Advent Devotional 12-4-25

 Angels All Around 

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

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

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

Margaret Williams

Advent Devotional 12-3-24

 Let It Shine!

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

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

Margaret Williams

Devotion - December 4, 2023

 Waiting

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

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

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

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

Margaret Williams

Devotional 12-9-22

A Season of Waiting, Hope and Preparation 

 
When I was pregnant with my first child (and past my due date), I can remember telling my husband that my brain knew that I would have this baby, but in my heart I felt like I would be pregnant forever! It was my new normal! I think that is in some small way how the Jewish people of Jesus’ time must have felt. They believed that their savior was coming, but they had been waiting for a very, very, long time. Just hoping was normal. Is it any wonder that many had trouble believing he had finally arrived? Add to that, he was a very different savior than they expected. Even John the Baptist, while in prison, questioned whether Jesus was their long awaited savior! (Mathew 11:2-6) 

Ours is a different problem. We know that our savior has arrived. We know when we will celebrate his birth. Advertisers won’t let us forget how many shopping days until Christmas! There are parties and family gatherings to attend, cookies to be made, presents to be bought and wrapped, and a special meal to prepare. It can all be overwhelming if we allow it. The difficulty we face is taking the time to prepare our minds and hearts to truly feel and celebrate the miracle of our Savior’s birth. 

Prayer: Loving God, please calm our hearts and minds. Open us up to the miracle of your love for us as we contemplate the wonder of a child born of a virgin, sent by you to redeem the world!

Margaret Williams 

Devotional 12-10-21

 Blessings

“John answered them all, ‘I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Luke 3:16 NIV

My Life Application Bible has this explanation for this verse: “Jesus’ baptism with fire includes the power needed to do God’s will.” The power to do God’s will! Sometimes I feel that it is all I can do to get through the day and take care of myself and my family! How can I find the energy and time to do something for God? Then He offers me the opportunity to do something easy. Something that takes no planning or commitment on my part, like really listening to a friend, letting someone go ahead of me in line, or giving someone sad a hug. A conversation about God with a complete stranger has been a blessing to me more than once! It’s not hard. I just have to be open to the possibilities that the Holy Spirit offers me. 

When I ignore opportunities, I usually end up feeling bad about myself. But, when I listen and follow through on the nudges of the Holy Spirit, I find that I am blessed beyond measure! As Rachel Held Evans says in “Searching for Sunday”, ‘Pay Attention!’

This Christmas and always, may you listen to the nudges of the Holy Spirit, pay attention and be blessed!

Margaret Williams 

Devotional 12-10-20

 Oaks of Righteousness

As I prepare to write a devotional, l always start by reading the suggested scriptures and make note of all the verses that are particularly meaningful to me. I read Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lords favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and to provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” I thought ‘yes!’ A year of God’s favor was what I was hoping 2020 would be! Last year was not a good year for my family. We needed a year of the Lords favor, a year of healing. Instead Covid struck, my Dad passed away, we had major plumbing and subsequent mold problems, and friends and family with serious health problems. It does not feel like a year of God’s favor! But, this is not about me and my problems. It is not about 2020. It is about Jesus. Jesus quotes Isaiah 61:1-2 in Luke 4:18-19 and then adds “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” This scripture is about the love, forgiveness, and hope that Jesus would bring to the world.

How do we make 2020 and all the pain and suffering that it has brought about Jesus? John the Baptist shows us. When he was asked by the Pharisees who he was, he answered, “I am the voice of one crying in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord.” (John 1:23 NIV). He didn’t talk about himself. He told them about Jesus. We can do the same. We can humble ourselves as John the Baptist did and make everything about Jesus and how he has gotten us through this year. We can work at staying joyful, praying continuously, and finding things to give thanks for no matter what the circumstances (Thessalonians 5:16). This is not easy to do when you are hurting and stressed, but if we try to do these things I think we can come through 2020 stronger Christians than ever. Maybe we can even be “oaks of righteousness, plantings of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:3 NIV)

Margaret Williams

Devotional 12-23-19

Anticipation

Today we are only two days away from Christmas. The anticipation is building! Recently I have been remembering the Christmas’ of my childhood. My families tradition was that after church, two weeks before Christmas, we’d go and pick out our Christmas tree. It would sit in a bucket of water on the porch until the next Sunday when we would spend the afternoon decorating it. No presents were put under the tree until we were asleep on Christmas Eve. There were four children in my family and we all stayed upstairs on the top step waiting until our parents had their coffee and the tree lights on. Then we were called down to what seemed like a Christmas miracle. Talk about anticipation! That may be the definition of it for a child!

