taught by God to love one another. God created us, God sent Jesus to us to teach us about life and love. God offers us grace and forgiveness – love, made concrete. We know how to love because God loves us. 

Why is this important? God doesn’t just love us so that we will feel loved. God loves us because there are children in the world who don’t know what love is. There are people around us who are hungry – every day, all the time. There are brothers and sisters in our communities who are crying, suffering, mourning, fighting addiction, struggling to live. God loves us so that we will be loving. 

This fall, our Foundation hosted an Academy of Faith and Generosity. The main speaker, Ann Michel, told a story about her church. The Church owned and operated two homeless shelters.  Someone asked Ann if the church members were trying to convert the people who sought shelter to Christianity.  She said, “No, we’re trying to be Christians.”

How will you be a loving Christian today?

Prayer: Loving God, teach us to love so that we will share your love with everyone. Forgive us when we forget – when we offer judgment and scorn, and lead us to replace those with love.  In your son’s name, Amen.

Kim Matthews

Advent Devotional 12-9-25

 Read James 5-7:10   

Have you ever wondered during this difficult time in the government and churches, what are we to do, to keep faith in our Lord that He will take care of us?  What must we as Christians do?

There is much work to do to ensure a good harvest.  In the same way, we must wait patiently for Christ’s return.  We can’t make him come back any sooner.  But while we wait there is much that we can do to advance God’s kingdom.  We must live by faith, looking forward to the future rewards for our labors.  Don’t live as if Christ will never come.  Work faithfully to build his kingdom as the King will come when the time is right.

When things go wrong, we tend to grumble against and blame others for our miseries. Blaming others is easier than owning our share of the responsibility, but it can be both destructive and sinful.  Before you judge others for their short comings, remember that Christ, the Judge will come to evaluate each of us.

While we as JMUMC wait, we have come together to believe that God has a plan for this church.  Seeking God’s direction, we pray this Breakthrough Prayer, both together and separately, for Gods guidance: 

“Holy God, From the river to the rails and beyond, 
break through our complacency.  
Give us guidance and courage to follow Your perfect plan. 
Come Holy Spirit, Come!”

Since we as a congregation have been praying this Breakthrough Prayer, there have been several God Moments, such as:

• Working together to start a young adult and MU students’ group that is now meeting after worship on Sundays.
• Guidance for strengthening our Reconciling Ministry on Wednesday evening.  Working at the Pride Gathering in Huntington, to be known as a reconciling church that accepts all.

We must continue to work together and keep the faith in Christ to break through to those that do not know Christ and try to continue to reach those who doubt that there is a Christ!        

Christ will come when it is right!  Before we judge others remember that The Judge, Christ will come to evaluate each of us!

Melanie Herr

Advent Devotional 12-8-25

 

When the magi had departed, an angel from the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up. Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod will soon search for the child in order to kill him. Joseph got up and, during the night, took the child and his mother to Egypt." --Matthew 2: 13-14 CEB

I recently came across a painting called Streetcar Madonna by Allan Rohan Crite, and was instantly drawn to it. It's certainly different from the "Flight into Egypt" paintings we are used to. 

Allan Rohan Crite ( 1910-2007) was born in New Jersey and raised and spent the duration of his life in Boston. He participated in the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the 1930's. He created neighborhood paintings depicting Boston's predominantly African American Roxbury district.  Community was sacred to Crite. His art and generosity endure through his depictions of neighborhood life and the many artists and leaders he inspired.  His Episcopalian faith influenced many of his works.  He often presented iconic Christian imagery overlaid onto contemporary city life. He designed the covers of church bulletins in several states.

Streetcar Madonna  (1946) depicts a Black Mary and baby riding Boston's Orange Line. I wonder what the women behind them are thinking. Are they judgmental of this woman in strange clothes with a crown of stars and a baby emanating rays of light? Or do they even notice this strange twosome? Maybe they are just talking about their day. 

Would we recognize the Holy Family if we came upon them?

