Advent 2022 Devotional

ADVENT 2022

I am pleased to present the seventh annual Advent Guide for the Friends University community. In this season that can so often feel overrun by the busyness of schedules, the pressures of finding just the right gifts, and the obligations of others on our time, energy and attention, taking time to intentionally reflect on the meaning and significance of the Advent season seems all the more important.

Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the commemoration of the arrival of Jesus at Christmas. The term, Advent, is a version of the Latin word meaning “coming.”

Advent reminds us of the once and future visit of our Lord Jesus Christ. May Christ make Himself known to all of us this Christmas! May these devotionals help prepare our hearts as we journey through this season.

Each day I invite you to read the Scripture passages and the accompanying brief devotional. Then, take a few moments to be still and present before the Lord as you consider the significance of Christ’s coming.

This Advent guide is a great collection of contributions from various faculty, staff, and students who have read, prayed, reflected, and put their thoughts onto paper—for all of us. I am thankful for their kind and thoughtful participation.

May these reflections on Scripture help you walk each step of the Advent journey until you find yourself at the manger on Christmas Day!

Grace and peace,

Guy M. Chmieleski

Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Campus Ministries

A GUIDE FOR DAILY DEVOTION

Quiet Your Heart

As we seek the Lord, it is important that we slow our pace, our mind and our body, so we might better “see”and “hear” what the Lord might have for us. A major part of preparing a place for God to speak involves turning down the volume of the noisy world we have become so accustomed to living in. Take a few minutes to focus your mind’s attention, and heart’s affection, on the ever-presence of Jesus.

Opening Prayer

Comfort, comfort your people, O God!

Speak peace to your people.

Comfort those who sit in darkness and mourn, Forgive us our sins and end the conflict in our lives.

The Reading of Scripture

Take time to slowly, and prayerfully, read the Scripture passages assigned for the day. Pay special attention to words or phrases that might stand out to you.

The Devotional Reflection

Read the devotional reflection for the day. Look and listen for how the Lord might be speaking through the thoughts and reflections of another.

Listen for God

Before you rush on to the next part of your day, take a few moments to sit with the things you have read, and ask God if there is something specific for you to take away for today. If you sense a leading, be willing to follow it. Maybe write it down somewhere where you will be reminded of it. Allow this to orient you and the work, relationships and experiences you have throughout your day.

Prayers

The following is a suggested guide for prayer during Advent:

• Pray for all Christians around the world and especially for those who endure persecution for their faith.

• Pray for our nation and all those in authority.

• Pray that Christ’s peace may cover the world. Pray for the end of conflict and war and the triumph of truth and justice.

• Pray for those who suffer and grieve.

• Pray for all those who engage in the educational ministry of the Church and especially for Friends University.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27

Isaiah 2:1-5 | Psalm 122 | Romans 13:11-14 | Matthew 24:36-44

Depending on your upbringing, “Advent” may illicit different meanings. Technically, Advent is the first season in the Christian liturgical calendar, beginning four Sundays before Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve. The term Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means visit or coming. It is the season of preparation before Christmas, the day in which Christians celebrate the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

As Christians prepare for the Christmas celebration, we are called to imagine what it is like to see the darkness in the world and to hope for a Savior, to hope for a day in which God comes to earth and all is made right. We are invited to prepare for God’s coming like the early Christians, “because you do not know on what day your Lord will come,” (Matthew 24:42).

But this is not always an easy invitation. Advent invites us to lean into the complexity of the world. Michelle Blake describes Advent as a paradox: that “while we wait for God, we are with God all long.” Or put another way, Advent is a tension. Winn Collier says, “I remember [one] December morning when I still lived at home, listening to an old rendition of the Nativity story on my Sears stereo, when my mom found me overcome by tears. I could not tell her whether they were tears of joy or tears of sorrow. Often, they are the same. Often, if we live honestly, one requires the other. Advent pulls these tensions taught.”

The invitation of Advent is to participate in this paradox, in this tension. It is to hold on to two difficult realities—that there is so much darkness in our world, and the Light of the World has come. We are invited to be honest, to not pretend that there are clean, neat answers to life’s most difficult questions, but to seek God in the midst of them. We participate in traditions likes lighting candles, reading scriptures, singing songs, and giving gifts because they help us embody the mystery and hope of the Christmas story.

Collected from Friends faculty, staff, and students, this devotional is an invitation for you to enter into the fullness of the Advent season. We hope you enjoy this season of paradoxical preparation and ultimately find joy in the salvation of the Lord this Christmas.

Mike Jaderston

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28

Psalm 124 | Genesis 8:1-19 | Romans 6:1-11

Examen Prayer for Reflection:

1.

Awaken yourself to God’s Presence

Look over the past day and take note of the moments when you felt God’s presence. When did you feel Him with you, helping you or looking over you? Focus on God’s presence with you right here in this moment. Ask God to make you more aware of Him. Repeat phrases such as, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me” (from Psalm 23) or “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46). These may be beneficial for connecting to God.

Any phrase or prayer that nurtures a connection with God is a good approach to awakening yourself to God’s presence.

2. Count your blessings/gifts

Think back over your day and make note of what you are thankful for. What made you feel blessed? Nothing is too small to be considered. Did someone hold the door for you? Did you sleep well? It may be difficult at first, but once you start your list, you will find it hard to stop. While thinking over these blessings and gifts from God, make sure to express your thanks to Him.

3. Reflect on what today held for you

Consider the last 24 hours and think over everything that happened. Good or bad-_don’t leave anything out. We tend to rush through our day and spend little time taking an honest look at what happened. Reflection is how we learn from our experiences.

4. Choose a moment from the day to pray

over

While looking back over your day, you may find a situation, a relationship, an attitude or a behavior that God is calling you to realign with His teachings.

Pick a specific moment to pray over and offer it to God. Do not be afraid to ask for His help in your endeavor.