The times before Jesus’ birth were very difficult times for the Jewish people. Isaiah 9: 2(NIV) tells us: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light on those living in the shadow of death a light has dawned.” The passage goes on to describe how wonderful life will be “”For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. “(Isaiah 9: 6-7 NIV) Can you imagine how much the people living under Roman rule were anticipating the birth of their savior?

As an adult, I don’t feel the same anticipation as I did as a child sitting on those steps waiting to be called down to that brightly lit tree surrounded by presents. Nor do I feel the anticipation of the Jewish people waiting for an earthly savior. I am anticipating a different kind of miracle--the opening of hands and hearts in love. A generosity of spirit that Christmas seems to bring out in people. Just as Jesus’ birth brought light to a dark world so many years ago, he also brings light to the darkness in our world today through us.
Spread the love! Spread the joy! Sing “Glory to God in the highest!” (Luke 2:14 NIV)

Margaret Williams

Devotional 12-12-18

Rejoice!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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 NIV

It is very difficult to not be anxious about anything. Life seems to take us from one crisis to another, some minor, some major. Sometimes they seem to pile one on top of the other until you feel like you are drowning. Paul tells us to talk to God about everything that is troubling us. We are to present our prayers and petitions with thanksgiving. That’s a little harder to do when your body has gone into panic mode! And yet, I have found that if I slow myself down and take time to think about the situation, I can always find things for which I am grateful. That’s where the peace of God, which transcends all understanding comes in. I am convinced that a spirit of thankfulness is the key to true happiness.

How do you make your spirit of gentleness evident to all? I believe it naturally shines through you when you truly believe that God is near and spend time talking to him, listening, thanking, and praising him. We are blessed! Rejoice!!!

Margaret Williams

Devotional 12-21-17

’Tis the Season

 Please read Luke 1: 46B-55

This is the season of giving, celebrating God’s gift of Jesus to the world. What an amazing gift that was! God used Mary and in using her, He blessed her beyond her imagination. Mary celebrated that gift and all of God’s goodness in her song the “Magnificat.”

 How often do we celebrate God’s gifts to us? It is always so easy to forget how blessed we really are. It is especially easy at this time of year when we are overwhelmed with to do lists and rushing from one activity to another. The best gifts come from the heart and don’t necessarily involve money. They do often involve time. I know that’s in short supply right now, but that makes it that much more meaningful. This Christmas give God the gift of your time. Settle yourself and think of all the blessings in your life. Let the realization of God’s love for you permeate your whole being. Then go out and sing your own “Magnificat” by spreading God’s love to the world! Isn’t that the true meaning of the season—to spread God’s love?

Margaret Williams

Devotional 12-19-16

Let It Shine!

Isaiah, chapter 9 foretells the coming of Jesus. Verse 2 tells of a great light coming into the world. Jesus is the light of the world. Followers of Jesus are called to reflect that light to the world.

As a child I remember singing:

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine,
 Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

Hide it under a bushel, No! I’m going to let it shine!
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

It seemed so easy to let it shine as I sang those words! But, like so many things it doesn’t seem quite so easy as an adult. I have known people who speak easily of their faith. Their faces seem to radiate a light that permeates their whole being. Does my face do that? Speaking easily is not a talent I have been given. How can I reflect God’s love? It doesn’t take a special talent to be more aware of the people around me. A kind word, a smile, a pat on the back, or just listening can go a long way for someone who is having a bad day. All it takes is remembering that everyone I meet is a child of God and deserves my love, respect, and attention.

Isn’t that a wonderful way to reflect God’s love? Caring enough about God’s children to really see them--isn’t that the perfect gift to give the Christ child?

Let your light shine!

