Follow the Star: Advent Devotions from First Baptist Waynesboro, VA

Advent 2017

Daily Devotionals 

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A Word from the Senior Pastor

Follow the Star

We follow all the time. We follow instructions, diets, traffic patterns, road signs, advice, cravings, sports scores, college athletics, weather patterns, and laws. We follow because something deep inside longs for something beyond, something more, and it invites us on a journey towards it.

You may be craving cereal and your stomach invites you to journey into the kitchen. You may long for the beach and book a hotel for next month. You may long for meaning in your daily grind, and the Holy Spirit invites you on a spiritual journey towards God. This last one is what Advent is about.

Christmas calls us to a journey of faith. This journey leads us to a Bethlehem barn to meet the newborn king, and we are guided by a north star.

In the following pages, you will read stories from members of First Baptist who all took a risk and followed the alluring star of God. In different ways and in different seasons, they chose to follow the star and discovered God along the way.

May these stories and scriptures inspire you to do the same this Christmas. May you feel the alluring call of God and choose to follow the star.

Pastor Barrett  Page 2 of 27

Sunday, December 3 Study Luke 10:1-12— Ben Brown “After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go.”

Reflect When I was a high schooler, we went on a mission trip to Galax, Virginia. Our group stayed at First Baptist Church, and we helped produce a Vacation Bible School at the church. During the day, we volunteered with local non-profits, and my group worked with a local social worker. We traveled to several different mobile home parks to ask how the church could better serve their community.

I was the oldest one in my group, and I was charged with the task of knocking on the doors and ‘doing all the talking.’ I had never knocked on anyone’s door and not known the person who would answer. It was terrifying. The first few doors that we knocked on, they nearly slammed the door in our faces.

I remember praying that God would give me strength to not quit. It was tough to feel rejected, but we wanted to serve.

We kept knocking on doors, and I gained some confidence with each home we visited. We invited these families to attend the Vacation Bible School, and a lot of them brought their kids! As we got to know these families, the differences went away. They were people just like us, and we were just like them.

It takes some faith to knock on someone’s door, and it also takes faith to open the door to a stranger. God stands on both sides of these doors and longs for us to create community with one another.

Write The most nervous I have ever been and needed to rely on my faith was . . .

Pray It is not easy following your will, God, but each time I do I grow stronger and closer to you. Thank you for your steadfast love and enduring grace. Amen.

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Monday, December 4 Study Mark 1:9-11 — Charlie Downs In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Reflect When one considers the many diverse and hopefully right decisions one has to make in life, I have often wondered if wedding and baptismal commitment vows are very much alike. You have heard the familiar, Do you take . . .?” as the exchange of marriage vows; however, now consider the same for a baptism.

“I, (name) , take you, Jesus Christ, to be my Lord and Savior, to have and to hold, from this day forward for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, . . .” and then we can add, “. . . and on into eternity.”

Such commitments we had thought and had hoped should and would be a future “bed of roses”; however, for both of these there are occasions when we will flounder, look for shortcuts, become side-tracked, fail in our communication efforts, rationalize mistakes, readjust our priorities - and then there are times when we will have to renew, reevaluate, and even instances when we will have to start over.

There are many other life situations when we will make decisions and step out in faith. Someone once made the statement to the effect that becoming baptized as a Christian meant full-time Christian service.

Now, that is stepping out in faith!

Write A time when I stepped out in faith was . . .

Pray God of Peace, give me the faith that is willing to follow. Amen.

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Tuesday, December 5 Study Ecclesiastes 4:12 — Paula Washburn “A cord of three strands is not easily broken.”

Reflect When David and I were married 26 years ago, he was a banker. We both were! When David started listening to the call on his life for full time ministry, our family had grown with a daughter and a son on the way. We sold our house, quit our jobs and commitments, and moved to Virginia. Talk about risk!

God was faithful throughout the process by providing wise counsel in Christian friends, shelter, and a strong community that helped us grow a deeper relationship with God and one another.

Through this, I have learned God wants us to be kind to everyone, sharing God’s joy and love with everyone. Scripture reminds us, “a cord of three strands is not easily broken.” For me, these three strands were family, friends, and God. Following the will of God was scary, but because we did it, we learned that God is amazing and wants to work through each of us to do some amazing things, too. We just have to take the step out of our comfort zone.

And this looks different at different times. This past year David and I became empty nesters. We have raised three beautiful children who are intelligent, independent, responsible beings who are thriving in the real world. The vulnerability comes in now living life with only two in the house. Will we still have anything in common? Will we like each other after the years and baggage of life?

We are finding out that we do still love being together, traveling, doing things around the house, and enjoying life in our 50’s. Marriage isn’t always easy, but it is fun when you are intentional.

God is teaching me in this season to continue to step out of my comfort zone and notice the little things, communicate openly, be vulnerable with David. It is a risk everyday with all of the obstacles of life, but we still choose joy! Choose living life together!

I recently had an emergency appendectomy. David was by my side, taking good care of me the entire time. I am not one who likes to ask for help. I like to do it all myself. God allowed me to “literally” sit back and let others help while I recovered. It made me more vulnerable to depend on someone else for everything. God teaches us in the everyday if we just open our hearts and pay attention.

