A Word from the Pastor In the opening scene of Hamlet, Shakespeare writes: Some say that ever ‘gainst that season comes Wherein our Savior’s birth is celebrated, The bird of dawning singeth all night long; And then, they say, no spirit dare stir abroad, The nights are wholesome, then no planets strike, No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm, So hallowed and so gracious is the time (Act 1, Scene 1) On the dark bulwark of Elsinore, Marcellus speaks to his companion Horatio of the time of Jesus’ birth. He says it’s a “hallowed” and “gracious” time. These lines say it all. We tend to think about time as just progression — moment following moment, the kind of time clocks or calendars measure. But we also experience time as depth, as having quality – a good time, a dangerous time, an auspicious time, a time marked not by its duration but by its content. Christmas is a hallowed and gracious time. A time that cannot be purchased or planned but comes upon us as grace, as a free and unbidden gift. Shakespeare embodies this kind of depth by saying even “the bird of dawning sings all night long” as though Christmas is a perpetual season of dawning, and thus for once, even the powers of darkness lose their way to charm. Frederick Buechner writes, “Only at Christmas does the darkness of disenchantment, cynicism, and doubt draw back, and all the usual worldly witcheries lose something of their power to charm. Maybe we cannot manage to believe that Christmas story with all our hearts. But as long as this hallowed and gracious moment lasts, we can at least believe that it is of all things the one most worth believing. And that may not be as far as it sounds from what belief really is.” This Advent Guide is an attempt to capture what Shakespeare and Buechner articulate about Christmas — that it is full of hallowed and gracious moments. From daily devotionals to family traditions and holiday recipes, this guide is a reminder that for each day we dedicate to being in God’s word to worshiping and fellowshipping alongside church members then the bird of dawning will keep singing. The gracious moments will keep appearing. The depth of time will keep revealing that at Christmas “grace comes down” and glory fills our souls. Merry Christmas,
Pastor Barrett
November 30 Psalm 96:1-3 — Jan Leeth O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. -Psalm 96:1
When I came to Christ, I was physically and mentally broken. I called myself a Christian, but had not truly considered what giving my life to Christ looked like. I was acting the same way I had for years, and longing to find purpose and strength. God took me though the valley of my own pride so I could look up and see how God could restore me. Sure enough, the creator of the universe had given me a new song for my life by salvation through Jesus Christ. How many people around us are trying to live by singing the same song that has caused them to feel hopeless? Perhaps circumstances throughout their lives have caused them to feel broken. Could we affect their life by introducing them to the reason for our joy? Can we introduce them to Christ who will give them a new song for their life? Music is an important part of worship. We are surrounded at First Baptist by beautiful music throughout the year. Sometimes a new hymn is introduced that may be unfamiliar and difficult to sing. Upon repetition however, some of these hymns become favorites. Maybe that is how we reach out to those who are defeated. We continue to minister over and over to get them used to the idea that they can have a new song for their life. We pray for Christ to intervene in their shattered world to let them know that they are important and can, by God’s grace, be reborn. Angels were present at Christ’s birth singing and praising. Jesus was born to be the new song of life for our world. Let’s sing! Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Life Questions: Using the gifts God has given you, what can you do to minister to the broken hearted? What mission or ministry teams at First Baptist could use your help?
Prayer: Loving God, thank you for giving us hope and salvation. Help us to proclaim your greatness to a hurting world. Amen.
December 1 Psalm 98 — Seth Price O sing to the Lord a new song . . . he has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness. -Psalm 98:1,3
When I was in college, I was required to attend convocations three times weekly; you couldn’t graduate if you skipped these gatherings. The further I get from that time in my life the more I realize how much I didn’t appreciate those moments for the opportunities that they were. We had all sorts of speakers come and every so often we would have amazing artists come to lead us in worship.
The lights would dim and the entire arena would buzz with anticipation. Then each time the arena would come to life with the sound of 10,000 voices all standing before their God and singing a new song. Those moments are fleeting now, but they are important. This season of Advent in anticipation of our Coming Christ.
reminds me of that feeling. It’s the pause of my life’s rhythms as I gather
David seems to agree with me in Psalm 98. The poem lives and breathes this in a way that is unmistakable. Creation hums and all the end of the Earth sing praises in unison with our own. What better way to lean into this day of the Advent season?
Life Question: What do I need to do today to step back and take in the glory of this creation and apply that in our lives? What can we rejoice in today that we didn’t rejoice in yesterday? Where can you sing a new song?
Prayer: Lord today, help us reflect on the joy that can be found in anticipation and help us sing new songs and be glad that there is reason to sing.
December 2 Isaiah 2:1-5 — Rick Kane . . . they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. -Isaiah 2:4
The young boy had his room decorated just how he wanted it. The crumpled up wads of paper from trying to write an eighth grade English paper missed the trash can. He just kicked them under the unmade bed. His frustration with his poor reading and writing skills came out as anger. His only solace was his artwork. His room was one big collage. Photos of rock stars, beautiful models and celebrities were taped to the walls and ceiling. Intermingled with his clay sculptures, model airplanes and interesting junk. It was his sanctuary. His parents can no longer take it. He had been given the choice to clean it himself, but he couldn't force himself to disturb what he had created even if what he had created was a dirty mess. He fought verbally with his mom and physically with his dad. He lost and was banned to the downstairs while they cleaned his room for hours. He decided that if they destroyed his creation he was running away. He was angry. They came unceremoniously downstairs to fix Sunday dinner. He slipped upstairs with a pillow case for his suitcase but when he entered the room, he was awestruck. His parents had cleaned up the dirt and trash but the art was left. No destruction. It was like walking into someplace new, his anger left, his awe began. How could his parents know just what to throw out and what things to save? He was struck with how much they cared, how much they loved him, how they actually heard him in his protests. He vowed that he would keep his room clean, that he would change. Those things on the walls and ceilings were not as important as the grace he had discovered. When the family had to move, he was able to take all of the collages and artwork without hesitation. He took with him the gift of grace.
Life Question: When has the "stuff" in your life become clutter and needed to be cleaned out? Did you answer with anger or were give the gift of grace?
Prayer: Father, we pray today, that when we accumulate the clutter in our lives, that you open our eyes and give us the wisdom to know to trust you in cleaning it out of our lives. Thank you for your love and how you work through others to reach us with your lessons of grace. Use us to pass on those lessons to others. Amen.
December 3 Isaiah 7: 14 — Steve Howlett 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
When I was a young college student living in Baltimore, I believed that I could become truly awesome if I learned to play the guitar. So my friends and I went to the shady side of the city where one could buy almost anything for a low price as long as he didn't ask too many questions. It was with a somewhat nervous and guilty spirit that I rode a rickety elevator in a rundown warehouse to make my purchase. I became anxious to leave with my new guitar and was impatient with the elevator which had no door. So I foolishly peered down the open shaft to see where it was. I felt myself pulled back just as the elevator descended from the floor above, barely missing my head. A minute later I was outside, stepping off the curb when again I pulled back just before a bus ran over me. Having been almost killed twice in one minute and saved by a mysterious instinct got my attention, made me weak and sweaty, and reminded me that God is with me even when I have gone to places I shouldn't. I believed then, and I believe now, that God is always present even when we forget. Sometimes we are awakened by either pleasant or sometimes dramatically unpleasant events. Isaiah predicted the arrival of His son, Immanuel, which means “God is with us.” He lives within us, constantly protecting and inspiring us. He sends us both angels and friends and sends us to them. Even when we are stupid, even when we are in a dangerous place, even when we aren't aware of love or goodness or peace, or even of God, He is there to bless us and take care of us.
