Asbury United Methodist Church Advent Devotional 2019© · 2019-11-26 · Asbury United Methodist Church 220 W Horatio Avenue, Maitland, FL. 407 644 5222 Devotions On-line: (or similar

Asbury United Methodist Church 220 W Horatio Avenue, Maitland, FL.

407 644 5222

Devotions On-line: www.asburyadvent.com

(or similar dried fruits of your choice)

Put 1 raisin, 1 Craisin® and 1 marshmallow on each cocktail stick, then add 1 more raisin and 1 more Craisin®. You should have 2 raisins, 2 Craisins® and 1 marshmallow on each cocktail stick. Place the 4 cocktail sticks equally spaced around the orange between the ribbon and the candle

Asbury United Methodist Church Advent Devotional

2019©

Asbury United Methodist Church

220 W Horatio Avenue, Maitland, FL. 407 644 5222

Devotions On-line: www.asburyadvent.com

Advent Devotional Booklet

This 2019 Advent Devotional booklet presents daily short meditations from the hearts of members of Asbury United Methodist Church. They are personal musings about their relationship with the Living Lord, written down to share with each of us. It is a collection of love stories.

provide copies to a number of Asbury's outreach ministries.

Enjoy these Advent Devotionals and feel free to share them with a friend, or neighbor. Make every day in Advent a blessed day for someone else.

35 www.asburyadvent.com

Bibliography Advent Devotionals, 2019© Asbury United Methodist Church, 220 W. Horatio Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751.

Scriptures marked NRSV are taken from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION BIBLE, copyright©1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scriptures marked GNT are taken from the GOOD NEWS BIBLE © 1994 published by the Bible Societies/HarperCollins Publishers Ltd UK, GOOD NEWS BIBLE© American Bible Society Copyright 1966, 1976, 1971, 1976, 1979, 1992. Used by permission.

Scriptures marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE®. Copyright© 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 Eugene H Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

Scriptures marked NAS are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, copyright© 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scriptures marked NCV are taken from the NEW CENTURY VERSION BIBLE®. Copyright© 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc, Copyright© Harper Collins Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scriptures marked NIV are taken from NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION BIBLE®, (NIV)® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 Biblica, Inc.®, published by Zondervan. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scriptures marked NLT are taken from the NEW LIVING TRANSLATION BIBLE, Copyright© 1996, 2004, 2015, 2018 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scriptures marked KJVA are taken from the KING JAMES VERSION, AMERICAN EDITION BIBLE, Copyright© 2010 by American Bible Society. Used by permission of American Bible Society. All rights reserved.

Scriptures marked CSB are taken from THE CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE, Copyright© 2019 by CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE® Used by permission of LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0140, USA. All rights reserved.


Asbury United Methodist Church Warmly Welcomes You to Join Us for Our Advent and

Christmas Services in Celebration of Christ’s Birth

Schedule of Services

Sunday December 1st First Sunday in Advent Theme: “Hope”; Message: “Mary” Scripture: Luke 1: 26-28 Services: 8.15 am; 9.30 am (Contemporary); 11.00 am

Sunday December 8th Second Sunday in Advent Theme: “Faith”; Message: “Joseph” Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 Services: 8.15 am; 9.30 am (Contemporary); 11.00 am

Sunday December 15th Third Sunday in Advent Theme: “Joy”; Message: “The Magi” (Wise Men) Scripture: Matthew 2: 1-12 Services: 8.15 am; 9.30 am (Contemporary); 11.00 am

Friday December 20th Blue Christmas Theme: “For Those Suffering or Hurting at Christmas” Service: 6:30 pm

Sunday December 22nd Fourth Sunday in Advent Theme: “Peace”; Message: “The Shepherds” Scripture: Luke 2: 8-20 Services: 8.15 am; 9.30 am (Contemporary); 11.00 am

Tuesday December 24th

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Theme: “Christ’s Birth”; Message: “The Messy Manger” Scripture: Luke 2: 1-7

Services: 5:00 pm (Family); 7:30 pm (Traditional)


The Season of Advent

Advent is a time of waiting. We wait for family. We wait in line (or online). We wait for vacation.

The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word “advenire” meaning “to come” and its derivative “adventus” meaning “arrival.” The real focus of this season is our collective “expectant waiting” and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus; Christ coming to earth as fully God and fully human. The birth of the Christ Child changed the world forever – and He has the power to change each one of us.

In this season of Advent, may these devotionals help move your heart toward the Christ Child as you expectantly wait for the coming and the celebration of His birth.

As last year, you will notice that each Sunday and on Christmas Day, the devotionals have a family focus. I encourage you to use them to help the children in your life understand Advent and the promise of Christmas.

