Do Not Be Afraid A Devotional Guide for Advent 2020

Highland Presbyterian Church Winston Salem, North Carolina

2020 Advent Season Calendar

First Week of Advent: Hope Sunday, November 29: Worship available virtually Advent Devotional Booklets available through email Wednesday, December 2: 8:00 a.m. Midweek Morning Prayer

Second Week of Advent: Peace Sunday, December 6: Worship available virtually * Sanctuary Open House with Advent and Christmas Music, 4:00-6:00 p.m., sign-ups required Wednesday, December 9: 8:00 a.m. Midweek Morning Prayer

Third Sunday of Advent: Joy Sunday, December 13: Worship available virtually Caroling shared with Homebound Members virtually Wednesday, December 16: 8:00 a.m. Midweek Morning Prayer

Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love Sunday, December 20: Worship available virtually Christmas Joy Offering Received Wednesday, December 23: 8:00 a.m. Midweek Morning Prayer

Christmas Eve Thursday, December 24: Worship available virtually including Christmas Pageant and Carols by Candlelight * Candlelight Services, 5:00, 5:45, 6:30, 7:15 and 8:00 p.m. Christmas Day Friday, December 25: Joy to the World, the Lord Is Come!

*Plans contingent upon pandemic conditions

Cover art by Patrick Simpson

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Dear Friends, “Do not be afraid!” This is the message of the angels as they begin to share the news of Christ’s birth. Again and again, “Do not be afraid!” They spoke those words in a fearful time, to those who were in need of good news. We hear these words anew in our own fearful time, trusting that the God who speaks to us through the message of the angels still has good news to share. The season of Advent and Christmas in the church is a time for us to prepare for the dawning of God’s incarnate light in a darkened world. This pandemic-shaped season seems darker than usual, for many reasons: illness and isolation, chaos and confusion, suffering and stress, and more. There is plenty of reason to be afraid. All the more do we need to hear this message: “Do not be afraid!” For to us is born a Savior, whose birth we anticipate and then celebrate in this season of light. It is our hope that these devotions and reflections will be a means by which we bear witness to God’s light and love, incarnate in Christ, who has the power to calm our fear and renew our hope. While this season will certainly be different from years past (and hopefully different from years to come, as well!), we nevertheless rejoice in the many gifts of this season, and look forward to sharing it with you.

Peace—Randy, Debbie, Courtney, Heather, and Creighton

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Sunday, November 29

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. Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight. Refrain O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind; bid envy, strife, and discord cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s peace. Refrain For reflection: The name “Emmanuel” means “God with us.” What hope might you find in God’s presence as we endure our own experiences of grief or loneliness these days? In light of this vision of the end of strife and discord, and a world filled with heaven’s peace, what might God be calling you to say or do today? God with us, as we begin this season of Advent, we pray that you would lift our spirits, and fill us with your peace. May we do something this day to share in your darkness-dispersing work, that we may be a means of your light breaking forth into the world. Amen.

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Monday, November 30

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. Matthew 11: 25–26 ESV

his year, I have found myself longing for the past and longing for the future, grieving the loss of what was and yearning for post-pandemic life. T This is particularly true this Christmas season, with adjusted family plans and health concerns.

But what if, amidst the sadness and uncertainty, this is a Christmas to cling to the small joys of the present? My children, ages 1 ½ and 3 ½ , ground me in the present everyday. Christmas of 2020 will not feel normal to me, but the present is all they know. And to them, life and faith is beautiful and curious, simple and exciting. We will do an Advent Wreath as a family for the first time; we will ponder the mystery of baby Josie Scott, grade 9 Jesus; we will sing and celebrate. In this season, their childhood innocence has restored my adult heart over and over again. The phrase “faith like a child” holds new significance for me as I look for Emmanuel in the present moment.

Lindsey Hayek

Almighty God, you are past, present, and future. You are God With Us in this moment, in the beauty and sorrow, in the joy and mystery. This Advent season, help us to look for you with childlike faith, here and now.

