Pender UMC Advent Devotional 2013

8/13/2019 Pender UMC Advent Devotional 2013

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pender-umc-advent-devotional-2013 1/27



Welcome to the season of Advent!

Advent is a time of waiting, expectation and preparation for the

coming of the Christ. Traditionally, Advent started 6 weeks before

Christmas and was a time to reflect and examine on one’s life and the

things in it that would cause us not to celebrate and gain the fullness

of Christmas joy. Then the church shortened the time to 4 weeks and

in doing so lost some of its meaning.

All of us know that Advent is the time of preparation. We adorn our

homes with greenery, put up the tree, hang wreathes and string the

lights, all for the purpose of celebrating Christmas. However, I

wonder if we spend as much tim e getting our hearts ready to “receive

our King” as we do on the material trappings?

This year, Pender members have given us a gift of their reflections of

Christmas. It is our hope and prayer that you and your family will use

this booklet to prepare for a “holy Christmas” rooted in the birth of

our Savior and Lord Jesus. Just a few moments of prayer, scripture

reading and reflection in the quiet of Advent will lead you and yours

into a true celebration and not just having another holiday meal.

Let’s prep are our hearts and make Jesus the reason for the season!

http://bestclipartblog.com/18-nativity-clip-art.html/Nativity-clip-art-8

http://bestclipartblog.com/18-nativity-clip-art.html/Nativity-clip-art-8



December 1, 2013

Give a Little Jesus

Luke 2:10-11 But the angel (of the Lord) reassured them (the shepherds). “Don’t be afraid!” hesaid. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior – yes, the Messiah,the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! ”

2 Corinthians 9:15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!I recently realized that the drama I wrote for Sing ‘N Celebrate several years ago, “Let’s Give aLittle Jesus ,” brings to mind the theme of our devotional book for 2013 – “Keeping Christ inChristmas .”

After their children were down for the night, the mom, Doris shares with the dad, Frank, a newplan for gift-giving that particular Christmas, as follows --- “We have plenty of opportunities forgiving tangible gifts to our family and friends during the course of every year, but thisChristmas , let’s give a little Jesus instead – in the form of a thoughtful word or deed, such as anact of generosity for someone who’s in need.” Frank responds with – “Just thinking about thisbrings a special warmth to my heart!! Let’s give a little Jesus to everyone we meet – thesalesperson in a store, the server in a restaurant, or a person on th e street.” Doris is mostpleased to see how graciously her husband has received her ideas, and her enthusiasm for hernew plan starts to build as she expresses herself further – “We need to pray that our kids willunderstand that giving a little Jesus is what really counts – not what’s spent or bought forwhom, and in what amounts. Our Christmas gifts would not be things that can be put into a boxand tied with pretty ribbons. It would be things so precious no money can buy them, so rare nostore in the world can sell them, so unique only Jesus’ followers can give them.” Frank lookedat his wife with love as he replied – “Jesus certainly is the only gift the world cannot live

without. I suggest that you and I pray for just the right words for portraying our thoughts toour children during our regular time for family devotions tomorrow.”

There are many thing about Christmas we love and look forward to – the family traditions, thedecorated tree, the stockings hung from the mantle of the fireplace, the lighting of the AdventWreath, the Christmas songs and carols we hold so dear, baking Christmas cookies withGrandma, the absolutely delicious feast when Christmas finally arrives (a long wait forchildren), and being together with those we love. But more wonderful than any of these thingsI’ve named is the reason why we celebrate Christmas --- our remembrance of the greatest joyimaginable which came with the birth of Jesus, our Savior and Messiah. As the story of thedrama portrayed, giving a little Jesus is a gift too wonderful for words!!

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, our families will feel blessed by adecision to share with others the love and joy only Jesus can bring, as we celebrate Christmas this year.

By Carol Wilson



December 2, 2013

Plato and the Word

Isaiah 9:2 " The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land ofthe shadow of death a light has dawned."

The early church used the following illustration to convey to believers just how important theconception and birth of Christ is.

2,400 years ago the philosopher Plato described the human condition as follows: The humanrace was chained deep within a cave facing the rear wall. A fire burned near this cave’sentrance, and the sound emanated from outside. Objects moved in between the fire and thepeople. However, not being able to turn to look at the objects, all the people could see due totheir chains were the shadows projected on the wall. All they could hear were the echoes of thesound. As a result the people could only speculate what reality was based on distorted shadowsand echoes. Their perceptions were their reality, and they would cling to these errors fervently(in the form of superstition, false religions and philosophies).

The church would go on to say that the fire and sound Plato described was actually The Word.

2,000 years ago, something extraordinary happened… The Word became Flesh; “Light of Light,True God of True God.” Nine months later, in of all things a cave in Bethlehem used as a stable,The Word rang out in the first cries of a baby savior. Beyond all flesh and yet one of us, Hewalked among us, breaking the chains of our sin so we could clearly see and hear, and thusbelieve and be saved.

A short time later, He would emerge from yet another cave; this time in the form of a tomb thatcould not keep Him chained. His victory over death and Hell would allow us to be born again.

If we don’t Keep Christ in Christmas, then the 25 th of December is reduced to an arbitrary day ofexchanging worldly things and cards, or tweets; mere shadows and echoes of The Word. In asense, we would be back in Plato’s cave in chains.

Alone. Lost. Condemned.

We must Keep Christ in Christmas, for Christ is the only truth of the season.

Prayer: Dear Christ, Light of Light, True God of True God, Son of Mary, we thank you forbecoming flesh and freeing us from the cave of ignorance and superstition. Thank you for showingus the way to be saved. We will endeavor to remain true to You by keeping the Season all aboutYou, and devoting EVERY day to You. Amen.

By Doug Hugo



December 3, 2013

Who Wants to be a Shepherd

Luke 2:8-20 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone aroundthem, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good newsthat will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in clothsand lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the hig hest heaven, and on earth peace to those onwhom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said toone another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has toldus about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in themanger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told themabout this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Marytreasured 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 hadbeen told.

2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

It is almost time for the Children’s Christmas Pageant. Many girls will want to be Mary. Therest of the girls and some of the boys will ask to be angels. The rest of the boys are hoping thisis the year when they are old enough to wear the regal costumes of the wise men and carry giftsto the Savior. The younger children will enjoy crawling around saying, “Baa, Baa!”

