2013 Advent Devotional Guide

National Heights Baptist Church Advent Guide 2013

The Word Made Flesh ..the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.

NHBC Advent Schedule December 1:

9:45am Sunday School 11am Worship Service

December 4:

6pm Dinner, Prayer, and Bible Study

December 7:

6pm Christmas Dinner and Concert featuring Hugh Waddy @ 7:15pm

December 8: 9:45am Sunday School 11am Worship Service

December 11:

6pm Dinner, Prayer, and Bible Study

December 15: 9:45am Sunday School 11am Worship Service 6pm Choir Christmas Musical Presentation* (fellowship following)

December 18: 6pm Dinner 7pm Blue Christmas Worship Service

December 22:

9:30am Christmas Breakfast 11am Worship Service

December 24:

6pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

*see Dr. Judy Hames, Minister of Music, for more information about choir practices dates **check your weekly announcements or contact the church office for Holiday church office closures and specific details about church wide opportunities

December Ministry Opportunities Donations

In November we gathered over 40 shoeboxes to send to Samaritan’s Church Operation Christmas Child!

International

Donate to the December Mission Offering for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Global Mission Fund to assist families all over the world with basic needs during the holiday season and throughout the year. Checks can be made out to National Heights Baptist Church.

Church Family & Local Community

Minister to your church family through Christmas Cards.

The youth will be available in the vestibule before Sunday School, before worship, and after worship each Sunday in December to collect and distribute cards for your church family.

Instead of spending money on stamps, give a small donation at the “post office” in the vestibule.

We will use the money to assist local families in our community during this holiday season.

The church office will mail any cards that are not picked up by Christmas Eve the week after Christmas.

Table of Contents Week One – Awakening of HOPE Revelation 3:20-21 December 2 Hugh Waddy John 1:1-3, 14 December 3 Jerry Bramblett Psalm 98:1-6 December 4 Ginie Anthony Isaiah 2:1-5 December 5 Larry Price Isaiah 7:14 December 6 Ginie Anthony Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 December 7 Jeff and Lisa Strong Week Two – Making PEACE Isaiah 11:1-10 December 9 Connie King Isaiah 61:1-4,8-11 December 10 Marc Bramblett Jeremiah 33:14-16 December 11 Ginie Anthony Micah 5:1-5 December 12 Ginie Anthony Steve deClaissé-Walford Zephaniah 3:14-20 December 13 Malachi 2:17-3:5 December 14 Ginie Anthony

Luke 1:26-33 Luke 1:46-56 Luke 1:67-80 Luke 2:1-20

Week Three – Experiencing LOVE December 16 Lanette Davenport December 17 Judy Hames December 18 Marc Bramblett December 19 -21 Noelle Owen

Week Four – Outpouring of JOY John 8:12 December 23 Suzanne Chrispen Revelation 3:20-21 December 24 Vicky Johnson Matthew 1:18-2:12 December 25-26 Pastor Barrett Romans 13:11-14 December 27 Pastor Barrett Steve deClaissé-Walford Psalm 100 December 28

A Message from Pastor Barrett Greetings and Happy Advent to all!

This year we’ve compiled an Advent Devotional Guide around the main theme from the Prologue of the gospel of John: “The Word Made Flesh . . . light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.”

I chose this theme because of the symbolism and symmetry for Advent and Christmas.

Advent celebrates the final return of Jesus Christ as Lord. Christmas celebrates his birth. Together these seasons help us focus on the mystery and majesty of Jesus wrapping himself in our “flesh” and shining for the entire world to see the meaning of God’s abiding love.

Each day of December is a devotion written by the good people of National Heights. The hope is that this compilation of thoughts and prayers will guide you as you reflect on the mystery and majesty of the Word becoming flesh and shining a light so bright that not even darkness could overcome it.

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas to you!

Pastor Barrett

Awakening of HOPE Join us as the Body of Christ Gathers for Worship Sunday, December 1.

“The Word Became Flesh and… turned swords into plowshares.”

Isaiah 2:1-5

Christ, Be Our Light!

Lyrical Meditation

Longing for light, we wait in darkness Longing for truth, we turn to you.

Make us your own, your holy people, Light for the world to see.

Christ be our light! Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness. Christ be our Light!

Shine in your Church gathered today.

Out of the Darkness Lighting of the Advent Candle

“We light the first candle which reminds us that throughout history, God’s people have spent time waiting, wandering, and wondering about the timing of God’s eternal plan. Like the people of old, we long for God’s presence to illuminate the areas of life where we are called to wait…we echo the words of the Psalmist, ‘Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!’” (Psalm 27:14)

Reflection

Where do you find hope in your life?

When is it difficult to have hope?

How do you show hope to others?

How does our church community share hope?

December 2

A Knock at My Door Hugh Waddy Scripture| Read Revelation 3:20-21 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne” Revelation 3:20-21 Devotion Jesus stands at my door knocking. He wants me to come open the door and let him inside. He must want to be with me. But just look—I’m a shameful mess, inside and out, and he’s anything but; yet, he has come to me.

I go to the door and let him in and there’s more—he wants to sit and eat with me! Just what I like—sitting with someone over coffee and something to eat and having great conversation. And the fruit of the talk is we get to know each other. “You can’t get to know someone without spending time together.” And there’s more.

