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2009 Advent Devotional of Dayspring United Methodist Church

2009 Advent Devotional

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Devitionals for every day of Advent 2009, prepared by and for members of Dayspring United Methodist Church, Tempe, Arizona.

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2009 Advent Devotional

of

Dayspring United Methodist Church

Rejoice!This booklet was created by the people of

Dayspring and is designed to give you something to

think about . . . a new way to appreciate the magic of

the season . . . and maybe to lead you to a new

understanding of what Advent means in our lives.

Throughout the booklet, you will notice children’s

artwork. These pictures were drawn by some of the

children in our Sunday School classes. We’re excited to

share our memories, thoughts, feelings and dreams with

you during this special season.

Nov. 29, 2009 The First Sunday in Advent

We light the candle of HOPEBe Hopeful!

The first Advent candle urges you to be hopeful - FULL of hope. Hope is not wishful thinking . . . a pipe dream. Hope is more. It bespeaks a confidence that what you yearn for WILL happen . . . is, in fact, happening. God is coming! Really. Be Hopeful!

We light this candle as a symbol of Christ, our Hope.May the light sent from God shine in the darkness

to show us the way of salvation.O come, O come, Emmanuel.

Prayer:Dear God, as we await the celebration of the coming of your Son into our world, remind us always that we are the ones who are given the task of keeping the flame of Hope alive. We keep it burning by stretching out a hand to someone in need, by donating food to charity drives, by attending worship and learning more about You and Your place in our lives. Show us the way, O Lord, to keep our flickering light of Hope alive throughout this season and in every season of the year. Amen.

Nov. 30, 2009

by Jim Coffman

Phillipians 4:6-9“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your prayerful requests to God. Ane the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds. . .and the God of peace will be with you.”

Preparing for Christmas: baking sweets to share, buying and wrapping presents, attending parties or get-togethers, and decorating the house can be anxiety-filled and hectic. Christmas also can bring about difficult emotions of pain, loneliness, loss, or regrets.

God is saying here in Philippians to stop worrying and start praying. In the midst of our busy schedules, in our aloneness, and in our fears we should turn to our preparations for the coming of Christ into bodily acts of prayer, and by doing this, “the peace of God . . . will guard our hearts and our minds.”

¬ When you wrap a gift, take a moment to pray for the love it represents

¬ When you knead the dough to bake bread or cookies, pray for an extra dose of joy

¬ When you sing carols, pray for harmony¬ When you decorate your tree, pray for peace in

the world

My own prayer is that this Advent Season brings you love, joy, harmony, happiness and peace.

Dec. 1, 2009

by Carolyn Olson

Jesus said, “Remember I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20

As a child living with my parents, Christmas just seemed to happen. The tree went up, the kitchen smelled of Mother’s Christmas cookies, and we made our angel or snowflake costumes for the Christmas pageant. It was magical.

Many years later when I was the Mother and had five small children, Christmas time brought only an increase in work and responsibilities to an already hectic and chaotic home. Each year, the baking, shopping, Christmas programs, and family get-togethers seemed to consume my life and take precedence over what Christmas really is about. I barely had time to think about the true meaning of Christmas.

Now, all of my children are grown up, and two years ago, my oldest child died suddenly in the prime of his life. That first Christmas without Curt I wondered how I could go on, and if I could ever take part in Christmas again. I just wanted it to go away. At my other children’s urging I knew I had to find a way, to move past the sadness and go on with our family Christmas. Everything would be different without Curt but we would share Christmas with him, knowing that he had gone to his heavenly home for Christmas.

That year I received a new nativity scene to add to the

other Christmas decorations, and placed the scene in a prominent place in my home. When Christmas was over, I wasn’t able to put the scene back in the box after looking at the scene each day and reminding me that baby Jesus is truly the light of the world. The nativity scene now has a permanent place in my home, each day reminding me that on that Christmas morning when Jesus came into the world he brought eternal life to Curt and to all who believe.

Dec. 2, 2009

by Julie Truelick

The Song of the Angels:“Glory to God in the highest and on earth, Peace.” ~ Luke 2:14

Music is one of the oldest Christmas Traditions. It has been part of Christmascelebrations for thousands of years. For those who truly enjoy music, there really is not better time of year. There are bells ringing, trumpets sounding and Choirs singing. Everywhere you go, both new and old Christmas favorites are playing.

