A BOOK OF WORSHIP AND DEVOTION TO LEAD YOU SPIRITUALLY THROUGH THE SEASON OF AND .

WRITTEN BY THE STAFF AND CONGREGATION OF CAVE SPRING UMC. JOURNEYING THROUGH ADVENT TOGETHER

Dear Members and Friends of Cave Spring , Welcome to the season of Advent! Advent is a time of preparation, in which we ready ourselves to celebrate Christ’s birth and to receive Christ when he returns to earth. It is a season that invites us to refl ect on our lives, to deepen our faith, to build our relationships with our neighbors, and to serve in ways that make the world around us more like God’s kingdom.

While this season comes every year, Advent 2020 is unlike most others we’ve experienced. Usually this season fi nds us crowding into the Sanctuary with our church family to sing and celebrate, bustling about in stores, and visiting friends. This year, however, many of our usual activities will be curtailed, made impossible by a pandemic. In light of these many changes, and the sense of loss that may accompany them, we are off ering some new avenues for observing Advent.

In this package, we present a toolkit for the Advent season. Inside you will fi nd resources that we hope will help you create spiritual practices for your household in this season. There is a book of devotions written by the people of Cave Spring UMC; it includes Advent instructions and prayers, orders of service for some upcoming special worship opportunities, and even recipes for Moravian buns or spice cookies for an at-home Love Feast. We invite you to use the enclosed votive candles to make an for your home. We encourage you to get out the white taper candles on and join Christians across the Roanoke valley in singing Silent Night. We also urge you to participate in our Sunday Worship and additional Advent and Christmas services online.

While we mourn the absence of many favorite traditions during Advent and Christmas this year, we pray that you will fi nd new, meaningful ways to experience God, serve others, and grow together. We wish you a blessed Advent and a joyous Christmas!

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Lauren Lobenhofer Rev. Tim Craft Senior Pastor Minister of Discipleship

2 NOV. ADVENT WREATH LITURGY 29

THE ADVENT WREATH WEEK 1 One traditional Advent practice is the lighting of “Make your ways known to me, Lord; teach me your an Advent Wreath. We count down to the arrival of paths. Lead me in your truth--teach it to me--because Christ, the Light of the World by lighting candles. you are the God who saves me. I put my hope in you We begin on the fi rst week of Advent, by lighting a all day long.” single purple candle as a sign of hope. For the second - Psalm 25 (CEB) week of Advent, we continue lighting the fi rst candle and add a second purple candle to symbolize peace. Our world is fi lled with reasons to despair. The The third week of Advent, known as Gaudete or Joy violence, disease, suff ering, and poverty we see in Sunday, invites us to light a pink candle in addition to the world around us can overwhelm us, and at times the fi rst two purple ones. When the fourth week of it seems like we are surrounded by darkness. Still, Advent arrives, we light three purple candles and one the season of Advent reminds us that the light of pink, representing hope, peace, joy, and love. Then, Christ can drive back the shadows. , our Savior, on Christmas Eve, we light all four colored candles is coming to transform the world, to bring healing and the center white candle, known as the Christ and relief, to wipe every tear from our eyes and make Candle. With each candle, we scatter more of the all things new. shadows of the world and further illuminate the world as we are reminded of Jesus’ brightness (Light one purple candle) Today we light the fi rst coming among us. candle in our Advent wreath and celebrate the hope we have in Christ. We invite you to join in this Advent practice by making a wreath with the votives provided, then Let us pray: Holy God, send your hope to dwell in our reading the enclosed passages and prayers as you hearts in this Advent season. Help us to see the light light the candles each week. of Christ in the world around us, and to trust in your salvation. Amen.

3 NOV. PSALM 27: 1-6 30

SCRIPTURE “For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; He will conceal me under the cover of his tent; He will set me high on a rock.” -Psalm 27: 5

DEVOTION I am a worrier. I always have been and probably always will be. When I worry, I try to fi gure out how to make events and actions come under my control. I can fi x this, right? If I can control it then I can fi x it. Then I will no longer have to worry about it. I have the logic all fi gured out.

Except…it just doesn’t really work like that, does it? So much is out of my control, especially nowadays. My continual churning on what to do and how to fi x a situation never really solves anything. So many variables are still out of my control. However, most of those worst-case scenarios never really do happen. Somehow things always seem to work out, and when they don’t, often unexpected goodness or at the very least, growth comes from it. Maybe…just maybe…if I hadn’t spent all that time and eff ort worrying about things and instead just trusted God to see me through it, a calm acceptance could have been with me all along.

At the end of the trail that culminates on Sharp Top mountain, there is a rock hut built to shelter hikers from any unexpected storms. While I have never been surprised by a storm when on top of a mountain, the thought that the shelter is there has always been a comfort. Being on top of the mountain at the end of a hike and seeing the land spread out thousands of feet below me always brings a calm perspective. Being “high on a rock” while knowing that God will “conceal me under the cover of his tent,” well, maybe that should be the only thought that runs through my mind as I look at the uncertain landscape around me.

PRAYER God, please help me to remember that you are the ultimate source of shelter and strength and that you will set me high on a rock. Amen.

By Kelley Lawton 4 DEC. JEREMIAH 33: 14-16 1

THE RIGHTEOUS BRANCH AND THE COVENANT WITH DAVID 14 “The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfi ll the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time, I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.” - Jeremiah 33: 14-16

DEVOTION As we look at today’s Scripture, it is powerful. The word righteousness as defi ned in the dictionary is integrity, purity of heart, and rectitude of life and justice. Jeremiah is frequently called the weeping prophet because he suff ered greatly for his people. Jeremiah received a prophetic call as a youngster and despite his obstacles, he made sure people knew of God and his importance in each life and in the righteousness of the Lord.

Jerusalem would fi nally become what God intended for it all along: A city noted for its righteousness. God said, “I will raise a righteous branch and David will reign as king and deal wisely and execute with justice and righteousness in the land.” As we all go through diffi cult times, righteousness is an integral part of our Christian faith. As a member of Cave Spring UMC, we see the way members show their righteousness as part of the music ministry, Sunday school, small groups, backpack ministry, United Methodist Women, and other groups.

As we look at this passage of Scripture we see that Jeremiah loved the Lord and he felt that the more who could be led to God the better it was for the world. This holds true for all of us today, because if we lead our lives in righteousness we are following the Lord. In this Advent season we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let each of us follow the example of Jeremiah and trust in God and spread the word of righteousness. Amen.

