CHRISTMAS EVE

Saturday, December 24 

Isaiah 59:15b-21

Psalms 45, 46, 89:1-29

Philippians 2:5-11

Matthew 1:18-25

Isaiah 59:21

And as for me, this is my covenant with them, says the Lord:

my spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in

your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouths of your children, or out of the mouths of your children’s children, says the Lord, from now on and for ever.

What a wonderful Christmas gift to those who believe in Christ and keep the Lord’s covenant – to have the His support in everything.  In one of our recent Sunday school classes I was struck by a most revealing statement – Heaven is full of sinners who believe that God has forgiven their sin, but those sinners who just cannot accept that are in a hell of their own making.  The covenant does not demand perfection just the acknowledgement that we are not but have been forgiven in our failures by Christ’s resurrection.

So today and tomorrow when we celebrate the Birth of the Savior let us also remember the covenant and the promise that the Spirit is always with us.

Virginia and John McGarvey

Friday, December 23

Baruch 4:21-29

Psalms 93, 96, 148, 150

Galatians 3:15-22

Luke 1:67-80 or Matt 1:1-17

Matthew 1:1-17

Today’s reading comes from the 1^st chapter in Matthew.  You know, the FIRST chapter.  The chapter where we hear about how so and so became of so and so, and then what’s his name was the father to what’s his face.  Blah, blah, blah.  Skip to chapter 2.

How could all of these names, lineage and generational data really matter or be important?  Let’s skip ahead to the good stuff… the interesting miracles, the heroic battles, the sin, the romance, the fall.  Right?

As I began to study the scripture for today’s devotion, I thought, “Well, I’ll definitely not choose the Matthew passage.”  Hmmm… but as I contemplated today’s choices, this chapter kept coming back to me again and again.  I found myself speaking to God, saying, “Surely, this isn’t the good stuff we should meditate on today?  Don’t you want us to dive into Psalms or perhaps, Galatians?”  As you may ascertain from the progress of this writing, the answer was “No.”  “Now what?” I thought.

So, I began to read the names with new eyes… names that are familiar to us like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Names that are easily spoken like Jesse, David and Judah.  Names that are unfamiliar such as Obed, Rehoboam, Abijah, Uzziah, Shealtiel, Zerubbabel, Elihud and Eleazar.  Finally, in verse 16, we end with the familiar “Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.”

Now Joseph, I could write about!  What an amazing, faithful servant he was!  How obedient and humble he turned out to be.  But, where would Joseph be without people like Obed, Rehoboam and Eleazer?  It strikes me that all of these names, the ones we so frequently “skip” over, are specifically and purposefully written in God’s word.  These people are accounted for… people who, without them, wouldn’t lead us to Joseph or Mary or Jesus.  Amazing!  These people are part of the lineage of the Christ child. 

Doesn’t it make you wonder the influence all of these generations had on the fulfillment of God’s plan for a savior?  Does it make you think of those names in your family tree that directed you into a faithfulness that you have today?  It certainly does for me.  It makes me recall with gratitude names like Lydia and Earl, Victoria and James, Lois and Martin, and Elizabeth and Clarence Albert.  Names, I wouldn’t dare skip over.

Melissa Peter

Thursday, December 22

2 Samuel 7:-18-29

Psalms 80, 146, 147      

Galatians 3:1-14

Luke 1:57-66

Luke 1:65-66

“All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, ‘What then is this child going to be?’ For the Lord’s hand was with him.”

At first glance you might think that the child referenced in these two verses was Jesus.  It easily could have been but instead it was John the Baptist.  John’s father, Zechariah, had just had his voice returned to him on the declaration that his child’s name would be John.  The people were filled with awe.  The neighbors were chatting up a storm throughout the hill country.  Can you imagine the 24/7 media blitz this would have created?  A sense of wonder filled their minds.  “What then is this child going to be?”  Every pundit would have a proposed agenda for this child when he was only a little over a week old.  Imagine now, if Jesus had been born amongst his neighbors – would it still have been the same manger birth?  Would the shepherds have come in from their fields?  Would the wise men have been welcomed?  Would the chorus of the angels been drowned out by the flashes and lights of the news cameras?  The Word tells us that the Lord’s hand was with John and we know through the prophecies that the Lord had Jesus’ birth all figured out.  Seems that the Lord intended for John to get a little media boost to start out his calling.  But Jesus came forth to us in a different style – away from home, and in a way that revealed his humanity and his majesty – something to ponder.

