Saturday, December 24

John 1:14

Brian Chisom

John 1:14 (The Message)

The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.

Modern technology has forever transformed the way we communicate with others. Consequently, we are less reliant on friends and family to “spread the word” when needing to disseminate information. Instead, we often communicate or “spread the word” through Facebook, e-mail and text messages rather than through the spoken word. A long time ago, God sent the Ultimate Text Message (UTM) or Word to the entire planet and decided to do so in the form of the birth of his son, Jesus Christ, and things have never been the same.

The Word or UTM that God sent announced to humanity that grace and truth had moved into all neighborhoods, that sacrifice and burnt offerings were old technology and that forgiveness and unconditional love had arrived on the scene. God hit the restart button when he sent his flesh and blood to model a new way for each of us, and his Word has made all the difference for generations.

As we celebrate the arrival of God’s Word, His flesh and blood message, let’s take ample time to reflect on what the arrival of that message means for each of us. In doing so, perhaps we can find new ways to pay forward the blessings and gifts God has bestowed upon each of us. Perhaps we can take action on some of those possibilities we have considered, but never seem to have time to make happen.

Prayer:  Help us to experience anew the gift of Your Word. Teach us to seek opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others just as You have done for us. Reveal to us ways to pay forward Your truth and generosity at the local, national, and global levels. Amen.

Friday, December 23

Matthew 2:11-12

Janet Chisom

The birth of Jesus was a big event.  It was anticipated by people near (Jesus’ family) and far (wise men from the Orient); people of high power (King Herod) and low esteem (shepherds).  In essence, the birth of Jesus was for everyone, regardless of religion, race, class, socioeconomic status, or occupation.  We are included in that invitation to meet Jesus and can learn from the response of the wise men.

The wise men did two things upon meeting Jesus.  First, they knelt down to adore the newborn baby, offering themselves to the King of kings.  They humbled themselves and worshipped at his feet.  Second, they gave gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, offering their most precious possessions.  They were not concerned with the cost of their gifts, but only that they gave their best to honor him.

As we meet Jesus each day on our life journey, we are reminded of the response of the wise men.  We are encouraged to offer ourselves and our most precious possessions.  All of worship, and I could argue that all of life, is a combination of adoration and offering.  We are to humble ourselves before our Creator, giving God thanks for all that has been done for us, and offering ourselves and our abilities in response.  Also, we are to share what we have, our most precious possessions and skills, with others.

Prayer:  As You led the wise men, Lord, lead us.  Lead us to be people willing to offer all of who we are, willing to share our abilities, our gifts, and our lives with others.  In doing so, we honor the King of kings and Lord of lords.  Amen.

Thursday, December 22

Matthew 2:7-10

Carol Ferguson

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.

Tonight we read about the close of the magi’s uncertain journey. They were literally following a moving target, and one that disappeared entirely for most of the day. In our busy modern lives, we can empathize with the magi. We seem to be chasing moving targets all the time—a better GPA, that next promotion, a perfect relationship, a moment to ourselves. Like the magi, we find ourselves lost in strange lands, listening to treacherous voices. And we seem worst at Christmas—we run around to malls and parties, seeking that elusive “Christmas spirit,” because we have forgotten—or maybe, like the magi, we don’t yet know—the peace of Christ.

The scripture says the magi were “overwhelmed with joy” when the star stopped and they entered the stable. When was the last time you were overwhelmed with joy? Not just happy, or cheerful, but truly overpowered by a deep, radiating joy? It’s difficult. Joy requires us to stop, to put aside the gifts and the preparations and the lists and the menus. It is natural for us to want to chase after the glitter and the gold, but that chase will never cease. The only thing that is abiding in our lives is God. Joy—that still, peaceful, powerful feeling of possibility—comes from seeking what is real, our eternal Lord.

This is not the end of the magi’s story. Eventually they had to return home, their journey made even more chaotic because they had to avoid Herod. Like the magi, we must also soon move on from Christmas. When we snuff out the candles and turn off the Hallelujah Chorus, it will be tempting to go back to the endless pursuit of wealth or power or security. But while the star the magi followed has long since disappeared, our newfound peace should not. Don’t let the words of peace on earth, goodwill to men fade with the turning of the calendar. Don’t let the hecticness of everyday life keep you from prayer, from kindness, from justice. Don’t let this busy, fractured world distract you from loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Because when we finally find that still light, that center, that Christ child, we too may be overwhelmed with joy.

