Come Let Us Worship the

New BornKingAdvent Devotional 2014

HOPE

Sunday, November 30, First Sunday in AdventToday’s Scripture: John 11:1-6

Are You the One?

Dear Lord, help us to keep our hope front and center knowing that you are the long expect one—the Son of the most high, and your kingdom is near. Amen.

The advent hymn, “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” shows a longing for the coming Messiah. The awaited King is

described as gracious, glorious, powerful, all-sufficient. John, chosen to prepare the way for Him to arrive, does his job; but time passes, this One who has come is “a puzzlement.” He is meek and mild, teacher and healer. He is not attacking the Romans, but attacks the Jewish religious establishment. Even those closest to Jesus are looking for something different. A mother wants her sons to be in the inner circle of power and riches. Judas monitors the purse strings hoping to be the money man. As John sits in prison even he is unsure. This was not what he had expected either. “Are you the one we were to expect?” he asks. Jesus points him to Isaiah which tells not of a king, but of a suffering servant—one who heals the lepers, makes the blind to see and the lame to leap. Yes, he is the one for whom they had waited. Scripture shows us two comings. The initial coming prepares us for the ultimate coming. It does not promise that all our immediate enemies will be defeated, but promises us an inner resource in the Holy Spirit. Maybe like John this is not what we had in mind. Maybe our expectations included success, power, a resolution of all our problems, a healing of all relationships and we too have been disappointed. We ask “Are you the One?” Jesus gives us the resounding answer in his resurrection “Yes, I am the one! I will do all that I have promised. I will establish my kingdom, I will come again, do not lose hope!” [Sandy EScontriaS]

Monday, December 1Today’s Scripture: 1 Peter 3:10-12

The Sign of Hope

A couple of years ago I was hiking the Appalachian Trail with some friends in North Carolina. It was March and the

weather was not ideal. Ice and snow covered the trail. Wind gusts of maybe 40 mph were coming up the mountainside and howling over the ridge where we were hiking. Then came a cold rain. Our clothes got soaked. Our boots waterlogged. And some of the guys’ gear got wet inside their packs, including sleeping bags. I was worried. Not drifting-on-a-raft-in-the-middle-of-the-Pacific worried. But we needed to reach the shelter and get warm. I needed a boost, some hope that the sign saying “Shelter” would show up soon. So I asked God for a hand. 1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. A short time later the shelter sign appeared. Seeing our condition, some hikers who had arrived at the shelter earlier starting brewing coffee. Best cup I ever had. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. God heard my prayer, and answered it by giving me quiet assurance that relief was on the way. 4 Happy are those who make the Lord their trust, who do not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after false gods. 5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you. Were I to proclaim and tell of them, they would be more than can be counted. [MikE LaffErty]

Father, give us hope during these holidays that we can always count on you to make sure we reach our destination. Amen.

Tuesday, December 2Today’s Scripture: Psalm 62

Food for the Soul

Heavenly Father, as the holiday season approaches, help us to remember to come to you for rest and renewal. Help us to be your hands and feet, and to offer the gift of hope and light during a time that can be dark for many. As we reach out to our community, help us to offer the gift of friendship, and to open our hearts to allow for you to work through us. Amen.

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress. . . Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him, God is a refuge for us. Psa. 62: 1-2, 8

It’s the busy holiday season and a friend from church calls and invites you for a visit. You walk into their cozy home filled

with twinkle lights, gingerbread cookies, and a crackling fire in the fireplace. You are offered a plate with a piece of warm apple pie. Food for the soul. How does this sound? The hustle and bustle of Christmas can be filled with beautiful moments, but they can also be a time of stress and sadness for many. As the holiday season approaches, consider taking the time to invite someone for a coffee or tea. Maybe invite them to your home, or meet at one of the coffee shops downtown. The gift of time can be food for the soul and gives the opportunity for the light of Christ to shine through us. The book of Psalms can also be a source of comfort, food for the soul. It can offer a way to connect with the peace that is only offered through Christ. Psalms 62 reads that “ My soul finds rest in God alone.” [Patti LockEnbach]

Wednesday, December 3Today’s Scripture: Psalm 147:1-7

Healing the Brokenhearted

.

He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds—the Lord delights in those who fear him who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Our oldest son Nathan, was 5 years old and I was finally pregnant with our second child. It was an exciting time after

such a long wait. I was very nervous. Nathan had been induced 7 weeks early due to a complicated pregnancy. I knew the same scenario might play out again and made sure the new doctors were well informed. Our baby was due on January 16, 2002, but we knew he or she may also have to be induced early. On December 15, 2001 the world was different now, three months after September 11, we all felt less secure. That day Nathan said “the baby will be born in 10 days.” I replied “but that is Christmas Day!” We had picked out names, but changed our boy name to Matthew Noel (only if he was born on Christmas Day). Even though I was having frequent doctor visits. I felt very sick, but the doctors insisted all was well. One day after a doctor visit, I knelt down and prayed to God, “Take this cup from me, let my baby be okay, but not my will but Your will be done.”In the early hours of December 25, 2001, I went into labor and we went to the hospital. After trying several heart monitors and performing an ultra sound, the doctor told us our baby had passed away. We have Hope in the Lord, that one day we will see Matthew Noel and get to know him when we meet our Lord. If you feel hopeless in this world, put your hope in the Lord. [ELainE bodgEr]

Dear Lord, help us not to put our hope in what is seen, but what is unseen. Please heal our broken hearts and bind up our wounds. It is inspiring to us that you have pleasure and delight in us when we put our hope in you. Thank you Lord. Amen.