This Christmas, I want to be more like God. I want to be kinder to everyone. I want to love everyone. I want to notice what goes on around me and not just rush past. I want to take risks and live life as God intends. I believe when we step out of our comfort zones, God proves faithful every time!

Write The comfort zone I need to step out of in order to trust God is . . .

Pray God of Hope, grant me the courage to be more vulnerable. Open my heart to letting something old go in order to see something new. Amen.

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Wednesday, December 6 Study Matthew 14:22-33— David Collier “He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.”

Reflect For the majority of my life, I have tried to remain consistent. I believe consistency brings comfort and balance; comfort and balance bring the ability to think clearly. In my mind, if I were able to always think clearly, I could hold true to the basic principles to live by.

By my median adult years, every area of my life seemed to be on cruise-control. Our family life had survived the teenage years and both children moved successfully on their life’s journeys. Jane and I were adapting well to the “empty nest” adjustment in our home of 20 years. My career was going well and after 15 years at the same company, I exceeded my career goals and objectives. Our church life was extremely rewarding and reassuring. Being a member of one church family for 49 years allowed us the opportunity to serve in multiple ways.

Forty-nine years at the same church, 49 years living in the same community, 20 years living in the same house, 15 years working at the same company, 26 years married to the love of my life should have provided nothing but comfort and bliss. However, Jane and I both found ourselves with an odd emptiness of some kind. We couldn’t identify this odd feeling. Our life was perfect, yet, something was missing.

Consistency, comfort, and convenience described us in every area of life. Eventually we recognized that those “C-words” were creating yet another description—complacency.

Reflecting inward, we realized our actions at church, work, and home were predictable and expected. We were at a point where we felt God needed us to make some major changes. It was at this point that God placed on our hearts the desire to get out of our comfort zone.

Moving away physically would certainly take us out of that comfort zone. God opened a door with an opportunity to take advantage of an executive position within the same industry. This was our sign. A relocation would certainly require us to find new friends, a new home, and a new church family.

Fourteen years after our faith move, Jane and I have been rewarded with greater levels of spiritual maturity as God has continued to reveal Himself to us more and more. God has richly rewarded our faithful act of moving away from family and friends and getting out of our comfort zone.

Matthew 14 describes the scene of a storm-tossed boat which the disciples are desperately clinging to.

This boat represents the only safety they have in the dark, raging water. Yet in the midst of the storm, Jesus appears to them, walking on water. This demonstration reveals the divine presence and power of Christ.

For many years I thought this passage only wanted us to focus on Peter’s faith to walk on the water towards Jesus. Now, my focal point is the boat. What is our boat? Does our boat make us feel secure, safe, comfortable, or perhaps complacent?

We can’t walk on water unless we are willing to get out of the boat. God can and will reward those of us who will. It takes a boatload of faith to get out on the water, if one wants to go water-walking. Consider that the most difficult time to leave the boat is not during the storm, but when the waters are calm.

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Write What is our boat? Does our boat make us feel secure, safe, comfortable and perhaps complacent?

Pray “During this time of Advent Lord, we ask that you increase our faith, a faith large enough to step out of our boat, and join you out there on the water. Amen.”

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Thursday, December 7 Study Matthew 2:9-10 — Stu Crow When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.

When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.

Reflect While we believe the biblical accounts of God calling and leading people as they sought to make decisions about his will, we often forget that he still calls us, even today. It is easy to recognize and celebrate the star leading the Wise Men to the home of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, but it is harder for us to ask him to lead and guide us as we make decisions.

Two years ago at age 82, I received a call asking me to serve as First Vice-President of the Baptist General Association of Virginia and to agree to serve as president the following year if elected. Imagine my doubts and questions: What would my health be the next several years?

Would I be up to the task physically and mentally?

Would safe travel to Richmond be an issue?

While this would be an honor, was it also just an appeal to an ego trip?

The answers could only come from a sense and trust of the Spirit’s presence. After much prayer and discussions with family and trusted friends, I came to sense the Spirit was encouraging me to accept the position and saying, “I still have work for you to do. You will have the cognitive ability and stamina to serve me in this capacity. Remember, I formed you and have brought you where you are today. You are not too old. TRUST ME.” I was elected President of the BGAV in November 2016. My health has been good.

I firmly believe the God who led the Magi still leads today. The God who called Abraham, Moses, the disciples and early church leaders still calls and empowers today. God still leads and blesses us as we answer the call and strive to do his will.

Write My doubts for not stepping out in faith are . . .

Pray God of new adventures, give me the ears to hear your calling. Give me the faith to say yes. Amen.

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Friday, December 8 Study Matthew 11:25-30— Gail Mann “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Reflect The funeral was over. Everyone had gone. Exhausted, anxious and alone, I needed sleep. Just then, the grim reality of Gil’s death hit me smack dab in the face: "This situation isn’t going away.”

Bad things can happen at any time, especially in the dark. In silence and darkness, my sadness would be unbearable. Nothing I can do will change the past, or much of anything in the future. If I stop to rest, I might be swallowed into a dark hole of sadness. Yet, I can’t stay up all night, every night, assuming that somehow I can control my world if I just stay awake and alert. Held captive by the life-draining bonds of my misery, I stood in the bedroom doorway, terrified and powerless.

