First Week of Advent Sunday, November 29, 2020
Scripture: Romans 13:11-14 Besides this you know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Insight: Upon reading this passage, my mind flashed back to those childhood, eternal- esque moments in bed, when I begged sleep to come. Creatures that were non- existent during the daylight hours, mysteriously sprang to life, revealing every phobia in my heart. Looking over my shoulder to find a pillow instead of a monster brought little, albeit some relief.
It took years to shake the night-time shivers. What a relief that we do not have to live our entire lives in fear of things that go bump in the dark. “The night is far gone, the day is at hand.”
As Christians, we have the opportunity to live bright, clean lives despite all the year 2020 has dealt. As we devote ourselves to the Scriptures this Advent, I pray Jesus will come, awaken us, and guide us into a bright future of hope and healing. May the Lord bring all of us closer to heaven and further from darkness as we prepare for the birth of Christ our Savior.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for being the God who is with us. Wake us from our sleep, fill us with a desire for You, and courage to put on the armor of light. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, amen.
Betsy Sutherland
First Week of Advent Monday, November 30, 2020
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you—so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Insight: “As you wait” seemed to jump off the page when I read the scripture. I flashed back to when I was a little kid. Only once did I ever send in a cereal box top to get a prize. My Mom said I had to eat all the cereal first, and that took several days. Then she helped me fill out the Rice Krispies coupon and mail it in. That’s when I discovered that waiting is not my best thing, really. The prize was supposed to be a “Woody Woodpecker Stamp Set.” Every afternoon for many weeks, I would stretch my little arm out the front door to lift up the mailbox lid. Then I’d peek in to see if our mailman, Mr. Culp, had delivered the Kellogg’s package. Then I would drop the lid back down with an impatient whack. But one magic afternoon, there it was. I couldn’t believe it. For maybe a couple of days, I stamped images of Woody on everything in my room in several brilliant colors. Then, I just lost interest in Woody and moved on to something else.
Maybe you can see why my childhood introduction to waiting… was a bit of a letdown. As an adult, I know that Advent is about waiting too, but maybe it’s a different kind of waiting. This time we wait for the revealing of our Lord, Jesus Christ. After that kind of waiting… we move deeper into faith. He may be found in our hearts when we least expect it… as we prepare for the coming observance of his birth.
I was listening as the Apostle Paul patted the church folk in Corinth on the back, encouraging them to use everything they had been given by God… to wait faithfully until our Lord Jesus Christ wraps everything up at the end. He mentioned God’s enrichment, knowledge, sustenance and faithfulness as blessings for their waiting. Those same blessings are there for our Advent waiting too.
Prayer: Oh God, we wait for your son to fill our hearts on the journey to the manger this year. May his love cast out our worries about the things of earth and prepare us welcome him once again. Amen.
Bob Luton
First Week of Advent Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Scripture: Mark 13:33-37 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. “Therefore, keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
Insight: This passage is emotional. It hollered at me right off the bat. It starts out with two exclamations. “Be on guard! Be alert!” Later it states “Watch!” It’s like an action movie that starts out with loud music and a crazy car chase. It grabs me by the shoulders and shakes me out of whatever distraction I may have had and says, “LISTEN to what I’m about to say to you.”
So, what does this passage say to me? It tells me don’t get sucked into a state of complacency regardless of what is going on around you. Keep your eyes on Christ in the midst of intense worldly distractions. Do not allow yourself to become spiritually fatigued during times of isolation. Wake up and watch out! Refuse to allow yourself to be shackled by depression, stay busy, there is a lot of work to do. Jesus is coming - this is good news to dwell on and share with others, in both word and deed. It tells me to wake up! It makes me want to pray more, both for others and myself, and allow God to speak to me in new ways as the world changes. It reminds me that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Be on guard! Do not fall asleep. Do good whenever possible. Do no harm, as John Wesley instructed. Constantly look for opportunities to serve others in new and meaningful ways while we adapt to our new normal, whatever that looks like. Keep watch! Jesus is Lord! And he reigns forever and ever, Amen.
Prayer: Lord, you are God of the Universe. You are our Rock on which we stand. Help us all to stay spiritually awake. Forgive us when we forget to love and help others the way you have taught us. Guard our souls from the deception of life’s distractions every second of every day. In Jesus Holy Name we pray, amen.
Jay Sutherland
First Week of Advent Tuesday, December 2, 2020
Scripture: John1:1-5 How blessed we are to be able to know the One who was, and is, and evermore shall be!
