Community Presbyterian Church

2020 “Songs of Christmas” Advent Devotional Greetings in the name of the Lord, our God! What you have in your hands is the work of many. It is a joy offering for this season called Advent, a season of waiting. You will find memo- ries, songs, inspiration and God’s word in these pages. We pray you find in the midst of this crazy year that the God Who created the whole universe loves you dearly. He loved you so much that He sent His One and Only Son to be the One perfect sacrifice for our sins. You can never go too far for God to find you and redeem you and adopt you into His family. So, in the middle of this busy and crazy season, take a moment to pause and read daily of God’s amazing love and maybe find yourself singing a few familiar “Songs of Christmas.”

In the joy of the Lord, Pastor Kimberly December 1, 2020

Away in a Manger

“She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.“ Luke 2:7

When I was a child, I can remember a group of about 6-8 neigh- borhood friends sitting around my neighbors Christmas tree singing Christmas carols. Away in the Manger was my favorite, so when it was my turn to pick the song I would choose Away in A Manger.

In PEP School, I love to introduce the Nativity Story with a song called Tip Toe sung to the tune of a Tisket a Tasket.

Tip toe, tip toe, don’t wake the baby

The Little baby Jesus, sleeping on the hay

Tip Toe, Tip Toe, Come and see the baby

The little baby Jesus, born on Christmas day.

Such a simple and fun song for 3 & 4 year olds, it invites them to the story. As we sing the song I usually have the stable with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus to show them. We have three Nativity sets for the children to play with. I love that they can engage in this story over and over again. Often the Baby Jesus disappears from the stable as the children are reluctant to leave Him behind as they go play in another area, taking Jesus with them where ever they go.

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, I give thanks and praise to you for placing these songs on my heart and giving me the opportunity to share Your Story with children. Amen

Submitted by Renee Inman December 2, 2020

O Come O Come, Emmanuel

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, God with us” Matthew 1:23

My eldest son’s middle name is Emmanuel. I wanted him to know from the moment of his birth God is with him. His name has been a con- stant source of comfort to me through the years. God is with him, with us, with Me. The lyrics in O Come O Come, Emmanuel are not the most festive and upbeat of Christmas car- ols. Referencing mourning, being In “lonely exile” and the “depths of hell”, this hymn is a desper- ate plea to our Savior to “Turn our darkness into light.” Unfortunately my year of 2020 is reflected in the verses and in my prayers for God to rescue us and bring us comfort.

Prayer: We rejoice and thank you God that Emmanuel was born and you are with us. Amen

Submitted by Debbie Kennedy

December 3, 2020

O Holy Night

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salva- tion. Psalm 13:5 O Holy Night O holy night, the stars are brightly shining It is the night of our dear Savior's birth Long lay the world, in sin and error pining 'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn Fall on your knees O hear the angels' voices O night divine, O night when Christ was born O night divine O night, O night divine Ooh, yes it was, O night divine Yeah, that is that night of our dear Savior's birth. Prayer: O Holy is the night May each night remind us to fall on our knees in thankfulness. To thank You for being a place of refuge in our storms of life. Loss of jobs , COVID illness and deaths, quarantine in this pandemic, changes in our Nation, we are reminded your arms are underneath us. We know in You - the promise of hope in a weary world. We claim your promise for a “new and glorious morning”

O Holy Night - to hear the Angels’ Voices Amen

Submitted by Steve and Janet Walker December 4, 2020

Joy to the World!

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11

The Lord has come! He came to fill us with His promise of eternal life and to free us from our sins once and for all. What wonderful gifts of love, peace, hope and joy our Lord has given us yet we often think we can handle things without His help. Seeking His will first is the only way to feel the joy of His Spirit living in us.

How is your joy? Do you thank God daily for your life and His Spirit or are you too busy to look for all the joy He gives you? To fully ex- perience joy in our lives, we must seek Him first. It is amazing to feel His love as you meet with Him daily. Even when you are experi- encing difficult circumstances, God is there helping you to see His joy in your life.