As parents, we wonder, with awe: What then are our children going to be?  It is a mystery full of many unknowns.  As we reflect on the births of John and Jesus, let us be reminded that the Lord’s hand is with our children (and ourselves).  Let us rejoice – especially that it’s not all up to us!

Shari and Ian Watson

Wednesday, December 21

2 Samuel 7:1-17

Psalms 72, 111, 113

Titus 2:11-3:8a

Luke 1:39-56

“My soul magnifies the Lord, 

   and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
   Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
   and holy is his name.”

One of my favorite paintings was done by the artist Henry Ossawa Taylor.  It is a painting of the Annunciation to Mary.  The angel Gabriel is rendered as a shaft of bright light on side of the painting.  On the other side of the painting, huddled in the corner of her bed, using her covers to shield her from the bright light, is a very young girl.  She looks, in the picture to be no older than 12.  This is Mary as she might truly have been – not the regally dressed, elegant Queen of Heaven, but the young Jewish girl who is about to become pregnant without being married – which was more scandalous then than it is now.  In fact, simply by saying ‘yes’ to the Angel’s proposition, Mary was putting her life at risk.  In near-eastern cultures, women who get pregnant before they are married don’t fare so well.

Yet, if Mary wastes much time moping about the seriousness of her circumstances we don’t know it.  In today’s passage from Luke’s Gospel, when she encounters her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist, Mary is brimming with praise for the God who has chosen her to be an instrument of His plan for the world.  God was doing something exciting and new in the world and even though her choice to participate in His work might have cost her a husband (though it didn’t) and might have cost her her life (though it didn’t), Mary chooses instead to rejoice in the privilege of playing such an important role in God’s plan for the world.

The places where God leads us are always dangerous and never safe.  He is always beckoning us to do work for His Kingdom which will bring us face to face with our deepest fears.  Will we respond to God’s call begrudgingly, keeping in mind EXACTLY what we have risked in saying yes?  Or will we be free with our lives and our praise – rushing foolish and headlong into the plans which God has made for us?

Fr. Patrick Hall

Tuesday, December 20

1 Samuel 2:1b-10

Psalms 66, 67, 116, 117

Titus 2:1-10

Luke 1:26-38

³⁷For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:38

Mary had an angelic visitation from the Archangel Gabriel to announce the birth of Christ and to deliver several other astounding proclamations:

·       That she had found favour with God

·       That she will conceive in her womb and bring forth a Son calling his name Jesus

·       He will be the son of the highest

·       He shall have the throne of his father David

·       He shall reign forever over the house of Jacob

·       His kingdom shall have no end

·       Mary’s barren cousin Elizabeth will conceive and bear a son

She must have wondered at these staggering announcements. She asked how these things could be as she was engaged, a very young girl and also a virgin.

The angel then told her that the power of the highest shall overshadow her and that He shall be called the Son of God. Joyous expectation yet trepidation must have filled her heart.

We all face impossible situations.  It is simply a question of whose report we shall believe.  May we have the humility and submission of Mary and to trust in the Lord with all our hearts ~ to see what cannot be seen ~ to have the spiritual vision to overcome to say what Mary said “Behold the handmaid of the Lord ~ Be it unto me according to thy word.” Luke 1:38.  May this holy child Jesus be birthed in us anew this beautiful Christmas season.

