The King of Glory

Tuesday, November 29

Annette Busby

Lift up your heads, you gates.  Lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.  Who is he, this King of glory?  The Lord Almighty – he is the King of glory.  (Psalm 24:9-10)

I remember Christmas as an exciting time, growing up in a small town in western North Carolina. In our small country church, the children would do the reenactment of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, with Mary and Joseph and the Baby Jesus in a manger. The boys were shepherds or the three kings. The girls were angels. We considered being chosen to be Mary or Joseph the most important part in the play.  As I have gotten older, I have learned the reason for this humble entrance of our Savior. I now understand why the angels appeared to shepherds rather than to the elite Jewish leaders.

            In Old Testament times, for someone to enter a city, the gates had to be lifted. When that someone was a king, the gates were raised immediately with no questions.  As we celebrate Jesus’s birth, let us also celebrate who He is - the King of Glory, who will enter the city gates of the new Jerusalem with all those who have believed in Him. Have I opened the gates of my heart to let him in? Have I received him as my Lord Almighty? Will I be ready to praise and worship Him when he comes again as the King of Glory? Or do I still think of him as a baby born in a stable?

Lord, as we celebrate your humble birth, may we also celebrate your birth as the beginning of your plan to come again with all honor and glory; to draw us to You in the new Jerusalem where You will reign as the Most High King of Glory.  Thank you for this everlasting promise. Amen.

Paths

Wednesday, November 30

Sylvia Adcock

Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.  Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.  (Psalm 25:4-5, KJ)

When I think back on my life, it’s been a series of twists and turns -- different paths -- that led me to where I am. It wasn’t always easy, and yes, there are times that perhaps I should have gone a different way. And yet, here I am, with a life I built and that I thank God for. 

            So, when I read the verses of Psalm 25, I noticed that the Psalmist uses the plural – “teach me thy paths,” as opposed to the singular “path.” I don’t know enough about translations from ancient languages to know if this is significant. But in my reading, it might be. We are all choosing differing paths, sometimes changing direction as we go. Sometimes they are well-worn from the footsteps of others and sometimes we are blazing our own trail. For me, my faith journey has been made up of many paths, not all of them direct. They have led me to where I am -- a believer with questions; a questioner who loves the rituals of the church. (There will be communion. We will sing the old hymns. We will say the Lord’s prayer.)

So back to Psalm 25. In its entirety, it is both a cry of pain and an expression of confidence that God is listening. And now I look again at the words. Yes, the word “paths” is plural. But Truth – of course! -- is not. That is surely a comfort. This season of waiting can be difficult. Patience is needed. But whatever our journeys, whatever our questions, there is a singular Truth to guide us. 

 Oh Lord, as we await the coming of the Christ child, help us to be patient with one another. Help us to remember that each of us is on our own journey, and there are many paths that have brought us to this one sacred place. As we await, help us to seek your Truth. Amen.

Great Things

Thursday, December 1

Susan Demaree

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.  And he will be their peace.  (Micah 5:2,4,5)

When I was traveling in Utah and Colorado this fall, I had the wonderful opportunity to go star gazing in Arches National Park.  Far away from the lights of Moab, the Milky Way is spectacular.  Looking up at the stars gives me perspective on being a human on this planet.  Something of a reality check of humility. One tiny person, one of about 8 billion people on the earth.  What difference can one person make?  Well, one person can hand out many Wil-B-Fed bags. One person can share stories in Worship and Wonder to lots of children.  One person can arrive early to unlock the church doors so many may enter.  One person can lead a session at a Christmount retreat to help several people work through the grief of loss. One can impact 10 and 10 can impact 100 and then 100 can impact 1,000.  Your impact is immeasurable! 

            Mother Theresa said, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” 

            I wonder what small thing you might do this Advent season that has a great impact on another?

God of the stars and God of the earth, your word teaches us that from small things come greatness.  Jesus was born in a tiny town; faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains; a few fish and loaves of bread can feed a crowd of 5000.  Remind us over and over that our small gestures of love, carried out and lived out daily, are mighty works in culmination.  May all we do honor your magnificence.   Amen

Preparing

Friday, December 2

Jerry Butt

A voice cries out:  “In the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.  Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.  Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:3-5, NRSV)

“Prepare for the coming of our Lord” exhorts the prophet of Isaiah.  How are you preparing for this Christmas season?

            Are you including daily prayers of thanksgiving for your Lord’s unfailing love as a part of your preparations?

            Are you offering your gift of forgiveness to others and to yourself as a part of your preparations?  Forgoing grudges?  Letting the past be the past?  Loving yourself?

            Does each day include your acts of repentance as a part of your preparations? Genuine sorrow for not doing things you should have done and for doing things you shouldn’t have done?

            Do your preparations include a promise to be in worship with your fellow believers throughout the Advent season?

Come, Lord Jesus.  Be in our hearts as we welcome the Prince of Peace and Saviour of our lives.

Identity

Saturday, December 3

Polly Grimes

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”  And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”  He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”  Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.  (Matthew 16:13-17)

Names are so important.  They identify and quite often describe you.  Names give you place and purpose.  They denote who and what you are.  You are known by your name.  When Jesus asked this question did he wish to know the name by which he was known or did he wish to know the role He had in their lives, the relationship that existed, or what he meant to them?