PRAYER Dear Lord, as we celebrate the Advent season let us remember the life of Jeremiah who gave his life to God and led others to his word. Let each of us lead a life of righteousness this day and every day; this we ask in His name. Amen.

By David Ross 5 DEC. ‘O COME, O COME EMMANUEL’ 2

‘UNTIL THE SON OF GOD APPEAR’ Advent and Christmas are perhaps most defi ned in our minds by their music. The songs of the season transcend the walls of the church; secular radio stations often play them from mid-October through Christmas Day. The words of these carols help us to articulate our beliefs and proclaim our faith to our neighbors. We invite you to read the words of a carol each Wednesday in Advent and to refl ect on the beauty and truth they share.

This hymn was originally composed in the ninth century. It was written in Latin and used by monastic communities to recall the many names used in the Hebrew Scriptures to describe the promised Messiah. We still sing it each Advent many generations later as we, too, prepare to celebrate the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

‘O COME, O COME EMMANUEL’ 1 O come, O come, Emmanuel, From depths of hell your people save, and ransom captive Israel and give them victory o’er the grave. that mourns in lonely exile here Refrain until the Son of God appear. 5 O come, O Key of David, come Refrain: and open wide our heavenly home. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Make safe for us the heavenward road shall come to you, O Israel. and bar the way to death’s abode. Refrain 2 O come, O Wisdom from on high, who ordered all things mightily; 6 O come, O Bright and Morning Star, to us the path of knowledge show and bring us comfort from afar! and teach us in its ways to go. Dispel the shadows of the night Refrain. and turn our darkness into light. Refrain 3 O come, O come, great Lord of might, who to your tribes on Sinai’s height 7 O come, O King of nations, bind in ancient times did give the law in one the hearts of all mankind. in cloud and majesty and awe. Bid all our sad divisions cease Refrain. and be yourself our King of Peace. Refrain 4 O come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem,

unto your own and rescue them! 6 DEC. PSALM 23 3

THE DIVINE SHEPHERD- DEVOTION A PSALM OF DAVID. One of my favorite books is A Shepherd Looks at 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23, written by Phillip Keller in 1970. He states that the Bible is a collection of books written 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; by men of humble origins who penned under the he leads me beside still waters; guidance of God’s spirit. These writings were, for the most part, addressed to simple folk who 3he restores my soul. were familiar with nature and the outdoor life of the He leads me in right paths countryside where they lived. for his name’s sake. Today we read and study the Scriptures in urban, 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, man-made surroundings. We might miss some of I fear no evil; the truths taught in the Bible because we may be for you are with me; unfamiliar with subjects such as livestock (sheep), your rod and your staff — crops, or wildlife. Keller equates humans with sheep, they comfort me. leading the reader through the meaning of each phrase of the 23rd Psalm. He emphasizes the 5 You prepare a table before me relationship between God and man, the relationship in the presence of my enemies; of a father and his children, and the relationship of a you anoint my head with oil; shepherd to his sheep. my cup overfl ows. PRAYER OF IGNATIUS OF 6 Surely[e] goodness and mercy shall follow me LOYOLA: all the days of my life, Teach us, good Lord, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord to serve you as you deserve; my whole life long. to give and not count the cost; to fi ght and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not seek for rest; to labor and not ask for reward, except that of knowing that we do your will, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

By Dorlee Martin Allison 7 DEC. JOHN 3: 16-21 4

INFINITE LOVE 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20 For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” - John 3: 16-21

When I was eight years old, I attended a Bible-based church camp. From morning devotions to evening vespers, the days were fi lled with reading, studying and discussing the King James Version of the Bible.

All campers were required to memorize a diff erent verse each day and recite it in chapel in front of all the other campers, counselors and leaders. There were a lot of “Jesus wept,” “Remember Lot’s wife” and “Go and do likewise” verses used during these sessions, but my personal favorite verse was John 3:16. There was something melodic about reciting this verse. My eight-year-old-self did not completely comprehend the passage, but my understanding of God’s love for a world that included me became crystal clear.

More years later than I care to admit, I am still drawn to John 3:16. Looking at it with a more mature understanding with verses 17 through 21 taken into account, I must admit that the true meaning for me is still that God loved his earthly children so much that he sent his son into a cruel and judgmental world to give us everlasting life. The Lord sent his light into the world to enlighten a “world that loved the darkness more than the light.” (John 3:19, Mosaic Holy Bible)

As we enter the Advent season to prepare our minds and hearts for the birth of the Christ child, may we always remember the message of John 3:16. May we understand the infi nite love God has given us through the gift of his son Jesus Christ.

PRAYER Dear Lord, help us to seek understanding of your message throughout our lives with the eyes of a child and the hindsight of an adult. Amen.

By Pennie Anderson 8 DEC. HANGING OF THE GREENS 5

Sacred spaces are becoming more essential in everyday life because of the daily stresses many of us incur. This year it is more important than ever to create a sacred space for worship in your house. Finding a place that’s special and allows you time to relax, refl ect and experience tranquility can be a vital component of your self-care and wellness routines.

You’ve probably heard the saying that “home is where the heart is” which can be interpreted as home is wherever our loved ones are. However, it can also be interpreted as home is where the heart is because it is at home that our hearts are fi lled with happiness, fond memories, love and comfort.

Most of us strive to make our homes feel comfortable and welcoming and to provide the space for cultivating happiness and creating shared memories with our loved ones. This is such a wonderful thing as it nourishes and strengthens our relationships with others.

However, we often overlook giving the same care and attention to creating space for our relationship with ourselves and our relationship with God.

We encourage you to shift your thinking beyond just making your home a comfortable space for your outer self to also making it a calming and nurturing retreat for your family’s spiritual life as well.

The season of advent is where we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. Many of us have many fond memories of the church’s sacred space; the sanctuary or place of worship. However, this year due to the pandemic, we will all have to create new ways to prepare our hearts in our home as opposed to the comfort of our church’s worship spaces. This year we get to start new ways to experience this time with our families at home.

One of the best ways to accomplish this is by creating sacred space in your home – a space your family can connect with God. There are various ways you can connect with God at home – it can be through meditation, self refl ection, journaling, yoga or prayer to name a few.

Steps for creating a sacred space in your home: • Designate an area • Get creative • Involve the whole family • Set a tone for your sacred space • Include items that have personal and family meaning • Place something in the space that reminds you of the church’s worship space 9 • Place items that will use your other senses such as sight, smell, sounds and touch • Create a routine or ritual for using your sacred space

Once you are ready to decorate, you can follow the service below to decorate your home for your own Hanging of the Greens Worship.