It’s comforting to hear our favorite Christmas hymns throughout advent. Their familiar tunes are nostalgic, life our spirits and often remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.

Take time this season to enjoy the gift of music

• Compile a family playlist or CD of favorite Christmas hymns - Enjoy it all season long and for many years to come

• Play Christmas music softly during dinnertime• Attend Church on Christmas Eve and all

throughout advent to enjoy the special music performances by the many music programs at Dayspring and take part in the opportunity to praise the Lord in song

• Attend one of many local holiday musical events

• Host a caroling party

“Oh Come; let us sing to the Lord!Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.”

Psalm 95:1

May you be blessed this season with love, joy and the peace of the Holy Spirit

Dec. 3, 2009

An Ode to Christmas Lightsby Peggy Ferrell

Bursting through December nightsThat could be long and cold,

Our Christmas lights bring warmth and joyWith colors soft or bold.

Cascading from the rooftops,And from trees both small and tall,

The lights cry out “We have good news!We want to shout to all!”

“You’ve seen the darkness earth can hold,The sorrow, war, and fear;

But God has sent His Son for all,To show His Love is here.”

“The darkness can’t put out God’s Light.Christ’s with us day by day,

Illuminating paths so weCan follow in His Way.”

Light homes and streets and candles.Make your world shine clear and bright.God’s love surrounds and blesses us.

Come, celebrate God’s Light!

Dec. 4, 2009

by Beth Cadman

“And I am sure that when I come, Christ will richly bless our time together.”

Romans 15:29

Advent is always a season that slowly creeps up on me. Like everyone when I start seeing Christmas decorations at stores in September I want to scream, “What happened to Halloween, Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving?” Yet Advent and Christmas still come at the same time every year and all the frantic purchases, baking, wrapping and decorating all take time.

Every year milestones seem to tick off the calendar one by one until we reach Christmas! We celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with family and friends. How can we possibly get ready for Christmas in 25 days?

It takes time both mentally and spiritually to get ready. The physical preparation seems too easy to spot - it involves lights, cookies and wrapping paper. The spiritual preparation is not so easy to spot - we barely make time for it and often it happens in the middle of a Christmas pageant on Christmas Eve or a concert that brings our thoughts back to Christ.

Our time on earth is precious; spend time with those you love. Remember the good, forget the bad. Time is a gift that is given every day, if we just slow down to accept it. May Christ richly bless your time together with family and friends.

Dec. 5, 2009

by Lori Rand

Some of my friends and I are part of a book study: “Spiritual Simplicity” by David Yount. Our goal is to live our lives more simply with less stress and a more healthy and Godly life with spirits set free from society’s definition of the good life and closer to the ideas of Jesus.

I decided putting into practice my learning about spiritual simplicity during this Christmas season would be a new challenge.

Here is the list of seven simplicity steps for my Christmas season:1. Shop simply and early, by December 10th, to reduce

the stress and give more time to peaceably enjoy the season

2. To reduce the focus of gifts that come in a box and instead focus on smaller gifts that come from the heart

3. To cut down on my list of Christmas events, too many of which diminish my spirit and increase my grouchiness. (But not to miss the Madrigal Feast!)

4. Keep my focus on Christ in Christmas, praying more for a manger heart worthy of Christ’s coming

5. Enjoy the simplicity of time by the fire, Christmas music and stories with loved ones, and simple good food and good cheer with friends and family

6. See the play “A Christmas Carol,” a symbol of redemption and reminder of God’s power of love to reach out to the scrooge in each of us

7. To give more time and money to those is need, especially the hungry, the homeless and children who have a parent in prison

To live simply so that others, and ourselves, can simply live

seems a good motto to live by and one that Jesus would approve.

What’s on your list to lead simply more holy, more enjoyable, and less stressful Christmas?

Dec. 6, 2009 The Second Sunday in Advent

We light the candle of PEACEBe Peaceful

The second candle flickers and our souls tremble with the Good News that peace on earth will come to pass through the birth of Jesus, our Prince of Peace. Let us brighten the world with a spirit of unity and live in peace with one another. Be Peaceful!