Joyce Westlake

Monday, December 19

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Psalms 61, 62, 112, 115

Titus 1:1-16

Luke 1:1-25

Luke 1:1-25

In the opening of Luke’s gospel account, we hear about Zechariah getting the big news, and it surely came as quite a shock.  He was told that his wife would bear a son, against all odds given the old age of the couple.  John the Baptist, as he eventually came to be known, would be “great in the sight of the Lord” and “make ready a people” for what, and who, was to come.  Zechariah’s son became a leader of the fringe, fearless in his disregard of the established religious hierarchy and in his zeal for preaching the word of God, at great risk to his own personal safety.  He was an impressive figure, so much so that he was mistaken by some for the Messiah, but John taught those that would listen to keep waiting and to be ready.  “One who is more powerful than I will come…” 

He has come, and will come again.  You must prepare your heart for the One who patiently awaits your permission to fill it.

Mark Ramey, Jr.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Sunday, December 18

Genesis 3:8-15

Psalms 8, 24, 29, 84

Revelations 12:1-10

John 3:16-21

Psalm 29

"Bravo, God bravo!
Gods and all angels shout, ‘Encore!’
In awe before the glory,

in awe before God's visible power.
Stand at attention!

Dress your best to honor him!”

From The Message

I love The Message!  It puts into today's language and it comes alive for me.  Do you remember when the saying "Your Sunday Best" denoting the care with which you dressed for church?  Some of that has gone but we still can shout, “Bravo, God bravo!”  What an awesome God he is.

My granddaughter was driving to College Station to visit her brother (in school there) and my son and his family.  She reached down for a CD and when she looked up she was in the grass in the median.  She rolled three times!  The last thing she remembered before she blacked out was, "Help me Jesus."  The first person at the wreck was an army paramedic!  I believe it was the hand of God!  She crawled into the back window found Maggie's phone and started calling.  My son got the call and he was able to get Katie who was driving to Houston just before she came upon the wreck.  

The hand of God was all over this and we are very grateful.

Bravo, God bravo!

In His name,

Lynn Mather

Saturday, December 17

Zechariah 8:9-17

Psalms 55, 138, 139

Revelations 6:1-17

Matthew 25:31-46

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you."

 -Psalm 55:22

What an amazing promise that our God has made to all of us who believe in Christ.  Can you imagine anyone in your life today taking on such a responsibility for you?  It is truly unimaginable, a nearly impossible feat.  Yet, here the Lord is, in all of his glory, everyday, asking us to believe and come follow Him.  To place our fears, anxieties, and troubles on Him and have trust and faith in His plan for each one of us.  We know from scripture that God knows everything about us, completely, to the "...number of hairs on our head" (Matthew 10:30).  So why do we so consistently take advantage of His promise?  Why do we more often than not follow our own path without his consultation?  Why do we have trust issues? 

I would argue that we often choose our own direction because we know that in return for that promise we have certain obligations that we have to fulfill to be Men and Women of Christ.  That for us to truly walk with Christ we must turn over our heart, completely, to the Lord.  We must serve Him, daily, in our thoughts, words, and actions.  We must treat our neighbors as ourselves and give all Glory to Him.  In Matthew we learn about how "Jesus Tells about the Final Judgment".  The importance of this parable is to recognize and serve where service is needed.  We are asked to serve our neighbor and then give the glory to God.  "...I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).

The relevance of this parable during this season of Advent is striking.  We end up wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the season, the fashionable “stress” and the overwhelming desire to spend, spend, spend.  When what we should be wrapping our selves around is our obligation to our Lord and Savior to serve those in need.  We all have the ability to serve.  These acts of kindness are not dependent on our wealth, intelligence, or our ability but our desire and willingness to help.

This season I hope to serve more than I spend so that His promise for me may be fulfilled. 

"...But as for me, I trust in You."

-Psalm 55:23

Courtneay Odden

Friday, December 16

Zechariah 7:8-8:8

Psalms 40, 51, 54

Revelations 5:6-14

Matthew 25:14-30

“O Lord make haste to help me” – Psalm 40: 13

“Come on Lord, hurry up!  I have so much to do and so little time to do it all.”  This is how we may feel at this time of the year, whether it is in our preparation for the Christmas season of gifts, parties and fun, in our wait to find a new Rector for our church or in our impatience at looking for the best way to serve God and our neighbors in the year to come.

