Dear North Lake:
During Advent we prepare for Christmas. Advent begins four Sundays before December 25, so this year the special season of anticipation begins on November 29. Starting today, we are sharing a North Lake Advent Devotional to assist your preparation and reflection about the meaning of Christmas.
More than two dozen North Lakers have each written a brief meditation and prayer for this season. Every day through Advent, finishing on Christmas, we will send a new daily devotion to all on our email list. The North Lake Advent Devotional will also be available on our website.
Thank you to all who have contributed the daily devotionals. You can see the complete list of names and scheduled dates below. In a year, which has been so peculiar and difficult, they are wonderful voices of hope and faith.
Read, reflect, pray, anticipate, and celebrate the gift that God sends into the world through Jesus.
In His love,
Pastor Jeff Hosmer
First Sunday of Advent – November 29, 2020
Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Titus 2:13 “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Romans 15:13 “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD."
North Lake is blessed to be in the glorious season of Advent. Yearly, we are reminded of God's great love for us, His children. This year is no different. We still have the comfort of knowing that He loved us enough to send His beloved Son to save, guide and teach mankind to love and serve Him. Hope came alive with the birth of Jesus. For centuries, the people of Israel had hoped and prayed for a savior to lead them. Hope came to Mary, when she learned she was favored among all women, and chosen to be the mother of God's Son. Hope came to Joseph when he was assured that Jesus was God's Son. In addition, hope came to the Wise Men and the Shepherds when they were privileged to see the Star -- a sign of great significance -- that would lead them to Bethlehem. Further, they were assured by the angel voices that truly a miracle had occurred. It was a blessed night! Just as Jesus' life and His teachings have reverberated the message of God's love and hope for the world down through the ages -- we are still blessed today.
This has been a turbulent year of great fear. A year in which people of the world fight a disease that sickens many and killing in large numbers. Our lives have also been turned upside down with new procedures and precautions.
We long for old patterns and routines to return; and we long for a sense of stability to give us comfort and serenity.
At this Advent Season, we must remember that God is our help; and in Him, we may place our trust. He is always faithful and will be there for each of us, to give us courage to face any threat or obstacle. He is there as our rock of salvation.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your steadfast love. May we be ever mindful that with your strength we can bravely face any challenge.
We love You and we rely on You -- thank you for giving us such peace, joy and hope in our lives.
Amen
Judy and Fran Etheridge November 30, 2020
Jesus Makes All the Waiting Worthwhile
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” These words from Isaiah were written about the Messiah 700 years before His coming. Don’t you think that is a long time to wait? I do. I cannot imagine what the world will be like in 700 years! That is the amount of time God made his people wait before the coming of His Son foretold in this passage. When I was a little boy, I had a dreadful, long-lasting, painful experience of waiting. It started on the day after Thanksgiving. I would watch for the mailman each day. As soon as he left, I would rush to the mailbox to see if that wonderful piece of mail had arrived - the Sears Christmas catalogue! Did you have a similar experience? My father would say, “You may pick out $5.00 worth of Christmas gifts you want. When you have completed your list, I’ll fill out the order form for each child, and return it to Sears!” Each year I devoured the catalogue! Although $5.00 was a fair amount of money in the late 1940s, I would always try to bargain with my dad for more. “I’ll vacuum the entire house for $1.00 more. I’ll do the dishes! I’ll do the laundry.” But my dad would never budge. It seemed to a small boy that Christmas would never come! Maybe that was true for you, too! One thing I learned over the years was that my father would always stick to his guns. When Christmas finally came, I would open the presents my father had purchased from the list I had given to him. But my mother did not have to abide by his rules! She would always supplement what he had purchased with lots of little surprise gifts as well as a stocking stuffed to the brim! I always loved Christmas! Advent is a season of waiting and preparing ourselves for the coming of Christ at Christmas. As we experience many seasons of Advent across the course of our lives, I have realized three things: first, the time of waiting will eventually come to an end; second, there are always wonderful unexpected surprises; and third, Jesus makes all the waiting worthwhile.
Let us pray. Dear Heavenly Father be with us during this time of waiting, as we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Amen.
Rev. Robert J. Collins
December 1, 2020 Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
I Timothy 6:17-19 (RSV) As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches but on God who richly furnishes us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good deeds, liberal and generous, thus laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life which is life indeed.