It has been almost a year since I took on this responsibility and am so grateful for those who paved the way, Jeanne Farmer and Marti Pieper. It is an honor to follow in Marti’s footsteps; both Jeanne and Marti have kindly and generously participated in writing devotionals in what, I pray, will become a tradition.

Our devotional booklets go well beyond members and former members of Asbury and touch and bless many as one of our outreach ministries.

Thanks to all who contributed and/or supported this Advent devotional, in prayer, writing and publication.

David Vatcher, Editor


The Meaning of the Advent Wreath

The Advent Wreath is a Christian tradition that goes back to 16th Century Germany; it was popularized by a Lutheran Pastor in 1839. In most traditions the wreath comprises five candles; one of the outer candles is lit each Sunday; the inner fifth

candle is lit on Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day. Each candle represents an aspect of the liturgical preparation for the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Most Advent Wreaths use three colors of candles – purple, pink, and white; however, some use blue in place of the purple.

1st CANDLE – (purple) “The Prophecy Candle” or “The Candle of Hope.” We have hope because God is faithful and will keep His promises. Our hope comes from God. Romans 15:12 (NIV) “And again, Isaiah says, ‘The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in Him the Gentiles will hope.’ 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.”

2nd CANDLE – (purple) “The Bethlehem Candle” or “The Candle of Preparation.” God kept His promise of a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem. In our preparation we expectantly anticipate the birth of Christ. Luke 3:4-6 (NIV) “As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: ‘A voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God's salvation.”’”

3rd CANDLE – (pink) “The Shepherds Candle” or “The Candle of Joy.” Luke 2:7-15 (NIV) “and she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the


The Contributors, listed on page 7, searched their hearts and minds and prayed a lot. They were willing to leave their comfort zones to write and submit their devotions for this year's Advent Devotionals. They were God's hands as they strived to better know the love of Jesus Christ and pass it on!

format and creating the Asbury Advent devotional website.


Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2019

His Gift Has Your Name On It Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV) – “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Message: Christmas mornings when our kids were young, I made sure I had a good seat to watch them approach the Christmas tree: to see their excitement when they find a gift with their name on it; to watch their anticipation and wonderment as they open their gift. To observe their joy as they receive their gift through their words of thanks and gratefulness and finally watching or playing with them as they use their gift; whether playing with a toy, or wearing an article of clothing. Although the Bible tells us to seek God (Isaiah 55:6), He makes it easy for us to find Him. Just as the Christmas tree showed where the kids would find their gift, God showed the wise men from the East the Star of Bethlehem so that they would find Jesus. Just like kids opening their presents, we open our hearts to receive His Holy Spirit and give thanks and praise as we glorify Him by our love and our actions towards others. Family Activity: If you are in a home with children ask a child to read Christ’s birth story from Matthew 1:18-15; 2:1-12. Discuss the mystery of the story, and especially Mary’s song, Zechariah’s song and the impact for the world of the Magi from a foreign country recognizing Jesus as the Messiah for everyone. Prayer: Dear Lord, draw us ever nearer to You that we may be united through Your love. We pray for more hearts to be open to accept Your Holy Spirit this Advent season and to receive everlasting joy and peace. Amen.

Rick Johnson


town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’”

4th CANDLE – (purple) “The Angel Candle” or “The Candle of Love.” The angels announced the good news of a Savior. God sent His only Son to earth to save us, because He loves us! John 3:16-17 (NIV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”

5th CANDLE – (white) “The Christ Candle.” The white candle reminds us that Jesus is the spotless Lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins! His birth was for His death; His death was for our birth! John 1:29 (NIV) “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 3:1-8 (NIV) “Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.’ Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’ ‘How can someone be born when they are old?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, “You must be born again.” The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.’”


O God, we come rejoicing as we remember the promise of your Son. As we read these letters from the hearts of Your servants, may the blessing of Christ come upon us, lighting our way and guiding us by His truth. May Christ our Savior bring light where there is darkness in our lives and in our

world, as we expectantly wait upon His coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Invitation to Advent and Christmas Services

Whether you are a member or a guest, you are warmly welcomed to join Asbury United Methodist Church for its

Advent and Christmas Celebrations.

Our Schedule of Services is provided on Page 34.

We look forward to greeting you!


Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Make All New!

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NRSV) – “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”

Message: My favorite and most important holiday of the year is Christmas, not only because the atmosphere changes to a festive one, but for everything that Christmas means and represents in my life.

Christmas, Navidad in Spanish, means “family together.” On Christmas Eve all my family gathers at my parents’ home. Everybody arrives with decorations, some gifts, and most importantly with ingredients to cook a meal together… a traditional dish with my Mom’s touch will be prepared while jokes, laughs and memories are shared and mixed along with the ingredients. Close to midnight, when food is ready, and everyone is seated at the table my Dad will lead a prayer and then we “attack” the sumptuous feast! When I look around the table and see all of my family gathered, I understand why God made me part of a family. Family together means indescribable joy and peace, God’s grace between us.