We light this candle as a symbol of the Prince of Peace.May the visitation of your Holy Spirit, O God,

make us ready for the coming of Jesus, our hope and joy.

O come, O come, Emmanuel.

Prayer:Most holy and loving God, even in the hustle and

bustle of this season, you call us to walk in Your Peace. Show us the way, O God. Show us how in the midst of shopping and wrapping and baking and cleaning to find a moment of calm to acknowledge Your presence with us. Show us how to extend that peace like a warm blanket around our family and friends, around our co-workers, around those in need and around our world. Help us to wrap the world in Your Peace as the perfect gift to you. Amen.

Dec. 7, 2009

The Gift of the Momentby Carol Coleman

The Advent Season is full of so many wonderful traditions and customs. Baking Christmas cookies, addressing and mailing Christmas cards, shopping for the perfect gifts, children’s pageants, choir concerts, worship services, parties, putting up Christmas decorations, and the list goes on. What I find so amazing is that each Advent season is so different for me. Some years I want to do it all, and some years I want to keep the “To-Do” and “To-See” list short. When my kids were little, I knew it was best to keep my life simple. The first Christmas in our new home was just the opposite; I wanted to do it all. The goal always being to help me focus on the wonderful gift of the birth of Christ.

During the 2009 Advent Season, I just happen to be reading the book, The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle. This year, my motto is to “Live in the Moment.” I am going to try to seize opportunities as they are presented. This means I may or may not send Christmas cards, I may or may not go shopping the day after Thanksgiving, and I may decide that cash is the best gift of all! My hope is that I will see more smiles on the faces of children as they discover the wonder of the season, or that I will smell the wonderful aroma of gingerbread coming from the neighbor’s house (and praying that they want to share their goodies), or that I will gaze at the stars twinkling in the night sky knowing that our Savior may have been born under the same beautiful setting!

As we pray the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread,” I am continually reminded of the importance of focusing on the word “daily.” Let us keep remembering that each day is a gift to be treasured and cherished.

Dec. 8, 2009

Special Christmas Traditions or Memories

by the 4th and 5th grade Sunday School Children

Some of the children in our 4th and 5th grade Sunday School Class were asked, “Do you have any special Christmas traditions or Christmas memories”? Here are their responses:

“Every Christmas we go on a treasure hunt. My Mom and Dad lay out presents and we have to hunt for them”. Audrey White

“My Grandma, Marie, comes over on Christmas Day”. Nicole Hudson

“We get lots of food and give it to people in need”. Marcus Naisant

“One thing I like is we go shopping for new clothes and take a picture to save the memory. Sometimes we invite friends over for a party. We send cards to friends and family all over the world. And we read the Bible - the story of the birth of Jesus - on Christmas Eve and

Christmas Day.” Joanna Gunaraj

“My family goes to other family member’s houses and go around the room and talk about what we like about Christmas and exchange presents and eat.”

Carlan Naisant

Dec. 9, 2009

Special Christmas Traditions or Memories

by the 4th and 5th grade Sunday School Children(continued)

“I celebrate with my family. I have a nice dinner and love giving to others. I choose a boy or girl from the giving tree and give a gift to him or her”.

Jonny Bowles

“We invite a lot of family and friends to our house for a Christmas party and we make 300 cookies. We do fun stuff at the party. On Christmas Day, we do Christmas with our grandparents”. Drew Logsdon

“I wake up Christmas morning and then wake up my Mom so we can exchange gifts”. Christina Armenta

Dec. 10, 2009

by Skip Hughes

“While we were yet sinners Christ died for us” ~ Romans 5:8

“We love because God first loved us” ~ 1John 4:19

The season of Advent was “invented” by the Church as a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It seems to me, the goal is to purposefully get ready to celebrate God’s reaching out to us. The passage from Romans reminds us we are not making ourselves “good enough” or “holy enough”, for this is truly a time to celebrate God’s grace . . . see 1John. According to Genesis 3, God has been seeking humans to restore (grace) relationships that had been broken. No other religion makes that approach. May this Advent be a time for each of us to renew our invitation “Come into my heart, Lord Jesus”. Amen.