In the Christian church Advent is the time when we wait in hope and joy for the coming of our Savior.  Yet it is also traditionally a solemn time in the church, as evidenced by the liturgical use of the color blue (now replacing purple).  So this time of preparation can be spent in haste or more slowly, with prayer, praise and confession.

In our Home Group we have been studying the impact of a great disaster on a community and their struggle to recover and rebuild their lives.  Like them we have many things to do, for sure, but while we wait in hope we must first be sure that what we are hoping for is what God is also hoping for in us.  This is difficult.  But I think we can only begin to discern what God wants for us through communication with Him in prayer and reflection.

We pray that “Christ will come again” but most of would say (or at least feel) not yet Lord – I have too much to do!  Christians have waited nearly 2000 years for His coming again, so it may be fitting that we greet the commemoration of His birth with joy.  The Lord will surely help us if we let Him.  So be calm, be patient and be faithful.

Ron Merrett

Thursday, December 15

Zechariah 4:1-14

Psalms 50, 59, 60, 33    

Revelations 4:9-5:5

Matthew 25:1-13

Psalm 33

December 25^th is quickly approaching and as I sit in the family room of our home with a few quiet moments to myself, I’m tempted to grab a pen and paper and begin madly writing a long list of “to-dos” that I’ve decided must be completed before Christmas morning arrives.  After all, there are still a few gifts to buy and wrap, meals to plan and prepare, and sheets to wash in preparation for holiday company.  I push aside the temptation to satisfy my on-going need to stay organized and instead light a candle and pick up my bible from its home in a basket at couch-side.  The basket holds those things that are guaranteed to bring me a much needed break from the busyness of daily life.  Along with my bible, there is a book on gardening, another on hiking trails that are recommended in Texas, a collection of photographs from Rocky Mountain National Park, and some yarn and needles, my sad attempt at knitting, which has yet to yield even one finished garment, but on occasion brings me joy nonetheless.  I open my bible to Psalm 33 and begin slowly pouring over the verses.  The psalm begins with some wonderful reminders of God’s goodness.  As I read further, I’m consumed by what I’m reading and slowly my need to make lists and cross items off lists begins to dissolve.  The candle next to me flickers as I read on, contemplating verses that encourage us to consider the awesomeness of our God, verses like…

“All of the stars were created by the breath of his mouth.  He gathers the waters of the sea together.  He puts the oceans in their places.”

I read on, and eventually come to verses that describe God’s fascination with and love for us…

“From heaven the Lord looks down and sees everyone.  From his throne he watches all those who live on Earth.  He creates the hearts of all people.”

Such beautiful words that in short remind us of how very much each and every one of us means to God.

This holiday season, be good to yourself and insist on spending time in God’s word when the temptation to shift into high gear and become a task master takes hold.  There is a peace that comes from time spent with Him, a peace that can prepare you for the beauty of Christmas morning better than any completed to-do list can.

Beth McGee

Wednesday, December 14

Zechariah 3:1-10

Psalms 49, 53, 119:49-72

Revelations 4:1-8

Matthew 24:45-51

Matthew 24:45-51

I have a precious picture of my then very young granddaughter “reading” to our incredibly patient Lab.  It is one of those pictures that, at best, can really only accomplish bringing back the tenderness of the moment to the one who witnessed it to begin with.  She did not know or care that anyone else was watching - her focus was on bringing a moment of pleasure to her friend Brandy.

Perhaps within that innocent childhood memory is a lesson we can apply to the very pointed readings from today, and in particular, the Gospel.  In my NIV version of the Gospel of Matthew, the title for this passage of Chapter 24 is “The Day and Hour Unknown."  It touches on that eternal question about no one - not even the Son - knowing the Will of the Father… but I digress - that is for someone else to cover.  For this meditation, our concern is verses 45-51, about being "caught" doing the right thing.  Jesus is responding to the disciples' questions about the signs they (and we) should look for that will signal the end of days.  Jesus uses the example of a “faithful and wise servant” who had best be looking after his household responsibilities (or using his gifts and talents for the good or the Kingdom?); … "It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns."

