Spring Valley Presbyterian Church Columbia, South Carolina
Grace and Peace to you! The season of Advent is upon us! The Elders, Deacons, Church leaders, Staff, and Christian Education Ministry of Spring Valley Presbyterian Church are pleased to provide you with this daily devotional for the 2010 Advent Season. It is our hope and prayer that it be a source of peace, hope, and comfort to you during this blessed season. The word advent comes from the Latin word advenire which means coming or arrival. Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas, which is the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It begins four Sundays before Christmas, usually on the last Sunday of November or the first Sunday of December. Advent ends at sundown on Christmas Eve. During this season some people light candles on an Advent wreath, follow specially designed Advent calendars, and participate in special family and church events that mark the season. What makes this time different from all the secular preparations for Christmas is that there is encouragement to study and pray in anticipation of Christ’s birth. Think about all the preparations we make for holiday guests. We take time to clean up and sweep out the dust bunnies, polish the silver, decorate the house with special care, make the beds with clean linens, fluff the pillows, stock the closet with soft towels and we prepare our menus with our tastiest recipes. All of this is done in the waiting…with great expectancy for their arrival! Just as we prepare for our guests, Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of our Lord. We “prepare Him room”
by taking time to study the word, and pray. Meditating on this devotional is a wonderful way to prepare your hearts in the waiting. I encourage you to sit in silence and reflect on these meditations, and then pray, write, and/or sing a response to God. Consider: What are you waiting for? For what do you now want to praise God? For what do you want to say “thank you” to God? What difference will this make in your life? …waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. Romans 8:23 The Message Come, thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth thou art; Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. “Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus,” WORDS: Charles Wesley MUSIC: Rowland H. Prichard In His love, Peggy Ley Director of Children’s Ministries
Sunday, November 28th
Foretelling PREPARING TO CELEBRATE CHRIST’S BIRTH THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT WELCOME to the First Sunday in Advent and beyond to three more Sundays before Christmas Eve and then to Christmas Day as we arrive at the birthday of the Prince of Peace. We seek to open our hearts and minds to this special time of preparation. May we prayerfully seek to understand the words of the scriptures, devotions, and prayers so generously given to enrich our spiritual journey of Advent. This is a joyful time to celebrate our many blessings as individuals, families, and as a church. Let us reflects on the great truth that God became a man because of his amazing love for us. He still comes to us today to encourage us, energize us, and fill us with hope. In my yard is a shrub called a Daphne, it is a big beautiful variegated bush that stays green all year. It came to our house in 1998 as very small plant- a memorial gift from a friend when we lost our son Marshall. As a gardener, I carefully researched the Daphne and learned it was a very temperamental shrub that it was not an easy bush to grow but I really wanted it to survive because of one of its special features, its flower and because it was symbolic of Marsh’s love of nature, God’s great creation-our world. So after looking around in my little Southern garden I
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decided on a spot that I hoped would be a happy home for the plant. With much hope, I dug the hole, prepared the soil, and planted that little plant. Now 12 years later that little plant is big and beautiful. Each year in the darkest shortest coldest days of winter, this Daphne bursts open in hundreds of tiny pinkish white star shaped flowers that smell like orange blossoms. What an amazing gift of joy and sweetness from God’s beautiful world. This is the story of Advent—the anticipation, the seeking, the hoping and then the arrival of the Sweet Little Jesus Child who came that we might have an abundant life in Him. He still warms our lives today and fills us with joy, hope, and peace as we open our hearts to his love and serve Him. So now start this Advent Season with new commitment and renewal to seek God’s direction for your life and may you find great love and joy along your journey. If you have an Advent wreath or light Advent Candles, gather your family and pray this prayer poem and light your first candle; for others, close, your devotional time with this prayer poem. LET US REJOICE AND PRAY
On this first Sunday in Advent; Let us rejoice and pray Long ago, Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem went to prepare for the Holy Christmas Day So light a little candle star to guide them on their way And as we journey through our week, help us to seek His way and pray Then with each passing day, the time will draw nearer to Christmas Eve, Our candle stars are lit and the Christ Candle shines brightly to weave Our Advent tapestry, the Prince of Peace, Joy and Hope, Rejoice, Rejoice and Pray It’s Christmas Day! Ruth Q Seigler, Elder
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Monday, November 29th Isaiah 11:6-9 “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. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” This beautiful, peaceful picture was given first to Israel in a time of deep despair. Their nation had been overtaken by Assyria. The nation had been undone through violence, disloyalty, incompetence, and unfaithfulness. But the prophet looking ahead paints a different picture, because God will act. In the face of human failure, God has a different ending in mind. This picture came to be understood as a description of life when the Messiah would come. Seen figuratively, the picture might describe that when the Messiah reigns, the fears associated with insecurity, danger, and evil will be removed. God always has something better in mind for us. Often we strive to gain what we want, and we sometimes use negative means to get what we want. Often in our selfish pursuit of our goals we get things wrong and cause problems and pain. Our lives become anything other than a “Peaceable Kingdom.” When we finally turn to God, we discover that in Christ, God has a different ending in mind for us. As we enter into a new Advent season, in anticipation of the celebration of Christ’s birth, perhaps we can take time to assess where we have arrived in our life. If our life could be described as the antithesis of Isaiah’s picture of the reign of the Christ, then some changes are in order. Christ came in humility and weakness to show us that God approaches not as a dreaded warrior, but as a little child. He shares our life, enters into our sorrows and pains, 3
Monday, November 29th – continued
our joys and grief. He leads us in a different way, a way of peace. His rule is characterized by forgiveness and righteousness. A new way of seeing ourselves and relating to others begins to emerge. The old hostilities, fears, and insecurities within us can come to an end, and we can begin to experience God’s peace. As we enter into Advent, may the “little child” lead us into a new life filled with all the promise and hope of God’s growth within us through the power of the Holy Spirit. May we grow into this picture of peace, and be agents of Christ’s peace everywhere we go in the new year. Jack Heinsohn, Pastor
Tuesday, November 30th Isaiah 7:14 SIGNS EVERYWHERE “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” In our lives today, we seem to always be led by signs – signs on highways, signs on buildings, signs inside buildings, signs of what is going to occur with the weather. Then, we are always looking for signs of the seasons. Spring with its budding flowers and signs of green peeping out of the limbs on the trees. Summer with carefree children running about having fun and being at home or going to camps. Fall with its beautiful leaves turning magnificent colors as the trees are kissed by the sun and the wonderful smell of a Thanksgiving feast being prepared and consumed. Winter with the anticipation of brisk, cold weather and the thoughts of decorated Christmas trees, many colorful gifts wrapped in beautiful paper, caroling, hot chocolate, a bare manger sitting amid the hay in a barn inhabited by animals and also by a man, a woman, and a baby with a bright star shining over this stable. These all are wonderful signs for us to follow, but have we really thought about what God’s sign to us in the verse in Isaiah really gives us?? The sign that Isaiah wrote about was the most marvelous sign 4
