Elkton United Methodist Church Advent Devotional · PDF fileAdvent Devotional ~ 2016 . ... And although we must endure sufferings, we ... I’m not sure how many of us think about

Elkton United Methodist Church

Advent Devotional

~

2016

Advent is a season of waiting, expecting, and hoping.

Advent is a word that means “coming” or “visit”. In the Christian season of Advent, we

prepare for the “advent” of Christ at Christmas. By lighting candles and reading Bible

verses, we are reminded about the meaning of Christ’s birth and become more excited

about his coming in the past, in the future, and in our own lives.

Sunday November 27, 2016

First Sunday in Advent

Read Isaiah 2:1-5

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” Isaiah 2:3

“Advent: Walking to the Savior”

Many of us enjoy walking. A good walk clears our minds, gets fresh air in our lungs, and actually causes physiological changes to occur in our bodies that lead to improved health. I particularly enjoy walking on a path that follows the circumference of a certain park close to home. There are lots of things to look at: ballfields, playground, a pond, and of course fellow park-goers, some of whom have their dog in tow (or vice versa).

But I am often reminded after two or three trips around the path that I finish exactly where I start. The destination is the point of departure. These walks are truly about the journey itself and not about getting somewhere!

Unfortunately, too often we allow Advent to be a journey just like my walks around the park. When we’ve navigated all the traffic, made our way to the front of the lines at checkout, the card-writing, wrapping and baking and assembling and…well, all those steps in our Advent walk…we arrive at Christmas in exactly the same spiritual place that we began four weeks prior. We were moving the whole time, but we didn’t get a bit closer to the Lord in the process.

Now this is a perfectly understandable outcome, given the sometimes-overwhelming demands placed upon us by the societal traditions- the expectations- of the season. But let’s think about our Advent journey in the context of the words of Isaiah 2.

In the passage from Chapter 2 Verse 3 I’ve placed at the top of this page, there is an expectation that the faithful must make a journey in order to be taught in God’s ways and ultimately to walk in His path. It is not a journey around a path that leads to the starting point; it is a walk—in fact, a climb—to a destination better than the place from which the trip began. In the modern church, this is sometimes referred to as “intentional spiritual growth.” It’s purposeful, and has as an objective that we will arrive in a better place than we started.

Advent, by definition, is a time of spiritual preparation and anxious expectation of the arrival of Christ in our world. What better time to make our own personal journey to a place where we can receive him more fully in our hearts! We won’t all follow the same path; nor will we journey the same distance or to the same destination. But we CAN all walk to a better spiritual place than where we started, and that’s absolutely all that matters.

Elkton Church offers many ways to guide and assist our Advent journeys. Like the water stations positioned along the path of an organized run, the Church offers nourishment for our Advent walks along the way. Music, worship, study, prayer, fellowship, children’s programs, this Advent devotional collection, and the counsel of the Pastors, our spiritual “trainers”, are all available when we feel thirsty, tired or lost. We can use these opportunities to clear our heads, get re-focused and stay on track during the busy days ahead.

It is my prayer that all of us can begin Advent today with the objective of making a journey to a destination of spiritual growth over the next four weeks. The wonder of Christ’s arrival in Bethlehem, leading to our release from the binds of our human weakness, will only be made even more wonderful by our intentional walk toward a better place, closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

May God bless us on our way. Amen.

Tim Webb

Monday November 28, 2016

FREEDOM FROM SIN’S GRASP

ROMANS 6: 1-11

For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over

him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count

yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:9-11

These verses begin with the quote “We have been justified through faith”. The Apostle Paul states that we

have gained access into the grace of God through Jesus Christ. And although we must endure sufferings, we

rejoice in the hope of the glory and grace of God. Through our suffering, we gain perseverance, character, and

hope.

Paul further states that God demonstrated his love for us when Christ died for us even though we were still

sinners. Since we have been justified by the death of his son, how much more shall we be saved through his

victory over death.

So how does Paul’s commentary apply to us today? One of our first steps was to be baptized and then to

learn and appreciate Christ’s victory over death. We are able to celebrate and remember his sacrifice when

we take Communion. In the writings of the Apostle Paul, we know that through grace we will have the

opportunity to live with our Lord and Savior forever. Therefore, as Christians, there is no need for us to fear

death because of Christ’s death and resurrection. This assurance frees us to have a relationship with Him and

to strive to do his will. Our task is to not let our own “free will” take us in the wrong direction.

So considering our “free will”, do we have the freedom to sin as much as we want? Is forgiveness a guarantee

that we can just do whatever we like and make it to heaven through grace? Paul was very clear that we

should not allow sin to be our master and not to obey its evil desires. It doesn’t matter who you are or how

great you are, only through faith in Jesus can you be declared righteous before God. We must not assume we

have the forgiveness won by Jesus in our back pocket. We all know people who have had unexpected deaths;

thus, it might be best to not let sin reign in our lives and to approach each day as solid Christians.

PRAYER: It is with gratitude and praise that we realize all that You have done for us. May our thoughts and

prayers, even our very lives bring honor and glory to You. This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, whose

death and resurrection have brought us everlasting life.

Buddy Camors

Tuesday November 29, 2016

Rainbows

Read Genesis 9: 1-17

And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.” Genesis 9: 12-17

This past summer we took a family vacation to Niagara Falls. I felt that this was something, as parents, that we were obligated to do…take our kids to Canada and show them lots of water. Well, the area may have looked different from when I was there last…about 30 years ago, but the falls looked pretty much the same. And, as I kind of figured, there’s only so much looking at the water that two teenagers can do. We did have a very nice time exploring the park on the US side, taking a ride on the Maid of the Mist and then enjoying a buffet dinner hundreds of feet above the falls on the Canadian side. And yes, we looked at the water from all those different angles.

The best part of the trip - besides spending time as a family - were the rainbows! Everywhere you looked were rainbows…big ones, small ones, full ones, partial ones. I loved it…how can you look at a rainbow and not smile! They are truly beautifully colorful gifts given to us for a just a short while to enjoy and marvel at. What do you think Noah and his family must have thought when God presented a rainbow and said this is the sign of my covenant with you? To know that after the hardships of building the ark and surviving the flood, God said here is the beautiful sign to say that what you went through won’t have to happen again. Noah and his family must have felt profound love and relief.

I’m not sure how many of us think about Noah when we see a rainbow…I don’t think that I really did when we were in Niagara Falls, but I will when I see the next one. I challenge you to think of Noah and his family the next time you see such a gift in the sky…think about all that they went through, think about the love that they must have felt when their journey was over and they looked into the sky, think about how a rainbow will last for such a small time, but can give us such great, long-lasting joy.