5. Pray for the following day

This is the time to look to tomorrow. Ask God for His guidance and presence in the coming day. Ask Him to show you his plan for you. Know that God has seen tomorrow and has blessed you already. Breathe. Be still and know.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29

Psalm 124 | Genesis 9:1-17 | Hebrews 11:32-40

One of my dearest friends seeks the Lord in nature. In her moments of despair, confusion, or the need for stillness, she sits in the sunlight, eyes closed, feeling the warmth on her face. She breathes in deeply to smell the crisp air and exhales her worry in exchange for peace. Butterflies appear as she opens her eyes—a beautiful display of color and enchantment as they flutter around sporadically. These winged beauties emerge everywhere she seeks the Lord now and even when the Lord pursues her. Seeing the butterflies pulls her back to His spirit.

It is what the butterflies symbolize that makes a difference in her life. The feeling that the Holy Spirit is close to her, a sign that He hears her, sees her. Symbolism, by definition, is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. God used symbolism in Genesis 9:1-17 when he told Noah, “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.” The rainbow did not stop or keep the rain from flooding the earth. God kept the covenant and used the rainbow as a symbol to confirm His promise. Noah knew this and wisely said, “Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”

Often we use symbolism to affirm our faith: crosses, the shape of a fish, doves, and a crown of thorns. These tangible objects represent confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. As we approach Christ’s birth, my challenge to you today is to find God in ordinary things. Do you see Him in the life of an eternal evergreen tree? Maybe the wonderment of twinkling Christmas lights? Do you hear Him in the season’s generosity or the sound of joyful singing? Hold fast to the wise insight God is showing you and allow it to bless you in a thousand small ways for the days to come.

Sarah Cabral

Psalm 124 | Isaiah 54:1-10 | Matthew 24:23-35

“Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 124:8).

Advent is a season of reflection and introspection. A time to slow down and listen. A time to be thankful for who God is and know His promises hold true.

Life has a fascinating way of turning our attention towards the tasks ahead. We establish goals and set off to accomplish them. Over time, these goals become part of our journey and, if allowed, can intertwine with our identity. It becomes easy to put some hope or trust in things of this world—jobs, money, possessions, or people.

“What would you do if you were not afraid?” This question has been asked at leadership conferences and retreats. As much as our passions drive us forward, our fears can hold us back or we even feel paralyzed. God, who is Love, reminds us there is no fear in love and perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18).

In Isaiah 54, we are reminded of His promises. “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.”

This fall, Friends University held a remembrance concert for alum and famed musician, Rich Mullins. To me, his lyrics carried significant meaning throughout my college years. One song in particular comes to mind in reflecting on these verses and the Advent season. The first verse reads: “There’s bound to come some trouble in your life, but that ain’t nothing to be afraid of. There’s bound to come some trouble in your life, but that ain’t no reason to fear. I know there’s bound to come some trouble to your life but reach out to Jesus. Hold on tight. He’s been there before and He knows what it’s like. You’ll find He’s there.”

May we forever be reminded God is with us and our identity rests solely who He says I am.

Preston Todd

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 | Isaiah 4:2-6 | Acts 1:12-17, 21-26

The wood line beside our house is blanketed in a mass of wild grape vines. For years I assumed they were a non-fruit bearing variety, their tangled vines and sparse foliage expanding every spring without ever producing a single grape. Then one fall, in need of vines for Christmas wreaths, I cut them all the way back to their stalks, only to return the following summer to new vines that were loaded with clusters of plump and delicious fruit.

In pruning language, this process is called a “renovation;” a harsh maneuver that extracts all of the dead and chaotic growth from an overgrown tree or shrub in a last-ditch effort to renew its productivity. And while pruning of this kind might appear severe and even destructive at first glance, sometimes it is the only way to restore a plant’s life.

I’m reminded of this lesson from my grapevines as I read these early chapters from Isaiah, listening along as the prophet paints a portrait of God’s people that bears some semblance to an everexpanding mass of fruitless chaos. They have failed to live into the fullness and fruitfulness of their identity as those whose lives are tethered to and thus sustained by their covenant connection with God. In response, God reveals a plan to renovate His vineyard, cutting back the dead, decaying, and unproductive vines of Israel, so the branches of His Kingdom might be restored to life and abundance once again.

A similar invitation is extended to us as we approach this season of preparation and set out to ready the plots of our lives for the coming of Christ. During this time, we find an opportunity to examine ourselves, our habits, commitments, relationships, and pursuits. We should even reexamine the stories that give shape and form to our thinking and relating to God, others, ourselves, and the world—and ask where we might be called to cut back, disentangle, and extract those things that yield chaos, rather than the fruit of God’s Spirit in our lives.

May we find the courage and the wisdom to undergo this holy renovation so when the dawn breaks on Christmas morning, new shoots of life in Christ will have room to emerge and nourish our souls, the Church, and the world, to the glory of the One in whom we abide.

Milioto

Karen

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 | Isaiah 30:19-26 | Acts 13:16-25

Advent is not Christmas. This point seems obvious to those who pay attention to the Church calendar. But for most, the four weeks before Christmas are all about Christmas. Lately, we hear about a supposed “War on Christmas,” but there has never been a “War on Advent.” It is so little celebrated and understood no one cares to fight over it.

Advent is a season of repentance. We don’t notice this because Christmas overshadows it. Christmas is a celebration, but Advent is for reflection, repentance, and even lamentation. Some Christian groups see Advent as a season for fasting. It is a Lent in miniature; we would all do well to see it that way.

We see repentance mirrored in the larger story of our faith. The Messiah was longed for but when He arrived, most missed Him. These were people who should have known better. Unfortunately, they were not prepared for the Messiah’s arrival. In one of his many speeches in Acts, the Apostle Paul recounts the Christian story and says,

“…God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as He promised. Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. As John was completing his work, he said: ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not the One you are looking for. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

“Fellow children of Abraham and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning Him, they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath” (Acts 13:23-27).