Thursday, December 4Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 40:28-31

Wait for the Lord

I will praise You, Lord, with all my heart, I will tell all Your wonders.I will rejoice and exult in You, singing a hymn to Your name, O Most High.

28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles;they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

This passage from Deutero-Isaiah inquires whether there exists for the reader, or listener, knowledge, an intimate awareness, of YHWH,

Creator, and of the attributes he has made known time and again: his eternal being, his limitless strength and power, his inscrutability, and hiddenness. He, who keeps Israel, neither slumbers nor sleeps. He is great and through his mercy, his tirelessness, he bears you up even in times of desperation and terror. By his mercy and devotion he strengthens those who love, obey, and serve him. Trust in and fidelity to him are the avenues that lead to hope, the hope of this Advent season. [andrEw rittEr]

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. See also [Ps. 121:4] See also [Ps. 147:5] See also [Ps. 103:5] See also [Ex. 19:4] Ps. 9:1-3

Friday, December 5Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 6:13-20

Seizing the Hope

Lord, help us to seize the anchor of our hope in Christ. Amen.

I remember Christmas Eve as a child. It was a time of almost unbearable suspense. After trips to grandparents’ houses

to open presents, there were still the Santa presents to look forward to. A tall radio tower with a red light atop it was actually Rudolph’s nose, my older brothers would tell me, and we had to outrun him before he passed by our empty house. Once we were home, I would lay in bed, my stomach flip-flopping with excitement. What would be under the tree in the morning (the early morning, when I’d tiptoe down at 4am to check out the loot)? For the most part, the gifts themselves have faded into the past. Some were fun at the time; others were disappointments that failed to live up to the TV commercials I’d watched. Yet I remember the excitement—the hope. As I child, I thought I was hoping for presents. As I grew older, and grew into a faith of my own, I realized that the excitement I’d felt, the longing, had been misdirected. No toy could ever live up to the intense hope I felt on Christmas Eve. But the music, the stories, the whole Christmas season pointed toward a hope for something not quite seen, something “behind the curtain” of everyday life. The hope we have in Christ is not something we can quantify or prove. Nonetheless, it is something we can seize, an anchor of the soul. The excitement I feel for Christmas now is mostly about seizing that hope. Our hopes for presents should pale next to the wild hope we have in Christ. [david finkLE]

Saturday, December 6Today’s Scripture: Romans 8:22-25

Wait for It!

Lord, please help us to remember the hope you have given us, and help us to cling to that hope when the world crumbles around us. Help us to remember that, in time, you will change us to be like Christ, and help us to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

The footnotes in my Bible* says things much better than I could: “Christians see the world as it is—physically

decaying and spiritually infected with sin. But Christians do not need to be pessimistic, because they have hope for future glory. They look forward to the new heaven and new earth that God has promised and they wait for God’s new order that will free the world from sin, sickness, and evil. In the meantime, Christians go with Christ into the world where they heal people’s bodies and souls and fight the evil effects of the world. “Although we have experienced salvation and have received the ‘first fruits’—the Holy Spirit—“we have not fully received all the benefits and blessings of salvation that will be ours when Christ’s new kingdom is completely established. . . .While we can be confident of our salvation, we still look ahead with hope and trust toward that complete change of body and personality that lies beyond this life when we will be like Christ.” [bEth EhLEringEr]*Life Study Application Bible, NIV, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Wheaton, Illinois and Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1991.

Peace

Lord, search my heart. Help me serve others out of a desire to serve You, not to draw attention to myself. I desire to grow in wisdom as you teach me to live in peace and bring peace to those around me. Amen

How do we measure wisdom? Who is really wise? In today’s text, James shows us two kinds of wisdom. Standing in

line at the grocery store I am confronted with tabloids and newspapers displaying the “unspiritual, earthly wisdom” James describes as one kind of wisdom. It’s easy to see from the headlines this worldly wisdom leads to disorder, confusion and general mess! “For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind.” (v. 16) Continuing in this text, James describes another kind of wisdom in verse 17 as “wisdom from above.” If we truly seek to be wise, we pray God will lead us into this way of life. We will show this wisdom by good works done in humility. This wisdom is not just our deeds of charity, it’s how we deal with our family and friends. It’s how we spend our time and money. It’s how we walk through each day making decisions to trust God’s way and not our own ambitious selfish motives. We humble ourselves before God as we serve others, giving God the glory for empowering us. This God guiding wisdom is “pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.” (v.17) In this Advent season, we are touched again by Jesus offering His peace through Himself. “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.”(v.18) [triSh tutt]

Sunday, December 7Today’s Scripture: James 3:13-18

Trust Him!