Are we using our gifts and talents in a manner that glorifies God, especially in our academic or professional lives?  Would our associates and peers recognize us as Christians?  Are we committed to the joy of bringing joy and happiness to those the Lord brings in our path?  And if He comes today … will we be ready?

Peace!

Vicki Cravens

Tuesday, December 13

Zechariah 2:1-13

Psalms 45, 47, 48

Revelations 3:14-22

Matthew 24:32-44

Revelations 3:14-22

“Listen!  I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his house.”

When I got this meditation assignment my first thought was of my brother Dick, as it is his birthday December 13^th.  Then I thought again of Dick when I read this passage in the book of Revelation.  It is a statement that tells of his transformation.

As children, my brothers and I, went to church on Sunday, said our prayers at night, prayed before meals and took for granted that we were Christians.  Somewhere Dick lost sight of this and began drinking.  He got married, had children, and became an alcoholic.  When drinking began overtaking his life, when he started losing the respect of his children, wife, and friends, he stopped and listened.  Dick opened the door to Christ and let Him enter.  Christ came into Dick's life and turned it around.  He went to seminary, became a minister and used his experience to help others.

At this time of joy and expectation we should stand by the door and listen. Wouldn't it be a wonderful gift to help others to stand by the door and put their hand on the knob?

Susan Montgomery

Monday, December 12

Zechariah 1:7-17

Psalms 41, 44, 52

Revelations 3:7-13

Matthew 24:15-31

Matthew 24:15-31

The gospel reading for today is a good reminder that as we ponder with amazement the first coming of Christ, there is more to come. He came as a baby, and grew up to sacrifice Himself for our sins.  He has provided salvation for those who trust in Him.  Now we wait for Him to come back once again, in glory to redeem His people of faith.

Jesus warns that while we wait, we will encounter deception concerning His return.  We can be prepared by seeking revelation from His word, and being careful not to accept someone else’s interpretation too quickly.  However God chooses to make the details of these events come to pass, they will result in believers joining Him for eternity. 

As we joyfully consider Christ’s birth and the joy that that brings, there is also a little sadness.  We know that we are separated from loved ones we wish we could be celebrating with.  This gospel message brings hope.  There will be a time when we will see Christ face to face.  We will also see our loved ones with Him.  That will be a glorious celebration indeed.

“…they shall see the son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matthew 24: 30-31, KJV).

Suzannah Westlake

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Sunday, December 11

Amos 9:11-15    2

Psalms 63, 98, 103

Thessalonians 2:1-3, 13-17

John 5:30-47

The Lord works righteousness and justice

to all who are oppressed.  - Psalm 103: 6

Click on the TV news and it doesn’t take long to find a story about an individual or group of people who are oppressed.  Sure, it takes different forms.  There are countries who deny people a voice, who strip them of their rights.  There are hate groups who espouse the oppression of a group of people based on skin color or sexual orientation.  In our own country, there are people who actively use the political process to further an agenda that openly marginalizes people.  And in our schools, oppression in the form of bullying has led to thousands of suicides among young teens.  Oppression is so much a part of our lives that it’s easy to become inured.  It’s easy to expect someone else to fix it — someone else to stand up and speak for those who have been held down.

But as Christians, God calls us to act.  It is not an easy calling.  It is not always the safe or popular path.  But we are his hands and feet on this earth, and we are called to deliver those who suffer.

Peace,

Susan Diemont-Conwell

Saturday, December 10

Haggai 2:1-19

Psalms 30, 32, 42, 43

Revelations 3:1-6

Matthew 24:1-14

'Tis a good thing that, during Advent, the lectionary includes readings pointing us to the return of Jesus.  Otherwise, we might never think about it.  Consider… when was the last time you thought seriously about Jesus' second coming? 

Sure, we roll our eyes when odd people make foolish predictions.  And, we are skeptical of those who pull out maps and Bible passages claiming that ancient prophecies are now being fulfilled.  Beyond that though, how much real thought have you given to the final part of the proclamation, "Christ has died.  Christ is risen.  Christ will come again"?