But who will take care of the sheep? Who wants to be a shepherd? Who is willing to wear asimple brown robe? No one? Have they learned that shepherds spend many weeks sleepingoutside – away from their families – looking for good water and food for sheep – fending offwild animals – looking for sheep who have wandered away – having dirty, smelly bodies andclothes?

BUT GOD (two beautiful words seen in the Bible) chose the shepherds to receive the good newsfrom an angel of the Lord. They also saw a sky full of other angels praising God for His gift tothe world, Jesus. The shepherds were the first to see the infant Messiah. They were the first totell the good news of His birth to all they met as they returned to their work in the fields.

Are we willing to leave our busy lives for a time each day during Advent (and beyond) to lookfor the Messiah, our Savior? Are we willing to praise God and tell others what we haveexperienced?

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your indescribable gift to me – Jesus, my Savior andLord! Help me choose to spend time each day looking for Him, as the shepherds did. I choose totell others about what I have learned and experienced, as the shepherds did.

By Karen Cross



December 4, 2013

Prepare the Way

Luke 1: 13-20

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wifeElizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness,and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drinkneither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’swomb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go beforeHim in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and thedisobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for t he Lord.” And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is welladvanced in years.” And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, youwill be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did notbelieve my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

In the Gospel of Luke, Zacharias prays for a son, and GOD answers in a mighty way. Zacharias’son will be known to us as John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin, and the man who will prepare theway for our Lord Jesus Christ. But when Zacharias’ prayer is answered, he doubts. As a priest,Zacharias should know better, but he tells the Angel Gabriel that he and his wife are too old – this can’t happen.

There is a lot of Zacharias in me. As a believer, I should be able to take GOD at HIS word. Butwhen called, like Zacharias, I frequently work to find a reason not to believe and not to follow: Ican’t make a difference, I am too busy, I don’t have that skill or gift, or someone else should do

it.Several years ago, a Pender staff member invited me to a worship service at Fairfax County’sJuvenile Detention Center. Like Zacharias, I was called. Like Zacharias, I offered up all thereasons in the world that I shouldn’t participate in this ministry. In my mind, I was the wrongguy in every way: I am too old, I don’t have kids, I am the wrong color. Over thirty years a go, Istarted out life as a police officer. I was supposed to help people into jail, not minister to themin jail. Even now as a participant in two different jail ministries, I have seen the evidence ofGOD’s work and I am blessed to be a part of it, and yet I still doubt.

Maybe there is a Zacharias in each one of us. We are all called to prepare for the comingMessiah. We know the story, we see GOD at work, and yet we still doubt. How about you? Areyou like Zacharias? GOD has amazing things in store for each of us. Now is the time. LikeZacharias, we are called to join in preparation for the Christ child.

By Doug Gaskell



December 5, 2013

God’s Grace

An everyday person appears on the TV screen. We hear him repeat over and over - “Can youhear me now?” “Can you hear me now?” On the surface, it is just an advertisement - to marketthe ability of a wireless carrier to send its signal out to others so they can hear the speaker. Thetechnology is basic. There is a central computer that wirelessly sends words across airways toone cell tower, and that cell tower sends the words to its intended target - the person with a cellphone who needs to hear what is being said.

What a simple recipe for success – the message is sent through others until it is finally heard bya person who is in need of hearing the message.

God’s Grace, the Holy Spirit, you and others – what a simple recipe for extending God’s Grace tothose who need to hear the message or feel the power of God's Grace. God has extended his

Grace to us – a free gift for each of us. God’s messenger, the Holy Spirit, is like the wirelessconnection to Verizon’s computer – a simple tool of communication to allow us to experiencehis gift. But we are intended to be so much more than just the receiver of God’s Grace. If wehave been created in God’s image, shouldn’t we be an extension of God. If God gives us Grace,shouldn't we be like the cell phone towers, taking God’s Grace and extending it to others.

The Holy Spirit exists to strengthen us in everything we do. As the messenger of God’s Grace,the Holy Spirit can enable us to extend his Grace to all people in need. We see people in needeverywhere we look. A person needing a door opened. A person needing a caring touch. Aperson needing us just to be there and listen. A person needing to be loved. Go d’s Grace givesus the unlimited strength, the necessary wisdom, and the patience, to care for others as Christcares for us.

All around us, people are quietly saying – “I want to hear you”, “I need help”, “I need caring”.The Holy Spirit provides us the tools allow His Grace to be extended through us to reach andtouch those people. We are his vessel to let them hear and experience God’s Grace. Ourchallenge is to be that cell phone tower that takes the message and passes it on to others on aday by day , minute by minute, and second by second basis. God’s Grace is always there – Canwe always be there to pass it on to others?

“Can they hear you now” – “Can they experience you now?” “Can they experience God’s loveand Grace through you now?” Today, t omorrow and for as long as we are alive, we can eachmake sure they can and will hear and experience God’s Grace.

By Bob Baumgartner



December 6, 2013

The Best Christmas Ever

It was a cold, dark, rainy night, with a chill that snuck under your clothing to remind you thatyou had no control over the elements or anything else for that matter. Often we read of thatopening scenario to a pending frightful story, but isn’t that just everyday life? There is no doubt

that many look happy, especially at this time of year, with their painted Christmas smiles andquick paces, to be certain that they get everything done on time. Yet once again, isn’t that justour lives, busy to the bone, just like the cold drizzle that runs off the tip of our noses? Andbecause of those drops of mist, as we stumble in the dark, we are distracted just enough toforget about any glimmer of hope, any chance to find a warm light and some dry clothing,anything to make us feel more comfortable. That is because the One who might make adifference, has been tucked into the back of our minds, even if just for a little while, as weaddress more pressing problems. Sales, traffic, weather and oh yes, our families, friends andwork, how will we ever get it all done? The answer: Make Christmas, this Christmas, the bestChristmas so far! Keep Jesus Christ front and center; the primary focus of all we do and all will

be well. We lose that ability to turn to God when things get out of whack, when our schedulesand available time just don’t match up to the expectations and internal desires to pleaseeveryone.