He encourages me in my struggles with my sin nature, the pressures and calls of the world, and the Evil One coming round to lie to me so I’ll fall into one of his traps. Jesus wants me to do exactly what he did—keep my eyes on my Father, listen to him, do what he wants, and fight the fight against the world, the flesh and the Evil One. If I do this and come out victorious, he’s going to allow me to sit on his throne!

With all this knocking, waiting, eating at my table, encouraging me, directing me, and promising me something so wonderful, you’d think I was important to him and he really cared for me and wanted the best. Why, that’s love.

Prayer Gracious God, thank you for knocking at my door. Give me the courage to welcome you and your hopes for humanity inside. Amen.

December 3

Jesus as Gift Jerry Bramblett

Scripture | Read John 1:1-3,14 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:1-3, 14 Devotion This portion of John’s gospel is called the prologue. A prologue helps us understand what is to follow.

The theological handle for this scripture is “incarnation” which according to the dictionary means, “the unity of divinity and humanity in Jesus Christ.”

It is a mystery – not comprehended intellectually but by faith. Before Jesus was called Jesus or Christ he was called the “Word.” And according to verse fourteen, he was the Word because he was “the father’s only son full of grace and truth.”

One of God’s personal expressions to the world was the gift of God’s son. So we have this splendid gift, full of grace and truth, given to us by the Creator.

For the act of gift-giving to be complete, it must be received, accepted, admired, used, appreciated, and often shared.

Jesus is the gift that continuously gives – no strings attached! He is full of unconditional love. We should receive this gift with awe, humility, and thankfulness.

We need Jesus both as both human and divine. As divine – we can give worship and praise. As human, he is an example of grace and truth teaching us about personhood and how to live.

Perhaps we should learn from the example of the wise men as we ponder Jesus as divine as well as human. They followed the guidance of a star and fell down to worship the babe in the manger.

Let these words of J. Edgar Park give you hope for this Christmas season: We would see Jesus; lo, his star is shining.

Above the stable while the angels sing; There in a manger on the hay reclining; Haste, let us lay our gifts before the King.

We would see Jesus; in the early morning, Still as of old he calleth “Follow me�, Let us arise, all meaner service scorning; Lord, we are thine, we give ourselves to thee.

-J. Edgar Park Prayer Teach us how to be an example of grace and truth to a world that needs Christ in the here and now. Let us live our theology as biography. Amen.

December 4, 2013

Sing a New Song Ginie Anthony

Scripture | Read Psalm 98:1-6 O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.

Psalm 98:1 Devotion In the summer of 2002, my Dad’s health was rapidly declining. On the morning of July 9, 2012, my morning prayer time had brought a peace and nearness of God, of which I did not want to let go, yet I knew I had to get ready for work. My heart, however, began to fill with a song; the music in my head had a “gospel –twang” as the verses grew into the rhythm of the tune.

Next thing you know, I pulled into my parking place at work, with an entire new song filling my heart. I dedicated this one to my Dad and had the privilege to sing it to him a few times before he passed away later that summer.

SAY AMEN I said “Amen,” but my prayer keeps going, ‘cause my heart is happy knowing That each moment spent with You, cleanses my soul and makes me new.

So, I’ll praise Jesus all my life, Whether I’m in joy or deep in strife.

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord and say “Amen.”

I said “Amen,” but my prayer keeps going, ‘cause my heart is happy knowing That the good Lord up above, has filled me up with peace and love.

So, I’ll praise Jesus all my life, Whether I’m in joy or deep in strife.

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord and say “Amen.”

I said “Amen,” but my prayer keeps going, ‘cause my heart is happy knowing That the mercy given me, is God’s sweet grace that sets me free To worship Jesus all my life, Whether I’m in joy or deep in strife.

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord and say Amen.

I said “Amen,” but my prayer keeps going, ‘cause my heart is happy knowing That God’s claimed the victory and granted me eternity To praise sweet Jesus in a life where there’s only JOY and no more strife!!

(That’s how its gonna be when we get to heaven, y’all!!!)

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Sing Hallelujah, praise the Lord! Sing hallelujah, praise the Lord! And say, “Amen, Amen, Amen.”

Prayer Help us, O Lord, to be people who believe your love and your works are still worth singing about. Amen.

December 5

The Future House of God Larry Price

Scripture | Read Isaiah 2:1-5 He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Isaiah 2:4-5 Devotion All of us who have been told the stories of the Bible can relate to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. We know it was important to the Jewish religion and its role in centering the nation under the rule of God. This community of faith was only the forerunner of the church to be established by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His church would be established in the hearts of men and women with its focus on humankind rather than the grandeur of the Temple in Jerusalem.

I grew up in the mountains of western Virginia and my church there has a special significance to me. It was a rather meager farming community but rich in the spirit of the Lord. Many temples were built by the various denominations to raise their collective voices in praise to the maker of all things great and small. Regardless of the banner that each carried foremost was the banner of Christ as Lord of all. Yes, we worshiped, prayed, and sang to a different melody, but in the end the words were the same: “All praise and glory were given to the Lord of our lives.�

Yes we called ourselves by many names: Lutherans, Baptists, Pentecostals, Church of God, Church of Christ, Seventh Day Adventist, Hard-shell Baptist and simply Christian, but we all played on the same team. We interacted daily discussing life, work, religion, politics, and the affairs at hand. This gave us a unique view of Church as an organization. What we found was we were all alike in our love for the risen Lord. We may dance differently, sing different songs, and have totally different styles of worship, but in the end a temple of the Lord is just that place where we find the peace and joy that

only worshiping the Lord brings. It matters not if the facility is on a great mountain or low in the valley; God resides in all places.

