Emmanuel: God with Us by Barrett Owen

First Baptist Waynesboro CHURCH STAFF KIMBERLY COOK ................................................................................................................................ Custodian NATE DOVE......................................................................................................... Minister to Families with Youth MARY ALICE DOWNS ............................................................................................................................ Organist LYNN FIELDS ........................................................................................................................... Ministry Assistant CARRIE JONES ..................................................................................................... Weekday Preschool Director LARRY JONES ........................................................................................................ Minister of Music & Worship KATHY MELTON ........................................................................................................................................Pianist BRENDA MILLER............................................................................................................ Financial Administrator BARRETT OWEN ........................................................................................................................... Senior Pastor LACEY WONDREE ......................................................................................... Minister to Families with Children

Sunday Mornings

Emmanuel...

8:45 - Contemporary Worship (Fellowship Hall) 9:50 - Bible Study (All Buildings) 11:00 - Traditional Worship (Sanctuary)

Drew Matherly, age 10

301 South Wayne Avenue Waynesboro VA 22980 (540)-949-8187 www.fbcwboro.org Weekday Preschool: (540) 942-2253

Advent 2019 Daily Devotional Guide

A Word from the Senior Pastor Emmanuel... God With Us

First Week of Advent December 1 — 7

I grew up just outside Nashville, TN, home and incubator for all things music business. In Nashville, there’s still a healthy contingent that buys, sells, and trades forty-five records. A forty-five-record is the equivalent to buying a Single, but it’s Vinyl. It contains a newly-released-on-theway-to-being-famous track. This is known as the A-side. But there’s also a B-side. Flip the record over and there's a lesser-known song that the artist chooses. It’s not marketable, doesn’t make the radio, but it’s honest – and its what the artist really wants her fans to know about her music. Christmas is like a forty-five record. There’s nothing more marketable than Christmas. From Elf on the Shelf to holiday greetings to movies and parties and trees and Amazon gift cards . . . for some, Christmas is all about the A-side. With the right gift at the right price at the right restaurant on the right night, you can buy Christmas. You can manufacture joy. Don’t hear me say this is necessarily bad. The A-side is fun, light-hearted, and it sells. But it’s manufactured. It’s made to make us feel like we’re the most important parts of Christmas. It’s just not what the Artist of Time intended for us to hear. Christmas is really about a young girl alone and afraid getting the news of her life. It’s about a road trip and a census and a north star shining light. It’s about Bethlehem and God, shepherds and kings, and a chorus of angels singing, “Glory to God in the highest . . .” It’s about prophecies and fulfillments, hope and love. It’s about a star and a stable and a manger for a king. And this star, census, stable, shepherds, angels, and kings point us to something deeper, something weightier, something more than the A-side can give. They point us to the birth of our Savior, reminding us Christmas isn’t actually about us, and it shouldn’t be manufactured. It should be felt in our soul. The B-side gets us here. It moves the spotlight off our Amazon wish lists, parties, and trees, and it shines Bethlehem’s star square on the manger. This Christmas, we need to hear from the B-side, for when we start listening to it, we hear what the shepherds heard. We feel what the angels felt. We believe in (even if its just for a moment) the one thing most worth believing in . . . Emmanuel . . . God with us.

Pastor Barrett

Emmanuel: Hope Is With Us (Jeremiah 33:14-16)

To be Christian is to embrace and share hope with the world. We can do this because we know and feel that this hope is first with us.

Monday, December 2

Tuesday, December 3

Do Not Be Afraid

A New Prophet

Skip Wallace Genesis 15:1-6

Chris Wondree Deuteronomy 18:15-19

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” - Genesis 15:1

The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. - Deuteronomy 18:15

The pastor and I drove to the other side of the village to pick up our oldest congregant so she wouldn’t have to walk the two miles to the worship service. As we arrived at her house, a group of young men in a pick-up truck stopped us, jumped out of the truck and surrounded us. They had been drinking and were a bit riled up. Local elections were happening the coming week and the lady we were picking up was married to a man who had been a government official during the apartheid years. Many in the village viewed him as an Uncle Tom. Being at his house the Sunday before the election appeared as though we were campaigning for the wrong candidate. I was glad the pastor was with me to explain our situation. Through him and because of our previous presence in the village, God was acting as our shield. Audrey Matherly, age 4 In our focal passage, Abram had recently returned from rescuing his nephew, Lot. Genesis 14 records that a coalition of kings had invaded their land and had taken Lot and his family captive. Even though he would be outnumbered, Abram gathered his men, chased down the armies, and rescued the hostages. In a culture of retribution, Abraham must have been afraid that the kings would reunite their armies and return for vengeance. So, in verse Genesis 15:1, God reminds Abram, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield….”

Rarely can we find portions of scripture that do not challenge our day-to-day routines or how we manage our lives. This piece of Deuteronomy is no exception, and it calls its readers to look forward in hope while also living responsibly in the present. Jesus is given a laundry list of titles and roles including “Messiah,” “Emmanuel,” “Son of Man,” “Son of God,” “Lord.” The passage in Deuteronomy ties prophet to Jesus’ list of roles. We can find New Testament evidence toward this role in John 4:19, where Jesus does not deny his title of “prophet” in response to the Samaritan woman. In order to see why this passage is foundational to understanding Jesus’ role as a prophet, we must understand the scriptural role of the prophets. “The prophet’s role is to sound the alarm in the event the other institutions [kings, priests, judges] fail to fulfill their proper functions.” Jesus was not only the (Logos) Word of God, but his voice was an alarm calling out the failings of those in power. His voice boomed of justice and reconciliation. According to this passage, his role was more than just a prophet, but of a mediator-prophet, like Moses. In other words, they were part of a special class of prophets with whom God established covenants. Both Jesus and Moses brought directives from God to the people and concerns from the people to God. This passage brings hope for the people’s future without Moses.

This passage also calls the readers to action. Following blindly is not a marker of the type of disciple the Deuteronomic author is describing. The people to whom the prophet is sharing God’s words is also held accountable by them. The prophets help lead the people to a place closer to God while also being held accountable for their words and actions. Power cannot become their North Star or the Word of God will be perverted to maintain that power.