Insight: In our world these days there seems to be a lot of darkness around us, but we know that Jesus is the light of the world and light overcomes the darkness.
We can know that we have eternal life with Christ who came to the world as a little baby in a manger. He grew up and taught us how to live, then willingly and painfully gave His life on the cross for our sins.
We can be a light in the world to others if we just accept Christ as our personal Savior and live for Him. Each person must make that decision for themselves. God doesn’t have grandchildren. We are all His children and must make that commitment for ourselves.
Prayer: Lord, help us to be a light in the world to draw others to you. You said, “If I be lifted up from the world, I will draw all men unto me.”
Barbara Armstrong
First Week of Advent Thursday, December 3, 2020
Scripture: John 1:6-9 God sent his messenger, a man named John, who came to tell people about the light so that all should hear the message and believe. He himself was not the light, but he came to tell about the light, the real light that comes into the world and shines on all people.
Insight: In the Bible text, God had sent his messenger John the Baptist to bear witness about Christ. Although John was the first to bear witness to Christ, he was not to be the last. We as Christians have the responsibility to testify about him and to declare the truth of Jesus Christ so that all might believe in him. That is the foundation of our evangelism and mission on earth.
As I reflect on the global pandemic that has happened in our world today, I realize that we are the remnant. We are the ones preserved by the saving grace and mercies of God. We have been given a great mandate to spread the Good News about Christ and also to reconcile all back to God. We are to speak the word, which is the light of God to the people going through dark seasons in their lives. God is counting on us to shine forth his light, which will bring hope and healing to every drowning soul.
Prayer: Lord, help us to be instruments of light in any place that we may find ourselves. Let the light of Your Word shine through us so that all may know and believe in the saving grace and mercies of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Stephanie Idika
First Week of Advent Tuesday, December 4, 2020
Scripture: Psalm 27:1-4 The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
Insight: Wow – What a beautiful statement of faith David is making in this passage! I encourage you to read that passage again, out loud, slowly. Let it sink in and personalize it to you. What is God saying to you?
2020 has been a crazy year! Many people have experienced loss, challenges, uncertainties, and fear. David’s faith inspires my own as I read these verses describing who our God is to us: He is our Savior – the One who took all our sins and died on the cross so we could have eternal life. He is our Lord – our God whom we obey. God is our Light – the One who illuminates our path and gives us wisdom and discernment. He is our Protector. He is a God of Justice. No matter what we are facing, we have the assurance that Jesus is fighting our battles for us and we have nothing to fear. Nothing to fear! In Him we have strength and confidence. David’s one desire was to always be in the presence of the Lord - bathed in His supernatural love and peace where fear could not reside. That is right where I want to be!
As we near Christmas, these verses remind me of the three wise men (Magi) and their journey. The Lord revealed to them that the long-awaited Messiah had been born and they were determined to find Him and honor Him. The sign that God gave the Magi went before them, lighting the way, and they found Jesus. Immediately, in His presence, they bowed down and worshipped Him. Afterwards, the Lord told them to go a different way back home, protecting them from Herod.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of your son Jesus. As we near Christmas, we remember that the promises you gave David and the Magi are for us too. You are our Lord and Savior, our protector, our healer, and our friend. With you is everlasting love, joy and peace. I pray for heaven to invade earth and Thy will be done here and now! Amen.
Cindi Coleman
First Week of Advent Saturday, December 5, 2020
Scripture: Isaiah 60:2-4 For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Insight: As I read this passage, it reminded me of the world we live in today- one of dark times- times full of evil, uncertainty and stress. A world full of doom and gloom.
After my husband died, I felt lost. Grief and uncertainty were my constant companions. My life had been turned upside down, and I didn’t know how to begin to change that. I was living in those dark times.
As I turned to God in prayer, I asked for discernment and wisdom. What I received was truly a gift from God – HOPE! God reminded me that He gave us His Son as hope for the world. I was reminded that I am His, and that He loves me. As His child, I will never be forgotten or abandoned. This gave me the confidence and assurance to move forward with my life.
Truly, God is in charge! As His children, we reflect the light of His love that shines within us into a dark world. Perhaps, others can begin to see the peace, reassurance and confidence that we have found. Perhaps that HOPE can inspire others to desire the same. Perhaps that HOPE has the power to change the world!
Isaiah predicted it – I believe the possibilities are endless.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, give us eyes to see the power that your Hope has for all of us. Help us to be mirrors that can reflect your light into the world. Amen
Claudia Siems
Second Week of Advent Sunday, December 6, 2020
Scripture: Romans 15:5-6 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Insight: Today is the Feast day for St. Nicolas of Myra (in modern-day Turkey). Nicholas was a bishop who joined about 300 other bishops at the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. At this council meeting, a man named Arius spent several hours promoting an idea that Jesus was a creation of God, not fully God.
