Our Greatest Gift
Three Oaks United Methodist Church 2012 Advent Devotional
Sermon Series: “A Christmas Carol Revisited”
December 2 First Sunday of Advent 11:00 a.m. “The Ghost of Christmas Past” Isaiah 61:1-3, 7 Communion
December 2 Community Advent Service 6:00 p.m. Lessons and Carols
December 9 Second Sunday of Advent 11:00 a.m. “The Ghost of Christmas Present” Luke 1:46-53
December 16 Third Sunday of Advent 11:00 a.m. Sunday School Christmas Program “It Wouldn’t Be Christmas Without…” Luke 2:1-20
December 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent 11:00 a.m. “The Ghost of Christmas Future” Isaiah 53:1, 4-6
December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 6:00 p.m. Isaiah 9:2-7
Special Events
Saturday, December 1 Cookie Walk, 9:00–12:00.
Sunday, December 2 Community Advent Service, 6:00.
Sunday, December 2 Village Tree Lighting at Carver Park, 7:00.
Saturday, December 8 Soup Supper for folks in need, 4:00 – 7:00.
Monday, December 10 Sisters in Faith Christmas Party at Faye Sittig’s home,6:30.
Sunday, December 16 Sunday School Christmas Program, 11:00.
Monday, December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 6:00.
All events at TOUMC unless noted otherwise.
December 2, 2012
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 TNIV
I was very fortunate growing up that my Grandmother Frost (Mom’s Mom) was a quiet sweet light from the Lord. Over fifty years ago she made a lasting impression on me when she sat at the top of the stairs at the Lakeside beach, and as the sun sparkled on Lake Michigan, she commented, “Look … see all the diamonds God has given us today.” I have enjoyed God’s special diamonds each time I see sparkling water.
As I think about the Advent Season leading up to Christmas, of course I think about the Advent Candles. As we watch each one being lit for HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE, I am reminded that each of us is a light in the world. Our actions and words help us light the way for others, as my grandmother lit the way for me. She was a light to the world around her, and my prayer for all of us is that God may give us the words that help us light the way for those around us.
Ron and I wish you all a warm and wonderful Christmas, and as you look ahead to the new year, I hope your New Year’s resolution will be to “Let Your Light Shine” … as you share Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love with those around you.
Dianne Jelinek
December 3, 2012
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Father of all our mercies and God of all our comfort. He is what we need in times of trouble and will provide all compassion and comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3
Christmas isn’t the time for a person to be ill. Sort of takes all the joy out of the day. Over the years I have had more than one Christmas being sick with something. Fortunately, the illness was never anything extreme, but as a kid it sure did seem like the very worst day ever to me.
Now, as a 61 year old, spending a great deal of the last seven years being ill and in pain, the Christmas season and Christmas Day have become even more meaningful for me. After recovering from whatever the illness was, the spirit of Christmas is still celebrated and I am still able to enjoy that spirit throughout the coming year.
Hope begins anew, a baby king has been born. Mark 2:10-11: “and the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of joy, which shall be for all people. For unto you a child is born this day in the City of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.’”
Holding the knowledge that we would have life everlasting by simply believing in him. Also giving to us someone to help us through not only a Christmastime illness, but any other illness, trouble or problem we might encounter. One small newborn baby held all the hope the world could ask for.
As the Christmas season approaches, a renewed hope begins again. The hope that other people will discover the healing that Christ brings us, not only for one day of the year but for every day. Not only physical healing, also spiritual healing. I have that hope now. Gaining control of my physical problems wouldn’t have happened without Jesus’ birth and His everlasting love.
May this Christmas season be filled with renewed hope, physical healing and spiritual guidance, through the love of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Merry Christmas to all.
Alexis Renbarger December 4, 2012
What to write about that hasn’t already been thought of and been said?
It comes back to simply being very grateful for where we are in life. It’s taken my husband 77 years and me 65 to get to this point.
