O come, O come, Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-star, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,

And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads to Thee,

And close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come to lead us Adonai,

Who to the tribes on height of Sinai In ancient times did'st give the Law,

In cloud, and majesty and awe. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny

From depths of Hell Thy people save And give them victory o'er the grave

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

One of the most beautiful hymns of the season announces the hopes of people through the ages. The origins of the hymn are difficult to trace. It is believed that, initially, this beloved carol was a chant. Each verse begins with a different title for the Promised One to come; our Emmanuel – “God with Us”. So each year we sing it … we say it … we hope it … we pray it … we long for one who comes to be with us. Advent is a season of deep longing and waiting; arousing our most fervent hopes and earnest prayers. It is also a season in which we so often busy ourselves with a long list of things to do. In so many ways, it is a season of preparation. The readings of this devotional are meant to be a guide and companion for you throughout this season. The authors are from each of the United Methodist Churches in Sandusky. (Inside the back cover you will find a listing of each of the churches.) The readings begin the first Sunday of Advent and continue through Christmas Day. Our hope is that this devotional may provide a time of quiet meditation as you journey through this most special season. Many people observe the custom of lighting the candles of an Advent wreath during this season. Our prayer is that this devotional may be part of your personal worship time. May these devotions enrich your Advent season and may God bless you …

Sunday, November 27th 1 Corinthians 1: 3 - 9

Looking to God for Deliverance The psalmist cries out to God and confesses his failings and short comings. He knows he is unclean before God, but somewhere in his soul, there is a faith and a strong confidence that God will hear him. He feels abandoned, that God has forsaken his people. But, if you listen you hear a faith that cannot be shaken, yet he still pours out his soul and builds his argument to God, reinforcing his conviction. He knows God will hear and will act for his people. The New Testament writers have experienced Christ. Their call is different than the Psalmist’s. They are looking and hoping for the second coming of Christ. They, like the Old Testament writers, have a confidence God will answer them and Christ will come again. At this beginning of Advent when we are called to a renewing of our faith, O that we had the same confidence in ourselves and trust in God. Will the experience of Advent and the reliving of the stories reshape us? Will we emerge into the new year as stronger Christians with a commitment to try to do God’s will? Let these four weeks of Advent work miracles in your life. Prayer: Heavenly Father, accept me and change me for your service. Amen. Richard and Jane Maag Salem United Methodist Church

Monday, November 28th Matthew 25: 1 - 13

Taking Responsibility In this parable, Jesus tells of five foolish women who did not plan well. They chose not to take extra oil for their lamps, thus risking that they might run out before the bridegroom came. They had to pay the consequences of not taking responsibility by missing the entire celebration. As children, my brother and I were taught by our parents to take responsibility - to pick up our toys, to apologize if we hurt someone, to do our chores before we played. We always knew what was expected, but we also knew that we were loved. Just as loving parents hope for their children, so God hopes for us to take responsibility. He wants all that is good for us, but He doesn't want to work alone to make it happen. I believe that He doesn't want us to sit back and let things happen. He wants from us active participation in our lives, whether for ourselves or for each other. He wants to guide us to make good decisions, and he wants to work through us, thus making it our responsibility to be in communication with God - to open our hearts and to talk to God and to listen - as He shows us the Way. Prayer: Thank you, God, for caring for us enough to give us responsibility. Help us to seek your guidance so that we may make good choices. Amen. Lonna Cope Trinity United Methodist Church

Tuesday, November 29th Psalm 5

Communing with God

David has something important to say about how to have fellowship with God. Pray with confidence that God is listening and hold nothing back. Trust God with all that is in your heart. Then listen for God to speak, to guide us in some way. David prayed in the morning. I spend time in prayer in the morning also. Beginning the new day with God is part of my routine -- has been for a very long time. Beginning the day with God while my mind is fresh and uncluttered allows God to have priority over all that is in my life. As the day progresses, I commune with God and read from His book. I sit quietly and can feel God blessing me, filling me with His love and peace. I feel strengthened, prepared and energized to face whatever the day will bring. David had great faith in God and wrote about it. That great faith brings to mind the message of the hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" (p. 140 in our hymnal). Prayer: Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me. Thank you, God. Amen.

