2020 Advent Devotions

St. John’s Lutheran Church Christmas Lutheran Church Salisbury, North Carolina Bethlehem

First Sunday of Advent Sunday, November 29, 2020

Introduction

If you’ve been around the church a while, a few words, images, and colors come to mind when we say the word Advent: hope, waiting, preparing, blue, darkness, candlelight, “O come, O come Emmanuel.” For many, none of that makes sense, especially as stores, houses, and downtowns are transformed into a winter wonderland of Christmas lights and glitter. It makes for a wonderful time of year.

So how does Advent fit in?

Traditionally, Advent has been a season of prayer and preparation for the second coming of Christ. In a nutshell, if Christmas is the first incarnation of God, Advent prepares believers for God’s second incarnation.

But if we’re honest, Advent feels like the grandma who won’t let you eat dessert before supper … or the coach who won’t let you play in the game if you haven’t come to practice … or the Lutheran pastor who won’t let you sing Christmas carols until Christmas Eve! This sense of waiting can feel awfully legalistic if you’re not careful.

… which is why this year’s Advent theme is “Longing.” Throughout these four weeks of Advent, we invite you into deeper reflection about what you’re longing for. As you think about your future or your hopes and dreams for your family, what are you longing for? As we continue to navigate these unusual Covid-19 waters, what are we longing for?

Again this year, members of two sister congregations have prepared these Advent Devotions: Christmas Lutheran in Bethlehem and St. John’s in Salisbury. In September 2019, Christmas and St. John’s entered into a formal partnership in which we agreed to accompany one another in our journey of faith, walk in solidarity in our struggle for mercy and justice, and learn from the other’s experience and wisdom. This Advent Devotional gives us the opportunity to hear from members of both congregations, each writing from very different contexts, but yoked together as sisters and brothers in Christ.

We stand in great thanksgiving for what God is doing through our two congregations. Even in this most unusual year, we stand as witnesses to the grace, love, and mercy of God — something this world is certainly longing for.

Advent blessings to you.

Pastor Rhodes Woolly Pastor Munther Isaac St. John’s Lutheran Church Evangelical Christmas Lutheran Church Salisbury, North Carolina, USA Bethlehem, Palestine

Bethlehem—God Has Monday, November 30, 2020 Visited Us

From the book “The Other Side of the Wall” (IVP Press, 2020) Christmas is a very special season in Bethlehem. While our city is being celebrated by much of the world, we are bombarded with pilgrims, tourists, and journalists from all over the world. There are so many religious and political events that take place in the city, that there is usually “no place in the inn” in Bethlehem during Christmas. For a short season, we forget about the wall.

But there have also been many times where we have celebrated Christmas in Bethlehem amid conflict and turmoil; when the streets of Bethlehem were “dark” in many aspects. During times where there are violent clashes, the city becomes quiet and desolate. Memories of the second intifada, when the city was besieged and the construction of the wall began, are still fresh in the minds of most Bethlehemites. This year, the spread of Covid-19 means that we will have another one of those “dark” Christmases.

But Christmas has always been a season in which we are reminded that God has visited us. This historic (and present) visitation gives us hope. Jesus was born in a time of desperation… The land was a place of expectations. The people of the land were expecting that God would interfere with our world and make it a better place. There was hope that God would return to Jerusalem and establish a kingdom that would stand against all other kingdoms and empires. There was anticipation by many that the Messiah would be here at any time to deliver his people and bring judgment against the enemies of the people of God. He would bring justice and peace—at least according to those who expected his coming.

The birth of Jesus brought this time of waiting to an end. God visited a suffering people in the humble body of Jesus: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.” (Lk 1:68-69)

Amazingly (or maybe not so amazingly), circumstances here when Jesus was born were not so different from today. His context also included an empire, occupation, checkpoints, interrogations, corruption, disparity between the poor and rich, military violence, walls of hostility and hatred, intifadas, destroyed cities, refugees, obsession with end times, religious violence, and death.

Our world today lives in expectations as well; as we are all praying for a vaccine for Covid-19. Amazingly, it was here in Bethlehem, and it could only be here, that God chose to become human, to join our struggles as humans and become part of this mess. Have you ever

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wondered why God chose to come to Bethlehem? Palestine? The Middle East? Well, if there is a place that so desperately and constantly needs to see the “mighty brought down from their thrones,” or “the hungry filled with good things,” as the Virgin Mary prayed, it is this place. If there is ever a place that so desperately and constantly needs to hear the words of the angels proclaiming, “peace on earth,” it is this place.

If there is ever a place that so desperately needs a divine visit, a visit from the God who is love, mercy and compassion, it is this place! The incarnation had to take place here. And when God became one of us, it was in the form of a baby—the ultimate symbol of new life, beauty, simplicity, while also a symbol of weakness, vulnerability, and innocence. This is how God became human.

He did so through a poor and humble family. “For he has looked on the humble estate of his servant,” Mary said. Christ came into a family that was homeless at the time, with no place to sleep. And that family later became refugees; they traveled away from their homes in search of safety and shelter.

Christmas reminds us that God has visited us, and that God continues to dwell with us today. I think too often we miss God, not expecting to see the Creator of the world dwelling in humility and poverty. Most of the time, we are probably looking in the wrong places: in fancy palaces and temples, in the power of armies, among the rich and powerful, and perhaps in lavish and successful churches as well. “Surely God is with them!” we think.

Christmas reminds us that we must look in unexpected places to find God. If you want to find God in the midst of our troubled and messy world, look for God in a cave with a homeless family. Look for God in the midst of refugees. Look for God in places where there is suffering, terror, and death. Look for God in warzones. Look for God behind the wall. If you want to find God in the midst of our troubled world, you will find God on a cross, suffering with and for us. You will find God beaten, humiliated, and dying as a victim of religious and state violence, so that we could have life in abundance.

The Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac Pastor, Christmas Lutheran Church

Pastor Isaac also serves as the Academic Dean of the Bethlehem Bible College and director of the global “Christ at the Checkpoint” conference

Tuesday, December 1, 2020 God takes on flesh

Though he was in the very nature of God, he humbled himself by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:6

When I first learned that the “stable” was likely a cave, I went into denial.

I don’t know how old I was, but the story took a dramatic shift in an instant. Before you know it they’ll tell me that cows weren’t there either. Or the little drummer boy. And how would you get a Christmas tree inside a cave? So confusing.