This night is an active vigil to wait, anticipate and ultimately celebrate the arrival of the Christ child, Jesus. In my heart and mind is the remembrance of the blessed assurance that God became human to be with us, His highest expression of love. Jesus arrives to share our humanity coupled with the mystery of being God’s son; this marks the start of a new time where the old is left behind, and everything starts again as new.

Aviva María! Viva San Jose! Viva el que nacido!

He has arrived! Christ is Born!

Prayer: Father God as we prepare together to receive your Son, Jesus on earth with us, renew our hearts and fill our spirits. Make us aware of your everlasting love brought closer to us; with us and within us, as the affirmation of your forgiveness and our rebirth which makes us all new! Hosanna in Heaven! Amen.

Alina Saucedo Paucara


Monday, December 23, 2019


List of Contributors:

Lance and Tamara Alexander. ···················· 11 Jessie Burton ··········································· 15 Kay Erdman ············································· 14 Joe Estill ················································· 23 Patti Etzkin ·············································· 17 Cyd Frank ················································ 10 Gary Farmer ············································ 26 Jeanne Farmer ········································· 12 Ann Gile ·················································· 30 Von Hancock ·············································· 9 Richie Hartig ············································ 13 Susan Hoke ············································· 21 Rick Johnson ··········································· 32 Kitty Kovic ··············································· 19 Pastor Cameron Lashbrook························· 16 Pastor Mike Luzinski ·································· 27 Steve and Kathy Peck ································ 28 Marti Pieper ··············································· 8 Pastor Barbara Riddle ································ 24 Kendra Roark ··········································· 22 Charles Row ············································ 18 Verta Sorensen········································· 25 Roger Stover ············································ 20 Alina Saucedo Paucara ······························ 31 David and Anne Vatcher ····························· 29


First Advent Sunday, December 1, 2019

Waiting with Hope

Scripture: Luke 1:1-38 (NCV) - “12 When he saw the angel, Zechariah was startled and frightened. 13 But the angel said to him, ‘Zechariah, don’t be afraid. God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give birth to a son, and you will name him John. 14 He will bring you joy and gladness, and many people will be happy because of his birth. 16 He will help many people of Israel return to the Lord their God.’” - (Please read the whole Scripture passage for further clarity.) Message: How do you feel about waiting? Whether we are waiting in line, waiting on our food at a restaurant, or waiting for a package to arrive, we don’t often like it. Today marks the first Sunday of Advent, the time of waiting for Jesus. In today’s Scripture passages, two special ladies are also waiting: both are waiting on babies to be born. And both find their hope in God. Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, had waited for a child for many years. Now, the angel has promised them a baby, but he has not yet been born. Elizabeth has hope in what God will do. The angel shocked Mary by telling her she would have a son. Her great faith in God gives her hope that what God has promised (the coming of baby Jesus) will happen. The next time you don’t feel like waiting, remember these two women of God and how they waited in hope. Activity – Chain of Hope: Using red and green construction paper, cut twenty-five large strips (approximately 6” by 1 1/2”). With an adult’s help, fold into loops and link them together, gluing each link with a glue stick. Hang up the chain in your bedroom or another special place. Each day, tear off one link. When you finish, it’s Christmas! Prayer: Jesus, thank You for coming to save us from the wrong things we have done. Thank You that you can help us to wait in hope. In Your name, Amen.

Marti Pieper


Fourth Advent Sunday, December 22, 2019

The Light of the World

Scriptures: John 3:16 (NIV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 8:12 (NIV) “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Message: During a Christmas service in 1747, Pastor Watteville, a Moravian Pastor, gave children a lighted candle with a red ribbon around it representing Jesus as the Light of the World. The candle and ribbon became known as a Christingle, German for Christ’s Light. The benedictory prayer at the service was: “Lord Jesus, kindle a flame in these children’s hearts, that theirs become like Thine.”

Moravian missionaries took the Christingle to the world and it was introduced to the United Kingdom in the late 1700s. In Moravian churches the Christingle Service is normally held on the Sunday before Christmas, or on Christmas Eve. One of my greatest Christmas memories was attending my first Candlelight Service with my parents when I was 4 or 5 years old (long before Christingles became popular). I remember standing on the pew near the back of the church as the choir sang the candlelight processional hymn, “Once in Royal David’s City”. It was an awesome, mystical experience never to be forgotten.