Then, standing there like a statue, I felt unchained. I knew, really knew, that God was right there in the midst of my all fear and desolation. I wasn’t alone! God would listen, just as God always had. Surely God could help me sort things out even now.

Bluntly I prayed, “Well, God, I guess I can either be afraid every night for the rest of my life, or I can trust that what I already know about you, and what the Bible says about you, is actually true. You have been so good to me my whole life. I should know that NOTHING can happen tonight or in the future that can separate me from your boundless and merciful love. You keep your promises. You have led me, and comforted me. Choosing to remain afraid would be far too exhausting and rob me of joy. More than ever God, I need you, I can’t rebuild my shattered world alone. Thank you, dear God, for reminding me of your faithfulness and grace even through Gil’s illness and death. I have no choice now but to trust you and rest in your love.” Amen.

So I went to bed, reminding myself, “I will not be afraid. I will sleep peacefully and awake trusting that God loves me and with God’s help, my life will be rich and full again.”

And so it was, and so it continues both day and night like the Magi’s star to remind me that you sent Immanuel to always be “with us.”

Write A time I felt God’s presence in the midst of pain was . . .

Pray You bless us God, creatively, extravagantly and lovingly for “no good reason” except that you are God and that’s what you do and have always done. Thank you for being with us even in our pain. Amen.

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Saturday, December 9 Study Mark 5:21-43— Joyce and Homer Hite He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

Reflect Our teenage granddaughter is an excellent swimmer and in very good physical condition. Her parents and we were shocked when she suddenly had little energy, swallowing issues, irregular heart rate, inability to perspire, facial swelling, vision changes, neuropathy, cognitive impairment, ataxic gait, dizziness, food sensitivities, gastrointestinal issues, and episodes akin to a toddler’s night terrors.

These vague, multi-system symptoms resulted in over 50 school absences and repeated visits to primary care physicians and specialists with no satisfactory results. Though they were unable to offer a diagnosis, multiple residents and attending physicians at one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals suggested the cause might be psychological and recommended counseling.

Her mother, drawing on her training and experience as a medical speech pathologist, would not accept their impression. She knew her daughter.

Convinced that determining an etiology would be more beneficial than attempting behavioral therapy without a diagnosis, our daughter endured the risk of being called a Google parent and set out to find an explanation for this mysterious illness.

She recorded vitals, catalogued symptoms, and began researching the symptoms her daughter demonstrated and the circumstances surrounding each episode. She talked with friends and colleagues to determine if they had seen similar conditions.

Our daughter constantly prayed for wisdom and peace and repeatedly asked God for tangible moments in which God’s presence in this journey would be unmistakable. We did likewise and asked our friends and Sunday school class for healing prayer for our granddaughter, knowing God is faithful to provide. Our family had to have trust and faith that this health issue could be resolved.

True to God’s promises, God was undoubtedly working in the situation, arranging divine appointments with people who offered pieces of the puzzle and orchestrating events that were much greater than could be attributed to coincidence.

During nine months of witnessing her daughter rally and then slip into a deep abyss, her conventionally medically-trained mother was led to research a more functional medical perspective. Recalling that her daughter had taken several antibiotics before the appearance of her symptoms and that she was also exposed to river water warranting warnings for high bacteria levels, she compiled her analysis of the effects of environmental exposure combined with the role antibiotics can play in disrupting the digestive system.

Without question, God led her to the research which resulted in identifying the reason for the symptoms and revealing treatment options. After respectfully submitting her theory to the GI doctor and presenting her research, the specialist agreed to order a medication to treat the suspected cause. Three days of this medication brought miraculous results, with the two-week course ending in a cure.

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Now my daughter carefully monitors my granddaughter’s diet and is alert to any recurrence of the symptoms. She was able to make up all of the missed school work and is again competitively swimming. She has the perseverance of her mother, prayers of others, but more importantly, the steadfastness of a merciful and faithful God for which to be thankful.

Write A time when God guided us to find answers to what seemed impossible was . . .

Pray God who heals, never let us lose hope. Give us the courage to keep going and keep seeking answers to the questions of life. Amen.

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Sunday, December 10 Study Matthew 1:18-25 — Larry Jones “When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him . . .”

Reflect I was in my fifth year of ministry, serving a church in Kentucky. It was becoming clear that my undergraduate degree in Music Education had not fully equipped me for a ministerial calling. But what should I do? The logical choice was to attend Seminary, but logic also questioned how that would happen with no salary or home. How would the three of us live? Seminary was 150 miles away; too far to commute daily. There were too many questions, none of which seemed to have an answer.

Prayer, and many discussions, led to some possibilities. The church graciously allowed us to remain on staff part time and to continue to live in the parsonage. I would leave on Monday and return on Friday, fulfilling my ministry on weekends. But where would I live during the week? A connection with a church family resulted in a room rented at a reasonable rate. Short term was now solved; what about long term?

In the fall, Nancy received a call that a teacher in the Louisville school system had just left to answer a mission calling. Would she be willing to take over her class on a full-time basis? Holidays were approaching so after searching, we found an apartment, and moved during Thanksgiving week.