Hope is Help Offering Peace Evermore. In this time of Advent, we are seeking peace and our world seems to be in chaos. As we focus on Christ’s coming, let us consider that He is our peace, our hope, and our life. He didn’t just come 2000 years ago to bring peace for then but to establish peace for us forever. He is our help in all things and we need to learn to trust him completely. God has blessed us with so much, but it seems we are always wanting more. What is your heart set on to get today? More material things or more of Jesus? God has given us our very breath and life as well as providing for our needs. Be content and enjoy what is ours today – Help, Life, and Hope! Lord God, Maker of all and Provider of all, thank you for being our Help in times of trouble and we find ourselves in much trouble of spirit and soul as our world turns its back on you. Keep us focused on who you are and trust your plans for our country that we may be content and at peace in our hearts. Thank you for coming in the flesh to dwell amongst us and showing us how to live the true life. Keep us true to your Word, doing good deeds, and seeking the good life as we pray in Jesus' name. Amen
Lord God, Maker of all and Provider of all, thank you for being our Help in times of trouble and we find ourselves in much trouble of spirit and soul as our world turns its back on you. Keep us focused on who you are and trust your plans for our country that we may be content and at peace in our hearts. Thank you for coming in the flesh to dwell amongst us and showing us how to live the true life. Keep us true to your Word, doing good deeds, and seeking the good life as we pray in Jesus' name. Amen
Charlotte Hornback
December 2, 2020 Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Two and a half years ago, my wife of 32 years, Victoria, passed. We moved to the Villages a year prior, to enjoy retirement. We relocated from Dallas, Texas with a population of 7 million, to the “Disneyland for seniors.” Things change, don't they?
I was raised in the church, Pentecostal! Sunday services, morning and evenings, and Wednesday evenings too! As the years began to pass, so did I, on the church that is. God was always there, at the doorstep, but I didn't know. I didn't go to the door. I didn't let him in. I left the church in my late teens, and never looked back. After Victoria passed, the days got hard, nights even harder! I felt alone. My companion, friend, lover, soul mate, gone! A handful of friends had been made, but we hadn’t been here long. After a couple of months of not doing much, a day came where I thought, “maybe it's time for a walk”, a little fresh air. As I walked, I didn't really see anyone. My head was somewhere else. It was a weekday, maybe a Monday, around noon. After a while, a building came into view. A large, white, pretty building, a church I figured. I had never noticed it before, and less than a mile from the house! All these thoughts started rolling in. Counseling? Maybe they could refer someone. Then I thought, it is a weekday around noon, they’re not open! Something told me to veer off the sidewalk, go try the door. Sure enough, unlocked! I went inside. Didn't see anyone, but it felt good to be there. It felt familiar, like all those years ago. I thought I would just hang out for a bit, then leave. Pretty soon though, a lady appeared, from an office area, I thought. Do you work here, I asked? Yes, I do. Are y'all open? Yes, we are! I said, well, I'm just out walking, and something told me to come in here. She said, glad you did! She seemed nice. I decided to tell her what I was thinking, about some counseling. I told her my wife had recently passed, and I sure could use some help! She said they were starting a grief share class in about a week! I told her, I got plenty of grief, and I guess I could share it! I felt so hopeful all of a sudden. I asked, “do you have to be a member of this church?” No, you don't! Well then, sign me up! I have since become a member of North Lake, am active in the church, and have made many new friends. Thank you, God. He and this church saved my life. I was headed down a dark hole, and God gave me hope and a future!
Dear God, awaken us, that we may be ready when Jesus comes, that we may receive him with
joy and serve you with pure hearts. God always has a plan. It is up to us to realize it, see it, and follow it. God bless y’all and keep the faith. Amen...
Lon Lowery
December 3, 2020
Speak Softly and Carry A Big Faith
Psalm 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me". As I read over the list of souls who will be memorialized at our Service of Remembrance, I am reminded of my own body’s mortality and come face-to-face with certain realities – the shortness of my life on this earth, the fate of “dust to dust, ashes to ashes”. I acknowledge that I am getting older and the “Shadow of Death” is casting a longer and longer shadow. The gift of each day of life on this earth seems more precious and the need to make the most of each hour more urgent. It would be easy to slip into depression. EXCEPT There was a star, a very special, unique - never seen before or since, star. Beneath this miraculous star a baby was born whose adult life became the greatest story ever told, the greatest gift ever given, and mankind's get out of Hell free card. Or to better paraphrase those last three words, He opened the gates of Heaven to us. Yeah, you and me, sinners that we all are, and Him knowing our penchant to backslide, doubt, and generally mess up His wonderful creation. This God/man not only taught us how to make the most of our present lives, but how our souls, steeped in faith in Him, will exist into eternity. So, as I contemplate that I may soon have to “Walk That Lonesome Valley”, I recall my favorite words of scripture – “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil”. My prayers speak softly to You and armed with Your Holy Word I will walk boldly, buoyed by my big faith.
My Advent Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, as chaos and pestilence surround us and seek to steal the joy of Advent,
we praise You. We praise You because Advent renews the reality of Your promise kept – a promise to provide a Savior – one who would secure our souls by opening the gates of Heaven to all who believe. He conquered death – leaving nothing for us to fear. Oh Father God, forgive us
when we let fear overcome us. Challenge us to stand boldly and bravely before those who, in this world, choose to serve evil; and, equip us for your ministry that we might turn evil souls to acknowledge and worship You.