Monday, December 8Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 26: 3-4

Perfect Peace

Dear Lord, as we go about living life in this world, may we embrace the perfect peace you offer, not by reflecting upon our circumstances, but by placing our trust in you, our Rock eternal. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stead-fast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Life throws all sorts of situations, circumstances, and experiences at us! Some are the result of the choices we

make, some the result of other peoples choices. Good things, as well as bad things happen and we are left wondering, pondering, feeling guilty, feeling elated depending on the situation. Isaiah comes and proclaims, “The ox knows its owner and the donkey its master’s crib; but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” (Isaiah 1:3). The people have forsaken the Lord their God and Isaiah lets them know about it! Their own choices have undone them, the choices of others have and will impact them. Chaos and turmoil surrounds them, but there is a sanctuary, a safe harbor that regardless of circumstances brings peace. We see the word peace and do not truly embrace the depth of the Hebrew word ‘shalom’ from where it is translated. Shalom is a deep rooted, all embracing peace that surrounds all aspects of our life. It’s a balance whereby all things are aligned, despite what’s going on. It comes, Isaiah tells us, ‘because they trust in you (God).’ It’s not a band aid, it’s not sticking your head in a bucket of sand, it’s not a shrug of the shoulders on life, it’s a ‘perfect peace,’ trusting in who God is, the ‘Rock eternal.’Peace be with you. [PaStor MichaEL bodgEr]

Tuesday, December 9Today’s Scripture: Zechariah 9:9-10

The King of Peace

Dear Lord, as the arrows continue to fly, help me to believe your conquering power, and count on it, even when I can’t feel it. Amen.

What kind of king makes an entrance on a donkey? Seems absurd doesn’t it? But for those who know this King,

humility only becomes Him. And His humility did not stop with the donkey ride; it extended to the obedience of the cross where Christ confronted and defeated every enemy aimed at the peace of His children: regrets, guilt, depression, loss of identity, loneliness, fear of old age. “Stuff” that makes us miserable. Every enemy is already defeated in His death and resurrection. What were those last words from the cross? “Tetelestai ! (Gr.)“ “It is finished!” What is finished? All that threatens. Those “war chariots”(vs.10) and “battle bows” that come at us in the dark of night. This King will rule with Peace throughout the whole world. American composer Randall Thompson called it “The Peaceable Kingdom.” Does the battle continue to meet us when we awake in the morning, weigh us down, and steal our peace? Can I believe and rest in what the King of peace has done, does now, and will do? What were those words again? “Tetelestai!” Every enemy. Finished! All the continuing nagging misery. “Tetelestai!” Finished! (Good riddance!) Choosing to believe (rather than waiting to feel it) and trusting God with foes already conquered, we can expect and even now embrace the Peaceable Kingdom where “Ye shall have a song,” even “in the night . . . and gladness of heart.”Welcome Peaceable Kingdom! Welcome King of Peace! [ann SMaLL]

Wednesday, December 10Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 2:11 - 22

He Is Our Peace

.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the greatest gift of all— the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the Prince of Peace. He is the light that shines in our darkness and fills us with hope. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.

But now in Christ Jesus, you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace.

Oh, how far off I once was from knowing our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. During high school, I was a

conscientious student making high grades, but I lived more for the football games, parties, and sock-hops. My family went to church, but it was more for appearances. We had not yet come to know the power of the cross. Things can change quickly, however, and in such unexpected ways. In 1978, my senior year, I developed a nasty cough. A decongestant seemed to just make it worse. An X-Ray revealed a large, inoperable tumor pressing down on my diaphragm. After a biopsy and radiation to shrink the “beast,” I found myself lying alone on a table as dye ran through my lymph system. I felt so weak, so afraid, so alone, and so miserable. The tears flowed freely. I began to pray hoping someone was listening. I poured out my soul. Nothing was hidden. It’s then I discovered Someone was listening. There are still no words that can describe the light that came shining through the darkness. I believe without a shadow of a doubt that Jesus came to me and spoke, “You are not alone. I am with you.” I did not need anything else. The joy and peace I felt were beyond this world. It still is. He lives in me. He lives in you. We believers are a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. “Come Holy Spirit come. Come through the power of the cross.” Merry Christmas and Amen! [kELLy wriSLEy]

Thursday, December 11Today’s Scripture: John 14:23-27

Christ’s Peace

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Christ’s peace. Help us to allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with His heavenly peace. Amen

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Whenever we experience difficulties in our lives, we are tempted to blame God. God says we are to obey

Him. Blaming God shows we are unwilling to let go of some disobedience. Once we let it go, things become clear to us. When we obey God, he gives us His peace. Any problems that arise between us and God are a result of disobedience. Any problems that come when obeying God can be resolved knowing God will unravel them. God’s peace is a lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace which is defined as the absence of conflict, God’s peace is the confident assurance that we have no need to fear the present or the future. It offers comfort in place of conflict. Jesus is willing to give us that peace if we are willing to accept it. Jesus is The Prince of Peace, the Son of God, who was born to save us from our sins. The Holy Spirit was given to the disciples to help them remember His teachings. The Holy Spirit helps us to know The Truth, which is Jesus Christ. We need not be afraid or troubled because the peace of God moves into our hearts to replace conflict. God has called us to live in peace and we are blessed to receive His peace. [bob and vaLLa fiSchEr]