Suggested items you will need to decorate with: • Purple Cloth • Advent Wreath • Wreath & Garland • Holly & Ivy • Poinsettia •

It is not necessary to have all the items listed if you do not have them. Be creative! Alternate ideas can be made with crafts and drawings that children can make.

FROM THE UNITED METHODIST DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIES The service of Hanging of the Greens focuses on preparing for the birth of Jesus and the second coming of Christ.

The practice of bringing evergreens into the sanctuary started in Europe and continues in many churches with European heritage to this day. Evergreens were a symbol of the eternal coming to dwell among us as Word made flesh. They were also a sign of life and growth overcoming and flourishing in the midst of the dead of winter, and so of the resurrection of Christ. Over time, other attributes were given to specific evergreens, as we hear in the carol .

Hanging greens at the beginning of Advent points to the second coming and culmination of all things in Christ.

As we draw closer to Christmas, evergreens point to the incarnation and life of God dwelling among us in the birth of Jesus.

A SERVICE OF HANGING OF THE GREENS OPENING PRAYER God of manger and star, let us enter your story once again and find ourselves kneeling with the shepherds, singing with the angels and worshiping with the Magi. Touch our hearts with the wonder of birth, and the depths of your love. Speak to us in word and song and lift us to the realms of glory. Amen. Suggested Carol: ‘Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus’

10 Paraments Decoration Suggestion: place a purple cloth somewhere to remind you of the purple parameters that adorn our sanctuary during advent.

‘“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 made low. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed.” - Isaiah 40:3-5

Narrative We have placed the Advent paraments, which are purple, a royal color, to remind us of the King of Kings, who came to be the “Light of the World.”

ADVENT WREATH Decoration Suggestion: make an advent wreath with the candles supplied in your advent bag

“The days are surely coming says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous branch, and He shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In His days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which He will be called: “The Lord is our Righteousness.”’ - Jeremiah 23:5-6

Narrative The Advent Wreath is a vivid symbol of preparation. The lighting of a new candle each of the four weeks before Christmas reminds us that something is happening, but more is yet to come. The circle of evergreens reminds us of the everlasting covenant offered in the birth of Jesus. The four candles symbolize HOPE, PEACE, JOY AND LOVE. Today, we light the first candle as a symbol of Christ, our HOPE. May the light sent from God shine in the darkness to show us the way of salvation.

Suggested Carol: ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’

WREATHS AND GARLAND Decoration Suggestion: hang up a wreath and garland in your house or on your front door

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, among them a light has shined. For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given. And the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

Narrative From ancient times, evergreens have been considered a symbol of eternity, a sign of God’s everlasting nature. 11 Isaiah tells us that there will be no end to the reign of the Messiah. Therefore, we hang shaped in circles, and place garlands of green, as a sign of everlasting life. These are symbols of Christ’s gift of eternal life and of the celebration of Christmas itself.

Suggested Carol: ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’

HOLLY AND IVY Decoration suggestion: use holly and ivy to make a festive floral arrangement

“He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; Surely He has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases. But He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; Upon Him was the punishment that made us whole. And by His bruises we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” - Isaiah 53:3a, 4a, 5-6

Narrative For Christians, this passage from Isaiah reflects the sufferings of Jesus, who saved us from our sins by His death on the cross, and by His resurrection from the dead. In ancient times, holly and ivy were considered signs of Christ’s passion. Their prickly leaves suggest the crown of thorns, the red berries, the blood of the Savior, and the bitter bark, the drink offered to Jesus on the cross. As we place the holly and ivy, let us rejoice in the coming of Jesus our Savior.

Suggested Carol: ‘The Holly and the Ivy’

POINSETTIA Decoration suggestion: place a poinsettia somewhere in your house

“I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near ...a star shall come out of Jacob and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.” - Numbers 24:17

Narrative The poinsettia speaks to us symbolically in several ways. The star shaped formation of ten leaves calls to mind the star which shone that first Christmas. In a less joyous sense, the color of the flower is blood red, reminding us of the male infants killed because King Herod wanted to eliminate any threat to his throne. We sometimes forget this part of the story, which made it necessary for Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child to flee to Egypt.

Suggested Carol: ‘Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming’

12 EVERGREEN TREE Decoration suggestion: put up a Christmas Tree

“But you, O , from you shall come forth one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from ancient days. And He shall stand and feed His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God. And they shall live secure, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth; and He shall be the one of peace.” - Micah 5:2, 4

Narrative In ancient times the cedar was revered as the tree of royalty. It also signified immortality, and was used for puri- fication. We have placed this tree in the sanctuary as a symbol of Christ, who reigns as King forever, and whose coming will purify our hearts.

Suggested Carol: ‘Once In Royal David’s City’

TREE LIGHTING “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the Beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in Him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to what was His own, and His own people did not accept Him. But to all who received Him, who believed in His name, He gave power to become children of God, who were born not of the blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” - John 1: 1-5, 9-14

Narrative As our final preparation for the coming of Jesus, the Light of the World, we will light the Chrismon tree. And in this time of Advent, whenever you see a lighted tree, let it call to mind the One who brings light into our dark- ness, healing in our brokenness, and peace to all who will receive Him. May this tree, arrayed in beauty and splendor, remind us of the life-giving cross of Christ, that we may always rejoice in the new life that shines in hearts.

Suggested Carol: ‘Joy to the World’

13 DEC. ADVENT WREATH LITURGY 6

“Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” - John 14:27 (NRSV)

We lead busy lives, always rushing from place to place, constantly bombarded by the noise of the radio, the phone, the bustle of activity around us. It seems like there is never time to be still, and we cannot get a mo- ment’s peace. But even in the busyness of our lives, and in the hectic season, Jesus promises peace - not only a future peace for the world, but also a peace we can carry with us in our hearts. In Christ, we have the peace of God’s presence with us.

(Light two purple candles) Today we light the fi rst candle to celebrate the hope we have in Christ, and the sec- ond candle to give thanks for the peace of God’s presence with us in Jesus.

Let us pray: Almighty God, pour out your peace to calm our souls in this Advent season. Help us to fi nd stillness and rest in the presence of Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen.