Now what to do with Chris? The seminary daycare was full, as was the daycare at the church near our apartment. He was staying with grandparents while we moved, but that was not an acceptable long-term solution. As I was unloading the truck into our new apartment, the phone rang. I was surprised because the phone technician had only been gone about 15 minutes. I assumed it was a call checking to make sure that the phone worked and to give us our number. It was the daycare at the nearby church. They had an unexpected opening. Were we still interested in enrolling Chris? They had found our new phone number before we knew it.

All the answers did not come immediately in this process. If we had waited for everything to be ordered, nothing would have happened. Answers do not always come when we want, but often, things work out anyway. Ask Mary and Joseph.

Write Questions I have asked God before stepping out in faith are . . .

Pray Give me the courage of Mary and Joseph, God. Help me be willing to follow you even in my unknowing.

Amen.

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Monday, December 11 Study Matthew 19:13-15 — Nita Hughes “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”

Reflect Sometimes God whispers in your ear. Sitting in church one Sunday morning several years ago, an announcement was made about an upcoming mission trip to Panama to teach VBS to Kuna Indian children. Having recently retired from a career in education, I immediately felt this was an opportunity for me to use my gifts. I love to teach! I whispered to my husband, “I want to go.”

After attending some planning meetings, I learned I would be going with nine other church members for nine days in January. I was given the job of teaching music to children from toddlers to teenagers during the week. I was excited, but apprehensive since I speak no Spanish and very few of those children speak English. I prayed a lot during the coming weeks and asked God to help me figure out how to do this successfully.

As VBS began that Monday morning, about 150 children came running down the paths leading to the church. What an opportunity to love on lots of God’s children! The groups, divided by age, rotated between our stations each morning. I worked in the church sanctuary with the outside temperature being 95 degrees and inside was higher. It was an amazing experience!

One of the mothers helped me translate whenever she was available. I learned some Spanish and the children learned some English. Shelva North played piano and CD player for me and helped lead singing.

The Kuna women who supervised each group during rotations helped as much as they could. I used some sign language and motions with songs, played some games and tried to make it fun for all. God provided the help I needed!

One day I was trying to teach “This Little Light of Mine.” When I held up one finger and sang, all the children looked at me like I was crazy. Suddenly one of the teenagers ran out the back door of the church.

In a few minutes, he was back bringing me a candle! He taught me how to say “light” in Spanish and, using his candle, I was able to communicate the words of that song to the group. I learned that teenagers don’t like singing “Jesus Loves Me” as much as younger children do. They already knew some of our praise music, so I changed gears and adapted quickly. Hearing them sing “I Can Only Imagine” and “Open the Eyes of My Heart” was amazing!

I learned so much that week. I learned that great friendships are formed when you spend nine days with nine members of your church family! I learned that music truly is universal and so are hugs, smiles, giggles and God’s love! As our van pulled away on Friday, those precious children were running alongside us waving excitedly with the biggest smiles on their faces I have ever seen!

Write A time in my life when I’ve seen God through the lives of those different than me was . . .

Pray God of love, give me the willingness to see your grace through those different than me. Amen.

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Tuesday, December 12 Study Matthew 2:1-12— Steve Boling When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage.

Reflect We always went to Grandmother Boling’s for Christmas. She lived in a mill town and worked for many years at the mill at a sewing machine. At Christmas, her home was filled with the seasons best food and decorations. Her home was small with the bathroom outside and a large kitchen where all those Christmas delights were made.

There was only one bedroom and an open area in the center of the house which had a bed and coalburning stove in the middle of the room. The living room was very small, but it was my favorite room at Christmas. The pine Christmas tree was always full of decorations including many stars and glitter all over the tree. The small coal-burning fireplace gave the room a special glow. There was also small pump organ in the living room which my mother and Aunt Dot would play for hours.

All the rooms in the house had stars in them especially the bedroom and open room.

One very large star that I had made in school was hanging on the wall across from the bed. It probably had two or three pounds of glitter on it with the help of Elmer's glue. It was hanging over a picture of Jesus standing at the door of a cottage house about ready to knock on the door. I spent a great deal of time looking at that picture as a child and still reflect on it fondly as an adult.

Grandmother Boling always had Jesus at that door because to her he was there for a specific question.

Jesus asks us if we will follow him.

I think of this story as I reflect on our Advent Theme of “Follow the Star.” The star leads us to Jesus. But we can’t let our experience end there. At some point, we have to ready ourselves for a second journey, for at the door he will ask that we follow him as we followed his star.

Write Finding Jesus is one thing. Following Jesus is another. In what ways does following Jesus prove easy or hard for you?

Pray God of love, for the gift of your son, we give you thanks. Help us imitate his life and follow his teachings.

Amen.

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Wednesday, December 13 Study 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 - Sue Rorrer For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

Reflect I will be honest, 2017 has not been one of my best years. The loss of loved ones, anxiety over a family medical problem, and an unresolved personal issue made me want to wish the year away. But this was wrong of me because every day that God gives us is a gift and in it we find hope through the birth of Jesus Christ.

We know that Jesus did not experience a trouble-free earthly experience and neither should we expect life to be a “cake walk.” We will experience disappointment, pain, and difficulty. But in the wonder of it all, we know that God sent Jesus to us to assure us that these things are only temporary. By setting our sights on this wonderful gift and fully comprehending Jesus’ love and sacrifice for us, we can move forward with hope and confidence.