Prayer: Prince of Peace, Thank You for the center You bring to our lives. Forgive us when we stray from You, when we think we have found something better. In these weeks when we remember Your great act of love, strengthen us to commit our own smaller acts of love. As you once sent Your son into the world, send us out now to do Your will. We are Your willing hands and feet; help us to overwhelm the world with Your joy, so that Your kingdom will come to dwell on earth, as it does in heaven. Amen.

Wednesday, December 21

Matthew 2:1-6

Fran Ferguson

In these verses, wise men from the East arrive in Israel’s capital, looking for the new king of the Jews. For months, they have followed a spectacular star that none in Israel had noticed. Herod, Rome’s appointed ruler over Israel, is taken by surprise—and feels threatened! Where is this new king?

Herod looks to the Jewish priests and scholars for the answer, found in the words of the prophet Micah:

“Bethlehem … from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel… And he shall stand and feed his flock… And they will live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.” (Micah 5: 2-5a)

Who were these who came from the East to kneel down before Israel’s new king? We know little about them, but certainly they weren’t Jewish, in faith, culture or ethnicity. This was not ‘their’ Messiah.

In Micah’s day, all were wary of visitors from the East: they didn’t come in peace. The Jews lived in fear of the great Eastern empires, which eventually destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, pirating away the Temple’s treasures—and many of its citizens.

After this history of oppression, who is this Jewish king whose birth draws these non-Jews to worship Him? He is the “one of peace” who is to rule over all the earth! His peace is freedom from oppression, yes, but it’s more. Micah’s message was one of social justice. The Messiah he anticipated would bring the peace that comes from needs met, and from meeting the needs of others.

Father God, those who are hungry, those who are threatened, and those who put their own wants and needs ahead of the needs of others have no peace. Help us to follow Jesus our King, so that we may become agents of peace—and have peace—in this world. Amen.

Tuesday, December 20

Luke 2:15-20

Ruthie Barnett

15 “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”

In verse 16 we read: “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in a manger.” 

What did the shepherds do after the angel went away?  What would we have done if we had been shepherds in the field?  I often wonder if I would have left my sheep and gone to seek what I had been told.  As much as I would have wanted to go, would my sense of duty have let me?  What about the sheep? 

So often we let our own thoughts and feelings determine what we do.  I hope I would have gone so that I, too, could glorify and praise God for this greatest gift. 

Let us use this Advent season to seek and find Jesus in our hearts, in others and in the world.  May we, like the shepherds, having observed that stable scene and found Jesus lying in a manger, glorify and praise God for the gift of His Son. 

Just as God selected the shepherds to begin the process of conveying this story to all people, He is counting on us to convey the story of the birth of Jesus to all who do not believe. 

Prayer:  Dear Father, let our prayer this day be one of utmost thanks for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ.  Help us to share this great gift with all people.  Amen. 

 

Monday, December 19

Luke 2:8-14

Roland Minton

When our kids were young, we would gather as a family to watch animated Christmas specials. It was a nice time of family togetherness, giving us adults a mental return to our youth, when life seemed simpler. (Unfortunately, old habits die hard, and we may have forced too many Claymation specials on our maturing children.) For me, the most enduring of the animated specials is “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” I love Vince Guaraldi’s jazzy soundtrack, and the sweet story of a young misfit trying to understand Christmas. A scene that has always stayed with me is when Charlie Brown has bought his scraggly tree, been hooted out of the play and cries out for help. When you are up to your neck in Christmas duties, presents to buy, travel arrangements to make, crowds to deal with, don’t you sometimes want to throw up your hands and say: “Isn’t there anyone who understands what Christmas is all about?” It is unlikely that a young boy carrying a blanket will step onto a stage and give you Linus’s answer. But, I love replaying in my head his reading, with the cracked tones of a child’s voice underlining the simplicity of the message. When you are sore afraid, remember the true meaning of Christmas, which shall be to all people:

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Sunday, December 18

Luke 2:4-7

Jerry Barnett

“4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”

As I reflect on these familiar verses, I am reminded of the Lord’s Prayer phrase that asks that God’s will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. God has a plan for our lives and He will make sure we are where we need to be in order for that plan to be realized. God needed Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem in order for the prophecies of Jesus’ birth to be fulfilled. And look how He chose to accomplish that. He has Joseph obeying an order from the civil government to travel to the City of David for the purpose of being counted in the census. Joseph and Mary probably did not want to make this journey just to be counted in the census. It was a long journey and could not have come at a more inopportune time as Mary was “with child”. Can you imagine the doubts they must have had setting out on a trip like this? Why did they go? Because they were good citizens and the government said this must done.