Celebrate the joy of the birth of Jesus, our Savior! Bake Him a cake and sing happy birthday to Him – feel the joy!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for giving us your son, Jesus. It is a priceless gift of love and joy that only you can give. May His love and joy be present in us in all that we do and remind us to always seek your joy in our lives. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen

Submitted by the Kinlow’s December 5, 2020

Hark The Herald Angels Sing

Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents* Luke 15:10

This song always harbors so many memories for me of when I was a child. I have always been involved in the church and partici- pated in the Christmas Shows from as soon as I could sing until I was in about fifth grade. The excitement levels were always high through all the practices, getting to hang out with friends, mak- ing the costumes, and being with everyone knowing that so many people are going to come and watch, and possibly learn the story of Christmas for the first time. My favorite memory, though, was being a roller-skating angel with some of my best friends. We were dressed in white glittery robes and roller skates and were told to just skate around the stage and let the light hit us. Not many people can say that they have been a roller skating angel in front of hundreds of people while singing “Hark The Herald Angels Sing”. The verse above always reminds me of it because whenever I hear that someone has chosen to come to Christ or is beginning to be curious of their journey, I imagine the angels celebrating in Heaven on their roller skates.

Prayer;: Hey God, thank you for all that you have done for me and all the opportunities you have given me. I am so grateful for the relationship I have with you now, that I have had, and will have in the future. I pray today that you gift me the memory of just how precious I am to you, how much I matter, and how happy you and your angels are that I am a part of your heavenly family. Lord, I also pray today that someone new may find or revive their faith and that they can sense the celebration happening for them. Amen.

Submitted by Emma Monroe December 6, 2020

The Holly and the Ivy

“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” Isaiah 1:18

My childhood experiences during Christmastime elicit countless fond memories that seem to fall into two broad, contrasting categories. There are the many memories of frenzied excitement and jubilation associated with the holiday season but there also memories of a very different sort and involving quiet reverent moments. Perhaps more than any other song, “The Holly and the Ivy” pulls me back into the memories of those profound occasions of quiet solitude that seemed to settle upon me suddenly, like gently falling snow settles upon the ground. Moments where all noise and thought and worry and want would drift away and where I would linger transfixed, enveloped, and filled with a calming, warming peace.

The lyrics, melody, and choral arrangement of this song seem to evoke imagery of contrasts that gently beckons one into a reverent, meditative state. The holly bears a blossom, a blos- som white as lily. The holly bears a berry, a berry red as blood. Isaiah 53:5 says, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” In a common choral arrangement for this song, a single clear voice sings a melody that pierces through a still silence leading to a rising chorus overflowing with adoration. Envision a ray of light, piercing through the dark- ness…. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1

Reflect on the Scriptures above and linger in awe and wonder over the contrasts that come to mind between ourselves, our world, and God’s perfect nature….Of the darkness of our world and His light that cuts through it….Of our brokenness and His completeness…Of our sin and His purity….of the scorn we show Him and the blood He shed on our behalf…Of what we de- serve and what He took on.

Prayer- Father in heaven, thank you for showing us the way, the truth, and the life. I ask that you reveal to me now, the fullness of my sinful heart, the thoughts and actions which have and continue to betray you, and the ways in which I have and even now still wound the only one who has ever shown me perfect love. God, let me truly see my brokenness so that I may turn my eyes to Jesus and let my heart be overwhelmed with gratitude and joy! Let me behold Him, let me embrace Him, and let me rest fully in arms my loving and perfect Savior, Jesus Christ. In His beautiful name I pray- Amen

Submitted by Brendan Kavanaugh December 7, 2020

Mary Did You Know?

“And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38) This was Mary’s response to God’s Big Ask! Hey, Mary, how about you have my baby, risk being shamed and shunned by your fiancé and the whole town, and take on the burdens that will invariably go along with the job of being Mom of the Lord and Savior? Mary said “Yes.” Mary said “Whatever you need, God, I am here for you, whatever it takes.” Could I do that? I’ve never been tested to this extent, so I have no idea! I know I would like to have this much faith, know what the Lord is asking of me, and then do it. Because of Mary’s ironclad faith, we have been saved. Our sins have been forgiven! Mary, did you know how amazing your son would be? I think she had to! She knew he was from God, and he was God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of Jesus! Your plans might seem fantastic, uncomfortable, even scary! Please help me to see how I can fulfill your plans for me, and help me be faithful enough to follow through, like Mary did for the salvation of the rest of us. Amen!