Our Christian year spirituality mimics the events of history. John the Baptist prepared the way for the Messiah. He prepared hearts by preaching repentance and a baptism that symbolized repentance. Advent prepares us to receive the Messiah, again, not as the giver of material gifts but as our ever-living Savior, Lord, Teacher, and Friend.

Paul Hill

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 | Isaiah 4:2-6 | Acts 1:12-17, 21-26

Every summer, my family and I travel to Red Lodge, Montana. The physical distance from work and life obligations makes the trek extra meaningful and restful. The first few days are time for acclimation to the altitude while planning our excursions into the mountains. One of my favorite places to visit is a lookout off the Beartooth Highway. The view of the mountains is breathtaking and majestic! Many times, I have seen storms formed in the distance and watched them take shape. I call it my “peace place”, knowing the God of the Universe, the same one that created these gigantic mountains, is the same God who loves me dearly and desires a life-long relationship. He is the same God who sent His Son to Earth as a baby. It is humbling.

In Isaiah 40: 1-11, it talks about preparing the way for the Lord and that every mountain and hill are made low. When I ponder this scripture, I imagine those mountains in Montana made low for the Lord. Later on in the text, it talks about going up to the high mountain and shouting “Here is your God”. I have wanted to shout from that lookout into the mountains many times!

John the Baptist, in John 1: 19-28, is quoting the prophet Isaiah when he says “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” He is on top of the mountains shouting that the Lord is coming. Make way for Him!

What are the mountains in your life that need to be made low this Christmas season? What needs to be put aside in order to welcome the King of Kings and Lord of Lords into your Christmas festivities? Are you making straight the way for the Lord to be in your life?

I invite you to ponder and consider where in your life the Lord needs to be invited. He has come to Earth as a baby for you and me and is coming again.

Jessica Boone

Isaiah 11:1-10 | Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 | Romans 15:4-13 | Matthew 3:1-12

We are not sure who wrote Psalm 72 or who it’s written for. Some think it was written by David as a Psalm to his son, Solomon, while others think it is written about the Son of God. Either way, the message is similar.

In his commentary on Psalm 72, Pastor Stan Mast says he likes to read this Psalm “as a lovely dream, a divinely inspired version of Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream’ speech.” Psalm 72 charges a leader to lead with virtue and justice. The dream of the Psalmist is described in verse 1, “Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son of your righteousness.” The next several verses all start with word “may.” The “mays” are prayers or wishes for how the king may treat his people. May the leader bring prosperity to the people, defend the afflicted, save the children, and have the righteous flourish. The charge is to care for all people to inspire a world of peace and prosperity. While directed toward Solomon or possibly pointing to the Messiah, this is a good word for all of us on how we should live our lives and the perspective we need to maintain about the world around us.

It sounds great, doesn’t it?

What if the world we live in was led by people who led us into a time of peace and prosperity where the poor were treated well and there was no injustice? What if this was the perspective and motivation in which we all lived our lives? Sounds great! But also, it’s impossible on this side of eternity. Instead, may we endeavor to love each other and “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8) while we wait for the return of our Lord.

Rob Ramseyer

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5

Psalm 21 | Isaiah 24:1-16a | 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

More and More

One of my favorite quotes about the Advent season comes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German Lutheran pastor and theologian, “The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” Bonhoeffer understood that to experience the celebration of the coming of the Christ child and to anticipate the second coming of Christ, one must recognize their need for a Savior and understand their role in the waiting period.

Understanding our need for Christ’s sacrifice, as Bonhoeffer did, motivates us to anticipate Christ’s return, but what does God expect of us while we wait? Waiting is not static. In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul encourages members of the Church of Thessalonica to “walk and please God […] more and more.” Paul’s words are a reminder that our faith is active and progressive. Do not become complacent or satisfied with your current growth as you wait for something greater to come. Continue to show love to one another just as Paul urges the Thessalonians to do in verses 9-12.

It is not always easy to move forward, or do more and more, while waiting. In fact, martyrs, such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, suffered greatly for living out their faith and loving others. However, we have a Savior! We are not alone! In Psalm 21, King David, understanding his victories were not his own, wrote about the sustaining, steadfast love, strength, and power of God. That love, strength, and power is with us today in the form of the Holy Spirit and sustains and prompts us to grow more and more while we anticipate Christ’s return.

During this time of Advent, take time to recognize your need for a Savior. As you reflect on God’s love to send Jesus as that Savior, how can you demonstrate an active faith by showing love to others more and more as you anticipate the return of Christ?

Pamela Martin

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7

Psalm 21 | Genesis 15:1-18 | Matthew 12:33-37

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Are you feeling overwhelmed with all you must do before the semester ends? Final exams are fast approaching, deadlines are right around the corner and plans are underway for the coming weeks of celebrations as we head into the holiday season. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” The end of the semester and end of the year always have me feeling a little tired.

Imagine how overwhelmed Mary must have felt leading up to the birth of baby Jesus. She was a young woman, pregnant out of wedlock, and traveling in the latter part of her pregnancy. Then to top it off, she arrives in Bethlehem only to find out there is nowhere to stay with the imminent arrival of a new baby. Talk about feeling weary and overwhelmed. How did she handle this situation? How did she make it through?

The story of Jesus’ birth not only celebrates our Savior being born, but it also illustrates how Mary put her faith fully in God during this time of her life; a gentle reminder for us to lean in and lean on God when we are feeling tired and overwhelmed. He will give us rest. As we prepare our hearts for the upcoming celebration of the birth of Jesus during this advent season, one of my favorite symbols is the bright shining lights of hope, love, joy, and peace for what is to come when we light the Advent candles each week. He can give us rest and renew our souls.

Next time you say to yourself, “I’m so tired,” remember how Mary put her faith in God as an example of how we must also do the same. He will bring us rest.

