Advent Devotional
2012
Time Out! During Advent As the calendar year draws to a close, family schedules and personal agendas fill with meetings, programs, parties, and annual obligations. The carol “Silent Night” could not have been written at the end of the twentieth century, when its title evokes the peace and stillness modern women and men can only imagine. Yet this busiest time of year calls us to draw close to others, above all to God, who became flesh and lived with us. Contemplation and car pooling?! Meditation and manic shopping?! How do we carve out moments of quiet when we open ourselves to God’s presence? Perhaps we have to lower our sights from hours spent around hearths and lengthy readings or litanies. Between traffic jams and parking lot crushes, scribbling holiday notes and decking our halls, there may still be ten minutes – or even five – when the family, which may mean something as informal as those who share meals and lodging, can sit quietly around the lighted Advent wreath. Once a day, once a week, or perhaps only once during the Season of Preparation.
q Special Thanks to:r Cindi Ross-Bell
for gathering information & compiling this booklet.
Ashley Watson
for graphics, formatting & printing.
1
Advent Devotional
December
Sunday, December 2nd
First Sunday of Advent. Light the candle of Hope
O Come, Emmanuel O come, O Emmanuel, captive That
O Come, come, And ransom Israel, mourns in
lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appears. O come, Desire of nations, bind All peoples in one heart and mind; Bid envy, strife and quarrels cease; Fill all the world with heaven’s peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
The preparation for the celebration of our Lord’s birth begins four Sundays before Christmas Day, a period known as the Advent season. Many churches, as well as Christian families, observe and prepare for Christ’s birth by lighting a new candle on each of the four Sundays proceeding Christmas Day. The Advent season centers on the Old Testament prophecies concerning a coming Messiah-Deliverer. The Messiah’s promised coming was foretold seven centuries before Christ’s birth. The Jewish hope of a promised Messiah was all but lost in times of extreme cruelty and destruction dealt to the Jewish people by such enemies as the Egyptians, the Syrians, and the Romans. But finally the long-awaited heavenly announcement came: “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
2
Advent Devotional
2012
Monday, December 3rd An Advent Examination
Excerpt from A Pilgrim’s Almanac by Edward Hays Advent is the perfect time to clear and prepare the Way. Advent is a winter training camp for those who desire peace. By reflection and prayer, by reading and meditation, we can make our hearts a place where a blessing of peace would desire to abide and where the birth of the Prince of Peace might take place.
Daily we can make an Advent examination. Are their any feelings of discrimination toward race, sex, or religion? Is there a lingering resentment, an unforgiven injury living in our hearts? Do we look down upon others of lesser social standing or educational achievement? Are we generous with the gifts that have been given to us, seeing ourselves as their stewards and not their owners? Are we reverent of others, their ideas and needs, and of creation? These and other questions become Advent lights by which we may search the deep, dark corners of our hearts.
3
Advent Devotional
December
Tuesday, December 4th Some Special Gifts
Here are a few suggestions for special gifts: A firm handshake to a shaky soul A kind word to a lonely person A warm smile to the disheartened A sincere concern for someone troubled A feeling of compassion for the neglected A comforting thought for the bereaved
A respect for the dignity of others A defense of the rights of individuals A word of witness to help a seeking soul
A Merry Christmas to all
4
Advent Devotional
2012
Wednesday, December 5th
Hope From “Simply Wait” by Pamela C. Hawkins Hope. Perhaps no other word better illumines the Advent story. Hope that Mary would say Yes! Hope that Joseph would not reject her upon hearing the news of her pregnancy. Hope that their long journey to Bethlehem would bring no harm. Hope that the bright star overhead would bring only good. Parents hope for room in an inn. Shepherds hope for good news of a birth in a manger. Angels hope for peace in human hearts. Advent could not be Advent without hope. Not at the first and not today, for without the borning cry of hope, the world could descend into deadening discouragement. In the stories and season of Advent, God opens everything to us through hope born of expectation – expectation that Christ is coming to make all things new. And in the coming of Christ we find the coming of hope, made real in time, space, and flesh.