Submitted by Nancy Sanchez December 8, 2020

Joy to the World

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love en- dures forever.” Psalms 118:29 NIV

In the song you sing, “ joy to the world” To me this means that God wants us to always be grateful and happy. Remember, God made the earth, and he wants us to be happy on it. Another thing that the song says is that “heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing” This is also a good line. It’s pretty much saying that every- one is adoring him for his amazing love. In a lot of songs it actually kind of says that; That heaven goes wild for Jesus and so should all the earth!

Prayer: God thank you for this amazing, awesome day. Lord we ask that you keep helping us make disciples of you every day! God we ask you bless everyone in this room. Thank you again for this awesome day. In your glori- ous and holly name we pray, Amen.

Submitted by Olivia Loomis December 9, 2020

Light a Candle by Avalon

The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one

of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Matthew 24:50

If 2020 has shown us one thing it is that we live in a world of darkness. It has been overwhelming for so many, even those who are the light. Jesus taught us that we are the “light” and he calls us to “…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:16) Paul also reminds us to “Live as children of light” (Eph. 5:8) doing good deeds.

But how are we to live as light while social distancing, quarantin- ing and wearing masks? Praise Jesus that we have a living, lov- ing and creative God who will inspire us with new ideas and vision. Maybe our time stuck inside would be a great opportunity to make small gifts & cards to drop off at a neighbor or stranger’s door. The classic “pay for the car behind you” is always appreciated. With technology we can call and Skype everyone our Christmas card list. Decorate a paper shopping bag, fill it with wipes, good- ies and toilet paper (who would’ve thought ) and leave it on someone’s doorstep. Go Christmas caroling. Pray.

May we, with the light of Jesus shining through us make the advent of 2020 a celebration of our God given creativity, our Holy Spirit inspired problem solving and our brilliant sharing of the light and love of Jesus to all.

Submitted by Debi Schrader December 10, 2020

O'COME O'COME EMMANUEL

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel --"Which means God with us." Isaiah 76:14 NIV

In November 1972, with a six month old daughter, my husband Gary and I moved from Modesto to Vacaville. I was born and raised in Modesto and Gary had moved there as a small child. We left our families and life-long friends. A new job awaited Gary so we sold our home and moved on. It was the hardest, loneliest, saddest time of my life. The holidays were quickly upon us. We had rented a house and most of our belongings were in storage. Thanksgiving and Christmas were fast ap- proaching. We both got sick with the flu so we couldn't travel to be with our fami- lies and they decided it was best to not make the drive to spend Christmas with us. On Christmas Eve we went out in the pouring rain and searched for a Christ- mas tree. We had worked on an ornament project for weeks and had painted wooden Christmas ornaments to mark our first Christmas as parents in this new place we hoped to someday call home.

We made it through that first Christmas here. God was with us and strengthened us and it got better. We made a few friends and Gary's job went well. In 1973 we celebrated the birth of our second daughter and we moved into our own home. We were close to CPC and PEP School and we found a place for our family to grow in God's love and grace and our lives changed and we were blessed beyond measure.

Those simple hand painted wooden ornaments adorn our Christmas tree every year. They are a reminder that God is with us. He was then and will forever be. Thanks be to God!

My prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus, to be with us all through our lives. Thank you that we can look back, remember and see His love for us. Never let us forget how He has carried us through the difficult, lonely and sad times. Let us always be grateful for the amazing Christmas gift from above. Amen

Submitted by Gayle Crawford

December 11, 2020

Away In A Manger

Luke 2:11-12 "Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."

In introducing the savior of the world, God could have had Jesus born in a very spectacular way with great pomp and circumstance. But in his wisdom, I think God knew that more people could relate to Jesus as savior if he had humble beginnings. That way we can know and believe that Jesus understands what we all go through in our daily lives.