Tuesday, November 30th – continued that people in the early days ever heard about or saw and the same for us. There has never been or ever will be a sign that means so much to all of the people on earth and the wonderful saints that have preceded us into Heaven In this sign God gave us the BIG sign that will make our lives on this earth meaningful to us, to others, and to Him. What a wonderful sign it is to know that he gave us “Immanuel” which means “God is with us.” What more could we ever want in this wonderful world which God has created than to know that He is always with us. God has entwined in His BIG sign the meaning of miracles The sign of a virgin conceiving a son seems to be the most astounding miracle that has ever occurred. However, this miracle and the sign that it provides to us is just the preliminary sign of what is to come. There were many miracles that took place during the time that God was physically with us in the form of his Son, and there have been many miracles since that time. If we have any doubt that there are still signs of miracles that occur in this world, all we have to do is to stop, look, and listen to what has occurred around us. Therefore, as we enter into this Advent season which is about the “coming or arrival” of the birth of Jesus the Immanuel, let us focus on all of the signs around us - the advent wreath, the scripture readings for Advent, spirit of expectation, anticipation, and of longing, the songs that are sung, the sermons that are preached, the writings which we each will read, the Bible verses which we will hear and read, all of the wonderful signs that represent what our faith really means to us inside in our hearts and outside in our outreach to others. Signs of wonder are everywhere during the Advent Season and always. As my wonderful mother would tell us today if she were living, as she was lying on her bed just a few days before she died and she saw a sign of what she had believed and how she had lived her entire life….Did you see them? They were the most beautiful angels you will ever see!! Let us all grow in faith during this season and watch for all of God’s wonderful signs so that we will be able to see the miracle that my mother and many other wonderful Christians have seen and are seeing in this wonderful world God created. Elaine A. Horton, Deacon
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Wednesday, December 1st Isaiah 9:6-7
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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7 Isaiah gave his people and generations to follow these words of hope long before that special night in Bethlehem. Generations later, we think of these words often in terms of beautiful music that celebrates the miracle of the baby Jesus and the life he lived as God in human form. God’s gifts to those who are chosen to speak for Him are truly amazing. The meaning of these words has been different to those who hoped for His arrival and to those who celebrated His arrival. Yet the words speak to all and so the meaning is timeless. As Isaiah gave the Baby Jesus many names, Jesus became all during his time on earth and beyond. He is mighty, wonderful, friend to all, our father, a prince, everlasting. How could Isaiah know all of this, predict everything so completely? God’s gift to Isaiah of this prophecy not only gave hope to his people, but also enriches our lives today with its beauty. It’s too easy to let the problems we encounter in our day-to-day lives overwhelm us. Most everyone has felt burdened from time to time. These simple words give us hope in what will come, what has come, and what will come—the gifts from our God. And the God who gave us his Son will not forsake us. He will give us what we need. After all, he gave us his Son. Chris McMenemy, Elder 6
Thursday, December 2nd Micah 5:2
“But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little
clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.” Micah 5:2 The prophet Micah had seen terrible destruction throughout his life. A civil war had waged between the Northern and Southern kingdoms of Israel with 120,000 deaths on one side alone. Later, the Assyrians had demolished the Northern kingdom and hauled away the people into exile. After Micah’s life, the Babylonians would later come and utterly destroy Jerusalem while hauling away the people into Babylon. These were dark times, yet God decided to reveal his ultimate plan to Micah. While the people were afraid, worried, and hopeless God revealed His ultimate solution for their pain and suffering. With jobs few and far between, paychecks we can hardly stretch, and wars across the globe without end in sight, it’s easy to join the hopeless and cynical. It’s easy to get lost in the events and stories that we see on CNN or Fox News. It’s easy to give up and join in with those that complain, tear down, or become lethargic. God offers to us a light in the darkness of our world. While we were drowning in the darkness of our sins, unable to reach up towards the light, He sent a small baby to the random town of Bethlehem. To a town that was a small dot on the map, he sent His solution for the suffering of this world. In the small city of Columbia, God has sent you as his solution to the pain here. As Christ sacrificed himself to take away the sins of the world, what are you doing to sacrifice your life for Him here in Columbia? There are many that live in darkness and pain, and all they might need is someone to tell them about the light that God offers us all through Jesus. Jon Keyser, Director of Youth 7
Friday, December 3rd Psalm 132: 11-12 Promises, promises Have you made any promises lately? Within the last month, I have made several. I promised a friend that I would definitely not post any pictures of her on Facebook without her approval. I promised one of my kids that if he had a good attitude about chores and getting his homework done and didn’t fight with his brothers for the next 2 months, that I would reward him by helping him purchase a coveted item. I promised my husband that I would not fall asleep on the couch while we watched one of our favorite TV programs. And, I promised more than one church member a phone call or e-mail to follow up on this or that. How did I do? Well, I posted the pictures after careful scrutiny (they were all very flattering!), I don’t have to worry about purchasing the coveted item just yet (but he’s improving!), I lasted less than 10 minutes on the couch, and I’m sure I must have forgotten to send several e-mails. My track record with promises is not so good. What about the promises we make to ourselves? In the past year, I have vowed to be more patient, lose 10 pounds, be positive, hug and kiss my boys more, be a better neighbor, keep my garage clean, and write more letters and cards. Every year when the holidays approach, I add another whole set of promises to myself: Give more to the needy and encourage generous giving in my boys. Send Christmas cards in a timely fashion. Spend less time shopping, cooking, and decorating and more quality time with family and friends. And above all, I resolve to focus my heart more on Christ and the true reason for the season. While making the vows to myself always helps, I am never, ever able to look at my results with complete satisfaction. Humans that we are, we cannot attain perfection. Some of us come much closer than others, but we all fall short from time to time of our expectations for ourselves and of others’ expectations for us. This passage in Psalm 132 describes a promise God made to David, a promise that one of David’s descendants would sit on his throne. Boy, did God keep that promise! And I’m sure He was able to look at His results with complete satisfaction. God’s gift of Jesus was a perfect gift to humankind! Thank you, God, for keeping your promise and sending Jesus to us, your humble people! Help us to be faithful to our words and vows that we make to others and ourselves and keep more of our promises. Lang Kohel, Elder 8