Should we strive to create a temple on the mountain to get it closer to God? I think not, for God is with us wherever we seek company. God walks before us, beside us, to our left and right when we believe in God’s power to love us unconditionally. Thus, we truly are the children of God residing in the mountains of God’s love in all that we do; we only have to believe.

Prayer Blessed be the mountains and valleys of God for we must walk though one to reach the other and will be forever blessed by the journey. The future house of God will then be our hearts! Amen.

December 6

A Sign from God Ginie Anthony

Scripture | Read Isaiah 7:14 Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The young woman will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14 Devotion God said the son would be called Immanuel which means “God with us.”

One of my earliest childhood Sunday School-lesson memories regarding a “sign from God,” was the story of Noah’s ark and the rainbow God sent after the flood. I seldom saw a rainbow as a child, but whenever I did, it was a quick moment of awe and fascination as it seemed they never lasted very long.

As I got older, I began to see more rainbows, and often, it seemed they appeared during the times that I was struggling through some “storms of life.” This year was no exception . . . and there it was, in rural Kite, GA, at a heart-wrenching moment in my life on the second day of January.

I looked up just in time to see the huge water tank with a rainbow painted on the side. At one of my lowest points in life, I looked up and saw a “rainbow” which reassured me that God was with me.

Every year life brings trials, and every year God sends rainbows, reminding us that God is with us.

Prayer Gracious and ever present God, help us remember that you never leave nor forsake us. Show us today your abiding love.

December 7

Walking in the Light Lisa and Jeff Strong

Scripture | Read Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light; those that lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined.

Isaiah 9:2 Devotion Do you walk in the darkness, or upon you, has light shined? Isaiah 9 reminds us that the Israelite people who walked in darkness have now seen a great light. (9:2) The Syrians and Assyrians first ravaged Palestine, and that region was first favored by the preaching of Christ. Those that want the gospel, walk in darkness, and in utmost danger. But when the gospel comes to any place, to any soul, light comes.

This child was born for the benefit of us men, of us sinners, of all believers, from the beginning to the end of the world. Justly is he called Wonderful, for he is both God and man. He is the Counselor, for he knew the counsels of God, from eternity; and he gives counsel to men, in which he consults our welfare. He is the Wonderful Counselor; none teaches like him. He is God, the mighty one. He is God, one with the Father. As the Prince of Peace, he reconciles us to God. He is the giver of peace in the heart of conscious; and when his kingdom is fully established, men shall learn war no more. The government shall be upon him; he shall bear the burden of it. There is no end to the increase of its peace, for the happiness of its subjects shall last forever. Give then, O Lord, to thy people to know thee by every endearing name, and in every glorious character; Give increase of grace in every heart of thy redeemed upon earth.1 Prayer May we seek your counsel of God, and not the counsel friends alone. Amen.

1

Taken and adapted from Matthew Henry’s commentary on Isaiah.

Making PEACE The Body of Christ Gathering for Worship Sunday, December 8

The Word Became Flesh and‌ Lions laid beside lambs.

Isaiah 11:1-10

Christ, Be Our Light!

Lyrical Meditation

Longing for peace, our world is troubled.

Longing for hope, many despair.

Your word alone has power to save us.

Make us your living voice.

Christ be our light! Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness. Christ be our Light!

Shine in your Church gathered today.

Out of the Darkness Lighting of the Advent Candle

“Today we light two candles. The first candle illuminates patience in the areas of our lives where God has called us to wait. The second candle extends the promise of strength to all who feel weary and weak in the shadows of this world. As we continue our Advent journey, may our hope be kindled as the light grows brighter.”

Reflection

What does peace mean to you?

When have you experienced God’s peace?

How is God attempting to grant you peace?

What are you doing to promote peace?

December 9

The Coming of the King of Peace Connie King

Scripture | Read Isaiah 11:1-10 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

Isaiah 11:1-3

Devotion With this Advent Devotional theme of "The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us," it must be mentioned that Isaiah is often the ultimate Old Testament prophet of "The Word"-which became "The Flesh," the Messiah, the Christ child.

Isaiah traces the progeny that would produce "The Flesh"--the line of Jesse, the father of King David--a giant in Jewish history; such auspicious roots for the King-to-come!

The irony here is that this King would be like none other in history. His beginnings would be modest, even humble. His early childhood would be virtually unnoticed, until he sets the priests abuzz by interpreting scripture with an assurance and competence that awed and amazed all who heard this 12-year old prodigy. Little of his worldly struggles would be recorded at all until his final three years, after the age of thirty! This king would be supremely righteous and just--more compassionate and kind than any human ruler in the annals of history.

During his reign, Isaiah notes, the wolf will live in peace with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down to rest with the young goat." He foretells an era of peace and tranquility under this King that has not been seen on the earth since the earliest time of Adam and Eve! Finally, Isaiah maintains that this new King from the line of Jesse will rally all nations under his leadership, and his kingdom will be filled with glory!

