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 12-20-24

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 12-10-24

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

Devotion - December 10, 2023

The Messiah Comes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-8-22

 Lectionary Readings:  Isaiah 35: 1-10; Psalm 146: 5-10; James 5: 7-10; Matthew 11: 2-11;   Luke 1: 46-55

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5: 14-16. (NIV)

I have been very blessed over the past few years to volunteer at Ebenezer Community Outreach in their after-school program for elementary aged children.  I tell or read a Bible story, help them with a related craft, play a game and share a snack.  I am positive that God uses this activity to help me become a better servant, but I hope I’m planting some seeds.  Earlier this Fall I was sharing the above verses from Matthew to teach them the song: “This Little Light of Mine”.
  
I had different lights to show them, such as a lamp, a lighthouse, a flashlight, a candle, etc.  We turned out the lights in the room to demonstrate how important it is to follow a light in the darkness and connect to the source. I said something like, “God loves us and sent Jesus to be the light of the world and because we believe in Him, He lives in our hearts and shines out to others when they see us sharing, being kind, loving one another, etc,….  One little boy looked very upset by all this and said, “What happens if you don’t believe in God or Jesus?”  I was a little shocked, but I’m sure that God gave me the answer: “God loves us anyway! He always loves us first and waits for us to love Him back!”  The little boy explained that he believed but his older brothers did not.  (I think he had talked about God at home and his brothers had been teasing him.) “God will always love you and all your family, even if someone doesn’t believe in him right now!”  

God loves us always. His grace and mercy are endless and everlasting.  He waits for us to awake to that love, even as we are distracted, unbelieving, shortsighted, and inattentive. He continuously sends His message of love to us in many forms and through many people –especially through a child’s eyes or a baby’s laugh. He is patient with us, just as the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crops, and for the rains to come to the dry land. (James 5: 7).  It seems that He gives us daily chances until we acknowledge that we walk in darkness and need his great, guiding light.

As we all prepare for the coming of Christ as a newborn baby, may we pause once again to ponder the mystery of the love that came to all humankind through His son. May we open our hearts to the coming of God’s Light and share the light with all we meet.

Christ Be Our Light
Longing for light, we wait in darkness,
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
Light for the world to see.
Christ be our light! Shine in our hearts,
Shine through the darkness.
Christ be our light!  Shine in your church gathered today.
                                       ~~~Bernadette Farrell

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-8-21

 Rejoice

Zephaniah 3: 14-20; Isaiah 12: 2-6; Philippians 4: 4-7; Luke 3: 7-18

Devotional 12-7-21

 Rejoice in All Things

Zephaniah 3: 14-20;  Isaiah 12: 2-6;  Philippians 4: 4-7;  Luke 3: 7-18

“Rejoice in the Lord always…Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 4-7

The date, December 7th, 1941, needs no explanation for most adults.  The peace of a quiet Sunday morning was replaced with horror and disbelief caused by the Japanese bombs at Pearl Harbor Naval Base. Our leaders declared war and we were plunged into the stress and strain of a country at war. I was not born yet, but the stories from history class and the stories of those who lived through these times have been significant for me. How could this have happened?  What made people respond in the way that they did? How did they cope with their circumstances?

December 7th was also significant to me in the year 1995. My son David and I awoke to the sights and sounds of our house on fire. I was not fully aware at the time of how dire the circumstances were, but between neighbors, fire department and health care providers, plus family, friends, and colleagues we were surrounded and cared for by many angel-servants of God. Looking back from the vantage point of many years, I am overwhelmed by God’s presence and ongoing care. At the time, though, I was overcome with anxiety, worry, fear and a sense of helplessness.

The command to “Do not be anxious about anything” in the scriptures was not realistic to me at the time. How in the world could someone just let go of their anxiety and pray with thanksgiving??? I couldn’t. I was praying, but not with thanksgiving! Eventually, though, I began to see that God had granted me life and was healing my wounds and distress. Both David and I would go on. In fact, we not only survived, but in many ways, we began to thrive. Doctors and nurses were God’s servants in the healing process. The house became much stronger and safer after a thorough rebuild. Family and friends acted as strong advisors and helped in multiple ways. And maybe the greatest gift to us all: David became a father on Christmas Day in that same December. We welcomed Austin as a promise that the blessing of family would continue.

The lesson to rejoice in the Lord always remains true today. We have had major worries, cares and concerns in our lives since then, including deaths and a pandemic.  How do we cope with our circumstances?    We can become bitter, cynical and distrustful.  But God calls us to higher thoughts—pray and make petitions with thanksgiving---rejoice in your circumstances—I am with you always!!! 

We lost a lot of material things to that fire in 1995, but we gained a stronger reliance on God and the promise that God’s peace could be ours. Anyone visiting my house today will see that the material things were replaced with abundance. I think that my experience as a patient made me a more caring and patient nurse. I know that my role as a grandmother was a way of rejoicing that my health and strength were restored. God cares for us through every circumstance and leads us to a closer relationship if we follow his guidance and direction. Help us to discern that direction this Advent season.

