Celebrate Advent with Dunwoody United Methodist Church CHRISTMAS TREES Christmas Tree Lot Support DUMC Youth Missions! Lot opens November 24.
GROWTH & SUPPORT Advent Devo onals Subscribe to DUMC’s daily Advent devo onal by visi ng www.dunwoodyumc.org/subscribe. GriefShare – Surviving the Holidays December 10, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Room 253. This is a helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays a er the death of a loved one. Contact JoAnn Akers for details (akersjoann@gmail.com).
FELLOWSHIP & PERFORMANCES Advent Decora ng November 29, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Children and Youth Ministries host wreath‐making in the Youth Area. $15 materials cost. All ages are welcome. Please register in advance at www.dunwoodyumc.org/children. Family Advent Celebra on December 3 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Family Concert, “More Than a Baby”. Children’s Choirs, Youth Bells and Choir, and Tone Chimes Choir perform. 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Living Na vity and food truck dinner. Visit the Christmas tree lot for hot chocolate and the perfect tree. Christmas Choir Concert December 10, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Chancel Choir, Musica Gloria and the Rev. C.G. Walden III present Vivaldi’s Gloria and other works. Miracle on 34th Street December 15 and 16 at 7:00 p.m., December 17 at 3:00 p.m. Performing Arts of DUMC presents Miracle on 34th Street: A Radio Play. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Tickets $10 at the door.
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP A Night of Christmas Worship Saturday, December 23, 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Contemporary‐style worship in the Fellowship Hall. Sunday Morning Worship Sunday, December 24, 10:00 a.m. One worship service in the Sanctuary. Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – Family Services with Children’s Choirs (Nursery Available) 7:00 p.m. – Holy Communion with Youth Choir (Nursery Available) 9:00 p.m. – Service of Lessons and Carols with Chancel Choir (Nursery Available) 11:00 p.m. – Holy Communion with Chancel Choir Christmas Eve Offsite Parking 100 Ashford Center North parking deck (Ashford Dunwoody Road across from Dunwoody Bap st Church) Shu le service begins at 3:00 p.m. for 4:00, 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. services
Welcome to The Season of Advent 2017 By now, many of you have already found your way to the shopping malls. Seasonal music is filling the airwaves. Decora ons are appearing on houses. Holiday specials are airing on television. Your tree might be decorated. And, of course, children already are eagerly an cipa ng Christmas. It is amazing to watch the transforma on that takes place as we move into the Advent season and start preparing for Christmas. Recently, I was speaking with a church staff member when he started singing, “It’s the most wonderful me of the year.” He is right, and fortunately he has a really good voice. Of course, it is important to remember that the most important transforma on is the one that hap‐ pens in our hearts during Advent. It is the transforma on that comes from opening our lives to the Christ Child, spending me with him, worshipping him and allowing his grace to move in us and through us. One of the best ways for this to happen is to set aside a por on of each day leading up to Christmas to not only read Scripture and pray, but also listen to the witness of other Chris an men and women. It’s with this in mind that this Advent Devo onal book is published. Here you will find stories from our members as they reflect on lessons learned, insights gleaned and the difference Christ has made in their lives. They share their thoughts in the hope that through their words, the light of Christ might shine in the hearts of all who read them. I am grateful to all who have shared in the hope that we might experience that spiritual transforma on which is truly at the heart of Advent. May each of us be blessed as we take a few minutes each day to focus on the coming of the Christ Child. Your Pastor, Dan Brown
3
Sunday, December 3 THE FOREVER GIFT By Jerry Sanders 1 John 5:11 “And this is the tes mony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” “It Was the Best of Times; It Was the Worst of Times….” ‐Charles Dickens Oh the joy of Christmas me! Celebra ng family and tradi ons that are so familiar and loved. Just as likely is the case with your family, our family has had many memorable Christmas celebra ons. Primarily, ours have been of family togetherness, wonderful food and gi exchanging. As the years progressed and me passed, the celebra ons changed with those in a endance as our families became more spread out and difficult to get everyone together. Yet, our core family carried on and created our own celebra ons. The day typically started with a wonderful breakfast with the table set just perfectly for the special day. A er breakfast, and even as we remained dressed in our Christmas pajamas, we moved on to beginning our marathon of gi giving and unwrapping our total “surprise” findings among the myriad of packages. Oh the joy we felt on these wonderful Christmas mornings! Then we would take a break for the “big” Christmas meal a er which we would resume our gi unwrapping. A joyous day of celebra ng! Then one year we decided we would do something very different. We were going to New York City for Christmas. Our family has always enjoyed visi ng the city, and we thought Christmas would be a great me to go. And it was. The city was dressed in all of its finery, and we enjoyed the spectacular sights ‐ beau fully decorated store windows along Fi h Avenue, ice ska ng and the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, carriage rides in Central Park, bargain shopping on Canal Street, Broadway shows! What more could we want to celebrate our Christmas? “It was the Best of Times!” Or was it? For you see, we elected to return from New York on Christmas Day! Fares are cheaper and seats are readily available. What more could one want? Well, the answer is simple: we wanted what we had always had ‐ the comfort and fun and togetherness we had in our own home doing what we always did. While we were together as family, we were far removed from our tradi ons! “It was the Worst of Times!” We returned to our tradi onal way of celebra on on Christmas even though we might have to make adjustments at mes for family member travel plans, but for the most part we are together at home! And that is the way we like it! Except the year that Ashley and I departed on Christmas Day to go to Europe for Ashley to compete in interna onal ice ska ng compe ons, leaving Sandra and 5‐year‐old Bri any crying her heart out as we boarded the plane, but that’s another story…. Prayer Dear Father in Heaven, Please let us always remember that among the gi s we unwrap each Christmas morning, that the best gi will always be the Baby Jesus born this day. Amen. Today’s Thought God’s love is the forever gi …today, tomorrow and forever more.