Kelly Eddinger

Wednesday November 30, 2016

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows his handiwork. One day tells its tale to another, and one night imparts knowledge to another. Although they have no words or language, and their

voices are not heard, Their sound has gone out into all lands, and their message to the ends of the world. In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber; it rejoices like a

champion to run its course. It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens and runs about to the end of it again; nothing is hidden from its burning heat. Psalms 19:1-6

Reading Psalms 19 1-6 makes me think back to all the beautiful sunrises and sunsets I experienced at Camp Pecometh over the years, particularly the ones I was able to experience in the outdoor chapel. As the sun rises and sets over the Chester River you can see the amazing creations God has given us. You can feel his love being wrapped around you as he paints the canvas of the sky with pink and orange hues behind the Cross that stands tall in the chapel. Take a moment and think back to a sunset or sunrise you may have seen over the years. How did it make you feel? Did you feel the heat from the sun on your skin and think of God’s love wrapping you in a warm embrace? Did you see the colors He painted in the sky and know that that colors were chosen just for you? The Lord leaves messages of love all around us, you just need to open your heart and let them in. I hope that during this advent season you will let those messages in and embrace them for everything that they are; a promise for tomorrow and all the days to come, a promise of love and beauty for you, me, and everyone in this world.

I am not sure where we will be this coming Christmas; will we be able to celebrate the birth of the Jesus with our family at home and at church or are we going to be in a hospital welcoming our second child? Either way, I know I will be rejoicing because many years ago another expectant mother welcomed her precious bundle into the world, held him close, and felt God’s love shining down on her. Her precious child grew up to be our mighty savior and our Prince of Peace; he spread a message of love and peace throughout the land, a message that you can still clearly see in the face of each and every babe born. A baby is a gift from God, a precious little bundle who you can look at and see God’s love clearly shining in their innocent face. When you snuggle them close, you can feel their innocence and love seeping into you from above and everything that is wrong with the world fades away.

This season as you celebrate the birth of our Lord with your family, take some time to reflect on the love around you, where you find it does not matter. You may find it in a beautiful sunrise or sunset, the face of a baby, or in a smile from a stranger, what matters is that you acknowledge all the love in the world and rejoice in this glorious gift that was given to us by our Heavenly Father all those years ago in the form of a precious bundle of joy.

Katie Sparks

Thursday December 1, 2016

“O people in Zion, inhabitants in Jerusalem, you shall weep no more. He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry. When He hears it, He will answer you. Though the Lord has given you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet He, your Teacher, will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left. You shall defile also your graven images overlaid with silver, and your molded images ornamented with gold. You shall scatter them as an impure thing, and say to them, “Be gone!”. Then He shall give you rain for the seed which you shall sow in the ground and bread of the increase of the earth. And it shall be rich and plentiful. On that day your cattle shall feed in large pastures. The oxen likewise and the young donkeys that work the ground shall eat cured fodder, which has been winnowed with the shovel and fork. There shall be on every high mountain and on every high hill rivers and streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the Lord binds up the breach of His people and heals the wound from His blow.” Isaiah 30: 19-26

These verses from Isaiah are God’s promise to Zion if they follow him and not follow other idols or people that lead with sin. In the verses before, Judah warns the people of Zion about what will come by following these other men and the Pharaoh of the time. God is not upset that Zion fell for the temptation of an easier path, but that they forgot that he always answers their prayers. Judah says, “When He hears it, He will answer you.” Such a direct answer and the one that all of us want to hear. We all experience the same feeling as the people in Zion, tired of not getting direct answers and help right away after prayer. That relatable emotion leads us to seek out easier roads, whether they are filled with sin or disappointment in the eyes of our God. Judah needed to get right to the point, to remind people that God is always there for us, no matter what, and that he would not put us through trying times if he did not feel as though we were capable in finding our way. We all struggle in the idea that God does not give us direct answers, but a riddle.

We forget that God is a leader and he uses these trying times to outline the path for strength or healing. “Though the Lord has given you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction”, powerful words used by Judah to describe the feelings we all come across. When we pray for strength, we do not always feel stronger, but we may be given a test. This test is to prove that the strength we asked for is something God has already blessed us with. We need to remember that God shows us the way and we need to trust in the paths that we are led. This particular verse reminds me of a book I just read, “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran. In it he says, “And if you would know God be not therefore a solver of riddles.” Such a profound statement, but yet a simple meaning. God gives us riddles to solve and at the end of that riddle, an answer, gift or reason.

The rest of the verse goes on to explain that we will always see our Teacher and that if Zion does follow in the path to God, he will reward them with plentiful times. Gibran also writes, “Rather look about you and you shall see Him playing with your children.” That goes right along with what Judah says, “Yet he, your Teacher, will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes shall see your teacher”. God is always around us, in our everyday items even. He uses these items to teach us about ourselves and as we learn, new challenges arise to teach us more. God is in those challenges, teaching us lessons, or showing us the gifts we pray for throughout our lives. And if we do follow in his path, the best we can, he will reward us with abundance in the end.

Dear God, Please show us patience while we ask for many things, especially throughout the holidays. While we know that you are always there, we sometimes forget that you may answer us in riddles. Challenging times are in the future for all, but please give us a reminder that you are with us during these journeys so that we will not stray. Amen.

Wesley White

Friday December 2, 2016

May the mountains bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness. May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor. May he endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations. May he be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth. In his days may the righteous flourish and prosperity abound till the moon is no more. PSALM 72: 3-7

Writing this devotional on the day after Election Day. The entire election season has been hard to listen to and watch since behaviors have been less than kind on both sides. We, like so many others have been discussing the future and can’t stop thinking what America will be like with a new president. As Christians we are called to help those who are broken, hurting, and marginalized. It often seems that there are times we and our leaders don’t support or hear the cries of the afflicted and the needy. Don’t know about you, but this Advent season we have needed to hear and see the words of PSALM 72: 3-7 more now than ever. This is exactly why we chose this particular verse for this Advent devotional this year.

We sit here feeling very privileged and lucky to have good jobs, to have a roof over our heads, to be healthy, to be able to worship and profess our Christian faith in a beautiful church, and to be white, college educated people. We know we have been blessed by God and thank him for his amazing generosity. PSALM 72:3-7 reminds us of the power of God and his grace poured out on us all every day. This Advent season may we all reflect on our abundance and know that there are many in America and around the world who are not as fortunate. There are so many who are hungry, discriminated against, and living in fear for their very lives and futures.

Yet through it all, God is there and endures. God is there to help us through the dark moments. God defends the afflicted and needy people in the face of oppressors. We live in this hope knowing that God gave his only begotten Son to die on a cross for our salvation. Jesus Christ represents great hope for all and especially for the marginalized in our world. We celebrate the coming of Christ this Advent season and we hope you do as well. We do not take for granted the hope Jesus represents. No matter what side of the political “fence” you are on know that God loves you and loves all. May we all have a blessed Advent season and remember what is truly important in our lives! We love and miss all of you back in Elkton and you are so important to us. All praise and glory to God!

PRAYER: Gracious and Loving God, empower us to focus on your ways and on your love in the face of so much pain and brokenness. Guide our leaders to care and support all people and generate an atmosphere of unity versus division. Pour your grace and peace on all including the most marginalized in our world. We give thanks for your Son and anticipate his arrival with great joy this holiday season. Bless us all! We ask all this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

PRAYER FOCUS: The marginalized in our world.