Laura Fuller

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8

Psalm 146:5-10 | Ruth 4:3-17 | 2 Peter 3:1-10

Reflection is an often overlooked and undervalued aspect of our lives. Some say experience is the best teacher, but reflecting upon experiences is where the learning happens. Advent is about expectation of God fulfilling His promises and bringing restoration where needed. Considering this season of Advent, reflect on the following questions: Where can you see God moving in your life right now? Where can you expect Him to move in the future?

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9

Psalm 146:5-10 | Ruth 1:6-18 | 2 Peter 3:11-18

As I worked on this devotional, I thought about three things we need to remember: God, family, and new, blessed opportunities. These three are very present during the Advent season and are great ways we can put our trust in God during a season known for miraculous stories and big life changes.

Part of having faith in God is trusting that everything will work out. We need to remember that God has a plan for us and even though it might be tough to trust while He is leading us, He will help us prepare for what’s coming and accomplish what He intends. We have to completely trust that God has our back and He will help and take care of us. He knows what’s best and wants us to truly embrace all He has planned for us. Once we can do that, we will have TRUST IN GOD. Our trust is not foolish, for our God is faithful and good. Get to know the character of God; spend time with Him and your joy and willingness to trust Him will abound.

Advent is also a great time to visit with those who love and care for us; sharing those stories from life, both good and bad. Part of the purpose of families is to listen and give feedback. Our families, the ones who know us best, are the people who give encouragement and let us know everything will be all right. They are the ones who will listen and give a sympathetic ear no matter what might come. Families can also help us refocus on our faith.

Advent is meant to help us focus on the birth of our Christ and Savior. With that focus, new opportunities are often presented to us. If we trust in God’s plan for us and follow His lead, these opportunities will be successful. Just as we cannot be afraid to trust in God, we can’t be afraid to pursue the new opportunities we are given by His hand.

This season of Advent reminds us to hold God and family high on our list of trusted people and how that trust can provide us with many exciting opportunities. So, remember what is important to you this Advent season and cherish all that the God who loves you has for you. Go forward, trusting Him with all the opportunities He gives you.

Allen Eberwein

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

Psalm 146:5-10 | 1 Samuel 2:1-8 | Luke 3:1-18

O Come Let Us Adore Him, Christ the Lord!

An invitation. Have you ever realized how much life in Christ is an invitation? God, the Creator, invited the heavens and earth into existence with a single word. Adam was invited to live with the very breath of God. Moses invited the Children of Israel to join him in trusting God as they stepped into the Red Sea. David invites us time and time again to worship the Lord with dancing and singing and shouts of praise.

But Jesus birth—that was the greatest invitation of them all.

The heavenly hosts appeared and invited the shepherds into the most glorious event all of Creation had ever witnessed. But first, they invited the shepherds to not be afraid. Then, those lowly shepherds who had virtually no standing in society, were invited to go see the Messiah, the Savior!

Simeon, a righteous and devout man, had waited his whole life to see the Messiah Child. That day, the Holy Spirit invited him to the Temple where Mary and Joseph presented their baby boy, Jesus. Simeon blessed this little family, but told Mary her little boy would face many hard things and with that, he invited Mary to have her mama’s heart pierced with the reality of what was coming.

When we accept Jesus’ invitation to receive His forgiveness and live our lives for Him, we enter into a lifetime invitation of joy, heartache, faith, growth, and transformation. We are invited into His endless presence and purpose. We are always included; the invitation is always given.

As with any invitation, you can say, “No.” But oh! what blessing and communion you’d miss! A life with Christ, the Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, is the best and most fulfilling life a person could possibly live. And you have been invited!

Say “Yes” to Jesus’ invitation. Come, adore Him, Christ, the Lord!

Donna Crenshaw

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11

Psalm 42 | Isaiah 29:17-24 | Acts 5:12-16

“Those who err in mind will know the truth.” (Isaiah 29:24 NASB)

Did anyone else’s Christmas dinner table feel more like a debate stage than a gathering place?

Growing up in my family, there was nothing quite so prized as winning an argument. I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced a peaceful family gathering before. Oh, the sweet folly that is being drunk on pride! However, sometimes wanting to be right bears a higher cost than being wrong. Sometimes, being right costs everything. It is a story that plays out time and again in Scripture, when humans trust in themselves and their own cleverness, rather than trusting in God.

As we march forward towards the celebration of the birth of Christ, I hope we will remember the awesome power and sacrifice this event represents. From the moment of our birth as humans, we hurdle unerringly towards our deaths. So, as much as this holiday is a celebration of a birth, it also marks the beginning of the most epic countdown in history. From His first footsteps, Christ was willingly walking towards the cross.

With that in mind, it starts to seem a little bit silly to question the will of God, doesn’t it? This is an allpowerful, all-knowing being; the Creator of the entire universe. Yet, He loves us so much that He sent His Son to give up that position and walk the world as a man. And not just to walk through the world, but to walk in it. Ever the Servant King, Jesus walked alongside us; healing, confronting injustice, and spreading the Good News. He walked from Nazareth to Capernaum, from tiny fishing villages to great cities, and on the Sea of Galilee itself. Who are we to question the Son of Man, who walked to Golgotha, bearing what should have been our own cross upon His back?

As we walk throughout our own lives, when the wisdom of the world seems best or when the desires of our earthbound bodies seem most important, I encourage us to look towards the birth of Christ; not just as a holiday or as a celebration of the most holy night, but as the beginning of the greatest story ever told. Believing that this is a God who is righteous and worthy of being followed, walk towards the Christmas Star, and know the truth. Case Bell

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

Isaiah 35:1-10 | Psalm 146:5-10 | Luke 1:46b-55 | James 5:7-10 | Matthew 11:2-11

Lectio Divina is a way to interact with God’s word on multiple levels. It consists of reading, meditating, prayer, contemplation and action. Today, use this practice to encounter one of the Scripture passages above with a fresh heart.