Saturday, December 4th Romans 15:12-13
"And again Isaiah says 'The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.’ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." According to The Harper Collins Study Bible, the apostle Paul wrote the letter to Romans around the year 58 C.E. Paul thought his work in the Aegean region was complete. Before leaving Greece, he wrote this letter and then planned to travel to Jerusalem and Rome on his way to Spain where he would begin a new mission. It is important that we remember that Paul, originally named Saul, is the same man who had been an avid persecutor of Christians. Yet, here is Paul, a man passionate about bringing Gentiles (us) a message of hope because the "root of Jesse" is the Son of David and the Messiah. Because of Paul and other men and women, this good news now circles the globe! My ancestors were able to read and hear this message years and years later in Ireland, England, and Germany. It is difficult for me to imagine how different my life would be if I had not been raised by devout, Christian parents. Their daily expressions of faith were strong. Our family's nightly praying of The Lord's prayer, our discussions, and our involvement in Bishopville Presbyterian Church led to my joining the church in 3rd grade. By 5th grade, I was determined to go to Africa to "save the world�. No, I did not become a missionary (at least not globally), but my sense of home base is still rooted in Christ's church. And I find I am most at peace with family and friends who depend on God's faithfulness in times of happiness and sorrow and those who show God's love by caring for others. I am thankful that God sent his precious gift to both the Israelites and Gentiles and that even today He shares this gift through others who touch our lives. May we also experience the passion of Paul as we too spread the "joy and hope in believing" and may we "abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" during this Advent season and always. Virginia Lacy, Elder 9
Sunday, December 5th
Preparing Jeremiah 23:5 & Matthew 1:1-17 THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
For the time is coming," says the LORD, "when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David's line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. As the polls closed on Tuesday, Nov. 2nd and the results started pouring in, we waited in anticipation to see who would be in power come January. Why were there record numbers showing up to vote? What did we hope would come from this election? Are we looking for a politician who rules with wisdom? One who will do just and right throughout the land? How many kings and rulers chosen by God were infallible, ruled without shame or embarrassing themselves or family? There were many that came before Jesus. Did they have wisdom? Did they want to do just and right throughout the land? Of course they did! Did they mess up? Of course they did! Why? Because they were human. What do we believe about our new or returning leaders? I’m pretty sure they didn’t go into politics thinking, “if I win, I’m going to do everything I can to take down education in SC, increase unemployment, get us more in debt, etc…” No! They want to have a positive effect on our lives. Everyone has different ideas about how to improve education, create jobs, and improve our lives. Most of them will work with the strong leadership and strong support for that leadership. When the new year approaches and our new leaders go into action, we can be an advocate for the leadership, making it stronger and provide support with attitude and prayer. As we approach this Christmas season, let’s remember the one that did rule with wisdom and did what is just and right throughout the land. Jesus had the strongest leadership and support of all. He looked to his father for strength, courage, and guidance. Imagine 10
Sunday, December 5th – continued what you could do if you reached out and accepted the same strong leadership and support! Linda Brown, Elder
If you have an Advent wreath or light Advent Candles, gather your family and pray this prayer poem and light your first, and second, candles; for others, close, your devotional time with this prayer poem. LET US REJOICE AND PRAY On this second Sunday in Advent; Let us rejoice and pray Long ago, Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem went to prepare for the Holy Christmas Day So light a little candle star to guide them on their way And as we journey through our week, help us to seek His way and pray Then with each passing day, the time will draw nearer to Christmas Eve, Our candle stars are lit and the Christ Candle shines brightly to weave Our Advent tapestry, the Prince of Peace, Joy and Hope, Rejoice, Rejoice and Pray It’s Christmas Day!
Ruth Q Seigler, Elder
Monday, December 6th LUKE 1:5-25 This is the story of the foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist. Zechariah was a priest and his wife was named Elizabeth. They were both faithful to the Lord. Elizabeth was barren and they had no children. In those days it was considered a disgrace for a woman to have no children Also, they were both advanced in years and they did not think they would ever have any children. On a certain day, Zechariah was in the performance of his priestly duties, having been chosen by chance to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. A multitude of people were outside the temple in prayer during the incense burning. Gabriel, an angel of the Lord appeared before Zechariah at the altar and Zechariah was afraid. Of course, the angel told him not to be 11
Monday, December 6th – continued afraid that he was there to tell him that his prayers had been answered and his wife Elizabeth would bear him a son who should be named John. The angel told Zechariah that he would have joy and many would rejoice at the birth of his son. The angel told Zechariah that his son would be great in the Lord’s sight and would not drink wine or liquor and the son would be filled with the Holy Spirit, even in his mother’s womb. The angel also told Zechariah that his son would turn back many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God and would turn the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous. The son of Zechariah and Elizabeth would make a people ready for the Lord. Zechariah asked the angel how he could know this for sure, since he was an old man and his wife was advanced in years. The angel answered him by saying: I am Gabriel who stands in the presence of God and I have been sent to bring you this good news. Because Zechariah did not believe, the angel told him he would be silent and unable to speak until the time of the birth. When Zechariah went out to the multitude of people, he could not speak to them. He could only give them signs. When Zechariah had completed his duties and returned home, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant. She remained in seclusion for five months rejoicing that the Lord had favored her with the pregnancy. Edward Rutledge, Elder
Tuesday, December 7th LUKE 1:26-33 Luke 1:26-37 is one of the most powerful stories in the Bible. The angel Gabriel is sent to Mary who is betrothed to Joseph. Gabriel says, “You have found favor with God, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.” Mary says, "how can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel says the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most high will overshadow you; therefore the child will be born and will be holy; he will be called Son of God.” Mary says, 12
Tuesday, December 7th – continued “Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word”. Can you imagine of seeing an angel and then being told that you will give birth to the Son of God! This brings several thoughts to mind. Mary does not question if she is good enough to give birth to the Savior but trusts in the decision of God. When we are chosen in our church to serve how do we respond? Do we decide that it would be too much for us, we don’t have time, or we’ve done enough already? If you believed the hand of God was in the calling, would it change your decision? I think that God will not give you more than you can handle. Often he gives us task with which we are uncomfortable to allow us to grow in our personal and Christian life. Be open to the opportunities! Remember that God is with you! The other lesson I get out of this scripture is to be ready to hear the call. Will we know when the request to help is from God? I hope that you and I can always listen with an ear to hearing God’s call. During this holiday season we should all look for opportunities to do God’s will. There are many opportunities if only we will look and listen. May you have a blessed holiday and be a blessing to others. Stuart Hooks, Elder