Jesus was born in a manger, a very simple structure that farm animals eat from. He was born to simple parents; he learned a trade and grew up without fancy trimmings. As a result we know that Jesus understands what it means to be human; he's not some far off and remote deity.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, remember that the birth of Jesus is so much more than a good story. It is a historical event that fulfilled a promise that God made many years earlier. The news of Jesus birth brought great joy to the people back then and is just as good news for us today. Submitted by Jim Beckett December 12, 2020

Angels We Have Heard on High/ Go Tell It On The Mountain

LUKE 2: 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terri- fied. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Just Imagine… You’ve had a busy day with good things, challenging things, things to pon- der, and now it’s time to grab a warm blanket, maybe hot chocolate, and sit around a campfire in a comfortable chair. You lean back, reviewing the day and you look up at the glorious night sky. You see the constellations, maybe even a shooting star, and then…it happens!!!! Out of the darkness shines a star…a light… like no other…it fills the darkness and becomes like day… you, like the shepherds in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night, are experiencing a Holy Light! Can you just imagine! And then, you hear the Angel say…”Fear not, for I bring you good tidings of great joy, for unto you a Savior is born which IS Christ the Lord! At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. As the angel choir withdrew into heaven…” What is happening... a glorious moment…a moment like no other… over- whelming, And then… you realize, this is Good news above all good news! This IS the gift above all gifts! A Light shining in the darkness! A Savior, the light of the world, is come… Jesus, the Christ, is born!

Lord, we can just imagine…Your holy light, your Good News of Great Joy. What a glorious time! May Your light shine through us. May we go, and tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere…by thought word, and deed, that incredible joyous news that Jesus Christ IS born! In His glorious name I pray, Amen Submitted by Ethel Hoskins December 13, 2020

How Should a King Come

…Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’” Matthew 2:1-2 Everyone knows that kings are found in palaces and that’s where the wise men went looking for Jesus. Joseph didn’t stop in Jerusalem for Jesus’ birth, he went to the tiny vil- lage of Bethlehem and tried to get a room in the village inn but ended up in a stable instead. Jesus was born in a barn. But heaven couldn’t contain the excitement and although there were no trumpets and bells to announce his arrival there were angels. They angels broke open the dark skies with their terrifying brilliance and sang songs of rejoicing – “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 1:14. Today, in the darkest days of the year we celebrate this King of Kings coming to bring light, love, peace and joy to our world. May we be like the angels and shout out our praise to our Father in heaven.

Submitted by Debi Schrader December 14, 2020

O Holy Night

“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were sore afraid.” Luke 2:9 This is one of my and one of my parent’s favorite Christmas songs. I was blessed at being the instrument of God’s voice on many occasions. My father most loved it when I would sing the song from the back of the church and all of the lights would go out – he would close his eyes and listen to the voice as it cut through the dark- ness like the light of the star. “O Holy Night! The Stars are brightly shining; it is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.”

There is so much power and truth with this song. Although it was written in France in 1843, the words are still relevant today. I deal with crimes, scams, greedy people and vulnerable people every day. Many of us also tend to think we are the center and everything revolves around us. Well, I think 2020 is giving us a wakeup call to “Fall – Fall on your knees! Oh hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born.”

I used to love leading the songs of Worship. But that changed with the Transfor- mation and my mother’s illness. God knew that my plate was way too full and He put me where I needed to be. Although this was and still is painful for me, I had the extra time that I needed to be with my mom until she passed and then take care of her house and estate. “He knows our need, to our weakness no stranger. Behold your King! Before the lowly bend! Behold your King! Your King! Before Him bend!”

With the riots that erupted from the demonstrations this year leads me to this verse – “Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His Gospel is Peace. Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, and in His name all op- pression shall cease.” May you listen to the song this year with a renewed under- standing.

Prayer: I fall on my knees, dear Lord, or as close to it as I am physically able. Help me open my heart and mind so that I may hear the proclamation of the angels throughout the ages. Remind me that although you came as a babe, you are the King of kings...for that, I humbly bend…but also know that you are my friend. Help me to spread the good news and love all those you have created for we are all brothers and sisters. I FALL…I bend….I love….I pray. Amen!