1. Read

It is important to read through the scripture carefully. Try not to rush the practice; let the words wash over you and hold them close. This first reading is a chance to look at the passage as it applies to everyone reading it. Try to understand what is being said to the Body of Christ as a whole. Once you finish reading the text once through, go back and read it a second time through.

2. Read

While reading the passage for the third time, bring the passage to your heart as it applies to your life. Allow God to bring forward memories, thoughts, ideas or emotions. Take note of words and phrases that stick out to you as you read through the text. This is the inspired Word of God, so read with the intent to hear God speaking to you directly. Really let your mind soak up the words.

3. Pray

Our meditation over the passage has invited us into the intimate embrace of our Father. Our natural inclination is to respond to Him in prayer. Now is the time to have a conversation with the Father. You can ask him for something or offer thanks to Him. You may feel called to lift praise to him, or perhaps you are unsure and need to ask for direction. There is no wrong way to talk

to God about what you have experienced in meditation. God is speaking to you through His word; let Him know what you have heard.

4. Contemplate

When God speaks into us, we experience the transformative light of His nearness. Contemplate what you have read, meditated and prayed. If God has shown you blessings, contemplate what it means for the Heavenly Father to bless you—His treasure. If God has shown you an aspect of your life He wishes you to realign to His purpose, take a moment and contemplate what your life would look like with that change. Now is a time for you to look at yourself in relation to what God has said to you. To end your time of contemplation, read the passage again one last time.

4. Act

When we read the Word of God and experience an intimate encounter within His presence, the effect is our soul’s hunger for action. Do what God has asked of you with no fear, because He will provide for you (Matthew 6:33). Praise God accordingly, and let these Words soak into every inch of your being. Live them out with the grace of God.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13

Psalm 42 | Ezekiel 47:1-12 | Jude 17-25

Psalm 42 is a cry to God for salvation, for relief from despair. The psalmist speaks aloud his pain and suffering as he asks God to renew his soul. This feeling of despair and oppression is similar to what the people of the near east region where Jesus was born must have felt. They lived in a very oppressive time and were taxed heavily by Caesar Augustus and made to report for a census count. Their king, Herod the Great, was brutal to the people. According to Douglas Oakman, a religion professor at Pacific Lutheran University, “Jesus was born into essentially a third-world context under a military dictatorship. It was a society where everyone was coerced.”

Like the psalmist, the people of the region were down cast and crying out to God to bring them salvation, to ease their pain and renew their souls. Psalm 42 describes clinging to God, even in deep sorrow, waiting for God to bring salvation. As in verse 45:4: “These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival.” The psalmist is holding on to a God that has brought him joy and comfort. He is longing for a return to this salvation with full faith that God will restore him. The people in the time of Jesus’ birth also had faith that God would restore and renew them. The psalm ends with “Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.” With this faith and trust in God, He does deliver a new salvation in the form of baby Jesus. God is steadfast in His faithfulness to humanity, as we, like in Psalm 42, are faithful to Him and can cry out when we are in need of renewal.

Rachel Millard

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

Psalm 42 | Zechariah 8:1-17 | Matthew 8:14-17, 28-34

With 11 more days until Christmas, anticipation is building. Everyone is eagerly awaiting getting to celebrate and a break from school/work. Much like the Jews at the first century, they had been waiting for the coming Messiah to restore and redeem the Israelites so they could find true rest for their souls.

In the book of Zachariah, the Israelites had just returned from their Babylonian exile and God was calling the people to faithful obedience, much like He calls us today. Zechariah chapter 8 is a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His people and the hope that is coming. He promised there was purpose among pain and that He would come to save and dwell in their midst. It isn’t until 500 years later that we understand this promise within the person of Jesus.

In the Matthew 8 verses, we see that Jesus both restores and redeems the broken hearted. Jesus has the power and authority as the Son of God to cast out demons, and they obey. As you read on, you’ll see there are two different responses to Jesus’s power. Peter’s mother-in-law was sick and once she was healed, she immediately got up and began to serve the Messiah. However, in Gadarenes, Jesus used his authority to cast out demons into a herd of pigs. This power frightened the people, and they asked Jesus to leave. These examples lead us to ask—how do you respond when you see Jesus’s power and authority? Will you get up and serve Him faithfully, or will you turn Him away?

Lastly, Psalm 42 is a lament that expresses longing to return to God’s presence. As we see God’s promises and His power, we can still be left feeling depleted in our circumstances. As we head into the holiday season, while there is much joy, there is also lost and brokenness whether in our families, our communities, or our world. However, amidst your mourning and sorrow, we must remember that our hope is in the Lord for He is our rock and our salvation.

As you reflect on these readings, consider how the coming birth of Jesus is the fulfillment of promises, heals and redeems us, and is our very hope and source of praise.

Janae Flesher

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 | 2 Samuel 7:1-17 | Galatians 3:23-29

I remember the heat. The sidewalk underneath my four wheels—two small plastic ones and two large rubber ones—sizzled and radiated heat in front of our house in Fresno, California. Combined with the oven of a central California summer, my own adrenaline only served to increase the fire in my body as I sat at the precipice. I sat at the precipice of growth. Those first, shaky, “yet to find the sweet spot of balance” moments of riding a bicycle without training wheels birthed in me a new freedom. Four wheels become two, allowing for more speed, more distance, more risk—I was a big kid at the ripe old age of four.

I’d like to think that in the moment I was all smiles, but I would bet some fear and anxiety joined the mix. But fear and anxiety melted in the face of opportunities that awaited. Pushing through the fear of the unknown those many years ago allowed me to build skill on a bike – skill pushed to greater lengths to this day. I’m not as shaky, not as often unbalanced, and not as often learning by falling, than I was at the beginning of my life as a cyclist—but the life still pushes me to the edges of the known and into the unknown.