Dec. 11, 2009

Dateline: Tempe, Arizona; Dec. 25, 1983by April Osborn

As a child I was captivated with Mary in the Christmas story. I imagined riding on a tiny donkey, being pregnant, and traveling with a new husband to a strange town. What an adventure. She was the most dramatic and vivid female Biblical character I knew. My bond with Mary intensified during Advent of 1983 when I was first a mother.

In 1983, and in spit of thousands of miles, my family decided they must come to Arizona and see our new baby baptized. That year Advent planning centered around sleeping arrangements, transportation, laying in supplies for the horde, and purchasing a “big Mac” to tie to the roof of the Chevy for luggage and gift overflow. A total of nine aunts & uncles, grandparents, cousins, and one Great-Grandmother ranging in ages from 5 to 70 years loaded into two cars to brace Midwestern snowstorms. Two and one-half days later this group of hardy farm folk unfolded themselves in the Tempe sunshine - all to be with us and Ed and Iny in celebration of this new child.

The culmination of the planning took place on a cool and dreary Christmas morning as Ed and I stood with Reverend Marshall Lindsay as he baptized 4-month old baby Rex in Fellowship Hall. Rex was dapper in his red velvet Christmas suit detailed with hand-made tatting delivered in-person by his Great-Grandmother. Ed & I proudly basked in the light of two rows of family members who made it their priority to be a part of welcoming our first child into the church.

I think back to that Advent Season. One small baby and yet so much delight and so much drama. Only a tiny child but my world changed; chaos, worry, and joyfulness became daily companions. Centuries before, I know Mary

experienced these same emotions.

Again this Advent my thoughts are gripped by Mary and her role in all that surrounded the birth and life of her first child. Only a baby, but what a miracle.

Dec. 12, 2009

Away in a Mangerby Patti Pompa

One of my favorite Christmas hymns is “Away in a Manger.” The reasons I like it so much is because I learned it as a child, it is easy to sing, and the message is so simple and perfect.

“Away in a manger no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.”

“The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes; I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky and stay be my cradle till morning is nigh.”

It is the third verse that speaks to my heart. I actually say it as a daily prayer. It goes with me always - every day. Sometimes I sing the third verse all day. I use it as my mantra. I changed the words a little at the end to make it more personal for me.

“Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay close by me forever, and love me, I pray; bless all the dear children in thy tender care, (and be with me always and everywhere).

You and I are dear children of God. God does love us so much. During this Advent Season may you realize how blessed you are. God is with us while we sleep, while we are awake, and everywhere we go.

Dec. 13, 2009 The Third Sunday in Advent

We Light the Candle of JOYBe Joyful

The third Advent Candle urges you to be joyful - FULL of joy. It is an overflowing feeling, much like the “glory of the Lord” which spilled out of heaven that ancient midnight. It spread from angel to shepherd . . . and finally to YOU! Be joyful!

We light this candle as a symbol of Christ, our Joy.May the joyful promise of your Holy Spirit, O God,

make us ready for the coming of Jesus, our hope and joy.O come, O come, Emmanuel.

Prayer:O God, such joy this season brings to us! Such

wonderful memories and moments! And yet, there are those who find only pain in the images and music that others find so thrilling. Help us, God, to spread our joy gently - less like stick butter and more like melted butter on the bread of human hearts - that each person might find a gentle reminder of Your love in the season. Amen.

Dec. 14, 2009

Born to You?by Rev. Charlie Ferrell

It is St. Luke’s gospel alone which carries the story of the angel announcing the birth of the Savior to the shepherd watching their flock by night. Read it again: “Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’” ~ Luke 2:9-10

How did the shepherds respond? Luke reports that they said, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord had made known to us. So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger”. Of course they were amazed and dazzled with joy. They told everyone about their experience. Then they returned to the field, “glorifying and praising God for they had heard and seen . . .”

Ponder the angel’s announcement “to you is born . . . a Savior”. That was indeed “good news of great joy for all people”. And if we take the coming of Christ seriously, if we wish for Him to live in our hearts and allow Him to doso . . . without reservation, it is glorious good news for us as well.

Has Christ truly been born to you? Meditate on that.

