Advent Devotional 2019

2019 Advent Devotional

United Methodist Church of Kent A Place to Grow

United Methodist Church of Kent Advent Devotional 2019 WHAT IS ADVENT? Advent—from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming”—is the church season comprising four weeks prior to Christmas. For centuries, Christians have used this period to reflect about the promise to ancient Israel of the coming of the Messiah, and to become open to how Christ would come into our lives today.

Advent this year begins on Sunday, December 1, and continues until Christmas Eve. This Advent devotional book contains reflections from many members of the United Methodist Church of Kent. There follows a great variety of devotions on many themes of this season. Please use this book to guide your own reflections in the coming days, so that these weeks may be not just a “shopping season” but a spiritual season of experiencing the good news of Christ afresh.

December 1 There was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 Jesus said, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Luke 9:58 Recently our University of Life class had a session that focused on the Herodion, a massive palace built by King Herod about three miles east of Bethlehem. It was one of several grandiose palaces constructed by Herod the Great. Just a few miles from that palace, Jesus was born in a stable.

What a contrast! While Herod surrounded himself with grandeur, Jesus was surrounded by farm animals. His humble circumstances continued. As Jesus later said, “The Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

Yet it is in Jesus, the Bible declares, that true greatness is to be found.

The Christmas story radically challenges our typical human values.

The way of Herod—the continual grasping after grandeur and status— has been an all too common pattern in human life. The way of Jesus— self-emptying and service—appears lowly; yet it is in following the way

of Jesus that we connect with the working of God and find real meaning and purpose in life.

The Biblical story makes plain that we are only passing through this world. Our legacy is not in what we heap up for ourselves but in what we contribute for others. Herod’s palaces gave him a sense of permanence and glory; but he died at age 69—despised by those he ruled, and despised by every subsequent generation.

Jesus’ life was a clear picture of our transitory human condition — born in a stable, whisked away by his parents into a sojourn in Egypt to elude King Herod, and spending his adult ministry with no permanent lodging. But Jesus knew that his real abode was the Kingdom of God; and he gave himself to bring blessing to others—blessing that lasts.

As he would later say, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

(Matthew 6:20) Thought for the Day: Jesus taught that our heavenly home is far more important than our earthly lodging.

Prayer: Lead us, O Lord, to dwell with You, and to share in the self-giving of Jesus.

David Palmer, senior pastor

December 2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 After considering Herod’s palaces, our University of Life in its next session focused on Herod’s fortresses. King Herod had a string of great fortresses, which were designed to protect not his people but himself! His concern was to guard against challenges to his rule.

There is some overlap between Herod’s palaces and his fortresses, because when he built a fortress, he equipped it with luxurious living quarters for himself. After all, if he had to take refuge in a fortress, he wanted to be living in style!

The most prominent example of this is Masada—the extraordinary high fortress which later would become the site of a last stand of Jewish revolutionaries. Masada included spectacular living spaces for the king.

Masada was one of the most impressive fortresses in human history; yet in spite of possessing such a place, Herod lived in constant fear. He

executed three of his own sons out of concern that they might rebel against him.

The Christmas story is a dramatic picture of where true strength lies.

The Holy Family appears to be incredibly weak; they nearly fall prey to King Herod when he sends soldiers to Bethlehem. But they escape, because of the intervention of God. Later, Jesus would continue to appear weak in the world’s eyes. He would have no army, only a motley band of twelve disciples. Yet, unlike Herod, Jesus would live without fear—because he trusted in the power of God. Herod may have had a string of incredible mountain forts, but Jesus lived in the spirit of Psalm 18—“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge . . . my stronghold.”

Where do we find our strength? The story of Jesus draws us to the authentic “rock” and fortress—to place our trust in God. Thought for the Day: Herod’s great fortresses are now all rubble, and even Masada was finally breached by a Roman army. We enter the eternal and unassailable stronghold when we abide in God. Prayer: Inspire us, O God, to put our trust in You. David Palmer, senior pastor

December 3 Praise the Lord with the lyre: make melody to him with the harp of ten strings. Sing to him a new song: play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. For the word of the Lord is upright and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of God. Psalm 33:2–5 Many people who know me well know that my love of music contributes to many of my activities. Even beyond that is the joy that I feel when I am praising God with song.

Perhaps that’s why these verses from Psalm 33 touch my heart so deeply all through the year but especially at Christmas. God is faithful to us and the gift of his son our precious Savior is worthy of every bit of praise we can give him. I hope he finds delight each time all of us lift our voices and play our instruments to glorify his name.

Within the last couple of days Mark and I felt especially “the fullness of God’s steadfast love” in our world. We pulled into our driveway after being gone a good part of the day, running errands, and found a large

reusable grocery bag filled with the fixings for a Thanksgiving dinner including a foil roasting pan. We have no idea where it might have come from or who might have given it to us. Even though “things” have been a bit tight we aren’t in need. After the initial shock and pinch of pride we realized what a touch of grace and love and generosity this grocery bag represented. Our hearts were filled with gratitude as we recognized God’s love and how that love is still alive in our crazy, chaotic, hurting world.