During Advent, Christians look forward to the celebration of the incarnation of God through the birth of Jesus. We are young cyclists with training wheels, leaning one way and then the other, yet ready to grow into a deeper, riskier, relationship with God through Jesus. The selected Scriptures for today remind us that the arrival of Jesus marked a clear change in how God related to people. Through Jesus, all people are not only invited into a personal relationship with God, but are then directed to grow up and ditch the training wheels.

Where will you follow Jesus on your new two-wheel bike this year? What risks will you take with your “big kid” faith?

Following Jesus—with more speed, more distance, more risk—this coming year might take you into unknown relationships, unknown areas of self-discovery, unknown areas of acceptance and forgiveness.

Andy Johnson

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 | 2 Samuel 7:18-22 | Galatians 4:1-7

Despite parental nagging about water safety, my cousins raced to the sandbar, playing in the magical emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico searching for sand dollars. I heeded my parents’ instructions and jealously watched from afar. Suddenly, the wind shifted leaving them trapped by a rip current and crashing waves. Without rescue, they would be pulled out to sea. Pure joy transpired into utter panic. Grandpa, determined to save my cousins from drowning, swam valiantly to their rescue. I stood helplessly on the beach, anxiously waiting for Grandpa to bring them back to shore.

Humans know waiting. And we know the need for rescue. We long to be saved from awkward conversations. We celebrate when someone arrives “just in the nick of time.” We sigh in relief as we recall near-death experiences and shudder at the remembrance of human tragedies. We yearn for the truth and abhor false pretenses. We pine for pain-free days and want to experience healing. Our hearts ache as we wait to be reunited with those we love; we crave their presence. We long for childhood days away from our unrelenting schedules. We resent our exhaustion and live desperately in need of sleep. We hunger for the wrongs to be made right. We cannot save ourselves. We need a rescuer.

The Bible tells God’s story of rescuing those waiting to be saved. The stories recount God’s divine rescue from slavery, oppression, famine, barrenness, idolatry, immorality, deception, greed, and much more. Story after story the themes of waiting and rescue emerge and reemerge to remind us of God’s promise to save us once and for all from the crushing weight of sin. David awaits a King, whose greatness is matchless; a King who will do great and awesome works to redeem His people. This King will reign forever (1 Samuel 7:18-24). This King will liberate us from the unbearable and debilitating consequences of human brokenness. This King will adopt us as His own children and regard us as heirs of His kingdom, a kingdom where every wrong is made right and where God’s perfect justice rules (Galatians 4:1-7). Until that day, we pray, “Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; Let your face shine, that we may be saved” (Psalm 80:19).

Wendy Mohler-Seib

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 | 2 Samuel 7:23-29 | John 3:31-36

On December 25, many of us will wake up to find presents underneath the tree and will get together with our families and eat a delicious meal. But, we must remember that the best gift of Christmas is the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Psalm 80 begins to prophesy of the incarnation of God and mentions three tribes of Israel which would be stirred up as a result: Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. To understand the importance of these tribes, we must look at what the names mean. Ephraim means to be doubly fruitful, Benjamin means the son of the right hand, and Manasseh means forgetfulness. These meanings alone are powerful in the context of the life of Jesus. Jesus came to be the double blessing, to adopt us into His arm of salvation, and to forgive and forget our sins.

Going a step further, Exodus 28:15-30 gives the detail of the high priest’s breastplate: it has twelve precious inlayed stones which represent each of the twelve tribes of Israel. Another place in Scripture were these stones are mentioned is in Ezekiel 28:11-13. This is in reference to Lucifer before he was kicked out of heaven. The difference between the breastplate stones and Lucifer’s stones is that Lucifer only had nine, not twelve. Scholars would tell us the stones he didn’t have were the stones representing the tribes of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Benjamin. Ultimately, the fall of Satan came because he would not submit to Jesus. This defiance resulted in his attitude that he, and not Jesus, was the greatest of all.

As we put on Christ through the Gospel and take up the full breastplate of the high priest, we set ourselves against Satan, preventing the adversary to have control over our future.

The reason Satan doesn’t like the people of God is we have something he didn’t. He can’t forget his mistakes, he can’t be fruitful, not to mention doubly fruitful, and he doesn’t have any power because he can’t be a son of God. So, when we are worshiping God in spirit and in truth, we shine His glory brighter and more priceless than Satan ever could.

I pray you realize we have more worth and power than our adversary. May we also understand that we are God’s children and He loves us so much.

Timothy Milby

Isaiah 7:10-16 | Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 | Romans 1:1-7 | Matthew 1:18-25

When our sons were growing up, my wife and I often used to talk about the most important things we wanted to teach them.“Tell the truth,” “respect your mother,” and “do not be afraid” were three things we landed on.

“Do not be afraid” is the most common commandment in the Bible (along with its counterparts “Fear not,” “Be courageous” etc.). So we should not be surprised, when in Matthew’s advent narrative, they are the very first words spoken! An angel appears to the man engaged to be married to Mary. He said, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife.” When Joseph’s life is about to be turned upside down with the dilemma of a pregnant fiancée, the first supernatural words of Advent are an affirmation that he did not have to be afraid.

This is the theme that echoes over and over again throughout the Christmas story. When Luke tells the Advent story, he begins with the story of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist (who later prepares the way for Jesus’ ministry). The very first dialogue in Luke’s account are the words of the angel to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah. God has heard your prayer.”

The next story Luke tells is of the angel going to Mary, and his first words to her are “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God!” And on the night of Jesus’ birth, the first thing the angel said to the shepherds was “Don’t be afraid!”

This is the joyous introduction to Christmas. Joseph did not have to fear the opinions of others or the power and evil of Herod the king. He did not have to fear a trip to an unknown land where he would have to raise his son. And to us, Christmas proclaims the same message every year. We no longer have to live in fear. We do not have to fear the future. We do not have to fear separation from God. We no longer have to fear things we do not understand or those who might oppose us. The Creator of the Universe has entered into our world, becoming one of us, and finished the process, whereby we become part of His family.