Dear Understanding and Wise One, We are so thankful for your faithfulness in keeping your promises and guiding us to a closer walk with you.  Your gifts are beyond measure and your miraculous love is amazing. We are not worthy of your grace and mercy, but rejoice that they are so freely given. AMEN.

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-19-20

 

The Kingdom is Coming

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-2-19

Ancestry.com

Lectionary Readings:  Isaiah 11: 1-10; Psalm 72; Romans 15: 4-13 & Matthew 3: 1-12
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a branch will bear fruit.  The Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord—and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.  He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.”  Isaiah 11: 1-4 (NIV)
One of the main purposes of Advent is to prepare our hearts and minds to receive Jesus as the extravagant gift of love from God.  As we know, the story of Jesus birth is a fantastic tale using a combination of Gospels so we can have a full cast of characters.  But Isaiah tells us that there is more to the story than what we read in Matthew and Luke.  To get the full effect we need to look at those who preceded Jesus.  Even though there is no opportunity to investigate by using modern day searches such “ancestry.com” or “my heritage.com”, etc.  we do have access to a wealth of knowledge about Jesus’ family tree by utilizing the Old Testament.

The “stump of Jesse” referred to in the lectionary scripture describes a live branch that will grow out of a dead stump.  This branch will bear fruit when the tree was thought to be lifeless and it refers to Jesus, the Messiah.    The Jewish nation had been waiting for a Messiah for centuries and many continue to wait to this day.  Isaiah’s prophecy points to the ancestry of the Messiah so that he will be recognized when he comes: “He will be a descendent of Jesse” and promises the people of Israel that the glory they remember from David’s time will come to them again. Samuel, as God’s representative, chose David, who was the youngest son of Jesse and the grandson of Boaz and Ruth to lead the kingdom of Israel. The relationship of Jesus to David gives us a starting place to look at those characters who preceded David and those who descended from David.

My study in looking at this scripture brought back a memory of when we created Jesse Trees to help us learn about the ancestry of Jesus.  The trees were bare branch-type trees and different symbols of the ancestors were hung on the branches each day during Advent.  The tree served as an “Advent calendar” to count down the days until Jesus birth.  My brother graciously offered the loan of his collection of ornaments (created many years ago) for us to use and I will be placing a Jesse Tree complete with this collection of symbols in the Commons area of JM.  There will also be a list of the Bible story, scripture and symbol that connects to the story for you to take home.  The selected stories begin with creation and highlight the progression of God’s chosen people through the trials of Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, etc.

Sending his own Son to be with us was really a very characteristic thing for God to do.  We sometimes hear that “the God of the Old Testament is a God of Justice; the God of the New Testament is a God of Love.”  In fact, the Old Testament overflows with stories of God’s love.  From the moment he began to make a world, God the Creator has also been the Redeemer, involved with his creatures in straightening out lives that kept going crooked.  The Jesse Tree Advent calendar reminds us of some of these stories that add up to the long story of God’s compassion and challenge for humanity.

Dear God of our past, present and future, we thank you for our many blessings.  We count among those blessings, the lessons of our scriptures, especially the stories of your people. The examples they set for us, the challenges they faced, the love that you continued to pour on them despite their risky choices give a glimpse of your mercy and grace.  Help us to prepare our hearts to receive you once again and to dedicate ourselves to your service as you call.  Amen.

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-7-18

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!

Lectionary Readings:  Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1: 68-79; Philippians 1: 3-11; Luke 3: 1-6

“See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me.  Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,”  says the Lord Almighty.  Malachi 3: 1

The lectionary readings for this week all speak to the preparation for the coming of the Messiah.  It was prophesied that his cousin, John would be the one who would point the way.  “He would be a voice calling in the desert. Prepare the way for the Lord, Make straight paths for him.” Luke 3: 4. John responded as a faithful servant and preached and baptized many in preparation of Jesus’ ministry.  Are we also acting as his faithful servants during this advent season?

I am very sure that you are deep into preparations for Christmas Day.  By this time, we have prepared the church sanctuary with Chrismon tree, wreaths and garland, candles and banners.  We have probably even decorated our homes, although I’m fairly certain, all is not complete—at least at my house.  We have practiced anthems and hymns and even prepared for a concert or two.  Many of us have shopped for gifts and begun the baking-candy making phase of the season. We are all very busy, but are these busy activities really preparing our hearts for the Messiah? Are we doing the work of Advent or are we just going through the checklist in the countdown to the big reveal??

I hear God calling me to be more intentional in praying and preparing my heart and life for the Christ Child.  One way to do that would be to set aside a time for reflection and prayer.  An exercise is listed that may help you to prepare for the coming of the Christ Child.   I’m sure you could come up with other methods, questions and formats.  The point is to look inward – is there room for the Messiah in our hearts??  In our daily lives??  What will we do to share love, to spread the Good News to others, to put Christ at the center of the holidays?? What preparations should we make now to prepare for the coming year?  Will you join me in purposefully taking time away from the busyness of the season to
prepare our hearts more effectively???