Today the Christingle includes: an orange representing the world; a red ribbon representing the blood of Christ; a candle representing the light of the world; 4 cocktail sticks with candies and fruit representing the four seasons and the fruits of the earth. In the1960s Christingle Services became very popular in the UK; last year more than 6,000 churches participated and raised more than $1.6 million for vulnerable children. The Christingle is made on the day before the Christingle Service with members of the church of all ages participating. Christingles are handed out during the service and lit during the candlelight hymn; afterwards the Christingles are taken home and used as a table decoration for the Christmas meal – a reminder that Christ is the center of our lives.

Prayer: Father, at this Christmastide let the Christingle remind us of the real meaning of Christmas that Your Son, Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, came to redeem the world so loved by You. Amen

David and Anne Vatcher


Saturday, December 21, 2019

The “True” Story

Scripture: Matthew 1:20-21 (NIV) – “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’” (See also Luke 1:26-38 (NIV))

Message: The story of Jesus’ birth differs in Matthew’s and Luke’s telling. Matthew starts with the genealogy; Luke starts with John the Baptist. Matthew mentions the wise men, Luke mentions the shepherds. Matthew does not mention a manger, Luke mentions a manger.

What is the “true” story? Matthew mentions Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus; whereas Luke mentions Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist and Joseph the earthly father of Jesus. In Matthew’s narrative Zechariah and Joseph were visited by angels; in Luke’s narrative only Zechariah was visited by an angel. The angels provided assurance that seemingly unbelievable occurrences in their lives were actually divine expressions of God’s love. Both men struggled to believe and understand these extraordinary happenings from their limited, human perspective.

We have those same “simple” minds of Zechariah and Joseph with limited perspective. We find it impossible to use human logic to process the miracle of the conception and birth of Jesus. But like Zechariah and Joseph, we can come to have faith and believe in our hearts that God’s plan is one we can trust.

The details of the story are not important. The “revealed truth” of the stories is that Jesus, Son of God, is born to become the “Light of the World,” and that Light continues to shine in the world today.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, let our faith in the birth, life and death of Jesus not rely on a “story,” but rather on our heart and spirit’s relationship with the living God. May we always be open to centering on the Light and on ways that we may share this Light with others. Amen.

Steve and Kathy Peck




Tuesday. December 3, 2019

Waiting Time is NOT Wasted Time

Scripture: Titus 2:13 (NIV) – “while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Message: As we are in this time of Advent, we are preparing for something good, with great expectation. For me, I look forward to decorating, baking, going to parties; basically filling my days with busyness; you know the busyness of the season. I quickly realized “busy” is an acronym for Being Under Satan’s Yoke. My head starts playing tricks on me and the joy & the excitement soon turn to feelings of doubt, failure and sadness; robbing me of my joy. It is then that I have to say, that’s the devil and not the voice of Holy God; get behind me Satan! Jesus is the Reason for the Season!! It is in these times that I wait and reflect on knowing that blessed hope is on its way. I’m able to surrender, become silent and listen for the still small voice. As I talk and lament with God, I find my Hope and my Joy. As I wait, as I wonder when my prayers will be answered, I find comfort in knowing God is working all things out for His glory and goodness. For me, it may feel like forever, but Gods timing is right on time. I’m also reminded that hope might not be packaged the way I want or think it should be wrapped; after all Jesus, the Christ, came as a baby and was placed in a manager. Prayer: Loving Father God, help us to enjoy the waiting and to know that You and Your miracles are worth the wait. Allow us to have eyes to see and ears to hear You in all areas of our life.

Cyd Frank


Friday, December 20, 2019

Jesus Breaks the Cycle

Scripture: Judges 2:11, 16 (NRSV) – “11Then the Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and worshiped the Baals”; “16Then the Lord raised up judges, who delivered them out of the power of those who plundered them.”

Message: How many of you have thought to yourself, “I will never do that when I’m a parent.” If you’re like me, you have also realized you are more similar to your parents than you first thought. Sometimes we even live into family cycles whether we realize it or not. Some of these patterns are harmless but others can be quite serious.

Sometimes we can just go through the motions of celebrating Christmas without ever realizing that Jesus came to earth to break our old patterns of sin and death. God came to shine light in the middle of cyclical darkness. Christmas isn’t the first time God has disrupted a pattern of human behavior. Like any good parent, God has done this before.

The book of Judges describes Israel’s cycle of violence and falling away from God. God raises up leaders to move them out of that dark place, but somehow the cycle keeps repeating. Jesus came to break the cycle of violence and apostasy permanently. When Jesus came to earth He experienced violence and replied with nonviolence, thus inviting humanity into a new way of being. This Advent Jesus invites us to break the harmful cycles we too easily get trapped in. What pattern do you find yourself falling into? How can the Holy Spirit empower you to embrace God’s grace by breaking the cycle?