Merry Christmas! Do not fear... Immanuel is with us!

Dean Jaderston

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19

1 Samuel 2:1-10 | Genesis 17:15-22 | Galatians 4:8-20

Advent is a time of anticipation. A build-up to the well-known promise of the birth of Christ. We prepare for and celebrate that “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son”.

Genesis-17:15-22 could be perceived as Abraham’s reaction to another of God’s promises fulfilled: one of a son and the news that it would happen at his age of ninety. Responding in laughter, he was confused that it would still occur. That was not what he has expected. How often do we form our own expectations of the promises that have been made to us? Are we disappointed? Do we laugh? Do we look for the fulfillment in another way?

While it also speaks to birth of a son, in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, we hear Hannah’s prayer. We observe that God is in control and we should rejoice. The Lord makes promises but we must remember that He is in command and will deliver in His own way and His own timeline, at times conflicting with our own expectations.

Beyond the anticipation associated with Advent, it is also a time of reflection. Galatians 4:8-20 speaks to those who are believers who have slipped and are called, by Paul, to return to their faith. The season of Advent helps to balance us and remind us to refocus or be steady in our faith.

Think of how the caroling of “Oh, Holy Night” stirs your spirit and recites to you of the miracle of that night. Think of how we use our Christmas carols to worship in general; to strengthen and share our faith. It’s never just a song, right? As children, we memorize words, but as adults we grasp the meaning of them. To be honest, I don’t sing, but still love to hear them.

Traci Taylor

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

1 Samuel 2:1-10 | Genesis 21:1-21 | Galatians 4:21-5:1

All of creation has been groaning (Romans 8:22) for over 4000 years, waiting for the much-anticipated Messiah. Over those centuries, various people and societies have flourished, collapsed, succeeded, and failed, all with the pursuit of wholeness and fulfillment. Advent is a recognition of the waiting of those 4000 years and embracing the truth that we continue to wait for the return of Christ in our present day.

When my wife and I were awaiting the birth of our first child, we were busy racing around to make sure everything we needed was bought and put in its proper place. We wanted to be prepared and we couldn’t wait for the moment our daughter would be born and we would bring her home. Our sense of expectation hasn’t changed even as they have gotten older.

As we wait however, we have a decision to make: do we trust in the future with peace or are we anxious and fearful?

In our passages for today, we see that Abraham was so eager to have a child that his impatience led to him having a son with his slave, Hagar. The Lord kept His promise, however, and Abraham bore a son, Isaac, with his wife, Sarah. But Sarah grew jealous and angry and sent Ishmael and Hagar away. We see a picture of enslavement and a picture of freedom.

When we get ahead of God as Abraham did, we create a mess for ourselves and for people around us. We choose to move forward and rely on our own thoughts and abilities. We think we know best. Maybe we do this out of fear, or arrogance, or when we are overcome with anxiety. We move forward even if God is asking us to wait, depend on Him, allow Him to be the Creator instead of us creating something for ourselves.

If we can take a step back and simply wait, a beautiful thing happens when “something deep within us (breaks)—that driving, grasping, fearful self-will that must produce, that must make something happen, that must get it done for God (just in case He doesn’t)” (Peter Scazzero). When we choose the model of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, we can experience the freedom Christ gives us to live in His peace and wholeness, fulfilling His will as we, too, await the Messiah once again.

Phil Burkhart

1 Samuel 2:1-10 | Genesis 37:2-11 | Matthew 1:1-17

The book of 1 Samuel tells us the story of Hannah, a young woman who is unable to have children. In Chapter 1 of 1 Samuel, Hannah prays to God to give her a child and He does, giving her a son whom she names Samuel. Chapter 2 records the prayer of thanksgiving that Hannah raises to God after receiving the gift of a son. Hannah’s prayer gives glory to God as the one who has authority over the whole world and controls all things. It praises God for protecting and providing for His people. Hannah’s prayer also rejoices in the fact that God is going to turn the world upside down, predicting that God will give strength to those who stumble, lift the poor and the needy from the ash heap to sit on thrones with princes, and provide food for the hungry.

Hannah’s story foreshadows another story that would come hundreds of years later, when another young Jewish woman named Mary received the surprising news that she would become the mother of an unexpected child. In Mary’s case, the child was Jesus, the Messiah. Mary’s exultant prayer of Thanksgiving, recorded in Luke, Chapter 1, echoes Hannah’s. In her prayer, Mary glorifies God and praises Him for protecting and providing for those who trust Him. Mary’s prayer, like Hannah’s, prophesies that through Jesus and the Kingdom Jesus will establish, God will turn the world upside down, lifting up the humble and feeding the hungry.

Advent is a time of waiting. During Advent, we are waiting to celebrate Christmas, when we remember Jesus coming into the world for the first time. At the same time, we are also waiting for Jesus to come back again, to establish His Kingdom on Earth.

As we do the hard work of waiting this Advent season, may the prayers of both Mary and Hannah remind us that God is not satisfied with the current state of the world. He wants all people to come to Him, to be a part of the new Kingdom He is establishing through His son, Jesus. Through that Kingdom, He wants to turn the world upside down, to right all the wrongs, and address all the problems we currently face. As we wait this Advent season, may we remember, and eagerly anticipate, what is coming: the Kingdom of God.

Ken Stoltzfus

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22

Luke 1:46b-55 | Isaiah 33:17-22 | Revelation 22:6-7, 18-20

I doubt any of us would have blamed the unmarried virgin Mary if she lost faith after being informed by the angel Gabriel of the miraculous birth to come. She could have easily come up with a list of excuses as to why she should doubt the Lord. After all, He was allowing her face a difficult situation, knowing society would reject her.