Even before Jesus was born, He was expected as Emmanuel.  Isaiah foretold of a child to be born and a son to be given and His name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Later Mary and Joseph were visited by Gabriel and told to call their expected son, Jesus.  Even later during his ministry He acquired many names often because of the role He was living.  The blind man called Him Son of David; Simon Peter knew Him as The Christ, the son of the Living God; as John said you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  Disciples, then and now, know Him as Jesus Christ, Living Water, the Great I Am, the Vine, Creator, Our Father who art in Heaven, and others!

            Your circumstances and relationship may alter who you say He is . . . and what He means to you here and now.  Today He is my Loving Savior.  What is your answer?  Who do you say He is?

Savior of the World, we welcome your presence and pray for your love and care.  We long to be worthy of our name Christian, a follower of Christ, in whose name we pray.  Amen.

Peace Demands Justice

Sunday, December 4 – Second Sunday of Advent (Peace Sunday)

Peggy Churn

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. And 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; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth….The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them….for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.  (Isaiah 11: 1-9, NRSV)

            Isaiah 11: 1-9 is one of the best known and loved passages of the Bible. It is a promise of hope and justice. The opening verses in the scripture tell us of God’s promise of a Savior described as having a spirit of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and reverence. We have the promise that his leadership will ultimately lead to a world of true peace, one even “Eden-like,” when the Savior comes.

            This powerful Advent passage is also about justice. It tells that God will bring unstoppable justice into the world. Although we have yet to experience a truly peaceable world, we have hope. Peace cannot come without justice, and justice is in the Savior. We are promised that peace is coming . . . that justice is coming! Justice and peace are promised!

            God’s powerful news should shape our living in the world as a gift from God. It should heighten our yearning of hope. It should shape who we are and how we are to be a part of making peace and justice happen.

Dear God, open our hearts and minds that we may hear your promise of justice. Amen

[By Peggy Churn – May 1, 1935 – February 23, 2022:  Reprinted from the 2017 Hillyer Advent Devotional with permission from her family.]

Christmas Emotions

Monday, December 5

Annie Middelberg

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).  (Matthew 1:22-23, NIV)

In December 2018, I found out I was pregnant. There is something extra magical about going through the season of Advent with this knowledge. All the talk about the promise of new life and birth, all while knowing that my body had made that very same promise. The lights on the tree twinkled a little brighter, the carols resonated a little deeper, and I was filled with joy.

In December 2019, I had a four-month-old with reflux, our dog had just had major knee surgery, and while I didn’t know it at the time, I was deep in the throes of postpartum anxiety. The tree that I usually loved to decorate sat with the box of ornaments next to it as I couldn’t find the energy to put them on. “What’s the point?” I wondered. It seemed odd to me that we celebrated with such joy the arrival of one who, spoiler alert, was coming solely to die for us. I asked my husband if we could just cancel Christmas, as it wasn’t as if our daughter would even know the difference.

Christmas can bring a variety of emotions to everyone. There are some that look forward to the season with giddy excitement. Some dread the extra responsibilities and stress of travel and visiting family. Some deal with their own personal grief and loss, and some find that they view the holiday with a sort of apathetic ambivalence. 

The thing about it is, there’s no right or wrong way to feel about Advent. “God is with us.” There are no conditions attached to that, in the same way that there are no conditions to those forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. It’s not “God is with us in our joy” or “God is with us when we pray.” God is always with us, through the high points and the low spots, in our greatest joys and darkest moments. God is with us in both the jubilation of Advent and the solemnity of Lent. So whatever you’re feeling in this moment, or the moments to come, just remember that you are not alone.

Dear gracious and loving God, help us remember that You are always with us. May your love give us courage in our moments of fear, peace in our moments of anxiousness, comfort in our moments of sadness and affirmation in our times of joy. Help us remember that the joy and promise Advent are there year-round even if we don’t feel it. In your son’s precious and holy name, Amen.

Homeless

Tuesday, December 6

Gary Walling

. . . and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.  (Luke 2.7)

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’   (Luke 9:57-58, NRSV)

            Which is to say, his whole life.  Born in a stable, and then a ministry spent on the road.  For the entirety of his days on this earth, he was homeless. 

            For sure, we are talking in a figurative way.  We don’t know much about his life, but there is agreement among the Gospel writers that he grew up in Nazareth, the son of a carpenter; presumably there was a house there.  And while we are told that he spent nights during his ministry in outdoor settings, he also seemed to be the recipient of much hospitality:  from Lazarus, Martha, and Mary . . . Zacchaeus . . . a pharisee here and there . . . others.  Yes, he was homeless, but mostly we are speaking in a symbolic sense.

            Not to wave off the epidemic of homelessness in our land, but let us not be too literal here.  The Gospels are inviting us to think about the nature of faith which we understand best not as a place but a journey.  We are called to be pilgrims.  Maybe we hear it best from an actual homeless man, Denver Moore, whose story was told in the book and film of the same name, Same Kind of Different As Me.  Mr. Moore says, “The truth about it is, whether we is rich or poor or somethin’ in between, this earth ain't no final restin’ place. So in a way, we is all homeless--just workin’ our way toward home.”