It’s difficult to live in this world without being afraid at some point, yet, throughout scripture we find God declaring to his people, “do not be afraid.” He said it to Abram, to Moses, to Joshua, to the judges and the prophets, to Joseph and Mary, and to all the disciples. Wow, if all these folks were afraid and needed a shield, it’s not surprising that we do, too.

Lao Tzu is quoted saying, “The wise leader does not lead unnecessarily. The leader’s presence is often felt, but often the group runs itself. Lesser leaders do a lot, say a lot, have followers… remember that you are facilitating another person’s process. It is not your process. Do not intrude. Do not control. Do not force your own needs and insights into the foreground.”

Every Christmas season we hear our pastor or our Sunday School teacher or a Christmas song remind us that Emmanuel means God with us. I never grow tired of getting this reminder. I need to be retold that God is with me and is my shield.

The leadership described by the passage in Deuteronomy is leadership that uses authority to nurture, not coerce or manipulate. Leadership that emulates Moses’ humble approach to mediating between God and a people in need of God’s guidance. Leadership that is embodied by the coming Messiah who would use his authority to teach by washing feet.

Life Question – Growing as a disciple of Jesus often involves remembering. Recall a time in your life when you were afraid and yet you had a special awareness of God’s presence with you. In what ways did God act as a shield for you?

Prayer – Everlasting God, thank you that the Bible reveals the humanity of the heroes of our faith. When we face times of fear, please remind us—as you did Abram—that you are our shield. Amen.

This Advent season is a time to remember not only Who we follow, but it is a time to consider how we follow in our own contexts. Life Question: Reflect on the following piece of monastic wisdom: Do not be pleased at everything that is said, and do not agree with everything that is said. Be slow to believe and quick to say what is true. How can you help keep the communities of which you are a member and their leaders responsible for their actions? Prayer: God of truth, wisdom and grace. Help me to listen intently, respond responsibly, and offer grace for reconciliation. Amen.

Wednesday, December 4

Thursday, December 5

Noelle Owen Psalm 89:1-4

Connie White Isaiah 7:10-14

The Angel Song

"I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations." -Psalm 89:1 Last winter my daughter asked us to sing “the angel song” to her at bedtime. My husband and I were at first both confused. We weren’t sure which song she was referring to, and we couldn’t quite understand her two-year-old rendition of the lyrics. It wasn’t until she began to hum the tune that we realized she wanted us to sing the Christmas carol, “Hark! the Harold Angels Sing.” We balked a bit at the idea of singing a Christmas carol in February, but she was insistent that we add this song to her lullaby repertoire. As we experience the Christmas season, we gaze upon the Memphis Cash, age 6 humble nativity scene, a scene of generous love from an eternal God. We remember that God makes a promise of eternity to David, to Mary, to Joseph, to the disciples, and to us. Alongside the angels, we proclaim God’s glory. In a season of twinkling lights and glittering packages, with glowing nativity scenes and holiday cheer, it’s easy to get caught up in the warmth of the Christmas spirit. Yet, as my daughter reminded me, God’s glory is not confined to a singular season. Psalm 89 reminds us to sing of Lord’s great love forever. We must remember to proclaim God’s love whether huddling on a cold winter night, dancing the spring rain, or basking in the sunshine. God’s great love is a lullaby to us in the darkest of nights and a praise-filled anthem in our best of times. God’s love calls us to peace and goodwill to humanity. God’s great love is a rallying cry in the face of injustice and hurt. God’s love is a call to the reconciliation of our sins back to God’s promise of good fruit and eternal hope. As we celebrate this Christmas season, let us remember that our reason for celebrating lasts all year long. Our newborn king turns out to be a mighty savior for all generations. Let our Christmas spirit give way to a Christ-like spirit as we sing of God’s love. Let us proclaim all year round, “Glory to God!”

Life Questions: How have I felt God’s presence throughout different seasons of my life? How am I sharing God’s love?

Prayer: Lord, your great love is everlasting. Thank you for sharing your love with me. Open my eyes to the ways I can share your love with those around me. Help me to sing your praises openly and boldly. Amen.

God’s Promise

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.” - Isaiah 7:14 Often, we make promises without fully realizing what we have said. “I promise to take you to the movie on Saturday.” “I promise I will be home by 6:00 PM.” “I promise till death do us part.” “I promise I won’t do it again.” Maybe we take them seriously and maybe not. Our glib promises stand in stark contrast to God’s. By the time of Ahaz’ reign, Israelites knew they could trust God’s promises. God had not destroyed the earth again by water. Abraham had fathered a great nation. The commandments God gave Moses had stood the test of time. Though their’s was an inconsistent faith, Israelites knew they could trust God. The fact that Ahaz did not respond to God with a request baffles us. Whatever the reason, Ahaz needed Isaiah’s intervention. God’s promise to Ahaz, Isaiah, and all who listened changed the course of human history: “Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign. A virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Immanuel—God with us! What an amazing promise. For people who believed that only a priest could enter God’s presence once a year and for us whose fast-paced lives often seem frenzied and out of control, the idea that God walks among us, speaks to us, and redeems us is mind-boggling. We find ourselves again kneeling at the manger, gazing at the infant Christ, a precious and vulnerable baby human. Two thousand years later, we know what Ahaz, Isaiah, and those first-hand eyewitnesses could not have known. This same baby holds within his hands the “power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16b) May we once again glory in the manger’s tender glow and absorb the miracle of God’s presence among us. When we return to daily life where a new year awaits, may we carry the hope that God himself gives. Life Question: How does m y hop e in Ch r ist info r m m y day -by-day thoughts and actions?

Prayer: Go d, than k you for th e hop e that only you can give. M ay m y w o r ds and actions reflect that hope to those with whom I interact. Amen.

Friday, December 6

Saturday, December 7

A Great Light

We Empower Hope

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. - Isaiah 9:2

In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious. -Isaiah 11:10

Hope is a powerful and transformative word. It has been defined as “to want something to happen or be true” or “the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.”