5
Advent Devotional
December
Thursday, December 6th
A St. Nicholas’ Note Adapted from A Pilgrim’s Almanac by Edward Hays It is fitting that the feast of St. Nicholas comes at the beginning of Advent and the beginning of the shopper’s season. As the patron saint of shoppers he proclaims, “Keep it simple!” Keep it simple enough to fit in a shoe or a stocking. One gift that could fit in a . . . shoe, or in a stocking hanging on the fireplace, is a note that speaks of one of our most precious gifts, the gift of time. Such a St. Nicholas note might read: “The gift I give to you is half an hour of quality conversation each night right after the dishes are done.” Or, “This gift I give to you is one Saturday a month to be with you and do whatever you want to do.” We can appreciate the value of such a gift if we keep in mind that according to a recent survey, the average married couple in America has only 30 minutes a week of communication outside of exchanges that take place at the dinner table, and between parent and child is only 14 minutes. As you can see, the possibilities are almost unlimited for these St. Nicholas shoe gifts.
Come, St. Nicholas, patron of shoppers and gift-seekers, and make Christmas this year fun, creative and love-filled.
6
Advent Devotional
2012
Friday, December 7th People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars . . . and they pass by themselves without wondering.
-Saint Augustine You are a miracle. . . a miraculous creation of the most amazing builder in the history of the universe. Yet how many times this season have you realized it? Holidays are a great time for complaining about ourselves. In a few short weeks, we’ll be coming up with a list of all the flaws and shortcomings that we plan to fix next year. But whether you’re too heavy or too thin or too tired or too old or too young – you, yourself, your imperfect, frazzled self – are a wonder, more marvelous and miraculous and beloved of God than the highest mountain or brightest star. You are a miracle. You are a child of God. Glorify this in your heart this Advent season. The Savior is coming soon . . . isn’t that wonderful?
7
Advent Devotional
Saturday, December 8th
December
This is what the Advent Season means to me, and I look forward to the journey that God will take me and my family on. May it inspire a renewed faith for you and your family: I believe in the promise of Christmas, and the importance of celebrating it in the church. I believe in the God at the center of Christmas, whose hope for the world was imagined by prophets. I believe in Mary, who sang of turning the world upside down and who allowed her life to be disrupted by God. I believe in Joseph, whose broken heart broke the rules to do the right thing. I believe in the smell of the stable I believe there is no place where God will not go. I believe in the shepherds, those simple ones open to hear the angels’ song. I believe in the Magi, the ones outside the faith community, who search out the Holy. I believe in Jesus, born in poverty, soon a refugee, raised in faith, lived seeking justice, died speaking forgiveness, rose with love that could not be stopped. I commit to use this Advent Season to seek out the Holy, both in God among us and God beyond us. I open myself to a journey of great joy that will change my life. Submitted by Margery Richmond
8
Advent Devotional
2012
Sunday, December 9th
Second Sunday of Advent. Light the candle of Love
Angels We on Angels we on high, singing o’er And the in reply, their joyous Shepherds,
Have Heard High have heard Sweetly the plains, mountains, Echoing strains. why this
jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heav’nly song? Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come adore, on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King. See Him in a manger laid – Jesus, Lord of heav’n and earth; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, With us sing our Savior’s birth. Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
As vast numbers of angels swiftly descended toward earth through the star-sprinkled sky, the leading angel halted them with a sign. They hovered with folded wings over a silent field near Bethlehem. “There they are,” said the leading angel, “the humble shepherds who have been chosen by God to receive your message. It will be the most wonderful news that people have ever received. Are you ready with your great angelic chorus?” The leading angel drifted slightly downward so that he could be seen by the shepherds below. They were terrified! They all covered their faces in the brilliance of the light but earnestly listened with awe as the vision before them began to speak in their own language: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” Instantly surrounding the angel was the brilliant heavenly host, and echoing through the sky and o’er the plains was the most beautiful singing that the shepherds had ever heard.