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Tuesday, December 1 But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. Proverbs 1:33 NIV

ver seen this? FEAR = False Expectations Appearing Real. What an emotion! It can push us into overreactions creating complicated and E life-lingering repercussions or yank us away from potential situations which hold accolades and rewards. The choice is ours. We can give into the unreal and unsubstantiated or calm our minds while we harness our thoughts and see circumstances for what they actually are in “real” life. How we handle our fear can make such a difference in living each day. Fear doesn’t come from God. Scriptures confirm that for us. Just as Angels directed the shepherds, “Do not be afraid” when they brought the news of Jesus’ birth, Jesus himself counseled his disciples, “It is I; don’t be afraid” as he approached them in their boat on the Sea of Galilee. Get past the fear; look at the rewards. That holds true for us today. Do we hold tightly to God’s wisdom in our minds and hearts for our 21st Century living? Do we approach these very different days resting in the comfort of his guidance, without hesitation, without fear? Does our God-given courage abound, giving us the freedom to enjoy each day? May it be so! Cathy Seaver Oh, God, our God, as we face each day may we hold your hands and stick together, knowing you provide the courage to combat our fears, enabling us to live life to the fullest. Amen.

Maddie Wagoner, age 9

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Wednesday, December 2 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NRSV

grew up in a Presbyterian church, very similar to Highland Presbyterian. I was baptized in the church and my family was nurtured and embraced by a I supportive group of teachers, role models, and caregivers. Angels here on Earth. One of my favorite annual Christmas traditions was to help my grandmother put up her Christmas tree. She would tell stories about the origin of ornaments that she kept year after year. Grandmother had children, grandchil- dren, and eventually great grandchildren. There were enough ornaments to decorate three Christmas trees! As the years went by, there were a few ornaments on her tree that appeared old and tattered. One year I asked her - Why do you continue to put these old ornaments on the tree? She told me a story. Grandmother lost her 17-year-old child – my aunt – in a car accident years ago. As the holidays approached that year, she felt frozen. She could not find the spirit to decorate for Christmas or motivation to hold the traditions that had always taken place. She still had four children who were under the age of 16. That year, a dear friend from the church came to Grandmother’s home, sat with her, talked with her, and crafted homemade ornaments for the Christmas tree. She helped her decorate her home for Christmas; essentially holding Grandmother’s hand through the motions of the holiday in her time of need. Grandmother never forgot it, and she put those same ornaments on her tree for the next 50 years. The same angel of this Presbyterian church later became my preschool teacher, my art teacher, and my fellow choir member. She was a beloved and respected member of our community – and even inspired the naming of my youngest child. As I reflect on the church of my childhood and the church of my children’s childhood – I am so thankful for the sweet angels who lift us up and embody Christ’s spirit in our lives. Mary Mendenhall

Dear Lord, as we approach this holiday season, help us find ways to recognize and appreciate the miracles of community and friendship. Guide those who may need extra support as we all face a quiet, less social Christmas season. Thank you for the angels that you send our way – as they are reminders of your presence and comfort us in our times of need. Amen.

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Thursday, December 3 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NRSV

emories of Christmas past: music, caroling, decorating, baking, giving, sharing, Christmas Eve candlelight service, togetherness. The M joy and peace in believing. We were always surrounded by music at Christmastime. Pleading to start playing Christmas records before Thanksgiving as we could barely contain our joy when we were children. Caroling to share the joy of music with others. Decorating the tree with ornaments: old, new, handmade. Each one meant something: the memory of a person, a place, an event, a joy, a sorrow. The jubilation of Advent events. The awesome joy and peace of the candlelight service. Everything we experienced was full of the joy of togetherness as we celebrated the birth of Jesus. We are now in the midst of a global pandemic. It’s frightening. The physical and emotional toll is shocking. This very special time of year when we long to celebrate close together with family and friends, near and far, we cannot. We continue to struggle with the pain of racial injustice, inequality, poverty, despair, hate, fear. We are a world in crisis. We yearn for God’s presence. I hope for a future Christmas when we can celebrate safely together with family and friends. I hope for a better world, one that embraces peace, justice, equality, respect for all humankind. God is hope. Follow the star. Leslie Kamtman Dear Lord, May we continue to follow the star. We look for your guidance to lead us forward, unafraid, to celebrate and care for this beautiful world you have given us and all of its people despite our differences. We pray that faith, hope, and love abide. Amen.