Wednesday, December 8th Matthew 1:18-24 The Birth of Jesus Christ
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This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
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Wednesday, December 8th – continued 21
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” which means, “God with us”. 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. Joseph is engaged to be married, when it is revealed that Mary is already with child. Joseph ponders what should he do? Perhaps with prayer, he considers the logical alternatives to his dilemma, and chooses what seems to be the honorable conclusion. End of story, not so fast because an angel from God appears in his dreams to redirect Joseph. Set straight, Joseph, as the earthly father, is obedient, takes Mary as his wife and the Messiah in born. Beyond the birth of Jesus is the promise that God is always there to guide us and our need for obedience. Like Joseph, we should take comfort that God has a plan and will direct us when we have difficult decisions. Our prayers are heard, but it is not always easy to discern the correct answer, or the delivery. Is it in a dream, does it come from an angel or from one of God’s earthly messengers? None of us will ever match the fulfillment that Joseph served. We were not meant to nor was Joseph meant to take on the challenges that God has in store for us today. We juggle hectic lives, at work, home and sometime even within our church family. But when we take time out to listen, pray for guidance and embrace the obedience to God for those in need, we too can find a similar fulfillment that Joseph and Mary may have felt. How are we being called to serve God’s master plan? Dear Lord, during this advent season, keep us energized, help us to hear and spread your message by our words and deeds that they may honor the birth of your son today, tomorrow and throughout the year. Guide us with your light so that every candle may shine with your glory. Amen. Tim Bostick, Elder
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Thursday, December 9th Luke 1:39-56
“In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.’ And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever.’ And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.” It was the way Carly Simon sang out the refrain, “Anticipation”, making each syllable stretch into a word of its own. I can close my eyes and still hear it. And smile. And remember. Sometimes looking forward to a good time gives me greater joy than the actual event. It’s the anticipation I remember most. That’s true of Christmas. Luke relates the story of Mary’s trip to the hill country to visit her relative, Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s unborn baby leapt for joy at Mary’s arrival and Elizabeth praised Mary for her faith and blessed her. Mary’s response 15
Thursday, December 9th – continued came in the beautiful words of praise to God that we know as the Song of Mary. For three months the women shared wonder and anticipation. Could we through deliberate acts of anticipation increase our joy and peace in the celebration of Christmas? Advent gives us the opportunity -- to light candles, commune with daily devotions, give kindness, gently rest sadness in Jesus’ open arms. Let us store memories of anticipation each Advent we are given until we overflow. Dody Imhoff, Elder
Friday, December 10th Luke 1: 57-66 The birth of John the Baptist
God’s promises are often hard to recognize and sometimes impossible to comprehend. John the Baptist’s father, Zechariah, found it hard to believe that his wife could possibly bear a child at her age. As a result Zechariah lost is ability to hear and speak until his child was born. Obviously, seeing God’s plan for them come to fruition over the following nine months proved to Zechariah and Elizabeth the great things God had in store for them and their son. In an act of faith and contrary to Jewish tradition, they named their son John as they were instructed by the angel Gabriel. As God promised, Zechariah’s hearing and speech returned. Word of the naming of their son, John, and the miraculous return of Zechariah’s hearing and speech spread throughout the community. All these things worked together to show the people of Israel that John the Baptist was blessed in a special way and that the time is near for the coming of our Savior. How often in our lives do we try to question God’s plan? We have our own ideas and priorities. We don’t stop to think about what is really going on or recognize all the truly good things in our lives. It’s probably impossible for us to even conceive of the consequential impacts that certain events have on our lives or the lives of others. I know too often that I try to over think situations or try too hard to force my desired outcomes. This only leads to fear, worry, and stress. 16
Friday, December 10th – continued Eventually I see and accept that God’s plan is both inevitable and good for me. I just need to trust and have faith. During the Advent season is a great time to try to take break from the roar of our every day lives and try to recognize the ways that God is working on our lives. Where do we see him leading us and where do we see ourselves letting our doubt and fears get in the way of God’s great plans? Surely the God that loved us so much that he gave us his Son deserves our complete faith and trust. The true joy of our holiday season comes when we recognize and accept the great gifts that God has given us in our lives and through his loving Son, Jesus Christ. Terry Wade, Elder
Saturday, December 11th Luke 1:67-80 Zechariah’s Song 67
His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a horn[a] of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— 72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” 80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit[b]; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel. 68
Footnotes: Luke 1:69 Horn here symbolizes a strong king.; Luke 1:80 Or in the Spirit
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Saturday, December 11th – continued What joyful scripture. Zechariah doubted the words of the angel Gabriel and was made mute throughout his wife Elizabeth's pregnancy. He would only speak again during the ceremony of circumcision when he named his son "John" as directed by God through the angel Gabriel. Then filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah spoke the words of today's bible passage. This scripture is called Zechariah's Song, also known as Zechariah' Prophecy and is a prophesy enabled by the Holy Spirit. There are three types of prophecy in the Bible: foretelling future events, foretelling the Word of God, and praising God. Zechariah's prophecy includes all three. Zechariah praises God and foretells the coming of John who would foretell and prepare the people for the coming of the messiah. After hearing these words, is there any doubt that Zechariah's passion for the coming of Christ fed his son John's passion for spreading the word of the coming of Jesus. This story is a personal challenge to me. I realize my passions influence my children's passions. Younger eyes are watching and ears are listening as I try to serve the Lord. Sometimes I am a reluctant role model. The challenge today is to boldly sing out the exciting news - that in a few weeks we will celebrate the birth of the Christ our Lord and Savior. Don't doubt, don't just whisper the news. You are the role model, be a prophet - tell the children to tell the people that the one who saves us from our sins has come into the world. Ted Rausch, Elder
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Sunday, December 12th
Encountering Isaiah 40:1-5 THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