4
Monday, December 4 PRAYING FOR SOMETHING BIG BUT GOD GAVE ME SOMETHING SMALL By Shannon Whi ng 2 Corinthians 5:17 “So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new crea on. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!” This summer my kids and I decided to spend July on an island. Sounds exo c, fancy and wonderful, right? St. George Island, or SGI, is south and west of Tallahassee, near Apalachicola, Florida. It’s wonderful but not fancy or exo c. In fact, it’s the complete opposite. The old forgo en coast has no high rise buildings, no fancy restaurants, one gas sta on that also serves as a grocery store and not one traffic light. It is absolutely the opposite of a big city and the perfect getaway for my family. We’ve been going there for 20 years. This summer we rented a condo on the beach for three weeks. Every morning for those 20 days I got up to walk my dogs, see the sunrise and have a li le prayer/ praise and me me. I saw more nests along the dunes than I had ever seen since summer is sea turtle nes ng me. I saw the “turtle people” every morning looking for signs of hatchlings. We exchanged hellos, and I would ask a few ques ons about their findings and walk on. On several occasions I thought, “I would LOVE to see a momma turtle.” So on day five during my walking/prayer me I decided to ask God to show me a momma turtle. I said, “God, it would be really neat if I could see one of these big amazing creatures.” (I was thinking the whole me in my head, “If I see one, I will know he is listening.” I know we all do it.) For 15 more days I walked and did my rou ne of praise, prayers and taking in all God’s beauty. At the end of the walk, I would say “And if you could show me a momma turtle that would be great.” Day 20 was our last day. It rained early, delaying my morning walk. When it stopped, I leashed up the dogs and began our beach rou ne for the last me un l the next visit. Since we were so late, I had given up seeing a big momma turtle. Then, out of nowhere, my dog SiGi (named a er the island) was pawing at something in the grass. I thought it was food or a crab but as I looked closer, there it was…a ny baby sea turtle! I couldn’t believe my eyes. Con nued on next page
5
I bent down, moved the grass and watched this SMALL and amazing turtle make his way to the water. I cried happy tears as I watched. If my dogs could have talked, I think they would have been cheering for the turtle too because they sat calmly watching with me. I looked around to see if there were any more…and there right near the first one were two more! I cried more happy tears, and the dogs and I watched them make it to the water. I went to the nest to make sure there were no more. As far as I could tell, that was all…they must have been the late sleepers. I sat down with my dogs and looked out to the BIG ocean and then up to the BIG sky and said, “Thank you God for ‘showing’ me your love.” He didn’t show me something BIG that I asked for; instead, he showed me something even be er, new life. Prayer Loving God, Help us to listen for the message you send us, even if it is not as we imagined it would be. Give us the courage and pa ence to wait and listen for your voice. Amen. Today’s Thought God is always listening, He is there and, although He might not show you something BIG or answer you the way you think, He will show you if you ask, listen and open your eyes to see.
6
Tuesday, December 5 DONUTS, DREADLOCKS AND DIVINE INTERVENTION By Amanda Hene 1 Peter 3:3‐4 “Don’t try to make yourselves beau ful on the outside, with stylish hair or by wearing gold jewelry or fine clothes. Instead, make yourselves beau ful on the inside, in your hearts, with the enduring quality of a gentle, peaceful spirit. This type of beauty is very precious in God’s eyes.” It was the day before Christmas Eve 2016. My 4 ½‐year‐old daughter and I had spent the morning running last minute errands and had just finished a lunch out, ea ng un l our tummies were stuffed. On the way home, we approached DUMC. Along with the beau ful decora ons, I no ced a homeless person res ng against one of the church columns. A tugging at my heart told me to turn around, and I did (not an easy feat with the busy traffic on Mount Vernon that a ernoon). As we got closer, I could see that the person was an elderly woman with only a rolled up blanket in hand. I asked her if she would like me to buy her a hot chocolate and donut at Dunkin Donuts just down the street. She paused for a minute to think and said, “Yes, that would be nice.” We agreed she would stay, and I would return soon with the promised treat. As I went through the drive‐thru line, my daughter began cheerfully singing “Feliz Navidad” and con nued singing un l we pulled back into the church parking lot. I told her to stay put while I delivered the treat, but she insisted on ge ng out and going with me. Although I wasn’t so sure it was the best idea, I agreed that she could hand the woman the bag of donuts. My daughter cheerfully wished the woman “Merry Christmas” as she presented the gi . As I handed her the hot chocolate and a gi card for a meal, the woman teared up and revealed a sweet smile. She shook her head and asked me, “Did God Almighty tell you to do this?” I responded with a simple “Yes, and God bless you.” As we parted ways a er our brief encounter, I kept thinking about how filthy her clothes were and how hard her life must be right now. As we buckled up and started to pull away, my daughter commented, “She has beau ful hair.” When I saw dirty clothes and ma ed dreadlocks, my innocent daughter saw this woman the way our God sees her. She saw the woman’s beauty and nothing else. Prayer Loving God, You call on us to love one another the way you love us. Open our eyes to new opportuni es to respond to that call today and every day. Amen. Today’s Thought This Christmas season, while you are out and about, keep your eyes open and respond to God’s call when He is tugging at your heart. We are all His children, and He may just be calling on you to bless another one.