9
Advent Devotional
December
Monday, December 10th
Gift of Wonder Adapted from “The Priest” by Rev. Alfred McBride Each year, God asks us to shed one more coat of awareness, one more dream state and come alive to the vision of God’s plan for each of us and the world-at-large. The older we get, the harder this is to do. As children we had a sense of wonder. Our eyes were wide open and drinking in the fascinating gifts we beheld . . . our thirsty souls could not have enough of the wonders of creation. Then, somehow, we grew too old to dream. We tired of the abundance of the world, or at least grew weary of keeping up with the feast of life, and stepped away from the banquet of life. The natural gift of wonder God gave us as children was meant to be kept alive . . . instead we let wonder go to sleep. We entered the typical dream state of most humans. Why else does Jesus tell us today, “Stay awake!” Advent says, “Wake up and realize the gifts of love you have received.” Psychology says, “Let go”. Spirituality says, “Wake up”. In both cases there is a withdrawal from the busyness of daily life (our dream state) and a waking up to the subconscious and spiritual depths of ourselves.
10
Advent Devotional
2012
Tuesday, December 11th
Anticipation From “Simply Wait” by Pamela C. Hawkins As we entered the sanctuary, it was almost time for the Advent service to begin. I noticed a man sitting alone in the choir loft. He was middle-aged, dressed in a choir robe, and was leaning forward in an odd posture. At first, I thought he had arrived too late to join the rest of the choir. Yet he seemed calm and unhurried. This man sat very still, almost strangely so – eyes straight ahead, jaw thrust up, neck taut – holding still as though he anticipated something was about to happen. The suddenly he stood up, as if he had heard some cue inaudible to the rest of us. He broke into a smile that lit up his whole person, a smile like we see on someone who has received wonderful news. That was when I realized the man was blind. He had not arrived late but had been waiting right where he needed to be, probably where he waited often. He had been listening for the sound of readiness, a sound he had attuned his ears to hear. He was anticipating with his whole being that first sound of music from a distance. He was leaning into the Advent space of God’s gathered people, poised and ready, and when he heard what he had been waiting for, he was moved to joy. May we be so poised this Advent. May we learn to wait well, expectations high, stretching toward God’s people. May we grow in anticipation of what the coming of Christ can mean for the waiting world. May we seek and find our place in the unfolding story of Christ.
11
Advent Devotional
December
Wednesday, December 12th
Obedience From “Simply Wait” by Pamela C. Hawkins A tree grows in our backyard that is like no other tree. In late autumn the distinctive form of the tree begins to be laid bare, revealing a life story to anyone who will pay attention. At the ground where the gray-brown trunk erupts from the soil, this tree looks like all the others in our yard – reaching arrow-straight toward the sky. But once its leaves have surrendered to autumn’s final chill, the light and clarity of winter reveal evidence of a different life lived in this one tree. Halfway up its height, a curve begins – not a slight curve like a sliver of moon but a strong, clear curve like a child’s hand cupped around some secret treasure. And then, after bending out and around and up for the length of at least twelve feet, the trunk grows straight again as if this peculiar detour had never appeared. I can never know what set this tree off course. But I do know that this tree followed the only path for which it was created, and that it did so by seeking and following the life source that is light. For it’s life’s sake, it obeyed the Creator’s nudge and tug. Whatever pulled and called it into this unique curve, whatever it “listened” to deep inside, may have saved its life at one time. And now I am reminded of how obedience to the Creator is really about turning toward the light and voice of God for life’s sake. May we seek times of Advent solitude, silence and prayer in which we bare our unique soul before the One who formed us to listen for guidance about who we are called to become. May we seek the light of God in Jesus Christ day by day, bending and turning toward Christ even if it makes us stand out from the Christmas crowds.
12
Advent Devotional
2012
Thursday, December 13th
Let Me Not Keep Christmas Adapted from “A Book of Christmas” by Linda Felver Let me not wrap, stack, box, bag, tie, tag, bundle, seal, keep Christmas. Christmas kept is liable to mold. Let me give Christmas away, unwrapped, by exuberant armfuls. Let me share, dance, live Christmas unpretentiously, merrily, responsibly with overflowing hands, tireless steps and sparkling eyes. Christmas given away will stay fresh – even until it comes again.