She could have denied God and let circumstances dictate her faith. Instead, despite feeling overwhelmed, she responds this way in Luke 1:38: “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”

Mary continues to trust the Lord and proclaims His goodness through a song in verses 46-55. Through this, she displays two practical responses we, too, should model: remember and worship.

Nearly every word here is derived from the Old Testament, showing Mary’s deep understanding of the Lord’s ways. Recalling specific moments, she lists things God has done. In verses 54-55, “He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever.” So, when we experience doubt or uncertainty, our first response should be one of remembrance. Speak or write the things God has done in your life. It doesn’t have to be an unbelievable miracle; it can be as simple as knowing you’ve always had food on the table, remembering when a friend was sent to grieve with you, or when He provided for you financially. Remembering how He has been faithful in the past will bolster your faith, believing He will continue to be faithful today.

When we look at the passage in Luke, we see that Mary is quick to rejoice and magnify the Lord. She weaves together a stunning tapestry of praise. Verse 46 says, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Through this, she chose to lift her spirit and focus on things above, despite her feelings about the situation before her. Our response should also be one of worship. Sing or reflect on the Lord’s power and might, trusting and declaring, despite what you see before You, that He will come through for you. Worshipping past what we feel can strengthen our hearts and minds until we’re convinced of God’s goodness.

So when the pressure mounts, when doubt creeps in, remember the Lord’s promises. Worship the Lord and let Him take care of the rest.

Amy Bragg Carey

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23

Luke 1:46b-55 | 2 Samuel 7:18, 23-29 | Galatians 3:6-14

As I think back to the Christmases of my youth, I have vivid memories of sitting in a darkened room lit only by a candle or two, listening to classical Christmas music, and staring out the window at the glowing Christmas lights on the houses across the street. It filled me with a sense of peace, and it still does to this day. A warm, contented feeling contrasted with the bitter cold outside. Surely this is the same kind of inner peace that Julian of Norwich was referring to when she wrote in Revelations of Divine Love that, in spite of sin and pain and distress around us, “all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”

Mary, the mother of Jesus, speaks of a similar kind of comfort and joy in her song that is recorded in Luke 1:46-55. Her soul and spirit are uplifted as she recalls what God has done through her. In spite of the powerful way God blessed her and used her to begin the redemption of humankind, she still referred to herself as “humble” and a “servant.” We see a similar kind of humility expressed by an authority figure (King David) in II Samuel 7:18-29, as he acknowledges God’s “great and awesome wonders” while referring to himself as a servant and “mere human.”

God is powerful, but He does not call us to be powerful; He only calls us to be faithful. He is mighty, so we don’t have to be. As we look around us and see evil in the world, we can, like Abraham in Galatians 3:6-14, choose faith instead of fear. God is omnipotent and does not need us to fight for Him or defend Him in the public square.

Advent, a season of watching and waiting, is a good time to take a deep breath and trust that God is in control. Let go of fear and worry, praise God for His mighty deeds, and all manner of thing shall, indeed, be well.

Brent Yoder

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24

Luke 1:46b-55 | Isaiah 60:1-6 | Luke 1:67-80

Christmas Eve always holds a lot of anticipation for what tomorrow will bring! There are promises of gifts and special moments, of memories to be made, and time with loved ones either near or far! Have you taken a moment today and wondered what tomorrow will hold? Will you get the gift you’re hoping for? Will you be more than surprised by the wonder of tomorrow? Or are you doubting and questioning whether what is hoped for will really come? Maybe even a bit discouraged that what is waiting will not measure up?

In our passages today, we find two stories of two such people, both given a promise, but with very different responses. One receives the promise and waits in faith-filled expectation! The other, questions and doubts the promise, not sure that it would or could really come.

We all find ourselves in seasons of waiting. Seasons where promises have been made or at least hoped for; seasons of expectation and faith-filled hope for what is to come! These times draw out our where we place our hope and who we are.

Who are you in the waiting?

Mary and Zechariah both received what was promised, but their waiting looked different, felt different, was different because of their heart attitude in those moments. Waiting expands our capacity to receive with greater joy and thanksgiving! As we read Mary and Zechariah’s songs, we can see how waiting played a role in them receiving their great gifts.

We continue to wait. We wait for things hoped for, longed for! We wait for God’s Kingdom to be made complete. We wait for Jesus’ return! We can choose to wait in hopeful expectation, knowing what we hope for is coming. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).

Lacey Landenberger

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25

Luke 2:1-20 | Psalm 98 | John 1:1-14

When I got married, I realized that my family and the family I married into had two very different versions of Christmas.

Growing up, my parents only really had one tradition—reading the Christmas story on Christmas Eve. Sure, we had a tree (most years), a few decorations, some delicious food on Christmas, but that was about it. It was relaxed and simple.

For my wife’s side of the family, however, Christmastime is a sight to behold. From an immaculately decorated home, to the three Christmas trees in the house, to the vast array of traditions (which include frosting cookies, rewatching old home videos, Elf on the Shelf, leaving food for Santa, Advent candles, watching Christmas light shows, “Ornament of the Night,” matching pajamas, and waking up early on Christmas day to name a few). It is quite the experience.

Though the differences between the two houses may be stark, I have discovered that there is a common thread. In the Christmas season, both homes are marked by a distinct characteristic—joy.

We can remember that in proclaiming the news the shepherds, the angel said in Luke 2:10, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great JOY for all the people.” This good news, of course, is that God sent His son Jesus to the world. And through His death and resurrection, we can experience forgiveness from our sin and salvation into God’s family. Although the joys of Christmas are many, this news should be our true source of joy this holiday season.

Whether Christmas in your home is a time of simplicity or a time of tradition, my prayer is that the defining characteristic would be an unshakable joy; that in all of the craziness of buying gifts, going to parties, and being with family, smiles would be the norm and laughter would be bountiful. I pray that your attitude would not depend on worldly things, but on the hope of a Savior born in a manger.

Mike Jaderston

Merry Christmas!