            God has visited this earth through the gift of the Christ-child precisely that our eyes might be lifted – not to reject this world, I think, as to help us understand that it can never completely be home for us.  We have been created for more . . . that our lives might always carry a touch of holiness in them.

O God, let our Advent faith lead us to leave our comfortable lives in a willingness to travel – like Mary and Joseph . . . like the shepherds . . . like the magi.  Help us leave our houses in search of our home.  Amen.

Transformation

Wednesday, December 7

Bonnie Cole

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  (Romans 12:1-2, 21, NIV)

When I read my assigned scripture, I was like, great! An easy one! I mean, what is more conforming to the pattern of the world then operating as if Christmas is all about presents and parties and fun. So, there you go – don’t do that. Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ, searching ourselves for the ways we can become more Christlike and seeking ways to bring the Kingdom to earth which honestly is pretty much the opposite of all the cultural, secular celebrations of Christmas. But, I do think we do a good job here at Hillyer during Advent being more intentional with our daily advent devotional scripture readings, special worship services, Angel Tree and other kinds of outreach. But as I continued to think about this scripture I began to wonder – what do we do on December 26?  As I look around at our culture in this country right now, I honestly despair for the ways we speak to and treat each other. You only have to glance at social media to see the rude ways we respond to people we disagree with – even when those people are our friends. It has become endemic in our society. We certainly no longer live by the words, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” In fact, we seem to chomp at the bit to say plenty of not nice things to those we disagree with. I find it sad and exhausting. So, I am suggesting, do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Be kind even to those with whom you disagree in all your interactions. Overcome evil with good. Every day.

God of grace, we too often excuse our own bad behavior while we condemn others. Help us to remember judgment is yours; peace and joy will be ours when we follow your perfect will. Let us always overcome evil with good for you. Amen.

Christmas Desires

Thursday, December 8

Shelby Phillips

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world, through Him, might be saved.    (John 3:16-17, NKJV)

            In anticipation of the coming of the Christ Child, we are reminded by John of God’s purpose in the birth of Jesus. There is something about the birth of a new baby that touches everyone. So much more exciting is the birth of a baby whose arrival was to change so many lives: “And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7) A baby boy, born over 2000 years ago, still brings joy to us today and will bring joy forever!

            A minister friend of mine, many years ago, remarked that he would never ask anyone what they had received for Christmas, as the gifts would tend to be material, and some much more expensive than others. That is one question we always ask children: “What did Santa Claus bring you?” My question for all of us today is, “What do you want for Christmas?”  We have received the most wonderful gift ever given, and it is still the best gift, every day of our lives. As we await the birth of Jesus this Christmas, may we anticipate the wonderful gift we will be receiving again, and share that gift of love to everyone whom our lives touch.

Father, hear our prayer at Christmas.  Help us share the love you send.

Reaching out across the nations, greet a stranger as a friend.

Thank you for the faith of Christmas and the comfort we have found,

Knowing those who’ve gone before us once again will gather round.

As we share the cards and greetings, candles burning, clear and bright,

Help us reach the lost and lonely, bring them in to love and light.

Thank you for the hope of Christmas, all our doubts and fears dispel.

In our hearts we know the meaning, love is endless, all is well.  (Iris Hesselden)

[By Shelby Phillips – March 21, 1938 – August 18, 2022:  Reprinted from the 2014 Hillyer Advent Devotional with permission from her family.]

Good News

Friday, December 9

Rowena Southern

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in the darkness.  (John 12:46, NIV)

I was so blessed forty-five years ago to visit the Holy Land when our minister, Tom Youngblood, led a group on a tour there. When a traveler in the Holy Land first sees a shepherd and his sheep, it is a never-to-be-forgotten experience. The twenty-third Psalm comes to life! The clothing of the shepherd was essentially as it was in the time of the Old Testament. The lowly shepherds were the first to hear the “good tidings of great joy” – but the shepherd did not stay in the fields with their flocks. They said, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing which has happened which the Lord told us about.” They came with haste and found the Babe - their lives were changed. They spread the word about what they had seen and returned “glorifying and praising God.” This was not just an exciting experience for them – the visit to the manger continued to motivate them.

            The spirit works in our Christmas celebrations too. Each year we celebrate Christ’s birth anew. We decorate, sing Christmas carols praising God, visit shut-ins and help those in need more than any other time of the year. We have beautiful candlelight worship services glorifying God. I still stand in awe as I lift my candle and sing Silent Night on Christmas Eve.

Gracious God, may we, like the shepherds, be motivated to spread the good tidings of Jesus’s love and the salvation he brings. “Glory to God in the highest and Peace on Earth, Good will toward men.”

[By Rowena Southern – January 3, 1918 – July 27, 2020:  Reprinted from the 2014 Hillyer Advent Devotional with permission from her family.]