For most of us, I suspect the answer is very little.  And that is too bad.  For the return of Jesus is good news; it is gospel.  It is God's ultimate answer to everything bad in life.  Let me explain.

When Jesus came to earth the first time, his mission was to suffer and die for the sins of the world.  Now, for Christians, death is not the end but rather a type of new birth.  Thank you, Jesus!

That is great.  But this world - the here and now - is a mess.  There are terrorists, tyrants, droughts, tsunamis, corruption, economic problems and disease.  No one is immune or insulated from it.

The issue is obvious.  If God is good and all powerful, how can there be so much suffering?  This is a complex theological and existential problem.  But one thing is for sure.  The Bible teaches that the return of Jesus will mark the end of suffering.  Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

But what until then?  The world is still a mess.  Are we to resign ourselves to universal suffering and wait passively for the glorious return of Jesus?

Of course not.  This is where we come in.  Part of our calling as Christians is to address suffering of all sorts (physical, emotional, spiritual).  In practical terms, this means telling the Christian story to others, buying mosquito nets, feeding the hungry, digging wells, visiting the infirm, caring for the dying.  No one is called to all of these, but each of us is called to do something. 

Our reading from Matthew, therefore, raises an important question.  Since no one knows when Jesus will return (it could happen before you finish this sentence … or not), will we be doing what we are called to do when he does finally return?  Or will we simply live life, doing our own thing?  Read the passage; then decide.

Yes, 'tis a good thing that the lectionary for Advent includes such passages.

Fr. Bob Henson

Friday, December 9

Haggai 1:1-15

Psalms 31, 35

Revelations 2:18-29

Matthew 23:27-39

The Lord of hosts says: my house lies in ruins,

while all of you hurry off to your own houses. Haggai 1:9b

In this passage, the prophet Haggai was berating his people to rebuild the Temple and to not merely think of themselves, their possessions and their homes. 

During this time, this season of Christmas, we hurry to and fro checking our Christmas lists and party schedules.  We head to our homes with a car full of things and, all too often, an empty heart.  The other day, I had on my list to go to four different stores in 45 minutes.  I was successful and got what I needed at each store.

In our running around, all too often we forget the reason for the season.  God sent his Son to this world to offer salvation to the human race.  This Son, Jesus, came into the world to allow our lives to be different – to allow our lives to be lived free of the bondages of sin.  This is the reason we celebrate this time of the year not because we are invited to THE party or receive THE gift.

Yet we turn away from God and God’s desire for us and hurry off to check out our lists.  As we do so, we are left empty and God’s house the Church is also left empty.  Our houses are decked out with decorations as we all too often turn away from God’s house.

As we live into this Advent 2011, are we able to turn back to God?

John Pitts

Thursday, December 8

Amos 9:1-10

Psalm 37

Revelations 2:8-17

Matthew 23:13-26

  

Psalm 37

Trust in the Lord and do good;

dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the Lord,

and He will give you the desires of your heart.

I'm a very independent person.  God made me that way.  It's hard for me to ask for help.  I like to do things by own way.  Lots of times when I have a conflict or a problem, I want to solve it all by myself.  But do you know what?  That doesn't always work.  And do you know why?  I've left God out of the picture.

He made me strong, but He is stronger.  Why do I always forget that the Holy Spirit will always be ready to inspire, console, and help me?

Jesus wants us to come to Him, and to have faith in His goodness and love.  While I was lying in a hospital bed, awaiting serious surgery, with a questionable outcome, my fears and anxiety led me to the Lord.  And He held my hand and walked me through the pain.  He was with me the whole time, because I asked.

Delight yourself in the Lord,

and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Don't forget, He's waiting to hear from you .........

Prayerfully yours,

Pat McDowell

Wednesday, December 7

Amos 8:1-14

Psalms 38, 119:25-48

Revelations 1:17-2:7

Matthew 23:1-12

I often have a hard time relating at a personal level to Old Testament calls to repent, and return to God to avoid a severe judgment.  But when I read the scripture from Amos, I was struck by verse 8:11:

 “The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign LORD,
when I will send a famine through the land—
not a famine of food or a thirst for water,
but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD.