Life Question: What makes you aware of God's presence? Prayer: Ever-present God, thank you for being with us all the time.
December 4 Isaiah 9: 6-7 — Penni Crist For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6
“Wait, I need to switch hats before beginning this next task.” Do you ever feel that way? We all wear many hats, have many names, titles, and responsibilities. I am a Christian, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an employee, a church member, a teacher, a team-mom, a chauffeur, a volunteer, a care-taker, the chief cook and bottle washer…and the list goes on. But, my titles have no awe or greatness in them; they are task oriented, related to my day-to-day responsibilities. Isaiah foretells of the One with the name above all names! When I read Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Christ and his rule, I am in awe of the honoring names by which he is called. Isaiah shares the announcement of the One who is coming to us, for us; the One who will transform the world with joy and peace under His rule. Isaiah’s list of titles describes the many attributes and glorious nature of the Messiah. He is Wonderful Counselor; extraordinary, and marvelous in his counsel. His counsel is so life-giving because He informs us from God’s perspective. He knows our very being and has a perfect plan for us. Jesus is Mighty God and all the power is given to Him in heaven and on earth. There is no rule above him. He is the Eternal. He continually acts as a parental force in our lives. He wants what is best for us and like a father, loves us unconditionally, for eternity. He is the Prince of Peace and there will be no end to this peace. This type of peace goes beyond the absence of strife; it comes about when there is spiritual harmony through our restoration with God. This is the Messiah and the world which Isaiah prophecies. Rest in confidence; knowing that the zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.
Life Questions: How do you see Jesus in your life? What names do you call him? Prayer: Most Excellent God, we are so thankful for the gift of your child. May we remember, now, and always, to rest in the confidence of your sovereign rule and everlasting peace. Amen.
December 5 Isaiah 11:1-10 — Charlie Downs The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. -Isaiah 11:6
As someone who sometimes feels challenged to understand the symbolism within the Old and New Testament chronicles, especially as they apply to life experiences today, for me parts of Isiah 11:1-10 portray a serene sense of what peace may look like in our future. The scripture begins with “A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse”. Further along the metaphors describe peace as: “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.” These images have been famously depicted in poetry, music and art. You may recognize the above as a copy of many paintings known as “The Peaceable Kingdom.” The Christmas message is about the One who is to bring peace on earth. While we celebrate Christmas as the birth day, like all life, it is what happens after that date that becomes the fulfillment of God’s promise. How, though, can we be any closer to God’s mission for Christ’s birth among us when the news constantly reminds the world of hate, greed, violence, mistrust, and lack of forgiveness? When can we expect God’s intervention to bring a better sense of calmness so that we may experience that “Peaceable Kingdom”? Perhaps, it’s not God’s responsibility to intervene at this time to bring about peace and goodwill. Can that reference to a “child” possibly be me or you? Are we all not considered to be a child of God? Wherever we are, whatever we do or say, let this Christmas be a season for us to renew a feeling of calmness and comfort among those who need compassion, encouragement and a sense of well-being. Remember the Christmas song: “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
Life Question: How do you contribute to God’s in-breaking of the peaceable kingdom?
Prayer: Peaceful God, you call us to partner and bring restoration. You call us to be people of peace. May we realize the depth and breadth of your hope for us to be people of peace. Â
December 6 Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 (NRSV) — Bruce Henderson The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners. -Isaiah 61:1-2
I must admit that when I agreed to write an Advent devotional, my thoughts immediately turned to the birth of Christ and the joyous day he was born. When I read that my Scripture text was from the book of Isaiah, I expected a passage that proclaimed the coming of the Messiah, but when I read the text, I was surprised. This text doesn’t mention the coming Messiah at all. I had to ask myself, what does this text have in common with the Advent season? Isaiah is speaking to people who have endured wars and are feeling lost and alone. They truly needed to hear that God had not forgotten them and was there to hold them up. Is this message needed any less today? This message comes to us at a time when the daily news is filled with horrific events on a daily basis. Just this week a family at Kate Collins lost a child to cancer. My wife has a friend who has a small child fighting a rare form of leukemia. The doctors are doing all they can and we are praying for a miracle. This text comes at a time that is filled with fear and sadness. What greater news can there be than that God will turn our sorrows into gladness and will comfort those who mourn. Is that not the true message of Advent? Jesus was born and came to Earth to fulfill this promise from God. Jesus knew sorrow, suffered pain, mourned and died for us to show us that we are not alone. Embrace this message as you go through this Advent season. Know that God is with you and he sent Jesus to show that love and devotion and to fulfill the promise that Isaiah told God’s chosen people.
Life Question: How can we show God’s love to those who need it most this Advent season? Prayer: God help us to remember your promise that you are always there for us when we need you and to see that the birth of Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise. Amen.
December 7 Jeremiah 33:14-16 — Sara Howlett The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. -Jeremiah 33:14
She was standing across the room, dressed a bit oddly for a class reunion. She wore a green tee shirt, camouflage pants, and sneakers. I blinked, not believing my eyes, then I ran over and gave her a big hug. The years rolled away and suddenly I felt like an eight year old again. That was the year I accepted Christ and in my excitement had shared my new faith with her. We were both baptized that year. Every five years I had traveled to my high school reunion. Having lots of relatives and little time, this was my chance to connect with old friends. I never thought I would see her there; actually I had given up hope of seeing her again. When I visited my mother I would always inquire of this friend. Mother told me she lived nearby but that she and her husband were drug users. I worried about her, wanting to see her, but not knowing how she would react. I decided against a visit but committed to pray for her. I did this for many years.
As we were talking amid the noisy crowd, she told me she was now free of drugs, and that she had renewed her faith. She said she wanted to write to me. I eagerly gave her my address and told her I would love to hear from her. Sadly, I heard a few months later that her cancer had returned and she had passed away. I wonder what she might have said had she been able to write to me. I am so grateful that God gave me those precious moments with her. Just as the prophet Jeremiah predicted that God would one day set things right for Jerusalem, so my friend, despite more than a decade of drug use, came again to know the peace of her faith.
Life Question: Have you waited many years before your prayer was answered? Prayer: Dear Lord, During Advent we find little time to spend with you. Our hectic schedules leave us breathless as we rush around doing those things we feel we “should” do. Instead of this list of “gifts” we think are important, help us to see the ones that really matter, and to patiently wait for them. Amen.