Sharon Stoner Trinity United Methodist Church

Wednesday, November 30th Psalm 119: 1 - 24

I Have an App for That We are in the age of great technology...social networking ... Facebook...Google...My Space...all the communication portals that “put it all out there” for all the world to see. Our youth can speed dial each other and have instant pictures, conversation, and just about any song or movie within seconds. So, wouldn't it be nice to have “instant” blessings on our cellphones? Hey, I've got an App for that! (For those of you who don't know, that means an application that you can download on your cellphones to allow you to see anything you want). Well, actually, there are apps for all kinds of Bibles in any translation. But it is rather like the Bible that remains on the coffee table or in the back seat of our cars, we don't always use it. The “app” needs to be in our hearts because that is where God expects his laws to be. Those laws, or precepts, speak of the blessings of living pure lives. These laws were given to us to follow daily and to do no harm or wrong to others, like bullying or making others hurt inside. Psalm 119:18 says “open our eyes so that we can see all the wonderful things in His teachings” so that by obeying His laws we are happy with whom we are. As we enter into the Advent season, we should remember that Christ came not to do away with the laws, but to fulfill the laws. He represents the human touch for God's laws. HE becomes our App for that. Prayer: Father God, help us to remember that when we follow your laws, we are truly blessed, and when we live pure lives by following your rules, others will truly see Christ's light and love through us. Amen.

Lynda Atkinson Columbus Ave. United Methodist Church

Thursday, December 1st Psalm 18: 1 - 20

Finish the Task From the time we were young, I imagine most of us can remember starting something, and discovering it required more time, effort, and dedication than we might have initially thought. It might be Cub Scouts or Brownies, music or dance lessons, a sport, or some other option. We learn early -- and often after frustration and disappointment -- that worthwhile goals and skills do not come easily. Quitting is easy, but quitters never win, and winners never quit. On a personal note, I assumed when I opened my office in 1977 that success and good economic times would follow. Such has not always been the case, especially recently. This is certainly not a complaint, just a fact. Many times it would have been easy to give up and quit. However, I was not reared to do that, and those of you who know me would realize that was not an option. With the encouragement and assistance of my late parents, and my wonderful family and friends, I have made it this far, and intend to keep going as long as I am able -- to finish the task. I recently saw a verse in USA Today, written by Annie Johnson Flint, and she says it better than I can: "Have you come to the Red Sea place in your life, Where in spite of all you can do, There is no way out, there is no way back, There is no other way but through?"

Those are powerful, helpful, inspiring words. Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the blessings and opportunities you have given me and for helping me get to my Red Sea place. Please give me the strength and guidance to get through and finish the task. Amen.

Jay O'Neill Trinity United Methodist Church

Friday, December 2nd Luke 20: 41 - 21: 4

Acts… To Serve Him In the scriptures we see Jesus answering questions about how he is the savior. We also see Jesus warning about the teachers of the law. From reading the scripture we can see how Jesus is telling us that we all are important to God not just the rich or the teachers of the law. Many times we believe that we are not important enough to make a difference. Jesus warns us about people who do acts to only show their importance. Jesus wants us to do acts to serve him. Jesus wants us to be like the poor widow who gave the gift of two copper coins. The widow gave as much as she could when she didn't have much to give. As Christians we should try to be more like the widow and give more than what we feel we can. During this holiday season when we are busy purchasing gifts for family and friends remember to help those who are in need. Try giving more to the church or other charities and see how the Lord will bless you. Prayer: Lord, thank you for everything you have blessed us with. During this holiday season help us to be reminded of the poor widow and the sacrifice she made to serve you. Amen. Dan Austin Columbus Ave. United Methodist Church

Saturday, December 3rd Luke 21: 5 - 19

Keeping Our Eyes on the Prize When we hear the term persecution, many of us may think of the extreme version—something resembling Christians in far away countries being stoned to death. Persecution is not just something missionaries in other countries face. It is something that we all face when professing our faith. I want to focus on the last bit of this scripture: “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you….you will be betrayed…” Notice how God does not say if you are persecuted, if you are betrayed. You WILL be. Not if, but when. I know this is true in my life. Surrounded by everything college campuses offer, I am bound to face persecution—if I am doing everything in His name. On a recent mission trip to Haiti, today’s scripture became real to me. As a person who doesn’t always feel confident or qualified in teaching about Jesus, I was nervous to teach a group of 400 Haitians in the rural west. What was I going to say? How was I going to convey the love of Jesus? The BIBLE? That is some serious stuff. But, Jesus calmed me and reminded me that He would be by my side, speaking through me, as long as I let him. I had no reason to be nervous as He spoke through me and in spite of me. What a true testimony to God’s love for us and our love for Him. “Stand firm, and you will win life.” God is in control, and the ultimate outcome will be eternal victory. We just have to keep our eyes on the prize. Prayer: God of all the world, thank you for your loving care and protection that always surrounds us, even when we are not aware of it. Help us to trust you now in this life full of persecution and for the life that awaits us. I pray that you move us to invite you to permeate every facet of our lives, granting us the courage, strength, and perseverance to

