“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.
https://churchstreetumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Jesus-loves-me-1.png7802050Kylie Hubbardhttps://churchstreetumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/main-logo-website-new.pngKylie Hubbard2020-12-23 16:00:172020-12-21 15:22:39The Greatness of God’s Love
“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, weunderstood 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.
“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:
Floors mopped and waxed check
Rugs cleaned check
Necessary windows washed check
Guest room ready check
Get dog groomed check
Holiday clothes to cleaners
Christmas dishes clean and ready
Grocery list made for parties and Christmas dinner
Christmas card list updated and stamps bought
Babysitters reserved
Fruit baskets and poinsettias ordered
Trees and decorations cleaned and ready to go up
Shopping almost done check, check and check
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:
To close your book of complaints and open your book of praise.
To ignore what life owes you and think about what you owe life.
To stop looking for friendship and start being friendly.
To be content with things you have and stop worrying about things you have not.
To enjoy simple blessings of life and to cease striving for the artificial pleasures of the day.
To cease looking for someone to help you and devote yourself to helping others.
To consecrate your life to the service of an imperfect church and to remember that Christ chose 12 imperfect men to be His disciples.
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.
https://churchstreetumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Jesus-loves-me-1.png7802050Kylie Hubbardhttps://churchstreetumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/main-logo-website-new.pngKylie Hubbard2020-12-22 16:00:412020-12-21 15:04:24Wishing Jesus a Happy Birthday
Isaiah prophesied the birth of Jesus, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned … For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” Advent is a time of expectant waiting when we are asked to pause and focus on the birth and life of our Prince of Peace. Do you yearn for heavenly peace?
Scripture teaches us there will always be peace-disrupting trouble in this world and instructs us to keep our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. When we devote our lives to Christ, we are blessed with His presence walking with us. With every troublesome trial we face we can choose to be guided through it by our Wonderful Counselor, embarking on a journey to discovering His heavenly peace. Peace from the one who loved us so much he endured the agony of the cross to atone for our sins. We are to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Walking with Jesus, we are never alone in the journey.
Prayer
Loving God, I yearn for peace and purpose in the depths of my soul. Holy Spirit, teach me your ways for living and praying as I read and apply scripture in my daily walk with you. Help me to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ’s example. Fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit so that I am shining with the Light of Christ and radiating your love, joy, and peace toward others. Let your power energize and strengthen me to join your spiritual army and stand against the schemes of the Evil One so that I will not stumble and fall. I humbly pray this in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
On any given Sunday, you’ll find Edie Johnson surrounded by the voices of Church Street’s youngest members.
Starting at three years old, kids are invited to join Kinder Choir, and once they have reached first grade, they move on to Primary Choir. Third through fifth graders join the Chorister Choir, and the Youth Choir is composed of 6-12 graders with some additional college singers.
And while singing is certainly on the agenda each meeting, Johnson and the music ministry staff have a broader mission.
“Our goal is not to train them to be a professional musician,” Johnson says, “but it’s to train them to be able to participate and understand the [worship] service.”
Johnson leads the children in exercises and lessons that help them meet that goal. Most weeks, she uses a hymn that will be sung the following Sunday to teach rhythms and music notes — and to also keep the kids moving, which has been key as kids have participated virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For example, Johnson recently taught the refrain of “Lift High the Cross” and asked singers to march to the beat. While they may not have known the words, the kids were learning rhythm through the movements.
“They’ll hear these or see these in our service and hopefully sing along and do the motions,” Johnson says, adding that she hopes songs like “Away in a Manger” will help kids participate in the virtual Christmas Eve service this year.
Johnson also hopes she is building confidence in the children not only in singing, but just being in front of audiences. During a normal year of in-person meetings, she asks children to sing on their own as a way to share their skills.
“When I hear them and see them sing with confidence by themselves, I feel like, ‘okay, this is really the way I want it to be,’” she says.
