DAILY DEVOTIONS

FOR THE

ADVENT SEASON

2014

Franconia United Methodist Church

Alexandria, Virginia

FOREWORD

This book of Advent devotionals written by members of Franconia United Methodist Church (FUMC) helps us live the Christmas season in anticipation of hope for the coming Lord. It is a gift from the heart and is intended to help those who read it prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is with deep appreciation that I acknowledge each person or family who contributed to this devotional book.

In addition to the devotions provided by members this year, I have also included several devotions contained in the 2001 Daily Devotions for the Season of Advent prepared by FUMC. Among those devotions are ones submitted by members who have since gone to be with our Heavenly Father. Their words are as relevant now as they were thirteen years ago, and this is a special opportunity to remember them once again.

The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” It is the beginning of the Church year and begins on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas Eve. Advent is a time of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, and of longing. The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ. Please accept these devotions as a gift from the FUMC family as you prepare for this Christmas season. Let the scripture, thoughts and prayers contained in this booklet serve as a path to your own reflection of the season, enhancing your mindfulness of the great and wonderful gift bestowed on all the world by our Lord. May your Advent preparations and your Christmas season be blessed beyond measure.

Lisa Dickinson

Sunday, November 30 (First Sunday of Advent) The Same Story Told a New Way Bruce Wentzel Christmas in the mid-West was always a wonderful time, and the lens of time makes us even more aware of the blessings we shared. There was snow for Christmas, searching the forest for a Christmas tree, and family nearby to share the joys of the season. And there was another part of the holiday season, perhaps less appreciated at the time, but seen in retrospect as more important than the rest. Each year as Christmas approached, the children in the church were gathered together to begin preparation for the Christmas pageant. In many ways, little preparation was required because the story was the same every year. On the other hand, it took a great deal of preparation, because each year the children heard the story in a new way as they grew older and took different roles in the play that was always the same but always new. It really was like the television shows and movies as the courageous director accepted the challenge of herding little shepherds and angels into their places and showing the three kings how to approach the manger where Mary and Joseph waited with a plastic baby Jesus. There were long evenings of rehearsal while it seemed the production would never come together, the church strangely different in the dark winter evening instead of the sunny Sunday morning. But, then, come the evening of the Christmas Pageant, with the pews filled with parents and friends, the power of the old, old story again transformed the sanctuary into a special place. And the children, tilted halos, oversized bathrobes, and cardboard crowns and all, became messengers of God’s Word as they acted out the story of Jesus’ birth. No, the children’s Christmas Pageant wasn’t high art (or art at all), but it was something more important. When the evening was over, after all the little angels and shepherds and Wise Men made their way to the manger to worship the Savior, and the candles were lighted and Silent Night was sung again, something special had happened. It was a quiet thing, much like that quiet night so long ago when a baby was born in a stable. And as the congregation left for their homes, the adults were reminded of the wonder of the night and the children had grown a little more in their own understanding of the miracle of God’s gift to the world. Dear Lord, help us to always appreciate the story of your Son’s birth no matter how many times and in how many different ways it is told. May it remind us of the wonderful gift that You have given us, and of the love You have for us. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Monday, December 1 God’s Great Gifts Submitted by Pat Hobbs Taken from: “Grace for the Moment,” by Max Lucado 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His gift that is too wonderful for words. Why did He do it? Why did he do it? We’ve all searched for that special gift. We’ve stalked the malls and walked the aisles. I’m not talking about an ordinary gift. I’m talking about that extra-special person, and that extra-special gift. We give it a lot of thought and as we think about it, we think of the person and the love we have for that special one. So, why did God do it? For the same reason we do it. Out of love. We do it so the heart will stop. We do it so the jaw will drop. We do it so we will hear those words of disbelief, “You did this for me”? That’s why we do it. And that is why God did it. Next time a sunrise steals your heart or a meadow of flowers leaves you speechless, or your precious baby smiles at you for the first time – remain there for a moment. Say nothing and listen as heaven whispers, “Do you like it? I did it just for you.” Next time you think of Jesus, next time you know in your deepest heart that God loves you, listen and give thanks for His most incredible Gift. And He did it just for you. Lord of all, You are a God of plenty, a Lord who provides for us in our need. As I begin these early days of Advent, help me to believe that you know what I need. Give me the courage to listen to Your voice and the freedom to open my heart to the graces You are offering me to place my trust in You.

Tuesday, December 2 A Psalm for Giving Grateful Praise Frankie Todack "Make a joyful noise unto The Lord. Come into His presence with singing!" Psalm 100:1 The angels sang to announce the birth of Christ, according to Luke. We too welcome and celebrate His birth with singing, but I would never consider my singing "angelic." It is more of the "joyful noise" variety. Still singing, especially carols, has always filled my memories of Christmas and added to its meaning for me. I remember a time when five households in Delaware decided to go caroling. Much to our surprise, at almost every house, people threw on their coats and joined us, so that after an hour we had a true neighborhood sing-a-long. "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful" brings that memory each year. We took the FUMC youth caroling at a nursing home one Christmas. The patients with Alzheimer’s did not know where they were or who they were, but they could join us in singing the carols. I t was no longer a "Silent Night" for them and became a "Holy Night" for us. Every time I hear Christmas selections from Handel's Messiah, memories flood back of practicing it with the chapel choir on Okinawa while carols with a Japanese accent were sung on the radio in the background. "Joy to the World" means that even in a foreign land, Christmas came to me with music to celebrate our Lord's birth. Gracious Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of music, so that we may sing your praise and give thanks to you for your greatest gift, your Son, Jesus. Amen

Wednesday, December 3 Let Your Trust in Him Be a Light for Others

Leora Motley (excerpted from 2001 FUMC Daily Advent Devotions)

. . . the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame . . . declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. . . . 1 Peter 2:6,9

Over the years, how many times have we heard others and maybe self say, “Christmas is too commercialized?” And how many times have we attempted to let Christ be the reason for celebrating Christmas only to “stumble” and spend excessive time, energy and money trying to capture Fifth Avenue’s version of Christmas? How often have we allowed others’ expectations for the holidays to dictate our actions?