Every now and then the details of my faith journey — and the faith story I’ve known — get a bit confused. That happens in all aspects of life, I suppose. Like when I learned that George Washington didn’t chop down a cherry tree or Santa didn’t come down my North New Hope Road chimney at Christmas. (The jury’s still out on that one.)

The details of the story make the story interesting, without a doubt. But sometimes the details confuse the message … or take our eyes off of the message.

Like the stable. It doesn’t matter if Jesus was born in a stable or a cave. It doesn’t matter if there were three kings or seven. It doesn’t matter if they were “kings” at all. What matters is that God took on flesh and became one of us.

The story of Christmas is a profoundly remarkable and significant story — not because of little drummer boys or mangers or stables, but because of a God whose love for us caused him to stoop down from heaven so that we might touch the very face of God.

May that story — may that profound Truth — give you hope and peace this Christmas season.

Dear God, in the beauty of this season, keep my eyes on you. In the mystery of this season, make me ever-thankful that your love has come. In the joy of this season, give me courage to join the choirs of angels and sing, “O Come, let us adore him.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Rev. Dr. Rhodes Woolly Pastor, St. John’s Lutheran Church

In addition to his call to St. John’s, Pastor Woolly chairs the Advisory Council at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and is a Trustee of Lenoir-Rhyne University

Staying Aware in Dark Wednesday, December 2, 2020 and Hard Times

“The sun will be darkened, the moon will not give her light; the stars will come falling from the sky, the celestial powers will be shaken.” Mark 13:24-25

When I read these versus in Mark I could not help but think of what the year has been for all of us. How timely! It has sure felt that way for us in 2020 hasn’t it? Without experiencing darkness there can be little appreciation of light. This year, for many of us has been filled with that darkness, hardship, depression, loss of jobs, death, and so much uncertainty and challenging decision making that it’s easy to lose faith and throw your hands up.

In years past, I have been in such a dark place that I lost faith and hope for the future. I was broken emotionally, spiritually and mentally and was not able to see any light, anywhere. I would not wish such depression or despair on any soul, but I would not be the whole person I am without such suffering; would not be able to fully empathize with others that suffer, not able to appreciate how demanding our healthcare workers’ jobs are, not able to love life (even the troubling and messy aspects of it) like I have been able to since emerging from that well of isolation. During such turmoil it was impossible for me be aware of the spirit, however, looking back I now know it was there. The spirit was there and exhibited through the love and passion of my wife Mary, my daughters, Millie and Cora, my dear friends and brother.

Awakening from such a place of heartache and brokenness has allowed me to appreciate ALL of God’s creation. The 24-day cycle is a microcosm and analogous to our life. If we didn’t have darkness, we might see the light, but not fully experience the light in all its sparkling glory. So, during this season of Advent, surely a new experience for all of us, it is my prayer and hope that we take time to “keep awake” as Mark says in chapter 13 verse 37. “Keep awake” and aware of His presence in our lives and know that you are a light unto others during this season of waiting.

Dear God, during this season of anticipation and waiting, help all of us to be aware of your guiding and loving hands. For us experiencing hardship, grant us peace and comfort, and understanding that without such suffering, we are not whole in your image. Help us to shine your light onto our community and yoke us together in Christian relationship, as one people. Amen.

Bryan Wymbs St. John’s Lutheran Church

Thursday, December 3, 2020 There is a Longing...

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, but he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other… the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him and will make a path for his steps. Psalm 85:8-13

Reading the entire 85th Psalm, you will find it helpful to know it was written at a time of national humiliation, probably around 520 BC. The writer asks for God’s anger to cease, for the country to be revived. Here the writer is remembering a time when God has poured out His favor on the land of Israel and blessed His people. The psalmist is pleading for God to restore His mercy to His people. He also expresses faith that God will look on their land with favor once again and save them.

To me, this sounds so much like our countries today. At times I feel God has poured His wrath out on our lands. We have slipped away from His love and care and have become very materialistic, honoring “idols” we have made ourselves. What has happened to the compassion of our people, the empathy, the love, the justice? We have fallen into ennui and become complacent. There is a yearning, a longing for peace that has become almost palatable. At Advent, we are waiting. Waiting for Christ to come as we celebrate His birth. Longing for the peace that comes knowing Christ is there to love and protect us. No matter where we live, we are all yearning for this peace. Our lives have been in turmoil for nearly a year facing a pandemic, wildfires, hurricanes, racial inequality, injustice, loss of jobs and loss of lives. Come, Lord Jesus, save us.

A favorite song of mine by Anna Quigley, “There is a Longing,” expresses these feelings in such an eloquent but simple manner: There is a longing in our hearts, O Lord. For you to reveal yourself to us. There is a longing in our hearts for love we only find in you, our God. For justice, for freedom, for mercy, hear our prayer. In sorrow, in grief, be near, hear our prayer, O God. For wisdom, for courage, for comfort, hear our prayer. In weakness, in fear, be near, hear our prayer, O God. For healing, for wholeness, for new life, hear our prayer. In sickness, in death, be near, hear our prayer, O God.

Lord, save us, take pity, light in our darkness, we call you, we wait. Be near, hear our prayer, O God. Forgive your people and show us that you love us as we love and praise you. Amen.

Ann Bostian St. John’s Lutheran Church 8

Friday, December 4, 2020 The Call

4Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, 5"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." 6Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy." 7But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a boy'; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD." Jeremiah 1:4-9

A call goes out that we need help! But, “It's not my thing”, “I don't have time”, no, “someone else will do it better”, there are so many reasons that I can think of when I believe I'm not qualified or unsure of my abilities. “I'm not the right person”, “Why would they ask me?”

I'm challenged by these verses of Jeremiah. The Lord knows me --it's a given. I don't have to carry the burden of my worth. I accept the challenge set forth to me. These turbulent times call us to be useful and at His disposal. Do what is asked. Fill the needs. Do what we can. He knows we are qualified, in spite of our doubts. Step up and out and let God work through us. Take the call. We are born to it.

Lord God, Let us be open and available to you. Don't let a gift you formed in us pass by. Amen.

Lindsay Wineka St. John’s Lutheran Church

Hope in the Time of the Saturday, December 5, 2020 Coronavirus

During Advent, Christian Scriptures, hymns, and traditions call us into a season of “hopeful expectation.” Every year the church waits in hope, not only for holiday parties and family gatherings, but also for the Second Coming of Christ, who promises to be with us always, even to the end of the age.