Caroline Mendenhall, grade 6

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Friday, December 4 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Psalm 46:1-3 NIV

hat are you afraid of? How many times did we hear that phrase grow- ing up? I admit that I was never afraid of anything. Then one night at W my previous job, that all changed. In a few minutes time, I found my- self afraid that I would never see my children again. I prayed harder than I have ever prayed in my life. My prayer was simply that my children would know that I loved them, and they would continue to flourish in life. After that night I was afraid of many things that I had never even thought twice about. I was terrified of the dark and who could be hiding there. I hated strangers, and that was foreign to me. I found myself looking at the ground instead of at someone’s face. I hated crowds, and my son’s football games were torture for me. It took over a year for me to begin to heal from that one moment in time. What was the beginning of my healing? It was the realization that during the events of that night, as I prayed, I felt calm. I had not known it at the time, but it was my faith that calmed me. It was knowing that God would always be there for my children to watch over them and guide them. Once I began to reckon with that knowledge, the fears that were keeping me in a dark place began to slowly release their grip on my mind. The journey of a life guided by fear is a tough one. It is a lonely one. I truly feel empathy towards anyone I meet whom I know is filled with fear, even if it is something that I cannot imagine being afraid of myself. We all have fears. It is what we do with them, how we reckon with them, how we control them, that makes a difference. Having faith is the first and last step for me when it comes to controlling my fears. Maybe that stranger you met that seemed sad or scared just needs to hear a story. What better story for you to share with them than the story of the shepherds, minding their own business, simply doing their job, when all of a sudden an angel appeared telling them, “Do not be afraid.” Faith guided them that night, not fear. Let faith guide you, even when you are a little bit afraid. Gidget Payne Dear Father, help our world to heal from the fears that have taken over our lives this past year. Guide us during our faith journey and help us to remember to try and not be afraid. Help those who are scared feel your love and embrace. Amen. Page 9

Saturday, December 5 “In Him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:4-5 NKJV

very year, we watch The Lord of the Rings trilogy by the filmmaker Peter Jackson. I love watching this series as each year I see different E nuances from the Bible and from other stories (most notably, the Harry Potter series) that I didn’t see in previous years. This year, as we were watching, I was struck by the scene where Lady Galadriel offers our hero, Frodo, who must bear the burden of the evil Ring, a treasured gift for his journey to Mordor. If you have not read the books or watched the film, this is a poignant scene where Frodo will begin his journey to deliver the cursed Ring to the evilest place in their world. Mordor is filled with everything evil you can imagine - orcs, demons, death, darkness, and destruction. It’s no Disney cruise! The small vessel that Lady Galadriel gives to Frodo contains the light of Earendil, their most beloved star. As she hands it to him, she says, “May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out.” She knows that Frodo’s journey will not be easy but also for him to remember he is not alone for this difficult task he faces. We have faced many dark times over the last few years and especially this year as a pandemic still holds us in its grips and as we watch our country struggle with political unrest and social justice issues. As hard as the days may be, we must remember that we have a special gift of light, too. The Light of the World is given to us each Christmas season! With Jesus’ birth, we celebrate and remember that we are never alone, even on our darkest days. He is always with us. Amy Archambault Dear Lord, we are so grateful for the light and life that is Your Son, Jesus Christ. Some days, it seems our journey is filled with emptiness, loss, and despair. In remembering that Christ is the Light of the World, we can trust that he will always outlast the darkness, and we will never be alone. In your name, we pray. Amen.

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Sunday, December 6 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 NRSV

he pages of my everyday Bible are filled with notes, letters, and small reminders like a postcard of this image. The art work “Don’t Be Afraid” by contemporary artist Jim Hodges is hard to overlook. I first T encountered this enormous piece stretched across the exterior of the Hirschorn Museum in Washington D.C. many years ago. To create the work, the artist invited delegates to the United Nations to handwrite the phrase “don’t be afraid” in their own language. Hodges described the phrase as one that inspires in us all “a sense of peace and freedom from fear” leading to a “global chorus” of courage and calm.

This phrase appears over and over again in scripture as a chorus against fear. We hear “Do not be afraid” from God, the prophets, Jesus, and the angels. The repetition in scripture brings comfort and reassurance that we are not alone– God is with us!

Fear is especially present days when things are different and uncertainty can feel overwhelming. The promise of this season and the chorus of the angels reminds us of the interruption of God close at hand coming to near to us in the Christ child. May we make room in our hearts to receive him with new experiences of love, courage, and calm.

Courtney Stevens

Faithful God, in this season of Advent waiting, be with us and help us face the fears that threaten to overwhelm us. Grant us peace, and courage. Amen.