boldly live how you intended us to live. In Your Son’s name we pray, Amen. Molly Bacni Trinity United Methodist Church

Sunday, December 4th Mark 1: 1 - 8; 2 Peter 3: 8 - 15a What Will Tomorrow Bring? Who knows when the Second Coming will be? I can remember even as a child hearing about people who were sure that they knew when Christ would return. It didn’t happen…not then or even this year. To me the more important issue is the state of our heart, not when Jesus will return. Mark tells us to repent and Peter to be prepared. Both processes can apply to each of us every day.

Last December, my family had a startling reminder of how quickly our earthly lives can change or even end. My niece, Emily, was driving home from church on December 12. The weather had become a very wintery mix. Emily skidded on an icy road and suffered a traumatic brain injury. When she arrived at Bellevue Hospital she was not responsive. Many months of hospitalization and surgeries later, we thank God that Emily is improving daily.

As we prepare this Advent season for the coming of the Christ Child, let’s take seriously the admonitions to repent and to prepare our hearts for Jesus TODAY. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring….

Prayer: Lord Jesus, during this Advent Season, please help us through the work of your Holy Spirit to open our hearts fully to you; that we might better serve you each day. Amen.

Nancy Kamps Columbus Ave. United Methodist Church

Monday, December 5th Psalm 25

New Prayer

When we were 13 years old, we knew everything and not surprisingly, we held that truth through our teens. That truth lead to rebellion and foolish behaviors. That truth also allowed us to move forward and be courageous in ways we could never have been otherwise.

The older we get the more we recognize how very little we truly know and understand. In this passage, David acknowledges his repentance, his shortcomings, his dependence on God and awareness of how much he truly needs to learn. He asks for grace, mercy, favor, learning and hope for himself and for the nation of Israel. May we humble ourselves before the Lord as David did during this holy season.

Prayer: Dear Father, with all my heart, I thank you for answering David’s request of taking away our sins. I pray that I will learn with your guidance, as David did, to keep my eyes ever on the Lord and to keep my hope in you. Amen.

Cindy Kares Trinity United Methodist Church

Tuesday, December 6th 1 Thessalonians 5: 12 - 28 The Coming of the Lord Paul is giving advice for preparing for the second coming of Christ. He asks that there is respect for those who labor among us. Also, be at peace among yourselves. Encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. Paul asks that this be read to all brothers. Everyone is to be informed. The chief desire of Paul for his converts was spiritual grace. This could be gained by following the advice he was giving. Prayer: Lord, as we read selections from the Bible for this Advent season, may we find spiritual grace and peace within our souls. Amen. Dorothy Couch Trinity United Methodist Church

Wednesday, December 7th John 8: 1 - 11

She Was Forgiven

This Bible verse is quite long. But reading it through, you will find that it all is a story - a story about a woman who sinned, and how Jesus deals with the situation. It is important to know that committing this type of sin was one of the worst things you could do as a woman during Jesus’ time on earth. It was a sin that deserved death as the authorities pointed out to Jesus. But what you learn from this passage is this message from Jesus, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.’”