December 8 Micah 3:5 — Nancy Jones “. . . and he shall be the one of peace.” -Micah 3:5
In 1861, the Holy Trinity Church in Philadelphia, called a new pastor named Phillips Brooks. The church prospered under his leadership to a staggering 1,000 members, which was unheard of during that time. As the country was embroiled in the Civil War, many of Brooks’ church members were either injured or killed on the battlefields. Adding to the country’s grief was the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Despite all the adversity, though, Brooks became known for being a great church leader, pastor, and speaker. By 1865, Brooks was weary and in desperate need of renewal. He made the decision to take a sabbatical and traveled to the Holy Land. On Christmas Eve, 1865, he took a horseback ride from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. Making such a trip was dangerous, but he went ahead on the road. As it grew dark and the stars appeared he soon saw Bethlehem in the distance before him. He was in awe at what God did there, when God sent Jesus to become a man to save us. Brooks later would say that the experience was so overpowering that he would be forever “singing in his soul.” When he returned to his church, he found himself frustrated, however, at being unable to convey the depth of his Bethlehem experience to his people. Then one night, as he was reliving that experience in his mind, he began to write it all down in a poem. He gave this poem to his organist, who put music to it: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” was the result. “O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie, Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given. So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.” Phillips Brooks found peace and renewal that night in Bethlehem, because of what God did in Jesus there. Micah predicted “this One would be our peace.” You can also find that peace, when you find the Savior who was born for you in that “little town” where the “dear Christ enters in.” Life Question: When and where have you been amazed at God’s wonder?
Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for the gift of your son Jesus Christ and the miracle in Bethlehem.
December 9 Zephaniah 3:14-20 — Nita Hughes Sing aloud . . . the king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst. -Zephaniah 3:14,15
Vocal music brings joy to my life! I sing lullabies to babies as I rock them. I enjoy singing with children in Sunday School. I worship God through praise songs and hymns at church and I hum along with tunes on the radio as I drive. We join our voices for “Happy Birthday,” the National Anthem, the school fight song and Christmas caroling. We sing in the shower and whistle while we work! Songs calm, inspire, and motivate us. Our voices are gifts from God.
Zephaniah tells of God bringing judgement on evil people and wiping out wicked nations. It seems those people have much to be afraid of! Our God of love brings peace and forgiveness. He brings reasons to sing and rejoice. He delivers the message that he will live among them. God even says that he will be singing a happy song! God singing? I have an image in my mind of God smiling down on me and on others who do his will and live obediently. I can see him laughing with little children as they frolic and play, but I have never thought about GOD SINGING! I am thankful that Zephaniah brings that picture to life for me. During the Christmas season, I always think of the angels singing and Mary singing tenderly to baby Jesus. This Christmas I will be touched by the image of God singing along with me and with others who celebrate the birth of our Savior through beautiful music. I will thank God that the Word is new and fresh every morning - an ongoing gift to us. New lessons about God come to life each day! God can take drastic measures to discipline people, as he did in the book of Zephaniah, but he also calms our fears and rejoices with singing. Listen for his melodic voice this Christmas season!
Life Question: As you read the Bible today, what “jumps out at you” that is new and fresh? Prayer: God, fill us with your joy and peace as we celebrate Christmas through song. Thank you for singing along with us. Amen.
December 10 Malachi 2:17-3:5 — David Washburn "Where is the God of justice?" - Malachi 2:17
When I lived in the Charlottesville area, I played basketball with a group of guys every weekday morning at 5:45. Over time, we got to know each other rather well. It was a great group of guys. Jerry was one of the younger ones who played with us. When he started playing, he was single; he eventually got married and then his wife got pregnant. One morning, I showed up to play and word spread that Jerry’s wife had gone into labor. We finished playing, I returned home to get cleaned up, and my cell phone rang. It was Jeff, one of the guys that played ball with us, “David, Jerry’s son was born this morning, but something’s wrong. I don’t know exactly what, but I don’t think it’s good.” I told Jeff I’d check on them. I went to the hospital to see Jerry and his wife. I knocked on the door and entered the room to see Jerry holding his son, but Jerry did not have the typical first-time father look on his face. Jerry told me that his son had a rare condition and would not live through the night. Jerry looked at me and asked, “Why did God let this happen?” Life’s not fair. Where was God? Is there no justice in this world? How could God let that happen? At one time or another, we’ve all had these thoughts and asked these very questions. We, like the people the prophet Malachi is responding to, have “wearied the Lord,” crying out that the righteous are suffering, while the evil doers are prospering; wondering why the God of justice is missing in action. Advent is a season of preparation, when we expectantly wait upon the promise that “the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come.” O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel.
Life Questions: What in life has you “wearing the Lord?” What enables you to wait upon and believe in the Lord’s justice? Prayer: O God, draw near unto me and calm my heart that I might be assured of your presence in the midst of injustice and pain.
December 11 Luke 1:26-33 — Gail Mann The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. –Luke 1:30
“SURPRISE!” I heard as I raced around the corner of our friend’s house one summer evening. Of course, I sang along happily but I was frantically thinking, “Oh no, I must have forgotten that it’s a birthday party. I didn’t even bring a gift. Who has a birthday today?” In total confusion and bewilderment, I asked those around me, and they responded, “It’s for YOU!”
I protested, “That’s impossible! My birthday was in June, this is August!” Eventually, I understood, enjoyed the party, and basked in the joy of their friendship, but not at first. Luke 1:26-33 describes the encounter between God’s angel, Gabriel, and Mary, a young Jewish woman about to be married. Gabriel suddenly appears to tell Mary that God has found her beautiful inside and out and that God is with her. Mary’s initial response to this intrusion is described in different translations as feeling “deeply troubled,” “wondering how this could be,” and “being thoroughly shaken.” This also describes my state of mind as I was singing “Happy Birthday” to myself. Anxiety and bewilderment so easily slip into our lives, but we need not stay there. Fear and misunderstanding can be dispelled as we recall God’s Truth in Gabriel’s response: “Mary, you have nothing to fear! God has a surprise for you!” (Luke 1:30 – The Message). So much truth resides in this statement! God loves us enough that God surprised all of humanity by sending Jesus to share his amazing love. Let’s enjoy the surprise, accept the Gift, and feel loved! Life Questions: When has God’s response to your fears and concerns surprised you? What must we assume about God in order to trust God’s surprises? Prayer: Oh God, thank you for your gift of Jesus and for the way you continually send Grace filled surprises that keep the wonder of our Love alive in my heart. Please keep me hearing Gabriel’s assurance that I have nothing to fear and, like Mary, trust you fully.
December 12 Luke 1:46-56 — Noelle Owen And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord. -Luke 1:46
The stores are crowded. The neighborhoods are alive with reindeer and lights. The to-do list is full of last-minute gifts and recipe ingredients for the holiday parties. A quick glance at the calendar reveals that Christmas is less than two weeks away – where has all the time gone? With a tinge of sadness comes the memory of holidays in years past, laughing with those who are no longer here. With a glow of nostalgia comes the excitement of waking up on Christmas morning to see what Santa has brought. There’s the joy of staying up late on Christmas Eve and getting the toys and stockings “just right” for the children on Christmas morning. The hope of a perfect Christmas is woven with worry that the pain of 2015 will continue into 2016. Mary’s song, also known as the Magnificat, weaves together the same hope and worry, for it is the song of humility and joy in the midst of difficult circumstances. Mary is young, newly pregnant. She is unsure of exactly what the future holds. The world as she knows it has changed; yet, she clings to her faith. Mary’s faith mirrors the Advent season. For her, faith is believing: . . . hope abounds. God has done great things for God’s people, and since the worst things are never the last things, God will keep doing great things. . . . love roots God’s people to faith and prosperity that continues to grow throughout the generations. . . . peace springs forth in the humility of prostrating before God as God walks alongside us. . . . joy overflows in the creation of new life. The sun sets and the sun rises again with the dawning of a new day. This Christmas season, let us be a people more like Mary, who authentically engage a mighty God. Let us be a people who see and serve God in the midst of our busyness, joy, confusion, love, pain, everydayness, hope, and sorrow. Let our souls do as Mary’s did — magnify the Lord. Life Question: What feelings do I have about the Christmas season? How am I turning these feelings over to God?