This year, however, will be an Advent and Christmas unlike any other, as the whole global community also awaits the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid the struggles and worries of this season we may ask ourselves: Where can I find Advent hope today?

Our churches are often the places we go to be comforted, to be encouraged, and to be nourished with hope in hard times. Due to the coronavirus, however, many of us are unable to gather for prayer in our churches. Some are gathering in small numbers but are unable to sing or share Holy Communion. Some churches have used technology to gather in virtual ways, but for others this is not an option. As communities of faith, it can feel that we have lost so much. We miss our traditions, our liturgies, our music, and our friends. We miss being the church, together.

In the 3rd century, Bishop Cyprian of Carthage wrote: The Lord Christ did not want us to pray by ourselves in private or for ourselves alone. We do not say ‘My Father, who art in heaven,” or ‘Give me this day my daily bread.’ It is not for oneself alone that each person asks to be forgiven, not be led into temptation or to be delivered from evil. Rather, we pray in public as a community, and not for one individual but for all.

Masks, social distancing, and government restrictions have changed the way we live, the way we work, and the way we pray. They will certainly change the way we celebrate Christmas this year. And yet, even as Coronavirus has required us to create distance between ourselves, at the same time I see that it has reminded us of how much we need both God and one another. Families are spending more quality time together. Friends are finding new ways to care for one another. Churches are learning skills for sharing the Gospel in new ways. Communities are rising to the challenge, together meeting the needs of neighbors who are sick, hungry, or lonely.

And it is precisely here, in people rising up and reaching out in creativity and resilience, that I find Advent hope. This fills me with hope because I see in the hearts and actions of our people the love of Jesus, the babe of Bethlehem, alive and well within our churches and communities. 10

Of course, this is nothing new for us in the Holy Land. We have been through difficult seasons before. Through intifadas, through wars, and still today during Occupation, we have found within ourselves and within our communities the strength to carry on. Even in the shadow of the Wall, which isolates us from our neighbors, we have held onto the light of hope—hope for the future. Hope for our people and our land. Hope in God, who never fails.

This year is no different! Many things have changed, but so much remains the same: We wait in hope for the coming of justice. We wait in hope for a vaccine. We wait in hope for the day when our church buildings are again filled with songs of faith and joy. And we wait in hope for the coming of the Lord, whose promises are sure and certain, and whose steadfast love endures forever. Keep awake! He is coming soon.

O come, o come Emmanuel! May the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Bishop Sani Ibrahim Azar Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land

Sani Ibrahim Azar has served as bishop of the ELCJHL since 2017. Prior to his election, he served as pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in the old city of Jerusalem for 30 years. Fluent in Arabic, English, and German, Azar is a global advocate for peace and justice in the Holy Land.

A Voice of One Monday, December 7, 2020

A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3

Every year, believers in Jesus Christ wait for the time to come ... the time of Christmas. They wait for it with longing, faith and eagerness. Why not? It is a special time that conveys all humanity a message of salvation, joy, hope and peace. This year in the light of these difficult circumstances due to the pandemic, a question looms over the horizon that haunts us: In the midst of fear, turmoil, instability and loss of security, can we still expect this great event with the same longing and eagerness?

The good news is from the prophet Isaiah, in whom the Holy Spirit worked, announcing the coming of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. In these times Advent comes to assure us that Christ is the news of hope and love. It is our hope when we are disappointed and our security when we feel alone. It is the anchor of safety that calms our ship of life, when it is sailing rough seas and being tossed around by heavy waves. In the midst of the distress that clenches our hearts, and in the midst of darkness, we must establish a path for our God, and from the midst of darkness the light of Christ shines to give our hearts a peace incomprehensible, a peace unlike any other peace. It is the light of Christ that awakens within us the flame of hope, after our hearts were beating only with despair. A very long time ago, the divine revelation came in the form of a prophecy, then it became reality. After that the sound of prophecy came in the incarnation of the word, with the birth of a Savior who would rid us of our human weakness. A crying voice predicts the explosion of life, the transformation of the thorns of our souls into a fertile land full of love. And here is the Holy Advent, coming this year to call us to consolidate our faith and deepen our confidence in our Lord, our God and our Savior.

But how do we prepare the way of the Lord? How do we receive the King of Kings to ascend to the throne of our hearts? Here, we must dwell briefly on the word of Isaiah the Prophet, and repeated by John the Baptist. A crying voice in the wilderness ... yes in the wilderness; there we meet God. We meet him when we work to find a wilderness in our lives, a quiet place far away from the hustle and bustle of our lives full of worries, problems and challenges. We are in the wilderness when we are alone with God ... only with Him. Let us hear the crying voice of God, the voice of God who invites us to prepare the way for him with true joy, acceptance, tolerance, love, a sense of others, contentment, kindness, humility, generosity, giving and hope. Let us keep walking with our lights burning, waiting for the Savior's coming, waiting for him with hearts filled with confidence in the birth of light for the people walking in darkness, trust in the birth of the comforter and the strengthening one.

Let us raise our prayers to our almighty God to send the Savior whom our hearts yearn for his coming, the King of Kings who sits on the throne of our hearts, so that they may blossom in faith, hope and love, and the face of the earth will be renewed. Dr. Jihan Twemeh Nazzal Bethlehem Bible College 12

Tuesday, December 8, 2020 Testing Our Patience

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

How difficult is the passage of hard times! How difficult it is to wait for this time to end! I would like to talk about my personal experience this year. This year has been tough in all ways. On the first day of the closure of the city of Bethlehem for fear of the outbreak of the epidemic, this day was a shock to everyone, we all thought that it would quickly pass. But unfortunately, we are still in a cycle of waiting; waiting for the immediate relief to get out of this crisis. My experience was difficult at the beginning. I used to face fear and tension from everything. Especially when I saw the empty streets, and the many people who have lost their work. I began to see the daily activities and the routine that used to bore us now in new eyes. I realized that it is a blessing desired by poor people who have no food, a homeless person who has no shelter, and an unemployed person who is searching for a chance to make a living for himself and his family. I always repeated this psalm when I was feeling afraid, always saying the Lord is with us. Who are we afraid of? I was really encouraging myself and comforting my soul with these verses: “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”

Easter this year to me was a time of waiting. All Christians in the world had hope when this feast came; as if people were thirsty for belief that God would rescue us with the light of Christ expected. I am one of those people who pondered that. But until now, I am waiting for the Lord's near relief, especially in advent and the coming of Jesus Christ. I have always had faith that all the difficult times that we lived before, during and after the pandemic, will become a thing of the past, we only have to be patient and rely on God. Because everything under the heavens has a time…

I learned from my experience this year that God is close to us, testing us in our difficult times in order to test our patience and our faith in Him. I learned that there are many blessings I possess, when I wake up in good health, my family is fine, I have shelter, food and work. All of these are difficult experiences and yes, waiting is difficult ... But with the coming of Jesus Christ, the matter becomes more comforting and gives us hope for that coming .. to give us a new life ... a new spirit .... and a passion to continue the journey of life that the Lord leads with us.