Here Jesus is letting the Pharisees and the crowds make their own decisions. Are any of them without sin? Are you without sin? The woman was definitely not without sin, yet she was forgiven. We are all held accountable for our sin, but can we be held for someone else’s?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your loving forgiveness…

Jessica Meyer Friend of Trinity United Methodist Church

Thursday, December 8th Psalm 37: 1 - 18

Trust and Obey

The title of this Psalm in my New American Standard Bible is "Security of Those Who Trust in the Lord, and Insecurity of the Wicked". I find this very fitting for today's world and for that matter in the world's history. In this Psalm it says in many different ways and many different times, that we need to trust in God to overcome evil. That even though it seems as if evil people are "getting away" with evil deeds, the psalm explains that we must "rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him". Those people responsible for evil deeds will be held accountable. In this world of instant gratification, waiting is a hard concept to grasp for many. Advent, too, is a season of waiting - waiting for Advent to be over so that we can celebrate our Lord's birth. It takes trust in God and a lot of human willpower to wait ...... PATIENTLY. Prayer: Dear God, we humans are so weak and impatient. We think that we know it all, when in fact, we don't know enough. Help us to trust and obey. Martha Miller Trinity United Methodist Church

Friday, December 9th Psalm 31

God's Plan for My Life In 2008, I was living in a condo in Dayton. My husband of 54 years had passed away, and my 45 year old son was once again living with me while facing a slow growing brain tumor. His willingness to eat right and stop smoking had outlived its usefulness to him several months past. I knew that I needed to sell the condo and move to Sandusky to be closer to one of my daughters for my own peace of mind. It had long been a plan of “someday” and needed to be put into action. My prayers centered on God’s plan for my life. I, of course, needed to fix, repaint, put in new carpet, and get the place ready to face a realtor. And, at that point, I turned the whole project over to God’s will. This might be the only time in my life that I relinquished all control of the situation and never worried about it again. Needless to say, God sold the place in a month when real estate was not moving well. As much as I hated leaving Dayton after 75 years, my wonderful and close friends, a church that meant the world to me, and numerous activities and obligations, God had told me it was time to move to Sandusky. Of course, I have found even more friends, a supportive church, and activities to enjoy. Prayer: God, in love you have supported me and taken control of my life. Let me live for you and let my actions reflect your will so that I can share with others. Amen. Jeri Arnold Columbus Ave. United Methodist Church

Saturday, December 10th Luke 22: 31 - 38

Denying Christianity As a young teacher, I had my first confrontation with others wanting to eliminate Christianity from our schools by the banning of school prayer. I taught in a rural school that housed grades kindergarten through twelfth grade. It was incomprehensible to me that we could no longer pray in school, if we wanted. As time passed, I was amazed at how prayer in school took on a new dimension. Before the change in school prayer, teachers didn’t even mention prayer—even though they practiced it in their own classrooms. After the change, they practiced it with a vengeance and let everyone know. As I watched this transpire, I thought of the possibility that God had allowed the change as a way of making sure people kept Him in their lives. It is difficult to understand why people deny Christ and his birth -even Peter denied knowing Christ. From time to time, we like Peter, will deny what we know as the truth. But when we regain our senses and caring we realize we were forgiven for our shortcomings when Jesus died on the cross and with that knowledge we regain our faith. Christians still prevail, in spite of the roadblocks thrown in their way. They continue with celebrations with their family and friends, Christmas pageants at their churches, and giving to charity to help the less fortunate. Prayer: Lord as we approach another Advent season, give us faith to practice our Christian traditions with pride and the knowledge that you are with us in all that we do with love and forgiveness. Help us to be strong to stand up to those who are not Christian who ridicule us and want to destroy our traditions and values. Amen.

Mary Lou Johnson Trinity United Methodist Church

Sunday, December 11th

Isaiah 61: 1 - 4, 8 - 11

The Wonders of God

Historically, this passage comes from a time in the history of ancient Israel when those who were taken into exile return to their homeland. As these people return home, they come to discover things aren’t as they may have imagined or hoped they might be. Similar to the servant passages from earlier (Isaiah 42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12) the prophetic voice is heard once again proclaiming the coming of one upon whom God’s spirit rests and proclaims a word of hope and promised joy. Centuries later, Jesus was preaching in his home synagogue and in recalling the ancient words from Isaiah, he read from Isaiah 61. For Jesus, in front of his friends and relatives, this was a defining moment. One in which he shared his entire mission and ministry. For many, it wasn’t what they expected. But then again, isn’t that the way God is so often? Advent is a time of expectation and anticipation. Advent is also a time of remembering how God acted in the past, and looking to our own age in hope. People then, and now, long for, even hope for God’s coming into our lives. As we eagerly await God’s coming through this advent, may we be always open to the wonders of God around us. God comes in unexpected ways – in that truth lies our hope. In that promise there is great joy. Prayer: We draw ever closer, O God, to celebrating your coming to all in the child born to Mary. May we be open enough to discover that perhaps the real miracle of this season is encountering you in unexpected ways. May we come to know that in you we come to know “the hopes and dreams of all the world are met in thee” (Phillips Brooks, O Little

Town of Bethlehem). Amen.