Arius was spreading a false teaching. Through Scripture, it reveals that Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit were there before anything was created. For example, “I and the Father are One” (John 10:30).
Nicholas got so upset that he actually slapped Arius across the face! Nicolas was angry and lost his temper because he felt Jesus was being disrespected and that Arius was trying to lead others away from the truth. This truth is that Jesus is the Son of God, that Jesus, being Fully God was the Ultimate sacrifice for our sins, and what the Bible says is true. Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit are one. God held nothing back in pursuing us, you and me, to restore a close relationship with us.
Nicholas DID get in big trouble for slapping Arius. Nicholas was in jail for a bit while they figured out what to do. Slapping someone because you do not agree with what they say is NOT OK.
Eventually Nicolas was forgiven and restored as a bishop (which is another story).
Nicolas along with others of the council wrote what we know today as The Nicene Creed. It starts off like this “We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen....” Nicolas is more popular for his generosity. He gave on multiple occasions to those who were less fortunate. He gave to others without expecting anything in return.
Saint Nicholas is more commonly known as Santa Claus.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we celebrate today that you became fully human and that you have always been fully God. May our lives reveal your faithfulness and generosity as did St. Nicolas of Myra. Amen.
Morgan Ely Second Week of Advent Monday, December 7, 2020
Scripture: Psalms 43:3-5 Send me your light and your faithful I will praise you with the lyre, care, O God, my God. let them lead me; 5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? let them bring me to your holy Why so disturbed within me? mountain, Put your hope in God, to the place where you dwell. for I will yet praise him, 4 Then I will go to the altar of God, my Savior and my God. to God, my joy and my delight.
Insight: Psalm 43 transcends its own time and finds echoing resonance in the year 2020. The Psalms are rich in depth and contain a vast landscape of emotion, ranging from anguish and turmoil to joyful jubilation and thankfulness to God.
Maxie Dunnam, the former president of Asbury Seminary, is fond of saying that “there are some things God will not do until and unless we pray.” Psalm 43 is both a prayerful petition to God and an examination of the state of the writer’s soul. As the people of God, we plead that He will “send us light and faithful care to lead us,” as verse 3 says so well. This will come to fulfillment at a later time through the One who will be “Israel’s strength and consolation”. We know that Advent is the anticipation of the Great Light of the World, Immanuel, that is coming to shine a light in our darkened world. But, God will hear the second petition of verse 3, as well, by sending the promised Holy Spirit to lead us with faithful care. Psalm 43:3 is a clear example of the many ways God hears our prayers and moves on behalf of His people, according to His will.
The response to answered prayer in Psalm 43:3 is that the next two verses are about worship! Theology, study, Bible reading and prayer should always lead us to a an overwhelming need, desire and hunger to worship our Heavenly Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Verse 4 gives us a worship response after the petition, “Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.” Worship is always the responsive climax, as we center on who God is, what God has done and what God has promised He will do for us in the present and future!
Prayer: Lord, this Advent season, I have found myself in a place like the Psalmist in verse 5, asking “why are you so downcast, oh my soul? Why so disturbed within me?” Send your light, your faithful care to me and the glorious reminder at the end of the verse to “put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Amen.
Andy Cunningham
Second Week of Advent Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16 ‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. ‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’
Insight: When I first learned to garden, I was young and staying with my grandmother. She had a large beautiful garden mixed with many vegetables, gigantic sunflowers, grapes for making jelly and gorgeous large red poppies. Sometimes it looked chaotic to me, but there was such individual beauty in each plant.
I learned later, there was purpose to the tangled placement of every single thing. The peas on their teepee’s provided shade for the lettuce. The tiers both guarded and allowed different plants to receive the right amount of sunshine. Although we planted seeds every year, she said we never had to replant the mint. You never knew where it will come up, but it was guaranteed to return, bringing freshness and stability to the garden. When we planted asparagus seeds, I noticed on the package that they would not sprout for a long time and asked why she was planting this when she may not see it? Grandma said, “Some seeds I plant for a quick result. Some seeds I will never see the bloom, but I have the promise that they will bloom.”
The promises of Christ were planted in the Old Testament. The Hebrew people waited and waited for hundreds of years and most never saw Jesus. In the proper season, the Savior came and brought righteousness in a way that everyone can live in safety. Like the mint that always returns, our Savior is still fulfilling guaranteed promises today. May we have eyes to see.
