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 12-1-24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REMEMBER JESUS EVERYDAY!!

Amen

Rev. Suzanne Ellis

Devotion - December 5, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rev. Suzanne Ellis 

Devotional 12-18-21

 AWE and JOY 

Close your eyes for a minute and think back to when you were 12 or 13 years old.  What were you concerned about at that age?  What were your thoughts about your life and your faith?  They probably included what brand of clothing the cool kids were wearing; how you looked that day; that cute person you were attracted to; and what you could get away with, when no one was looking.

Now open your eyes and read the following scripture lesson attributed to Mary, a lowly 12 or 13 year old girl, upon learning that she was pregnant with the Son of God.

A short time later Mary hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea. She went into Zechariah’s home, where she greeted Elizabeth.  When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, her baby moved within her. . . . . . . . 

Mary said,
“With all my heart I praise the Lord, and I am glad because of God my Savior.
God cares for me, his humble servant.  
From now on, all people will say God has blessed me.
God all-powerful, has done great things for me, and his name is holy.
He always shows mercy to everyone who worships him.
The Lord has used his powerful arm to scatter those who are proud.
God drags strong rulers from their thrones 
and puts humble people in places of power.
God gives the hungry, good things to eat, and sends the rich away with nothing.
God helps his servant Israel and is always merciful to his people.
The Lord made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his family, forever!                                                                                                       
Luke 1:39-55 Contemporary English Version                                             

Most people, no matter what their age, would probably be asking – How did all of this happen? Why was I chosen?  What am I going to do next?  How can I explain this – especially to my family and Joseph?

But rather than be concerned about these types of pressing issues, Mary goes to be with her cousin Elizabeth, who immediately recognizes that Mary is pregnant with God’s son.  Elizabeth is now filled with awe and joy as her baby leaps within her.

And Mary is so filled with awe and joy, that she begins praising God as Savior, as well as prophesizing about the future of her life and the child she is carrying, in these verses found in Luke.  All of this is coming from a 12 or 13 year old child who has such depth of faith and understanding, that she rejoices in the work of God.  No questions, no concerns, just awe and joy, as well as acceptance and trust, in God and God’s plan for her and this special child that is within her. 

Faith and love – awe and joy – God is our Savior. Mary shares so much with us.  Open yourself to God and God’s love for you, so God will be a part of all you do, and you will be filled with awe and joy as well.

In the hymn, Mary Did You Know, this awe and joy that Mary feels, is so beautifully expressed. Please use these words of the last verse, as your prayer for this day.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?   
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy was Heaven’s perfect Lamb,
And the sleeping Child you’re holding is the Great I AM?
Mary did you know?

Words and Music by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene 

Rev. Suzanne Ellis

Devotional 12-6-20

 Isaiah 40:1-11

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

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

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

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

AMEN, 

Rev. Suzanne Ellis

Devotional 12-16-19

ANTICIPATION

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel” (that is God is with us).  Isaiah 7:14 NIB

Isaiah’s prophecy was given in the seventh century BCE.  Although Isaiah was concerned with the political war of the Jewish people of his day, the early Christians, as well as the Christians of this present age, hear these words in Isaiah 7, as a promise from God.  Isaiah’s prophecy causes Christians to yearn for the birth of Immanuel – the one who is God, and who is with us.  ANTICIPATION

In the seventh century BCE, the Jewish world was in upheaval.  Politics, war, alliances, deceit – turmoil was rampant.  The people felt as if God had turned away from them, because of their behavior and their sin. They wanted to know that God was still with them.  They needed a sign to feel hopeful again.  ANTICIPATION

Our world seems strangely similar.  Politics, war, alliances, deceit – turmoil is still rampant.  We know now that we are the ones that turn away from God, and not the other way around.  However, we still want to know that God is with us.  We still need that sign, so we can feel hopeful as well.  ANTICIPATION

So hear these words of Isaiah 7:14 once again and remember that God sent His Son Jesus, - Immanuel – to remind us that God is with us, every second of every day of our life.  God’s light and love came to us in the form of a baby at Christmas. It was God’s concern for God’s people, and hope for us.