Prayer Thank you, God, for sending us your son to be our king. Your guidance and compassion never fail. Amen.

December 10

The Necessity of Hope Marc Bramblett

Scripture | Read Isaiah 61:1-4; 8-11 For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.

Isaiah 61:8 Devotion In 586 BC Judah was conquered by the armies of Babylon and the cream of the people taken into captivity. The prophet Isaiah’s prediction to King Hezekiah had proven tragically true. An enslaved people languished under the tyrants’ boots. “How can we sing the songs of Zion in a strange land” they lamented.

Isaiah issues a word of hope to a captive people: good tidings, comfort, liberty. God will restore his people. “They shall have beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified” (61:3).

Judah will be restored: “they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations” (61:4).

God’s covenant with Judah will be renewed: “I will make an everlasting covenant with them” (61:8). Judah will become a light to the Gentiles giving evidence of God’s favor upon them (61:9). Isaiah’s message was one of HOPE. A dispirited, enslaved people needed hope in order to endure their suffering, to survive their ordeal.

During the Holocaust in which the Nazis murdered six million Jews and other undesirable people, those who lost hope soon died. Those that remained hopeful increased their chances for survival.

The star of Bethlehem shone brightly in the night sky amid a world shrouded in darkness. It heralded the coming of one who has inspired hope in the hearts of millions for two millennium. Our world faces and struggles with many seemingly insoluble problems. The babe of the stable was the Son of God whose life, teaching, death and resurrection have addressed the human condition as no one and nothing else has.

Hope issues out of Faith. Together they encourage a positive approach to life that can shape the future.

Prayer Great God, grant me hopeful eyes so that I may see the world as you do.

Amen.

December 11

Planning Ahead Ginie Anthony

Scripture | Read Jeremiah 33:14-16 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.”

Jeremiah 33:14 Devotion There are many times in life that we “plan ahead.” Sometimes, the plans we make never come to fruition for multiple reasons: maybe it was just a “bad plan;” maybe we changed our mind and went to “Plan B;” maybe we were not committed to the “follow through” to make it happen; or maybe we did not seek God’s guidance or direction in formulating the early stages of our “plan” so that it would have a stable foundation.

I believe God has a plan for us, and God’s plan is always good. This passage from Jeremiah reaffirms the “good promise” of God’s plan for our salvation through Jesus Christ, “The Lord Our Righteous Savior.”

Prayer Everlasting and faithful God, help us heed your plan for our lives and not our own. Give us the wisdom and countenance to see when our plan isn’t working and the direction to turn to yours. Amen.

December 12

Knowing God Holds the Future Ginie Anthony

Scripture | Read Micah 5:1-5

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.

Micah 5:4

Devotion No matter how many times I hear or read the New Testament stories of the birth of Jesus, it still creates a sense anticipation, wonder, and joy.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Micah tells the story of the Messiah to be born in Bethlehem. Micah foretold of the troubled times that would precede this great event. I wonder what this must have been like for Micah, to know the plans that God had in store, to even know the city chosen by God where the Messiah would be born, but to never have had the chance to experience the “Christmas Story” the way that we know it.

Many times in my life I have had to remind myself that, “I do not know what the future holds, but I do know God holds my future.” Micah’s message was a promise from God to send a Messiah to bring God’s people security and peace.

We know that the Messiah is Jesus Christ. May we celebrate the wonder and joy of the season as we live in anticipation of the day that Jesus Christ returns.

Prayer Everlasting and merciful God, thank you for the gift of your son and the majesty of the Christmas story. Help us lean into the unknown future with hope and faith that with and through you, we have peace. Amen.

December 13

God’s Kingdom on Earth Steve deClaissé-Walford

Scripture | Read Zephaniah 3:14-20 Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel!

Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!

Zephaniah 3:14 Devotion It is a fact of life that when God speaks through the mouths of the prophets, we read into the prophetic words our own expectations as to how God will act; how God’s promises will be fulfilled. And yet in almost every instance throughout the history of Judaism and Christianity, God has fulfilled God’s promises in ways that only became apparent in retrospect – when people have looked back over time and realized that prophecy has been fulfilled in unexpected ways. For example, long before and even into the time of Jesus – and beyond – Judaism clung to the prophetic promise of Messiah, whom they expected to be a powerful general, leading the armies of Judaism to spectacular victory over their oppressors. Judaism, you see, viewed the occupiers of Palestine (and there were many over the years – Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and in Jesus’ time, Rome) as the enemy.

In due course, the prophecy was fulfilled; the Messiah came. But he was not the expected military leader, overcoming Rome. Judaism was wrong, because for God the enemy was never the Romans – nor the Greeks, nor any of the historical occupiers or “oppressors” of the Jews. The enemy was poverty, the sick, the outcast, and the marginalized of Jewish society. God’s way of “removing disaster from among you” (Zeph 3:18) was to turn the Jews from thoughts of war to the “peace” needs of human society.

The prophecy of Zephaniah was fulfilled not by a military general but in the person of Jesus, who taught that the Kingdom of God existed where people lived in peace and harmony, and where the poor, the lame, the outcast, the widow and the orphan were the focus of society – not war. When a society can do this, it will be “renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth.” (Zeph 3:20), and will be entitled to “Sing aloud” and “exult with all your heart” (Zeph 3:14). Amen.