14 15 SETTING THE TABLE Traditionally the Moravian Love Feast involves sharing sweet bread and a warm drink like tea or cocoa, as well as singing and lighting candles. We encourage you to prepare these things to enjoy at home as part of tonight’s Love Feast. You may wish to light your Advent Wreath or other candles, make cocoa, and bake some sweet bread. Here are recipes we recommend for Love Feast treats.

MORAVIAN SPICE COOKIES Cook Time: 10 mins. Prep time: 45 mins. Serves: more than enough

Ingredients 1/4 cup molasses (light or dark) 1 large egg yolk 6 tbsp butter (room temperature) 3/4 cup brown sugar (firmly packed) 1 2/3 c all purpose flour 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp each, ground ginger and ground cloves 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 dash(es) ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp each, white pepper and ground mustard

Directions 1. In a large bowl beat together the brown sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg yolk and beat well until combined.

2. In another bowl, combine the flour and all remaining ingredients; blend well and add to the molasses mixture in small amounts at a time. Dough will be loose and crumbly. Gently press dough to make a soft mound, then take 1/3 of the dough and place on a piece of parchment paper;pat into a rectangle. Place another piece of paper on top and roll as thin as possible (1/16-inch thick). Repeat with remaining dough.

3. Gently peel back top paper,replace paper and freeze for 30 minutes. Remove from freezer. Remove top paper and cut cookies with a 2-inch round or other cookie cutter. Place cookies on a clean piece of parchment paper on cookie sheet and freeze for 15 minutes.

4. Heat oven to 325 degrees. Remove cookies from freezer ; sprinkle tops with cinnamon/sugar if desired. Bake for 10 minutes. Yes, that is the correct time. But check on them as ovens bake differently. They should be brown but not too dark- this depends on if you used light or dark molasses and brown sugar. If you do not cinnamon/sugar the tops, you can frost with a glaze when cooled. 16 5. Glaze: 1 c. sifted powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond flavoring (extract), 1 1/2 Tablespoons water as needed (milk will make the frosting too soft. Blend sugar,salt and flavoring, add water to desired spreading consistency.

Tips & Tricks In step 3 we recommend replacing both the top and bottom pieces of parchment paper. Carefully peel back the top and replace with a new piece. Gently flip the rolled dough, peel back the old parchment and replace with a clean piece of parchment paper.

Instead of a glaze, try dipping the hot cookies in cinnamon and sugar.

Recipe courtesy of Just A Pinch recipes and was contributed by Pat Duran. A digital version of the recipe can be found online at: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/dessert/cookies/moravian-spice-cookies.html

LOVEFEAST BUNS Cook time: 15 mins Prep time: 1 hour, 25 mins Serves: 15

Ingredients 1 cup, dry, mashed potatoes (unseasoned) 1/2 cup scalded milk 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter, room temperature 2 eggs, beaten 1 1/2 lb (plus/minus) flour for soft dough 1/4 tsp nutmeg 2 packages yeast 1/2 cup warm water 2 tbsp orange rind 2 tbsp lemon rind 2 tbsp fresh orange juice 1 tbsp lemon juice 1/2 tsp mace

Directions 1. Cream butter and sugar; add potatoes, mix well. Add lukewarm milk, then eggs, mix well.

2. Dissolve yeast in warm water and add to mixture.

3. Combine seasonings, and rind, mix in. Add enough flour to make a soft dough.

17 4. Knead on a well-floured table. Form into ball, place in a greased bowl. Cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm place until double in size.

5. Punch down; let rise again 5-10 minutes. Flouring hands well (dough will be sticky), form into small balls (about 3 oz.).

6. Place on a cookie sheet. Slash tops with a razor blade (to release air). Cover. Let rise until double in size.

7. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown all over, (15-20 mins.). Makes about 30 buns.

Recipes courtesy of Just A Pinch Recipes and was contributed by Christine Chamberlain. The digital version of this recipe can be found online at: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/side/potatoes/lovefeast-buns.html#-

ORDER OF WORSHIP Gathering Music

Welcoming and Invocation

Voluntary

Solo: ‘Once In Royal David’s City’

Song: ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ 1 O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant! 3 Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above: Come and behold him, born the King of angels; “Glory to God, all glory in the highest!” [Refrain] Refrain: 4 O come, let us adore him, Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning; O come, let us adore him, Jesus, to thee be all glory giv’n; O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord! Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; [Refrain] 2 God of God, Light of Light eternal, Lo! he abhors not the Virgin’s womb; Son of the Father, begotten, not created, [Refrain]

Scripture: Isaiah 9: 2-7

Song: ‘Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus’ 18 1 Come, thou long expected Jesus, 2 Born thy people to deliver, born to set thy people free; born a child and yet a King, from our fears and sins release us, born to reign in us forever, let us find our rest in thee. now thy gracious kingdom bring. Israel’s strength and consolation, By thine own eternal spirit hope of all the earth thou art; rule in all our hearts alone; dear desire of every nation, by thine all sufficient merit, joy of every longing heart. raise us to thy glorious throne.

Scripture: Luke 2: 1-14

Meditation

The Moravian Grace Come Lord Jesus, our guest to be; and bless these gifts bestowed by Thee. Bless our loved ones everywhere and keep them in Thy loving care. Amen.

Chancel Bells Performance

Song: ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’ 1 Silent night, holy night, 2 Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright wondrous star, lend thy light; round yon virgin with the angels let us sing, mother and child. Alleluia to our King; Holy infant, so tender and mild, Christ the Savior is born, sleep in heavenly peace, Christ the Savior is born! sleep in heavenly peace.

Solo: ‘O Holy Night’

Dismissal with Blessing

Song: ‘Joy To The World’ 1 Joy to the world! the Lord is come; 2 Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns; Let earth receive her King; Let all their songs employ, Let ev’ry heart prepare him room, While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains And heav’n and nature sing, Repeat the sounding joy, And heav’n and nature sing, Repeat the sounding joy, And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing. Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

19 3 No more let sin and sorrow grow, 4 He rules the world with truth and grace, Nor thorns infest the ground; And makes the nations prove He comes to make his blessings flow The glories of his righteousness, Far as the curse is found, And wonders of his love, Far as the curse is found, And wonders of his love, Far as, far as the curse is found. And wonders, wonders of his love.

Postlude

A HISTORY OF THE LOVEFEAST While this year’s Love Feast is unusual, it is a gift of worship made possible by many people sharing their time and talents with our community. We would like to thank the musicians, recipe testers, worship leaders, and video technicians who made this service possible, and all of you for lifting your hearts in worship in a new way tonight.