Hiba Allati Christmas Lutheran Church

Hiba is the communications assistant at Christmas Lutheran.

Wednesday, December 9, 2020 What Does This Mean

He (John the Baptist) will herald God’s arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics – he’ll get the people ready for God. Luke 1:17

I’d never heard of the ancient village of Ein Karem until this year. My husband Michael and I were volunteers at a guest house in Jerusalem for two and a half months. Our pilgrim house in the crowded, bustling Old City had a sister house in the quiet countryside of Ein Karem, where we could be guests. We were refreshed exploring holy sites and admiring lush gardens, vibrant wildflowers, and budding almond trees that looked like bridal veils of delicate pink and white blossoms. We soon learned that Christian tradition says Ein Karem is where Mary visited her relative Elizabeth, and where John the Baptist was born.

Mike and I hiked up a hilly trail, then climbed the many ascending steps to the Church of the Visitation. We contemplated art works such as this courtyard statue of Mary and Elizabeth with their “baby bumps.” When the two women greeted each other, what love and joy they must have felt! Mary, believed to be a teenager, was carrying the Messiah the Hebrews had longed for, for centuries. Elizabeth, believed to be in her 60s, was carrying Jesus’ forerunner John, a baby whom childless Elizabeth and her husband Zachariah must have longed for, for decades.

But I knew the future of these two longed-for little boys. Within 33 years, John would be beheaded. Jesus would be crucified. I ached at the anguish that this incredibly righteous, God-loving, God-fearing, God-pleasing extended family would endure.

Martin Luther might ask, “What does this mean?” I think it means that even when God grants our longings, there’s no guarantee of “happily ever after.” Like John the Baptist, we’re to live out the purpose for which God created us, knowing that, as Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”

Lord, we want a fairy tale ending NOW. Instead, you give us a Romans 8 ending, that we’re “more than conquerors,” and that nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.” You died for our sins so that we can live “happily ever after” with You in heaven. Thank You. Amen. B.J. Connor St. John’s Lutheran Church

BJ and her husband, Mike, lived and volunteered in Jerusalem in early 2020, returning to the US because of the pandemic.

Live by Faith Thursday, December 10, 2020

The righteous live by their faith. Habakkuk 1:4

I often think that living by faith is the hardest, most confusing adventure of our life. When we live by faith, it is all about trust. We don’t know what is coming next and many things do not turn out the way we expected them. Faith, in some cases, leads us to believe that we will get favorable treatment from God, that we will be exempt from dead ends, muddy detours, and cruel treatment from others. We are all too often surprised by the fact that we don’t get special treatment in life. That is the beauty of the prophet Habakkuk. He waits in a world that is longing for God to come and take care of the injustice and idolatry.

Most prophets address the people with a word of God. Habakkuk speaks our words and hearts to God. He gives voice to our hardest, most confusing questions about life. He draws God’s attention to the injustice and violence, to the neglect of following God’s law, to corrupt leadership (Habakkuk 1:1-4.) He is not too happy with God’s answer and more lament follows. Then, a beautiful moment comes when Habakkuk stops. He stops, waits, and longs for God to respond, to hear his complaints. He describes himself as a watchman standing on the city walls, waiting for God to answer. And God does! God answers Habakkuk with a vision about the future when the righteous will live by their faith.

Paul quotes this line in Romans 1:17, making it the very heart of the Christian Gospel. The one who is righteous will not live by sacrifices, or the law, or by devotion to an idol. The one who is righteous will live by faith. The only way to be right with God is by faith. What do you think it means to live by faith? How is your day to day life shaped by that faith?

Let us pray. Gracious God, you have given us the gift of faith. You have taught us how to love and show mercy to all of creation. Continue to guide us in your grace so that we live by faith. Let it shape and mold us into who you are calling us to be. In your name we pray, Amen.

The Rev. Laura Henrik Pastor, St. John’s Lutheran Church

Friday, December 11, 2020 Press On

St. Paul writes: Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. 16Only let us hold fast to what we have attained. Philippians 3:12-16

“Prayer of the Returnees” by Mohammed Al-Kurd, Dar al-Kalima University, Bethlehem. Currently on permanent display at St. John’s

Saturday, December 12, 2020 Light a Candle

During Advent, we wait and prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. 2000 years ago people were preparing for the arrival of someone they haven’t ever met. We, on the other hand, already know Jesus came, yet we still prepare ourselves for him. Christmas time has always been my favorite time of the year. Everyone gathers, smiles and lots of stories are shared with one other. During my younger years, I was part of the church’s youth group. We used to gather with our pastor and visit elderly homes, go out and sing Christmas carols, and give them a Christmas twig, a piece of Christmas cake and a candle. Oh, what joy filled my heart during these visits, when I saw these families, especially elders smiling. Everyone sang along and knew the songs we sang. One of my favorite hymns we used to sing was (and still is) “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”. This hymn has stayed with me everywhere I went, throughout my studies abroad and throughout my visits to different family homes. This hymn is known for gathering people from all around the world due to its familiarity.

In John’s Gospel, we don’t see the usual birth story of Jesus but another way of preparing and welcoming Jesus into our lives. It mainly concentrates on John the Baptist who acts as a witness who is sent to testify of the light. The people were waiting for the Messiah, and didn’t know what to expect. John was baptizing with water and preparing the way for Jesus. People were wondering who he is, asking if he was the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet. He denied it all, and said the one coming is not even worthy of him. This text is not about John but about Jesus coming and the people’s patience and expectations. It was important to him to make Jesus be known amongst the people, because when they get to see and know Jesus they will see his majestic being and the one who will baptize them with the Holy Spirit.

The Pharisees, Levites, and Priests were asking these questions as they did not know whom to expect, they did not know who is coming and what will happen. Today we also ask questions, but they are different questions as we know Jesus through John the Baptist, the Disciples, Paul and the many witnesses that came after proclaiming the coming of Christ. Today we see this testimony in the people around us. Our behavior reflects the teachings of Jesus in us to others, and therefore we also reflect Jesus. It is about how we prepare and what we do throughout this season that makes the coming of the Son of God what it is. The light has come through John the Baptist and was passed on to us.