7
Wednesday, December 6 A WONDERFUL GIFT IS MATTHEW CHAPTER SIX By Sid Linton Ma hew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…” Easy to read. Harder to live by, even for those of great faith. Some mes changes happen in our lives that are not only unexpected but also make us cry. We seem to be wired that way. It was easy for Jesus to say, “do not worry.” But how can we not? We’ve all had blessings that seem to lead to a plan, a path and a foregone good outcome for us or for someone we love. But then things unexpectedly change, expecta ons are sha ered, and we cry, and worry, and ask, “Why did this happen?” But reread Ma hew 6:25‐34. Jesus starts by telling us not worry. That should be, but usually is not, convincing enough. So, he goes on for the rest of this wonderful passage explaining why we should not worry about our life (or our loved ones’ lives) using the beau ful words about the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, and toward the end he says, “…indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need these things.” So, silly us. We shouldn’t worry. Ma hew Chapter 6 is a wonderful gi , made possible by Christmas of course, so read all of it. And, while you’re at it, read Chapter 5. And Chapter 4. And Chapter 7. You’ll see they comprise the very heart of our Chris an faith. Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gi s of our lives that we value enough to worry about. Forgive us for the lack of faith that our worry reveals. Amen. Today’s Thought Therefore I tell you, do not worry.
8
Thursday, December 7 THIS TIME OF YEAR, I GET SO MAD AT NORMAN ROCKWELL By Lynne Byrd Romans 12:10 “Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other.” Advent and the holidays bring back many memories – of childhood and happy days! And some not so happy, such as when your child is in the military and can’t get home to be with the family, or maybe when your turkey doesn’t look like Norman Rockwell’s turkey in that famous pain ng, or your grandchildren are not as good at the table as this grandmother’s, or worse, maybe you have lost a loved one since the last gathering. Dunwoody Methodist is our church family. I look forward to the beau ful Christmas concert, the worshipping with friends, the ligh ng of the Advent candles and the words of Jesus’s birth. The Christmas lights are beau ful, but we need to remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. He is The Light of The World. Prayer Loving God, Help us to focus our thoughts on the true meaning behind all the beauty of the Advent season. Thank you for families, for memories, for not‐so‐perfect turkeys and for our wonderful church. Amen. Today’s Thought Look beyond trying to create the perfect Rockwell pain ng this Christmas and focus on the true Reason for the Season.
9
Friday, December 8 SANTA’S POWER By Megan Cann Romans 12:2a “Do not conform to the pa ern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Our girls are very fortunate to have the opportunity to take piano lessons from the extraordinarily gi ed Mary Ruth Solem. One evening as I was making dinner, I heard Madeline prac cing a beloved version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” sweetly singing the words as she played. When she bellowed, “to save us all from Santa’s power” I started toward the living room to correct her and tell her that it was Satan, not Santa. But then I thought be er of it. Perhaps I needed to be saved from Santa’s power. I love Christmas! It is my very favorite me of the year! I love the music, the decora ons, the fes vi es, the baking, the concerts, the gi s, the giving, the me with family, and I really love the church services. Thinking through my love for Christmas, I ask myself two ques ons: Are my priori es in line? Am I spending more me preparing for the fes vi es of Christmas instead of opening my heart to the gi of Jesus and living the life that He wants for me? It is all too easy to get caught up in the prepara ons and the ac vi es associated with Christmas while losing sight of the greatest gi . My ques ons to myself help “save me from Santa’s power.” Prayer Thank you, God, for songs and for joy and for children and for sincerity. Please help us to be conscious of what is truly important in our lives. Help us to show your love through our words and our ac ons. Thank you for the love, joy, peace and hope that came to earth through Your son. Amen. Today’s Thought Don’t let the busyness of Christmas keep you from the business of Christmas.
10
Saturday, December 9 PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE By Chris Faklaris 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is pa ent with you, not wan ng anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Pa ence. For those that know me, no one would describe me as being a man of pa ence. This is abundantly clear if you ever have had the misfortune of driving with me in Atlanta traffic! Most mes we strategically switch drivers to avoid pu ng me behind the wheel in traffic. But it’s not just the traffic. I tend to have an ac ve personality that is never content to wait. And for those like me, that’s ok. However, at this me of year, we are reminded through Advent of the value of wai ng ‐ the value of trying to see things from God’s perspec ve. Advent is a me of expectant wai ng and prepara on for the celebra on of Jesus at Christmas. And yet, wai ng is s ll hard. Remember back to how hard it was as a child to wait for your birthday…or today as you eagerly an cipate a big vaca on. God’s plan and God’s ming are not of this world. I have to remind myself in these situa ons to be pa ent and understand the “bigger picture” and God’s will for my life…even if it does not align with my desires and short term demands. Prayer God, Grant me pa ence in all that I do. Help me to be s ll and listen, especially during this busy me of year. Amen. Today’s Thought Pa ence gives us perspec ve and me to reflect on the true joy of what’s to come. I hope that you and I can both receive and appreciate this gi during Advent this year.