Prayer Help me, O God, sing and exult your glory with all my heart today. Amen.

December 14

A Message from God Ginie Anthony

Scripture | Read Malachi 2:17-3:5 See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming.

Malachi 3:1 Devotion Sometimes in our world it seems that the more things change the more they stay the same. Even in the times of Malachi, people were wondering why God was not doing something to address the sins and corruption in their world. That part sounds sort of familiar, doesn’t it? We are quick to request judgment for everybody else’s sins.

“The news has shown it all before. The guns, the gangs, the drugs, the war, the politics, the jealousy, this time it’s getting next to me. I see the anger on the street, on passing faces that I meet, so much dissention in the home, so many people all alone. Oh Lord, come rescue me, from this hostility, make me a vessel of your love, fill me with grace from up above. Show me the path that I should go, while I am living here below. Help me to seek your face and make this world a better place.”

This was from a song I wrote over ten years ago titled, “The Millennium Psalm.” I prayed over the title because that seemed so cliché to me. But then, I went to the dictionary to see what Webster had to say about it and this is what I found for the definition of millennium: “the thousand years mentioned in Revelation 20 during which holiness is to prevail and Christ is to reign on earth.” In that moment, I understood why that was to be the title of the song.

This passage in Malachi is so full of New Testament events: we recognize he is speaking of John the Baptist, as the messenger that is coming to prepare the way for the Savior, Jesus Christ, who would bear our sins; he also speaks of the wrath of judgment day.

Malachi was a messenger of God, and we can be too. We can share the story of God’s grace, and we can deliver the message that Jesus has come.

Prayer Gracious Lord, help us participate in bringing your kingdom to earth. Amen.

Experiencing LOVE The Body of Christ Gathering for Worship Sunday, December 15

The Word Became Flesh and‌ Saved us from ourselves.

Isaiah 35:1-10

Christ, Be Our Light!

Lyrical Meditation

Longing for food, many are hungry.

Longing for water, many still thirst.

Make us your bread, broken for others, Shared until all are fed.

Christ be our light! Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness. Christ be our Light!

Shine in your Church gathered today.

Out of the Darkness Lighting of the Advent Candle

“We light three candles. The first candle reminds us of those who find themselves in a season of waiting, resting in hopeful anticipation for God to act. The second candle is for anyone feeling weakened and wearied by the circumstances of life. We echo the cry of scripture to renew their strength and increase their power. The third candle awakes our spiritual senses, challenges us to embrace the glory of God, as we await our Savior’s promised coming.”

Reflection

When is it hard to love?

How does God show you love?

How can our church family show love to the community?

December 16

Faith of a Child Lanette Davenport

Scripture | Read Luke 1:26-33 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”

Luke 1:26-28 Devotion As I was reading Luke 1:26-33 I realized that there is more than one way to have a child. I have wanted to have children all my life, and God gave me one to raise as my own, but he also gave me a bunch of children to take care of and love and who love me.

I have one little girl that is no longer in my class, but I have taken care of her since she was a baby every morning she has to come and see me when she first gets to school.

If she doesn't see me she thinks I am not there then she sees me later and gives me a hug and kiss every day. Her mom says that she loves me. The other kids that are in my class all have to give me a hug when they get there every morning and again every afternoon when I leave, sometimes they cry when I leave. I know they love me, and I love them.

My question for reflection is, “How would you have felt if Angel Gabriel had come to you and told you that you would conceive a child when you were a virgin?”

Prayer Thank you for the gift of children and their love for life. Help me, today, to see your love through the eyes of a child. Amen.

December 17

Christmas Memories Judy Hames

Scripture | Read Luke 1:46-56 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.

Luke 1:48b-49 Devotion I cherish so many wonderful memories of Christmas. When I was about eight years old, I found the doll of my dreams. Patty Play Pal was advertised on television as a doll about three feet tall that could walk right up to the door, ring the doorbell, and become the best friend any little girl could ever have. I had to have a Patty Play Pal doll! In my childish mind, this doll had a special purpose. She was to be my best friend. On Christmas morning, when I found Patty Play Pal under the Christmas tree, I was so excited. I hugged my parents and thanked them profusely for giving me the doll of my dreams.

I cannot imagine how Mary must have felt when she realized that God had chosen her for a special purpose, to be the Mother of Jesus Christ (Emmanuel). Luke 1:46 – 56 is often referred to as “Mary’s Song” or as “The Magnificat.” In this song, Mary glorifies God. She understands that she is not worthy of being chosen for such a special purpose, but she is willing to be used by God. Mary humbled herself before God and accepted the special purpose God had for her.

God has a special purpose for each of us. We are not worthy of the love he gives to us continually; however, God cares about us, about every detail of our lives, and sent the perfect Son into our imperfect world to show unconditional love for us. We, like Mary, need to be willing to accept God’s love and to offer our praise to the One who cares so much for us. During this Christmas season, let your focus be on the son that God sent into our world to love us and to redeem us. Let us, like Mary, glorify God through our lives.

Oh, by the way, I still have Patty Play Pal. She is a permanent fixture in my living room!

Prayer For the memories of Christmas, God, we give you thanks. Help us glorify you in the new memories to be made. Amen.