“Comfort, O comfort my people” begins Handel’s Messiah. How often it has been the music that has returned me to the importance of the season. In the midst of all the scurrying around, cleaning the house, decorating, cooking, buying presents, wrapping presents and sundry other pre-Christmas duties…when the music begins, I finally stop and listen. So, with me at least, Handel has well succeeded in his intentions. “The story goes that after the first performance of Messiah, an enthusiastic member of the audience congratulated composer and director George Frederic Handel for producing such a wonderful piece of "entertainment”. “ "Entertainment!” Handel replied, "My purpose was not to entertain, but to teach them something.” So when I, in my Martha to Mary transformation, drop the busyness for the spiritual, I can begin again to understand a bit more about the amazing God who took on the frailness of a human being with no guarantees, to walk among us, to teach us, to save us from ourselves. Whether singing or reading that first verse of Isaiah 40, the aching for sympathy and succor cries out to me. Isaiah, who has predicted the coming captivity and exile of Israel, is here foreseeing the return from exile of a people long kept from their homes and religious places, and who have been condemned to abide in a strange land with strange gods. Isaiah goes on in verse 2 to “speak tenderly” of Israel’s DOUBLE punishment for her past sins that have now been paid. DOUBLE punishment! If I could think of anything that could be more unfair…it could only be the death of an innocent for the multitude of sins of a world. And then, “a voice cries out”. There he is, that lone, lonely man trying to call us back in verse 3, trying to warn us, trying to tell us what is and what will be. Isaiah, John the Baptist, both were solitary prophets calling to an obstinate people. Are we less headstrong 19
Sunday, December 12th – continued today? But wait, what is he calling? Isaiah is telling us that there is a way back to God from all the exile-places we build for ourselves. Every year, just before Thanksgiving I make a solemn pledge that THIS Christmas I will be more organized and, therefore, will have more time for family and more time to enjoy the beauty of the season. Every year I get just as caught up in the lists and duties as I have in the past. Then, in the midst of all this, it is time to practice for the Cantata. And I have to stop and sit at the piano and learn my part. The music and the wisdom of the lyrics pierces the darkness of the exile I have once again fabricated for myself. And God speaks to me through the beautiful music written in His honor. I am at last ready for the pageantry of the season: A desert bursting into bloom, a straight and perfect highway, every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low…And the glory of the Lord will be revealed. Drea Bender, Elder
If you have an Advent wreath or light Advent Candles, gather your family and pray this prayer poem and light your first, second, and third candles; for others, close, your devotional time with this prayer poem. LET US REJOICE AND PRAY On this third Sunday in Advent; Let us rejoice and pray Long ago, Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem went to prepare for the Holy Christmas Day So light a little candle star to guide them on their way And as we journey through our week, help us to seek His way and pray Then with each passing day, the time will draw nearer to Christmas Eve Our candle stars are lit and the Christ Candle shines brightly to weave Our Advent tapestry, the Prince of Peace, Joy and Hope, Rejoice, Rejoice and Pray It’s Christmas Day!
Ruth Q Seigler, Elder
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Monday, December 13th Matthew 3:1-6
Isaiah foretold of the coming of Christ. John the Baptist echoed Isaiah’s prophecies and urgings for the people to prepare for the Messiah’s arrival. My first thoughts while reading this passage in Matthew were about all the preparations we go through for the upcoming season that celebrates God’s gift to us. We write and send Christmas cards. We plan menus and special gatherings. We shop. We cook. We fill-in calendars and schedules to help us keep all of these activities organized. We observe other signs that the season is coming. The stores are decked out in their holiday finery. Decorations adorn homes and city streets. Blinking lights hang in neighborhood trees, in doorways, along fences and rooftops. Wreaths and garlands are embellished with glittering balls and ribbon. And the music, it rings its glorious tones from almost everywhere. The roads become busier. Shopping is hurried with crowded lines. With so much more to do, the only thing that we seem to have less of is time, and maybe patience. The hustle and bustle of the season is the outward indications of anticipation for the coming. The beauty of the season is in our spirit of celebration. Our inner preparation is the manifestation of that spirit. It is in the thoughtfulness written into each card. Our gatherings are bejeweled with joy and fellowship. Seasonings of love and laughter flavor our holiday treats. The papered boxes, greenery and twinkling lights spark our childlike anticipation. The music fills our ears and feeds our spirits. Our spirit doesn’t live on a schedule. It doesn’t march to a ticking clock. As the streets become quiet and the frenzied lines disappear, our spirits slow and our hearts rejoice. The time has arrived to celebrate our gift from God. Celebrate and worship the Son. Hallelujah! Sara Peacock, Moderator, PW 21
Tuesday, December 14th John 1:1-3, 14
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In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made, without him nothing was made that has been made. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. It has been said that the first chapter of John is the most intellectual description of God ever written. A fisherman wrote it with no other education than that of the Holy Spirit and from being with Jesus for three years. This chapter of John describes the ultimate message from the ultimate messenger. The message has always existed, it has always been there for us, but it is not accepted until “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” This description of God’s love for us reminds me of my son Will and his routine of losing prized possessions in the car. I cannot tell you how many times we go out only to have the typically “peaceful” ride interrupted with shrieks of fear such as, “IT is gone….I lost IT…. I lost IT….!!!!” As Grandma “E” (Michele Dunbar) instilled in my wife at a young age (now I know where Will gets it), “it is still in the car, we have not opened the doors… it is still in the car.” So, I have also tried this approach with Will, “Son it is OK, it is still in the car, we will look when we stop, believe me, it is still in the car.” Clearly, this was not the immediate feedback that my son needed. “Dad, you don’t understand,” he would say, “IT is gone, I lost IT!!!” Regardless of what comforting message I would share with my son, nothing would ease his panic, his need for proof that everything was OK and that IT was not lost. The only way to bring him comfort was to stop the car and look. As always, there IT was… the prized possession, the answer to his needs, my message finally understood. IT was OK and IT was not lost. My message was only heard after the proof was shown to Will. From time to time, I feel myself slipping into that panic like my son… my faith is challenged… and I look for proof. Well, the proof is there, it has always been there and will continue to be there… God’s Grace. When doubt tiptoes into my life, all I have to do is look at my family, look at my church family, and know that “we have seen His Glory.” Matt Sherman, Elder 22
Wednesday, December 15th Luke 2:1-7
The long, 3 day journey for Joseph and Mary: It was 60 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. A census was being taken, the Roman Emperor Augustus needed to get some idea of the taxes he would collect from the region. Mary is very pregnant; she would soon deliver her child. Many, many people are traveling to Bethlehem, just like Mary and Joseph. The village inns are completely filled. The couple stayed in a stable that night and Mary gave birth to her first son. He was wrapped pieces of cloth and laid in a manger, where the food is kept for the animals. We imagine the thrill Mary feels that special night, the miracle has happened. The virgin Mary has just given birth to the son of God. Why would God allow his son to be born in these humble surroundings? Jesus has come. He is the Savior. The world will sing His praises! Our prayer: Thank you God for the birth of your Son Jesus and His humble beginnings. Jesus came to this earth for all of us, rich and poor alike. Please be with us as we celebrate during this season and help us to remember the most special birthday of all. Amen Carol Beaty, ChristCare Coordinator 23