So let us agree, this year as a community of believers, we are going to make a difference. We aregoing to slow down and be gracious; give that parking space to someone else. We will make it apoint to start each shopping visit with prayer, asking God to calm our hearts and allow us toshow our faith to all we encounter. If that special gift just disappeared before your eyes becausesomeone else needed it, let them have it, let them use that to bless someone who might havemore of a need than you do. Let us agree to find a checkout line that just might have a clerk whoneeds a Christ moment. Maybe your smile or your pleasant conversation will make atremendous difference to the young parent behind the counter, struggling to make ends meetand then wondering when they will have time to “shop” for what little they might afford. Manytimes the disciples tried to circumvent a disenfranchised member of Jewish society hanging orlying around the city gates. And to their surprise, Jesus always stopped, made time and allowedthose who were struggling, to feel important and worthy. That should be our goal, a Christmasfull of joy, not for us, but for others. Because in that mission is the notion that when we do forthe least of those, we do for Him. That will be our joy, selfless, not selfish and with that, neitherthe rain, nor the cold, in fact not even the darkness, will matter at all. Because we will bring the

light of Christ to those who might need to be reminded of what Christmas really means to us.

Prayer: Lord God, grant me peace in knowing that nothing will pull me away from You, becauseYou are always with me. Thank you for your grace and teach me to offer that to others, especiallythose who need to find Christ in Christmas.

By RevKev Havens



December 7, 2013

The Perfect Shell

Scripture: 1 John 4:19, Acts 9:15-17

I love to find shells! Maybe it’s because I love walking on the sand, maybe it’s because I love tofeel the ocean playing at my feet, m aybe it’s because I love to search until I find that perfectshell.

At the end of this summer we had the chance to get away for just a few days to VirginiaBeach. My daughter wanted to wake up and see the sun rise and watch the dolphinsswim. Okay, I tho ught, “Let’s do this!” We got up at o’dark -thirty, positioned our chairs at thewater’s edge and snuggled under our blankets. God’s handiwork was very apparent as wewatched the glow of the sky brighten with hues of purple, pink and orange until at last the sunitself peeked over the horizon and we saw a sliver of fire on the water. At that moment we sawthe dolphins…schools of them racing across the water in beautiful, glistening, sunlit

curves. Beautiful God! And then she wanted to find shells.You have never found shells until you find them at sunrise, right at low tide! There were scoresof them! I was in my happy place. There were so many beautiful and perfect ones! We hadtaken a large Ziploc bag out with us in case we wanted to gather any and we filled it up! As wewere collecting I noticed that my daughter would come to me with her bright eyes and smileand say, “Mom! Look at this one!” As I looked I expected to see perfection. Instead shepresented a very large racked piece of a dark shell, then another and another. As the bag filled Istopped my gathering of God’s perfect specimens and watched and observed my daughter. Shepurposely ignored those beautiful shells and went right to the cracked ones, or broken pieces,

or those with the odd color, not the perfect soft pink ones. Each time she would shout for joyand present it to me to put in the bag.

Okay, what am I missing? “They are the different ones!” she said when I asked. As I ponderedthat one I realized through observing her that she was excited about the ones that were notperfect. All of a sudden it hit me. God is like that with us! When we are perfect we do not needhim. It is only in our brokenness that he claims us and fills us with the love and light of His Son,Jesus. Through our brokenness we can truly shine His love and others can see it. It is all aboutHim, not us!

Find the perfect shell? That may never be. I now see the beauty my daughter saw in thoseflawed, but amazing, one-of-a-kind shells that my daug hter found…maybe that is just how Godfinds us!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father…you give me so many beautiful things to see and hear and feelevery day! Help me to know that my brokenness can be beautiful to you. Help me learn it is okayto shine the light and love of your Son best through my cracks and imperfections. Help me to shineYOUR love to others every day. Amen

By Darlene Bell



December 8, 2013

The Promise of Isaiah

Isaiah 9: 1-7: “ Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who wer e in distress. … The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness alight has dawned… For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his

shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince ofPeace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’sthrone and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness fromthat time on and forever. The zeal of the L ORD Almighty will accomplish this. ”

Christmas 1975 fell on a Thursday. For a seven-year-old growing up in the Maryland suburbs, Iwas oblivious to nearly all of the headlines of that tumultuous time. America was reeling fromthe resignation of a president 18 months earlier. I had a vague awareness of a war in someplacecalled Vietnam.

For me, Christmas 1975 brought every memory a seven-year-old boy should have. In 1975, likewe did every year, we fidgeted through the line to see Santa Claus at Montgomery Ward ’s in theCapitol Plaza Shopping Center. If we were lucky, we’d walk down the outdoor plaza to Santa ’s workshop in the center, outside the Peoples Drug Store. At the fascinating workshop, Santa’spushy elves demanded payment in advance for a grainy color Polaroid commemorating thevisit. To avoid any unpleasantness with the Polaroid-snapping elves, we usually visited Santaelsewhere. At Ward’s, there was no pressure to buy the photo, and there was a free coloringbook. As the second child of a college professor, we always had enough money for thenecessities, but any extras were always saved and tucked away for a rainy day. Matchbox carsand the original G. I. Joe action figures filled Sant a’s sack for me that year. And that was the year

I received an orange 33 rpm record player. My grandparents came early to see my sister andme open presents. I remember shining a bright new red EverReady flashlight in my Grandpa’seyes that morning. We went to Christmas Mass early and returned home to play and begin theannual cooking enterprise known as Christmas Dinner.

Thirty-eight years are in the books since that Christmas. Montgomery Ward ’s is gone. PeoplesDrug Store is gone. G.I. Joe was either lost, broken, or sold at a church bazaar. Capital Plaza islong-forgotten, replaced by a Wal-Mart. There are no 33 long-play records anymore and theflashlight grew dim decades ago. My grandparents are gone, and someday I’ll lose my parentstoo. I’ll try to pass some of these memories of a grand and glorious Christmas es to my children,

but I doubt they’ll carry them for long. Someday, all of these memories will fade into eternity,along with my body. But there’s one thing – one piece of Christmas that remains, and willalways. That’s the promise from Isaiah.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the precious memories you’ve provided over many, many years.Memories which harken us home at the holidays. Help us to remember that the greatest Christmasmemory is the one which never fades – the promise we have in the gift of your son here on Earth,among us, the one we call Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

By Butch Kinerney



December 9, 2013

Perfect Love

Luke 2:35 “so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.”