Missions Chair and mom to 5-year-old Kinder Choir member Katie Heatherly can already see confidence building in her young daughter. Heatherly is a member of the Church Street Adult Parish Choir and says her daughter often remarks that she feels like she is following in her mom’s footsteps when she sings in the Kinder Choir.
“She has learned how to feel confident in her ability to sing praises to God,” Heatherly says. “…Hearing her so confident brings joy to my heart.”
Singing isn’t all you’ll hear from the children’s choirs, though. Johnson often uses games like BINGO and Jeopardy to teach the basics of music theory. Mom to 11-year-old and 8-year-old sisters Maria Dahunsi can see how games have helped them grasp Bible stories, church traditions and music notes.
The Dahunsi girls, left, record for virtual choir presentations during 2020.
“The children’s choir has provided a rich learning experience which has helped my daughters enhance their singing abilities and confidence standing in front of audiences,” Dahunsi says.
“My kids singing in the choir reminds me of some hymns I had forgotten and the beauty in hymns. I benefited a lot from my home choir singing as a child and a young adult,” Dahunsi adds. “These experiences had impact on my Christian journey, and I as a parent can see the positive role Church Street’s Children’s Choir is playing in my children’s appreciation of music as well as their spiritual journey.”
The Dahunsi family has a long line of music lovers, including Maria’s dad who loved hymns so much that he co-authored a book about hymns and the stories behind them. In fact, choir at Church Street is a family affair for many.
Staci Stalcup’s 14-year-old twins are in the Youth Choir, and her 11-year-old and 9-year-old are in the Children’s Choir.
“Having all four children involved in the music ministry at Church Street has allowed them to glorify the Lord through the beauty of music,” Stalcup says. “Such a strong impact in their lives and our lives as a family allows us to continue our growth in our work with the Lord.”
In addition to developing their musical talents, Stalcup says she is thrilled her kids have the opportunity to meet other children and youth who want to praise the Lord through music. Heatherly echoes that sentiment.
“She has made best friends in choir that I am quite confident will last through her childhood and hopefully last through her lifetime,” Heatherly says.
Once a month (prior to COVID-19), these young singers join the Adult Parish Choir during worship, and you’ll see some familiar faces in the Family Christmas Eve service on December 24 at 3 pm on YouTube.
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
One of my favorite hymns that our choir sings, and one that brings me great comfort, is “Do Not Be Afraid,” words by Gerard Markland and based on Isaiah 43; there is a recording of it on YouTube under Church Street UMC. When I think of all the challenges we have been faced with this year, (floods, hurricanes, wildfires, torching of buildings and vehicles, isolation, loneliness, the exile of a pandemic), I’m reminded of how relevant these words are for our current situation:
“When you walk through the waters I’ll be with you,
You will never have to sink beneath the waves. When the fire is burning all around you, You will never be consumed by the flames. When the fear of loneliness is looming, Then remember I am at your side. When you dwell in the exile of a stranger Remember you are precious in my eyes. You are mine, O my child; I am your father, And I love you with a perfect love.
Chorus: Do not be afraid, For I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name; You are mine.”
I do not fear, for God loves me; so much that he offers me a gift of redemption through a little baby named Jesus, his son and my Saviour. I am secure in knowing I am his child and I am precious in his sight. So when I wonder why these things are happening, I remind myself God is still in control and all of this is part of His plan. He is allowing these things to happen for His purpose. It’s challenging to understand this, and it takes a lot of trust in God to accept it, but he promises to never forsake us, and I take comfort in that promise. We would never grow in our faith if we were not challenged from time to time. Trust your Father, and do not be afraid.
Prayer
Dear Father, when great challenges occur in my life, give me the strength to focus on you and not all the chaos surrounding me. Reassure me of your promises and your love for me. Remind me of the angel’s “good tidings of great joy”, and that I have nothing to fear because your son is my Lord and Saviour. Amen.