And, Lord God of Heaven, know that in spite of the worrisome distractions of this world, we will
enter this Advent season with great joy – singing your praises and sharing Your love, because of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen
Jim Crutchfield December 4, 2020
Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Later in verse 6, we learn that without faith it is impossible to please God, that we must believe that He is and that he will reward those of us who diligently seek Him. Those thoughts can be frightening when we feel our faith waver when doubts assail and we are disappointed in our shortcomings.
Throughout life when we are busy with family and work, we are distracted and may not dwell on those fears. As we age, fears about our declining health, loneliness, and what the future holds can become overwhelming and we may feel that we are failing in our faith to trust God. Jesus tells us in Matthew that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. The mustard seed is so very small, the mountain enormous.
Our fears for the future may feel just as enormous, but if we can take our mustard seed size faith and believe that He is; if we can diligently seek him through Bible study and prayer, our confidence and assurance in our future will give us peace. We cannot see eternal life with our physical eyes, but we can have confidence that God will light the way.
Prayer
Oh, Lord above, with your great love Look down on us below. Be with us now and always, Wherever we may go God guide us right, through day and night. Help us avoid each snare. Lord, let us think the right things first,
Then make every thought a prayer.
Deanne and Jim Fry
December 5, 2020 The King of Peace is Coming
Isaiah 11:1-7, 9 (NCV) A new branch will grow from the stump of a tree; So a new king will come from the family of Jesse. The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon the king.
This king will be glad to obey the Lord. He will not judge by the way things look or decide by what he hears. But he will judge the poor honestly; he will be fair in his decisions for the poor of the land. At his command evil people will be punished, and by his words, the wicked will be put to death. Goodness and fairness will give him strength, like a belt around his waist.
The wolves will live in peace with lambs, and leopards will lie down to rest with goats. Calves, lions, and young bulls will eat together, and a little child will lead them.
They will not hurt or destroy each other on all my holy mountain, because the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
“Inspiration” – by Max Lucado "The government of God's kingdom is unique. It is not a democracy where the people govern, but a Christocracy where Christ is the supreme authority. In a government of unredeemed men and women, democracy is the only fair and equitable system. But no democracy can ever be better than the people who make it up. When people are selfishly motivated, the government will be inequitable. When people are dishonest, the government will be the same. When everyone wants his own way, someone is going to get hurt. In God’s kingdom, Christ is King. He is compassionate, fair, merciful, and just. When he is sovereign in people’s hearts, anguish turns to peace, hatred is transformed into love, and misunderstanding into understanding. The history of man has been a continuous series of half successes and total failures. Civilizations have come and gone, and people still battle with the same problems, over and over again.
But the kingdom of God will abide forever. The Bible says, “And of His Kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:33)
Let us open our hearts and give thanks. Father God, Thank you for your son, Jesus. We thank you for the future we get to enjoy through Him. Fill us with hope and give us a tangible reminder that hope is an unbreakable spiritual lifeline. Help us to walk in your light and live our lives in faith and glory. Just as you gave Mary give us hope that we may be able to stand in faith and continue to walked in your great plan. And all God’s Children Said, Amen.
Ann M. Collins Second Sunday of Advent – December 6, 2020
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
Luke 1:28–34 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever’ his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
Who is this ‘highly favored’ Mary person? Mary was born to a poor family in Galilee in an insignificant town called Nazareth. The family was considered the peasant class, making their living through agriculture and small commercial ventures. Reading and writing were extremely rare among women, the communication was mostly oral. No one paid much attention to Mary; she did not stand out among her friends. Our Lord, through Gabriel, changed Mary’s life. When this little teenage girl, Mary, chose to serve God she suffered the ridicule and contempt of being pregnant and unmarried in a small town full of gossips. Knowing all this, she said, "Let it be according to your word." I believe that Mary was chosen to give birth to God’s own Son because she was one of the faithful that understood that with God nothing is impossible. If God can choose a peasant girl like Mary to be the mother of his only Son changing her life forever He n certainly whisper to us and change our lives. There lies my HOPE!
Let us open our hearts and give thanks. Father God, Thank you for your son, Jesus. We thank you for the future we get to enjoy through Him. Fill us with hope and give us a tangible
reminder that hope is an unbreakable spiritual lifeline. Help us to walk in your light and live our lives in faith and glory. Just as you gave Mary give us hope that we may be able to stand in faith and continue to walked in your great plan. And all God’s Children Said, Amen.
Pastor Lynn Miller
December 7, 2020
Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit"
It is very painful when you have loved ones who make destructive choices in their lives. Their disease becomes a family disease. Through our hope and trust in God, their lives can be transformed. God can do the impossible; he reassures us that hope is real. So, never give up HOPE.
Dear Almighty Father, We trust you every day Lord, to do the things that are out of our hands. Only you can save us from our mistakes. We pray for the healing of our souls and minds. Thank you for loving us more than anyone else. We pray in your name, Amen
Betti Cuomo
December 8, 2020
Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Romans 12:12 (NKJV) Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.