The setting for this verse is when Joseph and Mary took the newborn infant Jesus to the templeand there encountered Simeon who spoke these words about the impact Jesus’ life would have,not only at that time in Israel but through all time.

When God reveals to each of us that which resides in our hearts, only then can sin be revealedso that it can be repented and washed away. As we turn from a life of sin, our hearts will befilled with God’s love.

We are commanded to love God and to “Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12. To beable to obey these commands to love, we must understand what love is - what love looks like inaction - and allow the Holy Spirit to instill this in our hearts so that our actions – words anddeeds – pour out love.

Recently, I’ve been worki ng with a physical therapist to strengthen and retrain some muscles tomake my body stronger and better able to execute life activities without undue stress and pain.Focused effort and repetition is required to achieve results. The physical therapist providesinstruction and guidance as to how to best train the muscles to achieve the desired results.

In a similar manner, in order to reap the full benefits and joy of living a life of love in God,training is required. God provided us the perfect teacher in Jesus Christ. God sent Christ intothe world to save us from our sins and to provide a model for living: Christ’s life provides theperfect example of perfect love. Jesus came and brought the kingdom of God to the hearts of

those who believe. Similar to the process of physical therapy, we need to spend time studyingGod’s word, praying to receive His guidance and practicing living lives of love.

“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves mewill be loved by my Fathe r, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” John 14:21

When we receive the love of God into our hearts, then we serve, obey and glorify God as we actin love to others. And what do we receive? Abundant JOY!

Prayer: Most gracious heavenly Father, Thank you for your gift of Jesus Christ to show us the wayto abundant, joyful life. Please open my heart to receive your guidance for living and loving. In the precious name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

By Becky Bryan



December 10, 2013

Waiting on the Lord

Lamentations 3:25 “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.”

Isaiah 40:31 “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up withwings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.”

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper youand not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ”

For the last 18 months, we have been seeking and following God's plan for the Pender OutreachCenter Expansion and Thrift Store. There have been many obstacles and challenges along theway, any of which had the potential to derail and destroy the vision and inspiration God hasgiven Pender for this bold expansion of Pender's outreach effort. Through it all, we haveendeavored to persevere and retain our focus on serving our neighbors in need, taking eachday, one at a time, leaving to God the next dollar, the next volunteer, the next store customer.Our journey has been as much one of patience as one of significant spiritual growth for all whohave been a part of it. There is just an awesome beauty in watching how God is workingthrough the store to not only help others, but to shape each of us in our own unique way tomake us stronger, more faithful, and more confident to face each challenge in service to thestore and within our own personal lives.

For me personally, it has been a lesson in patience and trust in God's timing for provision. We

cannot know where the next dollar or donation will come, but eventually it does and when it isneeded most. This just-in-time manner of God with the store is extremely uncomfortable andinefficient, yet it inspires me to deal more productively with my own impatient tendencies atwork and home.

Prayer: Lord we ask your blessing on Pender and all its people, that we might be bold enough tolead and serve others and humble enough to wait on you to work your almighty will in your timeand not ours, knowing that you have only the best in store for us, plans to prosper us and provide a future. Amen.

By Bray Becker



December 11, 2013

Trust, Courage & Faith

Luke 1:46- 55

It is very likely that Mary was only fourteen or fifteen years old – a high school freshman bytoday’s standard. She was betrothed to Joseph, probably arranged by their parents, which was

as binding as a marriage. In reading surrounding scripture, there seems to be a level of caringand respect between the two. Even though Gabriel had appeared to Mary and informed her thatshe would be pregnant with the Son of God, the promised Messiah, consider the level of courageit must have taken to tell Joseph that she had not been unfaithful and that it was God's Son shewas carrying. N ow consider Joseph’s v antage point: He had not had his meeting with Gabrielyet, and had no way of knowing the truth of her statement except that it came from her. Josephstill struggled with his decision regarding what to do about Mary's apparent infidelity. It seemsthat a part of him wanted to believe Mary. But what are the odds? One woman out of all thewomen in the history of Israel would carry the Messiah. He could have had her stoned for her

apparent sin, but decided against it. Mary had the faith to stay with the truth in the face ofincalculable odds that anyone would believe her. She must have had some fear that he would atleast leave her. Here her trust in God is evident that whatever would happen He would providefor her. In her culture she would have been considered an adulteress even if Joseph forgave her.

Many might think that the first announcement to the world of Jesus' birth was to the shepherdsaround Bethlehem. However it was Mary who was the first to receive the news. Their reactionsto the news were the same - praising God, placing their trust in Him. God prepared her for thistask and as much as possible for the joy and heartbreak that it would bring with it. God hadmoved the pieces on the board and placed this one of His most favored pieces into position at

this special time. She met the news and her messenger with great faith, trust and courage. Partof her reward was a message to Joseph by Gabriel that calmed Joseph's concerns assuring himthat Mary had spoken the truth. That moment turned Joseph's life inside out as well.

Read these lines again and see the promises that are laced throughout Mary's words. Many ofthose promises carry over to the church - God's mercy and protection. The faithfulness of theFather to humble the proud and rise up the humble. There is a reminder near the beginningthat especially at this time of year, but all year long as well, our spirits should rejoice in God ourSavior. The Son humbled Himself and took on the form of frail human flesh, veiling His powerand glory to reach out to a lost and dying world in order to remind us that God cares about us,

our struggles and the details of our lives - enough to die in our place to save us.

Prayer: Dear Father, Thank you for showing us what it means to trust & be faithful. You gaveMary strength, courage, and a faith to trust in You that was unwavering. Use us as your servantsand provide us the same courage and strength to answer Your call to our lives.

By Sean Niehoff



December 12, 2013

Find a Way

Romans 12:1-2 The Message (MSG) “So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life— yoursleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life —and place it before God as an offering.Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well -adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention onGod. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quicklyrespond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity,God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. ”

There are a number of slogans in our culture that aim to inspire or provide a mantra to live by – “Just Do It”, “LIVESTRONG” and “Life is Good” are a few that come to mind. Even the pursuit ofa healthy diet has a mantra of sorts thanks to Michael Pollan : “Eat food, not too much, mostlyplants.”