ANTICIPATION!!!!!

Blessings,
Rev. Suzanne Ellis

Devotional 12-2-18

Do you see it?

The tiny light?  In the East?  Just a small star.  Just beginning to shine.

It is the first Sunday of Advent.  Can you tell it is the beginning of this season when we prepare our hearts and our minds, our homes, our churches, our lives – for the coming of the baby – the Christ child?

Can you feel it - the excitement, the anticipation, the joy.  It is just beginning, but we have much to do and prepare for, so we can be ready to receive and share this unique gift from God.

The tiny star in the night sky over Bethlehem shone brightly so long ago, so the wise men could find their way to worship this love gift from God.  This star led the way first, so eventually we could all be led to Jesus – the true light of the world - to experience the love and grace of God.

God loved us so much that God gave us God’s only son – the one of a kind gift – fully God and fully human – to save us from our sins. God’s love was presented to us in the form of a tiny baby that grew into the perfect example – a bright, shining light to guide us and show us the way.

Now as we prepare for the remembrance of the coming of this unique gift of love and light, let us also remember that we must continue to find ways to share God’s light and love with others, now and always.

Star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.      
 (We Three Kings – Hymn #254)

FOLLOW THE LIGHT!  BE THE LIGHT!  SHARE THE LIGHT!  AMEN

Rev. Suzanne Ellis

Devotional 12-17-17

Rejoice

Rejoice, the Lord is King!
Your Lord and King adore:
mortals, give thanks and sing,
and triumph evermore.
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice; again I say, rejoice.                         (UM Hymnal – 715 - Charles Wesley, 1746)

Christmas time is indeed a time to rejoice.  As the hymn states, we are to rejoice.  We are to lift up our hearts and voices and rejoice. God provides. Jesus is here. REJOICE!

Several days a week, my husband and I pick up our grandchildren after school.  We enjoy this time together, playing and working on homework and building relationships.  Our only problem is that, on the way home from school, we have to drive by those magic golden arches, known as McDonalds.  And after a hard day at school, where the grandchildren have had to be on their best behavior and have studied their reading and math and every other subject, they surely must deserve a treat.  And to them, there is nothing better as a treat, than a “Happy Meal”.  It doesn’t matter that what would really be better, is for us to buy the food and then give them money to buy a toy later.  Only that “Happy Meal” with the surprise toy included, will cause them to rejoice!

In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians 5:16-19, he says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  We are to rejoice, and pray, and give thanks.  But here is the problem for us.  We are to rejoice and pray and give thanks all of the time.  Not just when good things happen – but all of the time – even when nothing is happening or when things are bad.  How is that even possible?  But Paul says that is what God wants us to do. What a test for our faith and our relationship with God.

As we prepare ourselves for this Christmas time, I encourage you to try to do what Paul has suggested.  As you try to rejoice and pray and give thanks through each day, through every circumstance, you will begin to feel your relationship and your trust in God beginning to deepen, and realize that God is in control. We must pray for God’s will to be done.  It is not easy, especially when things are difficult and trying, but it is only through God’s love and strength and grace, that we become the person God wants us to be.

Rejoice!  Again I say, Rejoice!

Blessings,
Rev. Suzanne Ellis

Devotional 12-18-16

Psalm 80:19 – “Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.”

Recently I went to get my annual flu shot, so I could be protected from the dreaded flu and because my doctor told me I should get it.  It was a long wait for my turn, but when I was called back, the nurse was pleasant and light-hearted.  She asked the routine questions and then said, “Now you will feel a slight stick.”  Ha!!!! Tears immediately sprang to my eyes, as I felt the pain of that shot.  She apologized and told me she had accidently hit my bone.  Wow!! That hurt.  All of a sudden, I was mad and resentful.  I had waited quite a while for my turn to get that shot and then the nurse had really hurt me.  What was the deal???