I remember a moment in a busy airport several years ago. Multiple television screens above my head broadcasted stories and images portraying the deep, insurmountable divisions within our nation. While the footage depicted unimaginable examples of human cruelty, dozens of people around me thronged the boarding gate, waiting on a delayed flight, late in the day. The mass of travelers included young mothers with wailing infants, elderly couples with threadbare carryon luggage, frat boys with Mardi Gras beads, a gay goth couple and a woman wearing a hijab. Every kind of person waiting at the end of a long day to board a late flight: the perfect setting to affirm the news stories of division and anger. But something else happened; the flight arrived, and this mass of tired, frazzled, ideologically diverse people formed a line, created space for each other, smiled, exhaled and boarded the flight with civility and kindness. The TV screens promised that hatred had won; all hope was lost. But that afternoon, a group of strangers (none of us at our best) individually chose a different way.

Mary Kane Isaiah 9:2-7

We all have hope for our family, our church, our country, our world, and our future. We hope that future generations will know and love Christ long after we are gone.

But . . . have you ever wondered how an individual or a group of people could be filled with hope in spite of . . . - having very little money, and yet, an individual finds ways to give cheerfully to others? - a very hard and demanding life in a third world country, and yet, these people live with internal joy? - a family who has suffered a devastating tragedy, and yet, they continue to love and serve the Lord faithfully? We think of times when we have felt helpless, afraid and in despair, perhaps even hopeless. Life is hard and days can be very difficult. Imagine new hope and bright light coming into your life with a simple birth. Imagine hearing a prophet prophesy that Hope was coming.

In this very familiar passage, the prophet Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah and Israel. He reminds them of the promise of a new King, a “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” These people are living in darkness in a world filled with sin, sorrow, and ignorance. Yet in spite of their sin, they will “see a great light.” Their hearts will be changed and the darkness will be removed and they will be delivered. Imagine the hope these people felt when they heard Isaiah’s prophecy! A “Wonderful Counselor,” Someone who listens and guides, a “Mighty God,” Someone who cares for and rescues, an “Everlasting Father,” Someone who is timeless and loves like a parent, a “Prince of Peace,” Someone who will bring justice and peace to the land. We need this Jesus just as these people did many, many years ago. In spite of our circumstances, our life, our difficult days, we can have HOPE in Christ who is the author and giver of light. Thanks be to God!

Michelle Stoll Isaiah 11:1–10

God’s promise in Isaiah 11:1-10 is tremendous and challenging, and I admit to feeling almost foolish hoping for the kind of world described in the text. But as I sit with this text, my memory of the day in the airport terminal persistently engages me, leading me to realize something essential about divine promises and hope. If we wait for God to magically snap God’s fingers and instantly heal the world of all pain and suffering, hope will elude us. God’s promise is not a passive human promise; it is a holy vow that hinges on a call to action. Each time our actions, our thoughts, and our words align with God’s promise, we empower hope, and we move one step closer to the fulfillment of the promise in Isaiah 11. Rabbi Myers, of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburg, where 11 people were murdered in October 2018, recently said in a New York Times article, “My tradition teaches us the following: It is not incumbent upon you to finish the task, but you are not absolved from trying.” Hope, even and especially when there appears to be nothing left in which to hope, is required if we endeavor to try to see a Kingdom of peace and reconciliation. Life Question: W her e h ave I lost hop e? W h er e is m y hop elessn ess pr eventing God ’s will from manifesting?

Life Question – How can you share hope and light with someone today? Which of these names of Jesus do you need to call on today?

Prayer – Gracious God, our hope is in you. In spite of difficult, busy and/or dark times, remind us of Your light and the hope that is found only in you. Amen.

Prayer: Loving Cr eator , I pr ay for cou r age and the vuln er ability to h ave hop e in spite of the sadness and loss I see each day. Use me to help fulfill your promise of a reconciled world. Amen.

Second Week of Advent December 8-14

Monday, December 9

Two Sides of Comfort Bruce and Barbara Hamrick Isaiah 40:1-5

A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.” - Isaiah 40:3-4 There are two sides to most everything in life, including this message of comfort. The first side looks at the word comfort as translated from the Hebrew as meaning “take a deep breath.” There have been many times in our life when we have been overwhelmed by the events in our life or by the choices we have made and the consequences of those choices.

The stress of raising a family, sustaining a marriage, dealing with the grief of losing loved ones, the tensions of our jobs, the worry of making the best decisions for our family, and countless other stressful situations make life hard. All of us have lived these same experiences and this passage always serves to remind us that we need God to show us how to live a better way. We are in constant need of straightening our path and smoothing out the rough places. We need Him to show us a gentler way, a simpler way, of how to take a deep breath and rely on Him. We need to remember that God is always there to offer us comfort and forgiveness. We sometimes need Him to carry us for a while, to make a path for us that is better than the one we are making for ourselves. We just need to breathe deeply and allow Him to guide us to a better way. The second side addresses giving comfort to those around us. Bringing comfort to the hurting or broken people we encounter is not always convenient or easily done, but the Advent season calls us to be constantly engaged in the activity of comforting all those in need. We need only to truly take a deep breath and accept God’s grace in our own lives and then we can answer the call to be a comfort to others. Then, we can become partners with Christ himself as he carries out his ministry of love in the world through us. Life Question: God co m for ts us to h andle w h at w e ar e given . How do you m ak e room for God to offer you comfort in your life?

Emmanuel: Love Is With Us (Philippians 1:3-11) To be Christian is to embrace and share that love with the world. We can do this because we know and feel that this love is first with us.

Prayer: Lo vin g God, w e pr ay that you w ill co m for t us w h en w e allow th e pr oblem s and sins of our lives to separate us from you. Give us such confidence in the power of your grace that even when we are afraid, we put our whole trust in you. Amen.

Tuesday, December 10

Wednesday, December 11

God is Coming!