11
Sunday, December 10 THE SEASONS OF LIFE By Teresa Dietz Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season, and a me for every ma er under heaven.” We just returned from our annual trip to Pennsylvania to visit the family. It’s a necessary yet bi ersweet trip, as our parents are moving toward the 90 year mark. How quickly the me has passed from when we were children and teenagers and our parents were young and strong and knew everything. We were convinced they always would be that way. But Ecclesiastes tells us that everything has a season, and our parents no longer seem to be invincible and in charge, nurturing their family and friends, working for a living and taking on responsibili es at church and in the community. Now suddenly we are thrust into the role of being the strong one, as they move to the next season of their life and become the one in need of a en on, care and nurturing. It is not easy to make the transi on. There is a part of all of us that wants to remain our parent’s child forever, to be loved uncondi onally and to be taken care of. But transi on we must, as our parents now need us to help them with daily tasks, make financial and health decisions and eventually help them move from their home to a more safe and comfortable situa on. All the me, inside we cry out “no, this can’t be happening!” But face it, it is happening, and we must pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and deal with our emo ons and be there for our parents when they need us. God tells us there will be good seasons, bad seasons, produc ve seasons and seasons of decline. There will be seasons of growth, seasons of laughter and jubilee, seasons of morning and grief, but above all, seasons of blessings when we least expect it. These seasons are what make up the tapestry of life and the only way one can escape it, is to depart this life early without the opportunity to grow older and experience all the seasons life has to offer. So, in this me we spend with our parents each year, we observe that they are slowing down, don’t have the energy or interest in doing the things they used to do and have a list of health issues that is con nuously growing. Yet, in the midst of all of this, there is a silver lining as we see that my mother’s vitals are that of a “20‐year‐old” according to her doctor. Dave’s dad has a great a tude despite his blindness and inability to get around easily, and his mother has never lost her cheerful, laid back a tude in the midst of being a full‐ me care giver. We marvel at their ability to con nue to rise above it all and s ll be there for us, as we need to be there for them. In this season of Advent (yet another season of life), as we prepare once again to celebrate the birthday of the Son of God, let us also celebrate the seasons that life brings us, good or bad, happy or sad, joyous or difficult, knowing that God has created all these seasons of life to help us grow and appreciate each other and the world around us. Prayer Lord, Help us not to take the good and joyous seasons for granted, but appreciate them, revel in them, and remember them when life’s season changes. Amen. Today’s Thought I will do my best to live in the moment and appreciate what God gives me each day. 12
Monday, December 11 SHARING THE LOVE By Cheryl Dunbar John 13:34 “I give you a new commandment: love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you must also love one another.” My daddy was a high school principal. He took me to all kinds of spor ng events from the me I was a li le girl un l I was grown. That is why I love sports so much. I marched with the band and cheered with the cheerleaders. I have many fond memories of those days. My daddy also took me to church and Sunday School. Any me the church doors were open, I was there. During the holidays, I get a bit stoic and have many memories of my family. I always think about my parents and wish they were s ll around. Christmas was a big celebra on and going to church was a big part of our Christmas celebra on. I am so thankful for all the things my parents taught me and shared with me. It made it easy to keep Jesus in my life and to give this gi to my own children. I feel blessed to celebrate Christmas and the real meaning of the season ‐ the coming of the Messiah ‐ Emanuel God with us. Prayer Father, Thank you for sending Jesus in the form of a baby for us to celebrate at Christmas. Amen. Today’s Thought Hope in the Lord.
13
Tuesday, December 12 CHRISTMAS HEIRLOOMS By Mary Millar Ma hew 2:10‐11 "When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gi s of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." Collec ng Christmas ornaments in our family is similar to how we have collected an ques to furnish our home. We have acquired both of these collec ons carefully over a span of many years. While some homes display beau ful trees decorated with ornaments that have a theme or are a certain color, our tree is adorned with ornaments made from anything from Popsicle s cks to crystal. Like most families, there always seems to be one or two ornaments that hold a very special memory, and therefore get placed on a prominent bough on the tree. Over me, these par cular ornaments become heirlooms. What makes this ornament an heirloom? I think it's because it touches your heart, triggers your memory in some way, and it makes you smile. In our family, one of our heirloom ornaments is a set of three wise men that my husband bought at a road side stand during our second year of marriage. They are not fancy and are made from clothes pins and felt. As we decorate our tree, they are always the first to come out of the box of ornaments and the last to be packed a er Christmas. These wise men ornaments are filled with memories. Taking these ornaments from the box and carefully hanging them high on the tree also serves as a reminder to our family of the birth of Jesus and the story of King Herod and why he sent the wise men to go visit Jesus. These three figures also remind us of a favorite Christmas carol, “We Three Kings.” Your heirloom ornaments probably hold fond memories, too. They are sen mental reminders that help us relive those special mes from years past. Christmas can be a hec c me because we get caught up in shopping, meals and all of the holiday fes vi es. This year, take the me to enjoy the simpler things of the holidays, and the memories you make will be cherished for years to come. Those memories may become your heirlooms. Prayer Heavenly Father, Fill our hearts with joy as we an cipate the coming of Jesus. May we pause during this Advent season to reflect on all the gi s you have given us and on the miracle of Jesus’ birth. Amen. Today’s Thought What is your Christmas heirloom?