As a child growing up I was aware of the saying “See no evil, hear no evil and say no evil”. It was usually

accompanied by a picture/drawing of three individuals with hands over their eyes, ears or mouths. It was a concept that was easy to understand and, for the most part, to follow as a youth. Reflecting on that now, as an adult, it is easy to comprehend that the God we praise and follow has no patience for the evil that has become so prevalent in our world today. It would be taking the easy way out to say that Hitler, Stalin, ISIS, genocide, racism, etc. represent the only evil that has and continues to exist. The cautionary note that is made many times throughout the Bible is that Satan is a shrewd and stealthy purveyor of evil. Our guard needs to be up at all times to combat this insidious enemy of God’s people because he wants to ensnare each and every one of us. We need to use those mouths, eyes and ears, to not only protect ourselves but, to help spread the word of our Lord’s birth, life, death and resurrection to a hurting and lost world. HE is alive and available day and night to meet each of us. You will never get a busy signal, be put on hold or asked to leave a voicemail. Trust in HIM —ALWAYS ! [frEd bLackMon]

Thank you Father God for your son Jesus and the example that he set for us all those many years ago. We are so grateful for your grace and strength in being there always as we battle the daily strands of evil that try to sneak up and get a grip on our lives. Beating back E-V-I-L will allow us to L-I-V-E for you and make you proud ! Amen.

Friday, December 12Today’s Scripture: 1 Peter 3:10-12

Trust Him!

Friday, December 12Today’s Scripture: 1 Peter 3:10-12

Shalom!

I remember as a young Second Lieutenant in the US Army boarding a flight out of Travis Air Force Base bound for South

Vietnam with four classmates from Ft. Holabird, Md. The five of us rotated the four seats playing bridge most of the trip from Travis to Vietnam. My closest relationship of the four was with 2Lt. Keith Leinauer who was from St. Louis, Mo, because we attended Infantry Officers Basic Course at Ft. Benning, Ga and Intelligence training at Ft. Holabird together. When the pilot announced we were half an hour out, we played our last hand. As we exited the plane, I casually asked Keith what he wanted to do first after we retrieved our duffel bags. He responded immediately: “Go to church!” I was filled with joy when Keith said, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.” (v.1) We set out to find the chapel. For me it was as if we were going out of the darkness and toward the light, as my fears of being in the worlds most monitored combat zone and what lay ahead of me, a stranger in a strange land, dissipated into thin air. We found the chapel and walked in silence “until our feet were standing within” (v. 2) the house of God. As we entered we became aware that worship was in progress. We both realized instantaneously that we were in the midst of an ongoing Catholic mass. Keith was Roman Catholic and I was Presbyterian. I cannot speak for Keith but I know for me the denomination never entered my mind. Once inside I glance around at those gathered to worship and realized “we are as a city bound firmly together” (v.3); tribes wearing different uniforms “to give thanks unto the name of Jehovah.” I can not recall if I or anyone else prayed for peace during this worship hour, but as days turned into weeks, into months I grasped that soldiers, sailors, and airmen of all services and all branches were realizing that it is the noncombatants, the farmers, the merchants, the families, children, that suffer from the horrors of war. So “we pray for the peace.” (v.6) Years later I came to

understand the importance of peace as a way of life; “Shalom be within you!” (v.8) Peace not just amongst nations but also “Peace be within your walls.” (v.7) Peace amongst our neighbors, our families, and within our church. Love cannot thrive or grow in the absence of peace. Shalom is always on our lips for with peace we can commit ourselves “For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.” (v.9) Shalom! [PauL JonES]

Lord, help us to bring shalom to our country, our city, our church and our homes. Amen.

Joy

Sunday, December 14, Third Sunday in AdventToday’s Scripture: Psalm 21: 1-7

Rejoice in the Lord

Lord, share your strength so I may rejoice in it, and show me your love so I may have peace. Amen.

O, Lord, the king rejoices in your strength. Psalm 21:1a

The opening verse of this psalm offers words of comfort eleven days before Christmas. The time before Christmas

should offer many opportunities for rejoicing in God’s strength, but, unfortunately, the demands and stresses of the holidays sometimes mean more aggravation than rejoicing, more irritation than peace, and more stress than rest. Who will attend family gatherings? Will they all get along? What gifts can I afford? What gifts can I make? Who really needs a gift? What should I serve for dinner? How much should I decorate? What celebrations should I attend? All of these questions and more swirl through the season of Advent, and often decisions are made out of duty rather than joy. The psalmist lists all of the good things that have come to the king as the Lord has made him glad with the joy of his presence and the king’s trust in the Lord. Trusting in God and rejoicing in his strength should make Advent a time of joy. What doesn’t get “done” in time for celebrations, probably wasn’t needed in the first place. If family doesn’t get along, maybe it is just enough that they are willing to be together. If dinner ends up being scrambled eggs, at least no one was hungry. Our worldly expectations of what brings us joy pale in comparison to what our spiritual realities of joy can be. Eleven days before Christmas, let’s remember to keep rejoicing in the strength of the Lord, so, when Christ arrives, it is truly a blessing. [andrEa finkLE]

Monday, December 15Today’s Scripture: Psalm 107

Joy in the Storm

Dear Lord, I know your mighty deeds. You save me from perils of this world, as well as from spiritual bonds that I cannot break alone. With a willing and contrite heart, let me always ask you for your saving help, and accept the gift of your unfailing love with joy and thanksgiving. Amen.