Touch

Saturday, December 10

David Mallory

And the word became flesh and lived among us.  (John 1:14, NRSV)

It was a congregation that I was very familiar with. I had served as their guest preacher on numerous occasions and, over time, had built relationships with several of the members. However, because of the Coronavirus pause, it had been more than a year since I had been with them. As I re-entered the sanctuary, one gentleman briskly walked toward me with a huge welcome smile on his face. But when he got within five to six feet, he abruptly stopped and a befuddled scowl soured his face. 

            “Given what has happed in the last year, I don’t know how to greet you,” he confessed. 

            The pandemic has certainly prompted a reconsideration of the ways we greet one another. Do we shake hands, do we bump elbows, do we high five, do we hug? According to the experts, a friendly wave from six feet away is the only true virus free greeting.  

            And yet, touch was a vital part of Jesus’ ministry. He touched the eyes of a blind man and gave him sight. He touched a leper and made him clean. He touched the body of Lazarus and brought him new life. Christmas reminds us that our God is not a far-removed deity keeping a measured distance from creation. Ours is a tradition of incarnation. The holy became flesh and lived among us. And as we seek to build strong and healthy communities, appropriate touch is a crucial tool that binds all our relationships in a marvelous web of sacredness. 

            “A handshake would be great,” I said to him as two of God’s children enthusiastically reconnected. 

As we anticipate the wails of the child born in the manger, O God, may we remember how you entered this world in flesh and blood. Help us to transform our fear into faith and our distance into closeness. In this season of incarnation, may our touch become a vehicle for healing and hope in all our relationships.  Amen. 

Expectation

Sunday, December 11 – Third Sunday of Advent

Troy Tatum

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.  {John 1:6-9, NRSV)

Of all the many ways the world and the church prepare for the coming of Christmas differently, perhaps the most noticeable distinction between the two is the way the rest of the world ignores John the Baptist.  John tends not to make the cover of Christmas cards.  He doesn’t get any good carols, and he certainly doesn’t get an animated television special, although I would certainly pay good money to watch that.  While John the Baptist isn’t exactly ready for the Hallmark treatment, the writers of the gospels nonetheless make it abundantly clear that John prepares the way for Jesus and clears the path to Christmas.

            “I am not the messiah,” John says.  I am not a prophet.  I am not Elijah.  I am none of the things you think I am.  I’m simply the voice: the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, the voice that tells us where and what to look for, the voice that confounds our expectations.

            This time of year, we’re always asking about expectations – about our hopes and wants.  “What do you want for Christmas?  What do you hope to get?”  And as Christians we know Christmas is about more than presents, more than gifts and material gain.  We await the one in whom the hopes and fears of all the years will be met, and we know full well that’s not anything you can buy at Amazon or Walmart.  We know it is about more than that.  But that doesn’t mean we don’t have a list of what we want; we all have some expectations about what the coming of Christ is supposed to look like.

            Maybe we expect Jesus to come and make us feel better about ourselves, to assuage our guilt and remove our fear, to offer us peace, comfort, and joy.  Maybe we expect Jesus to come and set our relationships right, to heal our marriages and strengthen our families, to draw us ever closer into the ties that bind.  Maybe we expect Jesus to come and hold our world together, to build up our social structures and protect our way of life.  

            There’s nothing bad about these expectations; there is nothing wrong with this kind of hope.  But in some ways, it seems we’re telling God what kind of Messiah we demand –it’s as if we are convinced that we know exactly what we need, and we know exactly how God might bring it to us best.  But there’s a difference between that kind of hope, and the kind of faith we see in John the Baptist.  Faith, by definition, is a radical trust in what God is doing, even when God’s mode of operation is far from clear. 

            John, alone in the wilderness, only sure about what the messiah is not, just goes on testifying to the light, trusting in the certainty of what God has sent him to do.  John demonstrates that, in the words of Meister Eckhart, “God is found in the soul not by adding anything, but by subtracting.”  And so, John keeps cutting away at our expectations, pointing us in the right direction.  John’s voice just keeps calling: calling us onward, calling us forward, calling us to “make straight the way of the Lord.”

            We all have some expectations about what this is supposed to look like.  But John reminds us we just can’t see yet – that still we wait in the dark.  But soon we will know.  Soon the light will shine on a brand-new day.  And on that day, and in that light, we will see – clearly, as if for the first time – who we are, who God is, and just how deeply we are loved.

Eternal God, as we take another step closer to the growing light, another step closer to the promised one, help us to watch and wait and trust in the one who will shatter our expectations and bring us life.  Amen.

Christmas through the eyes of a Child

Monday, December 12

Donna Black

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of the, and said, ” Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”  (Matthew 18:1-3, ESV)

            Several years ago, I was approached about accepting a position as a Sunday School teacher for our very young children.  Of course, I felt totally unqualified.  After all, I had never had any children and I had never taken any teaching courses when I attended Atlantic Christian College many years ago. However, after a brief discussion with my caller, I reluctantly consented.  As I hung up the phone, I thought, “What have I done!”

            As it turned out, accepting this challenge proved to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! The innocent and trusting nature of the children gave me pause to think about my own journey of faith.  It was a very humbling moment.