All those years with God’s Grace watching over us.
We’re getting older and not younger – our bodies are wearing out. Hopefully, our minds stay on the job even longer.
But even with all our aches and pains and complaints – we realize we are very fortunate, considering the alternatives. God keeps watch all the way.
God has given us loving children and grandchildren. We are thankful and elated to be here to see them growing up and getting to know them.
We could leave tomorrow and feel we’ve missed nothing. Grateful for it all.
It isn’t on just the religious holidays we thank God. Although, I don’t thank him often enough – I’m trying to keep him in front of me more often. He is a great comfort at any time.
Thank you, God, for watching over us. Heaven knows someone needs to. There are times we do feel so lost.
Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday, Lord.
Judy Ross
December 5, 2012
Our tradition is to make our own Christmas cards. . 2012 Christ is Himself our Peace Ephesians 2:14
2011 We salute you! There is nothing we can give you which you have not: But there is much, that, while we cannot give, you can take. No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take Heaven! No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant. Take Peace! The gloom of the world is but a shadow; behind it, yet within our reach, is joy. Take Joy! And so, at this Christmas time, we greet you, with the prayer that for you, now and forever, the day breaks and the shadows flee away. Fra Giovanni AD 1513
2010 “Let us agree that we shall never forget one another. And whatever happens…remember how good it felt When we were all here together, United by a good and decent feeling, Which made us better people, probably, Than we would otherwise have been.” Aloysha’s words at the end of “The Brothers Karamazov
Steve Shimek and Lil Lewis
December 6, 2012
As a young girl my family attended a small, country Methodist church. My mother was the choir director and my father sang in the choir. So every Thursday we tagged along to choir practice and during the Christmas season practice was extra special.
But Christmas Eve was really important in my family. All my brothers and sisters would attend the service. The choir always sang “O Holy Night” (my favorite song). Then we ended the service with the singing of “Silent Night” and the lighting of the candles.
Afterwards we would return home and await the arrival of neighbors and church family for good food and fellowship. Soon my mother would begin to play the piano, everyone gathered around to sing Christmas carols. Once everyone left we would have to go to bed and wait for the birth of Jesus.
When Christmas morning finally came we would wake early, go downstairs with my mother waiting for us. There was a wonderful smell of pecan rolls lingering in the air and joy and love throughout the home.
Doreen Hammons
December 7, 2012
My favorite Christmas song is “Mary, Did You Know?” by Mark Lowry. The part that really moves me is “And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God… This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I Am.” Wow!
What did Mary know?
The Bible tells us that Mary had been visited by an angel who told her she was chosen by God; she had faced possible disgrace and divorce; she had visited her cousin Elizabeth and been witness to Zechariah prophesying; she had traveled a long way on a donkey only to have to give birth in a stable; and then shepherds, that she didn’t know, had come to look at her new baby after angels had appeared to them in the fields.
But the closest we ever get to learning what Mary’s thoughts were is in Luke 2:19 “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Mary may not have understood everything but I think that as a mother she remembered it all many times.
Cheryl Kersey
December 8, 2012
God Moves in Mysterious Ways
Christmas at the nursing home was always a moving experience. Many family members of all ages would enjoy a big turkey dinner with their loved one who lived there. Most of the residents with Alzheimer’s Disease were unable to recognize their own family members, but their smiles brought a feeling of joy just the same. As the Santa-clad Elvis Impersonator led a Christmas carol songfest, an amazing event occurred. These aged and beautiful people, many of whom could barely talk, were singing the carols without missing a word. They beamed with joy because they knew “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night” and belted them out with glee. This seemed like a Christmas miracle and proved once again how God moves in mysterious ways.
As I was composing this devotion I was thinking of the phrase “the Lord moves in mysterious ways,” which is the first line of a hymn by William Cowper titled “God Moves in Mysterious Ways.” Some think this hymn is based on Psalm 77:14 where the psalmist writes “You are the God who does wonders; you have made known your strength among the peoples.”