When Christmas is over and we start to make preparations for a new year, we will store our holiday decor, we will rid our refrigerators of the holiday leftovers, and our homes will no longer reflect the sights and sounds of the season. Yes, the temporary things are gone, tucked away for another year, but our hope, love and perseverance is with us because of the birth of Jesus.

In this season of Advent, let us not be selfish with this wonderful gift. It is up to us to share this miracle of Christmas at every opportunity.

Write The things that I am most selfish over, but yet are temporary, are . . .

Pray God, Thank you for your timeless gift of Jesus Christ!

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Thursday, December 14 Study Isaiah 40:1-5 — Greg Gay A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,

make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Reflect Growing up I do not recall ever asking why we went to church each Sunday. It was just what our family did, although I am sure during my teen years I questioned it. I was the fourth child in our family and probably some of the excitement of being a parent was extinguished for my father when I was born.

My father worked long hours and had little income to support our family. He faced many struggles in his life. Some of these struggles I never knew until I was an adult. Because of this demand, he never saw me pitch a baseball, compete in a tennis match, or walk onto a basketball floor.

It took me several years after leaving home to understand why. It caused me to question many things, including my faith.

The value of going to church stuck with me. Knowing the love of Christ helped me to feel the assurance I so desperately needed. The kindness my father showed to others, the visits to hospitals, the visits to friends and family on Sunday afternoons, and countless activities he was involved in within the church taught me how to live a Christian life.

It is the faith my father lived by and passed to me that enabled me to realize his love and the love of our heavenly father. His life speaks to me now like another voice crying out in the wilderness reminding me how to prepare the way of the Lord. What greater love could my father give?

Write I see God’s love more clearly because . . .

Pray God of our fathers, give me the perseverance to endure when life is hard and the grace to remember to love those I am around. Amen.

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Friday, December 15 Study Joshua 1:9 — Judy Holste Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not

be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Reflect Gary and I were married in 1983 and spent the next fourteen years raising and educating our three youngest boys. I had always lived and gone to school in Virginia, but Gary had been transferred around with General Electric and even worked at Cape Canaveral during the race to put a man on the moon. It all sounded very exciting and adventurous, but we dreamed of one even more.

We starting dreaming about traveling the country in an RV. The problem was getting rid of all our “stuff,” as we had been advised by other “full-timers” that storage was more costly than replacing, so we gave all our children anything they wanted and gave the rest to charities. It was an amazingly freeing feeling to have only what we really needed. Although some of our friends and family thought we were crazy, it is a decision we have never regretted.

We met a lot of wonderful people from all walks of life. We experienced good, spirit-filled churches everywhere we went. Although our adventure was cut short, as we had a ten year plan, we came home to Waynesboro with a better understanding of our country and the wonderful folks that make us who we are.

The thing I value most about this experience is how it prepared me to step out and accept responsibilities especially in the life of FBC. It prepared me to do things I would have never thought I could do. I now resonate a lot with God’s words to Joshua when he was asked to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. We must be strong and courageous. We never know what’s around the corner, but God will be with us wherever we go.

God has always been with me, and I feel the Spirit calling now even more.

Write The most courageous decision I have ever made was . . .

Pray God who makes all things new, grant me the courage to dream. Plant in me the freedom to dream big and live well for others. Amen.

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Saturday, December 16 Study Isaiah 11:1-10 — Jim & Mary Furr 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.

Reflect Cancer is a terrible word. When you hear it in connection with your 10-year-old granddaughter, it is unbelievable. But that is what happened in September 2015 to our Meredith. She immediately began treatment and remained in the hospital for 87 days. She came home on Christmas Eve. Sadly on March 12, 2016, she passed away suddenly at UVA Hospital as she was preparing to undergo another round of chemotherapy.

It was a dark, sad, and almost unbearable time for us. Cancer is not supposed to happen to a child, especially one that had appeared to be so healthy and enjoying life just weeks before her cancer diagnosis.

After her death, friends and neighbors dropped by our house to offer condolences, encouragement, and kind words. One neighbor suggested we ask GOD for a sign to let us know that Meredith was okay. GOD answered almost immediately - WILDFLOWERS. During the visitation for Meredith there was a slide presentation of wonderful photos on a big screen.

Intermixed with the familiar ones were photos we had never seen before. Fields of wildflowers blowing in the breeze.

One day our mail lady left a small bouquet of wildflowers in our mailbox.

A friend was walking her dog one evening, looked up in the sky, and, for an instant, saw an image of Meredith dancing in a field of wildflowers. This friend is an artist and gave us a painting of what she saw.

Friends who live near Williamsburg planted a field of wildflowers they call Meredith's Meadow.

When we look out our front door we can see the cemetery where Meredith is buried. There is a field of wildflowers in our view.

Recently, we went to see the movie, The Shack. The little girl in the movie is shown in heaven surrounded by a field of wildflowers.

When we started our life without Meredith we did not know what would unfold, but what we do know is Meredith is okay.

We are just trying to live life without her until we see her again. GOD has been so good to allow us little glimpses of Heaven. What a blessing to see reminders that Meredith is with GOD and GOD is still with us.

Write Isaiah 11 reminds us that despite our trials, losses, and pain, new life springs up , even in our wastelands.

Where have you seen God’s provisions in your life?