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Monday, December 7 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NRSV

y earliest memories of Christmas always include my Uncle Jim, Aunt Verna and three cousins. On Christmas Day, starting in 1959, Jim or M Verna would fetch my mom, grandma and me, and take us to spend the day with them. It was always a joyous family gathering. Eventually, marriages, divorces, births and deaths changed the Christmas day tradition to a day near the actual holiday. We haven’t missed a year yet. This year, the kids from 1959 are the oldest living family members, all in the “high risk” age group, so our gathering will be virtual. Likewise, Anita and I have always had both of our children home on Christmas day. This year, Lauren and her husband will wisely stay in Wisconsin, so we’ll have virtual sessions with them too. Sometimes traditions end for the right reasons. We’ll miss seeing everyone in person, but know that the love we share won’t be lessened at all. Do not worry about anything? Not worry about COVID-19 sickness and death, elections, economic downturn, unrest, hurricanes, masks, cancelled plans, altered traditions and disruption of almost everything, whether essential, fun or frivolous? Despite things we find integral to our lives having been altered or taken away, especially beloved interactions with family and friends and regular worship with our Highland family, we must trust in the peace, the love and the power of God. John Bain Loving God. Ease our worry. Help us to move beyond insecurity, to freely turn our concerns over to you and to trust in your eternal peace. Amen.

Mary Douglas Mendenhall, grade 9 Page 12

Tuesday, December 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:8–11 NRSV

on’t be afraid!....I’m bringing you good news…!” So God’s messenger said to the shepherds, in the familiar Christmas story. I’ve never met an D actual angel of God. Whatever an angel looks like, it scared the lights out of these guys, working outdoors in darkness. “They were terrified!” Luke says…as scared as we can be by news of Covid-19, social violence, political hostility. But in the Bible, often as God’s people hear these calming words when facing bad news, the exclamation is followed by good news, something positive, but unexpected. Maybe that’s the key? Whatever the news is, it’s hardest to take when we don’t know what’s coming. We can “prepare for the worst.” but how do you prepare for the unknown? And at Advent time 2020, so much is unknown. Will things get better?...or worse? Will the pandemic be conquered… or go on for years? Will America discover how to live together in peace?...or destroy ourselves in misunderstanding? Can this Advent be when we press the “Re-set Button” …acknowledging that we’re lost, but discovering that God is out, full-force, looking for us, encircling us in the strong net of God’s love, wide enough to include us and all those we think are our enemies?...with wisdom enough to solve all the problems we’ve created, that seem to have us “cornered?” Curtis Patterson O Lord of all seasons, open our ears this Advent to hear you knocking at our closed doors; open our eyes to see you in the face of our sisters and brothers all colors, all political parties, all kinds of faith; open our hearts to welcome you— and the least of these our sisters and brothers. Help us all to hear the Good News that you are ready, able, and eager to deal with all our fears, to turn our unknowns into trust, and our anxiety into peace. Through Jesus we know you’ll work wonders. AMEN.

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Wednesday, December 9 And the angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear, and the angel said to them, “fear not, for behold I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all peo- ple.” Luke 2:9-10 ESV

erhaps I wasn’t the only child who felt Christmas time was a celebration of the beginning instead of the end. Jesus was a new baby beginning life, and P I was a kid getting new toys to play with as we soon would start a new year. A fond memory I have from those youthful years was the thrill of shining all the brass door knobs, brass fireplace tools and brass window latches so that lights from lamps and the warm fireplace made all the rooms glisten and brighten with the welcoming of a new year of toys and wonder. I recall at least one year we attached a small light bulb to the large angel in the manger scene so that it would look even more majestic as it illuminated the baby just as brightly as all the brass glistened throughout the room. As I reflect on it now, we didn’t consider that such a large bright angel in air may have been a rather frightening sight to shepherds, kings, and animals. Yet, in our manger scene they all just focused their gaze on Jesus. They were not afraid because their full attention remained on celebrating a new time in their lives. All creatures of the world focused on the love shining from Jesus. They didn’t know fear because love and hope filled their eyes and hearts as a new age began. Jim Gallaher Dear God, in times when we are afraid and don’t know where to turn for solace, help us remember that we can abide and overcome fear by keeping our focus on your love that fills and lightens our hearts. In Christ name we pray. Amen.