Prayer: Lord Almighty, I trust in Your promises today. Bring my soul into full blossom, that I might wait joyfully and live fully in the glory of Your love. Amen
Linda Padovani
Second Week of Advent Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Scripture: Psalms 119:105-106 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.
Insight: Last year we visited Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem. In the center is a room to honor the “Righteous Among Nations”. These are the people that risked their lives to help the Jewish people during the Shoah. They are people from all over the world with amazing stories of courage who followed the path.
As I walked through the tree-lined Avenue of the Righteous. I wondered if I would have had the courage to follow the path as these righteous did. Do I follow the path in my everyday life? Are my decisions based on the path the Lord has provided? Will I make those hard decisions even though I know it is not the easy choice?
The advent season reminds us of the gift God gave to us and the light sent for us to follow. It is a chance to renew our commitment. All we must do is have the courage to follow the light provided and remember who walks beside us.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for showing us the way and giving us the courage to walk the path with you. Help us to make the right choices. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Amen
Debbie Eng
Second Week of Advent Thursday, December 10, 2020
Scripture: John 12:35-36 Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”
Insight: As a camp counselor, we would go on night hikes. The children started out loudly laughing through the woods and shining their flashlights everywhere. Soon our guide would tell them to turn off their lights and get quiet.
At first, it was dark! A few campers would need reassurance that they would be able to see and be safe. Slowly, our eyes would adjust, and we would be able to see and hear more and more around us... stars, each other, frogs and crickets chirping, the wind, and maybe even an owl. The children were amazed by how much light and sound were in the dark.
Jesus said, “...believe in the light…,” but like those campers, we try to keep out the dark in our lives with a lot of unnecessary “light”: our phones, social media, food, work, alcohol, shopping, etc. Like those campers, we may need to turn off and get quiet to see the true light of Jesus and hear His voice. We can believe in the Light, and know He is with us in the darkness, always!
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for being the Light to us, no matter what darkness we are going through. Help us remember that You are always with us and the only Light we need. Amen.
Kathleen Walstead
Second Week of Advent Friday, December 11, 2020
Scripture: Ephesians 5:6-14 Let no one deceive you with empty words, because of such things, God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore, do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible - and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. That is why it is said: "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Insight: The past months of this pandemic have been both physically and psychologically brutal. The quarantine has brought on the trials of isolation, home schooling, working from residences, job loss, and even the tragic death of loved ones.
Everything bad in the world seems to have risen to the surface - racism, riots, police shootings, domestic violence, escalation of homicides, and an ugly general election season. We cannot forget the rise in hunger, homelessness, depression, sex trafficking, alcoholism and on and on the list grows.
Perhaps, even we Christians have fallen into this earthly despair forgetting what is most important in our faith. God is with us. The bright light of Jesus Christ is coming again. Its appearance reminds us we will make it through these dark times. As promised, our Lord and Savior will carry us all the way to our eternal destination.
Wake up, oh sleeper and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, please keep our eyes focused on the star in the east as we anxiously await Christ's arrival. Amen.
Karen Donathan
Second Week of Advent Saturday, December 12, 2020
Scripture: I Peter 2:5-9 You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Insight: I Peter 2:5-8 speaks about how Jesus is the Cornerstone. He is the first and essential block in our foundation. As believers in Christ, we make up the church that together build the house of God. However, without a firm foundation, the entire structure could collapse. To have a steady ground of faith, we must establish a healthy spiritual life by remembering to develop a spiritual understanding, create a routine of reading the Bible, praying, having discipline, showing patience, and expressing love. Not for yourself; but to encourage and serve those around you. As we look forward to Jesus’ birth during this time of Advent, we remember that through Jesus Christ, we are saved.
In I Peter 2:9 it says we have been selected, called, chosen, blessed and set apart for a very particular purpose, so we “may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Before we came to Christ, we walked in darkness, but then he called us out of the darkness. We are now filled with His marvelous light.
Prayer: Lord God, You are our firm foundation. Thank You for filling us with marvelous, eternal light. Use us to awaken others to Your goodness and love. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Katrina Pardo
Third Week of Advent Sunday, December 13, 2020
Scripture: Isaiah 6 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the LORD, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke. "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Then I heard the voice of the LORD saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" He said, "Go and tell this people: "'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.'
