2020 Advent Devotional

Wesley United Methodist Church 209 South State St Dover, DE 19901

What is Advent? By: Jim Skeans

The dictionary says Advent means “arrival or coming” and it prompts us to pause each day in December and remember why Jesus came at Christmas.

Most Christians know Advent today as a time of anticipation and expectation of the birth of Christ. The first mention of Advent occurred in the 300’s AD. Advent lasts four Sundays leading up to Christmas. The Advent season not only symbolizes the waiting for Christ’s birth, but also his final return.

There are five candles. The first candle symbolizes Hope. The second represents Faith. The third symbolizes Joy. The fourth candle represents Peace. The fifth candle is the Christ candle which represents light and purity.

So as we travel through this Advent season, let us think of the story of Christmas. God’s relentless love for us. He brought his only son to us to begin the journey for us to have grace and salvation forever. All we have to do is say “God I surrender”.

The Advent Wreath By: Jane Ragains

Advent is a time for all believers to celebrate the arrival of Jesus and to prepare themselves for His second coming.

The season of Advent begins four Sundays prior to December 25. The tradition of the Advent wreath began in Germany in 1839. The circular shape represents God’s unending love and the eternal life he offers. The evergreens symbolize everlasting life during all seasons. In our church we have five candles focusing on the promises of God.

The first purple candle represents HOPE, as Isaiah predicted the Messiah’s arrival. It also shows God’s forgiveness toward man. Isaiah 7:14

The second purple candle demonstrates FAITH. Micah foretold the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2

The third candle is rose denoting JOY. We read of the shepherds’ great joy at the angels’ announcement of His birth. Luke 2:10-11

The fourth is purple and signifies PEACE. The angels told us Jesus came to bring peace to all the earth. Luke 2:14

On Christmas Eve it is our tradition to light the white candle symbolizing the light and purity of our Christ.

Heavenly Father, may this Advent season bring each of us hope for our world, a deeper faith in You, joy that only You can provide, and peace that passes all understanding. Amen.

November 29, 2020

Psalm 144 “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”

By: Carol Gambone

School year 2020-2021 has left me many times feeling very anxious and unsettled. Currently we are gearing up for our 6th grade students to return to the building. In August, it was announced that special populations would be entering the building as well as all staff. Being the teacher of students who don’t speak English as a first language, I am included in special populations. After teaching from home in the spring, staying to myself, and limiting my outings in general, I was less than excited about returning to the classroom. I had the mindset that I was able to do the job I needed to do from home and there was no need for me to go into the building around other people.

Once I got to school in August, I learned that I would not have my classroom. I would not have access to the space as I knew as stability due to the need for a teacher workroom. I blew up. I lost my cool and let admin know I was not happy. I decided each day I would come in and hide in the computer lab I am assigned to and do the job I need to do. I would come in, teach, leave. No extras, no nothing.

And then, I settled. I realized that I am assigned the job I am called to do. I have wanted to be a teacher my whole life. I never considered any other profession. I know without a doubt that I am right where I need to be doing what I need to be doing. I rely heavily on my faith and trusting that God has placed me in the best place for me and my students. I enjoy the student I work with in person so much. He is learning, he likes school and likes my stories. The classes I have virtually frustrate me as they do not consistently log into ZOOM or complete assignments. I put numerous offers out for extra help and just space for them to chat. Sometimes they take advantage of it and sometimes they don’t. There are so many factors that are beyond my control when it comes to my students’ progress. I continue to praise God for being my rock and preparing me for battle each and every day.

How can you use your faith to trust the Lord is preparing your hands for battle and your fingers for war?

Advent Devotional By Becky Davis

A few months after I became a Christian, I gave birth to my second daughter. A few months after that, I became a single mom.

I had a good job as a symphony musician, and I took on extra work teaching French horn lessons as an adjunct professor in several colleges. Still, with a costly divorce money was extremely tight that year.

Two days before Christmas, with no money, I searched for a way to buy some presents for my two young daughters.