14
Wednesday, December 13 MAY YOUR EVERY CHRISTMAS WISH…NOT COME TRUE By Gayle Baxter Mitrano Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” I am not a Scrooge. Rather, I think I’m becoming a bit wiser in my short 60 years. My premise: I now thank God with a big AMEN that I did not receive those wishes I wished for every day, every night, with fervor and desperate pleading at varied stages of my life when things did not seem to be going the way I wanted them to go. I was absolutely posi ve I knew what I needed to make things be er or to get to the place I thought I wanted to be. Did you no ce that “I” is used five mes in that last sentence? That’s where my wishes were going haywire. Mother Teresa is quoted to say, “More tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones.” Garth Brooks also sings about thanking God for unanswered prayers. I am not making an earth‐ sha ering revela on. But it is clear to me that regardless of my wishes and desires along the way, the biggest blessing in my life is that many of those wishes were answered with a “no,” a “not now” and even a few “no way ever in your life me missy” responses. There were poten al jobs I thought were perfect – and now, I am so thankful I did not receive. There were schools I hoped my children would a end, but it is clear they each ended up at their right place. My personal story became more blessed – and real ‐ when my Norman Rockwell life turned into a Picasso. Now, my Christmas dinner table doesn’t feature a husband at the head and in the seat once occupied by my cute, inquisi ve son is my grown‐up transgender daughter trying to navigate in this tough world. I am so honored to be part of all this story. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. And if God had been indulgent and made my life as I thought it should be, I would have missed all this good, gri y, meaningful stuff. The Big Planner had other plans. Thy will be done. This Christmas, my wish for you is that you have an open heart to give and to receive all the good gi s of this life. And be blessed. Prayer In this Christmas season, We thank you Lord for your steadfast love that carries us through life’s ups and downs. Give us faith to trust in you and realize we will find ourselves with far richer lives than we could ever imagine on our own. Amen. Today’s Thought Pray, trust, and when you get out of God’s way, your path will be made clear.
15
Thursday, December 14 GOD’S LESSONS AT ANY AGE By Glenda Joiner 2 Timothy 3:16‐17 “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correc on, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.” When I was a toddler, we lived on my grandparent’s farm consis ng of a couple hundred acres in south Georgia. Dad taught me lots of things about the farm. He put eight eggs in an incubator and told me we were going to hatch some baby ducks. I watched those eggs every day through a li le round glass window on the incubator. They all hatched, and I got to watch them grow to be big white waddling ducks and become my outside playmates. That was Dad, always coming up with some new innova ve idea. Ducks were just the beginning, next he hatched beau ful pheasants. Dad started teaching me to drive and shoot in 1949 when I was three. He drove a Jeep or the Ford tractor to the only store in town via a sandy dirt road and over a wood slat bridge that clacked and bumped all the way across. I would sit on the tractor seat, steer and squeeze the hand accelerator with both hands to move it. Dad sat on the fender and operated the pedals because I didn’t weigh enough to press them down even if I stood on one pedal with both feet. Somewhere between age three and four, Dad took me, a .22 rifle and an axe to the pond. I’m glad I was too young to know the story of Abraham and his boy, Isaac. When we got there he found just the right height stump and notched it with the axe to fit the rifle. He set the rifle in the groove and showed me how to line up the sight on the barrel to hit what I was aiming at. Then, he showed me how to pull the trigger. That’s all I remember. I don’t think we shot the rifle, because I hated the loud sound that guns made. Why did Dad teach me so many adult things at such an early age? I think it was because he wanted me to have the knowledge for my future. I loved to be with him and was interested in learning all these fun things. He, in his way, tried to begin preparing me very early. Our heavenly Father has done the same for us. He has given us His Word to live by teaching us in stories so that li le ones can learn. With His words, we can mature in our faith in the reading and hearing of God’s word at any age. Prayer Abba, I love you, thank you for the blessing and guidance of your words for my life. Amen. Today’s Thought Amazing things happen when you hunger and thirst for God’s Word.
16
Friday, December 15 PRECIOUS CHRISTMAS MEMORIES By Emmie House Isaiah 9:6 “A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And he will be our ruler. He will be called, “Wonderful Counselor” “Mighty God” “Eternal Father” “Prince of Peace.”” As the years go by, I love to look back at the wonderful memories from all of my Christmas seasons. My father was a minister, so all of my early Christmas memories are centered around the church. I loved listening to him teach the story of Christ's birth in such a real and exci ng way. And, I remember helping him prepare for candle light services, the family caroling with church members and devo ons around our Advent wreath. Years later I felt the joy of Christmas in a new way as I became a mother. My children were both raised in our wonderful church. I am so grateful to all the minsters and teachers through the years who helped me teach my children the joy and wonder of Christmas, just as my parents taught me. We also had a Jesse Tree at home, and I loved reading the devo ons and pu ng the ornaments on the tree with them each year. Singing in the choir is a tradi on in my family, and I loved seeing my li le ones in the choirs on Christmas Eve and all the wonderful years in youth choir. The Christmas Eve services are some of our most special memories. Now that my children are grown and away most of the year, I especially treasure our me together at Christmas. They both come back each year and sing as alumni in the youth choir and sing with me in Chancel Choir at the Christmas Eve services. It gives me so much joy to be there with them for the services and to welcome in Christmas morning at midnight as we sing “Silent Night.” As my Father and Mother now watch over us from Heaven, I will be forever grateful to them for the founda on they gave me in the church. This has given me so many wonderful Christmas memories with them as a child and helped me con nue special tradi ons with my family. I can't wait to make more precious memories in the years to come. Prayer Loving God, Thank you for this joyous season. Thank you for our families, friends and church. Thank you for loving us. Amen. Today’s Thought If you don’t have one, create a special Christmas tradi on for your family. If you do, give it special a en on this year.
