Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Wednesday, December 23, Morning
By Willard Sitton
The “W” in Christmas
Read 1 John 4:8
“But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” ESV
Each December I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I cut back on nonessential obligations – extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six-year-old. For weeks, he’d been memorizing songs for his school’s “Winter Pageant”. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I’d be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there’d be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as “Christmas,” I didn’t expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment – songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So when my son’s class rose to sing, “Christmas Love,” I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snow caps upon their heads. Those in the front row and center stage held up large letters one by one to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing “C” is for Christmas,” a child would hold up the letter “C”. Then “H is for Happy” and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message: “Christmas Love”.
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet girl in the front row holding the letter “M” upside down – totally unaware her letter “M” appeared as a “W”. The audience of 1st graders snickered at this little one’s mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her “W”. Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.
A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear: “CHRIST WAS LOVE”.
Prayer
Dear God, we are so thankful you sent Your Son, Jesus, to save all who accept Him as Savior. We trust yours and Jesus’ love for all. Amen.
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All are welcome at Church Street! We believe every person is of sacred worth and created in God’s image. We welcome and celebrate the gifts God has given to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, disability, status, economic condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religious affiliation. We respect diversity of opinion and expressions of Christian faith. We believe God loves everyone unconditionally! As God loves us, so let us love and serve in the name of Christ.
Evening Prayer – January 6
prayer for todayBINDING SOUL AND SOURCE
Prayers for the Church Street Family
January 6, 2021
Rev. Dr. Jan Buxton Wade
Thus says the Lord:
Stand at the crossroads, and look,
and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way lies; and walk in it,
and find rest for your souls.
(Jeremiah 6:16)
O Holy Light That Shines Even in the Darkness, hold your lantern high, we pray, that your mighty beam will shine upon those who walk bruised, burdened, and blinded through the our broken world. Our pain is deep and we question the unease, the uncertainty, the unknown swirling around us. Our eyes fill with tears when we view the rioting and bloodshed smeared across our computer and television screens this very eve. Surely you weep with us, as you witness our nation, most blessed of all nations, responding to our disagreements with violence.
O Restorer of Peace, we too stand at the crossroads as did your people in the prophet’s time. In all our unrest, help us remember that our lives are forever intertwined. Despite your steady call for peace, we confess we are not harbingers of harmony ourselves. Too often we have allowed our egos and willful emotions to rule the day. Save us from ourselves, O Lord, removing bitterness within, that we may again be known as ones who choose the good way and walk in it, for it is the same road traveled by the Prince of Peace.
With you, O Holy One, all things are possible. And so we ask you to calm the discord so prevalent our Capitol. Where there is woundedness, bring healing; where there is ruin, bring restoration; and where there is malice, bring amity. In doing so, you will be reminding us that we are your people and you are our God.
We depend upon your watchfulness, your forgiveness, and your steadfastness to see us through all our trials, and we humbly offer our gratitude. The light of your grace is made known through these joys that are shared by your friends at Church Street. May that same grace work within these personal situations most recently expressed by our church family:
Remind us, Good Lord, that your love bridges any distance; and even in the most remote valley of fear, our cries reach the ears of your heart. So quiet our spirits this night as we slumber in the arms of your grace, for we know Heaven’s Star watches over us and Jesus prays with us:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
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Flowers that bless twice
FeaturedIf you’ve attended (either in-person or virtually) a Church Street United Methodist Church service, you might have noticed the beautiful flowers that line the altar.
But, what happens to those flowers after the service? Flower Committee Chair Ann Warwick and her team of four help make sure that these beautiful flower arrangements bless twice. The group operates as a committee of the church’s Altar Guild, and Warwick shares the responsibility of coordinating and delivering floral arrangements with Nancy Christmas, Barbara Langford, Mary Lewis and Sarah Wimberly.
“We always see that they’re taken someplace they can be enjoyed,” Warwick says, adding that the flowers may be delivered to places like nursing homes or hospitals.
Polly Ailor Tullock says she was thrilled to know altar flowers were delivered to the nursing home where her mother lived prior to her death. “It would have made her so happy,” Tullock adds.
Warwick was named the chair of the committee years ago when her older sister suggested she take the lead. She and her sister were members of the Altar Guild for many years.
But, things have changed since the sisters were first on the committee. In a year like 2020, the usual delivery from Church Street to community members turned from in-person smiles and hugs to doorstep drop-offs and conversations through windows.
“Everyone who has received these flowers is so overjoyed to get flowers used in a service,” Warwick says. “When I walk in, their face really lights up.”