Submitted by: Keri Jean Mahaffey-Gignoux December 15, 2020

Mary Did You KNow

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly

favored! The Lord is with you” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greet- ing this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. Luke 1:28-31 As I read these words from Luke, I am awe struck at the antici- pation and wonder that must have come over this young girl. She was not married, and had not had relations with any man, yet the angel said she would give birth from the Holy Spirit. By faith, she overcame her fear and gave her full devotion to becoming her Lord’s servant and bring the Son of God into the world to be its savior. The words of the song speak so well to the results of her obedience and how it would bring salvation to mankind. Although she was a simple peasant girl, she would become God’s vehicle to bring the love and compassion He had for His people to a place where all sin could be wiped out. On His shoulders, he would carry the weight of the world and relieve man from the punishment he so deserved.

I cannot escape the depth of gratitude I feel for His mercy and grace, given freely even though I do not deserve it. It is powerful- ly humbling and drives me to my knees in prayer and thanksgiving. I hope you too will feel the power of His love and watch for opportu- nities to be His hands and feet here on earth until He returns. Let us share the “Good News”! May we all celebrate this season where we draw close to Mary and her son Jesus that we too will become God’s vehicle to extend the Gospel to our world, beginning here in our community and spreading everywhere.

Submitted by Bill Seiden December 16, 2020

Silent Night

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.” ‘Matthew 1: 22-23

Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child! Holy infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace! Sleep in heavenly peace!

Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight! Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ the Saviour is born! Christ the Saviour is born!

Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love's pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth! Jesus, Lord, at thy birth! This beautiful story has brought much clarity to me. I have always loved this carol as it fills me with both a calm and renewed hope. I believe that God touched this village and these men some 200 years ago as they brought these simple words and music to life about the most miraculous birth. A miracle that we all can share in as we approach the Christmas season. God intends for each and every one of us to share in the life and salvation of Jesus Christ. God touched the lives of both Fa- ther Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber. This led to a hope-filled Christmas carol through their shared gifts, first with their small Austrian village and now over the course of 200 years, with the world. How might God touch your life to share your gifts, even the small ones, with one another? “Be faithful in little things, for in them your strength lies.” Mother Teresa Prayer: “Dear Heavenly Father, you have given us the gift of your most precious son Jesus Christ. Help us to see the wonder of this gift of His life within our lives each and every day that we breathe upon this earth. We are blessed beyond meas- ure by your love and grace and by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for this abundance all around us and for all of our prayers asked through Jesus Christ, Amen.” Submitted by Kathy Reid

December 17, 2020

Go Tell It On The Mountain

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7

Go tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go tell it on the mountain Our Jesus Christ is born When I was a seeker I sought both night and day I asked the Lord to help me And he showed me the way Go tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go tell it on the mountain Our Jesus Christ is born He made me a watchman Upon a city wall And if I am a Christian I am the least of all Go tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go tell it on the mountain Our Jesus Christ is born

Such Joy there must have been going and telling to all the world that Jesus Christ is born. When I sing this song my heart is filled with the joy of sharing the Gospel at the top of my lungs as if I were on a mountain top I rejoice.

Prayer: Dear Lord thank you for making me your watchman to share the Good News on the mountains, hills and everywhere. Amen

Submitted by Diane Henderson December 18, 2020

What Child is This

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. ö The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. Luke2:16 & 20 (NLT)

“What Child Is This?” has long been a favorite Christmas carol for me and was even more special after hearing a version by Rob- erta Flack round about 1990. She gave an even more soulful sound to the lyrics that seem like they are conversation that the author is hav- ing inside their head and then seeking the answers to the posed ques- tions in the heart of the Christmas story in Scripture.

In researching a bit of the history on its origins, I discovered that the author is William Chatterton Dix, who worked in insurance by trade but also was a hymn and carol writer. He wrote the words to this particular song during very difficult time in his life, after he was struck down by a near fatal illness that left him bedridden for a time but it also sparked a spiritual renewal within him. This carol began as a poem and later was set to the familiar tune of Greensleeves.