17
Saturday, December 16 STOP. LOOK. LISTEN. By Joe Seegars 2 Samuel 22:11 “He rode on a cherub and flew; he was seen upon the wings of the wind.” Luke 2:8 “In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night.” When you go camping far away from Atlanta, you leave the noise, distrac ons, and light pollu on behind. You replace them with the sounds of nature, peace and quiet, and an amazing view of the sky. This requires you to turn off your cell phone, of course. As I lay in my tent on a Boy Scout campout, looking at the stars in the middle of the night in October, I thought about how much we can miss when we let noise and distrac ons crowd out spending me with God. Picking out constella ons, listening to the wind blow through the pines and hearing an owl’s call all reminded me that God is everywhere. You just need to stop, look and listen for him. I also thought about how rela vely li le noise and distrac ons the shepherds had before they were visited by the angel of the Lord. It would have been hard to miss or not to hear the message that was delivered about the birth of Jesus. They not only listened, but also followed through, went to Bethlehem and saw Jesus. The Christmas season is one of the most important and one of the busiest and noisiest seasons of the year. Remember to stop, look and listen for God during your busy days. And be like the shepherds – go out of your way to spend me with Jesus. Prayer Dear God, Thank you for the birth of Jesus, your gi that keeps on giving. Help me to stop, look, and listen for your presence in, and your calling for, my life. Amen. Today’s Thought Iden fy one noise or distrac on that is keeping you from God and work to overcome it so that you can feel and hear God’s presence in your life.
18
Sunday, December 17 TOUCHING LIVES ONE STITCH AT A TIME By Sarah Greer Luke 2:1‐20 “While they were there, the me came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (v.6‐7) Have you ever wondered what items Joseph helped Mary pack as they prepared for their journey to Bethlehem? Did Mary have a so woven shawl for herself or kni ed blanket for their expected son? There were plenty of sheep available for the needed wool! I was at my first physical therapy appointment today, kni ng in the wai ng room. I always have a project handy when I know there could be a delay in an appointment. My therapist, Liz, introduced herself and asked about my kni ng. I explained that I have been teaching and leading a kni ng class at church for about eight years, and we do all kinds of projects like prayer shawls, lap blankets, chemo caps, IV wristlets, baby blankets and caps and Mommy Love Squares for the preemies in the NICU. Then she asked if we do bereavement blankets, and I said we offer our kni ed blankets to the hospital to use any way they choose. Liz said they lost their first baby and were comforted with a hand knit blanket for their li le girl. She s ll has it as a treasured memory of her first born and thanked me in case it was one kni ed by our group. I want to say thank you to all who take me to meet and knit on Thursday nights, or on the Great Day of Service, or who knit or crochet at home at home and turn in projects to be included for giving. We may never know the lives we touch, but here is a thank you, given with tears of apprecia on by therapist Liz. Prayer Thank you, Father, for the unique talents and gi s each of us has to offer in service to others. May we be the hands and feet of Jesus as we minister to others, even in small unno ced ways. Amen. Today’s Thought “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Ecclesiastes 9:10a
19
Monday, December 18 HE CANNOT DENY HIMSELF By Charlie Nichols II Timothy 2:11a, 13 “The saying is sure… if we are faithless, he remains faithful‐‐ for he cannot deny himself.” When I read the verse from Timothy above, I was struck with the words “for he cannot deny himself.” I felt that these words were somehow ed to my belief that God is indeed within us. So, I decided to contemplate this further. A picture began to form of waves in the ocean. Let's just pretend that you are a wave in the vastness of the ocean. Let's further pretend that the ocean represents God. As far as you, the wave, are concerned, you have a personality of your own. You can gently lap the shoreline on a picturesque day. You can create bubbles that blow in the wind. You can become a monster wave, devouring everything in sight. But, you cannot escape the fact that you are a part of the ocean. No ma er how you try, you cannot break free from the ocean, from whom you are created. The wave always returns to the sea. All well and good.....right? Not exactly. In the verse preceding II Timothy 13, we find the following: II Timothy 12: “...if we deny him, he will also deny us.” What does this mean? Using the analogy of the wave, if the wave aspires to be like the ocean to which it ul mately returns, it must lose the boundaries of its form, thus losing its "wave‐ness" and in essence becoming one with the ocean. Applying this analogy to our human‐ness, it follows that you and I must shed our self‐ inflicted boundaries of selfishness, ignorance, and delusion to fully realize the presence of the love of God within. For God is there wai ng within. You and I may be able to deny Him but He cannot deny Himself. That is WHY He sent the light of the Christ to be within us. That is WHY He sent the Holy Spirit to enable us. That is WHY the triune is our salva on. Prayer Thank you, dear God for the mystery of life that gives us purpose. We praise your Holy name in all that you are and do, no ma er if we do not fully understand the WHY of it all. Amen. Today’s Thought God is within you. Embrace His presence and love.