Recipients of the flowers have shared their love of the fresh flower deliveries. Claire Shepherd says that receiving the flowers from the church delivered by a friend “made [me] smile all week long,” and another member says that “knowing the church remembers” them in their “little room at the healthcare center means the world.”
“A big thank-you to the church for all the cards they send me, and the flowers delivered were glorious—something I never expected!” Cynthia Thompson says. “They lasted on my dining table almost two weeks as I recovered from my hospital stay.”
And while the delivery of these floral arrangements has changed, the work leading up to their delivery has stayed relatively the same.
“It (seems like) small work in the church as a whole, but we put a lot of work into it so that we can continue to surprise people,” Warwicks says.
Each member of the committee takes two months out of the year to lead both the outreach for and intake of floral arrangement requests and deliver the arrangements after services. Warwick currently covers four months of the year.
During each month, calls are made to those who gave flowers the previous year and received from those wishing to give flowers for the first time this year. Once arrangement plans are made, Scott Morrell (www.Flowersscott.com) arranges the flowers to ensure the flowers are fresh for both the service and the recipient afterward.
“Fresh flowers are just so refreshing and so beautiful,” Warwick says. “To know what God has done in the world and given us so many varieties to choose from, it’s just beautiful.”
Warwick currently has an opening for two months of the year if anyone would like to join the committee. She can be reached at 865-523-9078.
Evening Prayer – January 5
prayer for todayBINDING SOUL AND SOURCE
Prayers for the Church Street Family
January 5, 2021
Rev. Dr. Jan Buxton Wade
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim his handiwork!
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal his truth.
This unspeakably beautiful evening, we gaze at the heavens, as did the psalmist of long ago. What a mysterious twinkling umbrella you have placed above us, Great Designer, giving us your peace in the silent movement of the stars and planets. Our day has been too crowded with both the urgent and the mundane, still you have slipped in here and there, so serenely we didn’t notice. But now under the gray-blue sky, we remember the ways in which your grace found us . . . . . . . . . . For each of these points of light, we are profoundly thankful.
Unseen Friend, grant us pardon for not drinking in the love you so freely offered us this day. We stepped aside when we should have acted, we spoke bitter words, we set ourselves before others, we took you for granted, we were blinded by busyness. Bathe us this eve, and cleanse us of our selfish aims, especially . . . . . . . . . . Pierce us this night with the purity of the Bethlehem star, we pray, that a bit of its luster will shine through our actions tomorrow.
O Lord of the Night, there are many concerns we carry with us, for truly, you have created us to be a compassionate people. We lean on you, knowing you will catch us when our loads become too heavy and we stumble in the darkness. We turn over our inmost cares to you, especially . . . . . . . . . . and also these situations that have overtaken your children at Church Street:
We pray that you accept these words we offer and receive all our prayers for which there are no words. As you wrap us in sleep this night, whisper to us your words of courage, that we may be bolder in bearing the story of your love through our words and deeds. We trust in the truth of the Light of the World, and pray as he taught us:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
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Epiphany… The Story is Out!
adventDaily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Friday, December 25, Evening
By Suzanne Matheny
Epiphany… The Story is Out!
Read Matthew 2:11
“They entered the house and saw the child … they bowed down and worshiped him.” (NLT)
Christmas Day had passed. The Magi were on their way; and the six-year-old director was quietly re-imagining this seasonal drama with an odd cast of characters grossly disproportionate in size: a miniature nativity set and three mismatched, much bigger Magi figurines, two of whom were twins by virtue of a discounted ragtag end-of-season sale. Be assured, the conditions and looks of the actors were no problem in her casting, (“In theatre, you have to be ready for anything” – Willem Dafoe). The climactic scene was the Magi bearing gifts for the baby Jesus. Staged on the table was the odd assortment of Magi, lying prostrate before the tiny baby Jesus. When asked about this scene, the director simply said, “they are worshiping Jesus.”
So much to learn from this young director… In her creation, she demonstrated the incarnation of God’s glory in human form for all, notwithstanding our differences in appearance, size, nature, ethnicity, culture, financial status or any other ascribed label. We disparate humans live together in a world darkened by our prejudices, oppression and injustices. Yet, “the story is out!” Jesus the Christ, Light of the World, has come to dispel the darkness.
Prayer
God of the stars, as we seek to serve where you have placed us, may our service be the star lighting the way to Jesus Christ and love for all. Amen.