Margaret Williams

Devotional 12-22-15

Mary

Mary was a newly engaged, young teen when the angel Gabriel appeared to her. The angel told her not to be afraid, that she had found favor with God. Then he told her that she would become pregnant and have a son, who would be the long awaited Messiah! I imagine she was feeling totally over whelmed at that point, but her only question was, “How will this be since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34 NIV) Then, after the explanation, “I am the Lords servant...may it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38 NIV) Mary was filled with Joy! How long did it take for her to totally comprehend that whole experience? How long did it take for her to start thinking of the ramifications of what she had agreed to do? While the angel was there I doubt that she was giving much thought to how Joseph, her parents, or the people of Nazareth  would accept her news. She just trusted God.

How was Mary feeling by the time she and Joseph left for Bethlehem? Was she scared? How could she not be? She was almost 9 months pregnant and heading away from home, away from her mother and other female relatives who could help her with the birth of her first child. Did riding on a donkey for 70 miles bring on early labor? It doesn’t matter. She was approximately 14 years old and about to give birth in a stable.  The next hours would not have been easy. Child birth under the best of circumstances is a painful, messy, humbling, and exhausting experience. These were far from the best circumstances even in that day.

Oh, but what joy she must have felt when she finally held her baby boy! Every parent knows the awe and wonder at the miracle of birth and the over whelming sense of responsibility for the new life. How much more intense must Mary’s feelings have been knowing that she was holding the worlds savior?

Mary was so young, so inexperienced. She had been on a roller coaster of emotions and hormones for 9 months. How did she get through this difficult time? She trusted God!

Margaret Williams

Devotional 12-10-14

God’s Gift of Love

Last fall my husband and I spent two days in Israel. As part of that trip we went through what the Israelis call the “life saving separation fence” (the wall) into Palestine to the city of Bethlehem to visit Jesus’ birth place. In this part of the world, rich in the history of three major religions (Jewish, Christian, and Muslim)
many holy sites are claimed by more than one of them. We waited in line in a Muslim mosque, that was built over Jesus’ birth place. Our Christian Palestinian guide explained that in Jesus’ time stables were often in caves and that pilgrims had been coming here since His birth.

As we funneled down the narrow staircase I wasn’t sure what to expect. Orthodox Christians were in charge of this site. They had created a setting fit for a king. The walls were covered with beautiful tapestries. On the floor on the right there was a large gold star with a blue center marking Jesus’ birth place. On the left there was a gold manger. I touched each in turn and said a quick prayer.
There were many people waiting in line behind me for their turn. I was standing in the stable where Jesus was born. But I was having trouble feeling it in that rich setting. Where was the humble stable? Then I looked up. I could still see the cave walls. That brought me back to the reality of the stable. I really was standing where Jesus was born!

At Christmas, we do the same thing the Orthodox Christians did. We try to create a celebration fit for a king. We forget to stop and look up past the lights, decorations and presents to the humble stable and the greatest gift of all, Jesus, God’s gift of love.

Margaret Williams

Devotional 12-13-14

The Long Expected Jesus

At the time of Jesus’ birth Israel was part of the Roman Empire. Seventy percent of the population lived in what we would consider poverty. Jews could pay more than half of their income in taxes. (10% to priests and Levites, 10% for temple sacrifices, 3% for the poor, and the rest to Rome.) Life was hard and the people were anxious for their promised Messiah. There were many prophesies predicting the coming of a savior, a Messiah. Some were specific:

“A shoot will come from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a branch will bear fruit.”(Isaiah 11:1 NIV)

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.”(Isaiah 7:14 NIV)

“But you Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judea; for out of you will come the ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.(Micah 5:2 NIV)

The birth of Jesus fulfilled the scriptures. Both Mary and Joseph were descendants of King David. (See Matthew 1:1-17 for the genealogy of both.) Mary was a virgin when she was impregnated by the Holy Spirit. And because of the decree of Caesar Augustus  that a census be taken, Joseph,  with Mary, as a descendant of David had to travel to Bethlehem. Thus Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Into this world ruled under the iron fist of Rome came the long expected Savior. From the beginning of His life on earth He was not what people were expecting. He was not born in royal surroundings. He was born to humble parents in a dark and dirty stable. This set the tone for His life and ministry. 