A Lovefeast service is a service dedicated to Christian love and is most famously practiced by the Moravians. The term was also used by the early Methodists.

A Lovefeast seeks to strengthen the bonds and the spirit of harmony, goodwill, and congeniality, as well as to forgive past disputes and instead love one another. The Moravian Lovefeast is based on the Agape feast and the meals of the early churches described in the Bible in the Acts of the Apostles, which were partaken in unity and love. Traditionally for European, Canadian, and American Lovefeasts, a sweetened bun and coffee (sweet- ened milky tea in Germany, Holland and England) is served to the congregation in the pews by dieners (from the German for servers); before partaking, a simple table grace is said: Come, Lord Jesus, our guest to be, and bless these gifts, bestowed by Thee. Bless our dear ones everywhere, keep them in Thy loving care. Amen.

At Cave Spring, the Advent Lovefeast concentrates on food and music as ways to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth. While we have traditionally gathered in Wesley Hall or the Sanctuary to share this act of worship and fellowship, we gather tonight in our own homes as an act of care for one another, and especially for the most vulnerable among us. We celebrate that we are one body of Christ, worshiping God and praying for one another even as we worship in separate places.

20 DEC. ISAIAH 40: 1-11 7

SCRIPTURE MEDITATION The prophet Isaiah delivered God’s message to a people in exile. This year we, too, are in a form of exile. We are separated from habits, rituals, people, and places that used to defi ne our everyday lives. In this strange time, the prophet’s words resonate diff erently. Read them slowly and deeply, then meditate on the questions below.

1 Comfort, O comfort my people, 7 The grass withers, the fl ower fades, says your God. when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, surely the people are grass. and cry to her 8 The grass withers, the fl ower fades; that she has served her term, but the word of our God will stand forever. that her penalty is paid, 9 Get you up to a high mountain, that she has received from the Lord’s hand O Zion, herald of good tidings; double for all her sins. lift up your voice with strength, 3 A voice cries out: O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, lift it up, do not fear; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. say to the cities of Judah, 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, “Here is your God!” and every mountain and hill be made low; 10 See, the Lord God comes with might, the uneven ground shall become level, and his arm rules for him; and the rough places a plain. his reward is with him, 5 Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and his recompense before him. and all people shall see it together, 11 He will feed his fl ock like a shepherd; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” he will gather the lambs in his arms, 6 A voice says, “Cry out!” and carry them in his bosom, And I said, “What shall I cry?” and gently lead the mother sheep. All people are grass, their constancy is like the fl ower of the fi eld.

QUESTIONS FOR MEDITATION Where are you fi nding comfort right now? Where do you see God making a new way forward? What good tidings can you share with your neighbors? How is God, the Good Shepherd, feeding and leading you in this season?

21 DEC. LUKE 3: 1-6 8

DEVOTION When John arrives with his message, he is the fi rst prophet mentioned in the Bible in almost 400 years. He was living in the wilderness away from an extremely corrupt society at the time; a society fi lled with greed, deceit,and both governmental AND religious corruption.

The Jews were awaiting a King of typical historical fashion…..militaristic, wealthy and an autonomous ruler.

Isaiah describes how preparations were made at the time for any visiting King. To provide comfort for an arriving dignitary, many improvements were made including: smoothing and straightening roads, fi lling in valleys and lowering mountains and making the rough ways smooth. All preparations were made for the comfort and traveling pleasure of their arriving guest.

Perhaps Isaiah is not talking about the physical improvements, but personal improvements. As we prepare for the arrival of our King, should we not make our crooked roads straight....removing any distractions that distances us from the path that God has chosen for us? Should we fi ll in the valleys in our lives, low points of depression, doubt, disillusionment and hopelessness....with the hope and comfort given to us through our personal relationship with God? Should we turn to God to help us lower those mountains we personally encounter that we perceive as insurmountable? Should we ask God for peace and comfort rejoicing during the rough times until His peace makes those rough times smooth?

During Advent as we prepare for Christmas with lights, gifts, trees and family gatherings, let’s consider preparing our hearts for the coming King...our Saviour Jesus Christ.

PRAYER Our Heavenly Father, Thank you for your special gifts of love, mercy and grace. During this season, help us to prepare the way for you….Help us to prepare our hearts for your arrival. In Thy name we pray, Amen.

By Randy Craver 22 DEC. ‘IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER’ 9

‘IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER, LONG AGO’ While it sounds like a weather report, this carol by Christina Rosetti is not an attempt to describe the atmospheric conditions in the middle east. Rather the imagery of cold, desolate weather is intended to contrast the perfect comfort of God’s heavenly kingdom with the pain and diffi culty of the world into which Jesus was born. This hymn reminds us of how much God must love humankind to be willing to enter into fallen creation. It further invites us to reciprocate that love by responding to God’s invitation in Christ.

‘IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER’ 1 In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago.

2 Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall fl ee away when he comes to reign. In the bleak midwinter a stable place suffi ced the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

3 Angels and archangels may have gathered there, cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; but his mother only, in her maiden bliss, worshiped the beloved with a kiss.

4 What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give him: give my heart.

23 DEC. EPHESIANS 5: 6-14 10

DEVOTION: AM I WRONG IF I AM DIFFERENT? I am sometimes amazed by the things I read, the things I hear in conversations, and the things I see on TV or in everyday activities. And I’m sure everyone may feel the same.

Our personal life is evolving and changing rapidly as we go about our many ways. It appears that many people are now willing to adopt increasingly lenient and tolerant attitudes toward many things of which a Christian should refuse to accept. Many of these such things are simply empty of credibility, and only show up from the lack of awareness of our God.

As Christians, we should not be partakers with them in this darkness (vs 7). To do so is to dishonor the name of Christ and will certainly ruin our own personal testimony as we witness to others.

So, in contrast to this darkness, we have Christ representative of the Light. As believers of our Lord we should become an extension of (His) Light in the world. If we walk in (His) Light we can only produce a positive output of our belief and faith, which will result in fruitful works for Christ.

As Christians we must discern what pleases our Lord, what is Light vs Darkness (vs 10). We are responsible to expose the darkness and in turn show and promote the Christ-fi lled life shining out in all our ways.

As a child of God, we walk daily where no simple or obvious right or wrong choice in a given situation is known. Then we must know God’s will and put into practice our knowledge of Christian ethics. We must show God’s Light. We must show God’s love and Light through us. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the Light (vs 13a).