No matter where you celebrate your Christmas, may it be a miraculous and blessed time for you and your loved ones.
Nancy Baird and Bob Tatina
December 9, 2012
You never know when a simple kindness can make a difference in someone’s life. We were looking to reconnect with a church and began attending TOUMC because of one phone call from a friend. She called inviting us to attend one Sunday because the choir was singing. We decided to come and found many friendly faces, some that we knew and more that we didn’t know. We’ve enjoyed coming since that day.
We especially enjoy the young people in the church with their enthusiasm and innocent faith. It’s so great to see entire families attending together since that is not something we were fortunate to have in our young lives many, many years ago. Growing up we had good and wonderful people in our lives but none of our extended family went to church or expressed any religious beliefs.
While we enjoyed James McDuffy’s singing recently, what shouted out loud and clear was his true faith. How magnificent to have 100% faith!! We are working to move up the ladder to that type of faith but fall short at this time. Our hope is to keep learning and growing and someday reach that 100%.
Elmer and Linda Doyle
December 10, 2012
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son so that anyone who believeth in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Time--a most precious gift! I will never forget years ago when I was on my way to school, trying to make it through the week, and it was a Wednesday, better known as "hump day". I was crossing the railroad tracks in Lebanon, TN and on the radio it said: "What is the one thing that money cannot buy, and once it's gone you can never get it back?" And, of course, the answer is "time". My thinking truly changed that day. I began thinking of every day as a new challenge and a new opportunity and tried to face each day with a positive attitude. I would find something special in every day!
Three of my favorite magnets on my refrigerator say: 1)"Nothing is worth more than this day." 2) "It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." 3) "The world is full of people who will go their whole lives and not actually live one day. She did not intend on being one of them." (I truly try to apply this to each day!)
Jesus' birth, his life, his crucifixion and his resurrection have allowed each of us to have this most wonderful journey each and every day on this magnificent earth. This Christmas, as every Christmas, I celebrate His birth for the gift of peace and grace it allows me. I know He expects me to use my time on my earthly journey to the best of my ability. I look forward to each day I have been given, and the opportunities it presents to me. I pray that I will use my days wisely. I do, also, look forward to my promised eternal life. Enjoy your gift of time today!
Thought for the day: cherish yesterday, dream tomorrow, live today.
Faye Sittig
December 11, 2012
If You Look for Me at Christmas – You won’t need a special star.
I’m no longer just in Bethlehem, I’m right there where you are.
You may not be aware of Me Amid the celebrations –
You’ll have to look beyond the stores, And all the decorations.
But if you take a moment, From your list of things to do…
And listen to your heart, you’ll find… I’m waiting there for you.
You’re the one I want to be with, You’re the reason that I came,
And you’ll find Me in the stillness As I’m whispering your name.
Love, Jesus
December 12, 2012
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. - John 14:27
Peace ... as the Christmas season draws near, my thoughts turn to peace and what it means. Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Peace be with you, Peace and Quiet, World Peace and Peace and Harmony.
Peace is something we all strive for and find in different ways. A quiet moment alone may give us peace and quiet. Receiving test results may give us peace of mind. The end to a war may bring peace on Earth and world peace. Ending an argument with a loved one may bring peace and harmony to a family. And peace be with you, is something we say to each other every Sunday at church.
We may find each of these things momentarily if we try hard enough, look long enough, or make enough compromises. But, in John 14:27 it says "not as the world gives do I give to you". Without God in our hearts, minds, and daily lives, any and all kinds of peace will only be "as the world gives", and therefore will not be lasting. When we allow God to give us His peace, then we will have eternal peace.
Dear God, I praise and thank you for giving us Your peace in this Christmas season. In Jesus' name. Amen.
- Nikki Springer
December 13, 2012
WHEN????