Prayer: God, Your incarnation breaks the cycles of violence. Remind us that Your Grace calls us into a new way of being centered on the Hope, Love, Joy and Peace of God. Amen.

Pastor Mike Luzinski


Thursday, December 19. 2019

What Do You Seek?

Scripture: John 1:38-39 (NAS) – “And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, ‘What do you seek?’ They said to Him, ‘Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come, and you will see.’ So they came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.” Message: I know this is when Jesus starts his ministry, but it is in the first chapter of John! And, very important to our understanding of Advent. For over four hundred years the Jews had been expecting the Messiah. Their expectation was for a powerful leader to come and throw off the yoke of Roman oppression. When the shepherds were invited to see the child Jesus, they just came to see. They had little or no expectations, other than what they were told. When Herod heard about the child, he had expectations of a struggle and loss of power. This scripture tells of one of the many questions Jesus asked, but one of the few He asked on several occasions, “What do you seek?” Many of the Jews could not recognize Jesus as the Messiah because of their expectations. Even on this side of the Resurrection what are our expectations and do those expectations keep us from experiencing all of Jesus? Prayer: Oh Lord help us to recognize “What we seek?” Help us to stay with You and learn of You, for it is in Your name we pray. Amen.

Gary Farmer


Wednesday, December 4, 2019

The Spirit of Sound

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV) – “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”)’. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a Son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”

Message: Much like Joseph, we often feel like our lives are spinning out of control. We wonder why God puts these trying obstacles in front of us. We have a difficult time seeing past the conflict of today, and believing that although the path may not always be clear, God always provides a way for us. As Christians it is our mission to put our trust in the Lord as Joseph did. In music, sometimes the most beautiful harmony begins with a clash of pitches. This is known as dissonance. The presence of dissonance can act as catalyst for perfect harmony. When the dissonance resolves it can be appreciated and enjoyed! Humbly praying through life’s struggles with hope and humility in our hearts for God’s resolution is a key part in experiencing our mortal lives. Joseph’s struggle to trust in God represents this exact type of dissonance, but the birth of Jesus was the greatest harmony ever written.

Prayer: Dear Lord, prepare our hearts to accept all of life’s dissonance. In trusting and believing in You we open our hearts to all of the heavenly pitches in Your great design.

Lance and Tamara Alexander


Thursday, December 5, 2019

Prepare, Anticipate and …Wait

Scripture: Psalm 27:14 (NIV) – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Message: Ah, the holiday season is upon us. Interspersed among the Halloween and Thanksgiving décor of the stores, malls and restaurants, there is a hint of the bigger season to come. The retailers are giving us a heads-up that it is time to begin our preparations for Christmas. Our hearts beat a bit faster, our smiles get a bit wider, and our anticipation is heightened. But, what we are anticipating is still weeks, or months away. It’s too early to put up the tree, too early to celebrate. And, we grow impatient with the waiting. But, isn’t preparing, anticipating and waiting a familiar pattern for our lives? Learning how to wait without losing faith is not easy, for me that is one of the important lessons of Advent. I am reminded that I should be in a constant state of preparation if I am to grow in faith. I should anticipate the presence of Jesus in my life with hope and joy. And, I should grow my faith as I wait and never give up. “The Bible tells me so,” as in Psalm 27:14. This Advent I will prepare (pray), anticipate (study) and wait with renewed hope that the blessings of Christ’s birth will shine afresh in me and in the world. Prayer: Lord, help me to understand that You give me time to prepare, time to anticipate and, often, time to wait. You give these for a purpose and for a reason. Help me to draw closer to You as I wait. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jeanne Farmer



I am loved! You are loved!

Scripture: 1 John 3:1a (NIV) – “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” Message: I sit in my “sun room.” I close my eyes. This is one of those difficult times. I feel alone and overwhelmed. I breathe deeply and declare aloud, “I am loved.” I am loved by the creator of all that is. I was uniquely designed. God has a purpose for my life. There are good days when I express love for others. There are other days when I fail, even days when I refuse. God does not save me from the consequences of my failures, but his love for me never fails. His love for you never fails. There are people in my life who love me. It is easy and rewarding to return their love. There are some folks who are difficult to love. There are some who don’t know God loves them. These are the one who most need to be loved. I am loved. You are loved. Let’s work together loving the unloved, that we may all rejoice together. Prayer: Father, I am incredibly grateful for your love for me. Remind me, show me how to express Your love to those around me, especially to those who don’t know that You love them too. Amen.