1. Turn off the TV and put your phone on silence
2. Light a candle and or turn off the room lights and turn on your Christmas tree lights.
3. Sit in a comfortable chair or couch where you can see your nativity set
4. Ponder the figures in your set.  Who is present?  Why were they there?  Who is on the fringes of the scene?  Who is at the center? Is anyone missing who should be there?  What do you think were their concerns? 
5. Think about Jesus:  the baby, the child, the man and the Savior.
6. What message would he want you to share with others this season?
7. Ponder any concerns you may have.
8. Surrender your concerns, doubts and fears to the Child in the manger. 
9. Pray with thanksgiving for the blessing of this child who made love come alive for each of us.
10. Always extinguish the candle before moving on to other activities.

Repeat daily or as needed!!!

Oh, Almighty God, Thank you for the gift of your son.  How masterful you were to send a baby for us to focus our attentions.  What a marvelous, matchless, extravagant gift!  Help us to open our hearts and lives to receive your precious gift. Guide us to share your love with others without reservation and with persistence.  May we continue to affirm that the best gift of the season is your abundant and faithful love.  AMEN.

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-25-17

Lectionary Readings:  Isaiah 9: 2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2: 11-14; Luke 2: 1-20.

⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, unto the City of David which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David) ⁵to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, who was great with child. ⁶And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. ⁷And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2: 4-7 KJV

History tells us that women have been carrying babies and delivering them without the benefit of hospitals and professional care givers for centuries.  As a nurse and as a mother, I am very grateful that I have lived in a different age.  But looking at Mary’s pregnancy and delivery experience I am still in awe.  The entire experience must have been overwhelming—the journey to Jerusalem during the last month of pregnancy on a donkey; the labor and birth in a stable with no record of any assistance of a midwife, mother, cousin or other family; and the lack of the amenities of home such as water, bedding, etc.  According to the Gospel of Luke, his birth was heralded by angels who sang to a group of shepherds and they became the baby’s first visitors.  And yet, in these humble beginnings, Mary brought forth the son that she knew was also the Son of God.

Fast forward to 1995:  my house fire occurred the morning of December 7th and I spent a week or so in the hospital for smoke inhalation.  My son, David, and I were homeless and living with my brother.  My speaking voice was gravely at best, I couldn’t sing and was still very weak, but I wanted to attend JM’s Christmas Eve service.  My son and his fiancé volunteered to drive through the icy weather to escort me to JM.  The picture is a little more complete when you know that Kirsten was also “great with child”. David notified me the next morning that Kirsten was in labor and my firstborn grandson made his entry into this world at about 6:30 pm on Christmas Day. Austin was the most marvelous gift and immediately changed our  lives!!!  He was surrounded by family which included multiple generations, as well as a host of immediate and extended family members.  He was attended by professionals who measured and evaluated all his bodily functions.  The room was filled with light and was warm and pleasant.  Mother and baby were healthy and doing well.

The “birth story” for these two babies was very different, but the boys were no less loved or warmly greeted. Both of these babies were very precious to their mothers.  However, God had very different plans for their lives.  God loved us so much that he sent his only son to earth to become a human who would ultimately give his life for all of our sins.  This marvelous, extravagant, matchless gift of love would change the world.  Two thousand years later, we are still trying to understand and accept this life changing gift.  Many of us struggle to believe that we are loved to that degree because the sacrifice of a son would be more than a mother or father could bear.  But that is exactly how much we are loved by God.

This great gift, given just for us, is that we are loved just as we are.  God loves us with all our flaws and cracks, rough edges and faults.  When we offer ourselves to this love, we are enveloped in the loving outstretched arms of one who is delighted with us and sings and rejoices that we are his.  He calls us by name, reminds us to “be not afraid” and loves us beyond our understanding.  Just as a baby lifts up its arms to be held, God offers us a baby to love, once again on this Christmas Day.  This baby will change our lives and show us that love is indeed the greatest gift of all.

“Love came down at Christmas
Love all lovely, Love divine;
Love was born at Christmas;
Star and angels gave the sign.

May you be showered with Christmas Blessings today and always!!

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-16-16

God Claims You

Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7; Romans 1: 1-7; Matthew 1: 18-25

“Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  But after he had considered 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 home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”……. when Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” Matthew 1: 19-21, 24.

The Gospel Lesson this week focuses on Joseph.  Joseph was a descendant of King David and it was important for the gospel writer to connect Jesus to this lineage and heritage.  As Joseph was about to divorce Mary quietly because she had confessed to him that she was with child, God decided to intervene in the situation so that His plan could unfold.