Anita Farrell

Advent Devotional 12-7-25

Recently, my husband and I moved to a new home and decided we needed to change to Roku Television, where we discovered YouTube TV as an alternative to what we had used in the past.  We noticed that every couple of hours, during a commercial break, YouTube TV presented a Zen moment. It usually consisted of a peaceful scene, like a waterfall or a hot air balloon flying through the sky, with soft calm music playing in the background.  We were amazed that the electronic devise we were watching (a TV) actually encouraged the viewer to take a break and just relax the mind and the eyes as the scene and the quiet music played for a brief time.  If this break wasn’t long enough for the viewer, there is actually a station on YouTube television that presents Zen time for an hour at a time, 24/7, so you can watch and listen and relax and refocus as long as you want or need.  It was truly an amazing discovery, as Zen time usually consists of stillness and silence so an individual can reflect and pray. It helps with finding calm and inner peace, free from distraction.      

So as I began to think about the Advent season and the devotion I was going to write, the Bible verse from Psalm 46:10 popped up in my mind and just kept swirling around in my thinking.  It states:

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

During Advent, this time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of God’s son, it seems that every day, every thought and every schedule we have, seems to revolve  around a frantic pace and a constant rush to get things done amid the chaos as well as the celebration.  How sad for us, as this is the exact opposite of what God would want us to do.  Perhaps instead we should be pursuing more Zen time - slowing down, being still, and refocusing on helping ourselves to spiritually and mentally improve and strengthen our relationship with God, so we can celebrate the birth of God’s son. We should be focusing on what God has done and what God is doing now.

So now is the time to slow down, breath deeply, be still and take a break.  Pray.  Then remain still, so you can hear what God wants you to do.  Allow God to be in charge and guide you.  Allow God’s strength and love to fill you.  Then feel the difference in your life, your focus and your relationship with God.  It all comes down to less chaos and more Jesus!! 

Rev. Suzanne Ellis

Advent Devotional 12-6-25

Saturday in Scripture

Centering Prayer

O God, our God, my God, I have calmed and quieted myself. Open my spirit to hear your Word. Amen.  (Inspired by Psalm 131)

Please Read
Isaiah 11:6-10
The wolf shall live with the lamb; the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the lion will feed together, and a little child shall lead them.
The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den.
They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

Matthew 3:1-3
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.'"

Questions to Consider

1. The kingdom described in Isaiah 6-10 sounds beautiful – the very description of peace. If  the Kingdom of God is now and not yet, do you believe the kingdom as described is possible?
2. Slowly reread Isaiah 6-10 again. Imagine what is described. What gets in the way of this kind of peace?
3. In Matthew, John the Baptist is calling for repentance. He says that the one coming is the one Isaiah described as the voice of one crying out to prepare the way of the Lord.” How can you prepare the way of the Lord so that the peace described in Isaiah 11 can come to be?

Closing Prayer
O God, it is hard for me to imagine peace. Forgive me when I am an obstacle to your work in the world, and help me to prepare a way for you. In your son’s name, Amen.

Advent Devotional 12-5-25

 His Light is in Us

Scripture:  Jesus said: “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”  John 12:46 (NIV)

 “This is the message we heard from Jesus and are passing on to you.  God is light, in him there is no darkness at all.  If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness we lie and do not live by the truth.  But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1: 5-7 (NIV)

On Sunday afternoon, December 14,  JM’s choirs will share a Service of Lessons and Carols (You won’t want to miss it!). One of the selections will be “His Light in Us”, words by Euan Tait and music by Kim Arnesen.  The poet’s words are especially touching, and the composer’s harmonies are rich and glorious.  In the program notes attached to the anthem, the creators share: 
Christmas is a permanently new, permanently fresh and refreshing gift:  the human heart is renewed through the gift not of riches, but of a tiny, fragile child.  “His Light in Us” is a thanksgiving, and its key word is  “renewed”, reflecting the glory of what goes on in our spirits at Christmas.