Rev. Robert Machovec Trinity United Methodist Church

Monday, December 12th Luke 22: 39 - 53

Tempted Temptation is a big problem. Sometimes we do not realize the role it plays in our everyday life. When I drive Milan Road between Perkins and Rt. 2, I find myself facing temptations. There is the temptation of gestures that I know I should not make; the temptation to use foul language that is not part of my usual vocabulary; the temptation to remove another “inadequate” driver from the road. The question is how to avoid or defeat the temptations we encounter each day! When Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray he gave the disciples one instruction, “pray that you will not fall into temptation.” Why was this so heavily on his mind? Because of his own temptation. Just after that, he asks if God can take away his need to face his own trial. After his prayer and his resolution to avoid temptation, he finds his disciples sleeping. He again repeats his original instruction to them. Jesus knew we would encounter temptation in some form each day. The instruction he gave them still holds true. Whatever your temptation might be during this season or just this day, there is a way to defeat it. “Pray that you may not fall into temptation” - this is the prayer I use each time I start down that stretch of Milan Road. Prayer: God, we know that temptation is the door that leads us away from you. Remind us to pray that when we face those temptations, you, Holy Spirit, will keep those doors closed and locked. Amen. Pastor Paul Atkinson Columbus Ave. United Methodist Church Salem United Methodist Church

Tuesday, December 13th Psalm 45

My Heart is Full of Joy

Thinking back on my life, I count many more memories of “joy” than of “disappointment or sadness”. What a blessing that has been! I do love justice, love & kindness for my companions here on Earth and despise cruelty, destruction and the lack of compassion for our fellow human beings by some. The big, typical “joys” in my life are when I met my husband, our wedding day and our 50 years of marriage. God blessed us with the birth of our three children and continued the blessings with our wonderful grandchildren. There has been “joy” in watching each of my children grow up, to discover and become responsible, loving adults. My grandchildren have been such a delight, as they took their first steps, as they learned something new each day, hearing them giggle at something silly I did or said. Those memories are in a little pocket in my heart to pull out whenever I need to give myself a lift. Then there are those “joys” that we sometimes take for granted: seeing the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, the first flowering tree in the spring, the sound and sight of ocean waves as they wash to shore, finding a perfect shell, a beautiful sunset that takes your breath away, the deep, vivid colors of fall, the first winter snow, seeing rows of colorful flowers in the gardens of summer -- all gifts from God. I could go on forever…but the “joy” I am most grateful for is that Jesus loves me, is watching over me and has a place for me in Heaven to experience the greatest of all “joys” by walking with Him for eternity. Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for all the “joys” you bring into our lives. May we never take them for granted. Amen.

Sandra Reiber Trinity United Methodist Church

Wednesday, December 14th Psalm 119: 65

Follow the Lord Lord, I am overflowing with your blessings, just as you promised. Now teach me good judgment, as well as knowledge. My favorite prayer is: "Lord you are always two steps ahead of me. Help me follow in your footsteps." Each day is amazing. When something is lost, He leads me to it. When friends have problems, He always makes a way in His time. The wonders of His creation! Each person is unique. All faces have different features, even each side of the face is different. Some smile, some frown, some are beautiful, others homely, but each one has a soul that is his to determine how his life will be. Will he follow the Lord who loves him more than anyone? God gives that love so freely and the blessings are ours forever. I have hidden your word in my heart...your statutes are my delight. They are my counselors. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path...I have put my hope in your word...Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Prayer: We thank you, Lord, for the birth of your son Jesus who has given us life everlasting and constant love. Amen. Andrea Hyde Columbus Ave. United Methodist Church