Thursday, December 16th Luke 2:8-20
It is hard to imagine the scene in the fields that night where the shepherds were tending their flocks. They were certainly not anticipating any great event. They were doing their jobs which they had done night after night, week after week for years…taking care of livestock. Not the most exciting job. It is not hard to envision that a few of them were together talking about their families or events of the day and maybe one or two of them were leaning on their crooks half-dozing in the still, starry night. These were ordinary men, certainly not of great stature or influence in the community. It is notable that not one is mentioned by name. Out of the darkness, with no warning, appears an angel of the Lord and “the glory of the Lord shone around them.” I don’t think it was necessary to then point out that they were terrified. The announcement of the birth of the Messiah; the advent of the salvation of the world; not at a press conference, not at City Hall, not to the emperor, not at the house of the wealthiest family not even to the local scribe who could make sure that the word got out. The first mention of the greatest single event
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Thursday, December 16th – continued
in the history of the world was made in a remote field, in the middle of the night to common men. The response of these men was to seek Jesus out, to go to Him, to find Him, to praise Him and to praise God. As we go about our everyday lives, going to work, “tending” children and households and just getting along, may our annual recreation of this historic announcement and the celebration of the birth of Jesus which it proclaimed, evoke the same response made by those who were like us then. Praise God. Ron Swinson, Elder
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Friday, December 17th Romans 15:12-13
As a child, I was captivated by the manger scene that held a prominent place front-and-center under our artificial Christmas tree (Mom was and still is allergic to all things evergreen). While my seven brothers and sisters fought over who got to put the angel atop the tree, I was waiting down below, eager to be the one to assemble the manger scene. Of all those in attendance at that holiest of scenes, “We Three Kings,” as my young mind knew them, always stood out. Maybe it was their fancy, exotic gifts. Maybe it was their camels. Maybe it was because they were the only ones in the scene who weren’t presented as white guys with blue eyes. Even as I grew older, and realized how scripturally and historically inaccurate the Magi’s presence was on that first Christmas morning, the allure didn’t fade. What was it about these characters that kept pulling me back under that tree? Over the years, as I read and listened to more Scripture, my mind would often wander back to that manger, those to those guys. Finally, it started to come together. Amid all the figures in our manger scene – the humble shepherds, the gentle lambs, the stately oxen, the Blessed Family – these Magi were the outsiders. Strangers in a strange land, to paraphrase Genesis 15:13. These were the guys who “traversed afar” to greet the new king. They were seeking the Christ child, leaving behind their homes, making a journey strictly on faith. 26
Friday, December 17th – continued When they left, we are told, they “departed into their own country another way.” They left as transformed men. Something inside them had radically changed. They did not retrace their steps – back to Herod or to their pagan, Christ-less lives. How often do we truly go out of our way as we seek Christ? Are we willing to leave everything behind? In a world that is seemingly growing more and more secular, are we willing to risk being the stranger in a strange land – witnesses for Christ? When we walk out of Spring Valley Presbyterian Church every Sunday, do we retrace our steps back the way we came, back to our old, rote ways? Or do we strike out anew, choosing “another way” to live as Christ would? When was the last time we truly “bowed down and worshiped” Christ our Lord, as the Magi did for Christ the Child? During this holiest season and all year-round, may God give all of us the strength and insight to go where our faith journey takes us – especially when it takes us off our chosen path. Dan O’Mara
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Saturday, December 18 Matthew 2:13-15 “Suffering for one’s Calling”
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When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up”, he said, “take the child and his mother, and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” This passage described Jesus’ calling to the service of all people. Jesus is called to represent God’s offering of his son to share in our experience and his understanding of and sympathy for the human condition. In order to fulfill this calling Jesus must suffer with us and for us. God has a plan for all our lives as well. In this season we must remember those among us who are called on to perform the difficult task that not everyone can perform. Some care for the elderly, needy and infirm, striving tirelessly to alleviate their suffering. Some serve their country protecting the freedoms that so bless the American people. Others protect us from crime, fires, and other emergencies. Countless others offer their time and talents in the service of others. This service can be painful and exhausting, costing these people and their families emotionally and physically. God honors this sacrifice with the gift of his only son, who suffered and died for all of us. Let us this season honor those among us who serve others with our prayers and appreciation. Prayer; Dear Lord please accept this prayer as praise for those who work and even suffer tirelessly in the service of others. Inspire us to follow their example. In this we can honor you with the improvement of the lives of your people. This season we celebrate your gift of Him who came among us to share in our experience and suffer on our behalf. Please fill our hearts with the spirit of appreciation and giving. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen Wes Anderson, Deacon 28
Sunday, December 19th
Celebrating Matthew 2:19-23 THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT After reading this passage, I try to think of its implications for today. First to my mind is trust. I know Joseph must have been scared, but he wanted to do what was best for his family. So he trusted God and acted immediately. Although in a difficult situation, he listened; he trusted; he acted. So perhaps we can follow Joseph’s example. In our busy and stressful lives, maybe we can listen, act, and follow God as Joseph did. What also stands out to me is the fact that Joseph had to act quickly and listen to his own feelings and thoughts. When he heard of the problems in Judea with the reign of Archelaus, he decided to bypass Judea and headed for Galilee. But God was with him throughout the journey. So this has a 2-part lesson for us. First, follow the word of God. Second, use our own mind, feelings and intellect. Ask God to guide us each day, and he will carry us through our stressful times. He leads us as he led Joseph. And he will be with us. He speaks to us. He guides us. He uses our individual strengths to get us through. He uses our mind, heart, and feelings. Can we listen? Can we trust as Joseph did? He is speaking to us in multiple ways. Can we slow down and listen and feel his guiding hand? May you feel God’s presence this holiday season and trust in him. Karyn Taylor, Deacon
If you have an Advent wreath or light Advent Candles, gather your family and pray this prayer poem and light your first, second, third and fourth candles; for others, close, your devotional time with this prayer poem. LET US REJOICE AND PRAY On this fourth Sunday in Advent; Let us rejoice and pray Long ago, Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem went to prepare for the Holy Christmas Day 29
Sunday, December 19th – continued So light a little candle star to guide them on their way And as we journey through our week, help us to seek His way and pray Then with each passing day, the time will draw nearer to Christmas Eve, Our candle stars are lit and the Christ Candle shines brightly to weave Our Advent tapestry, the Prince of Peace, Joy and Hope, Rejoice, Rejoice and Pray It’s Christmas Day!