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Thursday, December 10 Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace. Luke 2:29 ESV

ver many years our family would gather in Albany, NY to celebrate Christmas at Linda’s childhood home. This serene environment of 7.5 O acres which includes an 1840’s farmhouse, barn, meadow and woods is a special place. Linda’s maiden name being Rice, her father had affectionately named the property “The Rice Paddy.” In 2016 we gathered once more knowing that we would soon lose Linda’s mom, Elly. Battling Parkinson’s over many years had left her mostly bedridden. That Christmas Eve Linda told Elly that Linda’s sister and family and ours would be heading to Christmas Eve service at First Presbyterian Church as we always did. Elly said that she too wanted to attend. She had grown up at First Pres, just as Linda and Lisa had, so her roots and friendships ran deep. Elly, always one with great style, had her assistant help her into a fashionable outfit that included red Josie Scott, grade 9 patent leather shoes. Friends were so excited to see her after such a long absence, and embraced her, and our families. It was beyond touching, and for that night, and the next few days, Elly was back with us to celebrate the holi- day. Elly died two weeks later. She was not afraid. In fact, she helped us to not be afraid. Our family is blessed to be able to hold that memory of Elly, at First Presbyterian Church one more time on a cold Albany winter night, wheelchair bound, but shining in her red patent leather shoes, surrounded and receiving the joyous love of the Christ child and so many friends and family. Don Thorup God, we give thanks for the gift of tradition, and the courageous strength it cre- ates in us to not be afraid. Amen.

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Friday, December 11 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV

s a parent, you spend years worrying about your children and making sure they are safe. You dream of the day when they are grown, A self-sufficient, and you can relax a little. Sometimes in life you get a curveball thrown at you. Right when I started to really ‘relax,’ everything I had known for 14 years changed. I found myself suddenly single, starting over at my age (not a spring chicken anymore!), financially strapped, selling and buying a new home, dealing with the emotional onslaught of feelings of sadness, anger, and numbness, and trying to stay positive for those around me. Was I scared? YES! Was I doubtful? YES! Were there times when I wondered if I would lose my mind? YES! Suddenly, as the news of my situation quietly spread throughout Highland, there was an outpouring of generosity. People sent me notes, cards, texts, and called to see if I was emotionally okay. I remembered then that I should not be afraid of what the next day would bring. God would provide for me as he always had in the past. He sent me signs throughout that long year. He sent me many angels disguised at Highlanders. He reminded me daily to be stronger than my fear. As I continue to find myself again, the ‘Joy’ is back, the laughter is here again, the positivity has returned and I am constantly reminded that Highland is not just my place of work, but a part of my family. Joy Hamilton Father, thank you for your strength, grace and love. Thank you that everyday is a new day. Amen.

Kate Archambault, grade 9 Page 16

Saturday, December 12

Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” Matthew 1:20b–23 NRSV

ixteen years ago, I found myself in a completely different world. Debbie and I had just moved down here to Winston-Salem, after I had spent nearly S all my life in central Illinois. We had also just bought our very first house and were discovering all the demands of being a home-owner that our landlord used to take care of. And, of course, we were brand new parents, bringing a 7-month-old Benjamin along with us. I remember sitting there, in our new house, in our new city in a new state, and holding our very new baby boy, and thinking: “Help!” I might have felt like everything in our lives had completely changed overnight, but God was still with us. Through Highland, I was both welcomed and supported. I met new friends through the Men’s Retreat, the first of many that I’ve attended, building on those friendships every time. I also found strength and comfort – and commiseration! – with the ABCers group, where the parents of small children came together every month. I continue to know God’s presence through my relationships with my wonderful Highland family. God has never left me alone in a new world but has walked with me every step of the way. Glenn Otterbacher Ever-present God, thank you for being so close, so loving, so supporting. May we go out into the world and share your presence with all we meet. Amen.

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Sunday, December 13 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. Luke 2:8-9 NRSV