Dec. 15, 2009

The “Revelations” of Adventby Jane Baker

For the past several weeks, the Explorer’s Class has been studying the book of Revelation. As we have explored the meaning of this controversial book in the New Testament, we have come to some new revelations of our own. First of all, the book is not a gloomy prediction of the end of the world. It is not an outline of the catastrophic events which will occur if one does not “get right” with God. It is, however, an unveiling of God’s plan for his creation; a plan which includes beauty, fulfillment, and justice for all of God’s children. It was written to help support those early Christians who were being persecuted by the Romans and who were tempted to divert from the true faith which God had imparted to them through Jesus. As such, it contains a powerful message for all of us who call ourselves Christians today. Indeed, we have many of the same temptations before us that the Christians in the seven churches in Asia Minor had. As much as we would like to relegate this book to the past, it speaks clearly to us today of the choices that we have to make every day of our lives. Revelation presents two possible outcomes for the world and makes it clear that we have a choice in the way the story ends. We are co-creators with God!

Advent is a time of creativity. We are creative in the way we decorate our homes. We are careful about finding just the right gifts for our family and friends. We bake all kinds of holiday goodies to adorn our tables that we never do the rest of the year. And Santa finds all kinds of creative hiding places for his gifts! As we journey through Advent being creative this year, can we also be open to the “unveiling” of the Christ-child and to his call to be creative stewards of God’s earth? Can we find ways to more creatively love one another and be instruments of justice in this world which longs for a happy ending!

Dec. 16, 2009

Christmas in the Commerce Aisleby Marianne E. Lopez

Christmas is one of those rare times during the year when God’s love is made manifest simply because we open our hearts and minds to accept it. I felt that love in a deep and profound way one Advent, as I sought divine guidance for a gift - the right gift - for my daughter. Only one week was left before Christmas when I headed off to Target, assuming that my choice was settled. I would give my 7 year-old a portable stereo system, so she could listen to music and enjoy melodies in her room.

It’s not that God spoke to me clearly; on the contrary, I was not entirely sure of the best choice. But I stepped forward anyway, thinking that my selection would be suitable. So much of the time, stepping forward is the biggest act of faith.

So there I was in the portable stereo section of the store, examining the systems on display, when my eyes fell across a sale tag for the children’s bikes, misplaced and seemingly thrown on the rack by mistake. Now the bicycles are nowhere near the stereos in the store, but here was a sign, if you will, leading me right to the other gift that I had discarded as 2nd choice. What on earth was a bicycle sale tag doing in the stereos? I couldn’t ignore the message that I needed to direct my attention to the bikes.

And so I followed. Not only were the bikes pre-assembled, but they were also good quality and on sale! As I stood there debating in my mind on what now seems obvious, I stumbled into a conversation with the sales clerk about Christmases past and the memories of our childhood. We shared, we laughed, and we connected, remembering those dear and special memories that only love can create. That morning shopping experience was a God moment, and I will

never forget it.

May you find your own God moments this holiday season, and may you have the discernment to know when they are upon you.

P.S. A red bow still rides on the handlebars after three years of use.

Dec. 17, 2009

Renewed Hopeby Rev. George Smoot

Advent is a season which calls us to look toward both the past and the future simultaneously, somehow melding them into our hope of what could be. It is a remembrance of God’s gracious acts through One who came as a babe in the past projected onto a screen of future promise. Our visions are all quite different though.

I used to be afraid of hospitals even though my wife was a nurse-manager of a neonatal intensive care unit at a small community hospital. I would always wait for her in the parking lot instead of going inside. Then one year just before Thanksgiving, she was delayed more than usual and I venture inside to see what was going on. Her staff recognized me, told me she was in an important meeting and couldn’t be disturbed. Then with knowing smiles, they began to dress me in a yellow visitors gown, placed a mask over my face, and practically dragged me into the NICU. There they had six Haitian premature newborns who had been abandoned by their mothers, mothers who had no prenatal care and just wanted their babies to be born in the United States. I can’t forget the words of the charge nurse as they sat me down on a stool between two of the isolettes. “Hope for these babies comes in the form on human touch. Their mothers are gone and we cannot possibly touch them enough to show them the love they need to keep them alive. Won’t you help give them hope”? How could I refuse? They showed me how to gently caress these young orphans and left me there alone until the meeting was over. After that, I visited daily for weeks.