Michael and Megan Petkewec

Saturday December 3, 2016

Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he

was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” They asked him, “Then who are

you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” Finally they said, “Who

are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John replied

in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for

the Lord.’” Now the Pharisees who had been sent questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the

Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” “I baptize with[c] water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you

do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” This all

happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing. John 1:19-28

John the Baptist Denies Being the Christ

Even while John was forming in Elizabeth’s womb, God had set him apart for a special mission. Dressed in a camel’s hair garment and a leather belt and dieting on locusts and wild honey, John’s singular ministry was to testify to Jesus. He preached about repentance and the kingdom of God and prepared the way for the Messiah’s coming. John the Baptist knew he had been called by God to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight. “ (Isaiah 40:3). He kept Christ as his focus, denying himself as a prophet, stating that he wasn’t even worthy enough to untie the thongs of Jesus’ sandals. As much as John was a godly man, he denied himself of life’s comforts and always drew attention off himself and onto Jesus. He was confident in who he was and who he was not.

I can’t help contrasting John’s existence to our own lives. In a world of self-centeredness and self-interest, we are constantly given opportunities to esteem ourselves more highly than we ought. How often do we detour the attention that is given to us for our talents and accomplishments to what is truly important – bringing others to Christ? We need to be clear on who we are in God’s kingdom so that we can effectively point others to Jesus for salvation. When the angel Gabriel visited the Virgin Mary, she was sure who she was in God’s eyes. When given the news that she would be giving birth to the son of God, she immediately responded by saying “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” Mary did not ask what was in it for her, but accepted her role without hesitation. Do you know who you are and who you are not? Whatever your gifts and calling, you can do as John did and bring others to Jesus. What a wonderful season to remember this lesson!

Prayer: Awesome God, thank you for the figures in history to use as examples to help guide us in our own path of life. May we use John and Mary to remind us to deflect attention from ourselves and to exalt You as the one worthy of all glory. Keep us humble and help us to guide others to you. Amen.

Terri Lokey

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A19-28&version=NIV#fen-NIV-26071c

Sunday December 4, 2016

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the

knowledge and fear of the LORD and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears;

but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist. The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant

will play near the cobra’s den, the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters

cover the sea. In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious. Isaiah 11:1-10 (NIV2011)

Tucked away in the Book of Isaiah, we observe a remarkable promise almost hidden from sight. It is modest and unassuming. Look too hard and you are likely to miss it. “Look at the ground, Isaiah seems to be saying — for where else would we find a stump? A stump presumed dead but impossibly bursting with new life?” “He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” (Isa. 53:2). When the Branch appeared in time, he was born in Bethlehem, the hometown of Jesse and David. Although Mary and Joseph were both descendants of King David, Jesus was born not in a palace but in a stable. At His baptism, the Spirit of God descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove and He was empowered for ministry and service. He was already filled with the Spirit, conceived by the Spirit—and yet now He was empowered for ministry.

“This Scripture (Isa.11) belongs first to the Jewish people. In a sermon on the text, Rabbi Margaret Wenig identified places where God fulfilled this promise in Jewish history. One of her stories is especially moving. She tells of a group of Austrian Jews who had survived the horrors of the concentration camp in Buchenwald. While they were imprisoned in that living hell, they dreamed of settling in Palestine and starting a kibbutz, a religious commune centered on farming, family, and worship. And they did. They founded a peaceful community that still exists, sustaining yet another generation of families that might not have been. The name of the kibbutz is Netzer, which means “twig”— as in “A twig shall sprout from the stump of Jesse.” Their life is a witness to Isaiah's prophecy, a sign of God's faithfulness to his promises.”

This little twig will rise to be a new kind of king, one who judges with righteousness and brings justice for the poor and the meek. He will display a power like non other, and his power will be for the weak.

“In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner for the peoples — of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.” (vs. 10) His kingdom is established and His banner over us is love. That is our birthright as believers as we celebrate the Season of Advent.

http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Isa+10%3A10

Jesus is truly the fulfillment of David's line ... this root is no longer under the ground and invisible, but standing on such a height that it can serve as a point about which we and all peoples will meet and rally ... Jesus stands as a central rallying point" (E. J. Young). Aren’t you glad that God keeps his promises and our victory is at hand? We belong to an unshakeable kingdom which will be ultimately instituted when Jesus comes back to rule and to reign. We can live in peace now and then!

*** Let us pray …

God of righteousness, you have saved us from the worst the world can do and have promised to redeem the whole creation when Christ comes again. In faith and hope we offer our lives to you, that we may be part of what you are doing in the world even now, as we watch for Christ’s coming in glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. Rev. Ray Graham

Monday December 5, 2016

Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more. I Thessalonians 4: 9-10

The Apostle Paul wrote this in an encouraging letter to the newly formed church congregation in Thessalonica. He instructed them to continue to love each other. He said to love the people within their congregation, as well as those outside of the church. He gave them a pat on the back, and then said to keep doing it - more and more. Good job everyone, now make it bigger, better, greater! I looked up “more and more” in the thesaurus and it said, “to a greater extent, increasingly, progressively, growingly.” All of these words remind me of EUMC. There are so many ways to show love for Jesus and one another by being involved with activities in our own church. For sure, Karen uses words like “increasing” and “growing” when talking about programs our church offers. Back in October, the Stewardship Fair was a showcase for these groups and programs – both within our church and out in the community. We are a church full of love and support for each other, and there are plenty of chances to share that love. Just like Paul said: good job everyone! Love one another, more and more!

At the moment, our country and our community seems to need some extra love. This time of year is full of special occasions where we can show love for others, such as bell ringing for the Salvation Army, or donating toys or food to a good cause. There are so many ways to share our talent, time, money, and love, we couldn’t possibly participate in everything. This Advent season, my plan is to participate in some projects that really mean something to me, and give Jesus’ love to people who just might truly need it. I want to take a step back and appreciate all the love in my life. Won’t you join me? I’m sure the answer is yes, and you probably have already done so. Let’s continue to encourage each other to share Jesus’ love, to pass it on. Love one another, more and more!

Dear God, Thank you for our church, a place where we can grow and love together. Thank you for each other and for so many opportunities to share our love for Jesus. Thank you for so many willing hands working in your name to make the world a better place. As we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth, help us to slow down once in a while and appreciate your love. Help us remember to share it with those around us. Be with us as we love one another, more and more, in Jesus’ name. Amen

Sarah Bjerke

Tuesday December 6, 2016

Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear,for I myself will help you,” declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy

One of Israel. “See, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and

crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff. You will winnow them, the wind will pick them up, and a gale will blow them away.But you

will rejoice in the LORD and glory in the Holy One of Israel. “The poor and needy search for water, but there is none;their tongues are

parched with thirst.But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren

heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs. I will put in the

desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive.I will set junipers in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together, so that

people may see and know,may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has

created it. Isaiah 41:14-20

The message of Isaiah 41:14-20 is clear. God will not forsake us even in the darkest times, even when we feel small and weak. God, will provide for us (Isaiah 41:17); renew us (Isaiah 41:15), and yes God will perform miracles on our behalf (Isaiah 41:18-19). “I, the holy God of Israel, am the one who saves you,” Isaiah 41:14. All of these verses remind us that God’s promises us his steadfast love. Advent is a season defined by hope and joyful expectation. Today’s verses resound with hope. Knowing God is always with us and always for us, we have hope and we can look to each new tomorrow with joyful anticipation. We have no reason to fear what is and what is to come because God loves us and promises to never leave us. Isaiah 41:17 states, “I the God of Israel will never abandon them.” Today’s passage reminds us that God’s love is ours for eternity and is all that we need. Brandon Heath’s song, “Your Love”, captures this message beautifully:

“You're the hope in the morning You're the light when the night is falling

You're the song when my heart is singing It's Your love

You're the eyes to the blind man

You're the feet to the lame men walking You're the sound of the people singing

It's Your love, Your love

But Your love, Your love, the only the thing that matters is Your love, your love is all I have to give

Your love is enough to light up the darkness It's Your love, Your love, all I ever needed is Your love”

When we rely on God’s love and His promise to always be with us, hope springs eternal! Dear Lord, Please help us remember that even when we feel lost, lonely, overwhelmed, or sad that you will make a way. Your word promises that you will never forsake us and that is our constant source of hope. Thank you for giving us the gift of hope during Advent and every season. Amen.