I do not often remember any of my dreams and the ones I can recall in the morning are not usually pleasant to think about. But Joseph’s dream was very specific and included a visit from an angel of the Lord.  If I had this dream, would I believe it in the morning???  The angel gave clear instructions regarding the future of Joseph, Mary and Jesus.  Joseph was to accept Mary as his wife with no more fear about who “fathered” the child, because he was conceived by the Holy Spirit.  I don’t know how Joseph believed this, for surely he had some knowledge of how children are made???   He was to name the baby Jesus and the child would save his people from their sins. WHAT??? How was that going to happen?? The angel even quoted the prophecy of Isaiah 7: 14 as the basis for acceptance of Mary as his wife and her status as a virgin prior to conception.

I guess I am just too cynical to give a dream the power to guide my actions. Maybe it is because I have never had a dream of this magnitude or maybe God knows who would respond to an angel visit. I do think that problem solving can take place as one sleeps and that after a good night’s sleep, a person can have clarity of thought. But Joseph’s life-changing dream not only included a very persuasive angel but also one with a specific “to do” list. However, the most astounding part of the story was Joseph’s response to the dream:  “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife”.  Joseph claimed Mary as his wife and then he proceeded to claim Jesus as his son.  Although there are not many verses allotted to the relationship between Jesus and Joseph, this passage provides a glimpse of Joseph’s acceptance of Jesus and his own obedience to God.

Joseph claimed and accepted both Mary and Jesus, just as God claims each of us.  The following lyrics are not of an Advent or Christmas theme, but they do highlight the grace of God as he calls out to each of us to trust his love, to listen to his voice, that he knows us by name and we are His!!!  What a message to contemplate during this busy, hectic season of Advent:  “I claim you as my choice, I love you and you are MINE!!”

“You Are Mine”
by David Haas         (p. 2218 Faith We Sing)

I will come to you in the silence,
I will lift you from all your fear.
You will hear my voice, I claim you as my choice,
be still and know I am here.

Refrain:
Do not be afraid, I am with you.
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me, I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine.

Dear Loving Lord of all things, We hear You calling to us during this Advent season.  With Joseph as an example of obedience, help us to heed your call and trust the instructions.  We thank you for claiming us and loving us so very much.  We are so blessed to be chosen by you, to belong to you, and to be in relationship with you.  Help us to heed your instructions and guidance in whatever format they may take.  May we ponder each day the lessons that point us to prepare more fully for the birth of our Savior.  AMEN.

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-11-15

“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”  Zephaniah 3:17( Zeph. 3:14-20)
“Surely God is my salvation;  I will trust and not be afraid.  The Lord is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.”  Isaiah 12:2 (Is. 12:2-6)
“Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!!  Philippians 4:4 (Phil. 4:4-7)

A favorite movie from my childhood was Disney’s “Pollyanna”.  I don’t remember which year I saw it, but it was released in 1960.  (I probably saw it several years after that when it came to TV.)  Hayley Mills as the lead character quickly became a role model for me.  Upon her move to a small town after the deaths of her missionary parents, she began to quietly change it from a town full of gossip, criticism, anger and hurt to one of positive thoughts and actions.  Through sharing positive, “glad” scriptures which are the promises of our heritage, she chose to focus on encouragement and hope. I know it was only a movie, but she did change the outlook of the town and by expanding on the idea, we are capable of changing our environment also.

 The term “pollyanna” has a connotation for looking at the world through “rose-colored glasses” instead of making observations with a realistic view.  But maybe we need to adopt a more positive outlook in order to balance all the negative energy and despair that are prevalent in our world today.  It doesn’t take long to find something wrong with just about every person, activity or event.  But it takes a little more energy to find the good in every situation. Uh Oh!!! I hear God challenging me to take on the task of finding the good in each situation…..

The Advent season is a time of waiting, but it is not a time to sit and do absolutely nothing.  All of the lectionary readings for this week are filled with the promises of God:  “Do Not Be Afraid”; “Rejoice”; “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save”; “Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.” God is calling all of us to take on the challenge of Advent: to prepare our hearts, our lives, our families and our church for the coming of the Christ Child.  We await the coming of new life in the form of a special baby who is wrapped in Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.  

The challenge to find the good in each event is linked to our belief that God loves us and wants the best for us. He has called us for his service and will equip us for the tasks he requires. One of my favorite anthems is “And the Father Will Dance” by Mark Hayes. The text of the anthem is based on Zephaniah 3:14-20. God loves us so much that he dances over us in joy and exults over us in song.    These words echo the first Bible verse most children learn:  For God so loved the world that he gave his ONLY begotten son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life.  John 3:16.    
And the Father will dance over you in joy!  He will take delight in whom He loves.
Is that a choir I hear, singing the praises of God?
No, the Lord God Himself is exulting o’er you in song!!
God rejoices over you!   God rejoices over you!  God rejoices over you in song!!
If God can love even me, as I am, then I can love what he has made and try to find the good in everyone and every activity.  God will be with us in the challenge and the attempts to search for the hope in each situation.

Dear God of the Universe, we humbly ask once again for forgiveness in our shortsighted outlook on ourselves, our lives and our world.  We have not lived as if we believed your promises.  Enter our hearts anew and light the fire of your joy and zeal within us.  Help us to find your light and love in each person and situation.  Prepare us for the coming of your Son so that we might “join with the Father in glorious, jubilant song!!”  Amen.