I started thinking of that feeling of being ignored, and how consuming it can be to want a response, an answer, an acknowledgement from someone, and all you get is nothing.

I find myself falling into this trap on occasion, usually due to my email habits.  I send a lot of emails -- everyday, for both my job, and for church.  And it can, occasionally, turn into a self-imposed game of the silent treatment.  Wondering when I will hear back to my burning question.  Checking frequently for a new message.  I’m HERE.  ANSWER ME.  ITS NOT THE WIND YOU HEAR!!

But what if it were God I was waiting to hear back from?  And God wasn’t answering?  I can’t imagine feeling that way, although I am sure God feels that way about me many times.  Wondering when I am ever going to get around to talking to him.  And when I do, God is always there.

And then I realized, I got it all wrong.  It is a famine of “hearing” the words of the Lord.  That is a little different than a famine of the Lord “speaking.”  Hearing is what I am supposed to do.  If I stop hearing, it is not God’s fault but mine, and I must say I can be rather deaf at times.

So now, I have to acknowledge all those feelings of being ignored, of being anxious to receive a response, all those cries of ANSWER ME, were not warnings from God about how I might feel, but an explanation of how I was making God feel, when I forget, or refused to hear.  So it wasn’t just a message for the Israelites after all,  I needed to hear it too.  I have.

In closing, I realize my devotional falls on Pearl Harbor day, the 70th anniversary actually, so I wanted to add a simple prayer:

Dear God, We remember today and are grateful for the brave men, women, and families, that served with great courage and made personal sacrifices, for the future of our country.  May all those who serve our country and those who love them, feel the blessing of Jesus Christ this day and always. Amen.

Melonye Suarez

Tuesday, December 6

Amos 7:10-17

Psalms 26, 28, 36, 39    

Revelations 1:9-16

Matthew 22:34-46

The prophet Amos lived in the 8^th century BCE, a time prior to the Babylonian exile.  Israel was a militarily powerful and prosperous nation, but one with vast differences between rich and poor.  Amos saw that the leaders of Israel were not acting ethically and with concern for the general population.  The rich and powerful ignored the plight of those not at the top of the wealth pyramid.  Even worse, the sanctuary at Bethel had been corrupted and was no longer a place for the worship of God but had become a place for the worship of the king.  Amos prophesied that Israel would be sent into exile and the king would be killed.  For this, Amos was banished.

Like Amos, true prophets are those rare people who have the courage to preach God’s truth even when it means directly confronting religious or secular authorities, warning them of the ultimate consequence of their actions or inaction.  Such prophets are not concerned with their own popularity or safety, but only in speaking their God inspired message.

As we prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we might consider what Amos would say to us today about our world, our nation, and our community.  Are we different from Israel of Amos’s time?  Has the coming of Christ really made a difference for us?  Advent is a perfect time for us to ask ourselves these questions.

Bob Lowe

Monday, December 5

Amos 7:1-9

Psalms 9, 15, 25

Revelations 1:1-8

Matthew 22:23-33

   

My father’s career was mainly in the corporate world but he loved to build and fix things with his own hands.  Daddy had a very enviable workshop filled with all kinds of tools.  It is hard to say if I was more fascinated by the many specialized pieces he had or if I just wanted any chance to tinker with him.  l was a girl child of the 50’s and it probably never occurred to him that I was interested in being out working in the garage so my opportunities were often limited.  I still have the distinct memory of him teaching me about a plumb line, what it was used for and how it worked.  His was a metal orb with a point at one end and a loop at the other for tying the string.  I remember him telling me that it needed to be sturdy, to have enough weight to straighten the string and hang straight.  What a simple design; a true straight line from above.

The Psalmist in today’s reading prays, “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths.”

Amos tells us that the Lord Said, “Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel.”

God sent us Jesus; the perfect straight line in which we are to build our lives.  God sent Him to be the standard.  When we wander from the standard we are out of plumb.  Lost and swinging sometimes at the end of our rope.  I could go on and on with the imagery but my prayer is to continually recognize when I am off.