On September 2, 2013 Diana Nyad became the first person to swim from Cuba to Floridawithout a protective cage or flippers. It was her fifth try in 35 years. It took nearly 53 hours.She was 64 years old. Through it all, she held her mantra close: "You don't like it. It's not doingwell. Find a way." In a later interview she said the message she carries is that if something isreally important to your heart you look inside yourself and find a way.

Find a way. What is important to my heart this Advent season?

I want to keep the anticipation and joy of Jesus’ birth from getting buried amidst the shoppinglists, long lines and busy schedules. Find a way . What decisions do I need to make to keep from

being overscheduled?

I want to be a powerful example of Christian love, a kind soul, a compassionate friend. I want tospend the first few minutes of my day reflecting on my life’s blessings, all the while givingthanks to our mighty and loving God. Find a way . What needs to change in my attitude orpriorities to make this happen?

This Advent season think about what is important to your heart, how you can reflect God’s lovein your life, how you can be a tangible example of Christ to the world around you. My mantra inthis super busy, often stressed filled season? Be still. Love one another. Pray.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to be true to what is important in our hearts this joyousAdvent season. Help us to be still and know that you are with us. Help our actions bring light tothose around us and glory to Your name. Amen.

By Cheryl Moxley



December 13, 2013

Vulnerable, So We Would Understand

GOD. The very name resonates with thunderclaps, smoking mountains, pillars of fire, vastcosmic spaces. The Uncaused Cause. The Alpha and Omega. The Eternal. “Immortal, Invisible,God only wise; in light, inaccessible, hid from our eyes.”

I AM.

Theologians tell us that the Divinity has no needs. He lacks for nothing. But what ofdesire ? Could the Creator actually be in want of something? What could One who literally haseverything actually desire?

Love, evidently. What is the one thing that even omnipotence cannot command? Love must begiven freely, or it is something other than love. But how can this be brought about? Fear, awe,respect, obedience — these are the natural creaturely responses to God. Love doesn't come sonaturally. How do you wrap your arms around the Infinite?

We eventually learn to accept the fact that God loves us, though I suspect we never really cometo grips with the passion and intensity of this love as it’s taught in the Bible. But the reallydifficult thing is the thought that God wants us to love Him — that the Creator could actuallycare what we think of Him. To love, and desire another's love, is to become vulnerable --subject to rejection and hurt. How could God be vulnerable -- and vulnerable to us? Yet the OldTestament prophets continually voice the anguished cry of an unloved lover, a cuckoldedhusband, betrayed and ignored by His bride.

The God who so desired His creatures’ love resorted to extreme measures. The brilliance of Hisplan was brought home to me one Christmas season while shopping at a toy store. A boy of

four or five came around a corner and saw a small manger scene. Immediately he screamed“Look, Mommy! It’s Baby Jesus! Look!! Mommy!! It's BABY JESUS!!” Of course everyonesmiled. But suddenly it struck me what I had just witnessed. "What an amazing idea! What anabsolutely ingenious idea! He really is smart, isn’t He?!" What can be easier to love than a littlebaby? And what could be more unlike an all-powerful Deity than a helpless infant? Yes, weneeded a savior; but did He have to be adorable?

The image of Christ to which muc h of the world’s population still clings is that of a baby. I oncewatched in awe in the ancient Cathedral of Mexico City at an altar to the Infant Jesus, as dozensof humble poor people came, in tears, to lovingly touch the carved Baby and put a tiny writtenprayer in the manger. What does it tell us about the Lord of All that such small gestures mean

so much to Him?

Christmas is the story of a God who made Himself vulnerable — but not by becoming a baby; Hewas vulnerable already. In becoming a cuddly infant, He became something even we couldunderstand, something we could not help but love.

Prayer: “Lord, teach us day by day to learn how to give you the love you so deserve, and so desire.”

By Mark Atwood



December 14, 2013

Immanuel, The Name Above All Names!

(John 3:16, Mathew 1:18-25, Philippians 2:8-11, Luke 2: 6-14, Mathew 11:29-30, John 4:10-14)

There was an appointed time in this world,When God; having known the sinful path of man,Did not want any of His children to die forever:So He created His loving and wonderful plan.

The Holy Spirit came upon the Virgin Mary,And she willingly conceived the infant Christ Child:The angel Gabriel spoke to her betrothed, Joseph, too;They cherished this Holy Baby, born so meek and mild.

They called Him “Jesus”, the Name above all names.As all the prophets of old did clearly foretell;Jesus submitted to His Father’s will, that’s why He came,Almighty God with us, our great IMMANUEL!

When Jesus was born, God’s love was fully revealed,He came to save us all, from evil, harm, and sin;Like the wise men from the East, who followed the bright star,Let us bring our gifts, time and talents, and worship Him.

The angels appeared to amazed shepherds that night,There was great rejoicing and singing in heaven.A Savior was born, glory to God in the highest!Peace on earth, goodwill to all men and women.

They came to “Jesus”, the Name above all names.Let us come to Him with joyful hearts, as well:Pray, and hold on to Jesus, the Savior and Redeemer;In Him the weary will find rest, our great IMMANUEL!

Jesus so loves us, that He gave His life for you and me,God’s only begotten Son came down to this earth.He wants to heal our minds, bodies, hearts, and souls;Peace, hope and eternal life, came with His birth.

So, have faith in “Jesus”, the Name above all names.Come, drink the living water from His everlasting well:While we wait for Jesus to come again in awesome glory,Give your whole life to Him, our great IMMANUEL!

By Peter Kotiah



December 15, 2013

The Lord is My Rock

Scripture: I love you Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety… In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. Psalm18: 1-2, 29

Sitting in the dark stillness of the early morning, I thought about the day ahead of me —a daythat would be unlike any other in my life, a day that would forever define for me as that time“before and after.” I began to realize that I was strangely calm. It was a strange calm because 6weeks prior to this day, my life turned upside down and the ensuing days seemed chaotic,noisy, scary, hectic —the words “invasive breast cancer” resonating like an echo deep inside. So

many appointments, so many decisions, so many tears and many, many prayers…

But on this day, I sat in the quiet, only the wind blowing outside my window and I realized thateverything was going to be just fine. I felt the hand of God gently on my shoulder. I felt thewarmth of the love that only God has for us. I realized that I only needed a little nudge to takethat first step towards the car.