My faith was new and very small, and I was quite experienced at the unfairness of life. Still, I cried out to God and asked that He might give me enough money to provide a present for each of my beloved children.

The next day I received a letter in the mail from Australia. A Christian friend of mine, had sent me a blank sheet of folded paper. A tiny green square dropped out of it. It was a folded hundred-dollar bill. A Christmas miracle!

I was able to buy gifts for my kids, and we had a wonderful, Christ-filled Christmas morning. Having received food from the Boy Scouts, our Christmas dinner was delicious and my new-found faith grew exponentially as I realized, first hand that God cares for widows and orphans in very real ways.

Christmas Season

By Pat Root

As I write this it is November 10, six weeks until Christmas. In a typical year I would be spending every free minute shopping, sewing, and preparing decorations and gifts. Bustling and rushing to accomplish all the preparation before the big day, the day of Christ’s birth. A crescendo of pressure and activity with to-do lists, celebrations and events!

This year is different. This year for me there will be no family parties, friend parties or choir parties except those that happen virtually. No last-minute shopping to stuff the stockings. No extra rehearsals preparing the Christmas Cantata. No deadline to have the house ready for guests.

This year I have mostly free time because of the pandemic that makes 2020 unique.

I have more time to ponder the reason I did all those things in previous years – to share my love of Christ with the people I love.

I have had time beforehand to prepare and record our music for the Advent season for the church I love.

I have more time to write Christmas cards to people I haven’t sent them to in many years.

More time to just stop and thank God for His precious gift of Jesus, who came as a tiny baby to save me, a sinner who needs him so badly.

Time to have an excellent, although atypical Christmas.

Luke 10:38-41. At the Home of Martha and Mary

Proverbs 3:5-6 By: Jane Ragains

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your path straight.

After a successful heart surgery, my Uncle Preston struggled to regain his strength. A hospitalization revealed he had contracted acute leukemia. The treatment was not an option. His response was “The Lord will guide me.” Preston was sent home with hospice care. An outpouring of food, love, and prayers came from his church family. The newly appointed pastor visited almost daily...my uncle, having held every office in the church at least twice in his 65+ years of membership there, was able to instruct the pastor in the history of this church. The Lord did indeed make Preston’s path straight.

As we approach this advent season, we see that Mary too trusted the Lord with all her heart. She needed to put herself in God’s hands as she fulfilled the scriptures’ promise of Jesus’ birth. Joseph put aside his concerns and trusted God to lead him. We see the Almighty’s work in the path to Bethlehem, providing for the needs of all.

May we adopt these verses into our own lives. Whatever concerns and trials we may have, we need only to trust in the Lord, knowing He will guide our path.

Advent Devotional 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 By: Eunice Craig

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you.

May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do this.

Advent season is upon us: the time of expectant waiting to make ready for the celebration of the birth of our savior Jesus and be mindful of his second coming. It’s the time when I begin my family’s traditional preparations for Christmas: setting out nativities, assembling an advent wreath, and listening to my favorite Christmas carols. It is when I begin to look forward to the joy, expectancy and majesty of the Advent season.

However, in 2020 I have this overwhelming concern for my health and those of my family and friends due to the highly communicable and lethal Covid-19 virus. As a septuagenarian, I am anxious about possible exposures, not being able to hug my children and grandchildren, of not having the traditional holiday family gatherings and a lack of control over life. Where is my God? Is he listening to my prayers of concern for my family? Can I really look forward to an Advent season of hope, joy, peace and love in 2020?

As Paul writes to the people of Thessalonia, “pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances''. Giving thanks in pray in this time of crisis requires an extra measure of our faith. Yet Paul says, “rejoice always for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ to you” and “that he is faithful''. On reflecting and praying over these verses, I do feel a sense of peace. I’m reassured that God is with me in all situations and at all times. And that Advent in 2020 can be full of hope and joy! How do you manage your personal fears of what may happen in life, particularly now? I suggest that you follow Paul’s admonition to the Thessalonians: rejoice and pray in every situation for God will be there for us.