            In the words of Jesus, we are encouraged to set aside our doubts and fears and simply accept a childlike trust in Him. In doing this, our lives can be greatly enriched and we can join Him in the kingdom of heaven.

            As we enter this Advent season, may we pause as we strive to see Christmas through the trusting eyes of a child. May we remember the birth of the Christ Child in Bethlehem. May we remember the profound difference he has made in our lives. And may we give thanks.

Gracious Heavenly Father, we pray that you will open our hearts so that we may feel the spiritual enrichment that your Son has provided. May his lifetime of devotion and humility encourage us to follow in his footsteps. Amen

Mary’s Song

Tuesday, December 13

Deborah Pendleton

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.  He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.  He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.  He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, the Abraham and to his descendants forever.”  (Luke 1: 46-55, NRSV)

            On the day after Halloween, I walked into one of my favorite grocery stores, and before I could pick up my basket, I heard the carol “O Come, All Ye Faithful” playing in the background.  A medley of Christmas carols followed me throughout the store, and I just wasn’t ready. Somehow it seemed that Christmas was being rushed and there was so much to do to prepare of the perfect Hallmark Christmas.

            If anyone had a reason to feel unprepared for what lay ahead of her, it was Mary. She was an unmarried woman still in her teens who was with child. Yet by the time she shares her news with her cousin Elizabeth, she is joyful and filled with gratitude for all God has done for her and her people. Mary’s song of praise, also known as the Magnificat, allows us to hear the compelling voice of this young woman who no longer is fearful and is ready to serve her God.  Instead  Instead of feeling overwhelmed as she awaits the birth of the Son of God, she displays a strength of faith in words that echo the Psalms and prophets and foreshadow the teachings of Jesus.  They lift up the powerless, the humble, the hungry and offer hope.  Her words have the power to cut through the materialism and endless to-do lists that too often accompany the holiday season and transform those carols we hear in the background to meaningful songs of joy and faith.

 During this Advent season, let your word guide us through the time of preparation and help us discover the joy and hope that are ours through your Son Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Joseph

Wednesday, December 14

Gary Walling

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way.  When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.  Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.  But just when he had resolved to do 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 as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’  All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 

‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’, which means, ‘God is with us.’ 

When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son;  and he named him Jesus.  (Matthew 1:18-25, NRSV)

Joseph stuck with Mary.  It was not like he was without options.  He simply could have called the whole thing off.  All he had to do was send an envoy from his family to her people to carry the word that the marriage proposal was being withdrawn.  And no one would have blamed him.  But he stuck with her.

It is tempting to pull from this something that is not there.  Joseph understood it all.  Joseph had an admirable capacity for forgiveness.  Joseph’s love for Mary overcame every obstacle.  Of course, none of that is a part of this biblical story.  Joseph stuck with Mary because . . . well, because he was told to stick with her.

He was told through a series of dreams and angelic apparitions:  do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife . . . take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt . . . take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel.  None of these appearances are according to the typical scriptural formula of announcement-protest-reassurance-obedience.  No, in the case of Joseph, each time God’s messenger appeared, he did as he was told to do – immediately and without objection.

            Part of the lesson in all this, I think, is that from time to time, our propensity toward logic and rational behavior do not serve our faith that well.  Don’t get me wrong – I am not forming a cult.  I am not calling for mindless obedience, and I shudder to think about the implications of seeing people following any religious command without deliberation.  Joseph’s obedience is not pushing us into that corner, but his example does remind us that sometimes, it is not necessary to have the whole picture in front of us.  Now and again, we don’t have to understand everything before we act.  On occasion, what is needed is for us to just get up and do.  That is the legacy of Joseph.

            Over the span of our lives, if we are going to remain faithful to the people we love – parents, spouse, children and friends – we probably shall have to do that on occasion for no good reason.  Of course, what is the point of fidelity except for its own sake?  There is a lesson here about faith.  What is fidelity, after all, if not faithfulness?

            Joseph stuck with Mary, and in doing so, I think it is fair to say that even more than that, he stuck with himself.  And he stuck with God.

Give us eyes to see, O God, but for those times when the way is dark and uuknown, give us the heart and faith to take a step.  Amen.

Mary’s Shoes

Thursday, December 15

Betty Meldau

“Don’t be frightened, Mary,” the angel told her, “for God has decided to wonderfully bless you!  Very soon now, you will become pregnant and have a baby boy and you are to name him Jesus.”  Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants.  May everything you said come true.”  And then the angel disappeared.  (Luke 1:30-31,38, TLB)

Put yourself in Mary’s shoes.  How could she not be frightened?  There she was, a young girl who could be headed into a storm of scorn, but instead was headed to become a mother.  It has been said, “God could not be everything and therefore he made mothers.”  The one whose face and voice become the first conscious objects as an infant encounters life.  The one challenged to become the teacher of compassion, love, fearlessness.  Did she understand or was she thinking, “My God is a great gift giver, and I am more than willing to do what I can to provide the greatest gift of all for the world.”  It seems she knew that “every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” (John 1:17)

            Max Lucado states that God fulfilled his promise to Abraham and the prophets when he sent Jesus as a man.  He states, “Jesus gave up his place with God and made himself nothing.”