The Prince of Peace

He will feed His flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. -Isaiah 40:11

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. - Micah 5:2

Nita Hughes Isaiah 40:9-11

As I experienced my cancer journey this year, it felt as if God carried me in His arms and He used many people to “shepherd” me. Dealing with a diagnosis of lymphoma, the months of chemo and (later in the year) a bout with invasive melanoma proved very challenging for me! There were so many ways people brought the love of God to me! My husband showed unconditional love and devotion with his mantra of “we’ll do whatever it takes to get through this.” My daughter cleaned my house, my son worked on my flower bed, my sister brought me chemo hats, scarves, and food. Many people showed up with food when they knew I wasn’t feeling well. Our pastors visited and prayed with me. Every day I received words of encouragement through cards, texts, emails and phone calls. My doctors cared for my needs in the most personalized way and showed true empathy. An army of people prayed for me. I could go on and on (hugs from grandchildren, smiles, flowers that brightened my days). Isaiah 40:11 says, “He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart.” The Message translates this as God is “hugging them as he carries them.” I love this. Throughout the last year, I truly felt carried and hugged! God worked overtime for me! His greatest blessing showed up the day I was told I’m cancer free! Through this journey, thanks to those who held me, I was never afraid nor alone, and I kept the joy of the Lord in my heart.

A week after I learned that I was free of lymphoma, my best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now I am doing what Jesus would want me to do for her — make her feel hugged! This Christmas, I’m reminded that God comes to us. We feel it every day of our lives. He’ll love us through our joyful days, sick days, and sad days. So treasure His love this Christmas! Spread it around like hugs. God is coming! God is already here through people being the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth.

Charlie Downs Micah 5:2-3

While the Hallelujah Chorus ends with “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” read how Micah’s scripture introduces God’s promise of someone who also will later be known as the “Prince of Peace”: “. . . out of you will come for me one who will be a ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old ancient times. Therefore, Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son . . . 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 his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.” In other words, “he shall be the one of peace.” Jesus’ life began as a baby who was born in a simple stable to a humble Mary in a remote Bethlehem. It reminds us that we were all once babes who were born with innocence and humbly cared for by others. Life experiences along the way changes those traits of innocence and humbleness. Although Jesus was on a mission from God, we know that as he grew, he had human feelings and needs. He was even tempted and rejected by others. We can all identify with these feelings and fears at various times in our lives. Although he was mercilessly crucified on a cross, God’s word, and Christ’s life, calls us to live and to share a life of peace with others.

Life Question: In w hat w ays do you exper ience th e peace only Ch r ist can br ing?

Life Question: How can you show Go d ’s love to someone who is going through a health crisis?

Prayer: Loving God, Th ank you for using us to h elp oth er s th r ough trying times on this earth. Show us new opportunities and always make us willing to truly live our faith. Amen.

Prayer: As p eople of His flock, God h elp us to be renewed, strengthened and secure in our faith so that we too, in this season and in our own way, can be an instrument of peace in our hearts and for the lives of others. Amen.

Thursday, December 12

Friday, December 13

A Time of Miracles Is on Its Way

The Word Became Flesh

Ever since the days of your ancestors you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, “How shall we return?” -Malachi 3:7

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. - John 1:1

Jim Ailor Malachi 3:1–7

Let me assure you of this: you are not crazy. You’re not crazy to believe in Jesus or to expect Him to answer your prayers. I want to reassure you because it seems like the world looks at believers like we’re naive, misled, even crazy. Malachi’s people may have felt the same, living under the same kind of polite, subtle social pressure. For they were pulling away, losing their passion, distancing themselves from God. It wasn't deliberate, but without realizing it, they had grown spiritually cold. When God, through Malachi, confronted them about it, they responded, incredulous, “How have we despised Your Name (Malachi 1:6)?” “How have we polluted You (1:7)?” “How have we wearied You (2:17)?” “How have we robbed God (3:8)?” “How have we spoken against You (3:13)?” After this series of denials, they come eventually to ask, “How do we return (3:7)?” The answer to that is in this incredible Messianic passage. He is coming. “The Lord you are seeking” will appear. A time of miracles is on its way. As we believe that God is going to intervene (that He is going to make things right), we will naturally return and draw closer to Him. Malachi’s people needed to hear afresh that the Messiah would indeed come because they would have to “walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).” And not for only a little while, but for generations. This last book of the Old Testament is followed by 400 years of God’s silence. Oh, there may have been clues of God at work—little coincidences, small nudges, subtle promptings; but for the most part, it was waiting and believing. We may feel crazy, believing in something we haven’t yet seen, asking for something again and again, without any sign of an answer. Waiting… But “Then suddenly (3:1),” He appears. Life questions: What is the miracle that you’ve been asking for, waiting for? Are you still asking in faith?

Emma Dove John 1:1-8

Like the book of Genesis, the Gospel of John opens with the words “In the beginning.” But where the writers of Genesis are concerned with describing the process of creation, the gospel writer is concerned with describing creation’s Christocentric nature—the “why” as opposed to the “how.”

Artists attempting to render the gospel writer’s version of creation—in icons, sculptures, stained glass, bibles, prayer books, frescoes, and mosaics—have done so in a variety of ways. Many artists have chosen to depict the gospel writer composing this text, sometimes accompanied by his symbol, the eagle, or by a dove representing the Holy Spirit, the source of the writer’s inspiration. Some have emphasized the image of light that appears in this passage by depicting bright rays emanating from the heavens. Other artists have illustrated the trinity, representing the unity of Creator, Word, and Spirit. And still others have chosen to embellish the words of the gospel with bright colors and gold leaf, combining Word (both the word of the gospel and Christ, the Word made flesh), light (reflecting from gold leaf) and, in the case of preprinting-press books, flesh (of cows, sheep, or goats, emphasizing the bodily, material quality of Christ’s incarnation). These verses have inspired artists to create thousands of visual responses. This is because the gospel writer’s evocative language invites us to respond—to imagine what the beginning looked like, how the Word might be with God and be God, and how, like John, we might each be witnesses to the light that shines in all humankind.

“Saint John the Evangelist,” The Gospel Book of Abbot Wendricus, ca. 1147. Ink and gold leaf on parchment, 14 x 9.5 in (35.5 x 24.1 cm). Avesnes-sur-Helpe, France, Societé Archaéologique et Historique.