The Road To Bethlehem Runs Through Your Swamp By Brint Shaffer

“In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD...” (Isaiah 40:3)

I was eight. We were visiting great grandparents in rural Virginia: one cow, some chickens, a well and bucket, and an outhouse.

I strayed into the woods behind the outhouse. As I walked, the ground got softer. Soon I was lost in a mushy mess. I knew about the “swamp”, and its quicksand and water moccasins. I just didn’t know where it was or that I was in it.

When my parents realized where I was, they were frantic. I heard voices, but not the direction: Left? Right? In front? Closer? Farther away? In my panic, I did not know. I was lost, and... the sun was setting.

Then they shouted, “Walk to the sun and find the road.” I kept my face to the sun through mud, briars and cat of nine tails until I saw a macadam ribbon through the swamp. The road was narrow and badly maintained, but it was glorious to a lost and frightened boy. I found the highway home.

Life has many swamps and wildernesses. Being lost and afraid is common. The promise of Advent is that the highway home, the way of the Lord, the road to Bethlehem runs right through your swamp and your wilderness.

Prayer: In the midst of life’s wildernesses help us see the way home, the road to Bethlehem. Amen.

Get You Up to a High Mountain By Connie Shaffer

Isaiah 40: 9-11: Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”

This year has largely been one of valleys, dark places, cloistered living, short sighted vision. Will the toilet paper last until we can get more? How can we convey our love to our dying nephew when we cannot be by his side? How can we bear to miss our boisterous week long family reunion at the beach? Will our grandson contract COVID while he tends his infected patients? This verse in Isaiah reminds me to get myself up to a higher place, a long range vision; to remember that our God is God of all time, all places, all history. It reminds me that whatever is happening in my small place at this moment, God is moving creation in the direction of good for all. I need not fear.

And it also reminds me, “Here is your God.” Right here in my small place at this moment. God was with me as I hastily selected a photo of our extended family to send to our dying nephew with a note reminding him that he was surrounded by love, now and always. I learned later that the card reached him before he died, gave him comfort, and served as a meditation focus that helped him deal with the pain in his final hours. Thanks be to God.

Let us pray: Oh God of all time and place and creatures, help us to trust your work in our world and to find your guidance as we choose our own path within it. Drawing by Libby Herbert

John 8:12 By: Anne Oliphant

As a child, every fall I would experience a sadness that I could not understand. I loved school and the cooler weather that autumn brought, but every fall I was sad. After college, when I moved to Los Angeles, I learned—grudgingly— to tolerate this period of seasonal depression, but after a few years in Los Angeles, with its glorious sunshine, my perspective about light and darkness changed. I learned that at twilight in Los Angeles, the Light of Advent is peaceful, gentle, and soothing. Instead of fighting sadness, I began to slow down and to think of the Advent season as a time to engage in peaceful spiritual reflection—a time for listening to God. During Advent, instead of trying to subdue the increasing darkness with frenzied secular activities, I learned that we can, instead, use the time of Advent to rest, to grow in our faith, and to express our gratitude to God. We can rejoice that we have a God who loves us unconditionally, who sustains us through our deepest pain, who will never abandon us, who loves us so much that He gave the world His Precious Son.

During Advent, Listen for God. Embrace the solitude. Embrace the calming darkness. Embrace the anticipation of the coming of the Light of the World.

Luke 1 :22 - 28 By: Helene Zeman

I got up early on Thursday, November 12, and the day started with a bang. First of all, my washing machine went crazy and my husband had to fix it so I could get the wash done. Then the newspaper didn't come and of course it had not come yet by the time we had to go to the dentist. It was also wet, cold, and dark outside so that didn't help my bad mood at all.

Then I got to thinking how much worse other people’s lives were and about what is going on in the world today. So I turned to Luke 12 in my Bible because it spoke to me about how little worrying about things does for you and I realized that God would take care of it for me.

Prayer: God is there for us all the time, let him help you. Amen.