1 Peter 2:5 speaks of “offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God.” During this season, renew your commitment to God, family, friends and neighbors. Do something for someone else. Involve your family in offering up spiritual sacrifices. Send cards to our soldiers, visit with seniors, volunteer at a neighborhood school, or invite a neighbor to Christmas Eve service at FUMC. Reach out in service to others and become one with God as we celebrate His son’s birth.

Dear God, allow me to feel joy from trusting You. Never let me forget that I am Your child, that You called me from darkness into Your light. You gave Your children the power of choice. Give me the courage to celebrate Your Son’s birth by doing unselfishly for others. Put me in a community where I can join hands with my brethren and together we can do Your work to build a beautiful community. I pray dear God that my actions are always acceptable to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thursday, December 4 All I Want for Christmas . . . Sue Brooke No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18 I learned a lot about being thankful in the past couple of years. I can tell you the biggest lesson I learned: It isn’t easy! Being thankful when things aren’t going the way we think they should or the way we want them to is very, very difficult. Maybe we want a better job, more money, a bigger house, a nicer car…or maybe it’s just that we want our children to be better students, more respectful, more athletic…or then again maybe we want our spouse to be healthy and whole again…or our friends to be more understanding…and the list goes on and on. Maybe what we should be wanting is to be happy with what we have because the Lord has something better in mind for us than we can ever imagine. It’s probably not a better job or more money or anything that we can see or touch or feel…it’s more likely that we will grow in strength and courage, peace and hope. We will find joy in the little things. We will be content and satisfied. We will grow closer to Him who came to this earth as a little baby, not a mighty warrior because until we do, we are lost. No riches can buy us a way into heaven. Our only hope is in the Savior who was born in a stable, the son of a carpenter, the friend to the weak, the sinners. Why? Because He was doing the will of the Father Who sent Him to teach and guide, to suffer and die, to be raised from the dead so that we can join Him in heaven and with all the hosts of angels give all praise and glory and honor to the Father Who spared nothing to save us. Not even His own Son. So what was that you were saying? You want what? Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Your only Son to redeem us and bring us home. Amen.

Friday, December 5 Listen for the Stars Rev. Catharine Guest The Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended. Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever. Isaiah 60:20b-21a When I was a little girl, Christmas was the most magical time – lots of happy secrets, lots of music on the radio that I could sing, lots of treats that we only had during this very special time, decorations everywhere (we got to leave the Christmas tree lights on even when we weren’t in the room – the rest of the year the rule was ‘lights out when you leave a room, we don’t have money to burn! Everyone was extra happy, extra concerned about what would make everyone else happy: “have to get exactly what you want for Christmas, you know!” We made copies of each other’s wish lists and counted our money to see what we could afford. We looked for opportunities to do extra work for the neighbors. (My parents taught us didn’t get paid for working in your own home.) Then finally it was Christmas Eve. All the presents under the tree. Dinner eaten. Dishes washed. And upstairs to dress in special Christmas outfits to go to church. We always went to the midnight service even though we were little because we thought it was closest to the time Baby Jesus was born and we wanted to celebrate right on the dot! The walk up the steps of the church crunched with snow. The church doors were flung open to reveal a beautiful candlelit sanctuary laced with gentle organ music and hushed whispers of other families as excited as ours. We would hear the scripture, sing the carols, listen to the pastor tell the story that we all knew by heart but loved to hear retold, and then with lit candles, ‘Silent Night,’ and a festive ‘Joy to the World,’ it was Christmas! Here is my favorite part. When we got home, before I went into the house, I would stop and listen. Someone once told me that on Christmas Eve as it turns into Christmas Day, if you are really quiet you can hear the stars sing in the cold clear night. And I am here to tell you it is true! This Christmas Eve just be still and listen! Smell the air, feel the cold, look up into the night sky and listen! Sometimes we forget to listen for the true wonder of Christmas. It is beyond the secrets – beyond the gifts – beyond the treats. On Christmas Eve, if you are very quiet and listen, you can hear the stars sing to the One Whose birth we celebrate – Jesus, the Son of God! Loving God, all is Your creation and everything is being drawn back toward Your loving heart. Help me to be a person of peace, to speak about it in an uneasy world, and to live it among the people You have put into my life every day. Light in me a desire to prepare for Your coming to stand in the darkness, waiting, eager and filled with joy. Amen.

Saturday, December 6

The Last Laugh Submitted by Pat Hobbs Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2 Excerpt from “Reflections for Ragamuffins,” by Brennan Manning Did you know that the name Isaac in Hebrew means laughter? Abraham and his wife Sarah had given up on God’s promise of a child because of their advanced years. When Sarah was told she was going to have a baby, she laughed in disbelief. But God had the last laugh . . . a son was born to them in their old age, and the mirthless human laugh of despair turned into the Father’s laugh of love. Christmas is a faith-experience that enables us to see beyond the tragic in our lives. It is a reminder that we need the laughter of God to prevent us from taking the world too seriously, the world of cerebral head trips played in dead earnest, the game of one-upmanship escalated to mortal combat, the illusions of self-importance. God’s laughter is His loving act of salvation begun in a stable in Bethlehem. Heavenly Father, may we always desire to share in your laughter and to know the great and wonderful things that You have done for us. Help us to prepare our hearts for this gift. Help us to hear and to do Your word. Amen.