But for me is the back and forth— almost like an internal wrestling match—that draws me in. In the first verse is the question, “What child is this…?” answered by “This, this is Christ the King”. The story of salvation is laid out through the song as well as highlighting the truly most humble way a KING—OUR KING—came to earth to save us. It details the instructions of how we should respond to our Savior—coming to him with HASTE, HAIL Him as the word in flesh, and celebrate with JOY.

Father, thank you for the gift of your Son. Thank you for showing us what true humility looks like and thank you for our salvation, through a Babe, the son of Mary. Amen.

Submitted by Becki Fulton

December 19, 2020

Trans-Siberian Orchestra- Christmas Canon

One of my many favorite Christmas songs is Trans-Siberian Orchestra- Christmas Canon.

"The joy that He brings..." "This night we pray our lives will show this dream he had each child still knows"

As a young girl I dreamt of walking down the isle to Pacabel Canon D. The vision of a bride walking toward her groom, love and joy per- meating the room. Just the start of the song still makes me gid- dy, as does the treasured memories of the day I said, "I Do.". And, my memories hold nothing compared to the love and joy the Christ- mas Child brings to this world!

Romans 15:13 states, "May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and PEACE as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit." 2020 has been a year of epic challenges with signs that seem to parallel the end of times. It is our prayer that each and every day, our lives will re- flect His love and peace in the midst of every storm. That we may OVERFLOW with the hope only He brings through the Holy Spir- it. And, that every child, young and old, may know in their hearts this truth, and experience the same, inexpressible joy and love and hope found in Him. It makes me giddy just thinking about it…

Submitted by Amber Sparks

December 20, 2020

We Are The Reason by Avalon

“…for this very reason I came to this hour.” John 12:27b Most of us have at least one special Christmas memory from our childhood. That one amazing present that Santa or our parents left under the tree. Mine was a new bike and I didn’t think I’d ever be happier or get a better gift. Boy was I wrong! I’ve been blessed with so many off the hook amazing Christmas surprises but as I look back over the years I real- ize that the greatest gift I ever received was Christmas, or Christ himself. Jesus - never breaks, goes out of style, is too small or too large, gets lost…He never disappoints! Many years after Mary laid the baby Jesus in a manger Jesus knelt in the garden of Gethsemane and prayed for the Father in heaven to give him strength to suffer the horrors of the cross. Jesus knew that he had to suffer and die for us. He knew that his death would be terrible but he did it anyway. He loved us that much! He suffered, died and rose from the grave so that we could be in a relationship with him. What an amazing gift! The best gift we have ever received is the gift of eternal life and a life of fellowship with God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. Submitted by Debi Schrader

December 21, 2020

How Many Kings by downhere

John 3:16 NIV 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. The refrain of this song goes like this: How many kings step down from their thrones? How many lords have abandoned their homes? How many greats have become the least for me? And how many gods have poured out their hearts To romance a world that is torn all apart? How many fathers gave up their sons for me? Only one did that for me

Devotion: I love the refrain of this song; it speaks to my heart of a love put into action. It speaks to Christ's glory and the perfect love that both He and the Father have for us. A love that would compel Je- sus to be sent and make such a sacrifice for us. I also love that it points us to Easter, which is after all, the reason we celebrate Christmas. It's like the beginning and end (not really) of a sto- ry.....and we are left to write the middle ...... how then, will we put our love for him into action? I fall short everyday, thankfully, there is grace!

Prayer: Father, this Christmas season and throughout the year, fill our hearts with your love that we would be moved to action. Submitted by Pat Morris December 22, 2020

Do You Hear What I Hear

“Give ear and come to me that you and your soul may live….” Isaiah 55:3 A boy a shepherd boy tending his flock on a cold dark ordinary night, looking up in the sky sees a star so brilliant it seems as big as a kite. Suddenly ringing through the sky a heavenly chorus of angels proclaim- ing the birth of our Savior. Glory to God in the high- est and peace on earth. He came not in a regal man- ner, but in a most humble way. Born to a virgin and laid in a manger. The Shepherd followed the star as did others who wanted to honor him with gifts of silver and gold. He will bring us goodness and light. Lord God you gave us the greatest gift, the gift of salvation. During this wonderful season let us hear, see and worship the child who become our King. Share the good news everywhere.