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-14-14

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord

Lectionary Lessons:  Isaiah 61:1-11; Psalm 126; 1 Thessalonians5:16-24; & John 1:  6-8 & 19-28

There came a man who was sent from God:  his name was John.  He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.  He himself was not the Light:  he came only as a witness to the Light.  The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.  John 1:  6-8  NIV

As I read the scripture readings for today, I was reminded of one of the first songs of the musical “Godspell” which was written by Stephen Swartz in 1970—“Prepare ye; The Way of the Lord”.  The musical is primarily based on scriptures from the gospel of Matthew.  We have very few verses in the gospels that tell of the life of John the Baptist.  By piecing the passages together from the gospels of Matthew, Luke and John, we know that John was a cousin of Jesus’.  John was the son of Elizabeth and Zechariah. Elizabeth had been considered “barren” and both of John’s parents were beyond a normal child bearing age. So because of the birth of John, many neighbors and friends identified John as a very special person.  They were in awe of the birth and asked:  ”What then is this child going to be? For the Lord’s hand was with him?  John was considered “special” and in God’s favor.  His father, Zechariah prophesied that John would become a prophet to go before the Lord to prepare the way for him.  John would shine a light in the darkness of the world.

John did indeed become a ‘Voice in the Wilderness’.  He called out to everyone who would listen to “Repent and Get Ready”—because there was one coming into the world who would actually be The Light of the World.  Many listened to him and were baptized in the Jordan River.  John was steadfast in his devotion to the task he had been given.  He denied that he was the Messiah or even a prophet whenever he was questioned by authorities.  He faithfully told his followers that they needed to be watchful, for Jesus would be coming soon.  His job was to “Prepare the Way” and that is exactly what he tried to do.

I am inspired by this review of John’s life and the holy task he fulfilled.  How can we learn to be more faithful with the tasks that God has asked of us?  How are we preparing for Christ’s birth this Advent season?  Paul urged the church at Thessalonica to “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. (1Thess. 5:16-18)   These instructions seem like impossible tasks, to me.  I find that in this joyful season, my “to do” lists are long and my patience is frustratingly lacking.  I waste time on activities that keep me busy, but unfulfilled.  I fail to follow Paul’s instructions which are meant to urge us to remain close to God, to allow God to support and guide us.

I therefore challenge you (and myself) today—turn off all the electronic devices and put down your books and papers.  Spend some time in quiet reflection to renew your walk with God.  Allow his voice to fill your ears with guidance and instruction.  Shine the light in those hidden places of your life that are full of dust or neglect. Surrender yourself to your holy tasks or “calling” just as John did centuries ago. Allow the example of John’s life to help you (and me) to prepare for the Christ Child who is coming soon. God wants us to live in the light and sends His Son to shine the light into the darkness that keeps us apart from Him.  Find some time today to get ready to receive his love.

Dear Father, please forgive us for being such wayward children.  We do not deserve and are unworthy of your love.  But we are so very grateful that you love us anyway.  The gift of your love is so precious and awesome.  Help us to find a way to prepare our hearts for your love.  Help us to invest our energy in ways to draw closer to You, rather than continue to be caught up in superficial holiday busyness.  Come into our hearts, Lord Jesus.  Shine the light and help us to emerge from the darkness of our lives in the world.  AMEN

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-23-13

“Light in the Darkness”

Lectionary Readings:  Isaiah 9:2-7;  Psalm 96; Titus 2:1-14;  Luke 2: 1-14.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;  on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned....For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9: 2 and 6

“It was a dark and stormy night.”  (No, I’m not writing the beginning of a novel).  But, I was awakened by the blowing wind outside and the lack of light and power inside.  It was the middle of the night, so I set the battery operated clock and went back to sleep only to find that there was still no power on Friday morning when I needed to begin my day.  I had to shower and get to work – patients were depending on me.  So I lit some candles and headed into the shower.  Whoever said that showering by candlelight is romantic???? Oh, well.  However, I know what a difference a little light makes.  Showering, dressing and preparing for public display is much, much better in a lighted area.  I am definitely not a rugged primitive sort.  

When Jesus proclaimed in John 8:12 that he was the “Light of the World,” he wasn’t speaking of actual light, but we certainly can understand this language.  Even in a world with powerful electricity, there are dark areas that we avoid because we fear for our safety. Many of us walk in the darkness of our own soul, weighed down by burdens and obstacles. Jesus said that anyone who followed him would not stumble in the darkness – that he would provide plenty of light. When we follow Jesus we become part of that light – safe and protected and encouraged to share the light with others. Accepting Jesus into our hearts connects us to the light.  We are no longer “walking in darkness.”   We’ve all sung the children’s song:  “This Little Light of Mine” using out finger as the light and waving it as we sang.  We are a blessed people who have been given this great gift of light.  The Light of the World is Jesus!