Pray Give us the wisdom, God, to seek you and see you even when life is hard. Amen.

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Sunday, December 17 Study Psalm 80:1-3 — Lacey Wondree “Shepherd of Israel, listen! You, the one who leads Joseph as if he were a sheep. You, who are enthroned upon the winged heavenly creatures. Show yourself … make your face shine so that we can be saved!

Reflect I am a North Carolina girl and have been my whole life. I have lived in all of the geographic areas of North Carolina: the Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, and the Mountains. I have a barbecue preference (Eastern NC barbecue is the best!) in the great debate that divides Carolinians. I love North Carolina and was sure I’d never move out of the state, and then I followed God and God’s leading into a new call and state.

When I began the interview process at First Baptist Waynesboro, I prayed constantly. I prayed that God would be a part of the discerning for both parties, whether that leading led us together or apart. I wasn’t necessarily looking to move away from North Carolina or my previous church position, but there was a great stirring in my spirit that I couldn’t silence. I couldn’t walk away from it. Everywhere I turned, the light from the star of Christ kept shining and leading me here. And thankfully that guiding star led you all to calling me, as well.

Following the star requires leaving, walking in a new direction, and trusting that the destination is where God is leading. Making the decision to trust God fully and follow that star takes great faith and understanding that it’s a process and journey. I had no idea how much I would see God throughout that process, how much Waynesboro would become home, and how wonderfully this community of faith would embrace Chris and me (and Baby Wondree). Thank God that the star keeps shining and keeps leading, even when we’re sure that we know the plans of our own lives.

Write Think about how God may be leading you into something new and write about how you may need to follow that call …

Pray God, we know that you meet us where we are and your Holy Spirit guides us. You are the star that leads us and we will follow you. May we be willing today and every day to embrace the journey of salvation and following you into something new. Amen.

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Monday, December 18 Study Psalm 118:24 — Edgar A. (Ed) Moore, Ph.D. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Reflect "This is the day the Lord Has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it" You could paraphrase Psalm 118:24 like, “WOW, What a Day!” This is a favorite verse of scripture frequently relied upon through the years and one of my most cherished verses that I have reverted to throughout my youth and early adulthood.

I feel these words spoken describe the essence of my daily walk with God. The spiritual condition of daily living can be likened to that physical experience of our changing weather. The rich earth or sands of time likened to the countless stars of the night sky seen from a number of distant home settings. It's still aweinspiring every time it's a clear night sky to take in!

I was born and raised in the Allegheny River Valley of western Pennsylvania. My family construct consisted of being raised the middle of three boys in large extended Christian families of both parents. Mom was of Presbyterian background while Dad was American Baptist. Grandad was a home missionary to many western Pennsylvania mining families. Mom died of a coronary thrombosis at the young age of thirty eight. I was a freshman in high school so the change in daily experience, educational pursuits and greater allegiance to the Baptist faith influenced my daily walk and talk with God. It really was at the juncture with future plans (college in particular) that I relied more and more on trusting my Lord to set and lead through unknown paths of life's experience. I enrolled at a nearby state teacher’s college in Business Education but lost my footing in that endeavor after three semesters. I transferred to Eastern Baptist College on Main Line Philadelphia the following year. The smaller classes in a Christian environment made a significant improvement in my maturation process, educational pursuit, and development of living faith.

Other episodes of extended loss of focus repeatedly occurred in military commissioning, advanced educational degrees, and transition to several vocations or professional involvements. Each experience was an in-depth withdrawal then enrichment of personal experience with my Lord.

Despite all the hardships, and probably in part to experiencing them, I have found deep resolve in waking up each morning and saying, “WOW, What a Day!”

Write The things that make me celebrate life are . . .

Pray Give me the audacity, LORD, to wake up each day realizing this new day is a gift from you. Amen.

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Tuesday, December 19 Study Luke 6:38 — Jan Leeth “. . .give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

Reflect How strong is your faith when it comes to giving? Giving is a touchy subject. We question how much we can give when faced with obligations that seem to scream "pay me" louder than God's call for faithfulness in giving. Is $5 too little? Will giving $500 keep me from paying my bills? This is where faith comes in, for God encourages us to be generous by tithing, giving 10%, which has been the standard of the faithful.

In our personal situation, tithing seemed impossible. We had a business to fund, as well as three children who needed food, clothing, and college tuition. How in the world could we spare a tithe when money was so scarce? As we attended church, watched religious programs, and read books on giving, one message came across loud and clear. God will be generous with us when we generously give back.

Because we knew God to be faithful, our family decided to be faithful to God in our giving to the church.

On paper it looked impossible. We managed to scrape up a tithe for the first week, then the second week, then the third week.

As we became faithful by giving our tithe, God remained faithful as well. Our income did not increase, but what we had was going farther in covering the expenses that we faced. We don't know how this works; only that it has helped us become free from the enslaving debt that once ruled our life.

God's ways are not our ways. Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38 NIV) Giving sacrificially of your income back to God demonstrates your thankfulness to God for what God has provided in Jesus, and it helps you to remember to rely on God instead of on riches. Give generously, and count on the Lord to be generous with you.

Write Christmas is a great time to give. Once I gave _______ and saw God do . . .

Pray Give me a generous heart, LORD. Your Kingdom needs cheerful givers. Amen.