I had a choice: I could be afraid or I could wholeheartedly trust in God. I chose to trust, to trustthat this day would pass and I would wake up on the other side, ready to begin the first day ofthe rest of my life. I realized that I had nothing to fear with God as my shield.

Prayer: God, only You know the mountains we face. Only You can give us the strength to get tothe other side. Thank you for the many times that You are there to pull us through those last fewsteps or to encourage us into the first steps. Thank you for being the rock and foundation of ourlife.

By Diane Wilhite



December 16, 2013

God’s Great Love f or Us

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that anyone who believesin Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

There are many ways that we could describe God, for He has many characteristics. But, as I seeit, the most critical of God’s traits is His love. God is love. If we are fortunate enough to havebeen born of loving parents, we know what the love of an earthly father is like. But the love ofGod, our Father in heaven, is very different. It has no limits; it is perfect love; it will go onforever.

When you were in your mother’s womb, God made you into a unique person, one who is

delightful to Him. There is no other person in all the world who is just like you. Because Godwants you to know Him and to love Him, He sent Jesus as a baby in the manger. Jesus came tolive among us and to show us God’s nature. He spent His life on earth teaching what God, HisFather, is like and showing us how much God loves us.

After living a sinless life of love, Jesus willingly went to the cross to die that we might be savedfrom our sins. God’s perfect Lamb gave His life so that we do not have to pay the price for oursin. If we accept God ’s gift, Jesus, and believe that He died for our sins, then we have eternal lifewith Him in heaven.

No greater gift could ever be given!! No greater love could ever be shown than the love Goddemonstrated by sending His perfect Son to give His life for you and for me. Each of usdeserves to die for our sins, but through faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we embraceour loving God and receive the gift of eternal life.

Prayer: Loving Heavenly Father, we thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die for our sins.Please accept our gift to You on Jesus’ birthday – we give you ourselves. Help us to be totallyobedient to Your will so that we can be used for your divine purposes. Amen.

By Guy Wilson



December 17, 2013

Remembering

Psalm 25:16: Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.

I was always very pro ud of my paternal grandmother. In the early part of the last century she hadbeen living in Scotland with her husband and they had a young son - my father. My grandfatherwas in the Black Watch during World War I, and he was killed in Peshawar, India. Mygrandmother left her life and family in Scotland and sailed to the United States with my dadwhen he was only 5. We have pictures of him disembarking in his little kilt! I cannot imaginehaving her courage, leaving home with a small child, and starting life anew in a completelyforeign country.

Many years later, when I was a freshman in college, my grandmother died the week beforeChristmas. I remember sitting in Waterman's Funeral Home in Kenmore Square, Bostonwatching the Citgo sign cycle through its neon pattern. No one but our very small familyattended her calling hours. The funeral was a bit better. A few folks took the time to honor thisbrave woman. A week later, we celebrated Christmas "because that's what Nana would havewanted". Even then, I thought that she probably would have liked to see more caring peoplearound her, while she was alive.

Every year on the 18 th of December I remember my grandmother and try to take a moment tobe kinder to folks.

We celebrate Christmas because that’s what Christ wants. Please take time out of the hecticseason to honor those around you, let them know you care and love them.

Prayer : Dear God, there are times in each life when there seems to be no one. In those timesYour love shines through and we know that Christ is with us. Amen.

By Mary O'Connor



December 18, 2013

Can I see Christ?

Psalm 19:1 (NIV) “The heavens declare the glory of the Lord; the skies proclaim the work ofhis hands.”

In my walk with Christ, there are times when Jesus seems so near. There are events that causeme to rejoice and see Him – birth of a child, healing of an illness, or a surprise gift from a lovedone. Conversely, there are moments of difficulty and sadness -- dealing with a chroniccondition, death of a loved one, or loss of a job -- where I also see His hand through kind wordsof friends, meals from neighbors, or the opening of a door that was thought closed.

However, I believe that it is not the absence of such events that can make us feel that Christ isabsent. I think one of the biggest challenges is simply the “living” of our busy lives -- thecommuting, the shuttling of kids, the paying the bills, the endless chores, the meetings. And atChristmas, the business only accelerates. Getting the tree, decorating the house, buying thepresents, sending the cards, making the travel plans, more cooking, more shopping. Wow –itcan be exhausting! And this exhaustion can crowd out seeing the glory of the celebration, theamazing gift of the baby in the manger.

But does it have to? Can we be like St. Ignatius of Loyola, who strived to see God in all things – even the mundane or exhausting activities of life? How do we do this? It is not easy. It means ”not just trying to be aware of the present moment, but rather letting each small action you takebecome your primary purpose in the moment”.

So this year, what can I do differently to live more intently, with more awareness duringChristmas? As I unpack the ornaments, I can say thanks to God for friends and family,remembering who gave me each keepsake that adorns the tree. As I hit the “on” switch eachnight for the inflatable snowman and Santa on the tractor that decorate my yard, I can givethanks for the true light that came to save the world. (And for my neighbors’ senses of humor.)As I fill out the Christmas cards or tie the bows on the presents, I can pray that Jesus willpenetrate the hearts and celebrations of each person who receives a card or gift from me.

This may be easier than it sounds. However, research proves that behaviors done for 21 days

become a habit. Could it be that if I practice this discipline during Christmas that it just mightensure beyond December? What a gift that would be.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your son. Please help me to allow the things of life, both largeand small, to declare your glory. Amen.

By Beth Dougherty



December 19, 2013

Planting the Seed

1 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV) Paul wrote , “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has beenmaking it grow.”

This summer my son, Tyler, was going to a Christian camp that he had gone to for the last twosummers. The parents of one of Tyler’s very good friends called me about their s on going withTyler to camp. The friend had never been to a sleep away camp and they really wanted theirson to go with Tyler, someone he knew. Tyler was thrilled that his friend was going to comewith him, but Tyler was also a little confused. He asked me if they were aware that the campwas Christian based. I had told him that they knew and were still interested. Tyler’s response,“God must have a plan.” You see; Tyler’s friend was a Buddhist.