Jane Kovicak

Wednesday December 7, 2016

Be exalted oh Lord in your strength; we will sing and praise your might. Psalm 21:13

When I was given my choice of verses to use for this booklet I was immediately drawn to this one. In particular “we will sing and praise your might.” As a young girl I was chosen to sing with the Delaware State High School Chorus at a recital in Dover, Delaware. One part of this experience stays fresh and sharp in my memory – the finale of us singing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” We were strong, young and enthusiastic. I remember having “goose bumps” as we gave it our best.

Somewhere along the way, I lost that ability to harmonize and sing on key; however my enthusiasm has never waned. I still love to listen to choral music – our Men’s Choir, our choir at the 11:00 A.M. service and especially the Children’s Choir (talk about enthusiasm!). On Sundays when our congregation sings the hymns during our worship service I sing and still experience the love of God through our music.

During this season of remembering the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, what could be more fitting than for us to remember the words to one of my favorite Christmas hymns:

There’s a song in the air!

There’s a star in the sky!

There’s a mother’s deep prayer

And a baby’s low cry!

And the star rains its fire

While the beautiful sing,

For the manger of Bethlehem

Cradles a King!

As we pray, Heavenly Father, may we always remember to honor you, not only through our music, but also through our love for you shown to others here on earth. Amen

Connie Wilkinson


Ruth 1: 6-18

I asked for the devotion on December 8 because today is my Mom’s 98th birthday. Mom has been one of the greatest examples of faith in action in my life.

One of the readings for today tells the story of Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi. Even after losing her husband (Naomi’s son), Ruth vows to stay with Naomi, no matter what, even though Naomi urged her to go back to her own people since Naomi’s future as a widow with no sons was bleak.

“Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried.

May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”

A mother’s faith can be a powerful force. My own Mom was always one to ask the right questions and make the right observations about things we did or wanted to do as we grew up and even after we were adults. Her guidance was sometimes overt, and at other times more subtle. But the source for her actions was always her faith.

One Thanksgiving Eve, a sister-in-law invited us to her protestant church service. Mom, a lifelong Catholic, had no problem accepting the invitation along with some others of us. As part of the service, the pastor asked individuals to share something they were thankful for. One man talked about a recent hospital experience. His roommate, a Catholic, prayed with some holy cards he had with him. The speaker was thankful that his own prayers and faith were not based on a meaningless piece of paper. As we sat and listened to his story, we were more than a little uncomfortable about Mom being there. After the service, she got up and walked directly to the man who spoke as we held our collective breath. Very calmly and rationally she told him that she was a Catholic and could help him understand his roommate’s behavior. She asked if he had family pictures in his wallet. He nodded. She said that he kept those pictures as a reminder of those he loves – not as a replacement for them. She explained that the holy cards were a reminder for his hospital roommate as well. They are not the source of his faith, simply a way to remind him of it.

I’ve never been prouder of her. She exemplified the best of an ecumenical spirit – not by being insulted or offended by someone’s misconceptions, but by engaging the man in instructive conversation. It truly was a holy moment. The man was a bit embarrassed, but in the end I believe he was grateful for the exchange.

As we prepare for the birth of our savior, take a moment to give thanks for those who have inspired and influenced your life through how their faith guided their lives. We are disciples because they were disciples before us.

Prayer: As the psalmist wrote, “Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God.” We give thanks for parents, teachers, friends and mentors whose faith is a constant example to others they meet.

Rick Ceresini


Read Psalms 146:6-9 and 2 Peter 3: 11-18

He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them- he remains faithful forever. Psalm 146:6

NIV

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! 2

Peter 3:18 NIV

Life Is Easier with God In It

College is tough. You have to work hard, make new friends, learn about yourself, and before you know it, you

are thrown into the real world. As I have come to that conclusion in the past couple months, I find my head

spinning about what life will look like in less than a year. I anticipate that this is not the only time in my life

where I will have these feelings. Even though I never imagined finding myself slipping away from my faith, I let

“life” come first over the past year. I found myself regretting letting my faith take the back burner, and

wondering how I let it happen.

In one particularly stressful week, I decided it was time to take action. I was moved to start reading my

devotional, and attend a contemporary service on campus. When I opened the devotional it was about taking

a step back and realizing that if you trust God, everything will work out. Then, I went to the church service and

ran into someone who I hadn’t seen in a while. After telling them that I was interested to get back involved

with the service, they immediately told me not to beat myself up for what I referred to as “slacking.” I ended

that week feeling renewed and amazed at just how powerful God is.

Not even a week later, I was asked to write a devotional. As I read these verses, I was yet again reminded of

how powerful God is and how he intervenes in just the right times. I knew I wanted to be honest about how I

have struggled with staying strong in my faith during college, and I thought about how much easier life is

when I let God in. It is very easy to get caught up in life and time constraints, but life is a lot more manageable

when you include God in your day-to-day routine. He knows just when to provide a nudge and give you the

direction you need, and he remains faithful forever. How lucky we are that He is able to make such a large

promise to us.

Prayer: Lord, remind us that when we feel stressed and overwhelmed, it is more important to let you in

instead of pushing you away. You will remain faithful forever and help guide us in the right direction even

when we stray.

Sarah Buckley


The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD. Psalm 146:10

This is pretty straight forward. God is sovereign and reigns forever and as such we should praise Him. The verses before this in Ps. 146:1-9 also speak of praising God and of how God takes care of the hungry, the oppressed, the blind, the imprisoned, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. The Lord loves the righteous.

Prayer: Lord help me to be righteous, and to praise you.

Then Hannah prayed and said:

“My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I

delight in your deliverance. “There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like

our God. “Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who

knows, and by him deeds are weighed. “The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are

armed with strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry are hungry

no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines

away. “The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up. The LORD sends

poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the

ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. “For the foundations of the earth

are the LORD’s; on them he has set the world. 1Samuel 2: 1-8

This is Hannah praying to God. She is praising Him and thanking Him for the gift of her son, Samuel. God delivered her from the misery and shame of childlessness in a culture where bearing children was the thing for which women were valued. She says in a nutshell: God answers prayer by turning the tables on the proud, arrogant, powerful and wealthy.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for answering prayers. Please help me to be an instrument of your will.