Thursday, December 15th Matthew 3: 11 - 12

Who is the Chaff? It’s holiday time and also the time of year that we begin to see some familiar and even not-so-familiar faces again. Faces that we may not have seen in a while, maybe even since the last holiday season. It’s sometimes easy to pass judgment on these seasonal parishioners. Do you feel happy to see them, or a little resentful? Could we be thinking: “Why don’t they come to worship all year, why just at Christmas and Easter? Do they think they can “pay their dues” with so few Sundays at church? Why are they sitting in “my” pew? John the Baptist tells us that the “Someone” who is coming, He who has the power to baptize us with the Holy Spirit, will also be the one to separate the chaff from the grain. We need to remember that we are not the ones to judge who is the chaff and who is the grain. Only the Lord himself knows the difference. Our job, given to us by the same Lord, is to love. This can be a bit difficult this time of year when tensions run high and the stress of the season is taking its toll, and people seem to be in our way, even at church. Advent is the beginning of the church year, and this year, I’m going to begin by trying to build an attitude of love through the holidays and hopefully through all the seasons of this new year, at church and everywhere I am. I hope you will, too. Prayer: Lord, help me to welcome with love everyone who walks through the door this holiday season… the door to our church, the door to my home, the door to my heart. Amen. Kris Quartermaine Trinity United Methodist Church

Friday, December 16th Psalm 55

Our Friend and Father

I am sure many, if not all of us, have had a friend make a promise they failed to uphold. When we are wronged by someone, there seems to always be feelings of anger and frustration. The feelings change, however, when the wrongdoing comes from a friend. The pain inflicted by a person we know cuts deeper than we could imagine. It makes you question what you thought you knew about them; makes you question the relationship you shared. It generates doubt and leaves you feeling betrayed.

A few years ago I found out that a friend of mine had been lying about me and to me for months. Learning the truth about how she spoke of me behind my back was a very painful experience. Although I was hurt at losing a friendship, I was grateful for finding out she had been lying to me. My peace in that situation came from knowing that God was a steadfast presence in my life, despite the fact that people come and go. He remained the one that never told me empty promises, and that never turned His back to me. Knowing He was by my side through any and every situation allowed me to move beyond the anger I had over the events that occurred between my friend and me. Even as one friend slipped out of my life, God stayed, and I was reminded that having a relationship with Him meant I was never alone.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for always being a sounding board and for taking the troubles off our shoulders. Your firm presence in our lives means we will never be alone. You are the greatest and most faithful friend we will ever know, and we thank You for remaining by our side. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Emily A. Lowe Trinity United Methodist Church

Saturday, December 17th Psalm 138

“… Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.”

Sometimes, I think we forget how much God loves us. His love comes from everywhere, including the people around us. It is very hard to take a step back and realize how much people care about you. If we all just took a few minutes to set aside our busy schedules and thank God for all we have, think of how different your life would be.

When I think of love, I think of family. During this season, we need to especially thank God for them. Advent is a time of great love and great thanksgiving.

Prayer: God, thank you so much for the love you give me. Also, thank you for the people in my life that radiate your love. May we all learn from you in every aspect of our lives. Amen.

Isabella Mastropaolo Trinity United Methodist Church

Sunday, December 18th Luke 1: 26 - 38 The King of Our Salvation We often think of God's gifts to us. During the Advent and Christmas seasons especially, we think of Jesus as God's gift to us. We don't think of God giving a gift to Jesus. But from the words of the angel to Mary, that is exactly what God has done. The angel told Mary that God would give her son, Jesus, a great gift---the throne of his father, David. That hardly seemed possible, because the kings of David's line were far in the past. But it is true. God promised King David that his house and his throne would last forever. God was fulfilling his promise to David when he gave the throne of David to Jesus. Born of David's line, Jesus reigns forever and his kingdom has no end.

Jesus is not an earthly king, but he is the king of our salvation. As the king who lives forever, he makes it possible for us to live under him forever in his kingdom. For this, Jesus wore a crown of thorns on the cross and died to release us from sin and death. Jesus shares with us the gift God gave him.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, you are the eternal king of our salvation. May we live forever under you in your kingdom. Amen.

Diane Stahl Columbus Ave. United Methodist Church

Monday, December 19th Psalm 61

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Not a ripple. Not a wave. Not the slightest rise or fall. This is how we found Lake Erie on the late evening of September 11, 2011. Not a sound or person in sight from the houses along the lakeshore. The exuberance of summer had been replaced by the tranquility of fall. A decade earlier, on this day, the sounds had been deafening and the sights beyond comprehension. For so many, this marked the beginning of a darkness they had never before known. Will my husband/wife walk through that door? Will my unborn child know his/her father? Will my faith carry me through? Overwhelmed with fear, like David in Psalm 61, souls from New York to Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania cried out for the assurance of God's presence. It is most certainly easier to feel the safety of His arms upon a calm, waveless lake. But remember, even during the most evil of days and especially then, God is there. We are not alone. "For you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings." Prayer: Dear God, thank you for hearing our cries and calming our fears. Keep us mindful of your constant presence and steadfast love. Amen.