When I was 7 years old, I traveled with my Navy dad and family to a North African duty post. We sailed in a

military-sea-transport ship from New York across the North Atlantic, through storms and seas so rough that even the most experienced ship’s crew members got seasick. I remember standing on the deck of the ship, watching as what looked like a mountain of slate towered over the ship, and thinking that surely the ocean would overwhelm the vessel and sink us. The ship’s bow pointed up, however, and we rode to the top of the mountain and then down the other side — many times. I understand this Psalm’s passage (v. 23-30) about traveling through the tempest. I lived it, even the verse about reeling and staggering like drunkards. That’s how one moves in such rough seas. The crew secured ropes along the ship’s corridors to hang onto, to keep from falling. We met calmer seas and finally, dry land, with joy. That trip reminds me that God is in charge, always, and I can but marvel at his power to stir up tempests and quiet storms. Jesus did just that for his terrified disciples, and for us on the ship. I know I can get through life’s storms of various sorts when I depend on God to calm them and lead me to safety. And he will do that. When I turn to God and have faith in him, he does wonderful things. I hang onto the rope he provides me for dear life — with joy. [Pat andrEwS]

Tuesday, December 16Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 51:11

Singing All the Way

Dear God,Thank you for community and our shared experience through music and worship. Help us each to know that our contribution is of value to the work of your Kingdom. Help us to value each other, listen to each other, and give thanks for the journey that we share, especially now during the Advent season of waiting and anticipation. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

This verse tells us that the people of God would return from exile and “come to Zion with singing.” Singing can be an

activity that helps on an extended trip, to relieve boredom, to give renewed energy, to get our minds on something other than the physical challenges of the journey. But it is also an activity that binds the community together in a very special way. I have been singing my whole life: in my childhood home, in church, in school. Teaching music and working in music ministry became my vocation and it is a joy and an honor. Conducting choirs, singing alone or with others, playing piano or other instruments; all of these things are part of my experience. But the most meaningful musical moments for me have been when an entire assembly sings together; when a congregation, along with the choir and organist and/or additional instrumentalists, sings a hymn, a joyful response, or a Christmas carol. When we all sing together, this reflects a shared moment of praise and worship, a moment in which the entire community steps forward on their journey. We march side-by-side, contributing our own voices while at the same time listening to those around us. Collective singing reflects the ideal that everyone is of value, each of us is important to the group, everyone has a part to play and is called by God to the journey. We are better together! This is the body of Christ! Thank you for your gift of singing, as we share the Advent journey together. Let us continue marching forward in the light of God! Alleluia! [Sandra PEtEr]

Wednesday, December 17Today’s Scripture: John 16:19-24

Complete Joy

Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to live among us – as the Baby in the manger and as the Savior on the cross. Give us joy in serving you. Amen.

During this time of preparation for the coming of the Christ Child, we are reminded in this passage that Christ was

coming to the end of his earthly life, but we will see him again at the Resurrection. How can this bring us Joy? The prophecies of the Old Testament are being fulfilled! Weeping will come, but grief will be turned to Joy. The expectation of a Messiah will be fulfilled! “In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My Name. Until now you have not asked for anything in My Name. Ask and you will receive, and your Joy will be complete. John 16:23-24 (NIV) The joy we feel when prayers are answered today is the work of the Holy Spirit. The passage is confusing if we do not see that the work of the Trinity: God as Father, God as Son – Jesus, and God as Holy Spirit is what makes our joy complete. During Advent we generally think of God incarnate, Jesus. The passage takes us into the future – Our Joy becomes complete! Rejoice! The Messiah has come! [bonniE baiLEy]

Thursday, December 18Today’s Scripture: Psalm 30

Endless Love and Forgiveness

Precious Lord, you are with us always: we commit to you understanding that perfection is not possible but your forgiveness is unlimited. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen

Psalm 30 is King David’s message of Thanksgiving and Praise to God. He recalls prayers and complaints uttered in his time

of sickness and distress. Now healed, and at the dedication of his home to serve the Lord, endless praise comes forth for his present comfortable change. He rejoices and praises God for being a forgiving God although we are often undeserving. Are we like King David? Following God’s will in good times is not always our first thought however, in times of distress we are quick to ask for deliverance. We are his people and required to serve others in His name, always being thankful for His grace. We serve a wonderful God! King David speaks to us in Psalm 30 recalling separating from God, enduring pain and suffering; through His grace being restored to good health and prosperity. God’s love and forgiveness is endless, but we often fall short of living a perfect life. We are assured that serving the Lord prepares us to join Him eternally. As we dedicate our homes and family to serving our Lord, look to King David’s experience and also remember Joshua’s declaration, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” [Karen McFall]

Friday, December 19Today’s Scripture: John 15:7-11

The Life-Giving Vine

In the summer of 1949 my brother, Robert, told our family that he was joining the Army. Robert came home on leave

in November and there was a really joyous celebration in November that year. When his leave ended he went to Fort Benning, Georgia for Advanced Infantry Training. He came home on leave in May 1950 and said he had been reassigned to Fort Lewis, Washington. Two weeks later in June 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea. Almost overnight we noticed a change in Mom—she seemed pre-occupied, sad, and on edge all the time. I asked my father what was wrong with her. He thought for a moment and told me it was like a Mother Hen fretting over a missing chick.In our reading Jesus told his disciples that He was going away and that they could not go with Him. He told them that He was the Vine and they were the Branches. He impressed on them that if they were Branches attached to the Vine, that they would bear much fruit because the Vine gives its nutrients to the Branches so that they may bear fruit. Even when we as Branches get pruned back—Robert was seriously wounded in Korea in November 1950--, or the baby chick is missing, we know that we are still attached to the life-giving Vine—as the missing chick is by its life-giving Mother Hen. In this joyous season of Advent, let us anticipate and participate in our union with the True Vine by bearing much fruit. [Jack dEan]

Dear Lord, help us to stay attached to the vine especially during times of pruning. It is only by staying attached that we can bear fruit. Amen.