But then the whole situation changed, as the nurse began a conversation with me, to ease the tension.  What was my occupation?  (Retired pastor) Really?  What denomination?  (United Methodist) Where did you serve before you retired?  (Beverly Hills, Marshall University, Johnson Memorial, Lavalette) Really!!  Johnson Memorial??

Then the situation really changed.  Now the nurse was telling me her story.  You see, she and her boyfriend used to be drug addicts.  They were living on the streets, always searching for ways to support their addictions, but they knew that when they were really hungry, they could go to Johnson Memorial on Thursday night for Common Grounds, to receive good food to eat and someone to talk to.  They never had enough money for food and they were always hungry, but the people there were so nice and tried to help with their needs, so Common Grounds was very important to them.

But then she said one evening she was really desperate, so she had snuck upstairs and searched around until she had found some money.  She said she only took a $20.00 bill, because they were really, really hungry and needed that money. However, she had been thinking about that stolen money a lot lately.  She and her boyfriend had gone through detox, and had been clean for 12 months, but the fact she had taken that money from the church – the place where they fed her physically and spiritually - really bothered her.  She wanted to know what she could do to make it right.

We talked for a while, and I made some suggestions to her, so she could make the situation right.  She confessed that she was a new Christian, and it was hard to understand what the Bible meant when she was reading it.  She asked for suggestions about particular scripture readings and translations.  I’m sure the next person in line, waiting for their flu shot was really discouraged, because we talked for quite a while.

The truth is  - God had restored this nurse and her boyfriend partly through the help they received through Common Grounds. (and detox) I was where I was that day, (even though it was a bit painful) because God put me there, to listen and help as well.

That’s the way God works.  We are God’s hands, God’s feet, God’s voice, God’s ears - to everyone we come in contact with.  Be open to God and let God’s face shine through you, so we may serve and save God’s children wherever we encounter them.  AMEN

Rev. Suzanne Ellis

Devotional 12-13-15

It’s that time of the year – when the list of things to do is too long for the amount of time left before Christmas.  Why do we do this to ourselves?

However, this seems to be pretty typical for us during any time of the year.  We seem to over schedule almost every day, while underestimating the time and the ability and the strength we have, which is required to complete our tasks.  What are we thinking about?

One thing is for sure.  We have little or no time to “Rejoice”!  For as Paul so aptly states in Philippians 4:4-5:

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone, The Lord is near.”(NIB)

Paul commanded all people to rejoice, and be generous to everyone, as Christ had taught and demonstrated in his earthly life.  These words from Paul were amazing, considering his circumstances when he wrote these words.  Paul was in prison, facing a capital charge, constantly concerned with the welfare of the many new churches that had been started.  The people of his time were mostly poor, and struggling just to get through each day.  And Paul encouraged them - and us - to rejoice and be generous.

Today we live in considerably more comfortable surroundings and situations, and yet we are constantly worried and anxious and harried.  Maybe, instead we NEED to rejoice and be generous.  Gratitude and joy for all God has given us, strengthens our relationship with God and God’s people, so we may feel the peace and love of God surrounding us and helping us as we encourage and build up everyone in our community.

We have a choice to make today and everyday.  What will it be??????

Blessings,  
Rev. Suzanne Ellis

Devotional 12-20-14

This time of Advent is so special, because it is the time when I really want to make the effort to sit and ponder.  It is the time I ask questions and think about the mystery of it all.  It is the time I just stop and be in the presence of God.  It is the time I need to be quiet and listen while wrestling with my questions.

Mary wrestled with questions and doubt.  Can you imagine what she must of went through, during the time between when the angel came and told her what was going to happen, until the time of Jesus’ birth.  How can this be?  How can I do this? Why me?