Life Question: The gospel w r iter tells us that all things ar e cr eated thr o ugh th e Word, who is one with God, and that God’s light shines in all mankind. In what ways, big and small, can you be a witness to God’s creation and God’s light this advent season?

Prayer: Oh Go d, w ho acts suddenly, w e believe; help o ur u nbelief. Am en.

Prayer: Creator God, thank you for making each of us exactly as we are. May we be comforted and inspired by the good news that your light shines in all mankind. Help us to see your light in ourselves and in others this advent season, and to bring your light to the continuing darkness of this world through our intentions, words, and actions. Amen.

Saturday, December 14

The Gift of Love Rick Kane John 1:9-18

Third Week of Advent December 15 — 21

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 1-14 The Prologue to John generates two thoughts in me, although completely different both are important in understanding the depth of this season. First . . . Year after year we are told the story of the birth of Christ, and year after year we need to be reminded! Do we not understand? NO! We need reminding because life happens. We forget. We get distracted. It doesn’t matter how many times we are told about the story of Jesus’ birth, each Christmas, we need reminding. John the Baptist was sent in to remind people over and over again that the Christ is coming. They needed reminding too. We can be told and told and told that Jesus is the Christ, but it isn’t until Christ comes to live in our hearts that we truly understand that we are reborn as a child of God. The same God who shares himself through His Son and His Spirit dwells within us. Second . . . Have you ever received a gift without any strings, with no expectations for repayment? A “just because” gift. One given purely out of love. No quid pro quo, no reciprocity. Have you ever given such a gift out of the pure joy of giving? That’s what God does for us when He gives us His son. Perhaps this is what John means when he says we have received “grace upon grace.” Being a child of God is a gift we can’t repay. God gets the joy that only a father gets when He sees us happily fulfilling His work and His love by passing it freely to others. This Christmas season, celebrate with the giving heart of the Christ child—as a child of God filled with the Holy Spirit. Give the gift of love. Give the gift of forgiveness, of understanding, of grace and mercy to someone who may not deserve it but needs it. This Christmas, pass the peace. Life question: R em ind your self of w h en you r eceived a gift of pur e love. The on e you didn’t deserve but God knew you needed it and sent someone to give it to you. Next time you get that “feeling” that God is asking you to do something for someone else, will you answer or be too busy? Rowan Carver, age 7

Emmanuel: Peace Is With Us (Philippians 4:4-7)

Prayer: Go d let m e be o pen to yo ur vo ice, you r spir it and your love so that th e Ch r ist who lives in my heart will come out to others in the works I can give to another child of God. Amen.

To be Christian is to embrace and share peace with the world. We can do this because we know and feel that this peace is first with us.

Monday, December 16

A Voice in the Wilderness Boyce Brannock Mark 1:1-3

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness …” -Mark 1:1 After four hours of bumping and rattling along the tracks, the train came to rest in its station in the city; not just any station and not just any city. The train’s terminus was Penn Station; the city was New York. With a bag in one hand while my other hand rested on the strap of my backpack casually flung across a shoulder, I detrained, made my way down the platform and followed the instructions a friend had given me (this is pre-cell phone days) about where to meet him and how to arrive at the appointed destination inside the station. Only, he had neglected to calculate the direction of people in the terminal at the time of my arrival – evening commuting time. Welcoming a Thanksgiving holiday as an excuse not to be in the office and with a year having passed since law school graduation, I accepted an invitation to join friends from school for the holiday. They had big jobs, in big firms in the big city. My path was deliberately different, but I was all about exploring the holiday with friends in a different region. As I easily made my way along the corridors, I rounded a corner to find a wall of people seemingly marching in the opposite direction. A phalanx of commuters forced their way through the doors. I looked behind me to see … no one. It was me against the commuter phalanx. As I was pushed, jostled, and shoved from every angle; with every four or five steps forward, the mob pushed me back a step or two. This was my wilderness. I was alone, outnumbered and in strange, foreign and – so it felt – hostile place. With my head down pushing forward, from across the room came a voice, then a face … and a waving hand: “Here! Over here!” Kent, all 6’3” of him, pushed forward, and made a path for me through the wilderness that was Penn Station. At a bewildered moment and needing a voice and a path in the wilderness, Kent delivered. Life Question: The opening chapter of Mark announces the story of Jesus’ arrival and the preparation made by John the Baptist. Its reading invites two different perspectives – that of the person hearing the voice in the wilderness, and that of being the voice in the wilderness. When have you been that voice in the wilderness for a family member, a friend, or a colleague?

Prayer: H eavenly Fath er , h elp m e to be open to and discerning of the opportunities You offer me; to be able to hear and follow your messengers. Equip me to be a messenger of Your word for others. Amen.

Tuesday, December 17

The Miraculous Conception Nate Dove Luke 1:5-13

We learn in these verses about a couple named Elizabeth and Zechariah who desperately want a child, but are unable to conceive. Infertility is a common motif throughout scripture, and like their spiritual ancestors, Abraham and Sarah, Elizabeth and Zechariah pray earnestly for a child. In verse 5, Luke informs us that Elizabeth is a decedent of Aaron, the brother of Moses, the first high priest of Israel. Unlike his contemporary Matthew, Luke emphasizes the lineage of mothers (in just a few verses, Luke will trace Jesus’ lineage through Mary). By doing this, Luke breaks from societal norms and recognizes the central importance of motherhood. Elizabeth and Mary’s bloodlines are just as important as the males’ in scripture. Yet while Luke is expectational in this regard, he falls prey to the patriarchal Greco-Roman world by blaming Elizabeth for the couple’s infertility. Luke blames her, but it could have been Zechariah. There’s no way to know. Nevertheless, like so many women before and after her, because of her sex, Elizabeth must shoulder the shame and guilt of infertility.