December 18

In the Shadow of the Cross Marc Bramblett

Scripture | Read Luke 1:67-80 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins.

Luke 1:76-77 Devotion In the Shadow of the Cross A Child is born To enter life’s wild game, Of love and hate Of passion and discord And the world is never the same.

In the shadow of the cross The young child grows In body, soul, and mind, And lives a life That does not know A deed that is unkind.

In the shadow of the Cross His body turns Into a strong and handsome frame, Through work and sweat And tears He learns The meaning of his name.

In the shadow of the cross His soul soon finds The purpose for which he came, To forge a chain of faith Which binds, Heaven’s God with Mankind’s pain.

In the shadow of the cross His mind transforms

The thinking of the masses, By power of thought By calming storms He all the world surpasses.

And yet a little while He drags a cross Along Calvary’s winding hill, Though to the world His life was lost, His spirit they could not kill.

In the shadow of the Cross A stranger meets This Saviour strong and brave, And through my joy I shall repeat “Salvation from the grave.”

In the shadow of the Cross The world will pay The price of folly and sin, But I look forward To the day When heaven I’ll enter in.

-Marc Bramblett Prayer May I see the Christmas story through the lens of the Cross. Help me understand the value of both the birth and death of Christ. Amen.

December 19

A Love that Will Not Let Us Go Noelle Owen

Scripture | Read Luke 2:1-7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger Luke 2:7 Devotion Each year at Christmastime, we read this account of Jesus’ birth narrative.

We lay our out nativity scenes – Mary, Joseph, shepherd, lamb, and baby Jesus laying in a manger. We have visions of a sweet smiling mother over a perfect child.

As I read this Scripture this Christmas season, I am struck by how this story reads so much like many other birth stories. The story reads fairly nonchalant and straightforward. From a historical perspective, the only real uniqueness of this story is the fact that Mary was pregnant and she was travelling alone with Joseph before they were actually married.

In our own lives, we experience many liminal spaces – first days of school, engagements, wedding altars, labor and delivery rooms, funeral parlors. We prepare for these rituals, these rites of passage. Yet, we can never quite prepare for the inbreaking of Christ into our world. When I read the first part of the birth story from Luke 2, I am reminded that the long-anticipated Messiah came into the world when he was least expected, common and conventional. This red-faced, screaming child laying in a dirty animal trough was to be the savior of the true world.

As I reflect on the Advent season, I realize that God’s love shows up for us in expected places, places that are common and everyday. In the midst of our own preparations for Christmas and recognition of the miracles of Christ’s birth, we can realize the real miracle is the commonness of God’s love – always present, always real, and always available.

Prayer Allow me to move past ritual and tradition to experience God’s love in the midst of the everyday this holiday season.

December 20

When Love Came Down Noelle Owen

Scripture | Read Luke 2:8-14 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them.

Luke 2:9 Devotion If the first seven verses in Luke show us that Christ was born into the world as a common human, the last part of Luke 2 shows us that this child is actually anything but commonplace. This child is, in fact, the long-awaited Messiah. When the angels enter into the shepherd’s quiet night tending sheep in the fields, we see that humanity and divinity have intersected like a lightning bolt with this birth event.

Scripture tells us the shepherds were terrified at the sudden opening of the heavens. As readers, we picture this scene as bright and beautiful, but I believe that if we were all really honest with ourselves, we could admit that we too would be terrified of an encounter with a living God. When we come face to face with a living God, we are forced to put down our notions that we are in control. We are forced to give up excuses. We are forced to hold a mirror to ourselves, and too often we don’t see God’s image starting back at us. We are forced to give up the status quo and journey into the unknown.

When we have ears to hear and eyes to see, we recognize there are times that the air around us becomes electric with divinity. When love comes down to Earth, amazing things happen. My hope this Advent season is that when God’s love shines on me, I am brave enough to turn my face towards that light.

Prayer As a community, as a family, and as individuals, let us be brave in answering God’s calling. Help us to open our eyes and ears to God’s love in the world.

Amen.

December 21

Love Called to Action Noelle Owen

Scripture | Read Luke 2:15-20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Luke 2:20 Devotion For several weeks in November, the sermons at NHBC were focused on “the stories of the Bible aren’t true just because they happened once – they are true because they keep happening!” Although, there is but one Messiah, there is divinity in every birth narrative. Each time God breathes life into a tiny human, God is imparting God’s image onto another vessel of God’s love in the world.

During Advent, we recognize the coming of the Christ child, and we anticipate that Christ will return again. In the meantime, in each of our life stories, there are elements of the divine, opportunities for each of us to become “the word made flesh,” showing love to a broken world.

Although Scripture says that the shepherds were initially terrified when they witnessed the angels coming from heaven, they realized that they were in the midst of a holy moment. They stepped out on faith and began the journey of following Christ.

When we encounter God, it is not just a one-time moment meant for us alone. Rather, like the shepherds, we are called to action: called to journey in search of a living God, called to never stop speaking about what we have seen and what we have heard.

Advent is not the one time of the year where we get to read the beautiful birth narrative in Luke and remember the sweetness of a perfect baby.

Rather, Advent is a reminder that our work of turning love into action is just beginning.

Prayer Give me a spirit of action. Help me and my community to better understand how we can be love to those around us. Amen.