One of the requirements is for each camper is to bring a bible and Tyler wanted to be the one togive him his first bible. He wanted to help plant the seed. On the very first day of camp theircounselor asked Tyler’s friend to say a prayer. His said he didn’t know how. The counselorsaid, “Talk to God like you would your father.” Tyler’s friend lowered his head and said asimple prayer giving thanks for all the good things in his life. Afterwards, he asked if he haddone it right and the counselor said, “You can’t do it wrong.” Now that the seed is planted, itwill need to be watered and God will give it growth.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us plant the seeds of faith through our words and actions. Let us not beafraid of speaking for you and to share your Word. May all come to know your Glory. Amen.

By Heather Amos



December 20, 2013

The Innkeeper’s Tale

Luke 2:9-14 “ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone aroundthem, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them “do not be afraid.” I bring you goodnews of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been

born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in clothsand lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

“They think I’m some kind of cruel, heartless landlord. But they’re wrong, plain wrong, and it’stime to set the record straight.” My wife, Rachel, and I decided several years ago to take intravelers to Bethlehem. The people started to come and each night we’d have one or twopeople. Then came the census requiring new taxes and people from all over the provinceflooded into town that week. We doubled up with several families in each room before weturned people away.

I must have left my bed ten times a night to say “No more room, sorry folks.” They’d complainand sleep next to a house with a blanket. But, I did make room for one more couple. Josephwouldn’t take “no” for an answer and I looked at his “little Mary.” She was pregnant and inpain. The barn would have to do and I led them and the donkey out back and went to fetchAunt Sarah, a midwife. Rachel joined her while Joseph and I took our leave outside in the cold.

The baby was a boy and he was wrapped in swaddling clothes. His name was announced asJesus! And, just as I returned to my bed, I heard noises. As I reached the barn, I saw smellyshepherds kneeling down on the dirty floor. I wanted to run the shepherds off. Joseph lookedup and said “it is ok , they have come to see the Messiah.” The Christ baby? The Messiah? Thatwas when I knelt too and I realized the enormity of this event in my barn.

I’ll always be glad I made room in the barn for that family—that holy family. You see, I’m not amean innkeeper. I was there. I saw him. Years later that boy came back to Bethlehem, thistime telling about the Kingdom of God. I was there that December and, mark my words, Ibelieve in him and if you’d seen what I witnessed, you’d be a believer too.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, when your precious Son became a tiny baby in a stable in Bethlehem in poverty and simplicity, you changed our world. As we imagine those surroundings, we join theshepherds and wise men in wonder and praise. Thank you for our material lives and we praise you for our spiritual lives. IN JESUS NAME, Amen.

By Nancy Trent



December 21, 2013

God’s Family Plan

Ephesians 2:19 So then, you Gentiles are not foreigners or strangers any longer; you are nowcitizens together with God's people and members of the family of God.

I have always believed that God has a plan for each of us throughout our lives. Wonderful plansto help us become closer to Him and to make us become more than we ever thought we couldbe. But as I have gotten older, I have come to understand that God’s big plan is for us to becomepart of His family…..God’s Family. We were created in His image to be in r elationship with Him!

We as children are raised by a family, and we grow and learn…and I think all during this timeGod is waiting for us to see the bigger picture, His family! The first Christmas morning, Christwas born into a family. He too was raised by His earthly Mom and Dad. He came to show us theway to be in God’s family! How simple it seems to me now……I find great joy in knowing that

Christ came into this world and loved us enough to teach us the joys of the Heavenly Father’sFamily.

As a child I could sense the excitement in the air during the Advent Season. People seemedhappier, nicer, willing to share stories and dreams. I believe that most people, believers andnonbelievers sense that “HOPE” of something wonderful coming this ti me of year. When I seethis in action, my faith increases, because God’s at work growing His family.

I was in Office Depot the other morning, and the man who checked me out was ready andwilling to share his faith with all that came through his checkout line.

We spoke about who was the center of his life……he beamed with faith as he talked about hisrelationship with Christ. He understood God’s Family Plan. He understood that God loves usall. He could see that God wants us all to be free to live life abundantly in Him. He simply wasallowing God to use himself to share the love of the family!

As we pass through this Advent Season, pray and ask God to show you how to share his FamilyPlan. How to share His bright outlook through you with all you meet. It might just become ahabit, and you might just guide someone who needs it to God’s Family. It is as simple as that!

Prayer: Father, we praise you, for you were so generous to us by sending your Son to show us thelight, the truth and the way! Help us in our life to be generous in sharing about your family. Witha kind word, a smile, a hug or however you stir our hearts to act. Let our wish be for all to be a part of your Family! In Your precious Son’s Name! Amen!

By Sarah Hocker



December 22, 2013

Pondering My Faith

Luke 2:33- 35 “ The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Simeon prayed over Mary and Joseph and the child saying, “My eyes have seen your salvation, which youhave prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” Then Simeon said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the fallingand rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts ofmany hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Can we imagine Mary’s faith? Can we even wrap our 21 st century heads around what she wastold? People who come to admire your new baby say things like, “Oh, he’s adorable. He wi llgrow to be big and strong. He will make you proud. He will play football. He will be bright andsmart, and go to college.”

They don’t say the things that Simeon said. They don’t say that someday your heart might bebroken, because you know what? We all know those things down deep in our hearts, and atcertain times we ponder them, and then we live life to the utmost anyway.

Life is made beautiful every day with the joy of children, and laughter and fun they bring;whatever else comes along with it in this lost world is worth it to know God has given us suchprecious gifts.

Mary treasured up all the things that people said about her son, and all the things that Gabrieland the angels had said. And she pondered them in her heart.

What a beautiful wa y to speak of how she must have felt. She doesn’t really know what’s going

to happen. She knows she has been blessed beyond belief, as have every one of us who has hada child or been given care of children knows as well.

All Mothers and Fathers think about who their babies will become. We all believe we can scopethe way our children will turn out. We believe that if we just teach that precious baby boy orgirl the things we know, and train them up to love God, they will be just fine. Sometimes we seethem get taken from us, or they turn away from our love for a time, and we can’t stop them.Didn’t Mary just want to run away with her precious child and protect him from pain and evil?Didn’t she just want to keep him hidden away so nothing would happen to him? Don’t we all?