Submitted by Beth Armstrong December 23, 2020

Don’t Save It All For Christmas by Avalon

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:11

Christmas is a favorite time of year and also a stressful one. Shopping this year with Covid-19 can be especially chal- lenging but Good News! The best gifts are the ones we don’t shop for, they are the small gifts of love we share with one another. The gift of time for someone who just needs to hear your voice. The gift of forgiveness not only blesses the receiver but the giver as well. The gift of en- couragement via a card, call or socially distanced visit can brighten a dark day or bring hope to someone feeling hope- less. The gift of help by raking some leaves, baking a meal or helping with chores while wearing your mask could be priceless. And there are so many more ways to give to oth- ers. Our gifts might just open the door for someone we know to accept that greatest of gifts, the gift of salvation that comes in knowing and accepting Jesus. Now that would be a Christmas gift that would keep on giving forever! Peace and Joy to all!

Submitted By Debi Schrader

December 24, 2020

Welcome to Our World by Chris Rice

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking, How we need to hear from God You've been promised, we've been waiting Welcome Holy Child

This has been a year to remember. One that most would rather forget. Yet, God has been present in all of it. One only has to read the Old Testament to see the great love of God for His children, even as they chose other people and gods over Him. In our Father in heaven is a love so great that He sent His only Son to be the ultimate sacrifice for us. These lyrics could’ve been written before Christ was born, just as it could’ve been written for 2020. And yet the song continues…

Bring Your peace into our violence Bid our hungry souls be filled Word now breaking Heaven's silence Welcome to our world

With the cry of a newborn, Heaven’s silence of over 400 years was broken for good. Long gone were the Samuels, Isaiahs, Jeremiahs, Ezekiels who spoke God’s words to the people. God had been silent. Nothing came from Heaven for 400 years, and in a moment of life born, Heaven descended to this broken world in the most outra- geous of ways…God’s Son as a helpless infant. And yet the song goes on…

Fragile finger sent to heal us Tender brow prepared for thorn Tiny heart whose blood will save us Unto us is born

Word of God, Holy Child, Son of God & Son of Man, Come again into our world. Teach the gift of being humble and obedient to the Father. Remind us of the cost that You paid for us so long ago so that we remember that this day is about You and not the gifts under the tree. You are the ultimate Gift of Life. In Your Name, Amen.

Submitted by Pastor Kimberly

December 25, 2020

This Baby by Steven Curtis Chapman

“And the Child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and

the grace of God was upon Him.” Luke 2:40

There is not much known about the baby that grew into a boy that then grew into a young man who then grew to be come the Man of God that we know as Jesus Christ, the Son of God. There is this one little verse in Luke. This verse covers almost 30 years of life, with one exception. At 11 years of age, Jesus was left behind and found in the temple in Jerusalem. But, that’s it! Almost 30 years that we know nothing about.

Have you ever wondered what He was like as a baby? As a toddler? As a little boy? Scripture calls Him the Son of God and the Son of Man to tell us that He was both, equally. As a baby, He cried when He was hungry. As a toddler, He cried when He fell down as He was learning to walk.

But this baby made the angels sing, And this baby made a new star shine in the sky. This baby had come to change the world. This baby was God's own son, this baby was like no other one. This baby was God with us, this baby was Jesus.

This song reminds us that Jesus grew up. He went through some of the same things that every baby, toddler, child goes through in this life. It is the way that God created us and His One and Only Son.

He cried. He laughed. He slept. He played. He danced. He sang. He fell down and probably skinned His knees. He was fully human and fully God. He was the perfect Redeemer for our salvation and adoption into the kingdom of God.

Adonai, Almighty God, we celebrate this day knowing all that it holds in Your eyes. We rejoice with all believers around the world that Immanuel, God with us, is born this day! Be born again, Lord! In His Name, Amen.

Submitted by Pastor Kimberly www.communitypresbyterian.com 425 Hemlock St., Vacaville, CA 95688