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Three Simple Gifts
adventDaily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Friday, December 25, Morning
By Nancy Carmon
Three Simple Gifts
Read Matthew 2:1-12
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
According to tradition, the Wise Men brought three gifts to the infant Jesus – gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Simple yet expensive gifts, gifts suitable for royalty. Gold is certainly a gift for a king. Frankincense is incense used in many churches during worship, and myrrh is an embalming oil, a symbol for death and suffering. All reflect the spirit, life, and death of Jesus. These three simple gifts symbolize both Jesus’ kingship and humanity. How did these men know the perfect gifts to bring? These three simple gifts might reflect gifts given to any newborn. Gold is appropriate because a child is certainly royalty to the new parents. And don’t new babies take lots of money these days! Frankincense reflects the many prayers whispered before a child’s arrival and during a child’s lifetime. Myrrh because death and suffering come to us all.
Covid-19 has certainly both simplified and complicated our lives. It may make this holiday unique in many ways. Holiday celebrations may be curtailed. Black Friday will be different as well as shopping for gifts. Family celebrations and travel might be problematic for many of us. Decorating our homes (and churches) requires energy. Traditions will be altered. This year will be a unique Christmas. It may be a simpler Christmas for many of us.
That first Christmas was simple. A child was born among the animals of a stable. He was destined to become the Savior, the Christ. He was a king, and he was human. He was given three simple gifts. What gift can we bring to him this Christmas?
Prayer
What gift can we bring, what present, what token? What words can convey it, the joy of this day? When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing, what song can we offer in honor and praise?
Give thanks for the Past, for those who had vision, who planted and watered so dreams could come true. Give thanks for the Now, for study, for worship, for mission that bids us turn prayer into deed.
Give thanks for Tomorrow, full of surprises, for knowing whatever tomorrow may bring, God gives us his word that always, forever, we rest in his keeping and live in his love.
This gift we now bring, this present, this token, these words can convey it – the joy of this day! When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing, this song we now offer in honor and praise! (“What Gift Can We Bring?” – UM Hymnal #87)
This devotion was written in honor of the UMW Service Circle.
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Open the Door and See
adventDaily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Thursday, December 24, Evening
By Dave Craig
Open the Door and See
Read Luke 2:6-7
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger…” (NIV)
Some doors that we open are familiar and others are not. Some have surprises and others are unknown or are fearful. After many years of silence and prophesies, God opened a great door and invited us in. And this is what we saw:
+ A great light. It was so bright that there were no shadows and no darkness. The light was Jesus, and He said, “Follow me, I am the light of the world.”
+ True love. Jesus lived and showed us unconditional love. He wanted us to love God, love others and love ourselves. He wanted us to be love that is patient, kind, gentle; always protecting, trusting, hoping, and persevering; and never failing.
+ The living God. Being part divine and part human, Jesus walked, ate, and slept among us. He traveled great distances, preached, taught, told stories and showed us how to pray. And He touched and healed us when we were hurting.
+ An example of forgiveness. Jesus showed and taught us how to deal with all human shortcomings and the evil of the world. As we kneel in faith and in prayer He will forgive all of our sins.
+ Peace. When we feel stressed, rushed and worn out, Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest and relief. He assures us that He will be with us always.
There is Jesus at the door, extending His hand and welcoming us into His presence. He wants to establish a close relationship with us during every day of our lives. May we live out this relational experience in all of its reality, grandeur, excitement and blessing this Christmas …
Prayer
Thank you for sending Jesus to show us how to lead productive lives. May we walk with Jesus through the door into the new year. Amen.
In loving memory of Dave, and as a tribute to his many years of faithful service to Church Street UMC, we have reprinted his devotion from our 2017 Advent devotional. Jesus opened the door to heaven and invited Dave in on March 9, 2020. May we honor Dave’s prayer and walk with Jesus into the new year.
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The Little Engine That Could
adventDaily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Thursday, December 24, Morning
By Rev. William Fowler
The Little Engine That Could
Read Mark 1:1-7
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way”
“a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”
And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
When I was a little boy, I remember mom reading us Fowler children a wonderful book. In 1930, Watty Piper transcribed a late nineteenth century fable of a train laden with all good things for children living on the other side of a tall mountain.
This trainload of toys suffered a major crisis when its engine broke down. Everyone debarked from the train and began soliciting help from locomotives passing close to the stalled entourage. A Shiny New Engine, a Big Strong Engine, and a Rusty Old Engine simply would or could not attempt the task of bringing joy to a village filled with children.