Sunday, December 7 (Second Sunday of Advent)

Let There Be Peace

Alma Sheldon

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on him." Isaiah 26:3 An important word in this verse is PEACE. How does this tie in with Christmas? Most of the Christmas Carols mention "peace." Don't you have a sense of peace when you sing the Carols? I think of the peace I feel when, at the close of our Christmas Eve Service, we hold our candles and sing "Silent Night." I think of the awe and peace the shepherds must have felt when they heard the angels sing. Christmas Eve is an emotional time for me as I remember the excitement of my childhood on Christmas morning; hearing my father read the Christmas Story, opening gifts, and all the family coming home for Christmas dinner (including in-laws and grandchildren) with Mother and Daddy sitting side-by-side at the head of the long table. After dinner we all gathered in front of the fireplace in the living room, or some of the grandchildren would nap under the dining room table. This was a peaceful and happy time. Christmas 1936 was a touching time for the family because my sister, Flossie, was home after 380 days in the hospital. She had been severely burned in a house fire in December 1935, but thankfully her husband and baby were not burned. Even though she was confined to a bedroom after being released from the hospital, it gave us a sense of peace that she could be with her baby and we could all be together. We also knew God had heard the many prayers for her healing. (Flossie will be 103 this Christmas Eve). Christmas reminds me of the joy on our children’s faces when they participated in Christmas programs at church. Our older son, Lynn, was very gifted in music and drama but Jeff could never carry a tune – even though he sure could sing loud! One year Santa brought him a little record player and records to which Jeff would sing along. After a while we felt even more at peace knowing that Jeff would finally sing on pitch in the Christmas programs. Whoopee! I also have memories of my husband playing his trumpet. Although he had played in the U.S. Army Band during World War II and liked band music, he especially enjoyed playing hymns while I accompanied him on the piano. (I often joked that he married me because he needed a piano player). Many Christmases we played "O Holy Night" at church. There would be complete silence in the church as everyone felt the peace and awe of that Holy Night. My prayer is that Peace may be with you this Christmas and in all the days of your life.

Monday, December 8

Like Strings of Light

Rev. David Manner (excerpted from 2001 FUMC Daily Advent Devotions)

. . . Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. . . . John 12:35

Shortly after Christmas some years ago, I visited an elderly parishioner late one Sunday afternoon in her high-rise apartment in downtown Portsmouth, Virginia. As the December sky faded quickly into night, I gazed from the balcony onto a city enveloped in darkness. The skyline would have been indistinguishable except for a few buildings that were outlined with strings of light.

I got to thinking about those Christmas lights and how they transformed the picture window of that apartment from a scene of formless void into one of definition and beauty. Into a world shrouded by sin and death, Christ’s light changed the landscape of life forever. Now, we have a new view, a new life.

In these days of Advent, as daylight shortens and nighttime lengthens, consider the skyline of a darkened city illuminated by Christmas lights. Just as the light emphasizes what is at the very heart of the city, so may your life as a disciple of Christ illuminate the horizon for others. The light of Christ is within you. How you live allows others to see what is at the very heart of life, the love and care of Christ, a new life of joy and hope! Walk in the light!

O Lord of Light, help me to live in such a way that others may see You in me and fine a new, transformed, hopeful life. Amen.

Tuesday, December 9

An Extraordinary Night When God Danced with the Common Submitted by Pat Hobbs Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 From: “Grace for the Moment” by Max Lucado An ordinary night with ordinary sheep and ordinary shepherds. And were it not for a God who loves to hook on “extra” in front of the ordinary, the night would have gone unnoticed. The sheep would have been forgotten, and the shepherds would have slept the night away. But God danced amidst the common. And that night He did a waltz. The black sky exploded with brightness. Trees that had been shadows jumped into clarity. Sheep that had been silent became a chorus of curiosity. One minute the shepherd was dead asleep, the next he was rubbing his eyes and staring at the face of an alien. The night was ordinary no more. The angel came in the night because that is when lights are best seen and this is when they are most needed. God comes into the common for the same reason. His most powerful tools are the simplest. Heavenly Father, let me see the extraordinary in even the most ordinary. Let my appreciation for all things made by You, both ordinary and extraordinary, illuminate my path as I serve as a witness to the greatness of Your love and power. Amen.

Wednesday, December 10 Christmas Truce Submitted by Lisa Dickinson He will judge between the nations, and will render decisions for many peoples. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war. Isaiah 2:4 During World War I, in the winter of 1914, on the battlefields of Flanders, one of the most unusual events in all of human history took place. The Germans had been in a fierce battle with the British and French. Both sides were dug in, safe in muddy, man-made trenches six to eight feet deep that seemed to stretch forever. All of a sudden, German troops began to put small Christmas trees, lit with candles, outside of their trenches. Then, they began to sing songs. Across the way, in the "no man's land" between them, came songs from the British and French troops. Incredibly, many of the Germans, who had worked in England before the war, were able to speak good enough English to propose a "Christmas" truce. The British and French troops, all along the miles of trenches, accepted. In a few places, allied troops fired at the Germans as they climbed out of their trenches. But the Germans were persistent and Christmas would be celebrated even under the threat of impending death. According to Stanley Weintraub, who wrote about this event in his book, Silent Night, "signboards arose up and down the trenches in a variety of shapes. They were usually in English, or - from the Germans - in fractured English. Rightly, the Germans assumed that the other side could not read traditional gothic lettering, and that few English understood spoken German. 'YOU NO FIGHT, WE NO FIGHT' was the most frequently employed German message. Some British units improvised 'MERRY CHRISTMAS' banners and waited for a response. More placards on both sides popped up." A spontaneous truce resulted. Soldiers left their trenches, meeting in the middle to shake hands. The first order of business was to bury the dead who had been previously unreachable because of the conflict. Then, they exchanged gifts. Chocolate cake, cognac, postcards, newspapers, tobacco. In a few places, along the trenches, soldiers exchanged rifles for soccer balls and began to play games. It didn't last forever. In fact, some of the generals didn't like it at all and commanded their troops to resume shooting at each other. After all, they were in a war. Soldiers eventually did resume shooting at each other. But only after, in a number of cases, a few days of wasting rounds of ammunition shooting at stars in the sky instead of soldiers in the opposing army across the field. For a few precious moments there was peace on earth good will toward men. All because the focus was on Christmas. Happens every time. There's something about Christmas that changes people. It happened over 2000 years ago in a little town called Bethlehem. It's been happening over and over again down through the years of time. Father God, remind us what Christmas is about, and to stay focused on You and Your Son, Jesus. Let us share the joy of that knowledge with everyone we know so the joy of the season is not lost to anyone. Amen.