When was the last time you………
…..watched the clouds go by? ……made sand castles? …..ate popsicles? …..colored a picture? …..bounced a ball? …..had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? …..took a nap? …..baked cookies (just because)?
As my grandmother used to say: Once in a while you have to act your shoe size!
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Terry Evans
December 14, 2012
“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me." (1 Corinthians 13:11)
As a child of 11 years old my two brothers aged 18 and 19 years old went off to fight the war in Viet Nam. I was really too young to understand what dangerous situations they were living in and all they were going through, I just remember my 17 year old brother cried when they left and that was just not typical of that brother to show much emotion over things. I can remember my mother lovingly putting together Christmas packages to send to my brothers filled with snacks of all sorts and what clothing items she could fit in the box and carefully packing them against damage in popcorn (real popcorn as the styrofoam type was not around at that time) because someone suggested that to Mom to cushion everything. I do remember a letter coming from my brother Mike who loved popcorn saying to Mom and Dad that he ate everything in the Christmas Box including that old stale popcorn. Mom sent those Christmas boxes for at least two years packed with love and care just so my brothers did not feel so alone at Christmas time. It is still the same today as then -- there are always military men and women away at Christmas time and there are still Mom's sending Christmas packages. I think it was great all those years and all those wars that Bob Hope would entertain the troops.
Don Evans
December 15, 2012
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, holiday lights and decorations in windows and yards, Christmas Carols and programs. The little ones looking forward to Christmas pageants, learning their lines and all the treats and cookies they could eat! Popcorn balls, which are a tradition in our family.
I remember as a child going to Sunday School and sitting in the little red chairs and being in the Christmas program and the anticipation of Christmas mornings – as my children also did!
I remember as a child also getting a sleepy eyed doll that opened and closed her eyes and also one year a rocking chair that I could rock my doll. We didn’t have a lot back then, but I was sure lucky to have them. I sure do wish I had them today!
But let us not forget what Christmas is all about, the birth of our Christ child Jesus and the beautiful songs that we sing: “Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Joy to the World,” and many more Christmas carols.
So let us put Jesus back into Christmas. Celebrate the wonderful gift of Jesus with you this Christmas, and ask him to continue bringing his blessings to us.
Every good and perfect gift is from above.
Leaving you with these thoughts, Happy Holidays!
Love and God Bless,
Dolores Hinman
December 16, 2012
Enjoying a quiet winter's day at home, Abby sat quietly playing with her toys. She had gotten a child's nativity set from my sister and was setting up the big scene. She had little Mary and Joseph standing with the shepherd and sheep. There were a variety of animals and three tiny wisemen. Somehow, Strawberry Shortcake and Big Bird were also part of this nativity. Suddenly, what was a silent night was interrupted with a yell through the house. "Mommmmy!!!!” Abby said calling me to immediate action, "Where is baby Jesus?" Apparently her little Jesus figurine had gone missing. Not being too alarmed, I just told her to look in her toy box and went back to wrapping Christmas gifts. "Mommmmmmy!!!” once again she yelled, "He isn’t in my toy box, I can't find Him!!" Thinking of my task at hand, I just told her to keep looking. Finally, a few moments later, the loudest and longest "MOMMMMY!!!" came. I stopped what I was doing and asked her, "Abby, what is wrong??" She responded distraughtly by saying, "I STILL can’t find baby Jesus!! I NEED Him!" Wow…from the mouths of babes!. I started to think, was I really getting caught up in the extras of the holiday that I forgot about Jesus? My four year old seemed to understand that without Jesus, the nativity and the holiday just didn’t make sense. We need Jesus, at all times, and when our focus is not on him, we need to drop everything and put him back in the center of our lives. In our case, Jesus was in with the bath toys, next to the rubber ducky. Relieved, Abby took them both out and put them in her manger scene. My prayer for all of you is to pay attention to where Jesus is in your lives and remember that nothing works without him. We need to drop everything if we have lost our focus and put Jesus back in the center of our lives. It was a great reminder from my little girl that snowy day. Jesus had found his way back to my child's stable and the silent night was restored and I thanked God for the Christ who gave us Christmas.