Focus: Someone worrying all the time. Thought for the day:

Despite all my worries God is always there for me.

Isaiah 40:1-11 By Connie Strickland

Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she is received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” A voice says, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon us, surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever. Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. If there has ever been the need for a time of comfort, it is now in the year 2020! This year has been a time of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with economic, social, and political turmoil. People are polarized and full of anxiety. There are numerous voices crying out in the United States, but many people cannot differentiate between the voices of truth and falsehood. Like the banished people of Judah, separated and suffering, many today are leading wilderness existences. This passage speaks to the exiles in Babylon, who were conquered and forced to live in a foreign land. Because Jerusalem was burned out with the Temple in ruins, they felt that God had abandoned them. They were in anguish, pain, and despair. Suddenly, a voice tells them that their punishment is over and they are to return to Jerusalem. Now they are comforted and spoken to tenderly. To return from exile, the people are given marching orders: “prepare the way” and “make straight a highway.” While mountains and valleys provide beautiful landscapes, they all too often create difficulties and obstacles for travelers, so the people are told to even out the landscape in order to make a sacred road where “the glory of the Lord will be revealed.” This setting is revealed in the “Hallelujah Chorus” of Handel’s oratorio, Messiah, which is often sung at Christmas time. Though the narrator realizes that nothing lasts, like withering grass and fading flowers, he knows that God is faithful and reliable. God’s people are to raise their fearless voices with strength and joy because the Lord God, like both a mighty, powerful armed leader and a caring, tender shepherd, will rescue them and lead them home.

Prayer: Dear God, Isaiah was a voice in the wilderness revealing your comfort, support, and love long before John the Baptist called out in the wilderness proclaiming the way of the Lord. Help us to remember to keep hope alive and recognize your voice as the true voice. Thank you for the gift of salvation of your son, Jesus Christ, who came to show us the path of glory. Amen.

John 1:6-9,23 By Brian Stratton

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said. I love listening to music, but rarely do I actually pay attention to the lyrics. Still, once in a while, something that I hear from the vocalist stands out to me. Recently, one such time occurred when, “In the Light,” by Led Zeppelin, was playing. Near the end of the song, Robert Plant belts out, “Everybody needs the light!” and then repeats, “Light, light, light…in the light!” The music that accompanies this portion of the song is passionate and uplifting. In contrast, near the beginning, when the music is mellow and searching, he sings, “And if you feel that you can’t go on, in the light you will find the road.” Hearing this made me think of times in my life when I have felt down or lost. During those times, I have not felt connected to God. When I consciously remember to prayerfully ask God for help, it feels liberating. God bears our burdens and shares our load by helping us through our darkest times. The Light is coming. Our Savior is coming. Make a straight road ready for the Lord!

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for sending your Son to light our road. Amen.

Isaiah 64:1-9 By Larry Josefowski

Today’s reading Isaiah 64:1-9 is one that echoes during this season of preparation – a people who fell from grace, who remember a time where the Lord was with them, performing awesome deeds and meeting and being with those who walked with God, who remembered him in His ways.

They are now in a time, as we are in the time of Advent, where we are praying and looking forward to the return of the Lord. Those writing and reading this passage were lost and felt the absence of God. They know that it was through their own deeds they are there, and are having a difficult time finding the path back.

However, as bleak as the passage paints this time, it leaves us with a bit of hope. Even in this time of despair, they know and believe God will return, and take comfort that they, and we, were chosen by God, and he will not forget us. Like a potter with a lump of clay, with God, we can be reshaped, we can be remade, we can be made whole. No matter what iniquities we have done, God will return.

Devotion Question: When have you felt separated or lost from someone? What did you do to end this separation?