Saturday, December 20Today’s Scripture

The Savior, the Christ

Today Lord, right where I am, remind me of and help me to feel the calm and peace that Christ brought over 2,000 years ago. Help me, oh Lord, to allow your joy to live out of me so that others may feel your calm and peace. May you, God, be Glorified in all I do. Amen.

I’ve spent many days in the great outdoors that God has given us the privilege to manage for him. Many of these days

were working just as the shepherds were the night the Angel of the Lord appeared to them. Like the shepherds also I’ve had encounters with bears, panthers, wild hogs, and a number of other animals God has given us. One of the most awe inspiring moments for me came in Colorado while hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Park. One afternoon a line of thunderstorms passed through while we camped at around 9,800 feet. Thunder and lighting at that altitude take on a whole new meaning! It rattles you to the bone and blinds you with each flash at night. It was one of the few times I wished I was somewhere else, as it went on all night. I can only imagine that what I felt was only a fraction of what the shepherds felt as experienced outdoorsmen when the angel appeared to them. And then as I felt the calm and peace of the coming day, they listened to “fear not!” and felt the calm and peace of “The Savior” and “The Christ.” [rob conE]

LOVE

Sunday, December 21, Fourth Sunday in AdventToday’s Scripture: Romans 8:31-39

Enduring Love

Father, bless us and our church family as we approach this celebration of Christ’s birth, and help us always to be the people you would have us be, and to do the things you would have us do. Amen.

This ringing proclamation of God’s enduring love for all those who have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior is

the culmination of a series of questions and assurances found in Romans 8. Those questions, Paul tells us, come down to just this —can anything come between God and us? The answer begins in verse 31: “If God is for us, who is against us?” If God sent, and then sacrificed, His own Son, won’t He give His faithful followers everything else that He has promised? One implication is that we often think this miracle is too good to be true; that we are not worthy of such a sacrifice. The simple truth is that we are not worthy; we are blessed, blessed beyond our capacity to comprehend such a blessing. We are “more than conquerors through him who loved us”. The lesson is for us not to get in the way of this amazing grace by forgetting to praise and thank God for the most powerful assurance of all: “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” That is our greatest joy, and remembering it is our greatest gift, this Advent season. [waynE drEggorS]

Monday, December 22 Today’s Scripture: John 3:16-21

Enduring Light

Abba Father, thank you for giving your Son, and for being the light in this world. May we strive to be beacons of that illustrious light we are so unworthy to receive, yet are given it in abundance. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you.

As Central Floridians, we are no strangers to lightning storms and the subsequent power outages we experience from time

to time. Think back to a time when you were going about your day (working, meeting with someone, cooking, etc.), when the power suddenly went out. Maybe you were like me and were taking a long, relaxing shower after a rough day. You’re washing your hair, maybe making a silly shampoo lather beard, singing a tune—just taking in the moment of pure relaxation and peace, when suddenly—darkness. The water continues to run, but you can’t see beans. You find yourself fumbling awkwardly for a towel and opening the door to go find a flashlight. If you are anything like me, this situation can easily create a state of panic, anxiety, and yes, fear. Yet through it all, I know, deep down, the truth: I know my house. I know what drawer the flashlight is in. And I also know the darkness will soon be gone, because the lights will come back on eventually. I am confident in this knowledge, and take comfort in it. The first part of our verse is the best recognized verse in the entire Bible. It is comforting; it reassures us that not only did God give the greatest sacrifice, but that we are covered by this sacrifice as we believe. We are reminded, by the birth of our Savior, that while our lights will go out from time to time, the light of Christ never does, and never will. May we continue through this Advent season with the comfort that we carry Christ’s light within us, even when our lights go out. [Sarah kEay]

Tuesday, December 23 Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13

The Gift of Love

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your gift of love. Give us the inspiration and courage to always act with love. Help us to keep our focus this holiday season on what true love is. Amen.

Paul writes of spiritual gifts in his letters to the Corinthians. He writes that true love is more important than all the

spiritual gifts or acts of service. He describes love in many ways. “Love is patient, love is kind . . . . It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” God’s love endures forever. It is real and it is His work in our hearts. “(Love) is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs….” During the Christmas season, it can be easy to lose focus. We are often caught up in the busyness; shopping for just the right gift, decorating the house, planning the meals and filling our calendars with invites. We are exhausted even before Christmas arrives. We become irritated because we can’t get it perfect – people don’t live up to our expectations or things just get in the way. When we keep God in the center, we realize that only He is perfect. He forgives us our imperfections. He can help us set aside our own desires and focus on giving love without any expectations. God gave us love cradled in a manger. Faith in Him is our foundation of hope and enables us to love completely. There is no greater gift. [cathy caMPbELL]

Wednesday, December 24 Today’s Scripture: Luke 1:67-79

A Kingdom of Love

Gracious God, in awe we come to welcome you this night. Be born in us Servant King, that we might truly live in your way, your truth, indeed your life. Amen.