Often, like Mary and Joseph, we do not recognize God’s will in the things we do. We may think we are just obeying the law, following orders, or just living our lives as we see fit. But if we look for God’s grace in our lives, we often see that many things reflect God’s will at work to put us where He wants us to be for His purposes. Thus it was for Mary and Joseph. Thanks be to God that His will for a Savior to be born in Bethlehem was realized.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you that Mary and Joseph fulfilled the plan that You had for them that resulted in the birth of Your Son. Help us to be as willing to follow You and Your plan for our lives as they were. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Saturday, December 17

Luke 1:46-49

Eloise Smith

Many were the Jewish girls who dreamed of becoming the mother of the Messiah!  The Savior of Israel!  Even those who were not rich or princesses could be chosen.  However, to be chosen was not so simple.  The Angel Gabriel had been so sure!  And Mary, a girl of about 14, was willing to be obedient to God.  But… how would Joseph react?  Her parents had betrothed her to him and said he was a good man.  Still, the punishment for an unwed pregnant girl was death by stoning should Joseph refuse to marry her.

She sought comfort.  Mary hastened to see her Cousin Elizabeth, finally with child after being barren for so long.  Elizabeth’s baby leapt in her womb at Mary’s voice.  Gabriel was sure and now Elizabeth and her baby also!  Mary burst out in a song of praise to God: from the depths of her heart she praised God.  Her words are recorded as a beautiful poem we know as the “Magnificat”.

“My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior . . . for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.”  (Luke 1: 46-49)

Have you ever felt great uncertainty or great dependency on someone else?   And yet, Mary magnifies the Lord.  She holds God in greater esteem than ever before.  She has no idea what this whole experience will bring, but she is willing to put her trust in God.  Doesn’t she set an example for us?  In all circumstances we are to praise the Lord and trust in him to deliver us.

Dear Heavenly Father, We, too, praise and magnify Your name.  We thank You for what Mary’s faith has meant to us and for the fact that You are trustworthy.  We would remember especially at this time what it means to pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Friday, December 16

Luke 1:30-33

Roberta Hipp

Luke 1:30-33

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. 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."

Imagine the thoughts Mary must have had when the angel Gabriel came to her and told her that she was to give birth to the Christ child. She did not think of herself as special, only as a humble servant.  Surely, she was overwhelmed with fear and emotions that we cannot begin to comprehend.   Because of her faith, she accepted graciously and knew that her servitude to God was necessary.

Throughout history there were persons  given important purposes.  St. Paul, Mother Teresa, Gandhi are just a few that have fulfilled their purpose during their lifetimes.   Just as God chose Mary and many others for great purposes, He also has a special plan for each of us. Not everyone is destined for world notoriety or greatness. We support a friend in need, help with local service organizations , and pray for world peace. We are to recognize, trust, and accept the responsibilities that God gives us.  Let us listen and look for signs, be attentive to God’s call, and not be afraid.  We are all servants in God’s kingdom and are assured of His love, concern and compassion for us.  With love in our hearts, help us joyfully share God’s message of hope, love and peace for all of mankind.

Father, Open our hearts and minds to the plans that You have for us.  Help us not to be afraid to put our trust and faith completely in You.  Amen.

 

Thursday, December 15

James 5:7-8

Steve Lemons

James 5: 7-8

“Be patient, then, beloved, until the coming of the Lord.  The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.”

I have recently returned from a disaster deployment with Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, in hurricane ravaged Northern New Jersey.  While meeting the physical needs of the community and homeowners was important, sometimes it seemed that the greatest need was for addressing the emotional and spiritual needs of the hurting men, women and children.  Sharing hope and comfort in crisis, with compassion and the love of our Lord Jesus Christ through listening, counseling, and prayer not only encouraged the tragedy’s victims but also lifted up the disaster responders.