Back then when we used to go to the house visits, we only used to light the candles in the house with the family and it wasn’t until the candle was lit that we all sang together and rejoiced. So, today I am asking you to light a candle. Just like the light that was proclaimed by the Gospel of John and testified by John the Baptist, light a candle and pass the light onto your neighbors and family and sing, rejoice together while we wait for the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Prepare and be joyful!

Sally Azar Christmas Lutheran Church

Recollect Past Blessings, Monday, December 14, 2020 Then Ask Him to do it Again

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed… The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord. Psalm 126:1-4

Psalm 126 is among the songs of ascent. On their way to Jerusalem, Hebrew pilgrims would sing as they walked to Jerusalem to visit the Temple and Mt. Zion which is in the background of the accompanying picture of my wife, B.J., and I. It’s likely Jesus, along with friends and family, sang this psalm when traveling to Jerusalem.

The tradition of singing while walking through Jerusalem continues today by both Jewish and Christian pilgrims. A wonderful energy results when people of faith prayerfully sing while walking together. The joyous experience can also be infectious to passersby. Pilgrims singing while traveling understand that both the journey and destination are sacred experiences.

This worshipful process enables personal contemplation and reflection. In the six short verses of this song of ascent, joy is referred to four times, and specific petitions for God’s restoration occurs three times. The psalm begins by recalling the specific event of reclaiming Mt. Zion and Jerusalem. A blessing so wonderful that it was like a dream, too good to be true, so naturally the pilgrims rejoice. They then ask God to do it again regarding their current life challenges.

I’m writing this from my hospital room. This psalm has been a a helpful guide for my current journey to better health. I find that singing (silently in my mind) or just humming familiar hymns is a comfort. I also rejoice as I recollect specific past blessings. This quiets my heart as I prayerfully request physical restoration.

So I encourage you during this Advent season, to recollect a time when God blessed you more than you had ever dreamed and then ask Him to do it again. If you’re comfortable and able, consider doing it in song while engaged in a physical activity.

Father, as we journey through this Advent season toward Christmas, we rejoice in receiving the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Please restore us during these challenging times regarding the global pandemic. We ask that Your Spirit direct and equip us to be effective peacemakers in furthering Your kingdom. Amen

Mike never dreamed he would live six months in the Holy Land and establish various inspiring friendships with Palestinian Christians and Muslims.

Michael Connor St. John’s Lutheran Church

Tuesday, December 15, 2020 The Heartbeat of Joy Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The Apostle Paul’s letter is written from Corinth to the church of Thessalonica in responding to his friend Timothy’s good report on that church. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is full of encouragement and instruction to a church that was “meant for more,” even as we are meant for more!

Our scripture reading for today is from Lectionary Year B and right out of the box the very first three phrases of Paul’s letter helps to shape our journey as Christians together. It is those three phrases of timely encouragement that this devotional concentrates on. Paul urges us to rejoice always, pray continually and to give thanks in all circumstances. At the center of our longing is the heartbeat of joy! Our continual prayers are in a sense the ‘breath of the church’ (words in quotation are from Pope Francis I), and our relationship with God is the catalyst for giving thanks in all circumstances.

In this season of longing where the days have become weeks, and the weeks have turned into months, we’ve seen and perhaps suffered personal loss while we wait for a vaccine for COVID -19 and we long for our churches, companies, schools, and our lives in general to ‘open back up’, how do we rejoice always? When should we be joyful? St. Paul tells us ALWAYS! Not just when things are good or when we are in the best of health and our house is in order, but when things are not so good or our health or the health of loved ones has us on edge. We should be joyful in times of plenty and in times of want. The very word REJOICE is a reminder to ‘have joy again’ - perhaps because we might have forgotten what being joyful once was. To rejoice is to give back joy to the person who gave it to you. Paul is not asking us to rejoice over circumstances or the trials and joys that come with life but to rejoice IN THE LORD, the God who never changes, who forgives, who never turns his back on us and who hears our every longing. The deeper the relationship that we have with the Lord, the more we’re able to rejoice in him, even in difficult times and circumstances! Perhaps if we are struggling with joy we should rejoice by telling God how good he has been to us and by thanking him for all he has done.

Like-wise we’re encouraged to pray continually. As followers of Jesus, prayer should be just like breathing. Breathing doesn’t require much planning or thinking because the body works in sync with other organs and functions so that when the atmosphere exerts pressure on our lungs we’re pretty much forced to breath! It is harder to hold your breath than it is to breath. Living in Christ brings us into spiritual atmosphere. God’s grace and presence provides the influence on our lives and as part of God’s family we breathe the air of prayer, experiencing God’s holy presence. Praying continually is essential to the measurement of our relationship with the Lord but it also doesn’t mean that we are to pray in strict, noticeable and formal ways every waking moment but to develop and maintain a good habit of prayer. When we pray continually we are seeking God’s will and guidance in everything we

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experience. Our God loves us and wants intimacy with us. We can’t know God or stay in connection with Him without prayer. “Don’t worry if your prayer times are short. God is not limited by our l imitations; he is exalted in them” and there is nothing too great or small that we should be afraid to bring before his throne.

When Paul tells us to give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus, it is a reminder that in the crush of everyday living, we seldom stop long enough to think on our Creator and thank him for the countless blessings he has given to us. When we do stop to thank our gracious God we also enrich our own lives and those around us! Giving thanks in all things, not just the good things or some things, but all things is what we are called to do. The great scholar and writer, CS Lewis wrote:

We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is good, because it is good, if bad, because it works in us patience, humility, and the contempt of this world along with the hope of our eternal country. (From The Quotable Lewis, by Wayne Martindale and Jerry Lewis)

We need an ‘attitude of gratitude’, which is the spirit of gratefulness, that should always be part of our identity in Christ. True, there will always be times when giving thanks seems like the very last thing we would do, especially when we experience the downside of life, and yet we are encouraged especially at those times to do just that, to rejoice and give thanks! There is something transformative that happens when we give thanks because it opens our hearts to see how God has provided for us. When we long for hope, thankfulness creates the hope that we need to keep moving forward because all is not lost as we trust in God’s merciful kindness and love.