ave no fear, Superman is here!” These were the words boldly printed across the back of my big brother, Gary’s favorite footie pajamas. On the front was the familiar “S” logo that is still undoubt- edly recognizable to this day. He was about seven years old when Hhe first became enamored with superheroes. We recently reminisced about the deeper impact of these superhumans. “When I was about four years old, I began having nightmares.” This would have been about the time when TV shows like King Kong, Godzilla and Creature from the Black Lagoon were popular. Certainly, the makings for some terrifying, sleepless nights for a child. So, Superman, Batman, and even Mighty Mouse became an obsession during the day, but at night, my brother told me, it was Lassie who brought him comfort. Lassie was the four-legged (Collie) superhero to young Timmy, a boy about eight -year-old who was constantly getting into trouble or losing his way, only to be rescued by his supremely loyal “best friend.” Kind, gentle and full of compassion, Lassie was Timmy’s constant companion. These were the images and stories that filled Gary’s imagination in the darkness of his bedroom, not the muscle-wielding, spandex-covered superheroes. Rather it was his meek, yet fiercely protective confidante. What superheroes were the shepherds praying for on the night when the angels appeared? Before the angelic arrival, no doubt their thoughts and fears were centered around what was happening in the political arena of the Roman Em- pire. Who would have been their one’s to “Save the day”? It is likely they were praying for their idea of Superman, but surprisingly were given a “Lassie!” They would not understand what was happening on that fearful night. But those to come would. Those of us still looking and longing for a superhero, can be astonished again in this season of Advent as we await the coming of the Christ child, as God continues to enter into this world who needs joy to overcome our fears. Heather Ferguson Gracious and loving God, remind us that you are the comforting assurance for which we long. Draw us close and lead us from fear into wholeness. Amen! Page 18

Monday, December 14 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. Luke 2: 4-5 NIV

empathize with Mary and Joseph traveling home to be counted. Over the years it has been an adventure and often a joy for me to go where my family I celebrated the holidays, to be counted, and counted on, so to speak. Although never traveling by donkey, some years stand out for the amount of stuff we hauled. One year my sister, brother-in-law, six month old niece and I traveled from frigid Chicago to tropical Miami in a compact car with presents, two seasons of clothing, a vast amount of baby paraphernalia and a buche de Noel carefully tucked onto the shelf of the back window to be safe from being sat on but sadly not from the relentless sun. Every few hundred miles or so, we removed another layer of clothing which filled the backseat with heaps of scarves, hats, gloves, coats, sweaters and boots. It was a great relief to tumble out of that car and into a swimming pool filled with beach balls that looked like Santa Clauses. That year was a joyous, chaotic family frenzy, over the top with festive sounds, smells, tastes, a home bursting at the seams with four generations of family. This year is different. I will stay here. Things will be pretty simple - with one exception. As I celebrate the love and light that Jesus brings into our world, I will be flinging strings of lights, as many as possible, exuberantly around my yard, to light up this corner of the world. You should drive by. Carol Eickmeyer O Come, O Come Emmanuel. May your light and love shine brightly in our hearts, spreading peace and hope to those around us. Amen.

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Tuesday, December 15 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 KJV

n the fall of 2001, New York City was a shattered place. Plumes of smoke from Ground Zero snaked through the streets for months, past the firehouse I memorials; past thousands of missing-person posters; into our apartments; into our lungs. The grief—the shock—the fear was palpable. Nothing felt safe, not the subway, not the mail, not work, not home. New Yorkers may not be known for their kindness, but the truth is a city like New York is only possible because of the inherent goodness of people—and we were shattered, too. As the days passed, the flowers wilted, the posters faded, and Advent approached. How could we celebrate, when so many were grieving? How could we live, when so many had died? Slowly, though, the city began to transform. . . Mary, Mary Douglas, and Caroline Mendenhall and so did we. Lights twinkled in shop windows; pine trees crowded the sidewalks. Favorite traditions reminded us how to smile, while new ones honored what we had lost, and who we had become. It was Christmas that showed us a path to healing and wholeness; that helped us look toward the future with hope, not fear. Most of all, I realized that even during the darkest times, God, with infinite love, keeps gently guiding us toward the light. Megan Bryant Heavenly Father, help us find new ways to celebrate, and to serve, during this long season of trials. May we be the vessels that pour your love into our hurting world. Amen.

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Wednesday, December 16 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 NRSV

uring this season of such turmoil in our lives individually, nationally, and globally, one of the things that has grounded me and given me hope is D music. Whether it’s a live concert streamed on Facebook as I listen virtually with friends, a cd while cooking dinner, Pandora playing while I’m working, or a hymn running through my head, music has played a prominent role in my life during this time. I suspect music has also been a balm for many of you. I’m not surprised that a hymn popped into my mind when staff discussed this year’s Advent theme, “Do not be afraid.” When I looked up all the words, I saw how well this hymn fits with our lives right now. Hear these words of the first two verses: "I will come to you in the silence; I will lift you from all your fear. You will hear my voice, I claim you as my choice, be still and know I am here. I am hope for all who are hopeless, I am eyes for all who long to see. In the shadows of the night, I will be your light, come and rest in me. And the chorus: Do not be afraid, I am with you. I have called you each by name. Come and follow me, I will bring you home; I love you and you are mine." These words from the hymn You Are Mine remind me that God has chosen never to leave us. To paraphrase Karl Barth, we may think we can choose to live without God, but God never chooses to live without us. At the heart of the divine identity of our God is a divine will and a divine decision never to be separated from humanity. Do not be afraid. We are God’s. My charge from God is not only to remember this good news, but to step out of my privilege and share it with someone who needs to hear it in the midst of this season of turmoil and darkness. Debbie Layman God, help us to hear and to share the good news that we belong to you, always. Amen.