Lisa Henrich December 17, 2012
I grew up in the small town of Galien where everyone was like family. We knew almost everyone within the city limits, and country, too! All the families we knew were quite poor, so we never envied our neighbors or classmates because of brand name clothing, like Nike shoes, or even great haircuts. My mother made our clothes – shirts, skirts, dresses, and shirts for my brothers, too. There were six of us girls and two boys, so my mom had her work “cut out” for her! She was also a very creative seamstress in “taking apart” and making something new to meet our needs. Did I mention there were eight kids?! She also made sure, at a very young age, that I sat at the sewing machine and followed her instructions until I not only “got it” – but also “loved it.” It was tough love, and I’m thankful now for all that she taught me.
There were many kids in the neighborhood, and always lots of noise – laughing, crying, screaming – and everyone running in and out of the house – so, Mom did a lot of screaming, too! I’d scream too if I had eight kids! About mid- November the excitement of Christmas began when my dad would bring home a big truckload of Christmas trees from up north that we sold each year. The front and around the sides of the house were filled with trees. The joy of the “tree selling” business began with the first dusting of snow. How exciting when so many friends and people from out of town came to select a special tree. Dad had a habit of charging what he thought the people could afford. I still remember a family who came looking for the cheapest tree they could find since their money was scarce and their family was large. They were looking at the smallest, cheapest tree in the lot; but I watched as Dad picked out a beautiful large tree and watched the kids’ eyes light up, as he stood it in front of them and said, “Merry Christmas. This one’s free!” That loving spirit of Dad’s was often seen by us kids, and I still get chills and miss those simple times of caring.
The Christmas Eve program at the little Lutheran affiliated church in Galien was an exciting event. We each worked hard to have our parts memorized perfectly. I’m still sure that the very large tree (in a very small church) was the biggest, brightest, and most beautiful tree ever! I imagined each light on the tree “shone the way” for Joseph and Mary on their difficult journey to Bethlehem. The peace, love, and joy of those precious Christmas Eve’s will always take me back to that little church where we went to Sunday School. Walking home, we talked about what gift we would get from Santa. We knew that Christmas morning we each would receive just one gift under the tree that was from Santa, of course. The one who worked most of the night baking, getting the turkey ready, and wrapping those gifts! The best Christmas ever was when I unwrapped those beautiful white ear muffs. I “knew” that every head turned when I wore them! So great to be a kid!
I still love the lights of Christmas, and watch the “wonder and excitement” of children; and know that they, too, must have a special story of their journey with Jesus as they celebrate his birth. Today, as I continue my journey on earth, I give thanks for my parents, my siblings (sometimes very difficult), my husband (who is a miracle through Christ, who has answered our many prayers), children, grandchildren, friends, and church family – all of whom we love so much!
Merry Christmas, dear friends. I like where He has “planted” me!
Vivian Koebel
December 18, 2012
Christmas Memories
Christmas officially started for me when the JC Penney holiday catalog arrived. I spent hours pouring over the pages, dreaming of how great it would be to get this toy, or that doll, or maybe all of the things I picked out! Each time I would peruse the pages, I would find more treasures to add to my list, as well as my excitement.
Decorating the Christmas tree was next. Hauling all of the lights and decorations out of storage and playing the Elvis Christmas album. We waited patiently as Mom tried to achieve the elusive “perfection” of placing the lights meticulously on the tree. The decorations that each of us kids had made were hung with pride; and made that tree personalized. The final touch of tinsel may be why I love “bling” today.