13
Advent Devotional
December
Friday, December 14th The Advent/Christmas season provides us with one of the greatest opportunities that we will ever have to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. There are parades and parties and special worship services at church to which we can invite others. At this time of year there are many people who are lonely, depressed, grief-stricken, and in great need of someone to befriend them. These people need our attention and our invitations. Think of the lost, the lonely, and the left-out and seek to include them in your celebrations. Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me be more aware of those who need someone to reach out to them during this season of the year. Amen.
14
Advent Devotional
2012
Saturday, December 15th Christmas By William Arthur Ward
Christmas is more than a time of music, merriment and mirth; It is a season of meditation, mangers and miracles. Christmas is more than a time of gaiety, greenery and gifts; It is a season of wonder, worship and wise men. Christmas is more than a time of tinsel, trees and toys; It is a season of preparation, prayers and peace. Christmas is more than a time of festivities, family and friends; It is a season of generosity, gladness and gratitude. Christmas is more than a time of carols, cards and candy; It is a season of dedication, direction and decision. Christmas is more than Santa, stockings and surprises; It is Christ, care and concern.
15
Advent Devotional
December
Sunday, December 16th
Third Sunday of Advent. Light the candle of Peace O Holy O holy night! are brightly It is the night Savior’s Long lay the and error Till He
Night! The stars shining, of the dear birth; world in sin pining, appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn; Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born! O night, O holy night, O night divine!
The night was calm and peaceful with only the flickering light of a campfire in the darkness of the field. Nearby reclined a group of shepherds watching the flock of sheep resting around them. Suddenly a radiant light burst from the skies above them! A shining angel proclaimed the miraculous announcement of Christ’s birth. Instantly a great host of angels appeared in the sky, praising God. It was indeed a “night divine”! What did this holy night of Christ’s birth mean to humanity? This inspiring song reminds us that it brought to a weary world a “thrill of hope” and freedom from all oppression. Prayer: Keep us, Lord, from losing the awe of that holy night when Christ was born. May our carols of praise never become tiresome and old. May the thrilling sounds of Christmas ever remind us of how much we owe to our heavenly Father for His great gift of love on our behalf.
16
Advent Devotional
2012
Monday, December 17th The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
John 1:1-4, 9 At Christmas time, we hang twinkling lights to remind us that the Savior of the world is on his way. Now consider the glowing of our earth. Could this glowing natural world be the Spirit of God, sent to us in Jesus – a light shining in the darkness – and sealed in us at Pentecost in the rush of a violent wind and tongues of fire? The light shining in the darkness – part of the wonder of the natural world. Have you ever seen radioactive, glowing rocks? Is this light in the rocks, this natural glow, a manifestation of the Spirit? The glow of the northern lights in open sky . . . is this a manifestation of the Spirit, beaming down in brilliant color from the heavens? An icicle so dazzling you can’t even look at it without shielding your eyes. Is this frozen wonder a display of the Spirit’s radiance in the midst of our ordinary lives? Jesus, the true light, is coming into the world. The true light. Shining in us. Shining in rocks. Shining in frozen water hanging from gutters. Shining in all of nature. Bringing the glow of Peace on Earth.
17
Advent Devotional
December
Tuesday, December 18th The Joy of Christmas
The joy of Christmas is contagious – but not primarily because of our gifts of dolls and trucks, bikes and pretty dresses, sweaters and ties . . . the joy of Christmas is contagious because of the spirit behind the gifts. The glory of Christmas is that a gracious God became one of us to tell us that He loves us. And, in his or her Christmas giving, the genuine believer symbolizes his or her inner desire to spread this Good News. Christmas morning we celebrate Incarnation! and we rejoice! The eternal God comes into the flesh and blood of humanity. Christmas cards portray the little Babe, the Manger, the Magi, the shepherds. Little children learn that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday. But these pieces of the story only touch the edge of the mysterious event which brings us together. The Good News is that the God of Mercy has come into the history of humanity to bring us perfect peace. For the peace of mind and heart and soul that the world cannot give, follow Jesus. And when you follow Jesus, do not be surprised to see others following you. After all, the spirit of Christmas is contagious.