            He was born to be a man and become a servant.  It happened because of Mary as she became pregnant, and the grace of God arrived in the flesh.  He who sustains the world chose to be dependent upon the young girl who said, “I am the Lord’s servant.”  GOD CAME TO US!

Our Father, as we journey toward the celebration of our Lord’s birth, it reminds us of how you chose to use a simple life to share your great gift with us.  Help us to follow the lead of Mary, to be your servants in all that we think and do.  In His Holy Name we pray.  Amen

Angelic Musicians

Friday, December 16

Luke Miles

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  (Luke 2:13-14, NIV)

When Caroline was young, she and her family would hop in the car on Christmas Eve, drive around neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights, and listen to Ticket to Christmas by G.T. and the Halo Express. Now if you know you know, but if you’ve never heard of this particular CD, it’s a Christmas musical to help kids learn scripture. At one point in the musical, a group of kids are staging a live nativity at the mall and begin to sing “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel.” 

            Of course, my family now listens to the Halo Express all throughout the Christmas season. Our girls love it and know the CD word for word. However, of all the songs, the Luke 2:13-14 song is so catchy, and our girls belt this song out at the top of their lungs every time we listen! Go ahead…ask them to sing it the next time you see them at church!

            Last Christmas season while we were listening, Spencer asked “What is a great company?” I started to explain the army of angels that joined the heavenly host to help announce the birth of the Christ child in a manger. I mentioned how scared the shepherds were of the angel at first much like how scared Mary and Josephy probably were. I told her that after hearing all the praise the shepherds decided to head to Bethlehem to meet the baby Jesus. After all of this, Spencer turns to me and asks, “Did angels visit you when I was born?”

            While I didn’t know exactly how to answer her surprisingly tough (and possibly deep theological) question in that moment (I did circle back to it eventually), I was reminded of God’s joy when Jesus was born. An innocent child born in an unassuming manger on a quiet night in Bethlehem to two unexpecting parents was announced with an army of angels “praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” What a gift! A gift too amazing, too life-changing, too glorious to stay silent.

            In a season where we are used to the silent night, God sends a band of angels to proclaim the good news! What a gift! What a surprise! What a Christmas!

"O sweet Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into the hearts of men and women this peace for which they sometimes seek so desperately and which you alone can give to them. Help them to know one another better, and to live as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father. Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness and purity. Awaken in their hearts love and gratitude for your infinite goodness. Join them all together in your love. And give us your heavenly peace. Amen."  (Pope John XXIII)

Bring Me Word

Saturday, December 17

Gary Walling

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ (Matthew 2:7-8, NRSV)

He is the one character in the Christmas story who does not pick up and go.  Mary and Joseph, of course, have traveled from Nazareth.  The magi pack their camels and travel across the world.  The shepherds up and leave their flock on the hillside and head into town.  And the angels – talk about your frequent fliers.  But Herod just hangs around the palace.  Bring me word, he says, and then he heads toward the sauna.

            Bring me word indeed.  The irony that is almost impossible to miss, of course, is that according to the Fourth Gospel, this baby was and is the Word.

            Theologically, I am moving onto treacherous ground here.  I could never allow myself to suggest that it is up to us to go to God.  Any view which takes grace seriously must preserve God’s role as initiator.  The birth, after all, is the supreme example of God coming to us.  It is the meaning of incarnation.  Emmanuel – God is with us.  Even in the nativity stories, we understand that those who are on the move are moving in response to God’s miraculous gift.

            Still, Advent requires a journey, I think.  What is the point of having those crooked ways made straight unless we are intended to travel along that straightened highway?  As tempting as it may be to hold back and let the birth come to you, Christmas is not something to be experienced vicariously.  There may have been other wise men and other shepherds who kept the home fires burning, but I don’t think it was really the same for the ones who just got to look at the snapshots.

The day draws near, O God.  Help us put our preoccupations to the side that we may move toward the manger.  Amen.

Angels

Sunday, December 18 – Fourth Sunday of Advent

Audrey Mobed

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”  (Luke 2.8-11, NIV)

            The shepherds were watching over their flock when all of a sudden an angel appeared in the darkness. They were scared and were afraid that they were being punished for their sins. However, Gabriel tells them he is not there to judge but rather to share the joy of the Lord. The angel shares that Jesus Christ, our Savior, was born. This scripture demonstrates the reason for the season.

Dear Lord, we praise you as we celebrate during this season for you have given us our loving Savior and Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the good news and will forever be the good news. We pray that His love is in our church and community during this holiday season and that we can appreciate the light he shines on our lives.  In Your name we pray.  Amen.

Shepherds

Monday, December 19

Jenny Mobed

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.  After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.   All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished.  (Luke 2:16-18, NLT)

Angels spread the good news to the shepherds that Jesus Christ, our Savior, was born. When the shepherds arrived in Bethlehem, they explained the vision that brought them to witness Christ’s presence in the world. 