I’m quite sure Mary realized deep in her heart that she would have nothing to say about it, andthat she would have to just watch and observe and care deeply every single day of her life aboutthe wonderful gift of Jesus. She knew that God would always be with him, and that Jesus wouldnever leave her, nor forsake her, and that she would see him again. And so do we all.

May each of you, our Pender family, ponder the absolute wonder of Advent, of the coming ofEmmanuel, Christ Jesus, God with Us, and be filled with joy.

By Sally Lyberger



December 23, 2013

Wordless Testimony

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it giveslight to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may

see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” I once read a Christmas article that I’ll never forget. It brought home the realization of myresponsibility to live for Christ consistently so that my actions & attitudes don’t confuse othersthat may be watching. The essence of the article went something like this . . .

The author’s Christmas ornament collecti on included a very ugly, cheap, plasticornament, bought as part of a yard sale “collection”. It was a crèche, painted in brightugly colors and all 6 eyeballs of Mary, Joseph & baby Jesus were painted just a hair offtarget. It never made its way to her Christmas tree, or even out of the ornament box.For years she was tempted to throw it away, but for some reason never could. Until oneyear she went on a purging/cleaning spree and Christmas decorations were primetarget. The ugly crèche finally made its way into the trash can - but just a few hoursbefore the cleaning crew arrived to clean her home.

As usual, when the cleaners were there, she tried to stay out of their way. Even so, fromafar she couldn’t help but hear a horrified gasp. Fearing som ething awful, she quicklycame to the rescue only to find one of the cleaners staring paralyzed at the trash. Theauthor was dismayed as she watched the cleaner tenderly lift the ornament out of thetrash, lovingly wipe it clean, wrap it in a paper towel and put it into her purse forsafekeeping.

So why did this story make such an impact on me? Is the lesson to value material thingsbecause what is “trash” to me may be “treasure” to another? No, I rather think the message wasmeant to make me aware of my “wordless testimony”. When I declare my Christianity bypraying in a restaurant or proudly displaying my Pender car magnet, do I then act in a waythat’s inconsistent with the gospel that I’m attempting to share? Do my declarations getdiminished by seemingly inconsequential things like skimping on a tip, speaking unkindly orsqueezing past a red light? Is the cashier puzzled when I subtlety proclaim Christ by wearing across pendant but swear at him for making me wait too long? As I decorate my home for

Christmas, do my neighbors see a frazzled, stressed out person, or someone anticipating thejoyous celebration of Christ’s birth? And do my decorations prominently include baby Jesus ordo Santa and Rudolf get the bigger billing? Do I keep Christ in Christmas by sending cards thatcelebrate Jesus’s birth rather than the all -inclusive “Seasons Greetings”? What does my“wordless testimony” say about me?

Prayer : Lord, please don’t let me forget that the cleaners in my life are watching. Don’t let themconclude from watching me that following Christ makes me no different from the rest of the world.

By Debbie McKamey



December 24, 2013

The Light of Christmas

John 1:4-5 “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in thedarkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.”

The most meaningful Christmas Eve I ever spent was away from family and the traditions that Ihad grown up with. I was in Seminary in Oklahoma and couldn’t get home for Christmas. I wasserving as Pastor at a new church start in Glenpool, Ok. We had no building of our own andChristmas was coming. So we planned for a Christmas Eve Candlelight service in the livingroom of one of our members.

Nozer and Parvine Satarawala, Iranians who were refugees to the US, had both come to knowJesus during the year and had been baptized into faith. They saw having Christmas Eve Servicein their home as a gift to the Christ child.

When we arrived Nozer and Parvine had adopted the normal American customs of a Christmastree and wreaths on their windows and doors. It all looked quite natural. When we walked intothe house, immediately you were drawn into the true meaning of Christ’s bi rth. For as youwalked into the house there were hundreds of candles flickering all over. The room was ablazewith light. Light in the winter’s darkness, light from the Baby Jesus to show us the meaning ofHis coming and light As Nozer and Parvine shared with us that Christmas Eve night, they haddiscovered that Jesus was the light for the world and for their lives. Even though they had lived

in darkness most of their lives, Jesus had given them a new life and a new light to follow all yearlong

I have tried to always look for the LIGHT of Christmas wherever it might be found. Where haveyou seen the Light of Jesus this Advent? And now having seen the light again this holy nighthow will you let the light shine in the darkness of those around you?

Prayer : Jesus, Light of the World, shine on us each day. Let your light so shine from our lives thatthe world’s darkness might vanish. In the name of the Baby of Bethlehem, Amen.

By Pastor Kenny Newsome



December 25, 2013

The Face of the Christ-Child

Matthew 2:11 “ On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and theybowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with giftsof gold, frankincense and myrrh.”

Many years ago, when our children were small, we spent months preparing for Christmas – putting money away, poring over catalogues and discussing ‘wish lists’ for Christmas toys. Tobe quite honest, our focus was more on our children than on the Christ-child. One year, wewere blessed to go to Jamaica on a mission trip the week following Christmas. We were toldone of our tasks would be to deliver ‘gifts’ to the street children in the area: children whoseparents were unable to care for them, children who scrounged for survival in the streets,

begging from the tourists who came to vacation on their island. Our gift bags included oneballoon, one pencil and 3 or 4 small pieces of hard candy. When the afternoon came for ouroutdoor Christmas party, we were able to purchase a large fruitcake and enough ice cream toserve each child. Unfortunately, the cake and ice cream delivery was delayed and we, thevolunteers, and the children, stood in the hot sun for several hours awaiting this special treat.

Not one child complained. Dirty, ragged, older ones looking out for younger ones, theypatiently waited. When we finally served them, each child looked into our faces, smiled, and

said ‘thank you’ – and it was said with utter gratitude. Because of their gift to us, our gift givinghas never been the same. Our gift: In each and every precious face, we saw the face of theChrist-child.

Prayer: Gracious God, we come to bow down and worship the true gift of Christmas – the Christ-child. Help us to worship with hearts full of gratitude for the perfect gift of love. Amen

By Ann Rollins

Documents

Pender UMC Advent Devotional 2013