The Greatness of God’s Love

Daily 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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Yearning for Heavenly Peace

Daily 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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Fear Not, I Bring You Good Tidings

Daily 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

Daily 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

Daily 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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Feeling It

Daily 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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Filling the Void

Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Saturday, December 18, Morning

By Sue Isbell

Filling the Void

Read Psalm 46:10

“Be still and know that I am God.” 

I miss Walk Through Bethlehem. For eighteen of the twenty-three years that I worked at Church Street, recreating the village of Bethlehem consumed most of my Advent season. The December of my retirement year I found myself at loose ends: there was no Bethlehem to construct, there was no Family Christmas Eve Service to plan, no Advent Craft Festival or Christmas Pageant to co-coordinate. How in the world would I fill the time with none of those events I had worked so hard to produce for so many years?

Thanksgiving rolled around, and I found myself enjoying the extra time I had to decorate my holiday trees instead of working on church crafts. A calm December now allowed time to make gingerbread houses with my grandchildren instead of baking Bethlehem bread. Instead of hanging lights in Parish Hall, I now had time to figure out exterior illumination for our house and yard. I still missed the activities of years past, but I was quickly finding that celebrating Christmas was really more feeling the spirit than doing the activities.

Christmas will be different this year. We may not get to participate in the church and community activities that we consider personal and family traditions. No Fantasy of Trees, no Nativity Pageant, and no worship the way we have always done it. It might make us sad and it might feel strange, but remember: it is just one year. Instead of lamenting the void, challenge yourself to embrace the difference, to see a part of Christmas that you have never seen before, to slow down and feel in your heart the miracle of Bethlehem and how the birth of that one tiny baby still reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is hope for all the world.

Prayer

God of all the world, help us find a stillness in this season so that we might feel the true joy of Christmas and the hope it brings us every day. Amen.

This devotion was written in honor of the Hospitality Committee. 

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Elizabeth

Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Friday, December 18, Evening

By Vivian Kempfer

Elizabeth

Read Luke 1:5

“There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.” (KJV)

The name Elizabeth signifies “The oath of God” or “The daughter of the covenant,” and Elizabeth was a true type of a covenant and a daughter of God. It is written of her, as well as of her husband, that they were “righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” But Elizabeth was barren, and this was no small trial to her, to be so advanced in age and remain childless.

But the day came when her husband Zacharias brought home strange news to Elizabeth. While in the temple, Zacharias had been visited by an angel and was told that Elizabeth would bear him a son, and he was to name him John. Elizabeth’s faithful routine of service, in little things to God, had brought about a wonderful, long-awaited change in her life. Like her sisters around her, she was going to be blessed with a child!

There came a day, in her quiet home in the country of Judea, that Mary, her cousin, came to see her. This visit had a wondrous effect on Elizabeth. She was “filled with the Holy Ghost”. The very first human being of whom such is mentioned is Elizabeth; and she spoke out with a loud voice and said: “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” 

The Spirit of God in one woman recognized the Spirit of God in the other; and it was a message to Mary from On High when Elizabeth recognized her as the Messiah’s mother. With the communion between these two women, and with the intense nearness of God, the mother of the Messiah and the mother of His forerunner, John the Baptist, understood Him and understood one another.

Prayer

I pray when we come together, that the Holy Spirit will draw us together and our Spirits can become one. Amen.

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What a Year!

Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Friday, December 18, Morning

By Judy Vest

What a Year!

Read 1 Peter 1:8

“You love him though you have never seen him; though not seeing him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with the inexpressible joy that comes from heaven itself.”

You have a beautiful, healthy baby boy (or girl)! Most new mothers want to see all ten fingers and toes immediately. Oh, the sweet smell of that freshly-bathed baby. Wait! Where did all the discomfort and anxiety of the past nine months go? Ah, it doesn’t matter anymore. 

In our family the blessing to us was a beautiful baby girl, and her mother named her Emilee. She is now ten years old and in the fifth grade doing virtual school at home. What a year we have had in so many ways: school closing in the spring, a pandemic, isolation, uncertainty, and confinement. 

Thinking of the birth of my precious granddaughter and the Advent season has me thinking of another family long ago … Mary, Joseph and their baby Jesus. A heavily pregnant woman being led over rough land by her husband on the back of a donkey to give birth in a manger. This child was a boy, and his mother named him Jesus, our Savior.

Mother and father had to flee with Jesus to a far away country. Although virtual school was not an option in that day and time, Jesus certainly learned exactly the things he needed to know. How difficult those circumstances were for all of them.

Blessings come to each of us in our lives, daily. Change, hardship, illness and broken relationships can visit us, too. Hopefully, laughter, health, and good, wholesome fun come often enough to balance our lives as we move forward through our allotted days.

Prayer

Dear Lord God, help us to hang on! May we keep the faith in things unseen, and avoid confusion over things unknown. Reassure us that You are in control and everything is ultimately going to be just fine. Amen.

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Our Amazing Ragtag Christmas Tree

Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Thursday, December 15, Morning

By Dena Wise

Our Amazing Ragtag Christmas Tree

Read 1 Corinthians 12:18-20

“God has placed each part in the body just as he wanted it to be. If all the parts were the same, how could there be a body? As it is, there are many parts. But there is only one body.” (NIRV)

I would probably be embarrassed to have my friends, who mostly have beautiful, store-bought or vintage ornaments, help decorate our Christmas tree. Everything but the proverbial kitchen sink goes on it: stems of glittery plastic gold and platinum leaves, chipped red and gold balls that hung on my parents’ tree for many years, crumbly construction paper bells and reindeer that our girls (now in their 40’s) made in kindergarten and grade school, tiny dolls that my mom tucked in my stocking every year until I had babies of my own, etched gold ornaments from cities I’ve visited for conferences, photo ornaments of all the grandkids, tiny baskets and kitchen utensils, stuffed bears and gingerbread men, and a set of Chinese paper dolls in traditional dress that my daughter found tucked in a cabinet in her first student apartment. No themes, and nothing matches; it’s just a hodgepodge of things we’ve collected through thick and thin, over a lifetime.

Yet incredibly, when it all comes together, it’s beautiful. The glittery leaves and shiny balls reflect the lights and make the tree and the room glow. A few hundred ornaments and odds and ends crowd every inch of the branches, and kids and grandkids spend happy time reminiscing about family trips, craft sessions, and family and friends they represent. Our Christmas tree always reminds me that reflecting the glow of God’s love and grace, rag-tag, imperfect, mismatched, people can bring out the best in each other, and shine with amazing light in a dark world.

Prayer

O Holy Light of the World, fill us with your radiance and love so that our bodies and spirits, our gifts and our efforts, imperfect and ragtag though they be, may build your Church, reflect Your purpose, and glow in Community to light the world’s darkest hours. Amen.

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