During all the turmoil, disease, wars, political unrest, God says he will never leave us. Just like Paul wanted the thorn to be removed to end his suffering, we want all the trials and tribulations to go away. But we need to realize and be reminded that we depend on the Lord. For without Him we are nothing.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NRSV) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness”. So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell within me.
Lord, we pray that this Advent season will remind us that the saints before us waited for the Messiah to bring them hope. May we keep our eyes, heart, and mind on Jesus and believing that He will always carry us through any trials and tribulations. Bend down thine ear Lord and hear our prayer. Amen
Richard and Carol Vehling
December 9, 2020
Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One will save: He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Yes, Zephaniah really is a book in the Old Testament of the Bible, named after the prophet Zephaniah. It only has three chapters. The book begins with a description of the overwhelming grief and prolonged distress of the people of Judah in the mid 600's BC. We can easily identify with his description of overwhelming grief and prolonged distress - even during Advent in the USA in 2020. In the last words of chapter 3 of Zephaniah, he brings hope to the people of Judah. In the same way, hope comes to us too in the Christmas message. Advent is one of the times when we are reminded to have quiet time with God, asking for his help and encouragement, and making some changes that move our lives towards God and the Christian lifestyle. The Hopes and Fears of all the years are met in God’s word. Today, because God is in our midst, we can receive several Christmas presents from the words of the prophet. He promises to save you, bring you peace and happiness, and to sing Christmas music to you by His Angels. Max Lucado is one of our favorite Christian authors. On the back of his latest Christmas book he writes: “Because of what happened in Bethlehem, I have found a lifetime of Hope.” You can too.
Prayer: Romans 15:13
May the God of Hope fill you with all happiness, joy, and singing, as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with Hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen
Pam and Jim McNaull
December 10, 2020
Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Job 11:17–19 "And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. And you will feel secure because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security."
Every new day has one thing in common: hope for something better. With the challenges being faced this past year, it doesn't feel like there's much to hope for anymore. Gatherings and events left and right have been cancelled, some may not get to see loved ones for the holidays, and some may be unable to leave their homes at all. All we have left is hope, which is the hardest thing to find this year.
The struggle with hope is learning how to trust it. It can be built up for weeks, months, or even years but then get knocked down in an instant. All of us had some kind of hope for what this year would be like. All of us had plans to work toward. But a deadly virus dominated the world and took all those plans with it. Hope can make us vulnerable. It can make us believe that great things will happen when sometimes, that doesn’t become a reality. When it doesn’t, it’s natural to feel disheartened or even fooled. “How could this have happened to me?”, one might ask. Simply put, having hope is not a bad thing at all. Motivation and hope have been proven to go hand-in-hand with each other. With a good reason to work toward something, anything is possible.
Hope and faith also go hand-in-hand but do have some differences. Faith is believing in something no matter what happens. Hope is believing in something but with a bit of uncertainty. Finding a balance between the two of them can often be a little difficult, but is still possible. I particularly like this verse because that’s what it seems to be about to me. It’s about one day being in a place where having hope isn’t an issue and you can live the rest of your life knowing that everything will be okay. This Christmas may not be what any of us wanted, but as long as we have hope for better days and faith in our lord, it can still be a good experience.
Dearest Lord, I pray to you for hope. I pray to you for peace. But most especially, faith. Let
my faith in you not be tainted by the world. Assure me that because of you in my life I will be alright. Provide healing to those who don’t have the luxury of leaving their homes or seeing their loved ones. Take care of them, nurture them, make them feel whole. During this Christmas season, spread as much love as you possibly can and encourage others to do the same. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Michelle Snow December 11, 2020
Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Matthew 17:20 If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to the mountain, “Move from there to here and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.
When I was a child, my mother had a beautiful little gold pin that held a tiny seed within a glass bead. This seed was a mustard seed and my mother told me that it held a great message. "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible for you", she said. "That comes from Matthew 17:20 and it will give you hope in times of trouble." Little did she know that when I was in isolation in the hospital with polio those words would bring me hope. Hope that I would come home, be with my parents, and run and play with the neighborhood gang again. Throughout my life, there have been other trials, but the faith and hope depicted by that tiny seed have carried me through. Right now we are experiencing troubled times like never before. Still, the knowledge that the smallest amount of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ can give us the hope we need to face all obstacles is an inspiration. It is the light that shines before us and points the way to a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father. May your faith flourish like the tiny mustard seed and grow and spread throughout the world and beyond. A tiny baby changed the world and bid us to carry on his works. My prayers and hopes are that we as Christians can strive to do just that.
Heavenly Father help us to see that no matter what trials we may face you are with us. Be the guardian of hope that points us to the miracle of the birth of Jesus and reminds us that through him we are saved.
Amen
Susan Rice
December 12, 2020
Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
In a time of great darkness, God promised to send a light that would shine on everyone. This light was a person who would be both Wonderful Counselor (all-loving) and a Mighty God (all-powerful). This message of Hope was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ.