Insight: In reading this passage it brings joy to my heart and a new view as the Lords words bring new meaningful to me. It allows me to have an understanding that God is Holy and just because I am a sinner God still loves me. In all honesty, I don’t read the Bible much due that my upbringing wasn’t always the best by a person who used to read the Bible. I felt that why read it if that person didn’t take the Lord’s words in a positive way. Like Isaiah, I felt that I wasn’t worthy of God Grace and Glory, because I was a sinner, but again God has proven us incorrectly. He even allowed the seraphim to atone him of all his sins, like I believe he does to me every time I come to him in prayer. Our God is Holy as the passaged states and through him we can walk his walk, and speak his words without shame, because he wants us people like me to continue to spread his Holy word.
Prayer: I God pray that you continue to guide me toward your presence and your Holy Word. You who see everything and know what us sinner need you most then every, because your Word is Holy and bring so much Joy to me. Amen
Maria Granados
Third Week of Advent Monday, December 14, 2020
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Insight: I can identify with this scripture passage, so I’m glad Betsy asked me to reflect on it. Of all the devotional scriptures, it was the last one chosen.
In elementary school, I was sometimes the last one chosen when the dodge ball team captains were choosing sides. It hurt. My athleticism was not readily apparent at the time, I guess. It would bloom a few years later as I discovered marching band as my kind of sport.
As to this scripture passage, perhaps it tends to bloom a little later as well ... when first read as a possible heart-warming thought for Advent.
It’s easy to be distracted by the unfamiliar talk about veiling, which harks back to the veil which protected the people from the glowing face of Moses after he was afforded a glimpse of God’s holiness.
And then there’s the talk about why some folks seem blind to the Gospel’s light. Whether occasioned by some dark forces at work or just as tragically, our ignoring it or running from it, bringing that blindness up now may seem to tug us unnecessarily off our determined Advent path to the manger.
But then I remembered that “proclaiming Jesus, not ourselves,” as the Apostle writes here to his friends in Corinth, makes us servants in a kingdom in which being last is not necessarily a bad thing (Matthew 20:16 - the last will be first, and the first last).
Today’s passage ends in a blaze of light coming from “every which way” as my Mom used to say. God is remembered in creation, speaking light into being out of darkness. God-Light is shown pouring into our hearts, itself a mysterious luminosity that comes as a gift of knowledge of a special kind: the glory of God in the face of Jesus.
I can’t imagine needing to protect my eyes as I gaze on God’s glory so lovingly reflected the face of the baby Jesus. I imagine his face glowing with a loving, inviting warmth streaming through the manger straw.
All thought of, our place in earthly things may seem to fade away as we think of basking in that kind of glow... in just a few more days...
Prayer: I love you, God. Thank you for your kind of light. I love it for its warmth. I love the way it reveals me as the person I really am ... as you see me. When it overflows my heart at the remembrance of the manger, release its power to touch me with healing and hope. Amen.
Bob Luton
Third Week of Advent Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Scripture: John 1:4-7 We write this to make our joy complete. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
Insight: Darkness is everywhere, metaphorically speaking. It seems to be growing and spreading like a disease. It’s like in a scary movie turning people into mindless zombies. Thank goodness God has a different script for us. There are no crazed slobbering zombies in his Truth. Jesus is the light and drives away the darkness. All we have to do is live in his abundant love and confess our sins. And we all have sins. Trust in Him when life deals us a Zombie hand (2020). He will drive away the darkness and breathe fresh life into us daily. All we have to do is ask Him through prayer and supplication.
This passage also reminds me that we desperately need each other for Spiritual Fellowship and to hold each other accountable. We need to remind each other what it means to live in the light when darkness creeps into our hearts and mind. Jesus tells us to love one other as He loved us. Walk in His Light and experience His Love to make your Joy complete!
Prayer: Lord, you are the light of the world and for that we are grateful. Forgive us when we lie to ourselves and do not live out your truth. Draw us close, Lord. Help us to cling to your goodness so that we may walk in your light and spread your love to others. Thank you for friends and family and may all of our relationships honor you, especially during this strange and dark time. We love you Lord, now and forever. Amen.
Jay Sutherland
Third Week of Advent Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Scripture: John 3:16-21 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
Insight: In this passage, Jesus shows that he is the light and if you follow the darkness you’ll be separated from Jesus. God doesn’t want us to be separated, so He sent Jesus to earth to say, “Humans, here is your light source.” Like a deer attracted to headlights (the deer is us and the lights are evil), we need extra help steering us away from danger.
In our everyday lives, we experience challenges that push us into darkness. In Sunday School one time we did a skit with 3 people - one was on one side as darkness, another was on the opposite as the light, and there was a person in the middle, trying to decide which direction to go. The person in the middle was confused because the dark side seemed easier, but it was bad. The person in the middle finally chose the light.