Here are the beautiful lyrics:
 
God’s distant call
flares in the night,
so long expected, so longed for;
and all my life,
Christ called my name,
and now at last, I’ll answer Him.

Renewed, his hope,
his light in us,
incarnate, fragile,
our Lord appears,
Alleluia, alleluia!
Eternal,
so perfect,
his cry of changeless love.

Alive, awake,
His call is here:
it is the crying of the Child;
I know Christ’s call,
its hidden flame,
it makes my spirit flare with hope!

Renewed, his hope,
his light in us...

This root, this stem, this flowering Love,
this mustard seed,
it grows to the greatest tree,
the birds of souls have nested there.
The light of the night
Now blazes at dawn!

You’ve led me here,
O little child,

your being singing with God’s life.
The kingdom sings,
it choirs with earth,
all creation lives Christ’s peace.

Renewed, his hope,
his light in us…  
                                                Euan Tait
 
The lights of Christmas that we use to decorate our trees, mantles, doors and tables are beautiful, But, they are not the light that renews the gift that is God’s love incarnate.  They can only remind us of the true light that dispels the darkness.  Light and darkness cannot cohabit a space.  Where there is one spark of light, there can no longer be complete darkness.

During this Advent Season, open your heart to receive the Light in your heart once again.  The source of the light is a tiny child that we greet each year. The love-light enters as we invite it into our hearts and renews our spirits to reflect that love in sharing love with others. His love never changes, is never denied to anyone who seeks it, grows as it is shared and sustains us through all our days. Blessed be the Child!!!

Prayer: Loving Creator: We come once again to ask you to enter our hearts and lives so that we might be filled with your light.  Renew our spirits so that we might reflect that light in our daily walk.  We are not worthy of receiving such a magnificent gift, but we ask that your grace be merciful and generous.  Bless us to be a blessing this season and always.  AMEN.

Chyrl Budd

Advent Devotional 12-4-25

 Angels All Around 

(The Lord) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NRSVU)

My husband, Steve and I were on a Mediterranean cruise when he developed severe respiratory failure. He spent the night in the medical unit on the ship, receiving oxygen and breathing treatments. The next morning, we arrived in Barcelona, Spain and were taken by ambulance to the hospital there. The ship’s doctor wanted him to have a CT scan to make sure there wasn’t an underlying problem. Unfortunately, the scan showed two nodules on his lungs. One was small, but the second was medium-sized and in a bad place. Steve was admitted to the hospital. I hadn’t used the 4 1/2 years of Spanish that I took in high school and college in over 50 years. Most of the staff spoke as much English as I did Spanish. I was feeling overwhelmed to say the least! 

That is when my angels started showing up! First was a representative from the hospital. He spoke English and told me since I was a foreign national, I would be allowed to stay in the hospital with Steve. I can’t tell you what a relief that was! Later, he met our bags (the ship packed for us), brought them to our room, and even “found” me a meal. I hadn’t eaten in over 12 hours at this point, so food was a real blessing! The hospital staff was wonderful! The nurses also showed up with trays for me a couple of times a day. I had peanut butter crackers that were my backup plan but never had to use them. The nurses and I communicated with the help of younger staff members who remembered some English and sign language. Thank goodness our doctor had studied in the U.S., could speak English, and was very honest and caring about what we were facing.  Then there were my translation angels. An Australian lady who had been living in Barcelona for 17 years stepped up in Admissions, and another lady chased me down and took me back to the hospital reception desk after I had given up.
   