Thursday, December 11

Shine a Bright Light

Michele Sutton

. . . I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

Many years ago around Christmas, my brother Lot and I were each given a Santa Claus pin. It had a Santa face with a big red nose that lit up – like Rudolph we thought. We couldn’t wait until it got dark each night so we could light our way around the house with our Santa pins. One night we even snuck downstairs in the middle of the night to look at the gifts under the Christmas tree. As I look back on how magical that light seemed to us, I think about the night our Savior, Jesus Christ was born. A magnificent star cast its light over the manger where Mary gave birth. The glory of the Lord shone around the shepherds in the fields and they were moved to go see this thing that the angel of the Lord had told them about. The Magi, the wise men, from the East followed this star and it went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was born and they bowed down and worshiped him. Just as Isaiah foretold, the people living in darkness saw a great light – a light that dawned (Isa 9:1,2). A child had been born, the Christ child, God’s beloved Son. And unlike the Christmas gifts from those many years ago which were discarded and forgotten, Jesus will always be with us. He is that light of the world. Whoever follows Him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (Jn 8:12). Heavenly Father, during Advent, may we remember the greatest gift ever given: Your only Son, Jesus Christ. Fill our hearts with joy day by day as we think of our Savior putting aside His heavenly glory and coming among us. Amen.

Friday, December 12 Let the Light of Jesus Shine in Your Heart Bernie Jenkins Note: Bernie Jenkins was a longtime member of FUMC and a faithful greeter and evangelist. Bernie proclaimed Jesus as his Lord, and truly let Jesus shine in his heart for all to see. This reading, which was Bernie’s Advent meditation from 1992, was reprinted in the 2001 FUMC Daily Advent Devotions in his memory following his death in October of that year. It is reprinted here again in Bernie’s memory. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the list of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:5-6 “Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord.” Romans 12:11 One year Franconia UMC prepared for Christmas with greater excitement than usual because Christmas fell on a Sunday. I stayed at the church most of the day on Saturday helping. Reverend Lovern prepared the sanctuary for the Christmas Eve candlelight service. We placed all the candles in the little candle holders and tried to make everything look just right for the special day which would follow. In our preparation for Christmas, there was one big thing we had not accounted for. The night following the service, it began to snow. I woke up Christmas morning to a beautiful six inch layer of snow in the ground. It only seemed beautiful for a minute because I realized there was no way we would be able to get someone to come clear the parking lot in time for church. I called up Bud Kennedy and drove over to the church in my Pontiac station wagon to see what we could do. As I drove into the lot, my car started spinning in the snow and suddenly Bud and I got the idea to clear the lot with the car. So we deliberately started spinning the car around in circles all over the parking lot. Snow flew everywhere! When everyone arrived for that special Christmas service, they had no idea what had happened, but they were able to park their cars and worship what God had done for them through the birth of Jesus. While others said their prayers of thanksgiving for the baby Jesus, I said my own prayer of thanks for having positive traction on that Pontiac. It may not have been my most worshipful Christmas, but it was certainly one of my most joyful memories. Lord, there are so many who serve us and You in ways which we shall never know. Thank You for these “Unsung Heroes” who love us and serve You without seeking recognition. Amen.

Saturday, December 13

Advent Prayer Thom Hostetter Search my heart, Oh Lord, and reveal to me my transgressions and character flaws which are unfavorable in Thy sight. Lead me, Oh Lord, down paths of righteousness so my life’s walk will justify the Savior’s judgment against my eternal plight. We thank you, Lord, for the love and forgiveness beyond understanding displayed for us upon the cross. We thank you, Lord, for the future that awaits us if we choose to shed our earthly dross.

Sunday, December 14 (Third Sunday of Advent)

Are We Too Busy to Notice the Impossible? Submitted by Pat Hobbs He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, The world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but the people did not welcome Him. John 1:10-11

In sermon notes I have from the last Christmas season, one particular sermon stood out so pointedly to me about the impossible, unreasonable, inexplicable joy of the birth of God’s Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. As I read over the notes, I feel the same realization of how true these words ring and how I am often too busy to notice the impossible that happens every day of my life, and maybe yours, too. As I write this in October, I am thinking ahead to our Night in Bethlehem and it gives me thought to share an excerpt from Max Lucado’s, “In the Manger.” “Imagine with me how busy it must have been in the village of Bethlehem that special night. Augustus did the economy of Bethlehem a favor when he decreed that a census should be taken. The inn was full, all the beds in town were taken, and an unusual hustle and bustle of activity claimed everyone’s attention – and a young couple showed up late in the night to ask for a room. Do you think anyone wondered afterwards about the welfare of that young couple or commented about the pregnancy of the young girl on the donkey? Probably not. After all there wasn’t anything novel about them. They were probably one of many families turned away that night. And there was much work to be done to get ready for the busy day ahead! The day’s bread had to be made, the morning’s chores had to be done. There was too much to do to imagine that the impossible had occurred. God had entered the world as a baby. Meanwhile, the city hums. The merchants were unaware that God had visited their planet. The innkeeper would never believe he had just sent God into the cold night. And the people would scoff in disbelief if anyone told them the Messiah was lying in the arms of a teenage girl on the outskirts of their village. They were all too busy to consider the possibility. They missed it because they simply weren’t looking.” Little has changed in the last two thousand years, has it? Gracious Father, I’m caught in the busyness of everyday life. It is so easy to miss what you are doing in my life this very moment. Slow me down and open my eyes. Please make Your Presence known to me and renew in me the unreasonable joy of watching You do the impossible. Amen.