The hope and expectation we share during this season are of the kingdom to come. My hope during that season was not as future as I thought Advent hope should have been,

but as they all recovered, I saw an unexpected glimpse of that kingdom and I understood that, indeed, Christ had come again. Our hope and that kingdom are nearer than we dare imagine.

Dec. 18, 2009

Emmanuel (God with us!)by Bev Haubrock

“O come, O come, Emmanuel!” We sing these words during Advent.

When do we cry out for Emmanuel to come?When does Emmanuel come into our lives?How do we know Emmanuel has come?Does Emmanuel only come at Christmas?Does Emmanuel only come to us once?

these questions came to me as I thought about what to write. I can only give you my answers. You will have your own.

I believe God is with us all the time yet I have had experiences when I was immersed in the awareness of His presence. The first time it happened I told others that Christmas had come for me. This was in October. I knew because I was guided out of a dark time into a much better life. The power and courage to make the needed changes was given to me.

Another time I was trying to give up an unhealthy habit. I could not do it alone, others prayed for me and I soon had the assurance that the habit was gone.

For too long, I thought I had to be in a crisis to experience God. Then one day I finally realized God is with me. I can have more of these wonderful moments by being aware of God walking with me.

“Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee.”

Dec. 19, 2009

The Best Part of Christmas!by Carol, Matthew and Jenna Johnson

When I asked my children what the best part is about the Christmas Season - I received a unanimous reply, “the gifts”! After a few more prompting questions from me about why we celebrate Christmas and give gifts, I finally got the answers I was hoping for. My kids said, “We celebrate Christmas because it is Jesus’ birthday and he is God’s Son”! As I thought this through I began to see that indeed the best part of the Christmas season is the spiritual gifts available to us. As believers, we need to be gracious and thankful receivers of all of God’s gifts, just as we would be thankful to a neighbor, co-worker or family member for their thoughtful Christmas gift.

My daughter said another one of her favorite things about Christmas is seeing how happy everyone is at the celebrations. I loved this because if we truly receive God’s gifts of grace, unconditional love, and forgiveness, into our hearts we can’t help but be happy! During this time of years, let’s try to remember it is just as important to be a gracious receiver of gifts as well as a generous giver of gifts.

Enjoy the Advent season and all of God’s precious gifts He so freely gives us.

Dec. 20, 2009 The Fourth Sunday in Advent

We light the candle of LOVEBe Love

The Advent Wreath is now fully alight with the warm glow of love. It urges you not to be loving . . . not to be beloved . . . but to BE LOVE. Love itself came to earth on Christmas Day. Emmanuel was born. God, who IS love, dwelt among us, giving us the ability to be love in this world. Be Love!

We light this candle as a symbol of Christ,and in remembrance of his example of love -

the true love of God for all of us.O come, O come, Emmanuel.

Prayer:Sometimes, God, it is impossible for us to imagine

how well you know us. How well you understand what motivates us and what moves us! But you know - and you knew when you sent Jesus to us as a small baby. As someone who would need love, but also as the greatest gift of Your love ever sent to us. And we still marvel at the perfect gift of Your love that he showed to us with his life. Thank You, God, for loving us so much that you sent us this precious gift. Amen.

Dec. 21, 2009

My Christmas Advent Storyby Damien Smith

Psalm 23 has become a very important part of my family’s Advent season. This passage is probably more recognized at funerals than it is during a time of Christmas cheer, but as I get older and start to reflect on my past, I am realizing how this passage intertwines with my life with my life then, now and in the future.

In September of 2007 my mother was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. This type of cancer is very rare and not a lot is known about it, which makes it very dangerous. As you can imagine, my family and I were devastated the day we received the news. I remember how confused, hurt and angry I was all at the same time but it did not take long to regain focus on what was more important. Keeping my faith in God. Psalm 23:1 ~ The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

I did not grow up in a faith-based home. I was an only child with two very hard-working blue collar parents who enjoyed time off on Sunday to relax and prepare meals for the upcoming week. As I began to get a little older I became more interested in God and church. I would usually go with friends or other members of my family. I remember on one particular day when I was 12 years old, my cousin decided that it was time to give our lives to Christ. Psalm 23:2 ~ He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters.