20
Tuesday, December 19 JESUS, THE MASTER ACCOUNTANT By Sean Taylor Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconcilia on” Many of you know I am an accountant. From the me I was in high school, I knew I wanted to be an accountant. I graduated high school in 1989 already having taken two accoun ng classes. When I started college that fall at the University of Georgia, I had already early declared my major to be accoun ng. For some reason, it just clicked. Everyone is an accountant at some point in their lives ‐ yes, everyone. When you ask? Well, for anyone that has ever balanced their checkbook or their credit card statement, guess what, you were an accountant. If you’ve ever volunteered to keep track of the number of people registered for an event, you were an accountant. If you’ve ever compared one thing to another, iden fied the differences, explored why there were differences and explained or corrected those differences, guess what… yep, you were a bean‐counter. Even Jesus is an accountant. And, no, I don’t mean that because he dined and spent me with tax collectors. Jesus is an accountant because he provided the master reconcilia on of us to God. Once we fell away from God through our sins, everything became out of balance. Regardless of what we tried to do, we couldn’t get things to balance. And, it was a reconcilia on that even the best accountants amongst us couldn’t complete. But when Christ came to us that first Christmas, lived among us and ul mately died for us, he provided the reconcilia on to God none of us could do on our own or even together. As we prepare for the coming of our Lord and Savior, may we remember that it is the gi of God’s son that allows us to get back into harmony with our Father, the Creator of Heaven and Earth – the eternal reconcilia on. Prayer God, We give you thanks for the reconcilia on of our broken rela onship through your son, Christ our Lord. Amen. Today’s Thought Are there rela onships you have that are broken that can be reconciled through the example we have in the life of Jesus?
21
Wednesday, December 20 THE HOLY SPIRIT By Randy Pilkenton Luke 1:35 “The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”” The Trinity is certainly part of Advent. Yet, while the Holy Spirit is very prominent in the Christmas story, we spend most of our me during this season focused on the Son and the Father. Maybe that’s because we modern people have become increasingly only interested in the headline version of a story, the Cliff Notes version of a novel, the Twi er version of … well, let’s not go there! In the me leading up to and surrounding Jesus’ birth, the Holy Spirit might be the rest of the story that we really should pay a en on to. In Luke 1:15 Zechariah, the father of John the Bap st, is told by the Angel Gabriel that John is to “be filled with the Holy Spirit, while yet in his mother’s womb.” And a li le later in Luke, Gabriel says to Mary that her concep on of Jesus will be miraculous and “The Holy Spirit will come upon you , and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” A er the birth of John, Zechariah’s voice was restored and he “was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied,” as well as witnessing John as he “grew and became strong in spirit.” Then, a er Jesus is born we learn about Simeon: “It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” When Jesus was brought into the temple, Simeon was there and took him in his arms and said: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salva on, which you have prepared in the sight of all na ons: a light for revela on to the Gen les, and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29‐32). The power of the Holy Spirit gave Zechariah and Elizabeth hope and an answer to prayer that had before been unfilled. For Mary it provided a belief in the miraculous, and for Simeon it rewarded his faith in God’s promise and brought joy for the glory it would bring. Prayer The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit are three and one. With this prayer we ask you, Lord, to help us know all three, and to know You be er when we do. Amen. Today’s Thought For this Advent may we all pay a en on to the Holy Spirit which is within each of us and experience the hope, belief, faith and joy that the Holy Spirit offers.
22
Thursday, December 21 THE BOX By Carolyn Trundle Ma hew 2:9‐10 “When they heard the king, they went; and look, the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them un l it stood over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy.” When I was a child, my grandmother had a wonderful mahogany box that stayed on top of a tall bookcase in her dining room. Some mes she would let me climb up on a chair to look at it. My grandfather had made it for her. He was a carpenter by trade, but really an ar st in wood and later in oils and an amateur poet. On the front panel he had carved a scene of the three wise men following the star of Bethlehem. Inside the lid he had inscribed with a wood burning tool the following original verse: The star that did the East adorn To guide the wise men on their way And mark the place where Christ was born S ll lights our path today. My parents and grandparents set me on the path I s ll follow, seeking Christ. That path seems a li le clearer at Christmas me as I remember my grandmother’s box and my grandfather’s wonderful verse. Prayer Father God, Help us to be like the wise men from so long ago and be bold in following our faith. We know you will light our path as we seek to grower closer to you. Amen. Today’s Thought Open the box of your faith and let Christ’s light shine on your path.
23
Friday, December 22 ABIDING JOY By Elvin Aycock John 15:10‐11 “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” Abiding joy! Do you have abiding joy? Does abiding joy exist in today’s world? If it does, where is it and how can I receive this abiding joy? Abiding means enduring or las ng a long me. Abiding joy means to have joy day a er day a er day. Does this describe the life you live? Most of us would have to answer…NO! That is sad and unfortunate. What does the Bible say about abiding joy? Abiding joy starts with faith in God and keeping God’s commandments. By keeping His commandments, we can abide in His love. This creates a rela onship that puts us in harmony and fellowship with God and then, and only then are we able to walk in‐step with God. Folks, this is living… really living. This is where abiding joy lives and where we can tap into the peace of God. Just as darkness is a passing shadow and will soon pass away, light remains. Joy may be hidden for a me, but it can always be recovered. Recovery begins by reaching out to God. Las ng, abiding joy is found in God. There is no las ng joy outside of God. Each and every me the Israelites dri ed away from God, trouble always found them. They suffered dearly. Only when they cried to God, did God come to their rescue. They could not rescue themselves but God could and did. God restored their joy. We believers so o en do the same thing. We dri away from God into the world of strife, sorrow, sadness and troubles. The world is a troubled place outside of the presence of God. It may look shiny like gold and fun like a party but all the gli er is decep on. We should be like chicks under the mother hen’s wings and abide in the wings of God. Here and only here we find God’s protec on. In the security of God, joy is found, abiding joy. Prayer Dear Jesus, Release us from this burden and give us peace and abiding joy, everlas ng joy. Amen. Today’s Thought Anxiety destroys joy. Anxiety is caused by wan ng something that we do not have. Anxiety wants things to be different. Anxiety wants life to serve it and conform to its desires. This is truly anxiety. Replace it by looking to God and finding joy.