This devotion was written in honor of the Parish Adult Choir.
https://churchstreetumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Jesus-loves-me-1.png7802050Kylie Hubbardhttps://churchstreetumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/main-logo-website-new.pngKylie Hubbard2020-12-21 16:00:472020-12-19 16:58:18Fear Not, I Bring You Good Tidings
“I Thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” (NIV)
One of my favorite memories is encased in a cold, mid-December when my son, Duncan, who has Down’s Syndrome, was about four years old. All the glitter and glitz of the season adorned our Christmas tree with purchased presents, each one wrapped and beginning to accumulate under our tinsel adorned tree the weeks prior to Christmas. Duncan’s job every morning was to turn on the tree lights in our living room. He loved Christmas! Not one to wait for things, he wanted to open presents as soon as they touched the tree skirt underneath. Every December morning, he would run first to the Christmas tree in hopeful expectation, pick out a present, hold it in curious admiration until one of us walked by and reminded him, “not yet Duncan.”
About four days before Christmas, sleepy eyed, we approached the living room in the early morning hours of darkness to find the light on. Duncan, sitting under the glowing tree, was surrounded by multiple opened presents on all sides. The pure joy on his face was contagious as he raised a recently opened kitchen item not meant for him. Forgiveness swept over us, and our family of four began to laugh and share in his joy, It was decided that Christmas had just come early that year!
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all lived with that unbridled joy and anticipation of our Lord and what He has in store for us EACH day! How FULLY we could live in the space that He has created for us! Our LORD has given us the gift of reconciliation despite our sins, past, present and future. His greatest gift of Love by Jesus’ living with us briefly, and then His ultimate sacrifice for us so that we can be seen by our Father as Righteous, is amazing! What forgiveness we should have in our hearts for each other! What joy!
This Christmas and every season, let’s work daily to conduct each of our lives with such joy and love for one another, so all the world can see His Hope in our lives, and perhaps others will want to be a part of His eternal plan of joy too.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, from the words of your prophet Isaiah, “may gladness and joy overtake us, and our sorrow and sighing flee away.” Amen.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
At age 22 I graduated college, stuffed my belongings into one large suitcase and headed to England for a teaching post at the American School at Lakenheath Air Force Base. A contract awaited, I was assured, but nothing had been signed. Thrilled to have landed a job in the land of Jane Austin, Thomas Hardy, and the Brontë sisters, whose works I had studied, I felt I was the luckiest person alive.
When my jet lag had passed, I met the Headmaster, who sadly informed me my position had been given to a teacher with a master’s degree. I was greatly disheartened, but signed on as a substitute teacher for three days weekly at a skimpy salary. My discouragement brought a bonus, however, as I had many free days to explore throughout a breathtakingly beautiful autumn and a nippy, but enchanting, winter.
One frigid December morning, I found myself alone in the quiet ruins of St. Edmunds Abbey near River Lark. Patches of snow & heavy frost coated the dark earth and grassy stubbles peeped through here and there. A low fog enshrouded the structure’s jagged arches, through which the sun cast a pink shimmering glow. I recall standing at the gate, absorbing the mystical scene for a long time. Eventually I crossed over the ancient low stone walls & moved reverently through the timeworn transept. I left with a peace that remains indescribable.
During winter’s chill, this treasured memory resurfaces, and I imagine myself once again stepping along the frozen ground where 11th – 16th century worshipers met to pray. I replay the scene in my head, breathing in the peace it gave me then. 2020 has brought much anxiety and discouragement, but the Holy One has never stopped inviting us to breathe in the peace he freely offers…
Prayer
Breath of Heaven, bring me life; Breath of Heaven, bring me courage; Breath of Heaven, bring me peace. Amen.
Rev. Jan Buxton Wade is the Minister of Spiritual Enrichment at Church Street United Methodist Church.
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord— and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling[a] together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.