In John 8:1-12, Jesus spoke to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
Light is never meant to be hidden. It always has a purpose. Can you hide a city built on a hill? Its light at night can be seen for miles. If we live for Jesus, we will grow like lights shining brightly with His love. Be a beacon of truth, don't shut your light off from the rest of the world. When we live for Jesus, we reflect His light, shining brightly with His love. This Christmas season, as we look at all the bright lights, let us remember Jesus is the Light of the World.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Our hearts are so grateful that you gave us your only Son, that He would forgive us of all
our sins, and be a beacon of light to teach us Your ways and Your wondrous Love. May we pass it on. In His Name. Amen.
Milt and Joan Kirby
Third Sunday of Advent – December 13, 2020
Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Luke 11: 33-36 (The Message) “No one lights a lamp, then hides it in a drawer. It’s put on a lampstand so those entering the room have light to see where they are going. Your eye is a lamp, lighting up your whole body. If you live wide-eyed in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. Keep your eyes open, your lamp burning, so you don’t get musty and murky. Keep your life as well-lighted as your best-lighted room." One of the four traditional Advent themes is God's people and the candle of Hope. Hope is like a candle shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle, we celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Christmas-time and the birth of Jesus is the perfect season to let your light serve as a beacon of faith for others. The brilliant light of your own faith, hope, and commitment to God is the best way to cast a light into the desires of your heart. Our eyes can act as the windows to our soul. We need to continue to look, really look, for the goodness in ourselves, in others, and in our surroundings, no matter what. There is always something to be grateful and thankful for, and our genuine, personal, spiritual responses to any, and all, situations that we may find ourselves experiencing, give us the chance to reflect the true light of God's love and grace. We have numerous opportunities to be "a light" to others. God sets in motion situations for us to accept, or reject, these special opportune moments. We can be a light in this world with our actions, words, and deeds. A simple hello, a caring smile, a random act of kindness, a considerate phone call, a friendly gesture. We are called upon to support one and another as we all navigate the challenges of life. God asks each of us to step up for others, but not step on, the unique individual human characteristics given as divine gifts and how we are directed to carry out our purpose to God. We should seek to always keep the light of others burning-not extinguish their light because of personal differences. You just never know when your God-light is the answer to someone else’s prayers. Shine on!
Advent Prayer
Oh, Heavenly Father; we see only You as our light in the darkness. Help us to continually recommit ourselves daily to focus on You. Thank you for being the brilliant light of our lives and we praise You for your Son, Jesus Christ. We are so thankful for all of the rich blessings You so freely give. Show us through your wisdom how we can be "a light" for others. In your most precious Holy Name. Amen.
Blair, Mary Jane, and Winter Hursh
December 14, 2020
Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Psalm 9:18 For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.
As we enter the season of Advent, we also enter a time when giving is very much on our minds. We make lists of the people and the gifts we want to buy for them. Though we are motivated by goodwill, we often find ourselves frazzled and tired with not nearly as much joy as we had hoped for. Years ago, my wife and I agreed to take a couple of young girls shopping as part of a Christmas program that helped needy children in the community. The girls each had a list made up primarily of clothing- socks, winter coats, and underwear. My wife remarked that each of the girls was wearing worn sneakers. This was on a cold evening in New Hampshire, the ground covered with snow. The sneakers were all they had so we bought each of them a pair of boots, which they immediately wanted to wear. Later we visited a mall, and the girls were amazed to see all the clothes and toys in the stores. They had never been there. After dropping them off, my wife and I could not stop talking about our experience and how these two kids had so much less than our four children did. However, they were so happy with the little they received that evening. Years later, I traveled to Mexico many times to help build houses. These were small concrete block one-room buildings with cement floors with no bathrooms and no running water. We worked along with the Mexican families who would receive these houses. They were so thankful for their new house that was a significant change from the shacks they were living in. At the end of the week when we dedicated the house, they were full of joy and hope for a better future for their family. We should never forget that many are not as fortunate as we are and that though money and possessions do not guarantee happiness, they can alleviate the struggles and pain that many suffer each day of their lives. God promises that the needy not be forgotten and that their hope shall not perish.
Prayer
Let us through our prayers and actions help bring hope to the poor. Let us be the light that shines brightly so that their hope will never perish. May the Holy Spirit move within us so that we see those who are suffering due to a lack of basic necessities or from health or emotional issues and that we reach out to them as Jesus reaches out to us with the Hope of an eternity in heaven.
Tom Ledoux
December 15, 2020 Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Proverbs: 3:13 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.
Proverbs 4: 6, 8 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; Love her, and she will watch over you. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; Embrace her, and she will honor you.