This passage gives us hope because Jesus is always going to be close as our beacon of light, guiding us to safety. As our light source, Jesus will help us be a light for others. As we look forward to Jesus’ birth, remember to not be lured into the darkness, but to follow the loving light of God.
Prayer: God, thank you for being the beacon of light shining down on us, leading us out of darkness and into your perfect light. Help people who do bad things to figure out how to confess. And help people to not be afraid to come into Your light. Illumine our steps as we seek You day by day. Amen
Allie, Emma Grace, Abby & John Michael Sutherland
Third Week of Advent Thursday, December 17, 2020
Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11 Comfort, comfort my people, of the field. 7 says your God. The grass withers and the flowers fall, 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, because the breath of the Lord blows on
and proclaim to her them. that her hard service has been completed, Surely the people are grass. 8 that her sin has been paid for, The grass withers and the flowers fall, that she has received from the Lord’s hand but the word of our God endures forever.” double for all her sins. 9 You who bring good news to Zion, 3 A voice of one calling: go up on a high mountain. “In the wilderness prepare You who bring good news to Jerusalem,[c] [a] the way for the Lord ; lift up your voice with a shout, make straight in the desert lift it up, do not be afraid; [b] a highway for our God. say to the towns of Judah, 4 Every valley shall be raised up, “Here is your God!” 10 every mountain and hill made low; See, the Sovereign Lord comes with the rough ground shall become level, power,
the rugged places a plain. and he rules with a mighty arm. 5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, See, his reward is with him,
and all people will see it together. and his recompense accompanies him. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: 6 A voice says, “Cry out.” He gathers the lambs in his arms
And I said, “What shall I cry?” and carries them close to his heart;
“All people are like grass, he gently leads those that have young.
and all their faithfulness is like the flowers
Insight: This scripture speaks of us working together as a people to “make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.” As a community we are to prepare a clear path, so others may know that God is coming.
God does not need our help to make a path. He could use his divine power to instantly make a street to walk down to be among humanity. God COULD force his way into making someone believe in Him. But that would not be a choice then would it?
Instead, he lets us join in. God wants you to be on His Team. We get to say, “God wants me to help. He picked me in spite of all my faults, to share in the Joy of a restored, healthy relationship with Him.” God designed each and every one of us (yes, even when we feel lousy) to do good work. Sometimes that good work is praying on behalf of others, physically helping others through service or acts of kindness. By doing this to glorify God (instead of ourselves), we make Him proud.
When we make this path through our daily lives, others notice. It is God that does the changing of hearts, when people are ready to receive Him. We just get to say we are on His Team and get to join in sharing the Good News of introducing God to others. They get to choose for themselves. Just as we got to choose to be on His Team.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for choosing us for Your Team. Be glorified in all we do and help us introduce others to Your perfect love. In Christ’s name we pray, amen.
Morgan Ely
Third Week of Advent Friday, December 18, 2020
Scripture: John 9:1-7 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud and said to him, “Go wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.
Insight: This passage has such a powerful meaning that I am sure can relate to all of us in one way or another. For me I can relate it to being a mother raising children. As a mother you want your children to grow up perfect without suffering or any difficulty. When I learned that my child had a learning disability known as “Dyslexia” and that my child would struggle throughout the majority of the school years I was very sad. To most this might not seem to be a big deal but to anyone raising a child with dyslexia they understand how difficult and emotional it can be.
So you start wondering why, did I do something wrong, did I not take enough vitamins, who else has it in the family? Just as Jesus said, “It was not that this man sinned or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” As the years passed so did many nights of arguments, tears, inspirational conversations, and learned patience. Now that my child is older and has developed techniques throughout the years, it is truly amazing to see how creative and brilliant my child really is, so much that the teachers have recommend my child for the gifted and talented program.
We must be patient and just enjoy the work of God that is revealed within time. Jesus is sent by his father to show a sign that he is the light of the world and in just one quick day with no special formula but just mud and salvia he can perform a miracle and make a blind man see. Just like this blind man who was so faithful and obedient who went all the way to the pool of Siloam, which means sent, to heal his blindness, we also need to be obedient and faithful. Great things can come from God to any one of us. So whatever you are going through, major or minor, be patient, obedient, faithful and let God lead you through it, you may be pleasantly surprised from the outcome.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for all you do for us. Please let us remember that you are the light of the world, that you can perform miracles out of dust. Let us remember to always follow you, to be faithful and obedient and never lose sight of the light of the world. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Nadia De Los Reyes
Third Week of Advent Saturday, December 19, 2020
Scripture: Luke 3:1-6 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanius tetrarch of Abilene, in the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness;, and he went into all the region about the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth: and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
Insight: Last year I got to visit the Judean wilderness and some of the area along the Jordan River as part of our trip to Israel. That area is quite barren and rocky, almost desert-like in places. Much of it appears to be a hostile place to live. And yet John the Baptist did live much of his life there, living off the land, “eating locusts and wild honey” (Mt 3:4). And yet people came out all the way from Jerusalem and other parts of Judea to hear John and be baptized. He was calling them to repent and prepare the way of the Lord. He was giving a preview of the good news that the salvation of God was coming.