There became a time in my life when other things of this world were more important than going to church regularly or being an example of Christ. Even though at the age of 12 I decided to devote my life to the Holy Spirit, by age 21 many outside influences began to take over. I remember clearly

one day saying to myself that I was not ready to give up a sinful lifestyle yet. It wasn’t until I defied God with my own pride and conceited arrogance that I realized I needed Him the most. I began to feel God’s mercy and soon my prideful arrogance was humbled. Psalm 23:4 ~ He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Being in the presence of a passing relative is hard enough, but when it is your own parent, it is something I pray no one has to go through. On that Christmas Eve night my wife and I along with my father sat beside my mother as her condition began to worsen. Moments before she passed away, one of the Hospice nurses came in and asked if she could read a verse from the Bible. Without hesitation I handed her a Bible that had been given to my mother on her wedding day almost 40 years earlier. Psalm 23:4 ~ Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Each and every day I give thanks to God for all the many blessings in my life that I have received, and the blessings He has still to come. Psalm 23:5-6 ~ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.

Dec. 22, 2009

by Lou Eppelsheimer

I have always been fascinated by the description of Jesus as “The Light of the World.”

In John 1:6-9 we read John The Baptist’s witness:“There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.”

Although Jesus himself fulfilled the mission of the Lord’s servant to be a light for the Gentiles, he expects us as Christians to carry on his work. Matthew 5:14-16:“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.”

I have a very fond memory of one Christmas when my wife, two kids and I delivered holiday meals to some elderly shut-ins. My kids were sure there were a hundred other things they would rather be doing that day with their friends. The ride to church to pick up the meals for the delivery was full of whining and complaining. My wife and I explained to our kids that this was an opportunity to bring a little joy into someone’s heart.

Our first stop was to an elderly woman’s home who had no family. When she saw my kids her face lit up with a huge smile. She was so touched that these kids would take the time to think about her. We spend considerable time talking with her and sharing our stories. I also remember quite clearly how my kid’s mood had brightened and they now were wearing smiles on their faces. I believe that day the Lord’s light was shining through us.

Perhaps in preparation of celebrating the coming of Christ (Light of the World), we should focus on letting His light shine through us in order to touch other people’s lives in His name.

Dec. 23, 2009

A Memory of Christmas Eve at Dayspringby Sally Y’s daughter, Liz Allen

Siblings

Christmas Eve,the aura of burning candles,

the sound of a thousand livesbreathing as one

in a prayer for peace.

We stand to sing.The youngest, now a man,

his arm reaching outto cup the back of my neck

with his large hand.The oldest,

now his friend,reaching back to touch his waist.

The third of our trio,where she should be,nestling in between.

Our joined voices singof Harold angels, glory and peace.

The sight of us warmingthe heart of our Angel.

The gift of her combined love for uslike a beam of light

holding us in its eternal glow.A gift so great,

impossible to return with any single act,fulfilled only by our lives lived well.

And she has given us more,one may think the greatest gift of all,

the gift of life.But there is one gift greater still,

the love of each otherin our shared lives.

Dec. 24, 2009

Christmas Bellsby Peggy Ferrell

Ring out, oh bells, to share with usThe wondrous Christmas story!

Blend magi’s search and angel’s joyWith shepherd’s awe and glory.

Ring out across the world, oh bells,The songs of Jesus’ birth;

And may our faith and hope respondBy seeking peace on earth.

Ring out, oh bells, about that LoveNo earthly thing can sever;

For Christ is here, right now, with us!God’s love is ours forever!

Dec. 25, 2009 Christmas Day

We light the CHRIST CANDLE

Celebrating his coming into our lives, we light the white candle in the Advent Wreath:

We light this candle as a reminder of the gift of Christmas -

the Savior who came to us as a small child.The one who showed us the truth of God’s love for us

and who, even now, points us toward the pathwayof Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.

Truly this love that comes to us at Christmasis the greatest of all gifts,

and we accept it with an open heart.

Dayspring United Methodist Church1365 East Elliot Road • Tempe, Arizona 85284-1608

(480) 838-1446www.dayspring-umc.org