Seasonal festivities at school and church got us all feeling like there was no better holiday. We baked cookies and delivered them to friends. We practiced for our Sunday School program, we shopped and exchanged gifts with close friends, reserving the family exchanges for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The number of wrapped gifts under our tree increased with each passing day. Our family has an unwritten rule about the expertise of wrapping a gift. This includes no exposed tape and looks more like a prop for a photo shoot. Mom tends to go with a theme of either color or subject. My sister makes her gifts a work of art; she may build a sledding hill with a sled and model of the person the gift is for. I truly cannot compete.
Mom had a habit of not putting name tags on our gifts, to cut down on the “snooping” around the Christmas tree. I tried to continue the tradition, but had to stop a couple of years ago when my wires got crossed – oops!
Christmas Eve was always celebrated with Mom’s side of the family. There were eight siblings, so that brought many cousins for us to see, and a large crowd at Grandpa and Grandma’s. We ate a big meal prepared by Gram, before we were allowed to gather around the tree and let the chaos of the gift exchange begin. My favorite year was when Grandma, an excellent seamstress, made pajamas for each of the fifteen grandkids.
Christmas Day was celebrated with Dad’s family, which was a much smaller gathering. Grandma was crippled with arthritis, and couldn’t do a lot of shopping, except from her chair. The gift she gave was her attention, always interested in what was happening in each of our lives. Because they were farmers, we would have to wait until the chores were done before we could begin opening gifts.
Many weeks of preparation and anticipation for the warm celebration of Christ’s birth with loved ones; this still remains my favorite holiday.
Vickie Koebel Kaiser
December 19, 2012
“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20
Some would say that Christmas has become too commercialized. I would disagree. We all know the “Reason for the Season” as we celebrate the birth of Christ. Some do this by attending midnight service at their church on Christmas Eve, participating in school or church plays by dressing in costumes and telling the story of Jesus’ birth, sending cards to family and friends wishing them a joyous season and New Year, putting up manger displays in the community, organizing parades, etc....
Everyone is so busy with their daily activities and responsibilities, but it is the one time of year families and friends make the effort to get together to celebrate, some traveling many miles to do so. I always considered “Home for the Holidays” to be celebrated at my parents’ house on Christmas Day and was fortunate to be able to do so for 56 years. Until my parents’ deaths, I had only missed one Christmas at “home” and that was in 1973 when I was in the hospital for the birth of my daughter. When she became engaged she said, “I can’t wait for Dan to participate in our Christmas family tradition in Kentucky.”
We always met late morning on Christmas Day at either my parents’ or sister’s house. This included my three sisters, their husbands, nieces and nephews and their spouses, and family friends who would otherwise have been alone. We took delight in finding that special gift for the person whose name we drew and also all the women bought “girl gifts” for each other. It was a challenge finding the same gift for everyone that each would enjoy. We then enjoyed a huge meal with all the “fixins” that included everyone’s favorite dish. In 2007 the men decided the next year they were doing “boy gifts” but sadly that was the last year we were to celebrate together before my parents passed away.
I now celebrate Christmas with my daughter and her family as we have begun establishing new family traditions the past five years. I hope my grandchildren, when they reach my age, will treasure the same wonderful memories as I do.
It’s not about the material gifts we get, for we receive joy in giving of our time, service and fellowship all year long. On that one special day we celebrate not only Jesus’ birth but are thankful for the time to be with family and friends, even if circumstances allow us to do so only once a year.
Sharon Phillips December 20, 2012
Christmas is such a good time of the year. My children and grandchildren, daughters-in-law, and relatives always have Christmas Eve at my house. We’re a close family.
My husband would be smiling whenever we got together. All of us thank God every holiday, but more so at Christmas. Thanking Jesus for all the wonders.
I hope everyone can experience the wonderful feeling of Jesus’ birth at Christmas and all year round.
May God bless everyone.