Jesus is still often not what we are expecting. We try to fit Jesus into our own frame of reference. Too often at Christmas we look for Jesus in a beautifully wrapped package under the Christmas tree. Then we are disappointed when we don’t find him there. Instead of trying to fit Jesus into a Christmas box, we need to open our hearts and minds to Him.

Margaret Williams

Devotional 12-5-12

EXPECTATION

My husband, Steve took a psychology class at USC as part of an Air Force safety school that he was attending. The professor walked into the room and yelled “PERCEP-TION!” Of course all of those Air Force officers jumped to attention because “ATTEN-TION” is what they expected to hear. That is human nature. We see and hear what we expect.

Christmas is a season of great expectation. Unfortunately all too often the expectation has little to do with waiting for the birth of our Savior, and way too much to do with the expectation of creating the perfect holiday. The perception seems to be that Christmas has very little (and to more and more people) nothing to do with God’s greatest gift of love.

What is your perception of Christmas? What do you expect on Christmas eve? Do you expect the love of God to once again fill your heart with the miracle of his greatest gift to the world, his son Jesus Christ? What will you do to make this miracle happen in your own heart and in others? Will you read the devotionals daily and commune with God? Will you be in church throughout the season and on Christmas eve? Will you give the gift of love, understanding, and compassion to all you meet? Will the expectation and assurance of God’s love shine through you?

“Prepare the way for the Lord” (Luke 3:4 NIV) and make the perception of Christmas the expectation of Christ’s birth!

Margaret Williams

Devotional 12-3-11

"The Perfect Christmas”

I love everything about Christmas. I love the carols and the Christmas services. I love my house when it’s decorated for Christmas. I love finding that special gift. I love the baking and the cookies (especially the cookies!). I even love fruit cake! None of this makes Christmas happen, but you would never know it by observing the world as Christmas approaches.

How did God's gift of love to the world turn into the ‘season of greed’? How did the celebration of our Savior’s birth in a humble manger turn into the world trying (and always failing) to create the ‘perfect’ Christmas? The stores are full of books and magazines to help us create the ‘perfect’ Christmas--the perfect gifts to buy and how to wrap them; decorating ideas for your home; the perfect Christmas dinner and all kinds of cookies, cakes, and pies to make. The impression is given that if we do all of these things (and spend lots of money), then we and our family will have a wonderful, joyful Christmas. No wonder so many people get depressed at Christmas! We set ourselves up for failure (not to mention exhaustion!).  No one can create the perfect Christmas. Only God can!

God has already created the perfect Christmas; given us the perfect gift. All we have to do is slow down and open our hearts to it. When we do that we not only ‘prepare the way for Him’ in our own lives, but in the lives of all we meet.

Margaret Williams

Devotional 12-4-10

Hope and Joy
The world seems to have run amuck--floods, oil spills, mine accidents, a minister planning to burn the Koran (this one really got to me), people losing jobs, homes, hope. As I write this, the election season with its constant onslaught of innuendo that plays on people’s fears is drawing to a close (thank goodness!). When people lose hope--fear and anger seem to fill in the gap, leaving us very vulnerable. All of this greed, anger, pain, and sadness makes my heart hurt, and if my heart aches, how must God feel?

God in his infinite mercy sent us hope. He sent hope in the form of a baby. What baby doesn’t bring a feeling of hope and joy to our hearts? But, this one brought hope and joy, not just to his own family, but to the world. This baby was God’s own Son. He brought love, forgiveness, and hope to a world that needed it and still needs it very badly.

This holy season fills our hearts with hope and joy. Hope that the world will be a better place. Hope that we can make our little corner of it a better place by loving, forgiving, and accepting others as God loves, forgives and accepts us; by sharing the hope and joy that God’s love and forgiveness brings to each of us. Loving, forgiving, accepting, sharing... caring--isn’t that what Christmas is really all about?

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV

Margaret Williams

Devotional 12-3-09

Prepare the Way for the Lord!

Today is my son Mark’s birthday. When I saw the date for my devotional I couldn’t help going back 37 years to the time of his birth. I remembered the anticipation and excitement we felt as we got ready for our second child and the pure joy on the day of our son’s birth. As I started to read the scripture for this week, I thought about how Elizabeth and Zachariah must have felt. We were young parents with one child already, but they had waited their whole lives for this moment--a moment they thought would never come. Imagine, first to find you were to finally have a child and then to find out that this child would be the prophet who was to prepare the way for the long awaited savior.