As it 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. 5 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.’” John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from

the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have

Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is

already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown

into the fire.”Luke 3: 1-18

This is where John the baptist is preaching and baptizing around the Jordan River. He calls out the crowd who

had gathered to be baptized saying that repentance is all about doing the right thing towards one's fellow

human beings, it's not about getting wet in the river to save yourself from "the wrath that is to come".

The people earnestly ask for details and he says in effect, share what you have with the needy and hungry. Don't cheat people because you can, don't abuse your power over other people, don't accuse them falsely, be fair to everyone.

Prayer: Lord you tell us over and over in the Bible what is important to you. We love you and praise you by helping our fellow human beings in need and by never taking advantage of them. You don't value what the world values, you value people and just treatment of all. Help me Lord, always and forever to keep my focus on what is important to you. Heidi Gaultney


THE MAGNIFICAT (MARY’S SONG)

“MY SOUL GLORIFIES THE LORD, AND MY SPIRIT REJOICES IN GOD MY SAVIOR.

FOR HE HAS BEEN MINDFUL OF THE HUMBLE STATE OF HIS SERVANT.

FROM NOW ON ALL GENERATIONS WILL CALL ME BLESSED,

FOR THE MIGHTY ONE HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR ME—HOLY IS HIS NAME.

HIS MERCY EXTENDS TO THOSE WHO FEAR HIM, FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.

HE HAS PERFORMED MIGHTY DEEDS WITH HIS ARM; HE HAS SCATTERED THOSE WHO ARE PROUD IN THEIR INMOST THOUGHTS.

HE HAS BROUGHT DOWN RULERS FROM THEIR THRONES, BUT HE HAS LIFTED UP THE HUMBLE.

HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS BUT HAS SENT THE RICH AWAY EMPTY.

HE HAS HELPED HIS SERVANT ISRAEL, REMEMBERING TO BE MERCIFUL

TO ABRAHAM AND HIS DESCENDANTS FOREVER,

JUST AS HE PROMISED OUR ANCESTORS.” – LUKE 1:46-55

Imagine Mary as young as she was being more than a little worried about carrying the Son of God. The angel coming to speak to her telling her not to be afraid, going to visit her cousin Elizabeth, her faith grew and she accepted all that was happening. Mary was thrilled with this gift from God and looked to the future with a heart full of love and faith knowing God would take care of her.

This is Mary’s song of glory to God. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard. There are many versions of this song on YouTube and I listened to about five of them.

Prayer: My prayer would be for all of us who get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays to stop and remember, “Jesus is the reason for the season”.

Lorraine Jones


Isaiah 29: 17-24

“…Therefore thus says the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: No longer shall Jacob be ashamed, no longer shall his face grow pale. For when he sees his children, the work of my hands, in his midst, they will sanctify my name; they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel…” (22-24)

“No longer shall Jacob be ashamed, no longer shall his face grow pale.” Isaiah 29:17-24 captures a glimpse into the complications and messiness of life and the deals we make with God. In these passages and the ones that precede this reading, Isaiah describes how those belonging to the house of Jacob had gotten a little out of hand. They had forgotten who their God was. Verses thirteen and fourteen say,

“The Lord said: Because these people draw near with their mouths and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their worship of me is a human commandment learned by rote; so I will again do amazing things with this people, shocking and amazing. The wisdom of their wise shall perish, and the discernment of the discerning shall be hidden.”

However, both of these sections of Isaiah 29 reveal that God is ever faithful to the covenant, the promise, that He would make Abraham the ancestor of a “multitude of nations.” This includes taking care of Abraham’s descendants: the house of Jacob.

Is not this the same promise that we Christians rely on? Advent is a season of anticipation and deep hope that God will fulfill His promise to watch over us, to redeem us. Between the stress and mixed emotions of the election, ongoing health epidemics, and other daily challenges, it can be hard to be fully present in our relationship with God and each other. Yet, there is a very real promise of renewal, of redemption. As I reflect on what the arrival of Jesus meant for his community, and what it means for us now, I am grateful to be reminded that even when we struggle with letting our faith and our worship become routine, that God is always reaching out to us in loving relationship. Sometimes devotionals come with an added or suggested prayer. Rather than offering my own, I want to offer a question.

Guiding Reflection: Where or how are we turning, or re-turning, to meet God? How can we welcome and celebrate the relationship that we know is being given in Christ?

Sarah Alphin


WHERE IS YOUR GOD?

“As with a deadly wound in my body, my adversaries

taunt me, while they say to me continually, “Where

is your God?” Psalm 42(verse 10 NRSV)

As you read the forty second Psalm you can feel the personal lament of the writer. Things are not like they

used to be. He is probably residing in a strange land and he misses the familiar places that gave him peace and

comfort. The friends he once knew and worshiped with are gone. He feels a sense of abandonment and in his

present environment he has no community that would share his faith. To the contrary, they mock and taunt

him for his faith. “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God”, he cries out.

As we study these words for the coming Advent 2016, there are two significant messages, in my opinion, that

we need to hear. First, as the Psalmist did in his day, we need to keep hope alive amidst feeling sometimes as

if we live in a valley of dry bones. In our troubled and chaotic world, with the church often on the defensive,

there are many who will ask, “Where is your God?” The second message builds on the first and is a challenge

to us to answer those who would ask, “Where is your God?” First, we could tell them of the event that

happened two thousand years ago when God came among us in human form. Jesus allowed us to see the face

of God and that image is alive today. We can answer the question, “Where is your God?”, when you put your

arm around a grieving friend. You can see the face of God when a person homeless and hungry and cold is

provided food and shelter. We can take God with us to repair a home in Kentucky or mentor a child in a local

school. The answer comes when we become the hands and feet of Jesus and we can show where God is by our

actions and the witness of our daily lives.

Prayer: We pray to you, O God, for peace in our land. Help us point others to the star that the shepherds saw

telling of the coming of our savior. When skeptics ask “Where is your God?”, help us lead them to the manger

to see the one who brings peace and healing. Come, Emmanuel, that we may feel and see your presence.

Amen.

Rev. George N. Leathrum


PLANNED FOR US. NONE CAN COMPARE WITH YOU; WERE I TO SPEAK AND TELL OF YOUR DEEDS, THEY

WOULD BE TOO MANY TO DECLARE. PSALM 40:5

This fall traveling through the beautiful mountains of West Virginia on our way to our cabin, we were in

awe of the magnificent colors that God painted on the leaves on the trees. It reminded me of the biblical

story that begins in Genesis 37 where Jacob is demonstrating his love for his son Joseph by gifting him a coat

of many colors. Joseph was a gift and blessing from God and is revisited in modern times by Dolly Parton’s

song “A Coat of Many Colors.” It is amazing how history has a way of repeating itself through scripture and

song. God’s wonderful wonders are not only for all the seasons of the year, but for each of us to begin our

daily lives by thanking and praising Him for His love and His plans for us.