In I Thessalonians 5:18 we hear how all three phrases of encouragement collectively come together by the final sentence: for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. As we recognize Paul’s words and take them to heart we are shown a positive way of living, growing, trusting and longing by way of rejoicing, always, praying without ceasing and giving thanks in all circumstances which is “the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Perhaps this isn’t so much that this is God’s will so you must do it, but rather that this is God’s will so you can do it!

In this season of Advent (and all the days that follow) begin your day by rejoicing and giving thanks, spend time today in conversation with God who listens and who delights in the praise of his people! Even if our culture heads in an opposite or upside-down direction let’s continue to grow as a people of faith in gratefulness so that our Advent light of waiting and longing can be shined as lights of hope and rejoicing as we are called to do God’s work in the kingdom of our community and let’s simply give thanks to the Source of every good gift.

ALMIGHTY GOD how can we not but rejoice in you and offer thanksgiving to you in every season of our lives. Help us to embrace the privilege of praying to you without restraint because you are our God who loves, who saves, who listens because you are good, and your mercies endure forever. In Jesus name, Amen.

Rob Durocher, deacon 20 St. John’s Lutheran Church

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Waiting

I will sing of your steadfast love forever; I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 89:1

When I think of the word longing, I think of waiting for something, especially something good. Whether that is longing to see family, to go on a vacation, or even for this pandemic to end, which I think we are all longing for. What I have to keep in mind is that, although it might not always seem like it, God is working in this world in a way we might not see yet.

In these verses, God is promising to King David that He will continue on his line of kings in his family. David has been a good servant and has asked for his legacy to continue like God promised. God says that He will establish his line forever. David does not know that Jesus will come to save his people, but God promises him a line of kings. The Jews were longing for Jesus and longing for a savior, and God provided for them. God kept His promise to David and to His people.

During these uncertain times, it is important to understand that God has a promise for us. This pandemic has definitely been hard and affected everyone. It has changed school, sports, and our whole way of life. But I feel like there has been some good things about it, too. In the beginning of quarantine, I was able to spend a lot of time with my family because my brother and sister came home. We haven’t had a vacation in a while or been able to spend time together for more than two weeks in a long time. I have also had time to grow and focus on some self care. I have grown in my faith and have tried to read my Bible every night.

As we navigate through these next couple of months, we should be aware of how God is positively working in our lives instead of negatively. We should continue to believe in Him and His promise, just like David, in that Jesus will come again.

Dear God, I pray that you will be with us and our families. Help us to seek out your purpose and help us trust you to fulfill your promises. Amen.

Lillie Rusher St. John’s Lutheran Church

Lillie is a senior at Salisbury High School and will attend Catawba College in the Fall.

Thursday, December 17, 2020 Let it Be

Paul McCartney of The Beatles wrote “Let it Be” in 1968. John Lennon hated it. In fact, the storms that ended with the breakup of the band in 1970 a month before the release of this song were already brewing in ’68. As a 4th-grader at Overton, I remember the breakup and the song that played all summer on the jukebox at the old YMCA swimming pool on N. Fulton Street. When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be. And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me. Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Wow, McCartney was reflecting on Luke 1:26-38, right? After all, there’s Mother Mary saying “Let it be…” In Luke 1 there’s an unbelievable announcement to the virgin who is skeptical because she’s never--you know…. Not to mention the deep worry about what people—what Joseph— would think if it were true. Still, amid all these staggering implications, Mary says in verse 38, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Let it be.

But no, says McCartney. During The Beatles’ own troubled times, he dreamed about his mother, Mary McCartney, which brought him great comfort. He says any connections between Luke 1 and his song are merely coincidental. Still, every time I hear that 1970 song, I picture lowly, young Mary, scared, confused, yet willing to surrender to whatever plan God has for her.

Today we’re in our ninth month of the gestation of living with this pandemic plus all of the other tensions that surround us. We’re confused, afraid, divided. But if we read on in Luke’s Gospel, we find hope for the future in the promise that breaks the barriers of sin and death that separate us from God and each other. This baby will pave the way for the ultimate reconciliation of all relationships and assure us that all will be well in the end, and that if all is not well, this is not the end.

As we long for that fulfillment and the cessation of anxiety, fear, worry, inequity, and pain, wear your mask in the neighbor love Luke’s Gospel lifts up for us in chapter 10. Say your prayers, which Luke’s Gospel lifts up continually with Jesus and for us. Lift up the lowly, in which Mary’s Magnificat rejoices. Come, Lord Jesus. Let it be with me according to God’s word. Let it be.

Stir up your power and come, Lord Jesus. Fill us and our world with your word. And let it be with us and through us according to it. Amen.

The Rev. Dr. Timothy M. Smith Bishop, North Carolina Synod ELCA

Hurrying To Share Friday, December 18, 2020 The Good News

Mary entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” Luke 1:40-45

Mary couldn’t wait to share her good news with her cousin Elizabeth. We can all identify with the overwhelming desire to share a great happening with someone who will reflect our joy back to us. Mary’s joy was also tinged with trepidation, however, because she was a young, unmarried pregnant woman in a time and culture when that combination often led to shaming and ostracizing by her family and society. Her cousin Elizabeth had also lived with societal shame and ostracism for her entire married life, since she had been unable to conceive a child. In her culture, a married woman’s worth was tied to her ability to produce children and heirs for her husband. And so these two women had suffered, but had still trusted God’s word when they were told that they would each bear a child. Elizabeth’s child would elevate her status in society, while Mary’s child had the potential to bring shame to her and her family. Yet they still responded with trust!

In Elizabeth’s first words to Mary, she asserted that they were both blessed by their willingness to give themselves wholly to God’s plan for their lives and for the world. Elizabeth prophesied that Mary and her baby represented the fulfillment of God’s plan to redeem the world. Elizabeth’s child (later known as John the Baptist) would herald the entrance of God’s son and the Messiah into the human story. Mary’s son Jesus IS that Messiah, and will embody God’s love and hope for salvation to all generations.

Our response to God’s good news can follow the example of these two courageous and faithful women. Jesus was sent by his Father to experience the life of humankind and to serve as an example to all of the life we should strive to lead. As Mary shared her miraculous news with Elizabeth, so we can share the story of a God so loving that he sacrificed His very own son in order to redeem the world. The God of Mary and Elizabeth still speaks to us through His Spirit, who helps us to see God’s will for us. Our calling is to spread the Good News that God is LOVE, and that He has offered redemption to all who will believe and accept it. What a glorious gift…How can we keep from sharing it during this Season and always?