James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
In Proverbs, David counsels his son Solomon to keep and love wisdom. Wisdom is personified as a woman. Wisdom in these passages means the ability to act (live) according to godly knowledge. James, the oldest half-brother of Jesus and one of the key leaders in the early Jerusalem church wrote in his epistle about wisdom. When the bible speaks of wisdom, it does so in a very practical way. Biblical wisdom is a skill required to live a well-ordered life. Wisdom must be cultivated and nurtured. Jesus, the baby in Bethlehem is the wisdom of God personified. Jesus is the skill of God at creation. Jesus is the wise king promised by the prophets. Jesus is Wisdom come down from heaven, embodying purity, peace, mercy, good fruit. Jesus is the perfect revelation of the mysteries of God pushing us beyond the limits of our own intelligence. We see how He lives, never wavering from His intention of doing His Father's work. For us to become wise and live on solid ground, we must hear His words and put them into practice. All knowledge, all wisdom, everything we need to grow in life and godliness can be found in Jesus. We become His disciples. When we follow Jesus and live by His teachings, we gain wisdom to live as Jesus would have us live.
Prayer Jesus, the son of God, open my eyes so that I will learn to follow you wherever you lead me. Open my ears to that I may hear your words and that I may put them into practice. I give thanks for the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells within me. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. (25 days of Advent by Kenneth Boa with John Allen Turner)
Janet and Joe Kobar December 16, 2020 Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
GOD’S WILL IS TRUSTWORTHY The Lord has a plan for your life. He has a perfect will and a specific course in mind for you. However, many Christians are frightened of God’s will. To them, the idea of a divine plan isn’t attractive, because it requires a great deal of faith in the Father. And while we are usually quick to believe God for someone else’s needs, we are often slow to trust Him with our own. To make matters more confusing, many people misunderstand what the Lord's will actually is. Some believe it's a special bit of knowledge that He imparts only to super-spiritual people. Others think it is simply His call to do something dangerous, painful, or uncomfortable. Too often, God's will is seen as something we have to do whether we want to or not. The truth is, God’s will isn’t something to fear. It is meant to give us clarity of purpose and power and to live a life of hope attached to His abundant blessing. The Lord knows where you are going and how to get you there safely. Don’t trust Him with just the final destination; let him guide each step of the journey. In Psalm 23, we are reminded, “He makes me to lie down in green pastures….He restores my soul.” Our hope comes from the whispers of God. He is The Good Shepherd. In the midst of your struggles have you ever wondered if your dream is God’s desire? Is your goal leading to His Goal for you? Lie down in green pastures…allow the God of restoration to do His work in you. YOUR FUTURE WAITS TO BE WRITTEN How foolish is it to allow what we “hope will be one day,” keep us from embracing today?
Dear God,
Make a way when I can't see one. Open a door that has been closed to me. Be my voice when I am speechless. If I ever lose my hope, give me strength, and replenish my soul. Help me to walk in your light and live my life in faith and glory. In Jesus name, Amen
Linda Williams December 17, 2020 Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Some of my favorite scriptures about hope for such a time:
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing as you trust in him, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
This scripture reminds me of the need to trust God and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. Another scripture that helps me when I need encouragement is the reason we celebrate Christmas--the gift from God of Jesus to be the atonement for my sin.
1 John 4:10
In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
When all the business and emotions of Christmas overwhelm you (and me), I suggest we turn our eyes to God.
Jonah 2:7
When my endurance [life] was weakening, I remembered the Lord.
May you find comfort in these wonderful gifts of scripture from our God of Hope this Christmas and always.
As Christmas approaches, we often hear that Jesus is the Hope of the World. Over this past year, I have heard hope used in many other ways, including a few of the following situations: I hope COVID-19 goes away, I hope for a quick, successful Covid-19 vaccine, I hope for unity after the election, I hope my family member is healed, I hope my family member accepts Christ and the list goes on and on.
For me personally, I hope I can once again visit and touch my husband in memory care and for all who are separated from their loved ones.
Merry Christmas! As we approach the time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, there is an assumption that we should all be Merry. Being Merry is not easy for everyone as many are surrounded by grief. Even if we do not feel Merry, I believe by focusing on Jesus and scripture, we can be comforted with God’s Hope.
Holy God, We come before you in thankfulness for your Christmas gift to us, the birth of your dear Son.
Thank you for your love, a love that is so big that I do not really understand. Help me to share your love with all.
Help us listen to you and each other. Help us to glorify and share your hope this Advent Season and always.
Lyn JensenWe pray in your Holy Name, Amen December 18, 2020
Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
John 10: 27-28
Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”
Acts 13:47
This is what the Lord has commanded us “I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”
Thought: Jesus came as one of us, a humble baby. His purpose was to give new faith and hope for all mankind. His time on Earth was spent teaching us about God and suffering on the cross. Jesus bore our sins so that in faith we would be righteous with God. The Christmas story is everyone’s promise of eternal glory. Never forget that God offers us a loving, intimate relationship that we can grow into until our spirits join Him.