The Light came first as a baby and recalling the joy of a baby’s birth helps us to reconnect to the light. When I get to sing the Messiah which contains a chorus using the words of Isaiah:  “For Unto Us A Child is Born”, the power and majesty of Isaiah’s prophecy is revealed to me.  The story of Jesus is mysterious, unbelievable, glorious, overwhelming and real.  We are hesitant to give up all our busy ways to let him in, though.  We have this time before Christmas every year to prepare once again to accept the baby in the manger.  Time is running out on the Advent Calendar, but there is always time for the Father to accept one of his own and welcome them into the circle of light that is the Son.  

It’s not an Advent or Christmas Carol, but the words call us to accept the light and live as a changed person:

Come! Live in the light! 

Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord!

We are called to be light for the kingdom, 

to live in the freedom of the city of God!

Come! Open your heart! 

Show your mercy to all those in fear!  

We are called to be hope for the hopeless 

so all hatred and blindness will be no more!

Sing!  Sing a new song! 

Sing of that great day when all will be one!  

God will reign, and we’ll walk with each other 

as sisters and brothers, united in love!

Refrain:  We are called to act with justice;    

We are called to love tenderly;

We are called to serve one another;

to walk humbly with God!

Dear God of Glorious Light:  We ask once again for you to have patience with us.  We have been ignoring your messages this season.  We’ve tried, but we have allowed the busyness and worldly distractions to draw us away from the light. Help us to sweep away the darkness in our hearts that keep them from becoming ready for you to enter in.   Fill our hearts once again with the fresh new light of today that gives us guidance and direction.  Continue to call us to live in the light!  AMEN

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-12-12

"God Rejoices Over You"

Lectionary Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12: 2-6; Philippians 4: 4-7 & Luke 3: 7-18.

Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel!! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!...... On that day they will say to Jerusalem, "Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3: 14, 16-17

The verses above are the basis for one of my favorite anthems: "And the Father will Dance" by Mark Hayes. The Zephaniah passage is not well known or quoted but the imagery that it evokes is hard to ignore: GUESS WHAT, PEOPLE??? GOD LOVES YOU SO MUCH, HE IS DELIGHTED WITH YOU AND SINGS PRAISES FOR YOU!!! Someone once paraphrased this passage by saying: "God loves you so much, if He had a refrigerator, your picture would be on the front, held up by his favorite magnet." How overwhelmingly marvelous to be so well loved and cared for. It is almost unbelievable.

On a Christmas morning, many years ago, four generations of family gathered at my parents home to open gifts. The gathering was even more special that year as schedules and travel distances did not always allow these get togethers. My grandfather, unused to an audience as he opened presents, was especially confounded by the attention. You see our practice was to open gifts one at a time, giving each present its special highlight for the giver and the receiver. Each time it was my grandfather's turn to open a present he would say, "Is this for Me? Are you sure?" He seemed awed by the gifts and perhaps by the attention of the family. I had never seen such joy on his face before. Even as he opened them, I don't think he believed the gifts were really for him.

We often prepare our homes for Christmas very effectively, but ignore the preparation of our hearts to receive this miraculous gift. We have become insensitive to the gift's awe and magnificence. We just don't believe that we could be special enough for God to love us this much. So, I encourage you to take a quiet moment today and let this message sink in. GOD LOVES YOU!! He loves you so much He sends His son to you, to live in your heart and mind, to take on your heartaches, your trials, your triumphs and your accomplishments. This gift of LOVE comes packaged in the form of a baby. A baby with arms wide enough and strong enough to enfold the most challenging dilemmas or the most overwhelming joys. A baby who can speak to our hearts without words and calm our fears with a sigh. A baby to rejoice in each of us for all of our days. It may be hard to believe, but is it unbelievable? Because of the gifts of this special baby who became our Savior in His adulthood--I believe. "

Is that a choir I hear singing the praises of God?
No, the Lord God Himself is exulting o'er you in song!"

ear Loving Mother and Father, You tell us that you love us. You show us that you love us. You persevere in your pursuit of us. And yet, we are reluctant to commit to the whole package of this special LOVE. Please help us this advent season to listen carefully for your voice. Help us to open our hearts to receive the love and to sing joyfully along with you. Come, Emmanuel, Come. AMEN.

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-8-11

“Be Joyful”

Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; Luke 1:46-55; 1Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8.
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

I am sitting in one of my favorite chairs holding a rock with the word JOY etched on it. I received it at the funeral/resurrection celebration of Marilyn Holleran. Marilyn had made the request that the service be as joy-filled as possible. She believed that sharing JOY in all of life’s circumstances increased our blessings and made burdens easier to carry. She was emphasizing SHARING as a means of increasing our own JOY. She challenged us to find JOY in allof our daily activities and in eachperson we meet during our faith journey. But in an examination of my walk, I find that I have a JOY deficiency. I love the Christmas Season, but have I become too immune to the awe and wonder that it was meant to hold?