18
Advent Devotional
2012
Wednesday, December 19th
Patience From “Simply Wait” by Pamela C. Hawkins Waiting for Christmas is like waiting for a star to fall. We know it will come, streaking across our lives with promised Light, but we can grow weary from the Advent strain of waiting. We need to let patience, desire, and practice teach us to be present to what will come. So it is with the Advent season. As we begin to watch impatiently for the Light of Christmas, we have been given this stretch of time and space of Advent. Here we are invited to grow in patience and to position our lives so that we do not miss what God is doing in the wide expanse of the world. May we slow down, spread out our whole lives before God, and practice patient watching for where the light of God is falling. May we catch a glimpse of this holy light, of the lives and places in the world that need our attention and are illumined by God’s radiance so as to draw us near. May we all settle into Advent with a deep desire to see and attend to what matters to God.
19
Advent Devotional
December
Thursday, December 20th
1 Corinthians 13 – a Christmas Version If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing. If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug a child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.
20
Advent Devotional
2012
Friday, December 21st Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature.
-Saint Augustine Prayer: Lord, your Son is nearly here. The virgin birth, the miracles to come – all these things are beyond our understanding. Your divine plan isn’t bound by human understanding or laws of nature. Help me to remember that, not just now, but all year long. No matter what I’m facing, your strength is within me, reaching beyond natural boundaries and into the supernatural power and protection of God. Amen.
21
Advent Devotional
December
Saturday, December 22nd Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord.
-Luke 2:11 According to the angels’ declaration, peace among those whom God favors accompanied the birth of Jesus. In a world torn apart by conflict, we yearn for peace among the nations, peace within our more immediate circles of acquaintance, and peace within ourselves. But peace is more than simply the absence of conflict. Peace is a by-product of the active presence of the living Christ.
Peace PeacePeace
Peace Peace
Peace Peace
Peace
Peace
Peace
Peace
PeacePeace
Peace Peace
Peace Peace
Peace Peace Peace Peace
Peace Peace
Peace Peace
PeacePeace
Peace Peace
Peace
Peace
Peace Peace Peace Peace Peace
Peace
22
Advent Devotional
2012
Sunday, December 23rd
Fourth Sunday of Advent. Light the candle of Joy Joy to the Joy to the The Lord is Let earth King. Let prepare Him And heav’n sing,
World world! come; receive her ev’ry heart room, and nature And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.
As one of the most jubilant of all Christmas hymns, this carol omits the usual references to shepherds, angelic choruses, and wise men. It emphasizes instead the reverent but ecstatic joy that Christ’s birth brought mankind. For centuries hearts had yearned for God to reveal Himself personally. At least it happened as “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” ( John 1:14). The entire Christmas season should be filled with solemn joy as we contemplate anew God’s great gift, the provision whereby sinful man might be restored to live eternally. Prayer: Help us, Lord, to not become so concerned this life that we fail to hear and appreciate the melodies of heaven all around us and to be challenged to share the story of Christ’s love with others.
23
Advent Devotional
December Monday, December 24th Christmas Eve
O Holy Night, that deepening darkness above and around, light-pierced and silence-shrouded, out of which little children are called in and seeking shepherds are sent out. O night of nights, you spread across heaven and touch the earth, surrounding God’s people, capturing us in a moment of holy time, like a glove protects a precious flicker of Light. Come, draw us in, hold us together while we wait for the birth of the Light of lights, the One who will guide us into the world anew. Amen.
Tuesday, December 25th Christmas Day
I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.
- Luke 2:10-12
Jesus may have been born two thousand years ago, but His presence is just as real today as it was when He physically walked the earth. He is still touching lives, still changing hearts. . .
Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain, That Jesus Christ is born.
24
Merry Christmas