As we reflect on the many experiences in our lives, we can think of none greater than a trip to our camp

property in West Virginia. As we continue to interact with situations that pose a threat to our way of life, a

trip to the Camp seems to minimize those threats. To say the least, the Camp is a place of solitude and

reflection. The handy work of our Creator is everywhere. Hiking the woods along the streams and river, or

doing chores to keep the property safe and attractive brings peace and tranquility to one’s person. Just as

Jesus sought personal refuge and reflection on the issues in his life, He journeyed into the Wilderness. We, at

times, need the same type of refuge. The Camp has been a center of peace for our family and friends. We

enjoy the basics of life through playing table and outdoor games, hiking, telling stories and sharing our love for

each other and our faith. The Camp environment breeds time for personal and religious reflection. A time to

play, share family events, plans, pray, and work is always available at the Camp. So, the Camp has inspired this

devotional. With a heavy hearts and spirits that need constant and personal care, we retreat (journey) to The

Camp.

OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE MANY WONDERS YOU HAVE DONE IN OUR LIVES AND

THE WORLD. THANK YOU FOR GIVING US YOUR LOVE THROUGH THE PRECIOUS GIFT OF YOUR SON, JESUS,

OUR SAVIOR AND OUR LORD. WE ARE PRAYING FOR PEACE, STABILITY, AND LETTING OUR LOVE FOR JESUS

SHINE THROUGH THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON.

Sonny and Barb Tenney


Read Psalm 80:1-3; 17-19

Restore us, LORD God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. Psalm 80:19 (NIV)

Shed a Little Light on Us

Photography is one of my hobbies. I love the feel of the camera in my hands, bringing it up to my eye to focus on a subject, clicking the button to capture a moment in time. For me, taking pictures is a wonderful, creative outlet that fills me with joy. The fall season offers a photographer an opportunity for that perfect shot. When the leaves are at their finest with varying shades of vibrant red, orange and yellow, how can you take a bad picture? And if you’re lucky enough to capture a photo when the sun is in the right position in the sky, the end result is stunning. It’s amazing to witness the sun shining on the leaves, reflecting and enhancing the colors to an intense and breath-taking hue.

What happens when we, like the Psalmist, ask God to make His face shine on us? Are we enhanced by His light like the fall leaves? Do we reflect God’s love? Or are our “true colors” revealed (as witnessed during the recent presidential campaign) to show what we really are: broken, imperfect, quick to judge others, exclusive, fearful, and angry? Fortunately, God loved us so much that He sent Jesus – His Light – to us. Through Christ - his birth in a stable, his death on the cross, and in his resurrection – God’s face shines on us, transforms us, and we are saved.

As we draw closer to Christmas, to the day when God gave us the best gift ever, may we always be aware of God’s grace, his immeasurable love, and his transforming power. Shine on – and through - us, Lord, so that we may be saved.

Prayer: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Numbers 6: 24-26 (NRSV)

Krista Gilmore


I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything,

but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we

were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had

come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law,

so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into

our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through

God.—Galatians 4:1-7 (ESV)

I’ll never forget my baptism as a young teen, and the absolute joy I felt when rising up from the water. Truly, I

had died to self and was raised to Christ in newness of life . . . buried with Christ in my sin and raised to live in

Him and His Spirit in me. “No longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God!” In that

moment I was certain that all of life forevermore would change, that I would know the intimacy with my Lord

that allowed me to cry, to sing “Abba! Father!”

I’m sorry to say that even after that momentous event when I’d publicly declared myself a repentant sinner,

totally dependent on the mercy and blood of Jesus Christ to save me, that I spent the first half of my life

“enslaved to the elementary principles of this world.” Oh, I was part of a church and I did my best to live a

Christian and faith-filled life, but just as the new Christians in Galatia found it difficult to live in the freedom of

Christ and not slip under the taskmaster of the law, I found myself enslaved to the legalistic views of my

church’s theology.

What makes enslavement so tempting? Why is it hard to turn from that enslavement and learn to live in the

freedom Christ offers, the freedom He died to give us now and for eternity? I think it’s because we are so used

to living performance based lives. We believe every outcome depends on us, the strength of our characters,

and work ethic. We do not remember, or perhaps we never knew the joyful abandonment of childhood, or

the ability to fully trust a loving Father, to run to Him, crying, “Abba! Father!”

There is the crux of the matter . . . we think we must “do this” or “be that,” but we do not “achieve” this

alone. Paul shows us in the verse above that because God has accepted us as sons, He sends the Spirit of His

Son to live in us, and it is that Spirit that cries, “Abba! Father!” Even our ability to believe, to trust, to

experience a close and intimate, personal relationship and walk with God does not depend on our ability. He

brings us to sonship, and He sends His Spirit to live in us, growing us up and into the joyful faith of little

children. It is by His grace and mercy that enslavement falls away. He does for us what we cannot even

accept for ourselves, not even when it is a gift so freely, so sacrificially given. What mercy! What amazing

grace!

Prayer: Loving Father, forgive us for our tendency to believe we must make ourselves worthy of You, forgive

our looking backward to the known enslavement of our past. Thank You for Your never ending love, for Your

sacrifice, for the gift of freedom from our sin and shame. Thank You for allowing Your Spirit to live in us, to

light us from within. Thank You, Father, for opening our hearts to You, for enabling us to know You through

Jesus, for calling us to run to You. We come with arms spread wide, with hearts on fire. In this Advent Season

we remember Your coming as a little child—thank You for showing us firsthand how to live with the faith of

children. Now we anticipate Your return in Glory. Christmas Joy forevermore! Through Jesus Christ our Lord

and by His grace, Amen.

Cathy Gohlke


Psalm 80:17-19 (New Living Translation) “Strengthen the man you love, the son of your choice. Then we will

never abandon you again. Revive us so we can call on your name once more. Turn us again to yourself, O Lord

God of Heaven’s Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.” Psalm 80:17-19

(New Living Translation)

As I read Psalm 80, I was taken aback to see the correlation between these verses and what is happening in

this country, and in the world, at this moment. I am writing this devotional before the presidential election has

taken place and am so saddened by the turmoil surrounding it. The political discussions between friends that

have erupted into violence, not to mention the violence between races in our own community. The disrespect

and inconsideration demonstrated amongst so many. In our quest to be right, we have been very wrong. We

have abandoned the teachings of Jesus to act as though we are in charge and have the right to judge. Have we

forgotten that God is in charge and no matter what happens, He will be there for us as long as we call on His

name? This Psalm is a prayer from the community, asking God to rescue his people from trouble. The world is

obviously overwrought with chaos and the only one who can sustain the people, is God alone. This is the

world today! This is us! We should be the ones praying this Psalm to God. By the time advent begins, political

signs will be taken down and replaced by beautiful nativity scenes and bright Christmas decorations.

Hopefully, the news media will have calmed down and the constant assaulting headlines will have stopped.

Now is the time for us to look to God for his forgiveness, guidance and help. “Make your face shine down upon

us. Only then will be be saved.” This verse implores God to shine his light on us, because only then will we be

God’s people and conduct ourselves in the caring and loving way he wants us to. Only then will we be true

Christians and treat everyone the way God intended. Let the peace of the season fill our hearts.

Dear Father, please be with us and restore our souls. We know that when we are broken, You can put us back

together and make us whole. Enable us to forgive and show mercy in Your name. Soothe our spirits, calm our

nerves, revive and restore us in the way that only You can. We give You all the glory, honor, and praise. Amen.