Prayer: God of hope, love, peace, and joy, give us the eyes to see and the ears to hear how our souls can better magnify you. Amen.
December 13
Luke 1:67-80 — Kitten Arehart Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. -Luke 1:68
Several years ago I heard a sermon that had a message that was very memorable year after year at holiday time. The story tells about a group of folks that were planning a big birthday party for a very special friend. They began the plans months before the date of the birthday. They met several times, made many phone calls, and stayed in close contact to plan this big event. During the meetings, they discussed ideas and settled on a plan. They went over every details and divided up the assignments. They reviewed the plans and checked and double checked every detail. They made sure of the location, guest list, invitations, bakery, decorations, color scheme, and timelines to make it very special for their special friend. On the day of the event, they arrived early and began the process of the setup. Everything was falling into place, and the organizers were quite proud. As the guests began to arrive, one asked when the "guest of honor" was to arrive. The planners and arrangers looked at each other with blank faces, because they had covered every detail except inviting the guest of honor. When I read Luke 1:67-0, I see the lengths God went to in order to prepare for the guest of honor. John the Baptist was the precursor to the guest of honor and this text appears at the same time the party planning team does to prepare for the event: right before the guest of honor arrives. During the busy holiday season, how often do we forget the "guest of honor" and the reason for the holiday season? We remember the shopping, the decorating, the baking, the events, the music, and all of the wonderful things associated with the magical season. Do we include the guest of honor?
Life Question: Do we truly make Jesus the guest of honor? Prayer: Please God, help us to remember, include, praise, and worship you in all of our holiday preparations and festivities. You are truly the reason for the season and help us to never forget how truly blessed we are to have you as daily our Guest of Honor.
December 14 Luke 2:7 - Sandy Mays And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. -Luke 2:7
What is Christmas anyway? Is it a simple scene admits the balling, mewling livestock? Does it reek of dung and the sweet smell of hay? Is it truly holly or ever silent or perhaps mingle with joy and laughter, hearty and pure, rejoicing in the birth of a newborn child? Might we think again of all that lay in a crude but efficient manger? A baby swaddled and loved by parents, both human and divine, sometimes sleeping, sometimes crying for mother’s milk. Was this the best God could do? Bringing Jesus to a sin-sick world in the mist inelegant of places. This special delivery, a gift so divine as to be unrecognizable by the common man. A perfect gift, untarnished by the sins of this world yet destined to bear them all. The answers lie in the word “salvation” with all its interactive promise and meaning for both the present and the future. As Buchner said, “All the world is a manger.”
Life Question: How do you understand the birth story of Jesus? Prayer: God thank you of the Great Gift in your son Jesus Christ. Amen.
December 15 Luke 2:8-14 — Don Thomas “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” -Luke 2:14
It has been a tough year. My parents are getting older and their health is fading. Several weeks ago, mom took a fall. As beaten and battered that she was, we were lucky she didn’t fall and hit her head on the top corner of the brick planter outside of her apartment; she merely grazed down the side of it and cut herself in a few places. She knows how lucky she is. For fear of what might be next in our journey, we decided to gather for Thanksgiving ‘one last time’ as a family. It was the first time in many years that we were all together, maybe even the last.
There’s that word: FEAR. How different is our fear of death, or illness, than that of when the shepherds were greeted by the angel? Scripture describes the shepherds like this: “. . . and they were terrified.” We all fear the unknown. “What’s the diagnosis Doctor?” “Will I get through this?” “I can’t take being all alone anymore, where do I turn?” “How does it play out for us?” We are a society that has to know. We all want to know how the story ends. The answer to these existential questions is in what happens next in Luke 2. Scripture says, “Christ the Lord is born this day. . .” It is with the birth of the Divine that we have hope. Hope for tomorrow, hope for Peace, hope for a cure. The birth of Jesus is the story of how God came to dwell with us on earth so we could experience the Divine as a person. This gift is still the best gift ever given to humans. Family is a close second. Remember the times you have with family as each time could be the last time you are all together.
Life Question: What terrifies you this day? What do you lean on to find your answer? Prayer: Ever present Creator, we thank you for the gift of your Son, our Savior. Let us find comfort in knowing there is peace on earth to all willing to see it. Amen.
December 16 Luke 2:15-20 — Joe Pittman Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us. -Luke 2:15b
Starting earlier each year, we are bombarded with ads on television, social media, and in print of the “Best Sale This Year” or “Unbeatable Prices” or “The Perfect Holiday Gift.” Think for a moment of what that perfect holiday gift was for you at any point in your life. Maybe it was a new smart phone, or television, or as a child, the one toy that “everyone” wanted that was in limited supply and only a select few lucky children would receive. How many people do you know would spend a few minutes thinking on this and land on a material gift as an answer? Would you or others overlook the most important gift of the season, the gift that the Lord shared with the world in the form of Jesus? I have spent most of my working life in the retail industry, and as a Christian have to struggle this time of year with the importance of every sale helping the company bottom line, and therefore my financial well-being, while keeping in mind the true meaning of this season. It is easy for many of us, whether we are the retailer or the consumer to get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, that we lose sight of what is truly important. We consolidate gift lists, try to ensure every gift is tailored to the recipient, balancing costs so no one feels left out with our own budget. We’ll watch for the “Best Sale,” the deal that will help us look like we truly went the extra mile in picking out the gift for that someone. When those gifts are exchanged, there will be a mix of surprise, gratitude, and at times disappointment when the recipient gets something they, well maybe didn’t want or doesn’t fit. The key to remember is all of this is small when compared to the greatest gift of all. The birth of Christ and the Advent season is truly the time to appreciate not what comes from a store or in a package under the tree, but the gift from God that is fundamental to our faith.
Life Question: How do I balance the season of giving with the meaning of the season? Prayer: Lord, as we go through this holiday season, help us to not lose sight of the things that are most important this time of year. Thanks and praise to you for the gift of Jesus in our lives.
December 17 John 8:12 — Garrie Blanton Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” -John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Mary, the Mother of Christ, exemplified a simple, faith-filled life. When the angel Gabriel came to her, he announced that she would bear the Son of God. He would be the "light of men." Christ answers the need in each of us for a savior. When we follow Jesus, the true light, we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin. He lights the pathway before us as we seek to follow.
In this present Christmas season, as in the past, there is no need to stumble in darkness. The light of Christ's presence shines on us. While the future is not predictable, the light of Jesus is the one reality on which we can depend.
Life questions: Have we allowed Christ's life example in the scriptures to offer light to us in our daily lives? Do we have faith-filled hearts?
Prayer: Lord open our eyes to the radiance of your light that we may know your will.
December 18 John 1:16-17 — Steve Boling From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace. -John 1:16
Some of my favorite songs during the Advent season are gospel tunes. There is a gospel song by the name of Sinner Saved by Grace sung by my favorite gospel group, The Gaither Vocal Band. The first words of the song are as follows: If you could see what I once was. If you could go with me. Back to where I started from, then I know you would see. A miracle of love that took me in it's sweet embrace and made me what I am today. A sinner saved by grace. Jesus is the miracle of Christmas and the miracle for all of us to share every day. He takes us in his sweet embrace as Mary held her son in that manger in Bethlehem. Let us remember at this time of Advent that we can share this miracle with others who need to be saved by his grace.