Monday, December 15 I Will Let My Light Shine Lillian Hampton (excerpted from 2001 FUMC Daily Advent Devotions) Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 As I think about God’s word being a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, it assures me that as long as I follow the light, I can never get lost. I am reminded of the old familiar hymn “This Little Light of Mine.” This song tells us to “Let it Shine, Let it Shine, Let it Shine.” Everywhere we go, we are to let it shine. Matthew 5:16 tells us to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Everywhere I go, I will let my light shine; this is my daily task. When I wake in the morning, my prayer is to let my light shine before men, women, boys, and girls and somehow be a blessing to them. If it is no more than a warm smile or giving the greeting of the day, these are things that cost nothing. They are free, yet they are so valuable. They are able to brighten someone’s day – someone who may be feeling alone or sad. God’s word tells us that we are a light of the world. Father, hear my prayer. I commit myself to You and to Your light, as You are the light of the world. You came so that all may have eternal life. You shine bright so that all may see You and follow Your word. Thank You for the light and for every opportunity You give me to let my light shine. Make my light shine bright so that I may be a blessing to others, and will be able to help someone else along the way. Use me as Your servant and help me to stay focused on You so that I might be the vessel You choose to help show others how they too may be saved. Amen.

Tuesday, December 16

Promises Fulfilled

Lisa Dickinson

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 Sometimes Christmas can be hard. Despite all the joy that comes with the beauty of the season, sorrow sometimes nudges its way in. Such was the case about seven years ago for our family. Our beloved fourteen-year old cocker spaniel, Mac, had developed a tumor in his abdomen around Thanksgiving. On Christmas Eve, his breathing became labored, the result of the tumor growing to the point it was pressing on his diaphragm. So in the middle of night between Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, we said our goodbyes and let him go. While Christmas morning was surely difficult with the loss of our beloved family member, it was made happier with the inclusion of extended family members in the Christmas celebration. Among them were Dan’s sister, her husband and their two girls. Diane was battling cancer, and had become more consumed by pain as a result of its effects. But she, and the rest of us, comforted ourselves in the joy of being together on that special day when our Lord sent down his Son for us. We didn’t ask Him to do it, He just did. We didn’t deserve such a gift, but we received it anyway. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16. Sometimes it seems unbelievable that such a gift is even possible. But relying on the promise of that gift is sometimes all that we need to ensure that we can make it through whatever trials and troubles may come about in this life. We didn’t realize it at that time, but that would be Diane’s last Christmas. She went to be enfolded in the arms of the Lord a month later. But despite the sorrow and loss that may be associated with that Christmas, it is among the most beautiful I can remember, and one of the few I remember so vividly. Perhaps it is because that Christmas reminded me of all that God promised us long ago, and the fulfillment of that promise with the birth of His Son, Jesus. Our time on this Earth is but a moment, and it is the time that we will spend in heaven with our Father that fills us with hope, joy and love for it is at that time that we will be reunited with those we love to live eternally in the company of the angels. Heavenly Father, I thank you for being there for me to lean on in times of sorrow, and for fulfilling Your promise through the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Through Your most precious Gift we are saved, and for that we praise You, now and forever. Amen.

Wednesday, December 17 The Gift of Generosity Rev. Catharine Guest Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart, and King David also rejoiced greatly. 1 Chronicles 29:9

It was Christmas 1990. My husband was in the Gulf on Desert Shield/Storm. My four children and I were living in Kaiserslautern, Germany. We hadn’t been there long, but long enough to know that if I wanted to be sure my children had gifts for Christmas I must order them by September – and since we had only been ‘in country’ since the beginning of August, I was cutting it close! As any overseas military spouse can attest, the Sears Catalogue is your best friend, so I merrily ordered gifts for my little ones and thought I was ‘good to go.’ Ah, ignorance is such bliss! As Christmas neared, I went to the post office daily looking for boxes and indeed there were a few – all for my boys…nothing for my girls. But it wasn’t time to be concerned yet. We mailed their daddy a tree with homemade ornaments, sent him another box with presents, bought our own tree and did all the things we always did at Christmas time. The week of Christmas, I still had nothing for my girls. Christmas Eve, still nothing! I was most disheartened and explained the situation to my boys, who offered to wait for the girls’ presents to arrive before opening their own – what a gift of generosity and brotherly love to think of it on their own! But no, they should have their Christmas. As we came into the house after Christmas Eve services, the phone was ringing. My husband was unexpectedly calling to wish us a Merry Christmas. After we had talked a bit, I told him what had happened and he said he would take care of it:

“Girls, guess what happened? You know that tree you all sent me? Well, it’s all

decorated and nice and when I got back from church tonight guess what – YOUR presents are under my tree!!! All the guys are making fun of me for getting two dolls for Christmas! Something got mixed up somewhere!” The girls giggled till they couldn’t stop. They spent the rest of the time telling their daddy about Christmas in Germany and the boys got to hear their daddy tell them how proud he was of their generosity and love for their sisters. And that’s how Christmas came to the Guest house in 1990 – not with ribbons and bows but with hearts held tightly together by a God-placed phone call. Eternal God, we are so grateful for the generosity that You showed to us in sending Your Son to live among us. May our love for You reflect our appreciation for Your generosity and may we in turn demonstrate generosity to those around us, whether they are members of our own families or strangers to us. For it is through the extension of generosity that we continue to live by Your example and as a tribute to Your grace. Amen.