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Thursday, December 17 Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 NIV

o things one at a time and concentrate on the one you are doing now, which is reading this. Do not worry about what you will do when you D finish this or if any troubles will come tomorrow. Worry about now. Maddie Wagoner (age 9) Dear God, remind us to focus on you and on your love. Amen.

Caroline Wagoner, age 7 Page 22

Friday, December 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18 NRSV

’m afraid of snakes. I’m also afraid of needles and heights. To be quite honest, I’m afraid of a lot of things. My guess is I am not alone in some of I my fears. There are other fears that I have had to get over – childbirth, moving, losing a parent, sending my children out on their own. I can’t help but believe that the only reason these fears have not overcome my whole being is because of love. In this fear-full world, God has let loose another force, and we behold it in Bethlehem in the face of the Christ child whose birth we await in this Advent season. In Jesus’ birth, we celebrate the news that God’s love has come into the world. 1 John reminds us of the good news that love is stronger than fear. Not that fear is not real, or powerful. It’s just that love is stronger. God’s love, incarnate in the birth of the Christ child, gives us courage to face our fears. “We love because God first loved us,” 1 John says later. Our love in response to God is very much needed in these difficult days. As Jesus is God’s love incarnate for us, may our love be a means by which God is at work to help others through their own fearful times. May this love that we share show who we are as God’s own loved children. Such love as this would be a great gift for us to offer in this season, and beyond. Carol Ann Moore Harris Loving God, fill us with love, that we may have courage to love, despite our anxiousness or fear. May our love help others through their fears, as well. Amen.

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Saturday, December 19 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 NRSV

ach Christmas Eve, King’s College, Cambridge, carries on the tradition of Nine Lessons and Carols. This festival of music was established in 1918 E in response to the harsh conditions that resulted from World War I. After tremendous success, the service carried on and following the second World War, millions of listeners from across the globe tune in to the live radio broadcast. Numerous changes have been made to the Nine Lessons and Carols, but one tradition continues: opening the service with Once in Royal David’s City. He came down to earth from heaven, Who is God and Lord of all, And His shelter was a stable, And His cradle was a stall; With the poor and meek and lowly, Lived on earth our Savior holy.

-Cecil Frances Alexander

This verse reminds us that Christ’s birth—the first Christmas, the birth of the King of Kings—was accompanied by unexpected conditions. The birthplace was undoubtedly dirty, animals surrounded Mary and Joseph, and it is reasonable to assume they had to remove some food to place Jesus in the manger bed. Like the first Christmas, this year will not see the traditional pomp and circumstance of our expectations, but Christ will still be born, and hope will still come. May this reminder of an unconventional season from the past bring us peace for the future.

Creighton Holder

Almighty God, help us to reach out to you for solace and peace amid uncertainty, holding steadfast to each other in love. Amen.

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Sunday, December 20 Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming Lo, how a rose e'er blooming from tender stem hath sprung, of Jesse's lineage coming, by faithful prophets sung. It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter, when half-spent was the night. Isaiah 'twas foretold it, the rose I have in mind; with Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind. To show God's love aright she bore for us a Savior, when half-spent was the night. This flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air, dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere. Enfleshed, yet very God, from sin and death he saves us and lightens every load. For reflection: This carol affirms the coming of life amidst the cold of winter and dark of night. What hope do you find here as we continue anticipating Christ’s birth in this Advent season? Where do you see signs of God’s life-giving work as we make our way through these darkened days? God of life, continue to enliven us as we await Christ’s birth. Open us again and again to every sign of your loving work among us, and within this world that you so dearly love. Amen.