Lord God, Heavenly Father, we praise you, we glorify you, we magnify you, and we give thanks to you for the gift of your Son. Help us to treasure the calling we have to share the wonderful news of your love for the world.Send your Spirit to empower us in this great opportunity. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, Amen.

Rosemary and Karl Kinard 23 St. John’s Lutheran Church

Saturday, December 19, 2020 The Magnificat

And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 52He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; 53he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. 54He has helped his servant Israel, “Touching the face of God,” in remembrance of his mercy, by Morgan Weistling 55according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever." Luke 1:46-55

The One Who is Monday, December 21, 2020 Restoring Our Future

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord; for he is coming. Psalm 96: 11-13

I hope you enjoyed reading Psalm 96 as much as I did. It brought a smile to my face and sparked joy in my heart. This psalm presents us with a special Advent invitation to sing, praise, and fully trust the God of our salvation.

With these words of Scripture we hear a word of confidence for times like this as we make our way through the trouble, confusion and anxiety surrounding the coronavirus, through things like all the most recent turbulence and contentiousness of our national election process and many other difficult personal life issues. Psalm 96 is a word of promise reminding us that we are not mired in the troubles of the day because the One who "made the heavens" is the One who is restoring the future.

We live each day in the promise of this future reality. That promise was made clear to us in the life of the One who was born in Bethlehem, who ministered in love, who died on Calvary, and after His glorious resurrection bestowed upon us the gift of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord renews our hope and enables us to sing a new song.

Each time we gather in worship we are strengthened in the hope of that promised and unfolding future. Our lives are uplifted. As we gather in worship and sing together, we give voice to the promise! We also hear the new song in the choir's anthems, in the liturgy, in the sermon, and in the prayers.

Advent is a special season of new song. So come, let us rejoice together in the greatness and love of our Lord, live securely in His promise and willingly share the Good News of its life giving hope and strength with our neighbors and friends.

Dear Lord, your love and your promise of hope for the future bring joy to my heart. Help me to sing this new song and to joyfully share this Good News with others. Amen.

The Rev. Dr. Carl R. Sachtleben Former Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1991-2007

Accept the Saving Grace Tuesday, December 22, 2020

These are extraordinary times. It is a time that we have not experienced before; a time that is said to be a "time of surprises". It is a time consistent with fear and dread, a time of prevailing injustice, widespread corruption and tyrannical rulers. Here, names and roles mix, so events accelerate and blows follow, so what remains of hope disappears, confidence recedes, souls swing, and peace disappears.

Are these fantasies, invented words, or are they elaborate words just to fill out lines? No, it is the truth and the clear reality of a daily life that mankind lives on a planet exhausted by the powers of a population whose steps have been lost as their ideas froze, their energies were restricted, and their hearts denied. In light of all that pain, evil, and the absence of God in the lives of many, on the other side of that there is still true faith, eternal trust, and absolute surrender. Trust from groups who believe in God, who is like a Father who controls all; the creator of heaven and earth.

In truth, I see my mirror reflecting the verses and words of our apostle Paul to Titus. So how do these verses reflect joy and hope in the shadow of the impossible? It is grace in its meanings and in its smallest details. True grace is through Jesus Christ, who came especially on this earth for all mankind to save every soul and deliver every soul from the bondage of the devil and his evil intrigues; as Christ commands us to reject sin and turn away from it by denying it and replacing it by accepting grace. By accepting the grace, we will be rewarded with many gifts. This includes the renewal in spirit, thought and behavior. Grace will teach us how to live with wisdom, moderation, and prudence. Our life will change and turn into a life of righteousness and piety, and we will delight with it through spiritual works of prayer, fasting and service, so that we may obtain the eternal glory of the Lord. Consequently, our souls and bodies become new. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Today we need to accept grace, which does not require much effort , only we believe that it is an eternal saving free gift that relaxes the soul and the body. I wish we would have a moment of silence in these times to hear that voice calling from above and saying, "Accept the saving grace" so that you may relax from the horror of this harsh time. Let our hearts, thoughts and souls be renewed by our rejection of sin and our entry into grace, so that we may be united with Christ Jesus, and live confident that Christ gave us the grace, to live, not to die, to be strengthened, not to submit, to rise, not to fall, to be saved and to be freed, not to be bound and to die.

Elham Nissan Christmas Lutheran Church 26

The People Who Have Wednesday, December 23, 2020 Walked in Darkness

A person spends his life waiting, since his early childhood he dreams of becoming a responsible mature person. He is waiting impatiently to move from childhood to youth, from youth to university graduation, finding a suitable job, starting a family, then waiting for his children to finish their graduation from one stage to another, so on and so on. Waiting is a circle that turns and turns and never stops, so that the more a person gets older, the longer he waits, the more he goes around in the same vortex until the time for his transition to the next life comes, and this in itself is a long and difficult wait.

The word waiting is present and repeated in all the written texts on the coming. Waiting for something means anticipating the time and having complete confidence in its occurrence. The Bible mentions many of the characters who waited for many years in their lives, including Sarah, Elizabeth, Zechariah, John the Baptist, Simon the Elder and many others who waited patiently without losing hope that what they were waiting for would happen.

Nowadays, the entire world lives in waiting and anticipation after the changes caused by the pandemic, the global system has changed in all its fields and paralyzed its movement. Fear and panic have seeped into hearts and souls, especially the weak ones. Many people have lost their livelihood, health, well-being, loved ones and even their lives because of this dreaded virus. We live today in a time of fear and anxiety about the future and what it has in store for us, the whole world is looking for refuge and salvation from this epidemic, scientists continue day and night to discover a vaccine or a treatment mechanism for it.

The awkwardness of waiting is eased when we believe that God is our partner in our waiting journey, for he is with us all the way, he never leaves us and he never neglects us, and he encourages us to continue the journey when our strength lags. Greater than our fear, weakness and our failures... But waiting is accompanied by hard work to achieve what we are waiting for and aspire to, so we do not sit idly by waiting for what we wish to happen without making any effort or energy to achieve it.