Devotion of Faith By Debbie Lord Scripture: James 1:6

Ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. When I was asked to write a devotion for Advent I thought there is no way I can do this; this is totally out of my comfort zone. Then I began to wander if I could learn from this experience and decided to participate. It was easy for me to decide the subject, my faith. Faith is something I continually struggle with especially over the last year and half. I feel my personal faith comes and goes due to personal struggles and feeling like I am living in a world of struggle, doubts and disappointment. I continue to try to trust in God, at least I thought I did until reading this scripture from the Book of James. I began to realize I focus my thoughts on my own circumstances instead of focusing on God. I find myself focusing prayer on immediate fixes to my problems. I have forgotten to remember signs he has shown me that he can be trusted and that he is faithful. I am reminded that he is my strength to help me through the storm. I recently witnessed faith during a testimony given by someone I know. This individual revealed her own personal struggle with faith. She shared how she spent many months questioning and being angry at what had happened in her life. After she was able to open her heart up again to the Lord, she was able to receive multiple messages through worship that helped her get through her personal storm. She strongly believes without being able to hear those messages, she would still be struggling and angry. It made me think that if she can regain her faith then so can I and this was another sign that God is my strength. I was meant to hear her testimony. Do you feel you question and doubt God? Are you struggling with your faith? If so, how can you help yourself in your faith journey? How can you open yourself to hear God?

How Can I Believe in God? By Patty Field

How can I believe in God? Because I Have Seen Things. Psalm 42 the Psalmist tells us that he needs a relationship with God as much as he needs to drink water every day. 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God. Each morning I start out with a cup of coffee sweetened with raw honey. There have been trials and turbulence over my 60-year life span. There have been many blessings as well. These blessings have presented themselves in magnificent ways. Time spent each morning with his words, quiet listening… I cannot stop because I am not ‘feeling it’. Time spent with my Creator needs to be as habitual as that cup of coffee. When I prioritize time spent with the Holy Spirit, I am giving Him power over me. The winds that He directs, are not mine to change. He wills me when I need to adjust my sails. IN Return -A Peace, surpassing all understanding, while sailing through storms, when I give charge over me. 7Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me. Most recently His Grace showed itself to be exactly as He has promised…., when I received that dreaded phone call - - that every parent fears, in the morning hours of July 24, 2018. “Good morning mom, … this is your son, [David] Um How are you?” “I’m okay... What’s up?” “I am at the hospital with Dan.” [Daniel my oldest] … “Why?” “Well…. umm We aren’t sure...” Puzzled, I stood up. “What happened?” How can I believe in God? Because I Have Seen Things. “Well, he umm… Mom, he passed away. My voice whispered “oh no… what happened?” “I’m on my way ... oh what hospital? What entrance?” [it’s still dark]. my husband turned then and asked. “Danny died….” My words were cold harsh, He cried out, “oh no!??!?!?” I paced in a figure 8, I couldn’t remember where my clothes were. I stopped… ‘Keep it together, think, ‘oh yeah there in the drawer. Hold it together… get going… no you don’t have to do your hair. Coffee in the car I will drive … I need to feel in control... no tears not yet... and yet they came…. 3My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all day long, where is your God?" I came home, I told my husband to go to work. He said he would be home early. I sat down …Time stopped, I watched the clock, waiting for a decent hour to call the family. 6O my God, my soul is in despair within me; ……. I prayed for direction “I don’t know what to do first.” Asking Him to tell me what to do. “I don’t want to do

this wrong….” “Dear God what do I do next… God I don’t what to do?” I feel a whisper, “What would you normally be doing at this hour?” And I answered, “Reading my morning devotional.” “Then do that. “I did. 5Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? How can I believe in God? Because I Have Seen Things. Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence. I turned to July 24th morning devotional. The verse for the day was from the book of Daniel Chapter 2. My son’s name was Daniel, ironically he was a dreamer, too. 20Daniel answered and said, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever: to Whom wisdom and might belong. 21HE changes times and seasons: HE removes kings, and sets up kings: HE gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: 22HE reveals the deep and hidden things: HE knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with HIM. God’s words… God’s Will... requires only that I trust HIM even thou I cannot see. ‘Blessed are those who believe but hath not seen’. When I walked into my late son’s room I was replayed the month before when Dan said he wanted to start reading the bible, but he didn’t know where to start ☺. I looked down on his dresser and saw a bible and I opened it to John. In the red print words of Christ, I saw a smear. A droplet of moisture dripped on that page. Was it from a tear? Or condensation from the mountain dew sitting next to it? I don’t know, nor do I need to. Are the streets really gold? I don’t know. Are there Palaces with many rooms? I don’t know… Does he have his own mansion or a room and is he keeping it clean? I don’t know. But I know, and I rest, assured that my son is now with our creator - in a spiritual place of no more pain, no more tears, no more fears. A place where a bright sun shines eternally… This I know most definitely, not because of what I have done but because of what Christ has done for me. My God answers prayers, fulfills His Promises “and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever and forever…” Amen