Thursday, December 18 Facing Fear Doris and John Richbourg (excerpted from 2001 FUMC Daily Advent Devotions) Note: This devotion was written in a time immediately following the September 11th terrorist attacks, and is reprinted in memory and Doris and John. The sentiments remain relevant today, even as many continue to suffer throughout the world from terrorist attacks and from the efforts by those who would try to make Christians question or disavow their faith. The Lord is my light and my salvations – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 Throughout our lives, we face many fears, some minor or imaginary and others are real and seemingly very large. Fear may be directed toward God or man and may be either healthy or harmful. A healthy fear is reverence or respect, e.g., married couples should respect each other as well as their marriage vows. A harmful fear is a sense of terror or dread, e.g., believers should not fear the acts of humans because they cannot ultimately harm us, for our antidote to fear is unwavering confidence in God.(Matt 10:28) Our only fear should the fear of our Lord; “fear God and Keep his commandments.” (Ecc 12:13) Fear is a dark shadow which can envelope and ultimately imprison us within ourselves. Since the horrific acts of September 11th, which caused the needless loss of thousands of innocent lives and untold pain and grief to thousands of others, we have been absorbed with those and other related events. Never before have we experienced such senseless terrorist acts of this magnitude. And then before the fires are out at Ground Zero, we are stricken with anthrax. We continue to anticipate other acts of terrorism and our fears mount. Our actions and reactions to these events have resulted in the loss of many more innocent lives in other parts of the world and we fear that our lives will never be the same. However, there is one constant – “The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1) We can conquer fear by “living in the bright liberating light of the Lord who brings us salvation. God offers us help for today and hope for tomorrow. Through our vigilance and our complete confidence in God, these fears can be stilled. “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall if fear?” (Psalm 27:1) Gracious Father, we thank You for Your presence during our times of great sorrow and sadness. We thank you for the comfort we feel knowing that You are ever present in our lives. We ask Your guidance in our response to these terrorist acts causing our pain, we pray that You will help us overcome our fears in accord with Your will. In Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Friday, December 19

My Greatest Gift

Kathy Woodley “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.” John 3:16 The greatest gift I ever received was from my two wonderful parents. Daddy was 61 and mom was 37 when I was born in 1947. They raised me in the church (Del Ray Methodist) and rarely were the doors of the church open that we were not in attendance. Yes, we even walked in very deep snow to church on many occasions. The gift my parents gave me was a love for and a commitment to education, especially Christian Education. Mom taught Sunday School for as many years as I can remember. Daddy was Sunday School Superintendent and Chairman of the Commission on Education. When I was MYF President, Daddy and I had several “discussions” regarding the youth being allowed to dance in our fellowship hall on Friday nights after the football games. As a youth, I volunteered in the nursery and also helped with Vacation Bible School in the summers. I loved children and decided that I wanted to either be a teacher and/or Director of Christian Education. In 1965, I graduated from high school and left for Longwood College to pursue a degree in teaching. I only saw my daddy cry once and that was when we said goodbye at college. You see, Daddy was a “railroad man” and he only completed the ninth grade in high school. Mom completed high school but was never able to realize her dream of college due to family responsibilities. I did not realize it at the time, but I was the first person in my family to attend college! My mother and father were both from large families and Daddy and his first wife, who died in 1942, had seven children. After my freshman year in college, my daddy suffered a heart attack while we vacationed in Ocean City and died two days later. Although he was eighty years old, he bowled on two church leagues and ran circles around people much younger than himself! Going back to college was very difficult but I knew how much education meant to Daddy. I graduated in 1969 and married my high school sweetheart, Doug, two weeks later. I spent 42 years as an educator with Fairfax County Public Schools. At one time, I seriously considered teaching in a “Christian” school setting. After much prayer, I felt that God wanted me to be a Christian educator in a public school and that is what I have done! In addition, I have been involved in education at my church (Franconia UMC) working on the Education Committee, helping with Bible School, Sunday School, and Youth Groups. I believe that we must continue to provide our children with a firm foundation in Christianity and a love for our Lord. Each day during those years, as I went to school, I asked God to help me as I helped guide the young lives with whom I worked. Now retired, I continue to enjoy time spent with children. I am proud that I was a Christian educator in a public school and I believe that God called me to serve Him in this way. I thank God for two committed parents who gave their daughter the “greatest gift of all” - a love of education. Thanks Mom and Daddy! As we prepare to receive “God’s Greatest Gift” this Christmas Season, let us remember to thank our “Daddy” in Heaven for the gift of His Son, Jesus. What will you do with this precious gift? Will you share it with our children? I believe we need to pass on our faith to the next generation. Share this gift with others and plant the seeds of faith every day as you serve as a “Christian Educator” all the days of your life! Heavenly Father, thank you for the most precious gift of all, the gift of your son, Jesus. Help me to celebrate this most wonderful gift by being a light to everyone as I seek to fulfill your plan for my life.

Saturday, December 20

The story behind the carol, "I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day"

Taken from Inspire 21.com (Author unknown)

Tragedy struck the home of America's most popular poet. On July 9, 1861, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's wife, Fanny, was near an open window sealing locks of her daughter's hair in a packet, using hot sealing wax. It was never known whether a spark from a match or the sealing wax was the cause, but suddenly her dress caught fire and engulfed her with flames. Her husband, sleeping in the next room, was awakened by her screams. He desperately tried to put out the fire and save his wife. He was severely burned on his face and hands.

She, tragically burned, slipped into a coma the next day and died. His grievous burns would not even allow him to attend her funeral. He seemed to lock the anguish within his soul. Because he continued to work at his craft, only his family knew of his personal suffering. They could see it in his eyes and observe his long periods of silence. His white beard, so identified with him, was one of the results of the tragedy - the burn scars on his face made shaving almost impossible.

Although a legend in his own time, he still needed the peace that God gives to His children. On Christmas Day, three years following the horrible accident - at age 57 - he sat down to try to capture, if possible, the joys of the season. He began:

"I heard the bells on Christmas day. Their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men." As he came to the third stanza he was stopped by the thought of the condition of his beloved country. The Civil War was in full swing. The Battle of Gettysburg was not long past. Days looked dark, and he probably asked himself the question, "How can I write about 'peace on earth, good will to men' in this war-torn country, where brother fights against brother and father against son?" But he kept writing - and what did he write?