Similarly we are being called to repent and prepare the way of the Lord as we travel along our path to the manger this year. In many ways we live in a hostile wilderness. Our wilderness includes the influence of a secular world, ongoing pandemic, economic challenges, social injustice and unrest, political polarization, and the endless distractions of electronic media. Yet God calls us to focus on the coming of Jesus, which brings us the good news of love and salvation. He is indeed a voice crying out through the wilderness to each of us.
Prayer: Lord, help us to lay aside our worries and distractions for a few moments each day to focus on you and to appreciate the love you have shown us in sending Jesus to provide the means of salvation. Let us know you are with us as we make our way through the wilderness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
Bob Wolfram
Fourth Week of Advent Sunday, December 20, 2020
Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked, Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.
The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together, and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.
Insight: This scripture passage is titled “The Peaceful Kingdom” in my Bible, and it perfectly describes the beautiful pictures these words paint! The image of the lion laying down with the lamb is a popular one on Christmas cards, and reflects a hoped for peace.
2020 has been a tough year in so many ways, and the lack of peace in our lives from sickness, fear, unrest, poverty, and just the disruption of our normal routine has worn us out. These words give us hope, however, and not just for the glorious future when our Lord returns, but for today, if we look for it. We see it when a protester steps forward to pray with the police, teachers visiting students at their homes, healthcare workers and custodians and truckers and grocery store employees and so many more who have continued to serve every day. We see it in the chalk on the driveways and hearts in the windows and the smiles of those we meet. Signs of peace are everywhere! We just need to look for them and share them to spread God’s perfect love.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for these words of hope during these turbulent times. Help us look for your love in those around us and reflect it back on all we meet. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Kathleen Walstead
Fourth Week of Advent Monday, December 21, 2020
Scripture: Zephaniah 3:14-17 Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your judgments, He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; You shall see disaster no more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak. 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.”
Insight: Recently, I have had time to increase my casual reading for self-improvement and general knowledge. One of the books I am reading is called "Limitless" by Jim Kwik. One of the author's main points is that we self-limit when we can achieve by negative self-talk (I am not good enough; I can't do this; I am not smart enough; I have a poor memory, etc.) He says that this starts with our childhood and our parents putting us into "boxes" - "he is my artist," "she is my athlete" "Steve is my smart one" ...
This caused me to think - have I done this to my daughter, Ashlyn? I believe that some things have already been passed on to her - one thing for sure from me - and that is being hard on myself and my own negative self-talk. I need to change this but wasn't sure how.
Tying this back in to Zephaniah - the main point here is that God loves us as we are - we don't need to become a perfect people or change ourselves to gain his love. As it says in the last line, " He will quiet you with his love". My takeaway is that if I want to improve myself and remove my limits - and the easiest thing that I can do to this end is to accept who I am and realize God loves me regardless.
Prayer: In these challenging times and in this season of Advent, we remember that You love us God, no matter what, and we rejoice in this fact. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Jim Malachowski
Fourth Week of Advent Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” – which means, “God with us.” When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Insight: I love this time of year. I always think of music when I think of Christmas. We have so many beautiful Christmas carols and hymns that have to do with the Christ Child being born. Singing in church, listening to the bells play, hearing the songs on the radio or in the mall brings such warmth in my heart and in my spirit. It’s during this time of the year that you feel Reborn while listening to the words of these wonderful songs that people have written. This scripture reminds me of one of my favorites – O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Emmanuel in Hebrew is Immanuel, which is how it’s written in this scripture reading. Immanuel appears in the Book of Isaiah more as a sign of God’s protection than an actual person. Here in Matthew it refers specifically to Jesus Christ, the Christ Child to be born. As we continue through this Christmas season, when we hear those beautiful carols about the birth of the Christ Child let us stop and listen to the words and remember the miracle of Christmas and what it’s all about.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, this season is all about you. Be with us, Immanuel, and help us always joyfully sing of your love. Amen.