Leaving the hospital was another challenge. I had Steve in a wheelchair, two suitcases on rollers, and a heavy duffel bag (that was supposed to be empty and folded up in a suitcase by the end of the trip). I took Steve down first with our backpacks. Then I went back for the duffel bag. I was dragging it through the hospital when a nice young lady told me to take one handle, and she’d take the other! She even offered to go back up with me to get the suitcases, but those I could handle easily. I got a taxi to take us to our hotel (Steve wasn’t allowed to fly home for 48 hours) and started moving everything outside. This was the only bad experience I had in Barcelona. The taxi driver was not happy with me. Our hotel wasn’t very far away, and we were a lot of trouble. But once again an angel showed up. A young lady walking down the street saw me struggling to get Steve out of the taxi and into his wheelchair. She stopped and helped with the transfer and watched my luggage while I took Steve inside and got someone to get the luggage (the driver had left our suitcases in the street and drove off as soon as the door closed on the taxi). 
   
God’s grace was sufficient for me. His power was made perfect in my weakness. This was a horrible experience in so many ways, but I left Barcelona feeling truly blessed by God and the people there. Many more than I have mentioned helped.  Some were “just doing their job,” but went much further than that. Others saw a need and stopped to help. Few spent more than 5 minutes out of their day but made a huge impact on mine. I kept thinking of the line “There are angels all around” in the hymn “Standing on Holy Ground.” It really doesn’t take much to make a difference. You just have to be aware of others and step up. There are angels all around and you can be one too!

Margaret Williams

Advent Devotional 12-3-25

 Am I Good or What?

On November 15, 2025, I stopped in Walgreen’s of Barboursville to pick out a birthday card for my granddaughter, Ruby Lewis. On November 16, she would be SWEET SIXTEEN! I had looked at every card, including the ones especially made for a sixteen-year-old, but nothing was written in my voice. Those of you who know me are wondering if such cards exist. I assure you they do, and I found one! The front of the card read, “On the day that you were born, God looked down from Heaven and said, (open the card) ‘AM I GOOD OR WHAT?’ Happy Birthday!” I laughed, grabbed the matching envelope, and put them both in the shopping cart.

You may not think that the card was that cute, but to me, it was perfect! You see, like any grandparent, I am sure that those were the exact words God said on the day that Ruby was born. And the day that Landon was born. And the day that little Jesse was born. We all think that God was pleased at the birth of our babies and grandbabies. But if that is true, doesn’t He think that about all children? I am pretty sure there was a time when I was not convinced.

One of my first teaching assignments in the 1970s was in a rural school in West Virginia. I was newly married, driving over an hour to get to work, and not making a ton of money. I was upset that some children would come to school in dirty clothes, unbathed, and sometimes with lice or scabies. Like many people, I did not understand why these families lived in poor conditions, ate unhealthy food, and did not take care of their children. Didn’t they get welfare checks? Didn’t they get free medical care? (Are there no workhouses? Are there no prisons?)

It was only after I became responsible for children, bills, a job, a house, and indignities of my own (Please do not turn the water off! I have two babies in diapers!) that I understood just a little bit of what my students and their parents had suffered. It took me over forty years to quit complaining and see how lucky I was to have been raised by Ruby and John Wright, my brothers, Jim and Bert, and my church family at Johnson Memorial United Methodist. I never missed a meal, never missed a bath, never wanted for clean clothes, never went without a birthday cake, never wondered how I would go to college, and never doubted that I was loved. I have never doubted that on the day I was born, God said, Am I good, or or what? I know that God is good all the time!

Prayer: Holy God, John said that he baptized those who had changed their hearts and lives. Please make us worthy to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Let us be trees that produce good fruit. Jesus taught us what that looks like. Amen

Becky Warren

Advent Devotional 12-2-25

Loving God,
be to us as a bulldozer of the spirit.
Clear your road in us;
clear a path through the detritus of possessions and obsessions.
Thrust aside our divided aims and devious games.
Topple the ramparts of pride and the doubts that deride.
Make a highway on which Christ may come
and take possession of the whole territory of our being.
To the glory of your name, we pray.
Amen!

Written by Bruce Prewer and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Home Page, http://www.bruceprewer.com/. Reposted on the re:Worship blog at https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2012/11/opening-prayer-prepare-way.html.