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Wednesday, December 20 Study Luke 2:1-7 — Noelle Owen And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Reflect When I think of the wise men following that star, I wonder if they knew the significance of what they were doing. Were they just doing their job? Did they have an inkling of what they would find under this star?

When the tired innkeeper gave what hospitality he could offer in the midst of a busy night, did his heart leap at the significance of what going to happen in his stable? When the shepherds have any idea their work week would end with a visit from an angel?

Did even Mary and Joseph know of the great significance of this child’s humble birth?

In my life, I have certainly experienced the “big deal” occasions of stepping out on faith - moving to new cities, changing jobs, choosing career paths, marriage, parenting. In the midst of these decisions, I knew I was on the precipice of something life-changing. Yet, when I reflect back on some of the most impactful moments in my life, many of them come quietly, without any big fuss or notice - just a star appearing in the sky with an invitation to follow.

I can’t help but think that the Advent story is just ordinary people putting one foot in front of the other as they take everyday risks. A couple preparing to be new parents. The hassle of government bureaucracy.

Families agreeing to do life together in the midst of messiness. An innkeeper offering a space for roadweary travelers. People who find themselves encountering the holy in the seemingly mundane.

What I’ve been struck with this Advent season is the seemingly small ways that we can answer God’s beckoning to follow the star. That friend I’ve been meaning to connect with? I need to reach out. That family that needs help? I can help them. That thing that needs to be said? I need to say it. Following God doesn’t have to be big or flashy. Sometimes, what seems insignificant becomes life-changing.

When we follow the star, we let go of the what-ifs and give our anxiety to God. When the star appears, whether it be blazing bright or glowing softly, we must follow.

Write In what ways do I need to follow that star in my day to day life?

What is one thing that God has placed on my heart that I can do today?

Pray Help me see how the seemingly insignificant ideas can be life-changing. Give me the power, God, to follow the star that calls us closer to you. Amen.

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Thursday, December 21 Study Luke 1:26-38 — Bruce Henderson Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 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. Reflect How amazing it must have been for Mary and Joseph. They were going to be the parents of God's son. I'm sure they were amazed at the path God had chosen for them. They had to ask: Why me?!! What did I do to deserve this?!!

Even with asking these questions, they obediently followed God's will, and their lives were changed forever. They put their expectations aside and embarked on a journey they never could have imagined. We are all familiar with their story, but this is ours.

Marlaine and I were married in 1992 and tried for 8 years to have a child. We had always wanted to be parents; it was something we just felt we needed to do. We had fertility issues and as we tried treatment after treatment and nothing happened. We began to wonder, “Why us? What had we done to deserve this?” It became very depressing, and we wondered what God had in store for us. For all of our frustration, we had not yet reached the point of letting go and letting God. After another frustrating Christmas, we finally came to the point of realizing that there were other ways to have children, and this was where God was leading us.

We decided that we didn't want a pregnancy, we wanted a child. We prayed and looked for God's direction, and he moved us to international adoption. When we did it God's way, you could see his hand in all that happened. From an out-of-state woman who took a tour of the Statler Brother's museum and recommended an adoption agency to Marlaine's mom (which we used for both of our children), to adopting Brooks right before adoptions were stopped in Romania, to asking for a girl and getting a picture of Patrick, and to almost having his adoption fall through but finding hospital records in Guatemala that allowed his adoption to proceed. In each case we could see God working to fulfill God’s plan, not ours.

If we allow it, God will change our life. I don't know what God has planned for my children, but I know what God had planned for us. Every day is a constant reminder of how great God is and how God answers prayer and how God took two children who needed a home and put them with two people who wanted children even though they lived far away. God knows no boundaries and nothing is too great a task!!

In this Advent season, open your hearts to God's will, let go and let God and experience the joy and blessings that God can provide. Who knows maybe God will change your life, and just like us and just like Mary and Joseph, you can ask the questions: Why me?!! What did I do to deserve this?!!

Write This one time when I asked God, “why me?! What did I do to deserve this?” was . . .

Pray Open my heart, God, to receiving your life-changing gifts. Give me the patience to see things unfolding in your timing, not mine. Amen.

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Friday, December 22 Study Matthew 2:1-12 — Barbara McClung 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? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”

Reflect I was supposed to be a nurse.

As far back as I can remember my father talked about my nursing career. I started college taking biology classes, but I soon discovered I was in the wrong field.

What should I do? Going against my father's wishes was a difficult decision, and one that I deeply regretted, but I wanted to choose a different major. I needed to follow my own star.

My guidance counselor suggested elementary education. Did God want me to be a teacher? I did not know what would unfold, but I did know that if I worked hard and stepped out in faith, I would find success.

My education classes were challenging, but very enjoyable. Teaching young children to read was my strength, and I concentrated on first and second graders..

Well, I followed my dream, and in 2000, I retired from a fulfilling 30-year teaching career. In looking back I now realize that God has been faithful throughout my journey.

Write The Magi in Matthew 2 leave behind a life to make a journey others thought was strange. This one time I left behind the sensible but found God on the journey . .

Pray Never let me get complacent, God. Grant me the ability to dream your dreams and follow your will.

Amen.

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Saturday, December 23 Study Luke 1:39-45 — Anne Moore For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy.