PRAYER Lord, help me and show me the right paths of righteousness, and my light to fully shine in all actions in the world where we live. Amen.

By David LePere 24 DEC. JOHN 16:33 11

SCRIPTURE “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

DEVOTION In the 1930s, doors were unlocked and in summer the windows were opened. I could walk the streets at midnight with no concern for safety. There was no radio, telephone, and “GRIT” was the only newspaper bearing last week’s news. The big news was the Hindenburg Disaster in 1937 and Orson Welles “War of the Worlds” in 1938. No mass murders reported; we were at peace.

Into the forties, World War II brought an end to peace and every person was involved directly or indirectly with the war eff ort. During the war, Vera Lynn penned a song with lyrics, “There will be love and laughter and peace ever after when the world is free.” Not for long!

Life in our modern day is diffi cult; population growth, two or more autos in the family, each member a cell phone, some a laptop and TV. In addition, so many are looking out for ME as number one. Tragedy strikes! Justice, unrest with rioting, and yells of “there will be no peace”, while people are driven by discord and struggle for power.

The good news is: God is still in the heavens and still available to us 24/7 because He loves us. In these times we must create our own peace: Peace with ourselves, peace with God and our savior Jesus Christ. Be faithful and hold tight to what you believe (your faith). Spend time in prayer and the Scriptures. Keep God’s house (your church) on a strong foundation; support it with your prayers and fi nances.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” - Matthew 5:9

PRAYER Lord, make me an instrument for your peace, that we may enjoy the love and peace that comes from knowing you. Amen.

By Charlie Sult 25 DEC. ISAIAH 11: 1-10 12

DEVOTION I have something to admit. When I started working for a church and we were planning for the time of Advent- I had to google what a Jesse tree was. Even with growing up immersed in faith we never observed or focused on a Jesse tree. It wasn’t until I started Googling and reading that I fell in love with them and the whole idea of this hodge podge, DIY, made of construction paper tree with these symbol ornaments. The practice for adults and children is to add a symbol to their tree everyday in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. To me, this image and this practice just seems so simple, so holy, and meaningful all the same.

I fi nd the same image within this scripture; the hope that is found in the anticipation of a man that we all can look up to and will know, a man who is righteous, who is love, compassion, and the idea of hope in a time when the future seems so bleak, a time when the words of others are not always fi lled with hope, understanding, prayer, love, and the care of a neighbor, but the words of a foe. It seems that we are pushing each other away in hurt and confusion instead of embracing each other in love and care.

It is so hard right now to see anything much more than the bleakness. It wasn’t until I read this scripture that I was reminded to look toward something so much bigger this season; to look away from the screen of my phone and look toward the hope that is looming. The Jesse tree reminded me to fi nd peace in the known spirit of wisdom, understanding, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord; to fi nd peace in the knowing of a man who judges not by what he sees, but who rallies for justice of the poor and needy, and a man who walks the earth surrounded by righteousness and faithfulness in abundance.

PRAYER Holy God, walk with us through this time of waiting for the arrival of your Son. Help us to turn our faces upward toward the sun and to always have hope. Fill us with your Spirit so that we never forget to have hope in all things. Amen.

By Blair Thurman 26 DEC. ADVENT WREATH LITURGY 13

WEEK 3 “When Mary heard that she was going to be the mother of Jesus, the Emmanuel, she proclaimed, “My soul magnifi es the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” - Luke 1:46-47 (NRSV)

The news that God, the Creator of the Universe, came to live on earth as a human like us is the best news we could hear. We are not alone, we are not abandoned to sin and death--God is with us. God loves us enough to come and dwell with us; let us praise the Lord!

(Light two purple candles and one pink candle) Today we light the fi rst candle to celebrate the hope we have in Christ. We light the second candle to give thanks for the peace of God’s presence with us in Jesus. And we light the third candle as a sign of our joy that God has come to dwell among us and to get to know us face-to-face.

Let us pray: Creator God, thank you for your incredible gifts, which are all around us. Help us to recognize your Spirit at work in the world around us, to acknowledge your presence, and to rejoice in the presence of Christ, our Emmanuel. Amen.

27 DEC. PSALM 96 14

DEVOTION A baby’s fi rst Christmas holds much excitement and many expectations. There are outfi ts to wear, pictures to take, traditions to begin, and most importantly, people to ooh and aah over the beautiful creation that is your child. I had so many plans for my son’s fi rst Christmas. He was eight months old, the perfect age to look adorable in a sweater vest while being passed around to all of my local family and friends. Little did I know that during the week leading up to Christmas we had also been passing a pretty nasty stomach bug to everyone we visited. By Christmas Eve I was the only healthy one left. All of my fi rst Christmas expectations came crashing down. There was no big family meal, no excitement of children opening presents, no Christmas Eve church. I felt an intense loneliness on that Christmas Eve as I listened to music and stared out my living room windows. I had to sing to the Lord a new song.

That loneliness has returned during this pandemic time. I have spent many hours staring out my living room windows watching seasons and life plans change. I have struggled at times to fi nd the glory and beauty of God, knowing the suff ering caused by a virus we can’t completely control. However, my constant view of nature has also amazed and calmed me. It has reminded me that “God is great and worth a thousand hallelujahs. His terrible beauty makes the gods look cheap; Pagan gods are mere tatters and rags” (Psalm 96 vs 4-5 MSG). I once again found a new song to sing to the Lord.

As a church community we are watching our traditions and expectations of how we should worship God come crashing down like the idols they truly are. It is hard to praise God in this loss. It is especially hard in the winter when darkness creeps in through our windows. Even in this darkness we can hold on to the words of the Psalm that the Lord reigns and all of nature can rejoice in that promise. We can stand on God’s fi rm foundation. We can sing to the Lord a new song.

PRAYER God, help us sing to you a new song. A song that can cut through the darkness and illuminate the glory of your creation. A song that includes the voices of those experiencing joy as well as though experiencing suff ering and grief. Help us to praise while standing on your fi rm foundation.

By Jennie Harrison 28 DEC. ROMANS 15: 4-13 15

DEVOTION At the holidays, we often focus on our closest circles. We send cards to our friends and gather with family. We exchange gifts with loved ones. Even our Christmas songs celebrate the relationships we share with the “faithful friends who are dear to us”. While those relationships are beautiful blessings, though, God calls us to widen our circles, to share the good news of Christ’s coming with people outside our closest family and friends.