The struggles must of seemed insurmountable, and yet in the end, Mary accepted what was to be, and her faith was strengthened and her relationship with God continued to grow.

Each Advent season, I realize that I have two needs – to question and to believe.  God always offers us the chance to voice our questions and wrestle with our doubts, so we may have the opportunity to continue to grow in our faith.

Jesus also reminds us during this time of questioning, that not only did he come to tell us about God, but he also came to show us what God is like.  When people questioned Jesus about theology and rules, Jesus moved the discussion to relationships.  Jesus shows us over and over again that God wants to pull us deeper into relationship. God hears our questions and our doubts, and reaches out to us, always trying to draw us closer.

After Mary questioned and worried, she responded by saying in Luke 1: 46 - 49:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me –
Holy is his name.

God continues to reach out to each of us, as we question and search.  How will you respond to God today, as we realize what we truly believe in out hearts?

Blessings,  
Rev. Suzanne Ellis

Devotional 12-25-13

Have you ever received a unique gift, a one of a kind present, something never seen or heard of before?  Something completely different – new, beyond your wildest dreams???  Have you ever really searched for such a gift for someone else?

“For unto 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 9:6

WOW !!!!! – The baby Jesus is that one of a kind, unique, completely different gift – that you have received this day. JESUS is our gift from God – to save each of us from our sinful ways, and to give us eternal life.

Jesus – fully human and fully divine – man and God – truly unique – the perfect gift.

Jesus is our perfect example in all ways, filled with awe-inspiring love and grace and understanding.

So how will you share this perfectly unique gift that God has given to you once again this Christmas Day?  Will you share Jesus with others during the coming days and years?  Will you be open to God’s grace and guidance, so that everyone you encounter may experience your unique, one of a kind present – Jesus?

BLESSINGS AND JOY TO EACH OF YOU ON THIS CHRISTMAS DAY
AMEN

Rev. Suzanne Ellis

PS -- Merry Christmas to all of you from all of us who are part of the Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church Devotional Ministry.  We pray your Christmas season is warm and bright with the love of God.  Kim

Devotional 12-23-10

Questions! Questions! Questions!

After rereading the birth story of Jesus in Luke 2:1-14, I am filled with questions.

It all begins with Mary. She asks the profound question “how can this be?” when the angel Gabriel first announces to her that she will soon bear a child. How can I bear a child when I am a virgin? How can I be the means by which the Son of God comes into the world? How can it be that God is coming into this world in human form anyway?

Eventually Mary accepted her role. She asked her questions, and accepted what God asked of her. Are we asking questions openly and honestly, and accepting what God asks of us?

Joseph and Mary question their ability to be parents. How can this be, that God trusts us to be the human, fallible parents of the Son of God? How can God allow this baby to be human and subject to human errors and disease? How is it that this baby is the “Lord and King”?

Eventually Mary and Joseph accepted their role as parents. They asked their questions and accepted what God asked of them. Are we asking questions openly and honestly and seeking what God would have us to do?

The people in our churches have always questioned and struggled to agree on the concepts of our faith. From the beginning, the disciples had so many questions. How can this be that this man Jesus is the “messiah” – the one to save us all? How is it that God has come to us in human form?

The disciples eventually accepted what Jesus had shown them through his resurrection. They asked their questions and accepted what God asked of them. Are we asking questions openly and honestly, and accepting what God asks of us?

When we ask our questions and face our doubts, we discover the real truth. This story of Jesus’ birth reminds us that this is not about what we know and understand in our heads, but rather what we know and understand in our hearts. God is reaching out to each of us. We must respond in faith and love!!!

Questions? Doubt? Respond to God with all of your heart!