Levi Price, age 10

In verse 7, we learn that Zechariah and Elizabeth had long resigned themselves to life without a child. But as the old adage goes, “It never hurts to ask. So, they prayed to the Lord, and in typical Lukan fashion, an angel appears before Zechariah to announce the miraculous conception of their son. For Zechariah and Elizabeth, this is exciting news. Their prayers have been answered. And their son, the angel tells Zechariah, will “make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” The theme that appears in these verses and that will continue to appear throughout the Gospel is that God intercedes in our world even when we least expect it. Elizabeth and Zechariah had little hope that they would conceive a child, but God is not bound to the human condition, and infertility is a small hurdle for the Creator of the Universe. Life Question: K ar l B ar th, o ne of th e tw entieth cen tur y ’s leading theologians, writes, “He is the God who again and again discloses himself anew and must be discovered anew, the God over whom theology neither has nor receives sovereignty.” In what ways have you seen our world limit God? In what ways have you limited God? How have you seen God “disclose himself” in your life? In what ways are you working to overcome the limitations placed upon God?

Prayer: Go d. H elp us see that you ar e so m uch m or e than the lim itatio ns and r estrictions of this world. Help us move past societal shortcomings. You transcend the boundaries of our imaginations. You can do anything. Break into our lives today. Amen.

Wednesday, December 18

Thursday, December 19

A Walk with Marjorie

Faith in Hard Times

He will bring you joy and gladness, and many people will be happy because of his birth. -Luke 1:14

The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. - Luke 1:19

Mary Furr Luke 1:14-17

Judy Holste Luke 1:18-25

In September 2018, the Frontier Culture Museum held the “I Am Brave” walk and run event in memory of our granddaughter Meredith. My friend Marjorie and I walked together. It was a beautiful sunny morning. The birds were singing, the sun was shining, and there was a wonderful breeze and pretty blue skies. As runners and walkers passed us by, we soon realized we were not going to be in the first groups to cross the finish line, so we took our time and stopped to admire the wildflowers, animals, and historical sites as we passed by. Marjorie got tired so we stopped for awhile and sat on a log and talked to a volunteer who was working. We were not in a hurry — just enjoying our time together laughing and talking. As we were walking, Marjorie grabbed my arm. It was a good feeling for two friends enjoying a walk to be so close walking arm and arm. As we neared the end of the walk we could heard the cheers from the crowd. We had no idea everyone was waiting for us to cross the finish line before the awards were given out. Just before we came into view of the crowd, Marjorie dropped her arm from mine. She was strong, confident, and smiling as we walked across the finish line side by side. Not long afterwards, Marjorie passed away. I am sure God was with us on that walk. It was a walk I will never forget — a memory making day. As we prepare for Christmas and the birth of Jesus, we usually read Luke 1’s passage about Elizabeth being told about the role her future son John will play in helping everyone see the Messiah. This Christmas, I am reminded of Marjorie and the role she played in my life to help me better see and experience God With Us moments too.

Zachariah was a Jewish priest who, in the preceding verses, was working in theTemple when an angel appeared to him telling him in great detail about a son he and his wife, Elizabeth, were to have, what his name was to be, and what he would mean to the Kingdom. One would think with all the information that the Angel had given Zachariah, that it wouldn't have been so hard for a man of God to believe. Then there is Elizabeth, who seems to be so overjoyed with the news of a baby that she seemingly doesn't question it at all. I'm not sure that these two reactions can or should be compared, but it does make me think of my own faith. How much information do I need to have faith in my future? I readily admit that I don't think that I would have too much trouble believing in my future if I had all the information given to me that was given to Zachariah. My future couldn't ever be compared to the magnitude of this scripture, but in my world, it would certainly make a huge difference . . . or would it? I know that faith doesn't strengthen me in that way. After all, faith is a process that brings us closer to God through practice. Faith, to me, is also hind-sight. When I look back at my life of almost seventy-eight years, I can see where God has led me through some pretty hard times, even when I didn't always feel his presence. I have faith because I have experienced its power time and time again. I have also found that as I age, with all my history of faith, it doesn't get easier. Things that "I never thought would happen to me" come along to shake your confidence in what you thought your life would continue to be. However, I know that what has gotten me this far is tried and true, and that "My Faith is built on nothing less than Jesus' Blood and Righteousness."

Life Question: How can w e r ecognize Go d W ith Us moments?

Prayer: Than k you Go d for days full of joy, love, friendship, gladness and most of all God With Us moments. Amen.

This passage gives us a picture of how different faith can look even in the same family with very similar backgrounds and beliefs.

Life Question: W hat m o m ents in your life h ave caused you to qu estio n your faith? How did God help you through those difficult times?

Gavin Hultquist, age 7

Prayer: My pr ayer s du r ing th e day ar e ver y often just a few w o r ds of a song. Things like, "Just a closer walk with Thee," or as of late, the words of a country song, "One day at a time, Sweet Jesus." Amen.

Friday, December 20

Saturday, December 21

Lacey Wondree Luke 1:26-35

Kathryn Carver Luke 1: 39-45

Fostering Space for the Unexpected The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. - Luke 1:35 I often think about how it would have felt to be Mary receiving this news. If someone had told me I was going to have a son and it would be the Son of the Most High and the Lord would give him a throne, I would have had a lot of questions. First of all, why? Second, how? Third, WHAT? Mary’s first response was also a question. Of course she would be confused, unsure, and want to know how and why something of this magnitude was happening to and through her. She was perplexed and confused as the gamut of emotions rushed over her. I remember when I first suspected that I was pregnant. Excitement, anticipation, hope, uncertainty, fear, and every other emotion flooded over me. Chris and I were excited to grow our family and decided to do so after much prayer and discussion. Even with planning, we still experienced a plethora of emotions. Life was about to change drastically. Now imagine Mary, a young woman preparing for a wedding, and this news is thrust upon her. She wasn’t asked if she was ready—or if she even wanted—to become a mother, she wasn’t asked if she wanted to be a critical part of God’s great story, nor was she prepared or expecting this daunting calling. But she was still willing. She was able to respond with “let it be with me according to your word” because of the relationship she had with God. Her faith fostered space for the unexpected. Mary’s yes to God is a yes worthy of emulation, not because she said so without fear or hesitation, but because she was willing to go where God was leading even if it was outside of her plans. Those who say yes to God despite the cost, may find that they too can come to know the intimate indwelling of “the power of the Most High.” Just so, we may bear into the world that holy Word, the word of “the Son of God.”