In the letter to the Romans, Paul challenges the early Christians to widen their circles. He draws on the words of the Hebrew Scriptures, quoting passages from Deuteronomy, Psalms, and Isaiah, to emphasize that the Messiah has come for the whole world. He teaches that the gospel is for Jewish people and Gentiles, or non-Jews. He preaches that the hope, joy, and peace of the gospel belong not just to one nation, but to all creation. God’s welcome in Christ is for all people.

How can we overfl ow with hope in ways that share this good news beyond our closest circles? How can we off er the joy of Christ’s coming with more of our neighbors? How can we spread the peace that passes understanding across the whole Roanoke Valley and beyond? PRAYER Gracious God, teach us to draw the circle wider. Fill us with such a quantity of your Spirit that hope and joy overfl ow from our hearts and into the lives of our neighbors. Amen.

By Rev. Lauren Lobenhofer 29 DEC. ‘HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING’ 16

GLORY TO THE NEWBORN KING Charles Wesley penned the words of this carol to help the early Methodists understand the complicated theology of the incarnation. He started with the words of the angels from Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace,” then went on to explain the good news the heavenly host proclaimed. The verses of this carol describe the nature of Jesus as at once fully human and fully divine, then explain that God’s presence with us on earth brings salvation for creation.

‘HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING’ 1 Hark! the herald angels sing, 3 Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! “Glory to the King, Hail the Sun of Righteousness! peace on earth, and mercy mild, Light and life to all he brings, God and sinners reconciled!” risen with healing in his wings. Joyful, all ye nations rise, Mild he lays his glory by, join the triumph of the skies; born that we no more may die, with th’ angelic host proclaim, born to raise us from the earth, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” born to give us second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new born King!” “Glory to the new born King!”

2 Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord; late in time behold him come, off spring of a virgin’s womb. Veiled in fl esh the Godhead see; hail th’ incarnate Deity, pleased with us in fl esh to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new born King!”

30 DEC. LUKE 1: 26-38 17

DEVOTION Joseph is an important fi gure in the nativity. We imagine him leading the donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem or standing, tall and alert, by the manger that holds the newborn Savior. What we don’t imagine, though, is Joseph speaking. For, while we have record of Mary’s words, while we know what the heavenly host sang and what the shepherds said in response, none of Joseph’s speech is reported in the Scriptures.

We don’t hear what Joseph said; we are told instead of his actions. Matthew’s gospel describes Joseph’s righteousness, compassion, and obedience. In this gospel we see Joseph protect Mary and adopt Jesus. We see Joseph sign up to raise a child who was not his biological son. We see Joseph set his own plans aside to wholeheartedly embrace God’s will. Joseph does all of this, as far as we can tell, without complaining, questioning, or arguing. Joseph simply adjusts his actions to God’s instruction and puts one foot in front of the other to carry out God’s command.

Joseph’s example invites us to silent acts of service and obedience. May we be open to setting our own plans aside in order to obey God’s call. May we do what we can to protect the vulnerable. May we fi nd ways to serve God and our neighbors in quiet ways in this holiday season. PRAYER Holy God, help us to fi nd quiet in this noisy season. Teach us to listen for your voice and to serve with humility. Make us, like Joseph, more willing to put our desires aside to seek your will. Amen.

31 DEC. LUKE 1: 39-45 18

DEVOTION When I got married, I knew that I was marrying who God had chosen for me and I knew in my heart he was my soul mate. We knew that we wanted to have a child. My husband had to have major surgery 1 year after we married that had a slight chance that we could not get pregnant. The doctor recommended that we take some steps to make sure that we could have children in the future but together we decided not to do anything and put our faith in God. We knew that if it was in His plan for us to have children, then it would eventually happen. The next January of 1995 we got pregnant. God provided.

I completely enjoyed every moment of my pregnancy. I was only sick twice and loved every minute. I knew that God had answered our prayers and that, in a way, I was carrying a miracle. Our miracle was born on October 30, 1995...a healthy, happy, and loud baby girl. Our prayers had been answered again. God had provided, again.

It is hard in today’s time to have an unshakable belief that God will and does fulfi ll His promises. We have to have a steadfast faith and never let any situation make us doubt that faith. God does keep His promises by ful- fi lling them just as He did for Elizabeth and Mary. PRAYER Dear God, as we enter this time of the birth of your Son, make us be ever mindful of the fact that You do fulfi ll your promises as You did for both Elizabeth and Mary.

By Susan Thurman 32 DEC. LUKE 1: 46-55 19

DEVOTION The Advent season is a time of joy and anticipation. Our heads fi ll with thoughts of special music, the Love Feast, gatherings with families and the visions of excitement seen through children’s eyes. Our days fi ll with decorating, shopping, cooking and gift wrapping. This year our advent season is clouded by the pandemic which may limit our ability to fully experience these events.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was anticipating a wedding and looking forward to a life with Joseph. Her world was turned upside down with the news of the baby which would certainly derail her marriage and sentence her to a life of poverty. Instead of lamenting her situation, Mary celebrated with The Magnifi cat, a song of joy to God. She praised God and rejoiced that which he bestowed upon her. Mary willingly accepted the task given to her and glorifi ed His name and what he had done for her and His people.

Let us not be consumed by the pandemic fog but rather walk in His sunshine and use the time to improve our relationship with Jesus and celebrate His birth in new and special ways.

PRAYER Dear God, we thank you for bringing your Son into our lives and for the gift of grace only He gives us. May we set aside special times during this season to not only celebrate His birth but to thank Him for His unending love. May we commit our lives to showing God’s love to others in our actions, our words and our deeds not only during the Advent Season but also throughout the year. In Christ’s name we ask. Amen.

By Gary and Mary Ellen Gross 33 DEC. ADVENT WREATH LITURGY 20

WEEK 4 Jesus once described his birth this way, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life.” - John 3:16

Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was a sign of God’s love for us. In Christ, God comes to meet humanity face-to-face. In this season we rejoice that God loves us enough to come near to us, to bring light into our dark world, to show that God’s love is stronger than the hate and hurt of our world.

(Light three purple candles and one pink candle) Today we light the fi rst candle to celebrate the hope we have in Christ. We light the second candle to give thanks for the peace of God’s presence with us in Jesus. We light the third candle as a sign of our joy that God has come to dwell among us. And we light the fourth candle as a sign of God’s great love for all creation, made real in Christ.

Let us pray: Loving God, surround us with your warmth and light in this season of dark and cold. Help us to celebrate your gift of love by caring for others and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ this week and always. Amen.