Waiting for God's promises creates solid hope in us, establishes our faith and renews it, as we spend our lives waiting for what we hope to happen. We wait for God to fill our hearts with joy, peace and reassurance, because when we allow the power and authority of God to possess over our hearts doubt dissipates and fear disappears and only the comforting voice of God and his heavenly light radiate inside us, every path is enlightened. Let us all repeat what Isaiah the Prophet said: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined.” Isaiah 9:2

Raida Mansour Christmas Lutheran Church 27

We Know Who Thursday, December 24, 2020 Holds the Future

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 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.” Luke 2: 9-11

Christmas Eve this year is unlike any we have experienced in the past. Social and political unrest along with the coronavirus have so altered our family and religious activities that nothing seems familiar. Our large traditional gatherings, with warm hugs, handshakes, and kisses, must change due to social distancing and limiting numbers. Masks even hide our smiles.

How we long for an angelic message of peace and goodwill! The peace we seek can only be found in the presence of the Christ Child, who was the fulfillment of God’s promised Messiah. It is through His life, teachings, and death on the cross that our sins are forgiven, and our salvation is secured. Just as the shepherds were invited to the stable, so are we. It makes no difference who we are, black, yellow, brown, or white, rich or poor, saint or sinner, all are welcome there.

Our lives and surroundings may continue to change, and we do not know what the future holds, but as a wise man once said, “We know who holds the future.” Therefore we are not afraid.

This holy night, circumstances may prevent our gathering with friends and loved ones, but each of us is invited to kneel at the manger bed of our Savior to praise God for His precious gift that first Christmas night!

Heavenly Father, just as the shepherds followed the angel’s instructions, and wise men followed the star, enable us to follow the light of Your Holy Word, to join with your people around the world in praise of the Christ Child, and in singing “Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Amen.

Diane Everhart St. John’s Lutheran Church

Reimagining Incarnation Friday, December 25, 2020

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:14

How would you imagine baby Jesus? Too often, we tend to imagine Jesus as an adorable white baby, quietly sleeping in his cradle or carried on Mary’s arms, and surrounded by animals. Our perception of baby Jesus has been molded by that cute baby we see on TV commercials of Johnson-and-Johnson or Pampers. We have romanticized Jesus. We imagine Jesus as an independent individual, and tend to overly emphasize his divine nature, yet forget that Jesus was fully human. An infant who needed his mother’s love and care, to be fed and bathed regularly, and that he was cranky, sometimes. The romanticizing and commercialization of the baby Jesus made us miss the mystery of incarnation, that God intervened in history and came to our world, taking on the likeness of humanity (Phil. 2:5-7). What I would like to do here is to reimagine the incarnation of God in baby Jesus in three concepts: active participation, identification, and inspiration.

John paints with theologically loaded words the essence of incarnation, which signifies God’s intervention in history. In the Gospel according to St. John, the author writes, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14) The verb dwelt does not mean a passive inhabitation of a place, but active participation in life in our world. Speaking of active participation, I mean that God became flesh, a fully human being, to live a human life with all of its ups and downs. The author of Hebrews does not negate that in the incarnation; Jesus' experience of temptation and suffering has enabled him to sympathize with those who are undergoing suffering (Heb. 2:18). When reimagining incarnation, we could see that God in Jesus can understand our pain and frustration of life under occupation and different forms of oppressive systems. He had a first-hand experience, with the people of Palestine regardless of their ethnicities and religious traditions, being under the imperial rule of Rome.

The depth of incarnation also has two other dimensions: identification and inspiration. In the incarnation, God identifies with us, his creatures, being born of a woman under the law (Gal. 4:4), being vulnerable, and becoming poor (2 Cor. 8:9), and living on the margins of the society. For us, Palestinians, and other people who experience oppression and injustice, our re-imagination of incarnation is that God came to our world to identify with us, taking all characteristics of our humanity, living under the oppression of occupation, and suffering of the empire’s brutality. The incarnation also inspires us to live an incarnational model imitating Christ. Jesus was born on the margins of the society to bring with him peoples on the margins to the center of history. That has to motivate us to humble ourselves, to serve people on the margins, to make their voices heard

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and presence notable. As we reimagine incarnation, we are reminded that emperors, kings, and rulers of this world build their wealth and legacy at the expense of people and exploiting their power. The King of the Universe, however, teaches us a lesson in humility and inclusivity. He gives up his glory to establish the Kingdom of God for the poor and marginalized and invites them to share that glory with Him. The Kingdom is founded on love, peace, justice, and equality. The ethos of God’s Kingdom is to bring forth a vision for an alternative reality and community, where God in Christ and us, his people, are working hand-in-hand to bring His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

Finally, the incarnation prompts us to be catalysts of transformation in our societies through active participation, humble identification with people on the margins, to bring forth their voices to the center of the world attention, and to proclaim that God, Immanuel, is with us (Matt. 1:22-23), and to inspire them to follow his model.

Almighty God, the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we thank you for taking our likeness, living our life with us, and identifying with us. Teach us, Lord, to live by your model and to be active participants in people's lives, identify with them, and inspires them to follow you. Amen.

Question for reflection: In this season, where do you see that God identifies with you? How does reimagining incarnation inspires you to live an incarnational model of ministry in your society?

Yousef AlKhouri

Christmas Lutheran Church

AlKohouri teaches missions and biblical studies at the Bethlehem Bible College

Longing

“Some Day” is a photograph by Mohammed al Kurd, of Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem, and is presented as part of the university’s “Palestine Unlimited” exhibit. Dar al-Kalima is sponsored by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land. The artist writes, “When the Palestinian refugees of 1948 and 1967 left their homes, they took their keys with them, expecting to return after the war.” These keys, now old and rusted, are symbols of their longing for home.

The photograph is on permanent display at St. John’s.

The Evangelical Christmas Lutheran Church is the oldest Lutheran Church in Palestine, started in 1854 by German missionaries. Today it is one of six Lutheran churches of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. The sanctuary was built in 1893 and features 14 stunning stained glass windows and a tower of bells donated by the German emperor, Wilhelm II. Members of the congregation take seriously their call to “continue Christ’s ministry of preaching, teaching and healing in His birthplace,” especially in their active partnership with the Dar al-Kalima school for children and the Dar al-Kalima University College.

Visit us at bethlehemchristmaslutheran.org

St. John’s Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Founded in 1747 by German immigrants, St. John’s was the first church founded in Salisbury, North Carolina, a city of 35,000 just north of Charlotte. The current sanctuary was built in 1927 and features a beautiful hand-painted triptych and one of the few sets of Deagan Tower Chimes, whose music can be heard throughout the city. The congregation’s many ministries include a school of 225 students (infant through kindergarten), a 35-voice Men’s Chorus, and an active youth ministry that draws students from throughout the county.

Visit us at stjohns-salisbury.org