Life Question: How do you describe the moment you were saved by grace? Prayer: Gracious God, for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, we give you thanks.
December 19 Romans 13:11-14 — Susan Lasher And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. -Romans 13:11
Culturally, we experience the Advent season as more or less one event -- Christmas. As people of The Book; for those who have their names recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life, is there anything else beyond the reading of the Christmas story and the singing of carols? Moving through the calendar year presents opportunities to give special focus to different aspects of our walk with the Lord. Enter Advent. Let us be about the business of preparing for the Lord, seeking and yearning, hungering and thirsting for more of Jesus. During Advent we examine ourselves and our hearts and boldly decide to do what needs to be done to prepare for the increase of Christ in our lives, to again process the miracle and challenges the first Christmas presented, and contemplate a time when Jesus will return again. The Bible records the word "prepare" or "preparation" 168 times. John the Baptist said his purpose in life was to prepare the way of the Lord. Jesus prepared for his earthly ministry with John's baptism of rededication of one's intent to lay aside those things which are not a part of his God's plan and purpose for our lives. During his subsequent wilderness sojourn Jesus sought to focus on doing the will of his Father and laying aside any encumbrances that would hinder accomplishing that goal. It isn't difficult to draw some parallels. Holiday preparation may involve putting away our regular decor and replacing it or adding to it with things pertaining to the season. It probably involves cleaning, scrubbing, vacuuming and dusting. It involves going to the store, buying and then mixing, stirring, dicing, rolling out, cutting, baking, cooking, and setting the table to bring all the wonderful smells and beauty together. It involves writing cards and notes and buying gifts to remember friends and family to also wish them well in their season of preparation and celebration.
Life question: What do you need to do to prepare the way of the Lord and follow Christ? Prayer: God, give me the courage to live like John the Baptist. Grant me the wisdom to follow you.
December 20
Hebrews 1:1-4 — Mary Martin In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son. -Hebrews 1:1-2
Imagine a time before the advent of Christ; waiting for God to give a word through a prophet. Imagine the task of somehow discerning which prophets were real and which were false. Since God gave us Jesus, all that has changed. If we are to know who God is, the writer of Hebrews reminds us, all we have to do is look at his Son. If we are to know what God is saying to us, all we have to do is listen to Jesus, the one through whom God speaks. Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory. Jesus is the exact representation of God’s being. Jesus’ word sustains all things. What a comfort this is. We spend so much time stumbling through life blindly and all the while the exact representation of God is available to us through our relationship with Christ. What an advantage we have over the ancestors spoken of in Verse 1. We have God’s son as our example. We have the gift of hearing his words through the Bible and through quiet time. We don’t have to wait for anyone else to say, “This is the word of God.” We are able to listen for it ourselves. There are times when I feel I can hear God speak to me directly through scripture, through a sermon, through prayer, through silence, yet there are other times when I feel as though all communication has ceased—I can’t seem to hear his voice anywhere. It is then that I am not looking in the right place. I need to stop being so busy and return to the source. God is faithful. Verse 2 says, “He has spoken to us by his Son...” Not only does God love me enough to provide purification for my sins; he loves me enough to have Jesus speak to me. It is my responsibility—and privilege–to listen. Life Questions: What is God speaking to you through Jesus? How can you slow down and return to the source to hear his voice? Prayer: God, I cannot thank you enough for the gift of your son. Thank you for the love you continue to show in my life and for the opportunity to walk more closely with you through words I can trust. Open my ears to hear and my heart to respond. Amen
December 21 John 7:45-52 — Velva Barr The police answered, “Never has anyone spoken like this!” -John 7:46
The Pharisees in John 7 felt threatened and confused when the temple guards refused to arrest Jesus. “No one has ever spoken like this before,” they said. The Pharisees refused to hear what Jesus said, for they wanted to protect their own teaching and authority. Unfortunately, the importance they placed on their own lives became more important than making time to learn from the One who teaches peace. In the hustle and busy-ness of the holiday season, finding time for peace may be somewhat elusive. With meetings to fill agendas for preparation for the coming year, closing up responsibilities of the current year, Christmas parties, church celebrations, and preparations of our home for winter, this time of year can be exhausting. Careful planning goes into the details of each event so it is just perfect. Tablecloths, centerpieces, candles, no candles, red decorations, gold decorations, (or should it be blue and silver?) are some of the considerations that get made. What gift should we get each person on our list, who will appreciate what gift? Traveling: what day to go, which route to take? Enjoy the events here, enjoy the events there? All these things to consider. Where is the Peace in all the busyness? For me, it is in the weekly prayer intercessor time. It is taking time with a friend to have a cup of coffee and unhurried conversation. It is interruption in a day of shopping to have an extended lunch with cousins only seen once a year. Peace is fifteen minutes of closing your eyes and listening to hear what the Lord's ideas are about every detail of the season. The Lord cares about the details.
Life Question: Where do you find peace in all of your busyness? Prayer: Forgive us, Lord, when we leave you out of your own celebration. Thank you for your gift of love and peace.
December 22 Habakkuk 3:2-6 — Ben Brown O Lord, I have heard of your renown, and I stand in awe of your work. -Habakkuk 3:2
We went on a mission trip when I was in high school to Galax, Virginia. This small town had little to offer in the ways of sites to see or fun to be had, but my group and I spent much of the week leading Vacation Bible School and helping to repair a dilapidated library within the church. A man came in off of the street asking for tube socks. His feet were blistered from ill-fitting tennis shoes and a pair of socks would help to ease his discomfort. I searched through the materials that had been donated, but I couldn’t find a single pair of socks for the man. I informed him that we simply didn’t have any, and I asked if there was anything else we could do for him. The man smiled and thanked me, and he went on his way. As I came back to work on bookshelves in the library I looked down and notice the socks on my own feet. I had extra socks that I could have given him but now he was nowhere to be found. Habakkuk’s prayer tells of a theophany, a direct appearance of God. The text tells of God as a warrior, powerful and worthy of attention. God shines bright as the sun, nations tremble, and the earth shakes. Yet, this God of power and might comes to Earth as an infant. In “God is in the Manger,” Dietrich Bonhoeffer details how God surprises us in identity and personification, “As long as there are people, Christ will walk the earth as your neighbor, as the one through whom God calls you, speaks to you, makes demands on you. That is the great seriousness and great blessedness of the Advent message. Christ is standing at the door; he lives in the form of a human being among us.”
Life Question: How can you make room for the Christ-child in your heart this season? Can you recall experiences where you may have encountered Christ walking among us?
Prayer: God who surprises us, and is often not what we’d expect. Let our eyes be open to your presence all around us. Allow us this Advent season to notice you in the marginalized as well as the powerful, let us see you in perfection but also recognize you in the disenfranchised. Amen.