When I am doing pre-marital counseling with couples, part of the conversation is about their respective family trees and what each learns about handed-down roles and expectations. Putting together a Jesse Tree is a wonderful way to learn some of the Old Testament characters as well as Jesus’ family tree. Sunday School teachers discover that fourth graders enjoy reading that first chapter of Matthew as they start with verse 16 and work their way up. How many ‘greats’ do you have to put in front of ‘grandfather’ to know which grandfather Jesse was to Jesus? Great-great-great-great … you can count for yourself. It’s a lot! The fourth stanza of the hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, points us to the lineage of Jesus. “O come, thou Root of Jesse’s tree, an ensign of thy people be; before thee rulers silent fall; all peoples on thy mercy call.”
Most families have the stories and characters that they would prefer to forget, or at least, not bring up at Thanksgiving dinner. The one son or daughter who everyone thought would do great things ended up somewhere else … There are poor decisions, arguments over an inheritance, family secrets that still overshadow and other stories we would rather not talk about. King David, God’s chosen, could not save the kingdom. And yet, we continue to hear about God’s people and the lineage of David. Wasn’t that destroyed? Things will never be the same! Let’s not talk about it!
But Isaiah, like a cousin who doesn’t know any better, brings it up. He doesn’t even refer to “David,” but to the stump of Jesse. The heritage that Jesse, David’s father brings, has been cut down! Nothing left but a stump. Isaiah tells us to look closely. A shoot is growing from that stump and the roots are deep! You can read about Hezekiah in 2 Kings 18 and how he brings hope and peace to God’s people again. Isaiah reminds the people that when God begins a work, when God makes a promise, there is no family story or history too devastating or troubling. God works through all of our stories and in spite of them!
As you read through Isaiah 11, the image of Edward Hicks’ painting Peaceable Kingdom comes to mind. In the midst of divisive times whether it is within the family or within our own country, I turn to Isaiah 11 and remember the stories of exiles returning and even the older story of the exodus (read all of chapter 11). Focusing on God’s images and promise of return, reconciliation, and peace is a helpful image for me this season!
Prayer
God of Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth and John, Ruth and Boaz, we thank you for the genealogies that trace our own histories and stories. Thank you for loving us through the flourishing times and the disappointing times. Thank you for great-great-grandparents and cousins who have shaped who we are. May we keep our hearts open to your desire for us to live in peace and grace. Amen.
Rev. Catherine Nance is the Senior Pastor at Church Street United Methodist Church.
“Send your light and your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to your holy mountain, to your dwelling place. Then I will come to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise you with the lyre, God, my God.”
As I sit writing this in mid-October, I’m just not feeling very Christmasy. Too many issues to think about the birth of Christ and what it should mean to me. The election is a couple of weeks off; way too long in my opinion. Will it be safe to go to Florida to our daughter’s house for Thanksgiving? I’m scared to travel, but it’s been January since we last saw them. I love to cook, but right now I’d LOVE to go into a restaurant, sit down, and eat. I’m tired of ordering online and having to send it back because it doesn’t fit or isn’t how it looked in the catalog.
However, I’ll bet that things in 6 B.C. weren’t any better. Rome was in charge and many of the Jewish leaders were bending to their harsh treatment of the Hebrew people. Nobody liked the Romans being in charge … but what could they do? And that stupid census …! Mary had to be terrified about traveling while pregnant … most likely ON A DONKEY!!! Was it safe? Would she go into labor on the way? Would she live through delivery in a strange place? And, I’m sure Mary and Joseph were tired of the food that they had brought with them on the trip. The bread was probably stale, and the fruit and vegetables gone. Mary most likely longed for her home town and walking freely to the market, seeing friends and family along the way.
Have things changed much in over 2020 years? Are frustrations, desires, fears, and needs another gift of 2020, or are they a permanent part of the human condition?
All I know is that none of their fears, frustrations and desires stopped Mary and Joseph. She got on that donkey, Joseph walked beside her carrying their few belongings, and they started off. And what a trip they had! The baby was born, she survived, and she held in her arms the Son of God. What if they had given in to “not feeling Christmasy”?