Paul describes Joy as one of the fruits of the spirit. Joy in this spiritual sense, given by God, far exceeds the joy that we experience because of some worldly gift or circumstance. So the answer to experiencing joy must be a great deal more than just sharing a laugh, smiling cheerfully or wishing others a “Merry Christmas”. Joy comes to us as part of the response we have to God’s LOVE for us. But how do we re-model our daily walk so that we can experience the true Joy of the season? In Thessalonians, Paul tells us to “Be joyful always”. There has to be a consistent connection to the source of the JOY-namely to God. We have to be open to the creative ways that God speaks to us and can fill us with JOY. We have to get in the habit of listening, paying attention and heeding the messages he sends.

In the “busyness” of the holiday season, it is especially difficult to pay attention. There are deadlines, lists and multiple responsibilities. There are work, church and family traditions to carry out. There are too many things to do and not enough hours or days to do them. “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” but I have to admit, I can say the words but my heart and my actions don’t always convey that Christ is at the center of things.

I am going to challenge myself this holiday season to “change my ways”. I hope you can join me in this challenge. I am going to find at least one thing each day that brings a joyful light to my life. Perhaps as others have done during the days of November in finding something to be thankful for each day, we can celebrate a daily “Joy” with such enthusiasm that the Joys we discern far outweigh the stress and burdens of the season. I will try to write these joys in a journal so that I will be more consistent in discovering the abundant life I am meant to live. Maybe by attempting this change in my habits I can grow closer to Paul’s advice to “Be joyful always”. Since Advent is a time of preparation, I want to prepare my heart to truly receive the gift of God’s love this Christmas. I want to be ready to sing “Joy to the World, the Lord is Come” with that JOY in my heart as well as on my lips.

Joy to the world! The Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. Isaac Watts

Dear Loving, Creative and Generous God: We thank you for the blessings of all your gifts. We especially thank you for the gift of your Son to us this Christmas. We are awed by your majesty and overwhelmed that you love us so much when we are not worthy of so precious a gift. We desire to be your faithful servants, but often fall so short of those goals. We ask you to forgive us and to continue to assist us to change our ways. We thank you for saints in our lives like Marilyn who have shared their walk with us and help to point the way to a closer walk with you. Renew us during this season of Advent

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-15-10

Identity Crisis

Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25

“Through him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ!” Romans 1: 5-6

Who are you? Yes, You, the reader…who are you? I know some of you, but not nearly everyone who reads our devotions. How do people know you? Are you known for your famous hot chili? Or maybe, you are known for that wonderful smile? Would others remember that you are a good listener or perhaps you are best known for your work-ethic? You play many roles, so you might be known as a good daughter, son, brother, sister, wife, husband, mother, father, etc. But really, who are you on the inside of your heart and soul where only God can see?

In the scriptures outlined for this week, Paul relates to the church in Rome that Jesus descended from auspicious ancestors. Matthew names them all, but Paul only calls out the name of David. Jesus is rooted in history, he had a family tree and was a son and brother, friend and teacher. He would have been an imposing figure in history had those been his only roles. But he was and will always be the Messiah. He is the Son of God. He gave his life for our sins and then was raised from the dead to become our everlasting Savior. This sounds like the ultimate gift. It was and still is! Hallelujah!! But it was a gift wrapped in the soft gentleness of a baby. How can we resist the urge to reach for the baby with arms outstretched, ready to protect and encompass the child with love?

Paul declares that we are who we are because of the gift of this special baby. We have been called to accept the gift. We are not just given a gift, like a present of something material, but called to become part of the gift. We are called to be a part of the fellowship of Christians who share the gift of a relationship with Jesus Christ with others. Are you ready to accept this gift? Are you up to the challenge of passing the gift on to others? Will you be known now as a Christian? Will others know you as one who lives for Christ and lets the light of Christ shine through their actions and words? In this time of Advent, can you present yourself for a closer examination? Can you open your heart for an early “spring” cleaning so that the Babe of Christmas can arrive with a guaranteed place to lay His head?

I want to walk as a child of the light.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world.
The star of my life is Jesus.
In him there is no darkness at all.
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

~~Kathleen Thomerson

Dear Jesus, Baby of Light, shine down on us so that we might clearly see your face and feel your presence in our lives. Fill our hearts with a light that dispels the darkness of the world. Continue to CALL us to receive the gift of your life and then to live out the calling by sharing your love with others. May we always know that we are yours and that our identity is forever linked to the baby in the manger. May we use these days to truly prepare for your coming and walk with you as children of the light. Amen.

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 1-1-10

Lectionary Readings: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Psalm 146; Colossians 3:12-17 and Luke 2:41-52

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Col. 3: 12-14.

Ready or not, 2010 is here ! Happy New Year to everyone!!!. It seems like only yesterday that we were beginning a new century and now it is the beginning of the final year of the first decade. Time is so fleeting and uncontrollable. It seems we are never happy with the passing of time. It either goes too slow or way too fast. There is never enough time to do the things we enjoy and way too much time when we are impatiently waiting for something. So how will we fill the 8,760 hours or 525,600 minutes of 2010? What will be our priorities for this clean slate we’ve been given?