The Gift of Challenge Garry Courtney

The Gift of a Challenge We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. - 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 Do you ever feel defeated by the daily challenges we have in life? We should remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. When Joseph and Mary were on their journey to Bethlehem to find a place for the birth of Jesus, they experienced great challenges…not unlike the daily challenges that most of us experience today. They also faced the burden of raising the son of God. But Joseph and Mary followed God’s plan, and in the presence of angels, gave the world the greatest gift possible. From a stable, the world was gifted a Savior. It is easy to get wrapped up in our own problems and lose sight of God’s will. When we reflect on the Christmas story, we should be reminded that we too have challenges in life, and those challenges are God’s plan for each of us. Each night in prayer, I thank God not only for the blessings in my life, but also for the challenges - as they are opportunities to learn, to grow, to help others, and to be good soldiers in our faith journeys. There were challenges during Joseph and Mary’s journey that eventually brought Jesus into the world. Remember to accept challenges in our lives - and be open to the awesome possibilities that can arise from overcoming those challenges. Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the many gifts you shower down upon us, but let us also be thankful for the challenges we encounter, and may your guidance allow us to use those challenges in ways that are part of your will. Amen

1 Samuel 1:27 By Kim Courtney

“I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.” NIV 1 Samuel 1:27

I have always wanted to be a mom. My ten-year-old self would tell you I wanted to “wait” to get married until I was 19 and have kids. Fast forward to reality; I married Garry at age 29 and was not blessed with our son Sam until age 35. Garry and I were ready to start a family right away. We soon found out this was not God’s plan for us. We experienced unexplained infertility for six long years. Following countless tests and procedures we decided to do IVF… unsuccessfully… twice. All the while, we chose to keep our struggle to ourselves and only shared with a very few people. My faith was in severe crisis during that period, and I reached out for help to our Pastor and Deaconess. They directed me to the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel. Sam was due after Christmas. An ultrasound appointment revealed a complication with my pregnancy, so he was born on November 27, 2000. His birthdate is 11/27 and that bible verse they referred me to is 1 Samuel 1:27. God’s perfect timing. We strengthen our faith. God gets the glory. Prayer: Oh Lord, it humbles me to know that you are in every single detail of our lives. Please help us stay faithful through our struggles when we want things now. Your timing is never early and never late. Amen

Rejoice Always By Kristen Zeman

“Rejoice Always.” Something I have said more times than I can count over the last few months has been to look for the silver linings, and that we will all get through this together. It is so easy to complain about the circumstances surrounding us, but there is always someone who has something more terrible going on in life. God is going to keep us safe and whole, and he will not put us through something we are not strong enough to survive.