Jill Oberer Trinity United Methodist Church

Tuesday, December 20th Revelation 20: 11 – 21: 8

The Beginning and the End… “… I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end…”

Revelation can be a problematic book to many readers of the Bible. Its imagery and analogies are both perplexing and disturbing. Chapters 20 and 21 detail the New Jerusalem following the Final Judgment. Great upheavals are depicted amid a flurry of action.

However, these particular passages also inspire. (In fact, the influence of Revelation upon C.S. Lewis is evident in the final book of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Last Battle.) Personally, I find “the Alpha and the Omega” passage one of the most meaningful throughout the Bible. Christ and His teachings are the beginning and the end of all things. A fact I strive to remember through my life journey.

The season of Advent is full of anticipation. We are waiting for the birth – the beginning of Christ’s life on Earth. A life that does not end; it culminates in resurrection.

“Death will be no more.”

Prayer: O Risen Lord, make us faithful followers of the spirit of your resurrection. May our lives serve as signs of the transforming power of your love … Use us as your instruments for the renewal of society, bringing your life and love to all. Amen. Laura Steuk-Mastropaolo Trinity United Methodist Church

Wednesday, December 21st Luke 1: 26 - 38

He’s Calling YOU When I was asked to write a devotional for advent, the scriptures provided all seemed very glum and dooms-day type bible scriptures. You know the type, the ones where you get done reading them and you feel like you need to be re-baptized because you were upset with the guy who cut you off on the highway today while you were rushing where ever you were going. Or when you think horrible thoughts about the lady in front of you in the grocery line when you have waited patiently for 20 minutes to check out, and she realizes she forgot milk after she took her sweet time unloading her things onto the checkout line. The kind of bible verses where you get done reading them and you really start to question if God could really ever love you. Yea, it’s all cute to say we’re all God’s special children and he loves us all… but does God really love ME? Yea, I think we all struggle with that. It’s one thing to tell our kids, family, friends, Sunday school students, or whoever that yes God loves you; but do YOU believe it? I mean really believe it? Ok, now go read Luke 1:26-38. If you were a good little devotional reader and read it first, do it again. Angel says: “Good Morning! You’re beautiful with God’s beauty! Beautiful inside and out! God be with you.” (Yes I may be reading a different version than you). What’s Mary’s answer? “Really? Me?” What’s your response when the angel says that to you? Truth be told, that’s really how God sees us. There’s no magical secret to Mary, I don’t believe. She was you, or me and God chose her to change the world. Why? Because HE made her! Remember Genesis? He calls ALL of his creation Good! She was beautiful, and what made Mary special is that she stood up and answered the call. Want to know something else? God calls YOU good! He thinks you’re beautiful inside and out! And He’s calling YOU to change the world. Prayer: I’m not going to cheat and give you a prayer, but today (tonight) simply thank God for seeing YOU as good, maybe even before you can see it.

Steve Machovec Trinity United Methodist Church

Thursday, December 22nd Luke 1: 39 - 56 Let Us Believe These verses are about Mary and her kinswoman, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was well in years when God's angel, Gabriel, came to Zechariah, her husband, and promised them a child. Zechariah did not believe and was made speechless. However, Elizabeth did believe that she would have a child. Then Mary came to visit Elizabeth and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Blessed are those who believe that what the Lord promises will be accomplished. Every day we live and wrestle with temptations that threaten our belief in God's promises to us. But He has prepared us for these trials by sending us His son, Jesus Christ. He has taught us not to depend on ourselves, but to believe in Him. Prayer: Let us thank God for our many blessings, and remember His promise to us that He will be with us always. Let us believe. Amen. Bob and Laura Raschke Trinity United Methodist Church