Verta Sorensen


Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Divine Light Scripture: Genesis 1: 3-4a (NRSV) – “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good”; Message: This fall I visited with one of our seniors who had been hospitalized. It was a late warm afternoon when I knocked on Margaret's door. She lives with her daughter's family assisting in helpful ways. When she moved to Florida I also visited in the name of Asbury hospitality; she had followed up with a handmade card. I was delighted. She spoke about her craft/sewing/scrap booking room. Such a talented woman! That afternoon her living room drapes were drawn to resist the day's heat. She assured me that her health was doing well. I realized that some additional items were now in the living room. I saw beautiful Asian dolls, cradled in clear cases. As I got up to gaze, Margaret began opening the drapes. Light flooded in; I caught my breath. The entire room, was decorated in Asian art, furniture, accessories, and trinkets. I asked Margaret about her childhood years. Was she a missionary's child? Did her husband serve in Asia? Had they visited this incredible region? Margaret had fallen in love with Asia through watching TV programs and reading. The décor came from her creative mind. It was amazing how light revealed the real beauty of her room. As I bid her goodbye, I thought of the transformative nature of God’s light. New truths are revealed. Our perspective can be changed and our lives saved. Similarly, the shepherds were led to Jesus' birthplace and the wise men followed the gleaming star from country afar. John 8:12 (NRSV) “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying ‘I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the Light of life.’” Prayer: Thank You Holy God, that “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 (NRSV)). May Your Holy Light continue to guide us during this Advent season. Amen.

Pastor Barbara Riddle



Sabbath

Scripture: Mark 2:23-28 (NLT) – “23

One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grain fields, his disciples began breaking off heads of grain to eat.

24 But the Pharisees said to Jesus, ‘Look, why are

they breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?’ 27

Then Jesus said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.

28 So

the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!’”

Message: Let's talk about Sabbath. Do you even take it? A modern Pharisee's Sabbath might be as follows: Make a BIG deal of church-going; attend weekly services and Sunday school (dressed in their absolute best); making it abundantly clear how much they donated while looking down on those who missed service last week. Nothing gets in the way of their ritual.

Considering the Pharisees, I think about the state of the American church. It seems that many churches are focused on rules rather than following Christ. Churches are sometimes filled with “club members”, who have a lackluster understanding of discipleship.

I sympathize with the Pharisees, I really do. They were doing their best to follow God, but became misguided, rule followers, not living out the life of a disciple.

Reading this passage hits me hard... the unfortunate reality is that my Sabbath often looks like the Pharisees’ Sabbath; highly focussed on Sunday church “activities” and not much else. Jesus boldly challenges our understanding. Look at how Jesus spent the Sabbath. Not in church. Yes, he prayed and worshipped, but he also walked around with his disciples. They were a community - an intentional Christ centered family that spent time together. What a beautiful image. Community, family, love, acceptance, food, prayer, and healing. They prioritized active discipleship instead of following rules blindly.

Is your Sabbath intentional? Is it Christ centered? Or is it just focused church routine?

Let's pray using the introduction below and extending with your own words and thoughts.

Prayer: God who made Sabbath for us, forgive us that we warped it from Your original intent. We need Jesus to show us our mistakes and set the record straight. Let's prepare our hearts for Christ this Advent and enter a time of personal or family prayer…... Amen

Richie Hartig



God’s Christmas Gift

Scripture: Luke 2:13-14 (NIV) “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” Message: One of the first things I do to prepare for Christmas is play Christmas music. One of my favourite songs is “I heard the bells on Christmas Day.” The lyrics are from a poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during the Civil War:

I heard the bells on Christmas day. Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.

And in despair I bowed my head: “There is no peace on earth,” I said, “For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, goodwill to men.”

Christ was born to bring peace and salvation to all men. He did not come to bring a shopping frenzy, or endless parties, or lighting contests: He came to bring peace. Let peace begin with me. Prayer: Lord prepare us to be peace keepers and peace givers with the peace Jesus brings to each one who accepts Him. Amen.

Kay Erdman



Christmas Traditions Scripture: Psalms 95:1-2 (NIV) “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” Message: St. Nick, fir trees, animals in a stable and gift exchanges are examples. December 25

th is a traditional

date, not historically accurate. These traditions originating from early church fathers, possibly pagan converts, mostly from northern Europe, were embellished over the years to become our modern Christmas festival. Throw in department stores and the office party and we have the secular Xmas festival celebrated by nearly everyone. We, as believers, have our own tradition which is to proclaim that Christ is our reason for Christmas and we celebrate Him in our lives and actions the whole year around and every year. Yes, we give gifts. Each gift reminds us that Jesus gave us the greatest gift—the gift beyond price, the gift of new life traded for our sins. And we sing. We proclaim His birth with special choral and instrumental performances and give praise with our joyful noise. JOY TO THE WORLD, CHRIST IS BORN TODAY! Prayer: Lord, we thank You for the gift we celebrate at Christmas: Your Son, born to Mary in Bethlehem long ago, but dear in our hearts always. Bless the children and help us to be upright examples in their eyes as they grow in their Christian journey. We ask this in His blessed name. Amen.