So, I’m shaking off my doldrums, baking some cookies, putting on some carols, and thanking God for this season. Christmas comes whether you are ready or not. So you might as well feel Christmasy!
Prayer
Gracious God, lead us to clear our troubled minds and weary bodies for the coming of the Christ child. May we see the world in less anxious eyes, and truth in your love and care. Amen.
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.
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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Yearning for Heavenly Peace
adventDaily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Tuesday, December 22, Morning
By Elaine Doss
Yearning for Heavenly Peace
Read Isaiah 9, Hebrews 12
Isaiah prophesied the birth of Jesus, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned … For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” Advent is a time of expectant waiting when we are asked to pause and focus on the birth and life of our Prince of Peace. Do you yearn for heavenly peace?
Scripture teaches us there will always be peace-disrupting trouble in this world and instructs us to keep our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. When we devote our lives to Christ, we are blessed with His presence walking with us. With every troublesome trial we face we can choose to be guided through it by our Wonderful Counselor, embarking on a journey to discovering His heavenly peace. Peace from the one who loved us so much he endured the agony of the cross to atone for our sins. We are to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Walking with Jesus, we are never alone in the journey.
Prayer
Loving God, I yearn for peace and purpose in the depths of my soul. Holy Spirit, teach me your ways for living and praying as I read and apply scripture in my daily walk with you. Help me to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ’s example. Fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit so that I am shining with the Light of Christ and radiating your love, joy, and peace toward others. Let your power energize and strengthen me to join your spiritual army and stand against the schemes of the Evil One so that I will not stumble and fall. I humbly pray this in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
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More than music notes: CSUMC children’s choirs teach leadership, build friendships
Featured, MusicOn any given Sunday, you’ll find Edie Johnson surrounded by the voices of Church Street’s youngest members.
Starting at three years old, kids are invited to join Kinder Choir, and once they have reached first grade, they move on to Primary Choir. Third through fifth graders join the Chorister Choir, and the Youth Choir is composed of 6-12 graders with some additional college singers.
And while singing is certainly on the agenda each meeting, Johnson and the music ministry staff have a broader mission.
“Our goal is not to train them to be a professional musician,” Johnson says, “but it’s to train them to be able to participate and understand the [worship] service.”
Johnson leads the children in exercises and lessons that help them meet that goal. Most weeks, she uses a hymn that will be sung the following Sunday to teach rhythms and music notes — and to also keep the kids moving, which has been key as kids have participated virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For example, Johnson recently taught the refrain of “Lift High the Cross” and asked singers to march to the beat. While they may not have known the words, the kids were learning rhythm through the movements.
“They’ll hear these or see these in our service and hopefully sing along and do the motions,” Johnson says, adding that she hopes songs like “Away in a Manger” will help kids participate in the virtual Christmas Eve service this year.
Johnson also hopes she is building confidence in the children not only in singing, but just being in front of audiences. During a normal year of in-person meetings, she asks children to sing on their own as a way to share their skills.
“When I hear them and see them sing with confidence by themselves, I feel like, ‘okay, this is really the way I want it to be,’” she says.
Missions Chair and mom to 5-year-old Kinder Choir member Katie Heatherly can already see confidence building in her young daughter. Heatherly is a member of the Church Street Adult Parish Choir and says her daughter often remarks that she feels like she is following in her mom’s footsteps when she sings in the Kinder Choir.
“She has learned how to feel confident in her ability to sing praises to God,” Heatherly says. “…Hearing her so confident brings joy to my heart.”
Singing isn’t all you’ll hear from the children’s choirs, though. Johnson often uses games like BINGO and Jeopardy to teach the basics of music theory. Mom to 11-year-old and 8-year-old sisters Maria Dahunsi can see how games have helped them grasp Bible stories, church traditions and music notes.
The Dahunsi girls, left, record for virtual choir presentations during 2020.
“The children’s choir has provided a rich learning experience which has helped my daughters enhance their singing abilities and confidence standing in front of audiences,” Dahunsi says.