Linda White


Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, “Ask the LORD your God for a sign,whether in the deepest depths or in the

highest heights.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test.” Then Isaiah said, “Hear now,

you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also?

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him

Immanuel. He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the

right, for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you

dread will be laid waste. Isaiah 7:10-16

During Christmas we remember the birth of Jesus, the conceiving of the baby to the mother, and the actions that had taken place between it all. But, often times we forget the message truly being portrayed. When Isaiah spoke the words God gave him, he understood the underlying message we were all overlooking. In this passage, God is testing Ahaz, but testing us as well. He is speaking the truth by mentioning a sign from God will be coming, but more importantly the act of patience it takes to get the sign. We have tested patience as a human, society, and race. We have tested God by asking for patience. But isn’t that what God is saying? He wants us to ask him to give us patience, and for him to be patient with us. He wants us to seek him and cry out in belief for him to help us through life. How wrong will it be to have so much love for God, that when you feel doubts you ask him to show you, he will be there with you, forever and always?

When it comes to the birth of our Savior we remember that simple task; we ask God to get us through the next day and stand by us with arms open wide. He is just waiting for us to run into them. That is what we must take in. Ahaz was not able to trust in the sign from God. He felt it was wrong for him to do, because he thought it was a “test” to God, but it was more an act of faith. The birth of Jesus would be from a virgin. When this child will be born, he will grow up to understand that rejecting wrong and doing right are the morals of life. He teaches us the only way to do that is through an act of faith by reaching out to God, and trusting he will show you “a sign”. I use the quotes because instead of thinking of a sign being a test to prove God’s existence, it’s more of a leap of faith to ask for God to open your eyes to see the right from wrong, that Jesus showed, or in this case will be showing. These verses take deep thought, and took me time to analyze, but God is showing us that when we ask for the right path, he will give us something, or someone, miraculous to change our world.

Jocelyn Melvin


God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” And Abraham said to God, “O that Ishmael might live in your sight!” God said, “No, but your wife Sarah shall bear you a son, and you shall name him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. Genesis 17: 15-19.

But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this season next year.” And when he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham. Genesis 17:21-22

Isn’t it just wonderful how God works in revealing contrasts? Yes, and here consider the contrast of two miraculous births separated by thousands of years, yet one being mightier than the other? Both little babies, yet one would grow to become the second patriarch of Israel, and One to become the King of the Jews. One, a man; One also a Man, the Son of God.

Two special women chosen by God to bear the “seed son,” to accomplish God’s marvelous purpose for humanity in the revealing to Israel and the world, the Messiah.

And the first miracle harkens back to Genesis when God said to Abraham that Sarah his wife would bear a son in her old age and would name him, Isaac! And so it happen as God had said it would at the exact time He spoke of.

And the second miracle happened “in the fullness of time,” there in Bethlehem of Judea that the Virgin Mary, with the “Seed of the Woman,” as God said way back in Genesis, Chapter Three, brought forth a Son, and named Him Jesus, the Savior of the world!

As we end another year the Almighty GOD has given us in this 21st century, let us now in this Advent season that points to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, open our hearts with joy and give thanks for this wonderful blessing of salvation.

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Ivan Mehosky


Genesis 21:1-21

Samuel 2: 1-10

Luke 1: 1-56

When you read the scriptures for today you will notice each tells a story about a baby.

Can you think of anything more wonderful than the arrival of a baby? There are many stories of the birth of

children in the Bible and each story has unique circumstances prior to the conception of the child.

Poor Sarah. God had promised her a son but it just wasn't happening and she wasn't getting any younger. So

Sarah took Hagar her maid and gave her to Abraham to be his wife. Hagar conceived a son, Ishmael, to be

Abraham's heir. The situation did not develop to be one big, happy family. Then God told Abraham that Sarah

would conceive the son he had promised. Abraham laughed...after all he was 100 years old! That would even

get a laugh in this day and age. But Sarah's dream came true and Isaac was born. Isaac, Abraham's heir, grew

to be a servant of God. The story is much more complicated and interesting so please read the story in

Genesis.

Samuel's father, Elkanah, had two wives Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children but Hannah had

none. Year after year Peninnah would provoke Hannah because the Lord had closed her womb. Hannah was

very unhappy. She prayed to God for a son and vowed to set him before God as a nazirite, a person who

never cuts his hair nor drinks any beverage made from grapes or alcohol. The Lord answered her prayer and

Hannah gave Samuel to the Lord.

The stories of Isaac and Samuel shared fact that both mothers were desperate to have a child and God

answered their prayers. Now in the book of Luke we reread the most beautiful story ever told. Unlike Sarah

and Hannah, the last thing Mary was thinking about was having a baby! We think she was a busy bride-to-be

planning her wedding to Joseph. Perhaps she was practicing her cooking skills and making some new

garments. We learned early in the story that both Mary and Joseph were faithful servants to God. When

Gabriel told her she would conceive a son, the son of God, our Lord and Savior, she didn't fall apart. She said,

“Here am I, the servant of the Lord: let it be with me according to your word." And Joseph stood by her,

faithful to Mary and faithful to God. Jesus was born on Christmas Day.

We never tire of the Christmas story. We spend weeks in preparation, singing carols, worshiping God,

decorating trees and homes and visiting friends and family. The song says, “it’s the most wonderful time of

the year." And it is.

Judy and Dave Pugh


This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac… and Jesse the father of King David… David was the father of Solomon… and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah. Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah. Matthew 1: 1-17 (compacted)

Please excuse the shortcut I took here to provide a truncated version of the opening lines of Matthew’s

Gospel. You have read these lines many times, I am certain, most often right about this time of the year in

anticipation of Christmas. Those 42 generations between Abraham and Jesus were important for Matthew to

define so precisely. This family history provides the bona fides for the long awaited and often prophesied

savior for whom the people of Israel awaited. Through Isaiah, Micah, Genesis and Jeremiah God promised the

Israelites a leader from the lines of David, Jesse and Judah. [If you are hearing “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”

in the back of your head right now, my work here is done.]

“Of Jesse’s lineage coming….Isaiah ‘twas foretold it…”

My own lineage is far less straightforward and not so clearly documented. Piecing together family photos,

memories of conversations with generations now gone, and some help from Ancestry.com, I know that I’m

just three generations from a line of Wilhelm and Karl Schmooks from the Schleswig-Holstein region of

Germany. My dad was raised by aunts and cousins after my grandfather died in a gas station holdup. No

kings, no dukes and no nobility in my line, but I am still able to say I am proud of who I am and whose I am. I

hope you can say the same.

Even more importantly at this time of year, in a spiritual sense, I am also very proud of who I am and whose I

am in the faith of Jesus Christ. My family baptized me and raised me in a Christian church, all the time

providing models of faith and humble service. If you are reading this collection of advent devotions in order

and by the calendar, it is now Dec 21 and Christmas is just a few days away. Together, with some 2.2 million

other Christians around the world, we will celebrate the birth of a baby more than 2000 years ago. In doing

so, I hope you also can celebrate your family and your own personal growth line that has brought you be

among the throng of fellow believers in Christ. Merry Christmas.