Ellen Sokolowski
It came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed: And this taxing was first made when Quirinius was gov- ernor of Syria, and all went to be taxed every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Ju- dea, unto the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered and she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7
December 21, 2012
Christmas Comes
Christmas comes every time we see God in other persons. The human and the holy meet in Bethlehem or in Times Square, For Christmas comes like a golden storm on its way to Jerusalem – Determinedly, inevitably… Even now it comes In the face of hatred and warring – No atrocity too terrible to stop it, No Herod strong enough, No hurt deep enough, No curse shocking enough, No disaster shattering enough – For someone on earth will see the star, Someone will hear the angel voices, Someone will run to Bethlehem, Someone will know peace and goodwill: The Christ will be born!
By Ann Weems in “Reaching for Rainbows”
December 22, 2012
A Christmas Prayer
Let not our hearts be busy inns, That have no room for Thee But cradles for the living Christ And His Nativity.
Still driven by a thousand cares The pilgrims come and go; The hurried caravans press on, The inns are crowded so.
Here are the rich and busy ones, With things that must be sold; No rooms for helpless hands within This hostelry of gold.
Yet hunger dwells within these walls, These shining walls and bright, The blindness groping here and there Without a ray of light.
O least we starve and lest we die In our stupidity, Come holy child, within and share Our hospitality.
Let not our hearts be busy inns, That have no room for Thee But cradles for the living Christ And His Nativity.
By Ralph Cushman December 23, 2012
Lest We Forget
Lest we forget that Christ was born in Bethlehem, lest we forget that Jesus Christ is the only Son of God who was given to us not to condemn the world but to save the world, lest we forget that Christmas is a very holy day that we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, lest we forget that Jesus Christ taught his disciples to spread the word of God, lest we forget the many miracles that our Lord Jesus Christ has given to prove that God is a merciful God, lest we forget that Jesus Christ gave his life to cleanse us of all of our sins, lest we forget he has risen to sit at the right hand of God, lest we forget that Jesus Christ is with us in every moment of our lives, lest we forget he will never forsake us. Let us never forget that we celebrate Christmas in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Thought for today: Christ is God’s most wonderful gift to us.
Edgar L. MacGregor
December 24, 2012
Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 6-20
As a child and as a teen there was always some kind of music going on in my house. My early memories are about listening to my dad’s classical music on the old 78 records or him playing the trumpet, singing Christmas Carols at church, or singing duets with my mom at the WSCS (now called UMW) meetings. Music is in my soul so how could I not write about music. I have sung this song as it was originally written, guitar and two solo voices, for many years.
The History: On December 24, 1818, the Curate of the parish in Obendorf, Austria, Joseph Mohr gave a poem he had written to a friend of his, Franz Gruber, who was also Choir Master and Organist at their church. Mr. Mohr asked Mr. Gruber if he would write the music for two solo voices and guitar accompaniment. The organ being broken, he desperately wanted music for their Christmas Eve service. Mr. Gruber wrote the melody to the song that has become the most beloved of all Christmas Carols:
The Hymn: Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht, Silent Night, Holy Night, Alles Schlaft, einsam wacht All is calm, All is bright, Nur das traute, hochheilige Parr, Round yon virgin mother and child Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar, Holy infant, so tender and mild, Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh, Sleep in heavenly peace, Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh Sleep in heavenly peace.
The Prayer: Dear Lord, Bless us as we prepare for the birth of your son on this coming Silent and Holy Night. Help us to understand and honor you not just for this season but for all seasons to come. Bathe our spirits in your radiant beams and fill us with your grace. Amen.
Priscilla Lee Hellenga December 25, 2012
“The Word became a human being and lived here with us. We saw his true glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. From him all the kindness and all the truth of God have come down to us.” John 1:14 Contemporary English Version
Many friends who are my age have recently become grandparents for the first time and they are loving it! Having had my children a little later in life, I don’t feel I’m quite ready for that step yet, but when it comes I’m sure I’ll enjoy it as much as these folks do. Besides loving the little ones to pieces, it will be fascinating to watch my own sons become fathers.