December 23 Psalm 27 — Larry Jones “The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear?” - Psalm 27:1
You, as I, have heard the comment that “in total darkness, the human eye can detect the light of a single candle 10 miles away.” I recently read a newer statement that is just as profound: “In today’s world of light being generated by so many things, 80% of the world’s population cannot see the Milky Way.” Our world is just not dark enough. Have you ever experienced total darkness? I can remember two times in my life, both as a youth, when I was in total darkness. One was on a family farm on a moonless night when we were too far out in the fields for any human generated light to reach us. You could not see where you were going or what was in front of you. The other time was on a tour of Mammoth Cave. After entering a large area we were instructed to stand perfectly still, at which point the lights were turned out. I thought the darkness on the farm was oppressive, but it was nothing like this. The darkness seemed to overtake every part of my being and I found myself longing for light. The world was in a similar state when God chose to send a light in the form of Jesus. The spiritual darkness at the time was not recognized because they thought they were doing everything correctly. They were following the law, keeping the commandments, and worshipping regularly. The people did not know that they needed a new light, so they were not looking for it. This is why it was so difficult for them to realize who Jesus was. In our world of almost constant light (digital clocks, night lights, phone screens) we also can be in danger of not seeing the correct light. Just as we can no longer see the Milky Way because of the bombardment of light, our ability to see the light of Christ is diminished because we think we are doing everything the correct way: singing our favorite carols, giving the perfect gifts, offering the correct holiday greeting. During this Advent season, set aside a time for contemplation in a place of total
darkness. Block out the human generated light in favor of the kind of darkness that will have you longing for light. Then maybe the true light of Christ can be detected 10 miles away.
Life Question: Do you believe it’s possible to see “the goodness of the Lord”? Prayer: Lord, guide me away from the human generated “light” so I can see you anew.
December 24 Matthew 1:18-25 — Barrett Owen “Look the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, God with us.” -Matthew 1:23
Everyday global poverty, cancer, preventable diseases, human trafficking, environmental degradation, health related illnesses, family issues, and personal depression make us realize darkness is real, and it is thick. These moments are when we need something to speak directly into this darkness. We need a Savior that shines a light further than fifteen feet. I’m reminded of a night when a young lady felt the sting of this darkness we’re talking about. She needed help. She was in pain. Her husband was doing all he could to help, but he needed more than what he had to give. Struggling to go from place to place, slow and not so steady the young couple trudged on until they found their help. An old man saw the need in their eyes and offered them what he had to give. “I don’t have any room in the inn,” he says, “but you can use my barn. It’s quiet there.” Mary and Joseph, the night Jesus was born, needed rescuing. They needed God, and sure enough, they found what they were looking for as they prepared to give birth to Emmanuel. The majesty found that Christmas Eve night is incalculable. Hence for and forevermore the world will have a light that cannot be snuffed out. The significance of this day helps me better understand joy, for it is the surprising reality that no matter how dark it gets (poverty, cancer, slavery), there is always more light to come.
Life Question: When and where have you seen God’s light? Prayer: Eternal God, give us the eyes to see your glorious light even in the midst of our dark days. Amen.
December 25 Christmas Day Matthew 1:18-23 — Barrett Owen Look, the young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel. -Matthew 1:23
At 8:50am, on this day, two 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 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 his life began. Jesus’ birth is the embodiment of God - literally. On this day over 2000 years ago, God steps into our world and dwells among us. The ripple-effects of this divine-human encounter is still changing everything! Never before has God stepped so closely and 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: What does the Incarnation mean to you?
Prayer: Eternal God, for the gift of your son Jesus Christ, we give you thanks. May we see with great clarity the majesty in today’s events 2000 years ago.
Christmas Traditions On Christmas Eve, we looked forward to the arrival of grandparents. We ate oyster stew and North Carolina goodies. Before going to bed, we always read The Littlest Angel and opened a gift of our choice. -Garrie Blanton Every family member brings one Christmas gift to exchange. Each person is given a fun Christmas trivia question or silly activity to do. Based on their response, they get to pick a gift from under the tree or have to trade with someone. It is always fun to see the creativity in our family! -Janice Coffey The Nativity was set up in the Day home near Thanksgiving and all were placed except Jesus. Each day Nancy and Billie Day took turns hiding the Three Wisemen anywhere in the house. The other one had to find them and then could hide them the next day. This went on until Christmas Eve when Baby Jesus was put in the manger and the Wisemen got to take their place and deserved rest. -Bill Day Christmas was always observed on Christmas Eve in my Mom's (Millie Hill) home. The house was full of family and friends and opening presents was followed by a big dinner. Two of our favorite dishes were oyster dressing and Apricot Salad. Mr. and Mrs. Santa were invited guests who came for dinner and I have a picture of me sitting on his lap. I think I was probably 39 and still believing... -Shirley Day Every Christmas Eve after church we get in our Christmas pajamas and watch "It's a Wonderful Life" as a family. -Marlaine Henderson A cherished tradition is that our tree does not get decorated until everyone is home to do it together — which sometimes means we are decorating a day or two before Christmas. We take hours to decorate, stopping frequently to talk about ornaments we have collected on our travels, from those we hold dear, from loved ones who have passed, and childhood creations — as each ornament on our tree holds unique meaning and special memories. We have a meal of favorite appetizers, with holiday music playing as we decorate and share. The Jeutter-Robertson family Christmas Tradition for Bill & Barbara McClung, Carrie Allen, Maddie & Jacob — For years on Christmas Eve, following the church service, our family would pile in one car and ride around town looking a Christmas lights. We would go all the way to Staunton searching for the prettiest and tackiest houses. What a joyful time together! -Barbara McClung My mother and her sisters, who lived apart, lit two tapered bayberry candles at dusk each Christmas Eve. As they lit the candles they thought about each other which seemed to ease the distance between them. Throughout the evening the flames from the candles were a constant reminder of family. -Brenda Miller During the days before Christmas, we would read a Christmas story each evening to our boys. It might be “Christmas Every Day,” “The Gift of the Magi,” or best of all “The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus.” We used the Norman Rockwell book with his wonderful illustrations. I even remember Steve reading “The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus” to the youth group when they were here for part of their progressive dinner. The kids loved it! -Steve & Sara Howlett
Patty Quillen’s Family Tradition with “secret” Recipe — My family always had onion dip and chips at every holiday gathering. The joke is it is a secret family recipe. Recipe: 1 envelope of Lipton soup, 1 16-ounce container of sour cream. Mix well and serve with ruffled chips. We love to collect holiday themed books and we have a special basket of Christmas books that only gets pulled out in December. We have so many now that we can read a new one each day in December before bedtime. -Matt, Devin, Harper, and Benjamin Roller A Salembier Christmas Tradition — When the church held the first Community Christmas Dinner we became involved and actually cooked a turkey in our own kitchen, and brought it carved, ready to serve on Christmas Day. We have continued helping with this every year, usually cooking in the church kitchen and have only missed three or four over the years when we were with our families, which all live out of state. One year when Anne’s parents were in Waynesboro, her Dad filled up the back of Anne’s van with pans of leftovers that were taken to the Valley Mission in Staunton. Our Christmas presents are opened after we come home. We have come to realize that one of our best gifts is sharing our Christmas Day with our church family and the community. -Anne and Charles Salembier Each year, we join our two sons, their wives and four grandchildren drive on snow-covered roads to a tree farm on the Blue Ridge Parkway to pick out and cut down our Christmas trees. The grandchildren love the snow and the excitement of picking out the tree. When they are decorated, we have a contest to see which family picked out the “perfect tree”! Lots of fun! -George & Tessa Seitz When we take down our decorations each year, we would all write a letter and put it in our Christmas stockings. The letter would talk about what we hoped would happen in the coming year. When we pulled out the decorations the following year, the stockings would be the first thing grabbed to see if the wishes had come true. I wish I had kept all the letters because they would be fun to read now. -Bob & Susan Shiflet The week of Christmas, our family hosts an annual Cousin Christmas Cookie Exchange. Our first year, there were about half a dozen cousins in our family, all quite young. The kids baked and decorated cookies while at our house and took home their creations. More than a decade later, our four kids have 17 first cousins, ranging in age from 19 to 2. They all come over for a late morning brunch, and each household brings 3 dozen cookies to share. After our meal, we spread the beautiful Christmas cookies across the dining room table, give the kids Christmas platters, and let them choose 36 cookies to take home to enjoy and share with friends or family who might stop in for a holiday visit. As the kids turn into teenagers and young adults, our motto is: You are never too old for a Cousin Christmas Cookie Exchange! -The Woodworth Family - Tom, Lindsey, Jack, Isabel, Emmaline & Fisher
Christmas Recipes Christmas Morning Rolls
(Kathryn Arehart)
We fix these every Christmas morning. You prepare them the night before and they are ready to bake in the morning. Yummy, gooey and delicious!!!! 24 frozen dinner rolls 1 box butterscotch pudding (cook type - not instant) 1/3 - 1/2 C raisins 1/2 C melted margarine
3/4 C brown sugar 3/4 T cinnamon 1/2 C chopped nuts
Arrange frozen (don't thaw) dinner rolls in Bundt pan sprayed with Pam. Sprinkle on pudding, raisins, and then next 4 ingredients. Cover with foil and let stand on the counter overnight. Uncover and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Invert on large platter when done.