And when I reflect on all of the challenges God has given me this year, in my effort not to “quench the spirit” I have embraced the words I felt he left on my heart. As most people know, I have worked on the worship videos for Sunday services since March. There were times when I would gripe and wrinkle my nose at the effort, but once those videos were played or I heard the feedback of those from the congregation, it helped me to know that I was doing what I was called to do. On my arm, I have a tattoo that says “Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created” from Esther 4:14, I got the tattoo just 2 weeks before the pandemic, and how fitting I feel those words are when I think back to the fact that my small efforts in putting together a video each week has made an impact on so many. I never expected to hear thanks and praise, or receive cards and tokens of appreciation from anyone- I was just doing what I thought was best. As we head into this unprecedented holiday season, remember to “Hold fast to what is good.” Amen

Advent Devotion By Ann Baker Horsey

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” John 1:5 and 9. This scripture invites us to a way of life through the coming Christ, especially during Advent, a time of reflection. It urges us to let the light shine in our hearts, to illumine the dark places. Light helps with sadness, grief and anger. We all need to be guided to manage our frustrations, resentments and depression, anxiety and fears. Let the light heal and warm our hearts, bodies, and souls and to not keep us separated from God. Let the light shine in our hearts leading us through the chaos of these days. May God, through Christ, lead us in acts of love, compassion and understanding in our thoughts, words and deeds. 1 John 1:5-7 says “…that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all…if we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another…”. We are healed, enlightened and enlivened to become whole. Let this be our guide as we are led through this Advent season. Rejoice.

Matthew 1:23 Austin Auen

2020 has been a year of trial for many of us. If you’re anything like me, this year has made us face many things that quite frankly the busyness of life often lends us to forget.

There are many ways to cope with the trials and tribulations that this year has brought, but the thing that brings the most joy to my heart and the biggest smile to my face is putting up the Christmas decorations and tree up early.... very early, as in, before Halloween early. There is just something about the bright lights on the tree and the pretty red and silver ornaments that just bring a kindle of joy to my heart.

One might reflect deeper on this as being akin to the meaning of advent, the gift of the first coming of Jesus, that with all of the troubles that this year has brought, that the decorations could be a way to represent us needing that gift of Jesus’s birth. The light it provides. Matthew 1:23 says “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”. The meaning of Immanuel translates directly to mean “God with us”. That’s what I like to believe when I look at the tree in my living room, even as the days still hit mid sixty degrees, and the first turkey of the holiday season has yet to be carved. I like to think of the light of God, that it is with me in my heart even through times of unknown. Matthew 5:16 happens to be my favorite Bible verse and it states “in the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

So may the gift of a pre-maturely decorated home, and a bright Christmas tree encourage you to pass the gift of the meaning of advent along.

Prayer: Faithful God, may you guide us as we tread through unsure times. Amen.

Luke 1:38 By: Ray Yarnall

"Then Mary said, "Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her."

Advent is upon us; During this season Christians wait in hope for an expectant Savior. Many of us do not like to wait for anything. This is represented in our everyday lives through such simple acts as changing lanes in traffic, or switching to the "faster" checkout line in the grocery store. (I mean c'mon who doesn't want to get out of the grocery store quickly these days!) Just as we would rather not wait on ordinary things I can only imagine the anticipation Mary felt after being visited by the angel Gabriel who told of her miraculous pregnancy and the pending birth of Jesus. During this season of waiting let each one of us echo Mary's response to God and be faithful servants.

How will you spend your time waiting?

Lord as we wait, give us patience and fill us with hope. Help us to be kind and loving to each other in Your precious name. Amen.

What Does Advent Mean to Me? By Donna Wilkinson Josefowski

Isaiah 9: 2-7 reminds us that “those who walked in darkness, have seen a great light and those who have lived in great darkness – on them light has shined”. What does Advent mean to me? It is a time of hope and light – like a fresh start of renewed optimism. Even when I am feeling down and defeated, Advent encourages my faith and hope for a better tomorrow. It is a time to focus on growth, improvement, and a positive future. It is a reminder there is always something to look forward to and we should remain on our path of making a difference in this world.

When I hear that our children are worse than in the past, or about the evils of our day, I reflect that the Lord tells us there is hope for a brighter future. When I hear that there is no future in our world or in humanity, I remember the Lord is with us each and every day, to strengthen us, encourage us and to let us know there is always hope for a better tomorrow. God’s message continues to be one of light and a future. As Pastor Amy often says, “the worst things are never the last thing”. Let us remember during this Advent Season, there is always, always Hope. Blessed be to God. Amen