Advent Devotional 12-1-25

 Our Messiah

Psalm 72:1-7, Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13

As you read the scriptures for this devotion notice that each one is a statement to those reading them at their time in life.  The theme is one of hope and peace.  

In the Psalm 72:1-7 there is a desire for a King to lead the people and for a future Messiah. Both would bring justice and righteousness, defend the poor and needy, and bring peace and prosperity.  It is thought that King Soloman, son of King David and a descendant of Jesse is the writer.  

The Psalm was written several centuries after Isaiah (Isaiah 11:1-10) had prophesized the coming of a Messiah that would bring righteousness and justice.  That a shoot would come from the lineage of Jesse.  A leader that will be filled with the Spirit, possessing wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord.  This passage describes a future peaceful kingdom where humans live in harmony, with a child leading them.  

To the Christian Community the birth of Christ fulfilled the prophesy.  But it wasn’t for several centuries that Advent would be celebrated.  

Today we celebrate Advent as the coming birth of Christ but also the return of Christ to claim his Kingdom.  We celebrate the; Hope, that Christ brings of God’s promises.  Peace, that Christ brings to our lives and the world.  Joy, in celebrating the arrival of Christ.  Love, to show the love of God by sending his Son Jesus to live among us and leading us to show love to all.  

Let us pray:  Heavenly Father be with us during this Advent as you give us the hope and peace of your son, Jesus.  In our world today we feel a worry that is heavy with uncertainty.  We ask that you quiet our hearts and mind that only your Son, Jesus Christ can give.  Amen

Fred Herr, CLM

Advent Devotional 11-30-25

 Welcome to this Advent Season!  On this first day of Advent, I’m wondering how I will approach the season this year. It is a time of expectation, anticipation, and preparation. Many of us “older ones” have made this journey toward Bethlehem so many times that it has lost its sense of excitement. We look ahead at the calendar and become weary, making our list of the things to be done, feeling as if it is our personal responsibility to make Christmas happen. 

It isn’t that way for the children in our lives. They are excited and energized in their anticipation. They approach the manger with wide-eyed delight. There is wonder and awe in this miracle of Christmas! I want some of that spirit. 

In one of his Advent Studies, Let Us Go over to Bethlehem, Reverend Dr. James Moore offers a list of “Commandments for Christmas.” These “commandments” help us begin our journey toward the celebration of Christ’s birth. (The list has been adapted and updated)

• You shall prepare early.  Don’t wait until the last minute to get into the Christmas spirit. 
• You shall keep Christ at the center of Christmas. Don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed by the commercialism of the season. Resolve to read Scripture (use your devotional book) and meditate upon what it means that Christ comes into the world.
• You shall make Christmas a family time. Do things together with your biological or chosen family. 
• You shall remember those who are less fortunate. Contribute money to or volunteer with organizations serving the needs of others throughout the year.  Add a special Christmas gift through your church.
• You shall give yourself with every gift. As you care for each gift, pray for the one who will receive it. Wrap your giving in love.
• You shall learn to be a good receiver. Many of us have trouble receiving graciously and gracefully. 
• You shall take some time for something special in your life. That something special will vary. For me, that means finding time for the music of Christmas—especially the music of worship. (The Lessons and Carols Service will be December 14.)
• You shall slow down. Remember: Christmas is to be a season of peace and hope, not a sprint to the finish line. 
• You shall remember to worship. The church is the place you are most likely to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.
• You shall receive Christ into your life. Don’t just talk about the Christ of Christmas, let the Light of Christ shine on and through you. 

Welcome to your Advent journey. May you find opportunities to celebrate the miracles! Feel the joy! If you listen with your heart, you can hear the angels sing. If you open your heart, the Christ Child will enter in.

Begin the season as you read the words of promise from Isaiah 2: 1-5.

Prayer:  God, we thank you for the many gifts you give us during the season of Advent. Strengthen our faith so that we may see your love and presence each day as Christmas approaches.  Amen. 

Rev. Mark Connor