Prayer:
Dear God, we thank you for your gift of Jesus to the whole world. As the shepherds found Jesus in a manger, may we find Jesus in the love and joy that we share together. Help us, dear Lord, to love
one another and have healthy relationships. Help us to do our share to bring happiness, goodness, and peace to the world. Amen
Sharon and Jim Hay
December 19, 2020
When God Talks, Do You Listen?
Psalm 27:7 Hear me as I pray, O Lord, Be merciful and answer me.
Have you ever wondered if God really hears your prayers?
God often answers me with pennies. This connection began over 12 years ago. My daughter, Dori, was pregnant with twins. Her morning sickness was 24 hours a day and I began to wonder if her body was strong enough for her to make it through. I prayed every day for God to watch over her. One day as I was walking through a parking lot, I looked down, and there on the ground were two pennies head side up and against each other. Pennies with the heads up have "In God We Trust" on them. It was like God telling me everything was going to be fine. I have two wonderful grandsons.
About three years later, my daughter, Dawn, was going through Breast Cancer treatment and I was praying continuously for her health. I was walking through a parking lot, looked down, and there was a penny with the heads up. She is now a nine-year survivor.
I knew a young woman, a former student, with three small children diagnosed with breast cancer. She was on my prayer list and on my mind often. I was walking through a parking lot, looked down, and there was a penny with the heads up. God letting me know all would be Okay. She is doing well.
Dori, the mother of the twins, was diagnosed with breast cancer and of course, my prayers were centered on her. I again found a penny with the heads up. She just had her first-year scan and she is doing fine.
I believe God talks to me with pennies. His assurances with pennies have bolstered my hope for the future and have helped me through my fears many times,
Dear God, May we open our hearts and minds and listen as You speak to us. Amen
Mary Bontempo
Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 20, 2020
Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Romans 12:12 (NIV) “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Wander with Joseph and Mary on their journey. What thoughts were racing through their minds? Joseph is concerned about his young wife about to have this child. Where could he find comfortable lodging for her? Would he know what to do when the child was born? "What is happening to me?"
Mary sitting uncomfortably on a donkey, heavy with child, knowing she is carrying a very special baby, but so young. “What will happen during birth? Where can we spend the night…so tired?” They were filled with fears. They knew theirs was a very special journey and that filled them with hope. But, discomfort, pain, and fear was their reality. In the midst of this unusual journey and accommodations, God filled them with calmness. The sky was brilliant with stars.
We see that same sky. We face real and imagined fears. We have the gift of conversation with our Lord —prayer. He calls us to be patient as we work through troubles. He calls us, over and again, to His Word.
Mary and Joseph experienced the "breath of heaven" that night after the long journey. For us, the "breath of heaven" lies in our patience, our prayers, and the joy that comes from God's presence around us to lighten our darkness.
Holy Father, we call on you to guide us through our moments of troubling thoughts and realities. We need your calm presence to lead us and be a beacon to others as they struggle. Help us to not let our light dim because of the state of the world today. Be our light in the darkness and let us regain our joyful spirit. Amen
Nancy Bodenner
December 21, 2020 Water, the gift of Life
John 4:13-14 “Jesus answered” Everyone who drinks will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks this water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
The word water is first used in Genesis 1:2 “…and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." and, the last time the word water is used in Revelation 22:17…Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life."
The word water appears 722 times in the Bible; more than faith, hope, prayer, and worship. Water that cleans our bodies, satisfies our thirst, keeps our grass green and the vegetables growing, animals nourished, water that Jesus changed to wine and as we read in Psalms 42:1 the deer pants for streams of water and our soul thirsts for the living God. How many times can you find and read the word water in the Bible?
God has blessed me with many mission trips to the Tete Province in Mozambique, Africa, where I have seen how the lack of water affects the lives of people. I have heard the stories of young girls being raped as they walked hours to get water for the families’ daily needs, then too dangerous to turn around once again and walk to school. My last church had the opportunity to build several wells in the villages of the Tete Province. On one of my return trips, I got to see one of the wells and drink the water. Oh my, this was water that only God could provide from the depths of His creation, it was cool, clean, and refreshing. This well provided water for other villages that were several hours away; it touched the lives of hundreds of people. Just as this water changed physical lives so are our lives changes when we drink of the free gift of eternal life that Jesus offers us.
Therefore, this Christmas let us not only thank God for the gift of water that we use daily, but also for the water that fills our very souls, the water that Jesus give us. So instead of receiving, let your gift this Christmas be the sharing of the water of eternal life that Jesus gives us. Amen
Prayer for the day:
Precious Lord, we come before you this holiday season to celebrate the birth of your Son, our
Savior, Jesus Christ. How do we even begin to thank you for the blessings? Our word for today is
RECEIVE and that is exactly what your gift means to each of us. We receive your love that is the
same today and tomorrow, a love that forgives us, a love that guides and protects us, an unfailing
love, a love that knows us inside and outside and yet still loves us. It is your love that quenches our
thirst and fills our very soul. Let us pray during this season that someone who needs, someone
who has never heard of you, someone that has wandered away from your love; may they open
their hearts and let your love fill their very souls. Amen.