“My kids singing in the choir reminds me of some hymns I had forgotten and the beauty in hymns. I benefited a lot from my home choir singing as a child and a young adult,” Dahunsi adds. “These experiences had impact on my Christian journey, and I as a parent can see the positive role Church Street’s Children’s Choir is playing in my children’s appreciation of music as well as their spiritual journey.”
The Dahunsi family has a long line of music lovers, including Maria’s dad who loved hymns so much that he co-authored a book about hymns and the stories behind them. In fact, choir at Church Street is a family affair for many.
Staci Stalcup’s 14-year-old twins are in the Youth Choir, and her 11-year-old and 9-year-old are in the Children’s Choir.
“Having all four children involved in the music ministry at Church Street has allowed them to glorify the Lord through the beauty of music,” Stalcup says. “Such a strong impact in their lives and our lives as a family allows us to continue our growth in our work with the Lord.”
In addition to developing their musical talents, Stalcup says she is thrilled her kids have the opportunity to meet other children and youth who want to praise the Lord through music. Heatherly echoes that sentiment.
“She has made best friends in choir that I am quite confident will last through her childhood and hopefully last through her lifetime,” Heatherly says.
Once a month (prior to COVID-19), these young singers join the Adult Parish Choir during worship, and you’ll see some familiar faces in the Family Christmas Eve service on December 24 at 3 pm on YouTube.
Fear Not, I Bring You Good Tidings
adventDaily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Monday, December 21, Evening
By Barry Christmas
Fear Not, I Bring Good Tidings
Read Luke 2:10
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
One of my favorite hymns that our choir sings, and one that brings me great comfort, is “Do Not Be Afraid,” words by Gerard Markland and based on Isaiah 43; there is a recording of it on YouTube under Church Street UMC. When I think of all the challenges we have been faced with this year, (floods, hurricanes, wildfires, torching of buildings and vehicles, isolation, loneliness, the exile of a pandemic), I’m reminded of how relevant these words are for our current situation:
“When you walk through the waters I’ll be with you,
You will never have to sink beneath the waves. When the fire is burning all around you, You will never be consumed by the flames. When the fear of loneliness is looming, Then remember I am at your side. When you dwell in the exile of a stranger Remember you are precious in my eyes. You are mine, O my child; I am your father, And I love you with a perfect love.
Chorus: Do not be afraid, For I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name; You are mine.”
I do not fear, for God loves me; so much that he offers me a gift of redemption through a little baby named Jesus, his son and my Saviour. I am secure in knowing I am his child and I am precious in his sight. So when I wonder why these things are happening, I remind myself God is still in control and all of this is part of His plan. He is allowing these things to happen for His purpose. It’s challenging to understand this, and it takes a lot of trust in God to accept it, but he promises to never forsake us, and I take comfort in that promise. We would never grow in our faith if we were not challenged from time to time. Trust your Father, and do not be afraid.
Prayer
Dear Father, when great challenges occur in my life, give me the strength to focus on you and not all the chaos surrounding me. Reassure me of your promises and your love for me. Remind me of the angel’s “good tidings of great joy”, and that I have nothing to fear because your son is my Lord and Saviour. Amen.
This devotion was written in honor of the Parish Adult Choir.
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Joy
adventDaily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Monday, December 21, Morning
By Virginia A. White
Joy
Read Philippians 1:3-4
“I Thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” (NIV)
One of my favorite memories is encased in a cold, mid-December when my son, Duncan, who has Down’s Syndrome, was about four years old. All the glitter and glitz of the season adorned our Christmas tree with purchased presents, each one wrapped and beginning to accumulate under our tinsel adorned tree the weeks prior to Christmas. Duncan’s job every morning was to turn on the tree lights in our living room. He loved Christmas! Not one to wait for things, he wanted to open presents as soon as they touched the tree skirt underneath. Every December morning, he would run first to the Christmas tree in hopeful expectation, pick out a present, hold it in curious admiration until one of us walked by and reminded him, “not yet Duncan.”