Friday, December 23rd Revelation 22: 12 - 17

“I’m on my Way!” When was the last time you were really looking forward to something? Maybe a much-needed and long-awaited vacation. Or perhaps a milestone birthday or anniversary for yourself or friend or family member. Could it be that company was coming to visit you? No matter the event, a certain amount of planning and preparation had to be made to make it successful – creating menus, cleaning house, choosing outfits, booking activities – so much to do to get ready!! Advent is the time of preparation for the greatest event there ever was or ever will be. If we do not take time to prepare ourselves for the birth of our Savior, Christmas is just another day on the calendar. The birth of Christ was announced throughout the Bible, but this passage from Revelation makes it clear just who Jesus is and sets forth some pretty clear instructions as to what to do and what not to do to prepare for His coming. “Blessed are those who cleanse their garments” – they will have the right to approach and enter the gates of heaven. In other words, wake up! Clean house! Prepare yourself for the One! This is a big deal, so get ready. We need to approach Christmas with a child-like wonder, not in anticipation of the gifts under the tree, but in anticipation of the Gift that is offered freely to all of us in the birth of Christ, our Savior. Are you ready? He’s coming. Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for sending us your Son to show us the way to heaven. Open our hearts to prepare for His coming. Open our ears to hear the invitation “Come!” Open our hands to help our fellow man. Cleanse us and make us worthy to receive the Gift of Christmas. Amen.

Sue Mitchell Trinity United Methodist Church

Saturday, December 24th Psalm 96

Living a Life of Great Joy As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Our Savior, Psalm 96 tells us to sing a new song praising our Lord, proclaiming His salvation, and making His marvelous deeds known among all people. The elements of His arrival, told in Luke 2: 1-20, are also in this psalm. The glory of the Lord is here proclaimed, and we are encouraged to "bring an offering and come into His courts." We are to tell the nations that the Lord reigns and the whole earth will rejoice. In our time, we are to act as clouds of witnesses, sharing the good news of the Savior who came to sacrifice himself for us, and who reigns in Heaven. The glories of the earth we enjoy, even our very lives, fuel our love for Him and our awe of all He has done. May our joy be seen and heard daily in our songs, our praises, and our offerings so all people may see the Savior of all mankind alive in our hearts. Prayer: Dear Father of us all, as we feel the breathless anticipation of this night of wonder of so long ago, may we carry the great joy of Our Savior's birth, the greatest gift ever given, in our hearts each day. We ask you to show us the moments in each day when we are to witness to others of your blessings, your plans for each of us, and the life everlasting that we treasure as your children. Amen. Karen Billman Columbus Ave. United Methodist Church

Sunday, December 25th John 1: 1 – 14

Light Shining in the Darkness Since the very beginning ( 336 c.e.) on The Festival of the Nativity (Christmas) the suggested Gospel Reading has been the opening of John’s Gospel (1: 1 – 14) which probably is a hymn of the very early church. What is Christmas all about? John’s Gospel suggests – at least this: “The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has never put it out.” (vs. 5 TEV; “The Word (that is, the intention and purpose of God), became a human being and, full of grace and truth, dwelt among us.” (vs. 14a TEV) and finally “out of the fullness of God’s grace God has blessed us all.” (vs. 16 VNB) We are living through a time of darkness just now, walking in the shadows. But that has always been the case. But these are dark times. The great theologian Reinhold Neighbur has a word for us just now: “Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous can be accomplished alone; therefore we must be saved by love; No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as it is from our standpoint. Therefore we must be saved by the final form of love which is forgiveness.” Prayer: God, continue to bless us and stay with us as we journey home. Amen. V. Ned Bixler Trinity United Methodist Church

~Christmas Worship~

Trinity United Methodist Church 214 E. Jefferson St. (419) 625-8669

Rev. Robert Machovec, Jr., Pastor

Saturday, December 24th

Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols - 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 25th Community Christmas Celebration Breakfast and Worship

10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Columbus Ave. United Methodist Church 2401 Columbus Ave. (419) 625-7663

Rev. Paul Atkinson, Pastor

Saturday, December 24th

Christmas Eve Service - 7:00 pm

Sunday, December 25th Christmas Day Worship - 9:00 am; Sunday School - 10:30 am

Salem United Methodist Church 805 Wayne St. (419)625-8511

Rev. Paul Atkinson, Pastor

Saturday, December 24th

Christmas Eve Service - 3:00 pm

Sunday, December 25th Christmas Day Worship - 10:30 am