The Visitation

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit . . .” -Luke 1:41 Luke 1 is about two different pregnant women. They are similar, but so different. Decades separating them, yet the same lifetime. The visit of a newly pregnant, innocent young woman (Mary) with her elder, but also pregnant cousin (Elizabeth) in what is referred to as “The Visitation.” Elizabeth knew that the leaping of John in her womb was the sheer joy at being in the presence of the unborn savior growing in Mary’s womb. Both pregnancies remind me of my own life experience. As a 27-year-old married woman, I was pregnant with my first child and then a decade later at 37, I was pregnant with my third. Just as God spoke through Mary and then to Elizabeth, stirring the life in her womb, God spoke to me while pregnant. He brought me back to the church of my youth through this Word, in order to have a church home and a church family for my child (and later, children). I have had to let myself be open to how God will speak to me, knowing that it is not always a booming voice directly guiding me. Sometimes it’s the voice inside of me. Through my being open to the different ways that God shows up has helped me realize God continuously speaks to me, sometimes through my children. God spoke to me as my oldest professed her faith and faced the waters of baptism, as my middle child has been discussing with me about what it means to get baptized, and as we presented our youngest to the church to dedicate her. God’s calling on my life brought me back to a place (i.e. church) that is now engrained as a part of my life and constantly helps me to instill faith in my children. Life Question: How h as God spok en to o r thr ou gh you? In w hat w ays ar e you m ak ing sure your heart is open to hear God through you or through others?

God is still calling us to great tasks, asking us to embrace the unknown and follow faithfully. Like Mary, we have to be willing. Life Question: How is your faith foster ing sp ace for the u nexp ected?

Prayer: Holy God, I kno w you ar e contin uously calling m e to follow you into gr eat unknowns. Grant me courage and peace to follow you faithfully, even in my doubts and fears. Amen.

Prayer: Lor d, please be w ith m e and speak to and through me. Allow my heart and mind to be open to you and what you want for my life. Amen.

Fourth Week of Advent December 22 — December 25

Sunday, December 22

Faith Like Mary’s Kathleen Almon Luke 1:46-56

“For he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant / Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.” -Luke 1:48 Growing up, I would not have called myself a religious person. Eva Figura, age 9 Sure, I believed in God, but I did not think about it anymore than that. This ‘uncommitting’ belief continued when I went off to college. I did not go to church, nor was it close to my mind. In the second semester of my freshman year, I met a girl named Maria, and the friendship that we had changed my life altogether. She was one of the most positive and godly people that I have ever met, even though she experienced first hand the tragedy of the shooting at Virginia Tech where her roommate was killed. I remember being awed by Maria acknowledging the Lord in her healing process and how God was still with her as she continually mourned. One Sunday, Maria took me to church, and I have felt at home ever since. When Maria graduated school a year ahead of me, we kept in touch for a while, but I have not spoken to her in years. However, when I think of someone who lets the Lord lead her, I think of Maria. Her simple actions were not heroic on a grand scale, but they were to me. I think God delights in those who lead others to him in everyday ways.

In Luke 1, Mary praises the Lord, thrilled to be his utensil in fulfilling scripture: becoming the mother of Jesus Christ. Mary recognized the importance of her situation, realizing that “all generations will call me blessed.” In becoming the mother of Christ, she resonates the message of letting the Lord’s will be done. We are all the Lord’s tools in completing God’s will; no simple good deed is unseen by him. As Christians, we know that God has a divine and individual plan for each of our lives. Some of us are driven to preach, some of us are motivated to do mission work in far off corners of the earth bringing Christ to others, and some of us live seemingly normal lives, all the while fulfilling God’s plan for us in less obvious ways. It is a fantastic thing to be able to serve the Lord, but we don’t all have to be a Mary. Simply having Mary’s faith and willingness to do the Lord’s work even in the most seemingly trivial ways can have astounding impacts in the lives of many. Life Question: What are some simple ways that we can follow God’s plan for our lives? What are some ways that we can expand our faith in the Lord like Mary?

Emmanuel: Joy Is With Us To be Christian is to embrace and share joy with the world. We can do this because we know and feel that this joy is first with us.

Prayer: Dear God, show us w ays that w e can better do your w ill on this ear th . Give us the strength to live more faithfully and live as examples to bring others to you. Amen.

Monday, December 23

Tuesday, December 24

Kendall and Seth Price Luke 1:57-66

Larry Jones Luke 1:5-13

John the Baptist’s Birth Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. - Luke 1:57 There was so much tension in the room each night as our children were born. Months of labor, expectation, worry, and joy all bubbled together into one massive and sweeping moment. A child coming into this world is truly magical and a powerful moment with God, but as like many parents we find ourselves wondering just what exactly life has in store for our children. What is the role they have to play?

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,” - Luke 1:76 There is a cliché that is sometimes heard in referring to a person’s role in a certain situation: Playing second fiddle. The first fiddle player gets the main parts and the solo lines, and carries the melody throughout most of the piece, giving the impression that the second fiddle is not as important. Musicians know better.

Yes, the first fiddle player gets the most attention, but have you ever heard a musical piece played without the other instruments? It can be quite uninteresting without the notes added by the second fiddle player. The lush harmonies and exciting counter-melodies are what make the solo lines worth hearing. A world without second fiddle players would be a dull world indeed.

I am unable to comprehend what it must have been like for Elizabeth and Zechariah to long for a child. To live a life full of expectations all the while balancing what must have been the days turned into months turned into years of let down of being barren. But this is not how the stories ends. John is born and grows up to be a mighty voice standing in stark contrast to his fathers forced silence during the time leading up to his birth. A man that proclaims in John 1:29 “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

Second Fiddle

Braylen Price, age 7

As parents we find ourselves constantly pondering and wondering what will become of the lives that have been entrusted to us and how we can come alongside our children “pondering” with them as we dream of what the Lord has in store. It’s all too easy to focus on the small things—the room, the setting, the name, but God is calling us in this, as in every season, to something so much more. And we all have something beautiful to speak into this world. Life Question: As you th in k of th e com ing days and th e days behind yo u w h at things do you feel being loosened from yourself? Where have you seen the hand of the Lord this advent season.