34 DEC. LUKE 2: 1-7 21

DEVOTION The town of Bethlehem was jam-packed with people. Joseph had just arrived with Mary, who was engaged to him. Mary was about to have a baby. They felt nervous and excited about becoming new parents. The trip from Nazareth wasn’t a fun one, not like the trips Pastor Tim makes to Disney World every year. Joseph and Mary were from Nazareth, but they had to go to Bethlehem. They were probably walking or riding a donkey. In those days, Caesar Augustus declared that everyone in the Roman Empire needed to be listed. That’s why Mary and Joseph were going. There may have also been another reason why they made the trip. The prophet Micah had foretold that from Bethlehem would come “one who is to rule in Israel.” (Micah 5:2).

Mary and Joseph had trouble fi nding a place to stay, and ended up sleeping in a stable that was probably fi lled with animals. To their surprise, Jesus was born there. The new parents wrapped Jesus in cloth and placed him in a feeding trough. This made Jesus feel safe and warm.

This story means for all of us that God doesn’t promise us a life that is always great. He promises us that we are going to experience hard things in the middle of good things happening. But God shows up when and where we need Him.

PRAYER Dear God, Thank you for showing up in hard times. We know that you won’t promise us a perfect life, but you promise us you will be with us and love us. Thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross for us. We love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Duncan McCullough 35 DEC. LUKE 2: 8-20 22

DEVOTION We know about the shepherds, don’t we? They were the poorest of the poor. A villager might own only a few sheep, so he would hire a shepherd who would add the small fl ock to another one.

According to mid-twentieth century theologian Dr. Joachim Jeremias, though, “no one should ever feel obligated to rescue a shepherd who has fallen into a pit.” And, “to buy wool, milk or a kid from a shepherd was forbidden on the assumption that it would be stolen property.” (https://www.epm.org/resources/2008/Mar/11/shep- herds-status/ retrieved on 10/23/2020)

And yet, when the Heavenly Host came to announce the birth of the Messiah, they appeared to a small group of the lowest of the low, people with zero status in their society. And we know from the story that they didn’t receive the story calmly. Curious about what they had heard, the shepherds went to see. Did you notice that they left the sheep behind? But that’s not part of the story. When they got to town, they found, just as they were told, people who looked almost as poor as the shepherds did. They shared what they had heard with the couple, who seemed humbled by their story.

And the shepherds went back to work. Have you ever wondered what the shepherds did with the sheep? The text doesn’t say they left someone behind to watch them. Sheep are docile animals and are easily led and completely at the mercy of their environment and predators, easily startled by hyenas and Heavenly Hosts, easily calmed by the familiar voice of the shepherd. On this blessed night, though, they were left by themselves, not unlike sheep without a shepherd. I like to think that, like us, they were not alone, calmed by the voice of the Shepherd.

By Karen Dinkins 36 DEC. ‘SILENT NIGHT’ 23

ALL IS CALM, ALL IS BRIGHT The words of this carol which is now sung around the world each Christmas Eve were written by Joseph Mohr, a Catholic priest, in Austria in 1818. While we often hear arrangements of this hymn with complex orchestra- tion, it was written to be simple; Mohr specifi ed that it should be performed by two soloists, accompanied by a choir and a guitar, rather than an organ. In this year when so many of our traditions have been pared down due to circumstances beyond our control, perhaps we can fi nd beauty and meaning in this hymn that was written for simple accompaniment in praise of a Savior born in a humble stable.

‘SILENT NIGHT’ 1 Silent night, holy night, 3 Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright Son of God, love’s pure light; round yon virgin radiant beams from thy holy face mother and child. with the dawn of redeeming grace, Holy infant, so tender and mild, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, sleep in heavenly peace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. sleep in heavenly peace. 4 Silent night, holy night, 2 Silent night, holy night, wondrous star, lend thy light; shepherds quake at the sight; with the angels let us sing, glories stream from heaven afar, Alleluia to our King; heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!

37 DEC. CHRISTMAS EVE • JOHN 1: 1-5, 10-14 24

THE WORD BECAME FLESH 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

14 The Word became fl esh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” - John 1: 1-14

A LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS Christmas Eve has always been a special time for me. As a child, it was hard to get to sleep. Anxious to know what would be under the tree, I could hardly wait for morning!

At the last church I served as pastor, there were four Christmas Eve worship services: 3:00, 6:00, 9:00 and 11:00. What a day! Worship. Rush home for time with family and an early dinner. Back to church. Worship. Back home for dessert. Back to church. Home again to see that Shelby had arranged places for everyone to sleep. Church again for the last, and usually the largest attended service.

The most vivid memories from those hectic Christmas Eves were the faces of the people. Many of them had experienced diffi culties during the year – sickness, loss of loved ones, loss of jobs, divorce. They came with teary eyes and heavy hearts, but they came because this service – this day – was a reminder that there was light at the end of the tunnel. In a world of darkness, God had sent his Son as a light for all humankind.

Recent months have been very diffi cult for many and they fi nd this to be a very stressful time. Christmas Eve challenges us to see things from a diff erent perspective: do not think of the shadows or darkness that the pan- 38 demic or other diffi culties have cast on our Christmas. Think, rather, of the light which Christmas sheds on us, our family, our church, our world!!!

PRAYER On this Christmas Eve, we thank you, God that you sent Jesus as Light into the world of darkness. Help us to live each day in such a way that others will see that Light shining in our words and in our actions. Amen.

Devotion by Rev. Bob McAden

CHRIST CANDLE LITURGY “On the fi rst Christmas, the angels sang for joy, proclaiming, “Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ The Lord.” - Luke 2:11 (CEB)

Jesus is our Emmanuel, God-with-us. In this child in the manger, we see the face of God. In our ordinary world, God’s kingdom appears in the birth of a baby. We, too, are invited to sing praises, for God’s presence is among us in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

(Light three purple candles, one pink candle, and one white candle) Tonight we light all of the candles on our Advent wreath. We light a candle for the hope we have in Christ. We light a candle to remember that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. We light a candle to shine forth our joy in this newborn King. We light a candle to remem- ber God’s love that casts out darkness and fear. And tonight, we light the center candle to celebrate the birth of Christ, God-with-us.

Let us pray: With songs of praise we honor you, Almighty God. We rejoice that we have seen your face in a child in a manger. We celebrate your hope, peace, joy, and love, all made known to us in the presence of Jesus, our Savior and our Lord. Amen.

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