Dear Lord, in this holy season of prayer, song, and laughter, we praise you for the wonders that you have sent us.  May we be like the angels and the shepherds and spread your good news throughout this holiday season.  We give thanks to you, our Lord and Savior, and celebrate your love for us.    In Your name we pray,  Amen.

The Thing is Said, the Thing is Done

Tuesday, December 20

Linda Shaw

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.).  And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:).  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  (Luke 2:1-5, KJV)

            This decree changed the world!  Little did Caesar Augustus know that when he issued his decree, it would set into motion the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy of the birth of Jesus. All the Roman world had to go to the city of their birth in order to be counted, for tax purposes. So it began that Mary (pregnant) and her betrothed, Joseph, took their dangerous and challenging journey to Bethlehem from Nazareth (around 70 miles), which may have taken at least a week, in order to comply with that decree. Here in the City of David, is where we know Christ was born. 

These are verses of prophecy, declaration (with political power), travels, endurance and ultimately, a birth. As we read this scripture, we know the promise, the fulfillment and hope in the arrival of the Prince of Peace.

Heavenly Father, in this time of Christmas, as we celebrate the arrival of the Christ child, keep our hearts open that we may receive the peace of your Holy Spirit. Amen

God’s Whereabouts

Wednesday, December 21

Sarah Clay Mardam-Bey

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.  (Luke 2:7, NRSV) 

What is our story as Christians at Christmas? God being totally vulnerable, totally poor, a little child born in a stall? If we’re honest, this is not a fitting image for God. Why isn’t Mary appearing with the sun, a crown of twelve stars and the moon under her feet? A manger, no room for her, no resort? 

 God is not who we think God is! Sadly, most people’s image of God is jolly Santa, making a list and checking it twice, finding out who’s naughty or nice. It’s certainly not this humble, helpless baby who has come to love us in ways that we’re not ready to be loved. What this celebration and knowing tells us is that reality, at its deepest foundation, is good, even “very good.” The divine is hidden quietly inside the human under the stars. And God sent into the world one who would personify that union-who would put human and divine together.

            We wake up in our manger each day, wondering what does it all man? What’s it all for? What was I put here for? Where is it all heading?

            I believe we’re all in school. And it’s a school of love. And everything is a lesson-everything. Every day, every moment, every encounter with someone is meant to reveal, “My God, I’m a daughter of God! I’m a son of the Lord! It’s all okay. I surrender to an ultimate meaning. I desire it, need it, want it and sometimes need to suffer for it; making room for the divine in me from that manger.”

            So, where is God to us Christians? Certainly not in the “safe” world, but at the edge, at the bottom, among those people and places where we don’t want to find God, where we don’t look for God, where we don’t expect God. In this passage Jesus, Mary and Joseph are none of what we expect, so they might just be telling us to look past the pageantry, status and dignity. God chose the ordinary and messy, just like us. May you and I be grateful, enjoying both ourselves and God as good and as united.

Dear God, prepare our hearts for the Christmas season. Let it be messy, let it be ordinary so that we may see You and hear You. Fill our hearts with joy and love so we can spread it throughout the world. Keep us humble Oh Lord. Open our hearts to the messy, and keep us grounded in the pageantry of the holiday season. Amen.

Astronomers

Thursday, December 22

Gary Walling

God made the stars also (Genesis 1:16b, NRSV)

. . . wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising (Matthew 2:1-2, NRSV)

            Two millennia back, several fellows were sitting around in their back yards looking up into the night sky.  Without NFL games to watch three nights a week, there were probably zillions of other guys looking up at the stars, but I am thinking about the same fellows you probably have in your minds.  We don’t know who or what they were.  Matthew used the Greek word magoi which has Persian roots and Latin equivalents.  Off that meager etymology, they have been supposed to be Zoroastrian priests, though by the time the English language came to be, we’ve called them kings or wisemen.

            While their precise identities might be cloaked in mystery, what they were doing was and is pretty common.  We look at the stars in our time – at least when the Panthers aren’t playing.  Just a few days ago, I was reading about a “planet killer asteroid” that has been undetected because of its location within the glare of the sun – thousands of years from now, it could hit the earth and end all life here.  And one evening in the last year or so, Linda and I drove out of the bright city lights of Wilson to get a look at a planetary conjunction – Jupiter and Mars, if I recall.  Between the time I am writing and you will be reading, two more conjunctions of planets will have taken place:  Venus and Mercury on November 21st, then Jupiter and Neptune the very next night.  One of the Wallings’ first adventure in stargazing was one August night years ago when we escaped the city to see the Perseid meteor shower.

            I am guessing we look up for the same reason the magi did.  We do it, I suppose, to have those breath-taking moments of taking in the majesty of God’s creation – to contemplate the infinite.  And we do it, I imagine, to learn a little about ourselves – to meditate on exactly how we fit into to all that is.

            After some nights of studying the heavens above, these magi-wisemen-priests-backyard guys got on their camels-Harleys-hybrid SUVs and headed west.  When they got close to where they thought they should be, they asked what has always been and remains to the day the central question of this season:  Where is the Child?  Where can we find him?