Becky Bros
December 22, 2020
Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Isaiah 42:5 (NIV) This is what God the Lord says – the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You have created all things. You created the seas and the oceans so they know their boundaries. You created the stars, the sun, and the moon to reveal Your splendor and for our joy to see. You created the mountains to reveal your majesty and for us to be amazed by. You created the earth and set it on an axis that is perfect for us to have life.
You have created all things, and yet you know us personally. Thank you for knowing each one of us so intimately. Thank you for knowing the next step we will take, the next thought we will have, the next blessing that will be poured upon us, and the next challenge we will face. Father God, you know what each one of us is going through and You long for us to cry out to You for wisdom and strength to walk through challenging times.
Father God, as we draw closer the celebrating and worshipping the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, impress upon our hearts your love and longing to be involved in our lives personally. Allow us to see you more and more each day. Allow us to think about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ which has opened the door for us to know You and walk with you in the good times and the bad times.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Brad Harter
December 23, 2020
Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Psalm 33:20 – 22
Our hope is in the Lord. He is our help, our shield to protect us. We rejoice in him. We trust his holy name. Lord, show your love to us as we put our hope in you.
God's favor rests on those who "fear him" and who "hope" in his "unfailing love". Therefore, God's people have a reason to celebrate. They alone are "blessed" by the very privilege of being a covenant people. The nations depend on military power. Regardless of how powerful or how threatening an enemy may be, the godly need not fear because "the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him." They know that he will deal with them with "unfailing love" and will deliver them from any adversity.
I bow in prayer before the Father. I ask the Father in his great glory to give us the power to be strong in spirit. I pray that Christ will live in our hearts because of our faith. I pray that our life will be strong in love and be built on love. And I pray that all God’s people will have the power to
understand the greatness of Christ’s love. I pray that we can understand how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. Christ’s love is greater than any person can ever know. But I pray that God’s people will be able to know that love and be filled with the fullness of God. With God’s
power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. To him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen
Pat Schoch
Christmas Eve – December 24, 2020
Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Hebrews 10:23 (NASB) “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful”
As we contemplate the end of this tumultuous year, and the upcoming Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, we can hold fast to the eternal love of our Father God, and His faithfulness to love us, comfort us, and protect us.
In bringing His Son, Jesus Christ to us, He provided a way for us to connect eternally with Him through our confession and eternal salvation through Jesus, and with the comfort and leading of His Holy Spirit. "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6 NASB)
We can have great hope that God will faithfully provide peace, protection, and guidance through the Holy Spirit, as we move forward into this next year and beyond. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NASB)
Dear Heavenly Father, We thank you for your faithfulness to protect us, guide us with your
Holy Spirit, and provide us with your Peace. We thank you for the gift of your son Jesus and our
eternal Hope in Him. May we be filled with this Hope and be encouraged with your Joy and Peace.
May we follow the leading of your voice as you guide us through your Holy Spirit. We thank you
and praise you for your Great Faithfulness. We pray this in the wonderful name of Jesus. Amen.
Dave Cullom
Christmas Day – December 25, 2020
Hope Comes Alive at Christmas
Psalm 16:9 "Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope."
Brixon Hosmer arrived in May; he is the third child, and first son of our oldest son, David, and his wife, Kelly. Four months later our youngest son, Jordan, and his wife, Brooke, welcomed their first child, a daughter, June. Oh, what joy for us as grandparents to add to our collection!
The birth of a child is full of promises and HOPE. Joy brings HOPE. Most parents wonder what their child will do with his or her life. Will he be a musician? Will she be an athlete? Will he follow Christ? We see a tremendous source of HOPE, an unlimited amount of potential in a child.
When I was a young girl, I remember asking my mom about my future; what would I be when I grew up? She replied by singing the song by Doris Day, "Que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be. The future's not ours to see, Que sera, sera." I was fortunate to grow up in a Christian home, led by examples instilled in me by my parents. So the song filled me with HOPE, a HOPE in Jesus Christ, who was by my side, leading and guiding me.
The Christmas birth was full of HOPE for that child's life. "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'" Luke 2: 8 - 11 NIV
In a lowly stable, Mary and Joseph gave birth to the Christ child. Jesus was the child who would offer HOPE, joy, and peace to a hurting world. No one offers us more HOPE than Jesus, in this season of HOPE we call Advent, let's turn our eyes to the stable in Bethlehem. Jesus shows us the way to forgiveness and love. He was born into a world, not unlike our world today, where many have abandoned faith in the one true God. He suffered and died for us. He did it for you and for me. He gives us HOPE when we most desperately need it. Take HOPE home. Let the baby's gift to you be HOPE. Share this gift with others, especially those challenged by darkness, despair, and loneliness. This is the Advent message.
I pray the Christ child will be born anew in your hearts today!
Bobbi Hosmer