"And in despair I bowed my head: 'There is no peace on earth,' I said, 'for hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men!" It seems as if he could have been writing for our kind of a day. Then as all of us should do, he turned his thoughts to the One who solves all problems - the One who can give true and perfect peace, and continued writing:

"Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men." And so we have the marvelous Christmas carol "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." A musician named John Baptiste Calkin wrote the musical setting that has helped make the carol a favorite.

Just as that Christmas in 1864 was made better for Longfellow, may we experience a Christmas that will be the greatest ever. May we actually find the peace that Longfellow wrote about in the carol - true peace with God, for this is one of His greatest gifts to us.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of poets and musicians who bring us so much joy. Amen.

Sunday, December 21 (Fourth Sunday of Advent)

The Best Gift from My Mom Pat Hobbs "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 I was five months old on my first Christmas and according to my Dad, I was three years old before I ever slept through the night! Even as an infant I was a challenge to my parents who already had two beautiful, angelic boys with big green eyes and blonde curls. I think it’s safe to say that the baby girl who was none of those things, except for the green eyes, was not an unwelcome change, but was clearly an adjustment for their peaceful household. As my Mother so often told the story, it is no wonder that on my 1st Christmas Eve, like every other night of my five months on this earth, my Mother was walking the floors, singing, cooing, and trying her best to get this cranky, snuffling, bald-headed, wide-awake baby girl to go to sleep. And of course, my Mom had all of the Christmas Day activities to look forward to: church, the presents, sit down dinner for 20 or more, and on and on. I’ll never know where she got the energy and patience not to just plop me down to fend for myself. But, she patiently paced in the quietness of our home on that Christmas Eve, where there was always a fire crackling in the fireplace, and always the pine smell of the tree and cinnamon mingling with the rest of the great smells many us relate to our childhoods. On this particular Christmas Eve, as she held me close and we paced, she spotted a nativity scene in its place of honor among our other decorations. Either through a Mother’s mysterious intuition or a firm nudge from God, she sat us down in front of it. Since it was not quite midnight, there was no Baby Jesus in the manger. So or the next several minutes, she sat down and told me the Christmas story and allowed me to hold the Baby in my gooey , tight little fist which no doubt found its way to my mouth. As she talked softly, I must have been mesmerized by her voice, and the colors, and the quietness, and I finally settled, and locked my eyes on hers. And just after midnight, she guided my fist holding the Baby and allowed me to plop Him into his little manger bed. And Heavens above, I went to sleep! It was almost as if my job was done, so I was able to rest. For the next 38 years, no matter where I lived in the world, on that night I made my way to that house in Dayton, Ohio. It became a precious tradition for Mom and me to spend a few minutes before and after midnight on Christmas Eve, along, sharing the story, the wonder and the gift of love given to us all that special night. And each time, her hand would guide mine as I placed the Precious Child in his little manger bed. And each time, she would remind me that the greatest gift of my life was that Baby and God’s love for me, and that nothing, nothing could ever change that love. My Mother died on Christmas Eve of my 39th Christmas. Her gift to me remains, and it is one of the greatest joys to continue our tradition of sharing those moments together, even now. I can still feel her warm hand guiding mine as I place Jesus in His bed after midnight, and I just know she is tugging on God’s sleeve and saying, “That is my baby girl. She loves You and I thank You for loving her.” What a lifetime gift, the best gift a Mother can give, and the Best Gift our Heavenly Father so willingly gave us all.

Thank you Father for being the light of the world for all Your people. Amen.

Monday, December 22

Time to Reflect

By James Black, pastor of the Chatham Presbyterian Church in Chatham, VA (Church to which I belonged in my hometown) in the late 1960s.

Janet Hedrick

It was about daybreak in China and the busy time of the morning in the Philippines and Australia. It was about one o'clock in Alaska and about three-thirty as the sun poured its brilliant rays through the redwood saplings in California. This meant that the long shadows of the Blue Ridge were speeding across what would centuries later be Virginia and touching the Atlantic. In England the late retirers, if people were in England, were just beginning to sleep well. And from England to Eastern China all were asleep.

It was about midnight Jerusalem time and all was quiet except for a few restless sleepers, some kingly men following a celestial phenomena and some shepherds, Some parents were awake, too . . . and a baby.

Time, for us, is not just a marking on a dial, not even a succession of sunsets. Time is not in things but in the meaning of things! Time is in terms of "before she got sick," "after graduation," or before he died."

On one quiet evening God split all history into before and after and gave meaning to all time and hope beyond all hopes for those who are in time. Eternal God, the birth of Your Son did indeed split time, from the time of Your promise made to the time of Your promise fulfilled. Let us always take the time to remember the significance and beauty of that promise fulfilled as we go about our daily lives and let us live into our gratitude for the Gift. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Tuesday, December 23

The Real Christmas

From “Reflections for Ragamuffins” by Brennan Manning

Submitted by Pat Hobbs

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12 The Bethlehem mystery will always be a scandal to aspiring disciples who see a triumphant savior and a prosperity gospel. The infant Jesus was born in unimpressive circumstances, no one can say exactly where. His parents were of no social significance whatsoever, and his welcoming committee was made up of losers and dirt-poor shepherds. God entered our world not with the crushing impact and unbearable glory, but in the way of weakness, vulnerability, and need. On a wintry night in an obscure cave, the infant Jesus was a humble, naked, helpless God who allowed us to get close to him. Sadly, Christian piety down the centuries has prettified the Babe of Bethlehem. Christian art has trivialized divine wonder into gingerbread crèches. Christian worship has sentimentalized the smells of the stable into dignified pageantry. Pious imagination and nostalgic music rob Christmas of its shock value. But, thankfully, some still tremble in adoration of the Christ child and quake at the inbreak of God Almighty. Because all the Santa Clauses, red-nosed reindeer, fifty-foot trees, and thundering church bells put together create less pandemonium than the infant Jesus when He came alive and delivers us over to the fire he came to light. Heavenly Father, Thank you for allowing us to get close to You. Please help us to feel in our hearts the true meaning of that Holy Night. Please let it change our hearts and our lives forever. Amen