24
Saturday, December 23 PONDERINGS OF THE HEART By Lori Schweers Luke 2:19 “But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.” I have a photo from Christmas Day with my then 2‐year‐old son and my newborn son, who was born just a few days prior. I have one arm ghtly wrapped around my 2‐year‐old and am cradling my newborn in my other arm. I remember how incredibly joyful I felt holding two precious gi s from God. However, the photo itself would never convey that joyful gra tude that I was feeling. Though I was smiling, my 2‐year‐old was making an awful face because my arm was around him and the newborn’s face was in ugly contor ons from crying. Yet, I have always treasured that photo and pondered the deep joy and gra tude I felt despite what must have looked like an awkward Christmas photo to anyone else! Luke paints a snapshot of Mary with baby Jesus just a er the shepherds came to see the miracle the angels had just announced. In this snapshot, we see young shepherds, who most likely smelled of dirty sheep and hard work and sweat from running to the stable. The most unlikely first visitors to worship a very unlikely King were there to see a most unlikely and exhausted teen mother who had placed her precious baby in an animal feeding trough. Yet, Luke says that Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds must have had much to ponder in their hearts as they joyfully went back to their sheep and marveled at what they had been first to witness. Prayer Lord God, How grateful we are that You choose to reveal Yourself in unlikely ways to unlikely people! Thank you for the opportunity to ponder the greatest gi every given and be joyful for the blessing of Jesus Messiah – God with us. Amen. Today’s Thought What do you treasure most during this Advent season? Spend some me pondering and thanking God for the unlikely gi s He has blessed you with.
25
Sunday, December 24 SILENT NIGHT By Ruth Brown Luke 2:13‐14 "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Throughout the world "Silent Night" is a cherished icon of music for Christmas celebra ons. The simple melody of heavenly peace can be heard from poor ghe os, simple churches and magnificent cathedrals throughout the world in 300 languages. It has been treasured since 1818 when the original carol was created. History says that although Bach and Handel wrote to sustain the power of the king and the church, Gruber and Mohr (composer and lyricist) created Silent Night to serve as a message of hope to the ordinary people of Germany. Soon "Silent Night" became inspira onal to people who wanted to do good. It became accessible across me and space. It served as a "symbolic salve" for our na on torn by the Civil War, and it was the impetus for the Christmas Truce of 1914 in WWI. Dictators have tried to forbid the carol, but it has survived as a sacred symbol of hope and peace. Like no other carol, it gives us a message of hope. But it is not enough to know about the song. We must sing it. On Christmas Eve this year, as we quietly sing this beloved hymn, let us rejoice that Christmas brings hope. Verse 1: Silent night, Silent night All is calm, all is bright Round Yon Virgin Mother and Child! Holy Infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace! Sleep in heavenly peace! Verse 6: Silent night, Holy night Mindful of mankind's plight The Lord in heav'n on high decreed From earthly woes we would be freed Jesus, God's promise for peace, Jesus God's promise for peace. Prayer Dear Lord, Your gi of the Prince of Peace gives us hope and joy. Help us to share this with the world. Amen. Today’s Thought How will you extend hope and joy far beyond Christmas?
26
Monday, December 25 MARY DID YOU KNOW? By Rev. W. Melton McNeill Luke 2:19‐20 “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.” Last December, I heard “Mary Did You Know?” on a TV show of Christmas music. I had never heard it, but it caught my imagina on and is really thought provoking. For instance, can you imagine Mary seeing and wondering about all of the ac vity around the birth of her baby: The Shepherds: The stars shining so bright that it struck fear in the hearts of shepherds in a nearby field and they got over their fear when the angel said, “Fear not, for behold I bring you good dings of great joy.....for unto you is born this day...a savior which is Christ the Lord.” The Wise Men: Traveling from afar to see her baby and bringing gi s of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Angel: Had proclaimed to her nine months before that she would bring forth a son who would be called the Son of the most high! What thoughts must have come into Mary’s mind! She could not know what this Christmas Song asks, or could she? “Mary Did You Know” by Mark Lowry have kissed the face of God. Mary did you know that your baby boy will Oh Mary did you know someday walk on water? The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the Mary did you know that your baby boy will dead will live again. save our sons and daughters? The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, Did you know that your baby boy has the praises of the lamb come to make you new? Mary did you know This child that you've delivered, will soon That your baby boy is Lord of all crea on? deliver you. Mary did you know that your baby boy Mary did you know that your baby boy will would one day rule the na ons? give sight to a blind man? Did you know that your baby boy is Mary did you know that your baby boy will heaven's perfect Lamb? calm a storm with his hand? that your Baby Boy will calm the storm Did you know that your baby boy has with His hand? walked where angels trod? And when you kiss your li le baby, you Prayer Heavenly Father, We praise you for the wonderful Baby Jesus and all that you gave us through Him. Amen. Today’s Thought “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good dings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a mul tude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:10‐14 KJV)
27
1548 Mt. Vernon Rd. • Dunwoody, GA 30338 770-394-0675 • www.dunwoodyumc.org