About four days before Christmas, sleepy eyed, we approached the living room in the early morning hours of darkness to find the light on. Duncan, sitting under the glowing tree, was surrounded by multiple opened presents on all sides. The pure joy on his face was contagious as he raised a recently opened kitchen item not meant for him. Forgiveness swept over us, and our family of four began to laugh and share in his joy, It was decided that Christmas had just come early that year!
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all lived with that unbridled joy and anticipation of our Lord and what He has in store for us EACH day! How FULLY we could live in the space that He has created for us! Our LORD has given us the gift of reconciliation despite our sins, past, present and future. His greatest gift of Love by Jesus’ living with us briefly, and then His ultimate sacrifice for us so that we can be seen by our Father as Righteous, is amazing! What forgiveness we should have in our hearts for each other! What joy!
This Christmas and every season, let’s work daily to conduct each of our lives with such joy and love for one another, so all the world can see His Hope in our lives, and perhaps others will want to be a part of His eternal plan of joy too.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, from the words of your prophet Isaiah, “may gladness and joy overtake us, and our sorrow and sighing flee away.” Amen.
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Breath of Heaven
adventDaily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Sunday, December 20, Evening
By Rev. Jan Buxton Wade
Breath of Heaven
Read John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
At age 22 I graduated college, stuffed my belongings into one large suitcase and headed to England for a teaching post at the American School at Lakenheath Air Force Base. A contract awaited, I was assured, but nothing had been signed. Thrilled to have landed a job in the land of Jane Austin, Thomas Hardy, and the Brontë sisters, whose works I had studied, I felt I was the luckiest person alive.
When my jet lag had passed, I met the Headmaster, who sadly informed me my position had been given to a teacher with a master’s degree. I was greatly disheartened, but signed on as a substitute teacher for three days weekly at a skimpy salary. My discouragement brought a bonus, however, as I had many free days to explore throughout a breathtakingly beautiful autumn and a nippy, but enchanting, winter.
One frigid December morning, I found myself alone in the quiet ruins of St. Edmunds Abbey near River Lark. Patches of snow & heavy frost coated the dark earth and grassy stubbles peeped through here and there. A low fog enshrouded the structure’s jagged arches, through which the sun cast a pink shimmering glow. I recall standing at the gate, absorbing the mystical scene for a long time. Eventually I crossed over the ancient low stone walls & moved reverently through the timeworn transept. I left with a peace that remains indescribable.
During winter’s chill, this treasured memory resurfaces, and I imagine myself once again stepping along the frozen ground where 11th – 16th century worshipers met to pray. I replay the scene in my head, breathing in the peace it gave me then. 2020 has brought much anxiety and discouragement, but the Holy One has never stopped inviting us to breathe in the peace he freely offers…
Prayer
Breath of Heaven, bring me life; Breath of Heaven, bring me courage; Breath of Heaven, bring me peace. Amen.
Rev. Jan Buxton Wade is the Minister of Spiritual Enrichment at Church Street United Methodist Church.
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O Come, Thou Root of Jesse’s Tree
UncategorizedDaily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Sunday, December 20, Morning
By Rev. Catherine Nance
O Come, Thou Root of Jesse’s Tree
Read Isaiah 11:1-10
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling[a] together;
and a little child will lead them.
The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
The infant will play near the cobra’s den,
and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.
They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.
When I am doing pre-marital counseling with couples, part of the conversation is about their respective family trees and what each learns about handed-down roles and expectations. Putting together a Jesse Tree is a wonderful way to learn some of the Old Testament characters as well as Jesus’ family tree. Sunday School teachers discover that fourth graders enjoy reading that first chapter of Matthew as they start with verse 16 and work their way up. How many ‘greats’ do you have to put in front of ‘grandfather’ to know which grandfather Jesse was to Jesus? Great-great-great-great … you can count for yourself. It’s a lot! The fourth stanza of the hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, points us to the lineage of Jesus. “O come, thou Root of Jesse’s tree, an ensign of thy people be; before thee rulers silent fall; all peoples on thy mercy call.”