Maraschino Cherry Cake
(Kathryn Arehart)
A very festive cake. Can be made into breads using loaf pans. Glaze is optional. 1 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened 1 C margarine 1 1/2 C sugar 1 1/2 tsp vanilla 4 eggs
2 1/4 C sifted cake flour (or 1 C regular flour minus 2 T) 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 C chopped pecans 3/4 C chopped maraschino cherries
Blend creamed cheese, sugar, margarine, and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time. Gradually add 2 C flour sifted with baking powder. Combine remaining flour, cherries and nuts and fold into batter. Put in bundt pan and bake for 1 hr 10 minutes at 325 degrees. Glaze: 1 1/2 C powdered sugar 2 T milk Mix and pour over cake. Decorate with cherries and nuts. Freezes well.
Eggs Bravo
(Kathryn Arehart)
Mix in saucepan until smooth. Bring to a boil. Stir and cook 2 minutes. 1/3 C flour 1/8 - 1/4 tsp salt
Dash pepper 1 3/4 C milk
Add: 4 oz. of Velveta cheese, cubed. Cook until melted. Stir in: 1 1/2 C cooked and diced ham 1/4 c sliced green onions (I often use just onions) 4 hard cooked and diced eggs 1/4 c pimentos (I often omit) 1/2 C mayo. Heat through and serve over English muffins. Good also on toast or biscuits.
Fast Can - Can Fruit
(Kathryn Arehart)
Dump, stir, and mix. Add bananas right before serving. 1 can pie filling (Apple or peach works well) I small jar maraschino cherries, drained 1 can pineapple tidbits, drained I can mandarin oranges, drained 2 bananas, sliced, added right before serving
Sweet Potato Casserole
(Sandra Pleasants Beadles)
3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (I buy 2 lbs sweet potatoes, cook, remove skins & use it all) ¾ cup sugar 2 eggs ½ cup milk 1 teaspoon cinnamon ¼ cup butter or margarine, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract In a mixing bowl, beat sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, butter, eggs, cinnamon & vanilla until smooth. Transfer to a greased 2-qt baking dish. Topping: ½ cup packed brown sugar ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
¼ cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons cold butter or margarine
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, nuts, and flour; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over sweet potato mixture. Bake 325 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
Chocolate Balls
(Garrie Blanton)
2 sticks margarine or butter 1 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 tsp vanilla 1 box powdered sugar 1/2 block paraffin 8 oz. bag of chocolate chips
Melt margarine or butter. Add remaining ingredients except paraffin and chocolate chips. Mix well. Roll into small balls. Melt paraffin and chocolate bits in double boiler. Dip individual balls in chocolate. Cool on wax pape
Thumbprint Cookies
(Submitted by: Boyce, Deneen & Phoebe Marie Brannock)
This is a recipe from Opal Brannock. Her fondness for these cookies became a holiday tradition first with her children and later with her grand-daughters as she encouraged them to stamp their thumbprint in the top of the cookie. She often shared the cookies with many of her friends at First Baptist Church, including Mary Kane, who now carries on Opal’s legacy. Ingredients: ¼ cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup butter (room temperature) ¼ teaspoon salt 2 cups flour 1 cup finely chopped pecans (may use food processor to finely chop- but do not grind) Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cream together sugar and butter until smooth. Beat in flour, vanilla, and salt until just combined. Mix in pecans. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls on a ungreased baking sheet, or one lined with parchment paper. Make an indentation, a thumbprint, in the center of each cookie. Bake 20-30 minutes until lightly browned and set. Remove from oven; let cool slightly, then transfer cookies to a cooling rack or plate and allow to cool completely before frosting. Frosting: 1 cup confectioners/powdered sugar ½ teaspoon almond extract
Red & green food coloring Water
In a small bowl, combine powder sugar and almond extract. Add a tablespoon of water and mix until smooth, adding additional water by teaspoons as needed. Frosting should be pourable but not runny. Pour half of frosting in second bowl. Add a drop or two of red food coloring to one bowl of frosting, and a drop or two of green coloring to the other bowl. Stir, adding additional food coloring to get the depth of color you prefer. Fill center of each cookie with frosting.
Blueberry Pound Cake
(Janice Coffey)
Coat blueberries and set aside: 3 cups blueberries 2 teaspoons sugar 2 teaspoons flour 1 cup of butter - 2 sticks (soft) 2 cups sugar 3 eggs 3 cups of all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon mace 1/2 cup milk
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture, alternating with milk. Fold in blueberries. Grease a bundt pan with shortening; dust with flour. Bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes.
Bill Day's Family Custard Recipe 5 eggs 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 quart whole milk
(Bill & Shirley Day)
2 cans evaporated milk (do not use condensed milk) 1 Tblsp vanilla
Beat eggs and stir in other ingredients except vanilla. Put into heavy pot and cook about 30 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring every 10 minutes til custard coats the spoon. Add 1 tablespoon vanilla and cool. Mixture will be thin. Serve in punch cups or over ice cream or dessert.
Marvelous Millie's Apricot Salad 1 large box Apricot Jello 1/4 cup sugar
(Shirley Day's Mom)
1 large can crushed pineapple
Mix together and cook for 10 minutes. Cool. Stir in: 1 large pkg cut up Philadelphia Cream Cheese 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup chopped apricots 1/2 cup favorite chopped nuts Refrigerate and when partially set, fold in 1 small cool whip. Let set overnight.