Prepare the way of the Lord. T’was the night before Christmas and the Jews were waiting for the Messiah. They had been

waiting for centuries. They longed for a conquering king who would throw off the shackles of the Romans who controlled their land. They longed for the kingdom of God with their enemies destroyed and a return to the glorious time of King David. In today’s scripture we read of Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, who sings of the joy of the birth of his son, the prophet, and the coming of the Christ. Zechariah, too, looked for someone to rescue the house of Israel from her enemies. It wasn’t until after His death on the cross that an understanding of the Christ began to dawn. We wait expectantly and with some trepidation for Christmas. By now most of what can be done is done and we wait and see if folks are happy, if tempers will flair, if we will be alone while the world rejoices. We know that our best plans might go awry and we are not in control. While we contemplate that possibility, let us also open our hearts and minds to the fact that we are not in control of the Christ who comes to save us. We may have some things just as wrong as those expectant Jews of long ago. Let us look anew at the Messiah who came not to establish an earthly kingdom of power and might, but a kingdom of love, of helping our neighbor, a kingdom where the hungry are fed, where we wash one another’s feet, and follow our servant Christ even to the cross. [cindy britt]

Monday, December 25 Today’s Scripture: Luke 2:1-14

Simply Christmas!

Holy One of God, the cosmos pauses to hold its breath as we behold the spectacle of the birth of Immanuel. Help us shed the distractions of clamoring noise of the culture and hear the Child’s cries asking us to hold him. Amen.

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10 ,11

The cold darkness ripped apart by a baby’s cry – the Father smiled. Joy!

A young mother’s dreams held gently in her arms – Peace is born to us.

Nursing at her breast, the baby coos in delight…Heaven’s angels danced.

Shepherds hold their breath in the winter’s chilly air –oh yes! Simply Christmas!

Merry Christmas to All!

Contributors

30—SANDY ESCONTRIAS is a previous dirctor of family ministries at First Presbyte-rian Church DeLand. She has worked as a teacher, a director/owner of a day care center, and in publications as editor and designer. She cheers for the Chicago Cubs, likes to cook mexican food, read and teach Bible studies whenever the opportunity arises. She loves her Lord, her church and her family.

01—MICHAEL lAFFERTY is the breaking news/communities editor at the Orlando Sentinel. He’s worked there since 1986 in a variety of reporting and editing capacities. He’s a 1981 graduate of the University of Central Florida and lives in DeBary with his wife, Nan, a teacher at St. Barnabas Episcopal School. He has two daughters: Sarah, who teaches third grade at St. Barnabas; and Katie, who works for an insurance company in Jacksonville and last year gave Mike his first grandchild. Mike has been a member of First Presbyterian Church for a number of years and serves as an usher.

02—PATTI LOCkENbACH met her husband Barry while they were both college stu-dents at FSU. They moved to Atlanta, where their sons Grant and Alex were born. They moved to DeLand in 2002 and enjoy living in the historic district. Their son Alex, is a senior at Florida Gulf University. They remember Grant with love in their hearts.

03—ELAINE bODgER was born in Lincolnshire, England and has a background in dental hygiene. She is married to Michael and has sons;- Nathan, a senior in High School, John Noah in 5th grade and Peter in 4th grade.

04—ANDREW b. RITTER was born in Coco Solo, Panama, C.Z. of Jewish mother and Christian father. He holds a BA in psychology, and a MS in Computer Science. He retired from teaching in the College of Engineering and the College of Business at Em-bry-Riddle University in 2012. Before coming to Deland in 2013, he and his wife Judith attended Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church. He and Judith have attended FPC Deland since May, 2013. He has served as an Adult Sunday School teacher and as a member of the Adult Discipleship team.

05—DAvID FINkLE is a Language Arts teacher at Southwestern Middle School, an author, and the cartoonist of the Daytona Beach News-Journal comic strip, Mr. Fitz.

06— bETH HALLMAN EHLERINgER lives in Lake Mary with her husband, David, her stepdaughter, Cassie, and their pets, Roxy and Cali. She currently works as a free-lance web designer. Beth grew up in First Presbyterian and left to belong to a number of other churches. She is glad to be back!

07—TRISH TuTT. Having taught elementary school for 30 years, I enjoy serving on the Children’s Discipleship Team. I currently teach Children’s Church and Sunday School. My husband, Don, and I have two children and three grandchildren. We have beenmem-bers of this First Presbyterian family for over 30 years.

08— MICHAEL bODgER was born in England. Raised Catholic, left the church for a time of wilderness wandering. After 20 years working in the aerospace industry, went to seminary in 2005 and the rest is history. Married to Elaine, and has sons;- Nathan 18, Matthew Noel in heaven, John Noah 11, and Peter 9.