Mike Schmook


Isaiah 33:17-22 and Revelation 22:6-7, 18-20

Then the angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true: 'I am coming soon!' God, who tells his prophets what the future holds, has sent his angel to tell you this will happen soon. Blessed are those who believe it and all else written in the scroll.” Rev. 22: 6-7 The Book

In high school there was one particular group of students that I hung out with a lot around Christmas time. This group included three kids younger than me and two that were older, all of whom had musical training. I still haven't figured out why they included me in their group since I never had a music lesson in my life, but they did and I am grateful. Our main activity was to go caroling on Christmas Eve every year. Since I had no music training, I always sang the melodies using the notes I had memorized for each one and the others adjusted their voices to blend with mine and somehow the harmonies worked. Yes, we sang Christmas carols in 4 part harmonies! It was awesome to be a part of that!

One particular year had been a tough one for our school community. The daughter of the pastor of the local Baptist church had been in a car accident in the spring and although she survived the crash, her multiple injuries meant a very long rehabilitation and recovery time. She was having to learn the simplest tasks all over again, and her ability to talk and to walk had been greatly impaired. As our group gathered that year to go caroling through the neighborhood, I think we were all very mindful of our own good health and blessings. As we traveled from house to house, singing our songs, it began to snow. A white Christmas! We hadn't seen snow on Christmas for a lot of years. And as if that wasn't magical enough, as we walked along the street we encountered the Baptist pastor and his daughter. With help, she was walking! And very haltingly she wished us a Merry Christmas! We had not seen her walk or heard her voice since the auto accident.

I have described this as a magical moment, but magic is slight of hand and illusion. This was no illusion. This moment was real, this moment was hope made tangible, this moment was joy incarnate, this moment was nothing short of miraculous. Now I have told you a Christmas story. I can tell you that it happened just as I said, but are my words trustworthy and true? You have no guarantee of that. I can tell you that this was the work of God that I witnessed. Even though you may know me and have found me to be trustworthy in my dealings with you; are these true words that I tell you now?

John, in Revelation, tells us that the words of the prophets are trustworthy and true, and that their words are inspired by God. Furthermore, those who believe these words will be blessed. The prophets words were written for our learning. We can depend on these words. We can base our lives on the truths that we read in our bibles. We can depend on God's promises. We can depend on God to forgive us our sins, if we believe the tiny baby born in Bethlehem is our Savior.

As beautiful as the scene I have presented to you is, even more beautiful would be her complete recovery and return to her healthy state before the accident. She has never experienced that on this earth. However, based on the words of the prophet Isaiah, she will experience a well-being above and beyond what she knows on earth when she is in God's heavenly kingdom. She can depend on it, and so can we.

Thought for the Day: We have all we need in God through Christ Jesus.

Dianne Thompson


Then Mary said, “My heart sings with thanks for my Lord. And my spirit is happy in God, the One who saves from the punishment of sin. The Lord has looked on me, his servant-girl and one who is not important. But from now on all people will honor me. He who is powerful has done great things for me. His name is holy. The loving kindness of the Lord is given to the people of all times who honor him. He has done powerful works with his arm. He has divided from each other those who have pride in their hearts. He has taken rulers down from their thrones. He has put those who are in a place that is not important to a place that is important. He has filled those who are hungry with good things. He has sent the rich people away with nothing. He has helped Israel his servant. This was done to remember his loving kindness. He promised he would do this to our early fathers and to Abraham and to his family forever.” (Luke 1:46b-55)

Can you believe Christmas is approaching so fast? It’s just a couple of days away! It feels like just yesterday when I was in Seattle during the summer. The year has just flown by. I hope everyone had a great year and enjoyed 2016 very much, and if you didn’t – well, there’s always next year! Today’s scripture lesson from Luke is the words of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She speaks of how much God loves her and what he has done for her, and how much he loves all people and what he has done for them. It’s a great passage, and what I thought as I read it, is how much people need to hear what she has to say, to be reminded of God’s love and power and might.

Because many people these days have fallen away from faith and the church. Some have even lost their Christian values. Maybe a family member died or some horrible or tragic event across the globe caused them to lose faith. For whatever reason, they have turned away and lost faith in what’s important and lost trust in God’s plan for their lives.

Mary heard God’s call on her life and said yes, choosing to follow God’s will by bearing his son into the world. And just as God had a plan for Mary, so does he have a plan for all of his children, including you. But too often we turn away from where he leads us, choosing to go our own way and follow our own directions.

It’s like having a GPS and ignoring the voice telling you where you should go. You hear the directions, but you ignore them, and the voice keeps “recalculating, recalculating” and still you ignore it, and pretty soon you find yourself lost. It’s the same way when we ignore God’s direction for our lives.

We need to, like Mary, trust that God wants what is best for us, and will direct us where we need to go to do what he wants us to do. God blessed Mary as she listened to him, and he will bless us as well if we choose to listen and follow him. Then, we like Mary, will sing his praises too – “My heart sings with thanks for my Lord. And my spirit is happy with God, the one who saves from the punishment of sin.”

Let us pray: O God, we thank you that you love us and have a plan for our lives. Give us the strength to say yes to you and follow your direction for our lives. With Mary, we sing your praises and thank you for your love and guidance. Amen.

Damien Hollyday


Christmas Eve

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Whenever I read this beautiful passage of scripture, I think of the years and years in which I sang in church choirs and sang Handel’s Messiah. One of its beautiful choruses is entitled “For Unto Us a Child is Born,” and it contains the words of this scripture passage. The music is sweeping and majestic, and reflects beautifully the power of the message Isaiah brings.

Today, we prepare to welcome Jesus, the Prince of Peace. We’ll gather tonight for worship to celebrate that, once again, Christ’s birth reminds us that evil and darkness and fear never have the last word – God does! And God’s Word is life and peace, justice and righteousness – God’s Word is Jesus!

So put away your busyness, put away your weariness, put away your worries, and come sit in the shadow of the cross next to the manger. Remember how much God loves you – so much that he sent his only begotten Son into the world for you, to save you from your sin, to set you free, to give you life in abundance for all the days to come.

Come and sing the beautiful carols, hear the Christmas story once again, light a candle and watch its light join others as a glow fills the room, then revel in the warmth of God’s love for you. “For unto us a child is born” this night! Light shatters the darkness, and all will be well. Come, remember and celebrate this greatest gift of all!

Let us pray: O Lord our God, in the midst of a world that often seems shrouded in darkness, we pour out our thanks to you for the Light you sent into the world, Jesus the Christ. Fill us with your Spirit this day that we may focus on you and your gift instead of all the other distractions of the day and of the season. For we pray in the name of the baby born in Bethlehem, Jesus our Savior. Amen.

Pastor Karen Bunnell

Merry Christmas

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Christmas Day

Luke 2: 8-20

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over

their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of

the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to

them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all

the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is

the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby

wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,

praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 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.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was

lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word

concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it

were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all

these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which

were just as they had been told.

Documents

Elkton United Methodist Church Advent Devotional · PDF fileAdvent Devotional ~ 2016 . ... And although we must endure sufferings, we ... I’m not sure how many of us think about