I guess the traditional way to begin a new year is to write resolutions. Usually these resolutions are motivated by a need for self-improvement. We want to lose weight, eat more healthily, get in shape, stop gossiping, learn a new language, clean out the basement, etc. If your resolutions are like mine, they are neither kept nor become lasting habits. What goes wrong in this process? We all mean what we say, but rarely do we follow-through.

Perhaps we should begin the year using some of the traditions of our Jewish cousins. The Jewish New Year begins with Rosh Hashanah, traditionally a day of rest. According to this tradition, God inscribes each person’s fate for the coming year into a “book” on Rosh Hashanah and waits until Yom Kippur to “seal” the verdict. During the ten “Days of Awe” between the two days, a Jew tries to amend his or her behavior and seek forgiveness for wrongs done against God and against other persons. Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year for religious Jews. This holy day is observed with a 25 hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.

I’m not suggesting we give up the parades, the football games, family get-togethers, parties or special meals that we enjoy on New Year’s. But I am suggesting that God is calling us through the scriptures to begin the year with a more spiritual center. Paul suggests that we clothe ourselves with the virtues that connect us to serving others, caring for them with a love that builds up, is tolerant and supportive. We are to forgive as we have been forgiven, be ever thankful and continue to worship and celebrate the good news that Christ dwells in us. God has chosen each of us. He seeks a daily conversation with us and wants a long-term relationship.

The gift of the Christmas Baby has come. How will we nurture and care for that gift? In order to faithfully begin this new chapter, we must “get in shape” with prayer, fasting, meditation and a conscious attempt to deepen our commitments to the service of others. We do not know what situations or events this New Year will reveal to each of us. I’m sure there will be a variety of positive and negative--but in each, God will be With Us. We must make the most of the time we are given to care for and nurture the Christ Child that lives in each of us. All that we need at any given moment is and will be provided. We think we are rushed or even “out of time,” but God has “appointed a time for every matter and for every work." (Ecclesiastes 3:17) Every path or even every task begins with a first step: let’s take all our steps With God this year.

Oh Glorious and Generous God of the Universe, In Your infinite wisdom and plan, You have gifted us with a new year, full of possibility and promise. We thank you for this very blessed gift and pray that You will guide us as we attempt to learn how to serve You more completely. Help us to persevere in our attempts to practice new habits of prayer and study. Transform us with your grace to share your love with others in Your perfect plan of time and place. Amen.

Chyrl Budd

Devotional 12-23-08

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1: 19-28: “And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.” Verses 26-28

The verses above are a part of the story of Hannah who was the wife of Elkanah. Hannah was the second wife and she was very sad that she could not conceive a child. Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah had given him many children and liked to taunt Hannah about her situation. However, Elkanah loved Hannah more which only seemed to make the infertility much harder to bear. So Hannah prayed and prayed and was observed by the priest Eli as she prayed. In her prayers, she vowed that if the Lord of hosts would grant her a baby boy, then she would give him to the priests to become a nazirite. God eventually heard her petition and the baby, Samuel was born. True to her vow, Hannah cared for him until an appropriate age when he was taken to the priests for the remainder of his life.

On this day before Christmas Eve, we are fully into the anticipation of the birth of Baby Jesus. We’re down to the last minute preparations—probably a frenzy of activity. But I ask you to pause with me as we contemplate another baby—a baby that was promised to God before he was conceived. Hannah bargained for his very life. She desired to be a mother so much that she promised an excruciating exchange. Are there any similarities to Jesus’ birth?

Perhaps the two stories are entwined because they are both based on a matchless love. Hannah wanted a child and loved God enough to bargain with God to grant her petition. God saw her need and through His grace, sent Samuel to her. She in turn carried out her vow to give Samuel back to God as a priest-in-training. With the gift of Jesus, God examined the hearts of men and found that there was a lack of God’s presence. God loved the human race so much that he sent his only begotten son as a promise of a new covenant with us. Jesus came as Emmanuel: “God with us”.

Both Hannah and God were presenting their children as gifts to others. Both gave away something so very precious and priceless. I cannot imagine this sacrifice. Although there were times that my boys tried my patience and I desired a vacation from them, I could never have given them to someone else to rear. I dedicated them to God at their baptism and they have been nurtured and cared for by a host of spiritual leaders, but I have never felt the pain of sacrifice as great as Hannah’s. I cannot begin to interpret the mystery of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus, God’s only son. Let us simply rejoice that this miracle has been given to us. As we await the birth, scheduled to arrive in two days, may we all rejoice in all our gifts, especially the best, most precious gift of God’s LOVE. “Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love divine; Love was born at Christmas; star and angels gave the sign.”

Dear God, caretaker of all our needs, help us to open our hearts and minds to accept your gifts to us. We thank you for all we have been given and all that is yet in store for us. We are especially grateful for the gift of your Love that was so freely presented in the form of the Baby Jesus. Be with each of us as we attempt a closer relationship with You. Grant us a greater faith and everlasting peace. Amen.

Chyrl Budd