09— ANN RObERTS SMALL (Wheaton College,B.M.E.; Auburn University, M.Ed.; and Florida State University,Ph.D.) directed the music education program at Stetson from 1983 to 2014. She is the founder and was artistic director of the Stetson University Children’s Choir for 26 years. This internationally known children’s choir sang in the United Kingdom and in Toronto and St. John’s, Newfoundland, as well as at conferences of the Music Educators National Conference and the American Choral Directors Associa-tion, She recently founded and is director of Inspirare, a community chorus of 60 women. ACDA honored Dr. Small with the 2013 R.Wayne Hugoboom award, the highest honor for excellence in choral conducting in the State of Florida. Dr. Small retired from Stetson this past May after serving 30 years. She has participated in musical activities and teach-ing at First Presbyterian Church since she first came to DeLand in 1983.

10—kELLY WRISLEY. My degree is in medical social work. My husband, Patrick, and I are blessed to have 2 wonderful daughters. I taught Preschool for many years and have worked in retail. My hobbies are reading autobiographies, hiking, and weaving. I have been a Deacon and am currently a Stephen Ministry leader. One of my greatest joys is working at the Cancer Resource Center at the Cancer Institute, FH.

11— bOb AND vALLA FISCHER have been members of FPC for three years. They have been married 54 years, have three children, and three grand-children. Twenty-six years of their lives together were lived in Wisconsin where both were born. For twenty-eight years, they have lived in Florida, both is Pinellas and Volusia counties. They pres-ently live in De Leon Springs near the Lake Woodruff Wildlife Refuge. Both Bob and Valla are serving deacons.

12—FRED bLACkMON. My wife, Lynn, and I have been married for 41 years. We have three grown children, seven grandchildren and four cats. Both of us grew up in the Methodist Church in Georgia, although we have been members over the many years in a Baptist Church in North Carolina and Presbyterian Church in Washington state. I have been a Deacon in the Baptist Church and we are both ordained Elders in the Presbyterian Church. I am currently the Moderator of the Finance Team here at First Presbyterian. I have served on two Pastor Nominating Committees in the past at other churches.

13—PAuL JONES

14—ANDREA FINkLE, an Elder in our church, has been a member of 1st Presbyterian DeLand since 1990. She currently works as a middle school language arts teacher at Southwestern Middle School. She can sometimes be seen on local stages in a variety of theatrical roles.

Contributors

15—PAT ANDREWS is a retired news writer. She’s a church elder, currently serving as moderator for Mission Outreach; in January, she will become moderator for Worship. Pat lives in DeLand with her husband, Tanner. Among her treasured memorabilia is a ship’s certificate of passage across the Atlantic Ocean.

16—SANDRA PETER, Director of Music. I grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, worked in the Midwest most of my life, and moved to central Florida in 2013. I have taught music in public schools, colleges and universities, and served several churches as a choir direc-tor. It is a pleasure to be here at First Presbyterian! Blessings!

17— bONNIE bAILEY. I was born in Kentucky and grew up in Tennessee. Bill and I have known each other since I was 10 and he was 13. We spent our early married life in the USAF. He was a fighter pilot. I was the “Prayer Lady.” We retired to DeLand in 1983. God has blessed us and brought us great joy and a beautiful daughter, Mary Beth and three grandchildren: Bailey. Megan, and Quinn.

18—CHuCk AND kAREN MCFALL

19—JACk DEAN is a retired teacher, having lived in Deland since 1941. He is married to Susan.

20—ROb CONE is husband to Michelle and father to Katie and Shelby is an outdoors man and a huge University of Georgia fan. He has served as a Deacon and on the Pastor Nominating Committee, and is an active member of the Open Door Sunday School class.

21—WAYNE DREggORS. I am a fifth generation native of DeLand, and was educated at Stetson and Duke universities, earning a Masters in Counseling and a Masters in Public Administration. I am ordained as an elder and deacon in our church. My greatest joys are my wife of 44 years, Leah, our two daughters, Angie and Sarah, and our four grandchil-dren, Jessie, Kevin, Evie, and Laura.

22—SARAH kEAY is a full-time staff member at First Pres, as the Director of Emerg-ing Ministries. She is passionate about building generational bridges and interfaith dia-logue. She loves Jesus, sailing, learning languages, reading about the Middle East, dogs, and most of all, when it rains.

23—CATHY CAMPbELL is enthusiastic about her new role as the Director of Christian Education and Spiritual Formation at First Presbyterian Church DeLand. She recently retired from Volusia County Schools after 35 years serving children with dis-abilities and their families as a teacher and program specialist. She loves visiting her daughter, Iva, in NYC, walking on the beach with her husband, Bill and watching her son, Ian, play tennis.

24— CINDY bRITT is currently serving as the Elder for Care and Concern. She has been in DeLand since 1978. She has two daughters who grew up in our church family. Charlotte lives in Georgia and Virginia (Ginny) lives near Boston with her three daugh-ters Lili, Ana and Gabi.

25—PATRICk WRISLEY is a third generation church planter for the Presbyterian Church. He has served churches from north Georgia, to Atlanta, Celebration, Florida and Tacoma Washington. A graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary, he received his doc-torate with distinction from Drew University. He is active in Presbytery and has served as adjunct faculty for Drew University and Fuller Theological Seminary, Northwest. Mar-ried to his better half, Kelly, they have two adult daughters and one incredible son-in-law.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH724 NORTH WOODLAND BLVD.

DELAND FLORIDA 32729386-734-6212