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Monday, December 21 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of a David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’ Luke 2:9–14 NIV

t’s no wonder that the shepherds in the fields that night were terrified by the appearance of the angel. Beyond the usual wolves and thieves, a shining I celestial messenger appearing out of nowhere probably fell somewhere out of their comfort zone. And so the angel had to remind them: do not be afraid. Two thousand years later, we still have plenty to be afraid of: a raging pandemic, civil unrest, deepening partisan divides. What strikes me from this passage, however, is that the angel doesn’t tell the shepherds that they’re wrong for being afraid, that there isn’t cause for fear. The angel simply reminds them that they need not be afraid. We are blessed to have a God who meets us in our fears, who sits with us in our anxiety. We Parker Bragg, age 8 are blessed to have a Savior, Emmanuel, our God with us, who mourns with us, celebrates with us, perseveres with us, and comforts us in our fear. In 2020 God does not dismiss our fears, but extends a hand and whispers that even in strife, isolation, and hardship, there comes good news of great joy, a Messiah, a Savior for today and all days. Spencer Ayscue Gracious God, thank you for meeting us in our fears and worries. Help us to turn to you in faith and humility for deliverance and comfort, and bless our ail- ing country and world. Amen.

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Tuesday, December 22 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:10 NRSV

ave you ever been alone on Christmas Day, snowed in, or seated by a sick bed, or missing a plane, bus or train? Today, many of us are in H quarantine or experiencing other difficulties and disappointments, and we will be facing Christmas alone. It is then that we perhaps remember other Christmases when excited children, opening presents around a beautiful, shining tree, laughed and shouted, while dear ones happily enjoyed watching them with warmth and love. Since those times are past, our celebration today may be " virtual.” So let us be thankful remembering that Jesus is not “virtual,” but that he came into the world to be our real and personal Savior. May we feel his closeness and the miracle of his birth. Margaret Sandresky Dear God, Remind us that we are never alone, for you love us and are always with us. In this may we find comfort and hope. Amen.

Mary, Mary Douglas, and Caroline Mendenhall

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Wednesday, December 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NRSV he Christmas season is a time to prepare ourselves for the coming of a special baby. It’s also a time to buy gifts and to plan for parties with T friends and family, but maybe not so much this year. As small children, my sister and I could hardly wait to open the gifts under the tree that we had decorated. So many times, by Easter, some of the gifts were either broken or forgotten. We would also make trips to Old Salem to see the Christmas putz and went to many Moravian Love Feasts. We listened to the Christmas story read to us from the Bible by our parents and Sunday School teachers. We did not always understand the meaning of the baby that was born in Bethlehem, but we knew that it was a special event that was celebrated every year. We knew that it was special because the three kings brought the baby some really unusual gifts. As a young child, I remember thinking that Jesus must not have lived very long, because He was born on Christmas and died on a cross at Easter time. As I grew in the Christian faith, I realized that the one and only true gift is the gift of God’s Son, the One who would be my Savior. It is the Gift that is never broken and certainly never forgotten. This year may be a bit different and we may not be able to have our parties, but we still will be celebrating the true gift that keeps on giving. Every day is a Gift from God. Phyllis Clemmer Heavenly Father, keep us ever mindful of the true meaning of Christmas, we thank you for each new day and the different ways that we can show your love to neighbors. Most of all, thank you for the gift of your Son. Amen.

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Thursday, December 24 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:10–11, NRSV

n Christmas Eve at Highland, our tradition is to light candles while singing O Little Town of Bethlehem. At the end of the first stanza are O words we would do well to take to heart this year: “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” Philips Brooks, an Episcopal priest serving in Philadelphia, wrote the words of this beloved carol just after the Civil War, in 1868. The years before had been the most tumultuous in our history, filled with war and loss and grief. The carol reminds us that the Christ child comes to us in the midst of our hopes and fears. The God who comes to us in Christ is not stranger to the brokenness of this world., and of our lives. As we ponder these words this year, may we remember the news of the Christmas angel: that the fears and worries we have harbored through this most difficult season have been met by the child born for us in Bethlehem. The Living God has become one of us and will hold onto us and bear us through this time. The message of the angel is the news—the joyous, good news—that our fear will not have the last word. The last word is God’s love, incarnate in the Christ child. Randy Harris O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell. O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel! Amen.

Patrick Simpson

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Friday, December 25

Joy to the World Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King; Let ev'ry heart prepare him room, And heav'n and nature sing, And heav'n and nature sing, And heav'n, and heav'n and nature sing. Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns; Let all their songs employ, While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy. No more let sin and sorrow grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make his blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as the curse is found. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of his righteousness, And wonders of his love, And wonders of his love, And wonders, wonders of his love.

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