Ruth Q Seigler, Elder
Monday, December 20th Luke 2: 25-38
"Come home early from work tonight" the young wife said. "I'm making your favorite supper because tonight is our anniversary." "How could I forget our 7th year?" said her husband. "Seven is a holy number. So I won't make you wait until tonight for your present." He pulled out a necklace with a big white gemstone and fastened it around her neck. "You always seem to know special things about people. Maybe with this as a 3rd eye you can see even deeper into the future." Anna thought that was very funny and immediately went to admire the unique gift in her mirror. She showed the gift to her neighbors at the market later that morning. She thought about it and smiled quietly as she prepared supper that afternoon. Then she rubbed it nervously late that evening as supper went cold. Eventually, her husband's partners knocked on her door and gave her some terrible news. That night Anna wandered to the temple to pray and mourn. And she never came back home. Years later, Anna's father Phanuel paid her a visit at the temple. "Your mother sent you this change of clothes . . . and I wanted 30
Monday, December 20th – continued to talk to you myself. A business partner of mine lost his wife during childbirth last year. It was to be their first child and he was devastated. He also knew your husband and always heard very fine compliments about you, Anna. He has asked me to consider him as your next husband. Anna, you have mourned for over two years and I have told him you will be his wife." Anna was stunned. "Father, I stopped mourning a long time ago. Now I have work to do here at the temple. I see the new babies who come for consecration. Do you know that I can tell things about them, things that their parents don't know? I saw one today that will go blind many years from now. Another that will struggle with a violent temper. Yesterday I held a baby that will be responsible for employing over 500 people. God shows me things about their future and with this knowledge I pray for them in ways that no one else can." Phanuel countered, "But you are only 25 years old. You can still remarry and have children of your own. Don't pass up this chance for happiness." "The firstborn of Jerusalem are my children," said Anna. "And my work praying for them keeps me very busy and fulfilled." Over many decades, Anna had held thousands of children and today was progressing as usual. As the priest finished circumcising a baby, he handed the child to Anna. As soon as she touched, Him Anna was overwhelmed with visions of glory and light so bright she couldn't see. Angelic singing so loud she could hear nothing else. A warmth and completeness filled her with such joy that she had no room for any other emotion. She knew immediately that this was the Son of God. She now had the high honor of holding the Messiah in her arms. As the vision subsided, she noticed the parents and priests staring at her curiously. But she gazed down at the baby held tightly to her chest. He had reached up his tiny hand and grasped a tarnished, formerly white gemstone that still hung from Anna's neck. Lance Roper, Elder
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Tuesday, December 21st Matthew 11:2-6
Things That Make You Say Hmmm. If we were around during the time of Jesus’ birth, would we have wondered if He was the One or should we expect someone else? Would we have believed that His was a virgin birth? Even Joseph and Mary had their doubts until the angel Gabriel appeared to them separately in a dream. Would we have believed that no one could take Him and His mother in to provide a suitable birthing environment, and that He would be born in a dirty stable among the undomesticated animals. Would we have believed that there was no baby crib and that he was placed in a manger filled with hay? How could this happen to one if He was so special? Would we have believed that one born of such lowly estate could be the Son of God? Would we have been expecting much less looking for Him in any of these circumstances? It is doubtful that we would have believed. But if we had believed, we most likely would have at least entertained some doubts and the events surrounding His birth would have caused us to say hmmm. We know now through the scriptural accounts of His birth, life and deeds that He was indeed the One and we should not expect someone else. Let us cast aside the doubts, and instead, ponder and celebrate the advent of His birth. Hollis Walker, Church leader
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Wednesday, December 22nd Galatians 4:4-5
“But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, ‘Papa! Father!’ Doesn’t that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you’re also an heir, with complete access to the heritage.” This scripture passage speaks to me in a very personal way- that God has invited me into an intimate relationship with Him as a father has with his child. It is a very human connection, given through the gift of His son, Jesus. One of the biggest struggles in life is hearing God’s voice and knowing His purpose daily. We find ourselves trying so hard to control our lives that we often fill our days with worry, struggle, frustration and anxiety. Accepting the role as an Elder for our church was truly a leap of faith for me. We had been members of the church for many years with our involvement mainly in the music program. When the call came, my initial reaction was that my life was already way too busy, that I had no qualifications for the job. But somewhere deep within me, I wondered if this was perhaps God offering me an opportunity in my life to serve and to develop my faith in a new and different way. The wonderful gift to serve God through our church can open so many amazing doors and can be rewarding in a deep and profound way. For example, participating in a Habitat for Humanity project provides the joy of watching a person achieve a dream that would have never been a reality without this program. But those who volunteer to do the work are equally blessed to bask in the satisfaction of physically serving God and being a part of a wonderful gift to a person in need. God provides these kinds of opportunities regularly in life. This is clearly one of the ways that he speaks to us, through the intimate conversation that is referred to in this passage. Recognizing His voice and following the right path remains a challenge. But what joy can come from serving God with a true servant heart! 33
Tom White, Elder
Thursday, December 23rd Philippians 3:5-14
Knowing Christ can change your Life ….”Knowing Christ has changed my whole life….I press on to the prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ” Philippians 3:5-14 In these verses, we find Paul during a time of imprisonment, reflecting on the course of his life. He reminds the Philippians that he was “a full blooded Jew, Pharisee, and persecutor of the Church; however, we learn that coming to know Christ changed Paul’s whole life. There is a miraculous change in his ambitions as he longs to know Christ, share his sufferings, and even die to attain resurrection in Christ. This is the Hope of the World for Paul and for us. At a time when we seem to be experiencing unprecedented economic stress, world conflict, political unrest, and spiritual decline, it is tempting to wonder about God’s presence and whether we have been abandoned as Christians. This example from Paul helps us put things into a proper perspective. During the season of Advent we can also consider our own personal losses as “useless rubbish” compared to being able to know Christ—the Hope of Christmas. It may just be that God is more involved with us when we hurt than at any other time. Regardless, to follow Paul’s example, there is no useful purpose in thrashing about having a “pity party”. Ruth and I love a story from one of Pastor Jack’s sermons where General Lee had returned to Virginia after the Civil War to restart his life as the College President of Washington and Lee. He had a visit from one of his former neighbors, a lady who had a profuse litany of complaints about the ‘Yankees” and how the Union soldiers have severely ruined her property especially a significant prized tree. She invites Lee to her home to see the damage and advise her on how to fix it. General Lee visits and after surveying the tree, he turns to the lady and remarks, “Madam, I recommend that you cut the tree down and move on with your life.” What great advice! Isn’t this so true in our lives, don’t we often cling to some past hurts that keeps us distanced 34