Mary Cooper
Fourth Week of Advent Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Scripture: Luke 2:8-20 “In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So, they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”
Insight: Have you heard of The Shepherds’ Field Chapel, a Franciscan Custody outside of Bethlehem? I was blessed in October 2019 to visit this chapel while on the Holy Land Pilgrimage with Fair Haven and Mercy Street worship community members. It is shaped like a field tent the shepherds might have used. As I wandered around the chapel, I was awestruck by three fresco paintings in the chapel depicting the angel’s announcement to the shepherds, the shepherds paying homage to Jesus and the shepherds celebrating the birth of the Messiah. As I gazed on the fresco of the angel’s announcement to the shepherds, someone in the chapel began to sing as others joined in to fill the room with this joyful hymn: The First Noel, the Angels did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay In fields where they lay keeping their sheep On a cold winter's night that was so deep Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel! Just think, this event was a joyful time of anticipation when the angels announced the extraordinary news of the Messiah’s birth to ordinary people -- the shepherds as they tended to their flocks. On this night of peace and quiet for the shepherds, a reflective time after a long day of work, God chose to send the angel to have their full attention. The test of the shepherds’ faith was their immediate obedience as they rushed off leaving their fields to travel to Bethlehem a little over two miles away at night to see the Messiah. Having seen baby Jesus, the shepherds’ hearts were overflowing with excitement and joy. They had to share this news with their friends as they returned to their fields singing praises to God. What faith these shepherds demonstrated for us! Although this happened over 2,000 years ago, I found this chapel still reflected the joy, beauty, and simplicity of that special night. Here we all stood, shepherds to spread the news, singing, and celebrating. As the shepherds spread the news of the Messiah’s birth, we too can spread the joy of Christmas announcing to the world the Good News.
Prayer: Our Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share the words of the angels and the gladness of the shepherds and peace of the Christ Child. May our spirit be like the shepherds and spread the Christmas Joy of Good News to all people! Amen. - Lynn Luton
Fourth Week of Advent Thursday, December 24, 2020
Scripture: Matthew 4:14-16 …So that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.
Insight: I remember visiting friends whose home was around 10 miles from the nearest town. With the lights off in the guest room, I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face. I woke up in the wee hours the first night of my visit. I couldn’t tell whether my eyes were open or not. And if they were, then I must have gone blind.
I struggled out of bed and groped my way around the room, knocking things over and stubbing my toes numerous times until I finally located the light switch. What blissful relief to discover I was not blind, to see my overnight bag sitting comfortably on a chair, to notice the light blue curtains at the window. I left the light on and crawled back into bed. Even now, anytime I travel, I always take along a night light, just in case.
Jesus is that beautiful middle-of-the-night blazing light that lets us see clearly where we are and where we’re headed. He’s the light that guides us past obstacles. He shines on our acts of faithfulness and unfaithfulness with equal intensity. Seeking his light may lead us out of our safe places. Finding it provides the safest place we can ever know — his redeeming love.
Prayer: Jesus, light of the world, shine into all our dark corners. Let us reflect that love- light into this world of deep and ever-shifting shadows. On this holy night, with humble and thankful hearts, we kneel beside your rough little bed. AMEN
Lisa Johnson
Christmas Day Friday, December 25, 2020
Scripture: Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Insight: The Prince of Peace has arrived! Granted, his cradle is a little rough around the edges. The city where he is born is so packed with taxpayers that the inn has no vacancies — except out in the stable. And the people of his heritage are under intense persecution by conquering rulers.
Back home in Nazareth, it will be less chaotic. But the family will not make it back to Nazareth until the infant is a toddler. A king will seek to destroy the child prince, so Joseph will take Mary and the baby and emigrate to Egypt. What they will find there, Joseph has no idea. But there will be no king seeking his son’s life.
With the arrival of this Prince of Peace, will the oppressors abruptly come to their senses? Will Jesus and his teachings be welcomed by a weary world? Will his coming rid all people of greed, intolerance and selfishness? No, no and no.
This Prince of Peace will conquer sin and death. The “peacemaking” he will assign to ... you.
Think differently. Speak differently. Love, forgive, reconcile, heal. Be a peacemaker, here, now, in his name — and be blessed.
Prayer: Jesus, God With Us, Prince of Peace, we open our hearts on this Christmas Day. We offer love not only to you, but to our neighbor, to the stranger — even, Lord Jesus, to our enemies. Give us courage and boldness to be peacemakers. AMEN.
Lisa Johnson