Knock the sureness out of us, O God.  Let these be days of curiosity and discovery.  Let the season take us on a holy journey toward that child.

Simeon Recognizes the Messiah

Friday, December 23

Joe Roberson

 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him.  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.   Guided by the Spirit, Simeo  came into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the law,  Simeon[c] took him in his arms and praised God, saying,  Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word,  for my eyes have seen your salvation,  which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2: 25–32, NRSV)

Simeon, a righteous person, blessed by the Holy Spirit, entered the temple at the same time Mary and Joseph had brought the baby Jesus to God’s holy place.  The scripture tells us that Simeon would not die before he had seen the Messiah.  It is no mere coincidence that Simeon, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus are brought together in the temple.  Simeon takes the baby in his arms and immediately recognizes that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, the one who brings salvation.

In 2022, we may not personally encounter the baby Jesus with his parents, but all around us we see signs of salvation made possible by Jesus, the Messiah.    The love that is shared in our community of faith, the care and concern for others who are experiencing difficult times, and the love for all persons that was shown and taught by Jesus during his earthly life, makes clear to us during this Advent and throughout the year that Christ came to offer salvation to all.   In the words of Luke 19, “For the Son of Man came to seek out and save the lost.”  Our commitment to Jesus speaks to the work and blessings of the Messiah, who Simeon met in the Temple.

Dear God, each day in our lives, we do come face to face, with your son, Jesus, we recognize the blessings and salvation that is ours because of the love and sacrifice he made for each of us.  Be with us as we celebrate this season and give us the commitment and courage to walk in Jesus’ footsteps.  Amen

Light in the Darkness

Saturday, December 24 – Christmas Eve

Sarah Siebert

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—

 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

         You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.

For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.

Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.  (Isaiah 9:1-7, NIV)

If you walk into a Children’s Worship and Wonder classroom on any given Sunday, you will find that we always begin by lighting a candle with the words We light the Christ candle to remind us that Christ is always with us. Some might be rightly alarmed at the idea of letting small children worship with an open flame but remembering the light of Christ is so important that we just can’t do without it. While we may not say those words, we adults light candles in the sanctuary when we gather to worship for the very same reason: the light reminds us that Christ is here in this very place, in this very moment.

Zebulun and Naphtali were people familiar with the terrors of the dark. As two of Israel’s most northern tribes, they were Israel’s first line of defense when northern invaders attacked. Unfortunately for them, most of Israel’s enemies invaded from the north. They knew the sounds of warriors’ boots; they felt the rod of the oppressor and had gathered up far too many blood-soaked garments. Gloom and distress were frequent visitors in their homes.

And so it is to them, in particular, that the prophet Isaiah proclaims the good news that the coming Kingdom of God will be marked by light and by peace. It might not be today, it might not be tomorrow, but, eventually, the light will dawn and then Jesus’ reign of peace will have no end.

These words continue to speak to those in distress, fear and pain. As you sit in the darkness of Advent, whether your darkness is the literal darkness of winter’s shorter days or a metaphorical darkness that is just as deep, I invite you to light a candle. As you welcome the light, remember that Christ is here, present with you.

When it is time for you to extinguish your candle, our children will tell you that you are not blowing it out but changing the light so that the light that was in one place at one time can now be in many places, following you wherever you go.

Jesus, you are the light of the world and in you there is no darkness. Come and enter into the dark places in our world and our lives so that we might feel the comforting warmth of your love. May your light spill out from us, transforming us and all we encounter through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

A Heart’s Treasure

Sunday, December 25 – Christmas Day

David Mallory

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  (Luke 2:19)

I cannot imagine the chaos that was going on in Mary’s mind. The road from Nazareth to Bethlehem had been crowded with flustered travelers. She was betrothed to the man upon whose donkey she was riding. The wedding date would soon be upon them and there were a million details that needed to be planned and executed. The angels reported to her that, even before the nuptials, she would have a child. When she and her fiancé finally arrived in the City of David, there were no rooms available anywhere. And now as she lay in the scratchy hay cradling this newborn in her arms, a band of strangers show up to worship this colicky cutie. I cannot imagine the chaos that was going on in Mary’s mind.  

In the Buddhist tradition, this chaos is known as the Monkey Mind. It is the inability to quiet our minds to the myriad of thoughts and worries and ideas that are swirling around in our head. And in the frantic world that we live in today, for most of us Monkey Mind is not a concept, it is a reality. The kids need to be taxied from school to soccer practice. The blinking light on the dashboard warns that our tires are low. The doctor reports that the spot in the x-ray looks a little suspicious. We have voles in our yard, viruses on our computer and bats in our belfry. And our mind is rapidly swinging from one branch to another.

And yet in the midst of all this chaos, our Gospel writer Luke tells us that “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” She stilled the chaos. She quieted the clamor. She embraced the moment. She paused her Monkey Mind to ponder the glory of God.

O God of peace and stillness, in this season of busyness, lead us again beside the manger that we might dwell in the glory of your presence. Still the chaos that continually consumes us. Quiet our worry and our fear. Invite us into a sacred space that we might ponder the gift of the Christ child that is born among us. Amen.