Most families have the stories and characters that they would prefer to forget, or at least, not bring up at Thanksgiving dinner. The one son or daughter who everyone thought would do great things ended up somewhere else … There are poor decisions, arguments over an inheritance, family secrets that still overshadow and other stories we would rather not talk about. King David, God’s chosen, could not save the kingdom. And yet, we continue to hear about God’s people and the lineage of David. Wasn’t that destroyed? Things will never be the same! Let’s not talk about it!
But Isaiah, like a cousin who doesn’t know any better, brings it up. He doesn’t even refer to “David,” but to the stump of Jesse. The heritage that Jesse, David’s father brings, has been cut down! Nothing left but a stump. Isaiah tells us to look closely. A shoot is growing from that stump and the roots are deep! You can read about Hezekiah in 2 Kings 18 and how he brings hope and peace to God’s people again. Isaiah reminds the people that when God begins a work, when God makes a promise, there is no family story or history too devastating or troubling. God works through all of our stories and in spite of them!
As you read through Isaiah 11, the image of Edward Hicks’ painting Peaceable Kingdom comes to mind. In the midst of divisive times whether it is within the family or within our own country, I turn to Isaiah 11 and remember the stories of exiles returning and even the older story of the exodus (read all of chapter 11). Focusing on God’s images and promise of return, reconciliation, and peace is a helpful image for me this season!
Prayer
God of Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth and John, Ruth and Boaz, we thank you for the genealogies that trace our own histories and stories. Thank you for loving us through the flourishing times and the disappointing times. Thank you for great-great-grandparents and cousins who have shaped who we are. May we keep our hearts open to your desire for us to live in peace and grace. Amen.
Rev. Catherine Nance is the Senior Pastor at Church Street United Methodist Church.
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Feeling It
adventDaily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Saturday, December 19, Evening
By Ann Reego
Feeling It
Read Psalm 43:3-4
“Send your light and your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to your holy mountain, to your dwelling place. Then I will come to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise you with the lyre, God, my God.”
As I sit writing this in mid-October, I’m just not feeling very Christmasy. Too many issues to think about the birth of Christ and what it should mean to me. The election is a couple of weeks off; way too long in my opinion. Will it be safe to go to Florida to our daughter’s house for Thanksgiving? I’m scared to travel, but it’s been January since we last saw them. I love to cook, but right now I’d LOVE to go into a restaurant, sit down, and eat. I’m tired of ordering online and having to send it back because it doesn’t fit or isn’t how it looked in the catalog.
However, I’ll bet that things in 6 B.C. weren’t any better. Rome was in charge and many of the Jewish leaders were bending to their harsh treatment of the Hebrew people. Nobody liked the Romans being in charge … but what could they do? And that stupid census …! Mary had to be terrified about traveling while pregnant … most likely ON A DONKEY!!! Was it safe? Would she go into labor on the way? Would she live through delivery in a strange place? And, I’m sure Mary and Joseph were tired of the food that they had brought with them on the trip. The bread was probably stale, and the fruit and vegetables gone. Mary most likely longed for her home town and walking freely to the market, seeing friends and family along the way.
Have things changed much in over 2020 years? Are frustrations, desires, fears, and needs another gift of 2020, or are they a permanent part of the human condition?
All I know is that none of their fears, frustrations and desires stopped Mary and Joseph. She got on that donkey, Joseph walked beside her carrying their few belongings, and they started off. And what a trip they had! The baby was born, she survived, and she held in her arms the Son of God. What if they had given in to “not feeling Christmasy”?
So, I’m shaking off my doldrums, baking some cookies, putting on some carols, and thanking God for this season. Christmas comes whether you are ready or not. So you might as well feel Christmasy!
Prayer
Gracious God, lead us to clear our troubled minds and weary bodies for the coming of the Christ child. May we see the world in less anxious eyes, and truth in your love and care. Amen.
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