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

Reflect Many years ago, I was asked if I would agree to be nominated to head an organization that, if elected, would result in a four-year commitment of time, energy, and finances. I was reluctant to take this step out in faith; I was newly divorced and trying to put my life back together.

This commitment would require much sacrifice and planning. A dear friend talked to me and said he thought I had the ability to do this job and to do it well. He sent me a copy of a poem entitled, "God Pointed His Finger At Me.” I will not repeat it all here, but some of the wording is as follows: I said my cross is too heavy now, from worries I'll never be free. He told me of the cross on which He died, and He pointed his finger at me.

I said the demands will grow greater you see, and He said all that you have I have given to you and He pointed His finger at me, So, I said a prayer and answered yes to this fine opportunity and my life has blessed in many ways since God Pointed His Finger at me.

If you are called the Lord's work to do say Yes, I give it all to Thee, and you too will be glad for I have been glad that God pointed his finger at me.

I was nominated for this office and elected to serve, which began a journey of faith and joy culminating in most successful years of service. Since that time, I have been afforded many leadership opportunities, but I always remember this meaningful poem and have applied it to each position I have been privileged to hold. I have enjoyed many years of service in several organizations.

This poem was on my mind when I was asked to serve as a deacon here at First Baptist and as Chair of the Stewardship and Personnel Committees. These years have been more of a blessing to me than to those I served. Through prayer and dedication and with the assistance of many other talented and dedicated people, success was achieved.

God says He has faith in your ability when He points his finger at you, but when He points His finger, He is letting you know you have the ability. You must be willing to dedicate the time and effort required for a successful result.

I encourage everyone to be willing to step out in faith when "God Points His Finger At You." Write In Luke 1, Mary went to Elizabeth for counsel and support. At different times in our lives , people closest to us give us the push we need to follow God’s will. A significant person in my life is _________ because . . .

Pray Thank you, LORD, for the presence of my friends, family, and church. Through community, I experience your grace anew. Amen.

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Sunday, December 24 Study Isaiah 9:2 — Barrett Owen 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.

Reflect At the beginning of this Advent Guide, I said the following: We follow all the time. We follow instructions, diets, traffic patterns, road signs, advice, cravings, sports scores, college athletics, weather patterns, and laws. We follow because something deep inside longs for something beyond, something more, and it invites us on a journey towards it.

You may be craving cereal and your stomach invites you to journey into the kitchen. You may long for the beach and book a hotel for next month. You may long for meaning in your daily grind, and the Holy Spirit invites you on a spiritual journey towards God. This last one is what Advent is about.

Christmas calls us to a journey of faith. This journey leads us to a Bethlehem barn to meet our newborn king, and we are guided by a north star.

I believe this guiding star still shines today. It may not be visible in the night sky, but this light foreshadowed by Isaiah still shines in our lives and leads us all to the manger scene, and I see this most profoundly through the ministry and missions of First Baptist.

I am so incredibly proud to be at a church that chooses to see faith formation as an opportunity to follow Christ’s star. It is an honor to pastor a congregation that willingly follows God’s light. And tonight, we will see this light again as we worship at 5pm and 7pm with communion, carols, and candlelight. Towards the end of the 7pm service, we will light one another’s candles and together demonstrate the power of God’s light shining in the dark.

This singular moment will pause time. It will remind us that following the star to the manger takes us to God. Wherever you are tonight, may you feel the alluring presence of God and forever choose to follow the star, for it leads you to God.

Write Places I see the North Star shining are . . .

Pray In whatever capacity I need, LORD, give me the eyes to see your North Star and give me the courage to follow. Amen.

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Monday, December 25 Study Luke 2:10-11 — Merv Wooten But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.

Reflect God's faithfulness is sometimes so awesome it is hard to adequately put it into words.

Six years ago on Sunday, June 5th, I suffered a massive heart attack. I was outside and did not feel any pain, but felt overheated and came inside. I called for my wife, Kay, and that was the last thing I remember for 30 days.

Kay performed CPR and called the rescue squad. They took me to Augusta Health. At Augusta Health Emergency Room personnel worked for several hours trying to save me. At this point most of my family and lots of my friends had arrived and started a prayer vigil.

David Washburn, our pastor at the time, was there to comfort my family. He had talked with the ER staff was told I had a 5% chance to live and they could not get me stable enough to get me to UVA. As prayers were being offered, things began to turn around. By Wednesday, I was stable enough to be flown by Pegasus to UVA. After having the balloon pump at AMC and a tandemheart at UVA, UVA did open heart surgery to implant a L-VAD pump which kept me alive for six months until I received a heart transplant on November 28th. There were so many things that went wrong, but there was always a solution to correct the problems I was having. We now know they were miracles.

After being in a coma for thirty days, I woke up one morning and there was no one in the room with me.

As if God were speaking to me saying, "why are you worried? This is in my hands.” From that point on I have not worried about my health at all. Six years later, I am healthy and living a normal life. God's faithfulness is awesome. Miracles happen.

Write Like the angel in Luke 2, at times God reminds us to not be afraid. One time I felt God say this was . . .

Pray God of miracles, thank you for your unconditional love. Grant me peace in my unknowing. Help me remember I am never alone and you are with me. Amen.

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