Rev. Suzanne Ellis

Devotional 12-14-08

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for He has looked with favor on the lowliness of His servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

This beautiful poem, known as “The Magnificat,” is Mary’s song of praise about her relationship with God, found in Luke 1:47-55. Mary, a lowly, young, faithful Jewish teenager, has been selected to bear the Son of God. How can she possibly understand this awesome responsibility? Because she has accepted this role, she can be shunned by her community and family. She can be put to death by her betrothed. What a terrible predicament for anyone. Could we be as sure – as strong – as faithful?

And yet, Mary readily accepts this role of Theotokis - “Godbearer”, and composes this awe-inspiring hymn to the one who is always there in her life – God. Mary knows that God is always grace-filled and merciful – always remembering the lowly and using them to show others the faithfulness of God. Mary is so filled with awe and reverence, that she can only rejoice that God can use her. Mary is right when she says we will continue to call her blessed.

In this season of Advent, let us be like Mary – mindful of our lowliness, yet rejoicing that God can use us - yes even us - to further God’s kingdom, and spread God’s love and care to all of God’s children every where in this world. We are so fortunate that God has selected us to be “Godbearers” - telling others the good news of Jesus Christ our Lord – who was sent to be our perfect example of love and to save us all. What an awesome responsibility for us – but God is always faithful.

Amen!

Rev. Suzanne Ellis

Devotional 12-2-07

Are you getting excited yet? It is only 22 more days until Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of our Savior. 528 more hours until the baby Jesus' birthday will become a reality again this year, with gift giving, and joy bringing, and the worshipping and singing will ring out again. Just 31,680 minutes until we are to be as a child, and feel the joy of the light come down to earth, and know that the love and grace of God through the presence of God's Son was first found to be moving among us. Are you excited or what?

This year I really do want to be as a child, and feel the anticipation of the coming event and know that God wants each of us to respond with a childlike newness as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus. So often, the Christmas season causes us to grow weary with the multiple tasks of preparing our homes, our families and ourselves for the event. This year I want it to be different.

I love the way this idea is expressed in Romans 13:11-14 in Eugene Peterson's version of The Message:

"But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!"

Advent is here. Prepare yourself first, so you may be as a child, anticipating God's greatest gift of love.

Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love,
hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

New light, new joy, new love!!!!!!!! Celebrate – The baby Jesus is coming! AMEN.

Rev. Suzanne Ellis

Devotional 12-5-04

As we center our thoughts on this day – this second Sunday of Advent – we want to remember to be grateful for this gift of a new day that God has given us. We also want to remember that since Advent is the time when we prepare ourselves for the coming of God’s great gift to us, we want to search ourselves deeply and thoroughly, so we can make ourselves ready for Jesus’ coming.

We are all sinners; we make mistakes everyday. But we know that we can learn from these mistakes, and continue to drive to be the best we can, each new day God gives to us. I have a friend who I greatly admire, because of one particular trait he has. I strive daily to imitate this characteristic. The trait is he never says anything bad about anyone. No matter what, he always has something good to say about anyone brought up in a conversation. If he cannot say anything good, he doesn’t say anything at all. I have known him for years now, and I have never ever hear him say anything bad about anyone. EVER!

To me this ability to only speak well of others is just amazing. Friends, family, children – they all drive you crazy at some time. You have to tell someone how the ones you love are making your life miserable. But as this friend has demonstrated to me time and time again, a better way is to only discuss the good points out loud and leave the rest unsaid. The following poem expresses this point better than I can.

Wouldn’t this world be better, if folks whom we meet would say,
“I know something good about you,” and treat you just that way?
Wouldn’t it be splendid, if each handshake, good and true,
Carried with it this assurance: “I know something good about you.”
Wouldn’t life be happier, if the good that’s in us all,
Were the only thing about us that people could recall.
Wouldn’t our days be sweeter, if we praised the good we see?
For there is a lot of goodness in the worst of you and me
Wouldn’t it be fine to practice this way of thinking too;
You know something good about me; I know something good about you.
(Walter Knight)

Let us continue to search ourselves, so we can prepare for the coming of Jesus, for as Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.” Amen

Suzanne Ellis