White Christmas Pie 1 Tbsp unflavored gelatin 1/4 cup cold water 1 cup sugar 4 Tbsp flour 1/2 tsp salt 1 1/2 cups milk
(Virginia Fleshman) 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp almond extract 1 cup cool whip 3 egg whites 1/4 tsp cream of tartar 1 cup shredded coconut
Soften gelatin in cold water and set aside. Mix together in saucepan 1/2 cup sugar, flour, salt and stir in gradually milk. Cook over low heat, stirring until it boils. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in softened gelatin. Cool. When partially set, beat
with mixer until smooth. Blend in vanilla and almond extract. Gently fold in cool whip. Carefully fold into meringue of egg whites, cream of tartar and 1/2 cup sugar. Fold in shredded coconut. Pile into pie shell. Sprinkle with shredded coconut. Chill until set (about 2 hours). Serve cold.
Fruitcake
(Joyce Hite) (one 9” or three 7” tube pan cakes) My Mother combined recipes from my maternal and paternal grandmothers, and the baking of fruitcakes became an annual tradition for her and her “girls.” The recipe is based on Mom’s recipe (which makes six 9” tube pan cakes). Sift together:
3 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp soda 1/2 tsp salt
Cream together: 1-1/2 cups brown sugar 1 cup shortening then add 3-4 beaten eggs Add:
1/2 cup honey 1 cup peach preserves (or 12 oz jar) 1 cup tart cherries (or 14.5 oz can = 1-1/2 cups)
To the creamed shortening and sugar mixture, add dry ingredients alternately with 1/2 cup grape juice. Add to the mixture, the following fruits, nuts, and apples that have been floured w/ one cup flour. Flouring will prevent clumping of fruits. Mix well: 2-3 cups nuts, chopped: Pecans Brazil nuts
Black walnuts English walnuts
Hazelnuts Almonds
1-1/2 or 2 cups cut up apples (one peeled apple)1/2 cup candied citron 1 cup candied cherries 8 – 16 oz dates, chopped 2 TBsp candied orange peel 8 – 16 oz figs, chopped 2 TBsp candied lemon peel 1 cup raisins 1/2 cup candied pineapple 1 cup currants { OR can substitute 2 lb diced mixed candied fruits } 1. Line tube and/or loaf pan w/ heavy brown paper which has been greased or use parchment paper. Also cover cake top w/ heavy brown paper. 2. Place cake in pressure cooker w/ 2 quarts water. Place rack on small pineapple cans for elevation. Do not allow cake to touch water. 3. Steam cake 20 minutes in pressure cooker with pet cock open. Then turn down heat and steam one hour at 10 lb pressure. 4. Do not disturb cake in tube pan; take paper off top of cake and decorate. 5. Bake in 350º oven to brown; about 20 minutes or 325º for 30 minutes
Chewy Noels 2 Tbsp. Butter 2 eggs 1 cup brown sugar 5 Tbsp. flour ⅛ tsp. baking soda
(Brenda Miller) 1 c. chopped nuts 1 (9 oz.) pkg. dates, cut up (mix with a little flour to lessen stickiness) 1 tsp. vanilla Confectioners’ sugar
Melt butter in 9” square pan in oven. Beat eggs slightly. Combine sugar, flour, soda, nuts, and dates; stir into eggs. Add vanilla and pour over butter. Don’t stir. Bake 25 minutes at 350. Leave in pan to cool. Cut into squares (they will be sticky) and dust
bottom side by dipping into confectioner’s sugar. Finish cooling completely on rack, sugar side up. Makes about 18.
Easy Chocolate Fudge
(Steve & Sara Howlett)
3 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 14oz can Eagle Brand condensed milk dash salt
¾ c. chopped pecans or walnuts 1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract
Line an 8x8 pan with waxed paper. Melt chips with condensed milk and salt. Remove from heat. Stir in nuts and vanilla and spread in pan. Chill until firm. Lift fudge out of pan and cut in squares. Store in tin in refrigerator.
Chewy Chocolate Cranberry Bars 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
(Elizabeth Palmer)
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk 1 cup flaked coconut 1 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 350. In a small bowl, mix cracker crumbs and butter. Press into a greased 13 x 9 baking pan. In a large bowl mix remaining ingredients until blended. Carefully spread over crust. Bake 25-28 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.
Mint-Topped Chocolate Cookies 1 package (18 1/4 oz) devil’s food cake mix 1/2 cup shortening 2 eggs
(Elizabeth Palmer) 1 tablespoon water Confectioner’s sugar Box of chocolate-covered thin mints
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, shortening, eggs and water. Shape into 1/2” balls; roll in confectioner’s sugar. Place 2” apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes or until slightly firm to the touch. Place a mint on each cookie; remove to wire racks to cool. Makes about 50 cookies.
Nana's famous pound cake 2 sticks of softened butter 1/2 cup shortening 5 room temperature eggs 3 cups sugar 3 cups flour
(Susan Shiflet)
1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt 1 T vanilla 1 T lemon extract 1 cup milk
Cream the butter, shortening and sugar until it is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time beating well after each. Alternate the milk and flavorings with the dry ingredients ending with the dry. Pour batter in a greased and floured tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 min. Cool in pan completely before you remove. This is a great cake.
Egg & Broccoli Casserole
(The Tom Woodworth Family)
Every Christmas Eve for at least the past 30 years, Tom's mother has delivered her homemade sticky buns to family and friends throughout Waynesboro. She starts baking weeks ahead of time, packaging and freezing batches as the holiday approaches. We look forward to receiving them every year. They are a true family tradition to be warmed and enjoyed on Christmas morning. We always make a Crockpot Egg and Broccoli Casserole that is the perfect accompaniment to our sticky buns and great for brunches. 24 oz. small-curd cottage cheese 10 oz. frozen broccoli florets, thawed & drained 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese 6 eggs, beaten
1/3 c. flour 1/4 c. melted butter 3 TB finely chopped onion 1/2 tsp. salt
Combine ingredients. Pour into greased slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH 1 hour. Stir. Reduce heat to LOW and cook 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until eggs are set. Before serving, stir gently and top with a small amount of additional shredded cheese (optional). Â
First Baptist Church 301 South Wayne Avenue — Waynesboro VA 22980 540-949-8187 — www.firstbaptistwboro.org
Advent / Christmas Calendar
“When Grace Came Down” November 29 — First Sunday of Advent When Grace Came Down There Was HOPE — Luke 21:25-36
December 6 — Second Sunday of Advent When Grace Came Down there Was LOVE — I Corinthians 13:1-13
Thursday, December 10 6:30pm — Weekday Preschool Christmas Program
December 13 — Third Sunday of Advent When Grace Came Down There Was PEACE — Philippians 4:4-9 6pm — Chancel Choir Christmas Concert featuring The Many Moods of Christmas
Wednesday, December 16 5pm — A Service of Remembrance and Hope
December 20 — Fourth Sunday of Advent When Grace Came Down There Was JOY — Luke 1:39-56 Family Christmas Caroling — Time TBA
December 24 — Christmas Eve 7pm — Candlelight and Communion Christmas Eve Worship Service The Bird of Dawning Singeth All Night Long
December 25 — Christmas Day 11 — 1:30pm — Community Christmas Day Dinner
December 27 One Worship Service at 10am in the Fellowship Hall — Preacher: Pastor Ben Sunday Morning Worship Times: 8:45 — The Awakening (Fellowship Hall) 11:00 — Traditional Worship (Sanctuary)