Joe Estill


Third Advent Sunday, December 15, 2019

Finding Joy

Scripture: Luke 2:10 (NIV) – “But the angel said to them [the shepherds], ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’”

Message: Have you ever been on a scavenger hunt? A friend told me that about 5 years ago their grandchildren were with them for Christmas and on Christmas morning the grandchildren found a note under the Christmas tree. The clue on this note led them to two more clues and finally to the front door. The clues were really vague, but the last clue on the front door instructed them to open the door for some good news on the other side. They were excited and a little scared. But when they opened the door they found a puppy anxiously waiting for them. Their joy was obvious to everyone.

Just imagine the joy of the shepherds as they followed the clue from the Angels, to go to Bethlehem and to find to find the Messiah, their Savior, as a baby lying in a manger (a cow’s feeding trough). This clue led them to the most unlikely location, an open animal shelter behind an inn, where they found the baby Jesus lying in a manger. Each day we should open the door of our hearts to see what joy we find. Joy is always waiting to be found, we just have to follow the clues.

As a family, Read Luke 2 which explains how the shepherds, while watching their flocks, heard the news that the Messiah had been born, and follow the clues to Baby Jesus and celebrate with the shepherds!

Family Activity: Using a container of your choice (a bowl, a dish, a jar, a baggie – anything can work), ask each family member to write down their discovery of JOY for the day and store them. Have each person share their joy aloud as a discussion, or use them as things to be thankful for in bedtime prayers. Do this each day until Christmas (or keep going!). On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, pull out the “Joy Jar” and reflect, as a family, on the joys as a way to celebrate the joy of Jesus’ birth.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you for the gift of your Son; for the gift of Joy. Open our eyes to your clues so that we can find the joy in our lives today and every day and fill our hearts with gratitude. It is with great joy that we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Kendra Roark


Second Advent Sunday, December 8, 2019

The Star and the Gifts

Scripture: Matthew 2:9-12 (CSB) – “9After hearing the king, they went

on their way. And there it was – the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was.

10When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with

joy.” (Please read the whole text from your Bible. ) Message: A very important part of the Christmas story is the three Wise Men. These Wise Men were called by God to go and find baby Jesus, to pay homage to Him. King Herod asked them to return and tell him of the news. The Wise Men followed a star to get to Bethlehem where baby Jesus was. This star was very important because it helped them find their way, and once they found Jesus, they were able to worship Him and give Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Although these might not seem like great gifts for a baby, it meant that they respected baby Jesus and they knew he was the Son of God! Even though the Wise Men gave physical gifts that someone could hold, they gave Jesus something even more incredible. They showed him LOVE! Something we need to remember this Christmas season is that not everything is about giving or getting physical gifts. You can give gifts in different ways, like helping your parents out around the house, taking the dog for a walk, giving your sibling a hug just because, and even just smiling at someone on the street.

Family Activity: Now you have a chance to show your respect and appreciation for each other by making gifts! Each family member is provided with a brown paper bag and decorate the outside of the bag. Then each person prepares one (or multiple) note(s) saying why they appreciate and love the person to whom the note is addressed. Each note is then placed in the bag to whom the note is addressed. Next each person can create a star to represent the idea that others can always find their way to you and to Jesus. In the link provided below are some examples of how to make different types of amazing stars! https://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/5-pointed-origami-star.html

Prayer: Dear God, thank you so much for sending your Son, Jesus, to join us on earth. We ask that you help us remember that we can always find our way to You. Remind us that gifts we give other people don’t always have to be something we can hold, but something that we can show our love to them, even in the simplest ways. We love You very much! It’s in Your name we pray, Amen!

Jessie Burton



Savior and Lord! Scripture: Matthew 1:24 (NRSV) – “When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife,” Message: What was Joseph to do? People would talk, assume they had given in to their sexual desires. They might be ostracized and left alone to fend for themselves in the world. So Joseph, upon finding out Mary was pregnant, decided he would divorce her, but quietly, to give her the best chance to have the baby and maybe remarry someday without being shunned. Then God said to Joseph, "Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife," and he listened and obeyed. Many people think the Christian journey ends with a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. He died to forgive humanity of our sins and put us back into the right relationship with God. This is what we are to believe in our hearts and say with our mouths. But too few remember to OBEY Jesus Christ as Lord. A Lord gives orders and commands. The Lord's servants respond with obedience, actually doing the things commanded. So the story turns. Instead of divorcing Mary and missing out on the joy of raising Jesus as his earthly father, Joseph obeys God's command to take Mary as his wife and raise Jesus. This Advent, take time to read one of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) and commit to doing what the Lord commands. Then watch and see how your life changes because of it!" Prayer: Gracious God, we admit that we are sometimes slow to obey You, for our will is often not Yours. Forgive us for our resistance to follow where You lead, when where You lead is hard for us to accept. Give us grace to trust You by doing Your will. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Pastor Cameron Lashbrook



Waiting for the Lord Scripture: Psalm 33:20 (NIV) – "We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield."