Wednesday, December 24

All That I Need

Audrey Davis (excerpted from 2001 FUMC Daily Advent Devotions)

For in Him you have been enriched in every way . . . Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 1 Corinthians 5, 7

I remember as a child how I eagerly awaited the arrival of Christmas day. I was always very excited and anxious for the big day to arrive sooner rather than later. And, sadly my anxiety and anticipation was not so much to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but to open all the bright, colorfully wrapped gifts that awaited my brother, sister and myself. And even as I grew older and learned the true meaning of Christmas, I always waited anxiously to find out what wonderful, unknown gifts awaited me under the tree. It was as if I didn’t already have enough; like each one of those beautifully wrapped presents filled something inside of me that was lacking when all I really needed was to know Jesus.

Today’s scripture reading from 1 Corinthians is appropriate for Christmas Eve. Paul tells the Corinthians that in Christ they have been enriched in every way, in all of their speaking and in all of their knowledge. So, they do not need anything else. In fact, he goes on to say that they do not lack any spiritual gift as they eagerly await Jesus Christ to be revealed. So in this scripture, Paul speaks to us today telling us that in Christ we have all that we need and God is faithful keeping us strong until the end. So, why do we continue to get so excited about Christmas? Is it for Christ who will be with us always or for something perishable that will eventually pass away? I pray for you and for me that it is for the former.

Today is the day before Christmas, the day for which all our anxieties and anticipations have been built up to be relieved only by tearing open colorful paper to reveal some store purchase item that we either asked for, needed or are thankful to have. But, none of that reveals what we really need, or rather already have, if we simply open our hearts and ask God to enter our lives and receive the eternal life that awaits us. So, today and on Christmas day look around you into the faces and eyes of the people God has placed into your life and see Jesus, because it is Him and his birth, which we are celebrating. And, it would be a shame to spend another Christmas Eve waiting to tear open presents, being surprised or excited by gifts we receive without also experiencing some excitement and anticipation for our Lord and Savior and for the gift of eternal life that He has already given us.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for Your love and for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to save me, and the world. Thank you for enriching me in every way and for giving me every spiritual gift that I need. In Jesus name I pray, that you will help me to eagerly wait for You to be revealed in me and to share You as my gift to all that You bring into presence this Christmas. Amen.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

The twelve days of Christmas are not the twelve days before Christmas, but are instead the twelve days from Christmas until the beginning of Epiphany, which is when the Three Wise Men or Magi arrived at the stable.

Day 1, Christmas Day, December 25

On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me . . . a partridge in a pear tree.

The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, much in memory of the expression of Christ’s sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . . “ (Luke 13:34)

Day 2, December 26

On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me . . . two turtle doves.

The Old and New Testaments, which together bear witness to God’s self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the Story of God to the world.

Day 3, December 27

On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me . . . three French hens.

The Three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, and Charity. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Day 4, December 28

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me . . . four calling birds.

The Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, which proclaim the Good News of God’s reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus Christ.

Day 5, December 29

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me . . . five gold rings.

The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity’s sinful failure and God’s gracious creation of His people.

Day 6, December 30

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me . . . six geese a-laying.

The six days of creation. (Genesis 1)

Day 7, December 31

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . seven swans a-swimming.

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion. (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)

Day 8, January 1

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me . . . eight maids a-milking.

The eight beatitudes: Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. (Matthew 6:3-10)

Day 9, January 2

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me . . . nine ladies dancing.

The nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

Day 10, January 3

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . ten lords a-leaping.

The ten commandments: You shall have no other gods before me; Do not make an idol; Do not take God’s name in vain; Remember the Sabbath Day; Honor your father and mother; Do not murder; Do not commit adultery; Do not steal; Do not bear false witness; Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)

Day 11, January 4

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . eleven pipers piping.

The eleven Faithful Apostles: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James bar Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas bar James. (Matthew 6:14-16)

Day 12, January 5

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . twelve drummers drumming.

The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day, He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again and judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body; and 12) life everlasting.

Epiphany

Christmas is Over . . . Now What?

Meditation text by Joel Hittle, Christian Resource Institute, 2001.

Epiphany, neat word. “To show upon.” A disclosure. A manifestation.

“For God so loved the world that He gave . . .” “. . . and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

The Christian Church has long celebrated the 6th of January as the feast of the Wise Men. We have never quite figured out who they were. But, is it really important? Probably not.

They disclosed their finest to the One they believed to be the King of the Jews. Just as God had given his best, they gave what were the most expensive gifts of the day. Gold for prosperity, frankincense for sweetness and atmosphere, and myrrh as a preservative symbolizing his ability to overcome even the worst of times. Their finest to the Finest.

It is a long journey from the first day of Advent to Epiphany. If you have read each day you have laughed, cried, and discovered a new vision of God’s greatest manifestation of His love for you. You too have felt your own emotions churn as the recollections and reminiscences of others have reminded you of days of hope, love, peace and family. You have had things disclosed to you that you had long forgotten. Some of those were blessings. Others may have been things that you wish had remained hidden.

But, each one of them is you. Your life, your dreams, your desires, your longings. Like it or not, you have to deal with each of them and accept yourself because and in spite of them. That is okay. It really is. God does, whether you do or not.

The whole story of the season is meant for you. You are the “whosoever” of John 3:16. God gave Himself for you. A whole year is ahead of you as the celebration of Christmas draws to a close. If you have not done it yet, please, be encouraged to give God the best gift you ever could. Yourself. You are important, so important that Jesus came and gave Himself on your behalf. All He has ever wanted is to give you the chance to be free in Him. To be His. To know Him as a personal God, Friend, Companion.

Won’t you give Him what He wants most for Christmas?