And you my child, will be called a prophet of the most high;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way for Him,” (Luke 1;76 NIV)

In a way we all go to prepare the way for the Lord. Every person that we meet, every situation in which we find ourselves, is an opportunity to let God’s love reflect in our lives and make Him known to the world. I recently received an E-mail that had one line that really hit me. “Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.” As Christians we need to try to be kinder, more patient, and more compassionate-to let God’s love shine through us to the world. This Christmas season let us truly go forth and prepare the way for the Lord, in our own hearts and in the hearts of all we meet.

Margaret Williams

Devotional 12-24-08

JOY
Last Thanksgiving my husband, Steve and I had our whole family together for a holiday for the first time in five years. We had a wonderful time. The next day our son, Mark and his family headed out route 10 to Hamlin to spend some time with his wife, Sylvia's family. An on coming car clipped a mail box and careened into their path. The call came about 2:30, "Mom, we've been in a bad accident, the girls and I are ok, just a little beat up, but Syl is bad. They wanted to airlift her out, but couldn't land here. The ambulance is leaving with her now. The girls and I won't be far behind. Meet us at Cabell Huntington." My husband and I were waiting when the ambulance arrived. We were finally taken back to the ER. Our son was strapped to a gurney, Layken, his 16 year old was strapped to one at his feet. His 7 year old twins were in separate rooms. The head nurse wanted a grandparent with each twin. They, of course were terrified. Sylvia was in intensive care. Everyone else but Mark (his ankle was broken) was admitted for observation. I stayed with the 3 girls, Steve stayed with Mark in the ER. Around 2:30 AM, after I had finished settling the last one in (they came up one at a time, thank goodness), Steve came down the hall pushing Mark in a wheel chair. He had to check on his girls before he could go home. They had just left Sylvia and told us that she would be fine. I finally settled down on my chair bed. It had been a long, very scary day and night to say the least! All I could think of was a multitude of heavenly angels praising God and singing, "Glory to God in the highest!" My family was safe and I was filled with joy!

I think sometimes you have to hit a low before you can experience the highs of joy. People who have just found Christ seem to exude a joy that those of us who were raised in the church have a hard time feeling. What we feel (or what I feel) is more of a quiet thankfulness. We know what Christ did for us and truly appreciate it, but it is not new to us. In fact we have never experienced life without Christ's love and grace. Take a minute and try to imagine your life with out hope, filled with pain, filled with sadness, always pursuing happiness, but never really finding it. Take your worst day and imagine living it without God. Now, let your soul be filled with the miracle of Gods love and grace, "For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given."(Isaiah 9: 6). Joy to the World Our Saviors Born!!!

May this Christmas fill you with the joy of the miracle of Gods love for each of us!

Margaret Williams

Devotional 12-11-07

Have you ever met anyone that you knew immediately was a Christian? I don't mean at church, I mean at work, or shopping-in your day to day life? I have met a few. It wasn't totally what they said or things that they did, although that was part of it. It was all a part of the loving attitude that they had. An attitude that gave them an aura that you could almost see and definitely could feel! An aura that came from God! How do I get that aura?
In the book God Is Closer Than We Think, by John Ortberg chapter 7 ends with a statement that really meant something to me.

"'In my Fathers house there are many rooms.' Jesus said. One of them was added on when you became his child. That one is yours, and no one else can ever occupy it. It is secret to you and him. It is your own private Sistine Chapel. It is furnished by every moment of intimacy and wonder and togetherness shared by you and your Father."

I have been teased all of my life about going off to "LaLa land." My mother asked me once where I went and after some thought, I told her "To my own little world!" She asked what it was like there and I thought a little more and told her it was very peaceful. I was in grade school at the time. Now I know where I go. I go to my own room! My God room! I can make it beautiful with the time I share with my Father. I can make it into my very own Sistine Chapel! And maybe, just maybe as I become more intimate with God, as my inner room becomes more beautiful I will reflect some of his love to others, and they will know immediately that I am a Christian. Lord let it be so! Amen.

Margaret Williams