Prayer: Divin e Go d, w e pr ay that w e ar e aw ar e of your pr esen ce. Th at w e h ear w ith intention and join into all the glory and mystery of the incarnation and may it move us to a larger understanding of your grace. Amen.

Zechariah is the father of John, commonly referred to as John the Baptist. He was notified prior to John’s conception that he would be the father of this child, and because of his hesitancy to accept this news, he lost his power to speak throughout the entire pregnancy. Our verses today, known as the Benedictus, are the first words he has spoken in months, and come after the birth of John.

Harper Roller, age 8

Zechariah sings a song celebrating God’s fulfillment of a covenant he made with the Jewish people. The second half of the song is a job description for his son, John, whose role is to play second fiddle with the coming Messiah. John will not be the Messiah. It is his responsibility to set the stage for the coming of the promised one so that the world is prepared when Jesus begins his ministry. Zechariah shows his total devotion to God in setting his son up to play second fiddle. Too often, the tendency seems to be for family members to encourage each another to be better than everyone else. This is good, because we all want to strive to be the best we can possibly be. It is also good to understand that the best second fiddle player is just as essential as the first player. Life Question: If yo u ar e playing second fiddle, w hat is you r level of en thusiasm compared with a more prominent role? When you get a chance to move to first fiddle, how will you support those who are still playing a less visible role?

Prayer: Go d, m ay I accept ever y r ole yo u give m e w ith the sam e dedicatio n and commitment level needed to serve you well. Amen.

Christmas Day, December 25

Emmanuel: God is with Us Matthew 1:18-23 Barrett Owen

All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” -Matthew 1:22-23 At 8:50am, on this day, six years ago, our son Henry entered the world. He was gray (I am still not sure why) and screaming. For the first time in his little life he felt the air on his skin, the safety of his mother’s arms, and the use of his own voice. In this precious moment, my whole world stood still. Henry was perfect and nothing but time was ahead of him. Henry being born on Christmas Day changes the way I imagine the Incarnation. Jesus was also born gray and screaming. He too felt air on his skin, the safety of his mother’s arms, and the use of his own voice. Thinking so humanly about Jesus helps to imagine just how holy this moment is. I believe the Incarnation (the birth of Jesus Christ) is just as, if not more, important than the Henry Owen, age 5 crucifixion. Theologically speaking, we spend more time than necessary thinking about the sanctity of how Jesus died and not enough time thinking about how and why he lived. Jesus’ birth is the embodiment of God - literally. On this day over 2000 years ago, God steps into our world to dwell among us. The ripple-effects of this divine-human encounter is still changing everything! Never before has God stepped so closely and so vulnerably to us. Never before has God revealed so much hope into the human condition. This Christmas day signals a game-changing reminder of a never-seen-before love from the God of the Universe to a sinful, undeserving world. So, as you look with love on your family and friends this day, remember that the embodiment of God, the Incarnation, is our source for unending joy, because for as long as we live, we will have a God who is with us. Life question: W h at do es th e Incar nation m ean to you?

Prayer: Eter nal Go d, fo r th e gift of your son Jesus Ch r ist, w e give you thanks. M ay we see with great clarity the majesty in today’s events 2000 years ago. Amen.

Special Events 1

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First Sunday of Advent - Emmanuel: Hope is With Us

Christmas Missions Angel Tree - Take an angel from the tree in the Canada Room to help a child in need this Christmas. Purchase

Community Dinner & Preschool Silent Auction 6:00—Weekday Preschool Christmas Concert and Silent Auction 5:00—FBKids Chili Dinner & Parade-Watching

suggested items and return them to the Canada Room.

Second Sunday of Advent - Emmanuel: Love is With Us

Community Christmas Day Dinner - 11am - 1:30pm - - Share the real Christmas Spirit! Come

Blessing Box - Be a blessing to someone in need by donating what you have to give. Located on 11th Street by the church offices.

enjoy . . . LUNCH — FELLOWSHIP — HOLIDAY CHEER. Anyone and everyone is invited. (Lunch will be bountiful and free). Watch for a volunteer sign-up poster near the Fellowship Hall!

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2:00-5:00—Christmas Open House at the Owens’ (207 Pelham Drive) 6:00—Faith-n-Film: The Greatest Showman (Wayne Theatre) 11:30—Sr. Saints Christmas Luncheon Wednesday Evening Fellowship / Blue Christmas Service, 6:30pm (Canada Room) 6:00—Youth Progressive Dinner

Third Sunday of Advent - Emmanuel: Peace is With Us

Weekday Preschool - Donations are being sought for our annual Christmas Silent Auction to be held

3:00—Kids singing at Summit Square 5:30—Diaconate Christmas Dinner (Fellowship Hall)

Fourth Sunday of Advent - Emmanuel: Joy is With Us

Churchwide Breakfast: 8:45am (Fellowship Hall) 10:00—FBKids Birthday Party for Jesus 11:00—Christmas Cantata: Chancel Choir, Children’s Choir, Praise Team Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion Services: 5:00 and 7:00

Christmas Day

Snack food ministry for Kate Collins Middle School - This is an on-going effort to help stu-

dents who are distracted by hunger during their school day by bringing non-perishable individually packaged single-serve snacks and drinks to the collection bin in the Canada Room. All food donated must be non-perishable. See previous issues of Soundings or the bin for suggested items. December 4-5. Donations can be anything from holiday craft items to themed baskets. Auction bidding will begin on Wednesday, December 4, at our fellowship meal. For more info, contact Cheryl Rosberg OR the Preschool office.

Our thanks to all who provided these thoughtful Advent meditations and our awesome kids for the beautiful Advent art. We hope you have enjoyed our efforts!

11:00-1:30—Community Christmas Dinner—Share the real Christmas Spirit! Come enjoy . . . LUNCH — FELLOWSHIP — HOLIDAY CHEER. Anyone and everyone is invited. (Lunch will be bountiful and free).

10:00—One Worship Service (Fellowship Hall)

Ben Roller, age 5