Dear precious God, as we prepare again for the coming of your son, let us open ourselves to learn his ways and walk in the path he has for us.  Amen

Jennie Perry

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Sunday, December 4  

Amos 6:1-14

Psalms 114, 115, 148-150

Thessalonians 1:5-12

Luke 1:57-68

“Praise be to the Lord . . .

because he has come to his people and redeemed them.”

Luke 1:68

At first glance, today's readings have two common themes—praise to the Lord in all things and punishment for complacency.  Or is that really only one theme—that while we might praise the Lord, we can still become complacent?  Are we taking God for granted?  We believe, we praise, we show up at church most Sundays.  But are we doing the work that God calls us to do?  Are we resting on our laurels?  Are we waiting on someone else to do God's heavy lifting?  In anticipation of his arrival to redeem us, are we actively looking for ways to do God's will in the world?

 Mary DiFiore Crowe

Saturday, December 3

Amos 5:18-27

Psalms 20, 21, 110, 116, 117

Jude 17-25

Matthew 22:15-

 Jude 17-25

In this reading, Jude tells Christians how to grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus. Then they can help other Christians do the same. 

Jude is offering encouragement and reminds the children of God this is not something unexpected, that we were warned by the Apostles that there would be “mockers” of the faith in the end times and that they would live to satisfy their own ungodly lusts.  Men who would present themselves as great spiritual leaders, but they were in fact, driven by their own desires, or there were those who are considered “scholars” who look down upon those who do not believe as they believe.  They are, as Jude says: “barren of life and twice dead.”

Characteristics of:

FALSE TEACHERS                                   GOD BELIEVERS

1. Empty of God or Spirit                       1. Humble children of God

2. Put on a “show” of their “faith”        2. Childlike belief in God’s word

3.  Believers can lose their salvation      3. Salvation is ours through Jesus

God gives us the resources to overcome these “false teachers.” He gives us his word, his truth.  And we must use those tools to build a strong common faith, then together with God, we can overcome these who would have us live as they live.

It is easy to become discouraged as a God believer when it seems “evil” is winning, but our salvation is in Christ Jesus. We must maintain a healthy relationship with God through spending time with him, praying to him, listening to him, and desiring to please him.

Our task is to be faithful and to defend the faith that has redeemed us and thereby bring glory to our Lord and Redeemer.

In this time of transition as a church family, we must be open about our faith, honest about our beliefs, and hold each other up in prayer and thought, and action.  There is strength in unity and power in community. For as Christ loves us, we must love each other.

Carrie Speich-Davis

Friday, December 2

Amos 5:1-17

Psalms 16, 17, 22

Jude 1-16

Matthew 22:1-14

Parable of the Wedding Feast

As a parable, of course this reading is not about a fashion faux pas, but then what mistake was made by the poor man who was “thrown outside into the darkness?”  He did attend the feast to which he was invited, so what was wrong?  Perhaps he was just going through the motions of life, just as we can as Christians.  Sure we attend church, call ourselves Christians or Episcopalians, help with service projects, even offer heartfelt prayers for help.  But maybe we’ve never accepted Jesus’ invitation to know him personally as our Lord and savior.  Maybe we go through the motions of being a Christian, but we’ve just never actually acknowledged that we need a savior.  After all we really are a good person.  Bottom line – “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus”  (Romans 3:23).  We need to be sure we are properly dressed for the party in heaven.

Ok so what if you are “clothed in his righteousness?”  How does this parable pertain to me?  The first part of this parable is sometimes said to speak of Israel’s rejection of Jesus, but I think it can also refer to our going through the motions of daily life as a redeemed child of God.  Maybe like the first group I sometimes refuse to go to the banquet.  Well maybe I am there physically, but how often is my quiet time interrupted by my need to write something else on my “to do” list?  Or as I am walking up for Communion am I trying to figure out what we’re doing for lunch today?  Why are Christmas Eve services always at such inconvenient times?

Let us pray, 

Heavenly Father, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of your Son, Our Savior, help us to not become entangled in trite traditions, but to keep the true celebration of your love for us at the forefront of the banquet. Amen.

Bernadette Ellis