Finally, a Little Blue Engine arrived at the scene. Even though never having pulled a train over the mountain, it responded positively to the toys’ pleadings. They climbed back aboard the train. Off they went with the Little Blue Engine saying, “I think I can…I think I can…I think I can!”
This Advent we prepare for the Coming of Christ. John the Baptizer exhorted his listeners to “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” (Mark 1:3b) In our preparation for Advent, we have all kinds of mountains that keep us from receiving or delivering the Blessings of Divine Joy: Covid-19, Fear, Anger, Disappointment, Abandonment, Division, Illness, Bereavement, and many other issues may stand in our way.
Perhaps, with the Help of the Lord, we can borrow the Little Blue Engine’s way of thinking: “I think I can…I think I can…I think I can!” When descending the mountain with the village clearly in view, the Little Blue Engine recited another litany: “I thought I could…I thought I could…I thought I could!” Attitude is crucial in Preparing the way of the Lord.
Prayer
May the Lord bless us and keep us as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. Amen.
Rev. William Fowler served as Church Street Senior Pastor from 1994-2008.
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The Greatness of God’s Love
adventDaily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Wednesday, December 23, Morning
By Dr. Charles Wender
The Greatness of God’s Love
Read Luke 2:8-20
“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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” When the angel had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
If pushed to respond, what would you say is the striking feature of this story? For me it is the tremendous excitement that jumps from the page as Luke tells us of the Nativity. It is much more than a simple narrative telling of the birth of the Christ Child. Shepherds are drawn into the story as well as an angel who is a member along with the heavenly host that praises God. This is no routine birth or birth announcement.
Why is this so special? This story involves us all and its application is universal. It does not deal with one person only, but deals with us all. How can this be? All of humanity traces its origin back to Adam and Eve at the beginning of human history. The Genesis account exposes their reliance on the word of Satan over that of God. As a result, they lost the Image of God on their souls. This image contained love, light, and life. Unless this image is restored, no one can go into God’s presence in eternity. Critical is the restoration of this image on the soul of the lost (everyone); otherwise we are separated from God for eternity.
Jesus, in a nighttime discussion with Nicodemus, informed him that a new birth of soul was necessary to be acceptable for admission into God’s presence in eternity. Nicodemus was the best of Hebrew society. A fundamental change of soul was necessary for him and all the rest of us. This change is only possible through faith in Jesus as God’s Son and the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. Only a loving God could cause such to happen. We all need The Savior. There is only one. His name is Jesus. The most significant question for each one is, “Is He your Savior?”
Prayer
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
This devotion was written in honor of the Murphy Builders class.
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The “W” in Christmas
UncategorizedDaily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Wednesday, December 23, Morning
By Willard Sitton
The “W” in Christmas
Read 1 John 4:8
“But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” ESV
Each December I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I cut back on nonessential obligations – extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six-year-old. For weeks, he’d been memorizing songs for his school’s “Winter Pageant”. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I’d be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there’d be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as “Christmas,” I didn’t expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment – songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So when my son’s class rose to sing, “Christmas Love,” I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snow caps upon their heads. Those in the front row and center stage held up large letters one by one to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing “C” is for Christmas,” a child would hold up the letter “C”. Then “H is for Happy” and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message: “Christmas Love”.
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet girl in the front row holding the letter “M” upside down – totally unaware her letter “M” appeared as a “W”. The audience of 1st graders snickered at this little one’s mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her “W”. Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.
A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear: “CHRIST WAS LOVE”.
Prayer
Dear God, we are so thankful you sent Your Son, Jesus, to save all who accept Him as Savior. We trust yours and Jesus’ love for all. Amen.
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Wishing Jesus a Happy Birthday
UncategorizedDaily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Tuesday, December 22, Evening
By Nancy Thompson
Wishing Jesus a Happy Birthday
Read Luke 1:35
“The child to be born will be holy. He will be called The Son of God.”
Things seem so different this year, yet not too much. The saying is, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” That certainly is true with Jesus and His birth. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. However some of us may (or may not) change the way we celebrate the event. Here are two ways we might wish Jesus a happy birthday.
The first is an every ‘i’ dotted and every ‘t’ crossed celebration:
LIST:
Jesus, our family is now ready to wish you a Merry Christmas.
The second group is different and concerned with improving their attitudes, character, relationships and concern for their Christian wellbeing in working through the following thoughts:
Add your thoughts to either or both lists. Jesus wants to know our thoughts.
Prayer
Dear God, please accept our thoughts and prayers, however different they may be, to wish our Savior a truly sincere Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas this year. Amen.
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