Message: As I write this I have been busy preparing the way for Hurricane Dorian. The work has been done and I now find myself in a time of waiting. I do so, I am reminded of the Advent season which can be very busy and hectic as we prepare for the arrival of Jesus' birthday celebration. This vigil is filled with bright lights, parties, joy and wonder.

However, in the midst of Advent's busyness we need to turn our attention to the fact we are recipients of God's mercy and love in the birth of His Son.

Gracious God, let us pause at Christmas to remember how Your Son came to us in the form of a helpless baby. May we worship Jesus in amazement and wonder how You came near to us. Amen.

Susan Hoke



An Unhurried Holiday Scripture: Luke 2:16 (NIV) – “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” Message: We have seen for months now that the holiday season is upon us. Notice that I used the term “holiday” season not “Christmas” season. We have seen the fake Christmas trees and rows of plastic ornaments in the big box stores even before the Halloween decorations are in the stores. With all the shopping, parties and gift wrapping, we run the risk of replacing all of the joy of Christmas with hurried, stress filled headaches! We are so busy with “stuff” and “materialism” of Christmas, that we crowd out the spiritual significance of the season. Was hurriedness present the night Jesus was born? The Bible verse tells us that when the host of angels told the shepherds of Jesus’ birth, that they hurried off to find him lying in a manger. So, let us do the same today. Put the holiday hustle and bustle on hold and quietly regain the significance of the season in the presence of the Lord. Prayer: Dear Lord, remind us always that You are THE REASON FOR THE SEASON and not the stuff and the parties. Let us hurry to You this Christmas. Amen.

Roger Stover


Tuesday, December 10, 2019

What Leads Us Closer to God?

Scripture: Psalm 27:14 (KJVA) – “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.” Message: If we do not wait patiently for God ’s coming in glory, we start wandering around, going from one little sensation to another. Our lives get stuffed with newspaper items, computer shopping, shopping, television stories and gossip. Then our minds lose the discipline of discerning between what leads us closer to God and what doesn’t. Without waiting for the second coming of Christ, or waiting for when Christ calls us, we will stagnate and become tempted to indulge in whatever gives us a moment of pleasure…but when we wait and have the Lord to look forward to, we can already experience him in waiting. Prayer: Help me to live with an “Advent Awareness” that God is always ready to come to me with His saving power. Let me experience You in the waiting of Advent. Show me what things I must cut out, or reject, because they move me away from You and Your loving kindness. In the Holy name of Jesus, Your Son. Amen.

Patti Etzkin




Thursday, December 12, 2019

Power of Love

Scripture: 1 John 4:7 (NIV) – “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”

Message: Wow, what a year! My whole perspective on life has changed. Some of the challenges this year have been the cancer diagnosis of my husband, the death of my father, and a horrific roll-over car accident my husband and I were involved in. However, there have also been many joys: the birth of our granddaughter, a wonderful vacation, celebrating my dad’s life with family, surviving the car accident, and a successful surgery which deemed my husband cancer-free. These joys and wonders, sorrows and pain, are the gifts of being human.

It took a while to wrap my head around everything that has happened, but I have come to realize that life is all about love. Dr. Leo Buscaglia wrote, “Death is a challenge. It tells us not to waste time. It tells us to tell each other right now that we love each other.” I realize I need to be in the present moment. I need the people around me to know how I feel about them, because love is life and if you miss love – you miss life.

Scripture tells us in 1 John 4:11, “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” We need to bring joy to others, share things, to bring hope and to love the lost and the lonely. Some of the ways we can do this is to share a smile or a kind word, do a random act of kindness, lend a listening ear, or give a compliment. It doesn’t have to be a monumental gesture, just a small act can change a life.

This Advent season I challenge you to go out of your comfort zone and use the most powerful force you have – the power of love. Let’s make every day Jesus’ birthday and celebrate it with joy and happiness. Be contagious! Let love rule the world and do as God commanded: love one another.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for our joys and our sorrows. You are with us through it all. Thank you for giving us the capacity to love and the ability to share it with others. Help us remember what Jesus taught us: Love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. We ask this in Your Holy and precious name, Amen.

Kitty Kovic

Documents

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