Outpouring of JOY The Body of Christ Gathering for Worship Sunday, December 22

The Word Became Flesh and‌ Moved into the neighborhood.

Isaiah 7:10-16

Christ, Be Our Light!

Lyrical Meditation

Longing for shelter, many are homeless.

Longing for warmth, many are cold.

Make us your building, sheltering others, Walls made of your living stone.

Christ be our light! Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness. Christ be our Light!

Shine in your Church gathered today.

Out of the Darkness Lighting of the Advent Candle

“We light four candles. The first candle is the light of hope for those in times of waiting. The second candle is the light of hope for those who are wearied by the circumstances of lie. The third candle is the light of hope for those eagerly watching for God’s promised glory. The fourth candle is the light of hope for those who carry the wounds of life.

Today we acknowledge our pain and the pain we have caused others.

As the light shines, we turn to the Savior who came to rescue the lost, to help the hurting, and to bind up the broken.”

Reflection

What is your greatest source of joy?

What in your life is keeping you from experiencing joy?

How can you lean on others to experience and spread joy?

December 23

A Light to Outshine the Dark Suzanne Shepard Chrispen

Scripture | Read John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying 'I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.'

John 8:12 Devotion O my Lord and Savior who could ask for more?

"Each sunrise is a reminder that Jesus brings us out of darkness And fills our lives with His glorious Light."

(2008 Day Springs Cards, Inc.) The "Light of the world" shines on me and you and all he asks is to "follow" him. The Lord Jesus Almighty God is telling us the greatest news in the world! We have him, the "Light of the world," in us so that we shall not walk in darkness. Just stay and walk in his Light. If we chose to follow him-- he lights our pathways. He illuminates our spirits and flesh! O how he paid our ransom--suffered all atrocities even unto his death for us to live in his light and grace!

The Creator of the universe and all life in it, the only One to overcome the darkness, reaches out his hands and his life to allow us to embrace the glory and majesty of his holy light!

What a brilliant perfect light in this dark world! He gives us the greatest gift ever!

What a glorious Light--the burning bush--the light of Bethlehem--the light of life now and everlasting--how could we choose darkness?

Prayer Give us the eyes to see the light and the heart to step into it and out of the darkness. Amen.

December 24

Forgiveness is Worth the Price Vicky Johnson

Scripture | Read Revelation 3:20-21 “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.”

Revelation 3:-21 Devotion I have been struggling with a problem that was of much concern to me for some time now. I finally confronted the person that I felt was the problem and told the person how I felt. It was a confrontation that as very hard and embarrassing to me to go through. I was not ugly or disrespectful but tried to explain why I felt this matter needed to change. It does not matter now what the other person involved said or reacted to the confrontation. I realize that I was wrong in my actions and should have let God solve the problem in God’s own way.

I had gone so far as to discuss this matter with our Pastor, and he of course, did not agree with me and told me why. I thank him for that conversation and want to let him know that it did have an effect on me – it made me think of why I was so bothered by a problem that I now consider insignificant. I decided to pray about this problem that I had been wrestling with for a long while and ask God to help me find a way to resolve it, to lead me to a decision that God would want me to take. I prayed often asking God to help me and sure enough God did!

When I looked at the Advent devotional sign-up sheet and chose Revelation 3, I opened my Bible to read the passage and there was my answer. God was telling me in no uncertain terms that I was not to judge or refuse any person to our church. Doing so would keep me from the kingdom of God on judgment day. I will now try to make peace with this person and I have and will pray for God to forgive me for trying to do what only God can do.

I will work hard never to judge regardless of the circumstances as that is not my job. I will endeavor to serve my God to the best of my ability in all things.

Prayer As you continually forgive, God, help me forgive myself and others. Amen.

Word Made Flesh The Body of Christ Gathering for Worship Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24

Immanuel . . .

God is with us.

Matthew 1:18-25

Christ, Be Our Light!

Lyrical Meditation

Many the gifts, many the people, Many the hearts that yearn to belong.

Let us be servants to one another, Making your Kingdom come.

Christ be our light! Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness. Christ be our Light!

Shine in your Church gathered today.

Out of the Darkness Lighting of the Advent Candle

“We light all the candles. The first candle is the hope shining for those worn thin by times of waiting. The second candle is the hope shining for those worn down with wearied souls. The third candle captures the hopeful expectation of those eagerly watching for God’s glory in our day. The fourth candle is the hope of a new tomorrow shining for those seeking freedom from the wounds of this world…we light the Christ candle. This candle radiates the hope of Jesus Christ to all who are willing to receive it.”

Reflection

How is Christ alive in your life today?

December 25

Joy to the World Pastor Barrett

Scripture | Read Matthew 1:18-25 “Look the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, God with us.”

Matthew 1:23 Devotion Everyday global poverty, cancer, preventable diseases, human trafficking, environmental degradation, health related illnesses, family issues, and personal depression make us realize darkness is real and it is thick. There are moments in life when we need something to speak directly into this darkness. We need a Savior that shines a light further than fifteen feet.

I’m reminded of a night when a young lady felt the sting of that darkness we’re talking about. She needed help. She was in pain. Her husband was doing all he could to help but he needed more than what he had to give.

Struggling to go from place to place, slow and not so steady the young couple trudged on until they found their help. An old farmer saw the need in their eyes and offered them what he had to give. “I don’t have any room in the inn,” he says, “but you can use my barn. It’s quiet there.”