James 1: 2-3 reads, “My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance...” True joy was repeatedly derived from renewed dependence on the Lord Jesus.  Entire communities joined together to support one another, and they learned to trust every day into His hands. Also, the responders learned to trust every effort they put forth into His hands when doubts of their adequacy rose. Together we all rejoiced, as we took care of God’s business and built up His house by the giving of hope.

Prayer:  Dear God, thank You that no matter what circumstances we encounter, we know that You have a purpose for us. Please help us to always trust You and have us find the true joy of depending upon Your Son and the comfort that You are always with us. Amen.

Wednesday, December 14

Matthew 11:28-29

Lee Hipp

Matthew 11:28-29

“Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Often called the “Great Invitation and Great Demand,” this beloved passage offers the gift of peace as a reward for living a Christ-centered life.  This promise from Christ represents all of the Advent blessings – hope, love, joy and peace.

Rick Warren states in the first sentence of his book, The Purpose-Driven Life, “It’s not about you.” So what I am about to share with you is not really about me. In my mid-twenties, I experienced a personal crisis that left me filled with despair. This condition resulted from a combination of events that made me question my purpose in life. I sought advice from two family members for whom I had great respect – my grandmother and older brother. My grandmother, a lifelong devout Presbyterian, told me to “surrender” while my brother, in a separate conversation, suggested I simply “open my heart.”

Their advice led me to the realization that I needed to relinquish control or at least share it, as would be the case in taking up the yoke. Gradually my anguish subsided as I gave over to God’s incredible Grace. Over the following months and years, the Spirit of Hope moved me to make a career change, complete the necessary training and eventually secure a faculty position at Virginia Western Community College, where I found what I believe was not my purpose but God’s purpose for me.

Prayer: (from the Beatles’ “Let It Be.”)

When I find myself in times of trouble

Mother Mary comes to me

Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be.

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

Tuesday, December 13

Isaiah 9:2-4

Lindsay Faulstick

Isaiah 9: 2-4

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before You as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, You have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.

As we continue through this season of Advent, this scripture reminds us of the unending hope and joy of the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Though, as humans, we face difficult times—tribulations of the mind, body, and spirit—we are fortunate in that we have the promise of good times to come. Additionally, we are reminded through this passage that we are so fortunate, as a people, that we are able to rejoice in the coming Good News. Many other people and nations experience times of tribulation so desperate that the light cannot penetrate the stifling darkness. May we always remember that we are blessed beyond words, and that we have a responsibility to help those less fortunate than ourselves in whatever ways we are able. Each day of advent, let the season be a reminder that there is a GREAT joy coming into our lives that we can and should share with the entire world.

Dear Lord, continue to remind me of the Good News of Your Son’s birth that is coming so soon. May I always be mindful of those who are less fortunate than myself, that I may be an instrument of Your will, shining Your light into the darkness. I thank You so much of Your promise of such joy to come! Amen.

Monday, December 12

Zephaniah 3:14, Psalm 100

Loren Walker

Zephaniah 3:14

Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel!

Rejoice, and exult with all your heart O daughter Jerusalem.

Read also Psalm 100. What more marvelous way to express joy than with a joyful noise! The Bible urges us to worship with joyful singing. Our congregation does a good job of this. We have an excellent choir, and we all celebrate with many spirited congregational hymns.

The Christmas music is especially joyful. Consider Joy to the World! or Angels We Have Heard on High with its pealing “Glorias” or O Come All Ye Faithful, Joyful and Triumphant! There are many more.

We should not only sing these wonderful Christmas carols, we should be sure to teach them to our children. They will hear them at church, but it would good if they would hear them at home also. They are not likely to hear them on the radio. The radio versions of Christmas songs are cute, but usually have nothing to do with Christ – “Here Comes Santa Claus”, “Frosty the Snowman”, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”, etc.  So when you are listing to Christmas music at home or in the car, put on a CD or MP3 of Christmas carols. A good one is Christmas Sing Along with Mitch (Mitch Miller). There are plenty of others. This music will become ingrained in your children’s Christmas tradition.

Christianity is always only one generation away from extinction.

Prayer:  The birth of Your Son has brought great joy to people of His time and to many generations since. We thank You for the hymns which express that joy. We pray that You would help us to remind our children that although Christmas is about gifts and visits with family, it is primarily our opportunity to share in the joy of the gift of Your Son to us. And to express that joy with a joyful noise!  In Jesus’ name, Amen.