Since my “baby” brother is eight years my junior, I have had a taste of this experience through him. Steve didn’t get married until he was 31 and he and his wife didn’t have their first child until he was 36. I well remember their trip back to the Midwest to introduce us to their baby when she was only four months old. Like many new parents, Steve and Sandy seemed absolutely overwhelmed. The baby was spitting up all over the place and needing constant feedings and diaper changes. The new parents looked rather dazed and quite sleep-deprived. ☺
For that first year, I think my brother may have wondered what he had gotten himself into. This new little creature had taken over his life. She was completely dependent on him and he felt the weight of being responsible for her wellbeing.
However, when Wynn was about a year old, I noticed that his perspective had changed. As she began walking and talking and jabbering “Da-da” everywhere she went, he began to see his daughter in a new light. And in one of our conversations he made this comment, “Now I can see how I will be able to have a relationship with her.”
(over)
Well, fast forward several years. Steve’s girls are now six and almost four. He is loving his time with them and he is the best Daddy!
Still, I flash back on his “aha!” moment of insight: “Now I can see how I will be able to have a relationship with her.” That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Yes, there’s a lot of feeding and providing and caring for physical needs involved in parenting, but ultimately what we desire is a relationship with our kids, or grandkids, or even our nieces and nephews.
I reflected on that this summer when Steve and Sandy’s family came to visit us in Michigan. We hadn’t seen them for two years. The girls were just three and one the last time they were here and they didn’t remember that trip. The youngest didn’t even remember who we were! But this time I could see a relationship growing between us. Those girls are so sweet and beautiful and at such a wonderful age. I was sad for days after they left, missing their presence in our house.
This all makes me think of Christmas. God desires a relationship with us. So instead of keeping a distance in some remote place in the universe, God chose to come to earth and visit us in the flesh. Christians call this the Incarnation. As we read in John’s gospel: “The Word became a human being and lived here with us.” Through Christ we are able to have a relationship with Almighty God. How amazing! How marvelous!
This Christmas may the focus of your holiday celebration be on growing closer to the One who set aside heavenly glory in order to be in relationship with you. Merry Christmas to one and all!
Pastor Sherri Swanson
Prayer: Thank you, God, for initiating a relationship with us through the birth of your son, Jesus Christ. May we draw closer to you this Christmas season. Amen.
Recipes 2012
Mexican Wedding Cakes
1 c. softened butter ½ c. powdered sugar 2 tsp. vanilla 2 c. flour 1 tsp. salt 1 c. crushed pecans
Cream first three ingredients together; then blend in flour, salt and pecans. Roll into 1” balls. Bake at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Cool and roll in powdered sugar. Cool further and roll again in powdered sugar.
Don & Terry Evans
Fox Family Holiday Fruit Salad
1 bunch each red and green seedless grapes, washed 2 apples diced (any kind, I prefer a little tart) 1 lg. can of mandarin oranges, drained 1 jar of red maraschino cherries, drained and halved 2 bananas sliced (add just before serving, they will discolor)
1 pint of real whipping cream, and powdered sugar.
With an electric beater, whip cream until soft peaks form, adding just enough powdered sugar to your taste. My mom also added just a tsp. of miracle whip to this so the whipped cream held together better, so of course I do too!
Just before serving, add the bananas and blend the whipped cream into the fruit. It's not Thanksgiving without this in our family!!
Marcia Hess
Christmas Morning Quiche
1 unbaked pie shell ½ lb. ground beef ½ c. mayo ½ c. milk 2 eggs 1 ½ c. grated Swiss cheese 1/3 c. chopped green onion 1 T. cornstarch salt & pepper to taste
Cook and drain ground beef, set aside. Mix mayo, milk, eggs, cheese, onion, and cornstarch. Add beef. Pour into pie shell. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
May be doubled. Could use ground sausage instead of beef. I’ve assembled this the night before and poured into the pie shell in the morning.
Merry Christmas and enjoy!
Joanie Davidson