Thursday, December 23rd – continued from others and separates us from a loving and caring relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.. Sometime we need to give up the negative damaged tree in our life and renew our effort to press on to the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, knowing that He can change our lives. “O, God, when we journey through the wilderness of life, remind us of your unfailing love for us and persevere in your constant seeking of us, draw us closer to you, remind us that in the race of life, we are not travelling alone. In that knowledge may we find the courage to press on to the light of Hope and Peace, knowing that ‘The Lord delights in us '. Cleanse us of our grievances, so that we can really rejoice in the miracles of the Christmas season. In Christ’s name I pray, amen” Rallie Seigler, Elder
Friday, December 24th Isaiah 2:1-5 CHRISTMAS EVE
If you have not been to the earthly version of the "Mountain of the Lord”, you should join the church group next year at Montreat. I have to admit that I had not been to Montreat in my first 15 years as a member of SVPC. This past October, I was just returning from a month away from home at trial, and I desperately needed time with my family, relaxation, and sleep. Montreat was just what I needed. There were many wonderful moments on God's mountain that weekend. But, one stands out in my mind. On Saturday morning, while sitting alone outside our Montreat apartment, I really started to enjoy the beauty, peace and quiet of the mountain. Just at that moment when I began to fully appreciate the peace and quiet, I noticed my daughter Natalie (8), my son Robert (11), and Mason O'Mara (6) walking up the sidewalk a level below me. Realizing that 35
Friday, December 24th – continued my peace and quiet was undoubtedly about to end, I selfishly moved my chair back, trying my best to hide. I hid silently for about a minute, just hoping that the kids would pass by and create havoc somewhere else. But, the kids did not leave. Instead of noise coming from below, however, I could barely hear one of the kids whispering softly. Suspicious of any whispering involving my children, I moved my chair back up and did some eavesdropping. Instead of Robert leading some hushed conspiracy among the younger children, I watched and listened to Mason, the youngest, leading the group. This is what I heard: "It is a spider Natalie, but don't worry. It's a granddaddy longlegs. It is one of God's creatures, and they don't even bite. But, you can hurt them easily, so I hold him on this stick.” He held the granddaddy longlegs on a stick in one hand and reached down and grabbed another stick and handed it to Natalie. Mason then said, "if you gently hold the stick next to mine, the grand-daddy longlegs will crawl over to you.” And, it did. Natalie's face lit up with a smile that warmed up the mountain. Robert got another stick and the granddaddy longlegs crawled over to his stick. A minute later, it crawled back to Mason's stick, and Mason let out a laugh that only Mason can make. It was a sound of pure joy. The image of the kids, enjoying nature and talking about God's creatures, was frozen in time for me that morning -- a picture of innocence and wonder that I had not seen in a long time. It was a simple moment, perhaps not special, but one I will never forget. Without knowing it, and at a time when I least expected it, Mason O'Mara, one of God's smallest children, opened up my eyes and my heart again to the joy that we can experience in simple daily life – if we only take the time to see it. This is my church. Michael Hogue, Elder
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Christmas Eve If you have an Advent wreath or light Advent Candles, gather your family and pray this prayer poem and light your first, second, third and fourth candles; and lastly, the center Christ candle. For others, close, your devotional time with this prayer poem. LET US REJOICE AND PRAY On this lovely Christmas Eve the final day of Advent; Let us rejoice and pray The long awaited time, tomorrow is the Holy Christmas Day So light all your little candle stars that guide us through our day And as we journey through the new year, help us to seek your path and pray Then with each passing day, the time will draw near to Christ’s will and way, So now all our candle stars are lit and the Christ Candle is lit our Advent wreath shines so brightly to weave Our Advent tapestry, Foretelling, Preparing, Encountering and Celebrating the Birth of the Christ Jesus, the Prince of Peace, Giver of Joy and Hope, Rejoice, Rejoice and Pray O Happy Christmas Day
Ruth Q Seigler, Elder 37
Saturday, December 25th Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
“Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king’s son. May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice. May the mountains yield prosperity for the people, and the hills in righteousness. May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor. May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations. May he be like rain that fall on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more.
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel who alone has done wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may his glory fill the whole earth. Amen and Amen.” This psalm describes the prayerful hopes for a king’s son, as the son begins to rule instead of his father. The hopes and dreams as the new reign begins encompass justice, prosperity, longevity, stability, and peace. The new king understands that God is the ultimate king above him, so that he won’t claim absolute power. The people aren’t his people, they are God’s people. Over time, the human kings of Israel and Judah proved to be weak and sometimes even bad. Some were oppressive, unfaithful, and allowed the worship of other gods. In another psalm we read it is better to trust in the Lord than put confidence in men. It is better to trust in the Lord than put
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Saturday, December 25th – continued
confidence in princes. We remain on track only to the extent that we keep our trust in God. This is true for everyone, not only kings. As we come to Christmas Day, 2010, we celebrate the birth of a king. Unlike human kings, or leaders, the king whose birth is Christmas is Christ the Lord. This king is both God and human in flesh. All the hopes and dreams that Israel placed in human kings find their fulfillment and perfection in Jesus Christ. In the carol O Little Town of Bethlehem we sing, “the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” All that humans have longed to see are found in Christ. All that humans have feared have been laid to rest in Christ. Christ is the fulfillment of the psalm’s hopes and dreams for the king who is just starting to rule. As we move from the celebration of Christ’s birth, may our hearts be moved to witness a coronation of Christ in our hearts in this new year. May he take his place in the midst of our lives and rule supreme in us. May we humbly seek his truth. May we be guided in his Spirit. May we listen for his word. May our lives reflect his sovereign grace. May we live in the light of his love and be filled with his peace. This king will never let us down. He is King of kings and Lord of lords, and he shall reign for ever and ever. Jack Heinsohn, Pastor
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