Mary and Joseph, the night Jesus was born, needed rescuing. They needed God, and when they needed God the most, they found what they were looking for. The same is true for you and me.

All of us experience dark nights of the soul, but we experience joyful ones too. God’s light may not outshine all the darkness, but it does get us to morning. Nights that suffocate us with the reality that life is hard must be met with the faith that we worship a God who hates this darkness. We must believe that God is constantly shining more light into our life. This light for me . . . is never fails because the name of this light is Emmanuel!

Joy is the surprising reality that no matter how dark it gets, there is always more light to shine.

Prayer Gives us the eyes to see your glorious light on this marvelous day! Amen.

December 26

Magi Journey Together Pastor Barrett

Scripture | Read Matthew 2:112 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?

Matthew 2:1-2a Devotion Over three years ago I had a gut feeling that God was calling me to pastor National Heights. I had an epiphany and it told me that my gifts are helping churches move, define, engage, encounter, and enjoy. My gifts are best used when it helps communities rediscover God’s purpose and place.

So I packed up and moved. I heard the voice of the Lord and I moved to a town and to a church that as far as I could see needed a jump start. She still had a lot of life to live and a handful of money and resources to give, but she needed help starting on the journey.

Now three years in – it excites me to see that we are well on our way. We’ve doubled our member participation and are offering new Sunday school classes, new missional approaches, a new wedding ministry, a new youth group, new worship services, a new mission statement, and a renewed sense of identity. This is a lot in three short years.

This has not been because of me. We’re succeeding because of something deeper taking place, and it’s modeled in the lives of the Magi.

Like the Magi – we come from different places with different gifts, experiences and stories. But for this time and place, we're sharing what we have in search of a something bigger. We're gracing and resourcing each other all the while moving closer to our king. In my opinion, this is not a bad place to be! Here’s to many more years journeying together!

Prayer Keep our eyes open to your will, O Lord. Help us to live each day in community. Amen.

December 27

Advent Matters Pastor Barrett

Scripture | Read Romans 13:11-14 Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers.”

Romans 13:11 Devotion Most people think church is symmetrical with rotary clubs, country clubs, and nonprofits. We are similar; we gather, eat, celebrate life, and help others when we can . . . so what separates us from the rest?

The answer is in the long view of our institutional mission. We’re people who truly believe the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and our hope is in the belief that Jesus will return again to reign.

I’m not saying rotaries, country clubs, or nonprofits are void of Jesus, but I am saying that which makes us distinct is our reason to gather. We’re people who believe Advent celebrates heaven coming to earth and the reign of God appearing brighter when we serve, when we worship, and when we celebrate life.

Our driving force (and the one I want you to have this Christmas season) is hope in the long view. We believe Jesus Christ was born, showed us how to live, died, resurrected, and is returning. We believe the church participates in the ongoing creation of this world (especially in Advent), and people see Jesus in us when we live out of this hope!

Advent is the reminder (as is this book!) to reflect on the inauguration of God’s kingdom and the inevitable hope that heaven is coming in all its gl0ry to earth through Jesus Christ. We’re people who hold this long view in mind. We’re people who celebrate this hope. We’re people who remember Christmas! So the midst of the shopping, eating, and doing good when you can, don’t forget to remember the long view. It’s why we celebrate anyway!

Prayer Great God, help us to see the importance of church and how you are continually using us to further your kingdom. Amen.

December 28

Old Hundredth Steve deClaissé-Walford

Scripture | Read Psalm 100 Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 100:3 Devotion And so we reach the end of these Advent meditations, and I am delighted to end them with a meditation on Psalm 100.

I was introduced to the Psalm in musical form when I was in the choir at my boarding school. I remember well the deep and vibrant tones of the chapel organ filling the building with sound, almost drowning out our treble voices, encouraging us to sing louder: “All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.” Yes, we did, we sang loudly and cheerfully and joyfully and with youthful energy, turning and smiling to each other as we did battle with the organ pipes. When the hymn was over and the echoes of the organ died away, we were drained by the effort we had put in, and the choirmaster, a Mr. Davies, would allow us to sit for a moment to recover our collective breaths.

That early exposure to “Old Hundredth” has stayed with me over the fiftysome years since those days. Being in the choir was the start of my journey to faith – a long walk! In the times in my life – and there have been many – when I have walked the valley of shadows and doubt, the words of this Psalm-put-to-music have come creeping from the recesses of my mind to give me renewed faith, hope, and yes, joy.

Joy. Advent is the season of joy. Now, the promised Light has come into the world, and we must sing praises to God. It is surely no accident that the tune of Old Hundredth has been adopted as a doxology familiar to many of us: Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Yes. Praise him. Alleluia. Amen.

Prayer Come Lord, Jesus, come. Amen.

Now Go & Shine LIGHT

National Heights Baptist Church 103 Old Norton Road Fayetteville, GA (corner of Old Norton Rd. and Highway 54)

Our Ministers and Staff Rev. Barrett Owen, Pastor Dr. Judy Hames, Minister of Music Gail Ison, Church Secretary

Our Mission Grace grows here.

Contact Us Phone: 770-461-1704 E-mail: nationalheights@yahoo.com Website: www.nhbcfayette.info