When I asked Mark how we would ever be able to thank whoever gave us this beautiful gift he said, “We pay it forward.” We shared the blessing we received with Kent Social Services.

So with hearts filled with gratitude we enter into this wondrous time of year knowing that God’s love still abounds in our world. We lift our voices in praise of the gift of a tiny baby who grew to teach us of God’s love and light that we might share it with the world.

Prayer: May we all have a blessed Christmas and carry the song of God’s love throughout the coming year. Amen Judith Nedel, Follower of Christ

December 4 “And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.” Mark 13:37 NRSV Finals week is a demanding time in the life of a student. So much must be done to feel prepared. Late nights running on caffeine and candy become a temporary normal. Jesus said to keep awake. Trust me, that is easier said than done! Insomnia never comes at convenient times. After a while, I realize that I am reading the same paragraph 4 times because I keep nodding off. The list of things to do seems to grow exponentially.

It is easy for me to put the book down and take a nap, but there is more studying to do, I can stay awake for another hour. How are we really supposed to keep awake? Our bodies need sleep, and caffeine will only get you so far. For me, finals week is right around the corner. We all need to keep awake. Maybe Jesus was telling us that something is about to happen, and we need to be ready. Advent is all about watching and waiting. Are you ready? Are you awake to God’s love? It’s always ready to break into our lives if we are paying attention, so keep awake!

Thought for the Day: God is always at work in our world and if we pay attention, then we might just get a glimpse.

Prayer: Loving God, it is so easy to move through our days expecting the same as the day before. Wake us up to your love. Help us to see your hand at work in our lives. In the name of Jesus who is, who was, and who is to come. Amen.

Nicholas Stackpole, Youth Handbell Director

December 5 LIFE’S BIG BURDENS “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Matthew 11: 28–29 A number of years ago I used this same scripture for a meditation. I wrote how Jesus was born for a specific purpose, and at one point he asked to be released from his obligation. But in the end he continued down the path he was born to travel.

Today I ask the question—how many times have we veered away from the path because the road in front of us is overwhelming? And yet inside our brain is this voice that constantly tells us—follow the path you were destined to travel. How long do we avoid the voice—and turn away—only to look back and see that the path is still there—waiting— beckoning us to travel the path intended.

For years I avoided that path, I took on other people’s troubles trying to lighten my load, but this year I followed the path that has beckoned me for so long and I have found peace.

Thought for the Day: Talk about that burden and find it made smaller.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the courage to follow the path you have laid out for us—and to accept the rewards you have promised.

Judy Smith, a woman of many titles, of which one is “Believer in God and his plan for us!”

December 6 He has shown strength with his arms;he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful . . . and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. Luke 1:51–53 These are some of the words sung by Mary when she knew she was to give birth to the Son of God. It is part of the Advent observance that is a bit unsettling.

I look forward to our Christmas Eve, candlelight service. I always leave with a sense of peace and renewed faith. The beauty and simplicity of the moment are inspiring and uplifting. I would just as soon ignore this part of Mary’s song.

But how can we forget that the “real world” has such an immediate impact ? The best example may be King Herod’s fear when he heard of Jesus’ birth. It was his intention to destroy him. (Matt. 2:3–4, 13) An “angel of the Lord” said the holy family had to flee and immigrate to Egypt.

Walter Russell Bowie (a preacher and scholar from the first half of the last century) wrote that this passage has dynamite within it. He reminds us of the Gospel’s “explosive power”.

I have to admit that I would like to put this “dynamite” stuff aside and would prefer to serve Christ in a peaceful, gentle manner. That, of course, is part of who Christ is for me, but he was not afraid of confrontation either. That’s not as easy for me !

Thought for the Day: Let’s work on this together for the next year.

There are a lot of challenging issues facing us and we need to listen and watch for the One who “scatters the proud” and “lifts up the “lowly”.

Prayer: Help us, God, to look to You for guidance, direction, and courage as we seek to witness to Your will in our world today.

Douglas Denton, Minister of Pastoral Care

December 7 “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

I Thessalonians 5:16–18 Christmas is usually the time of year that brings joy to most people. It’s one of my favorite times with memories of children’s delight in seeing Christmas lights and their visible joy on Christmas morning. As people hustle and prepare there is usually joy and growing excitement in the anticipation of their plans, the sharing and family traditions. I think this childlike joy and love is the kind of joyfulness God wants us to have always.

However, our thoughts, if unchallenged can easily lead us far away from joy! It’s easy to forget (or even take for granted) the things to be thankful for! Our rapidly changing world, illness, disasters, regret, loss, envy, technology, aging, discontent, the news or negativity are some of the things that can easily steal our joy. Technology especially; while it feeds growth and our aspirations or desires to be and do more, it can also feed thoughts of comparison that lead to discontent or envy, rather than thankfulness. What steals your joy?

The truth is our joy doesn’t come from our circumstances, worldly possessions or family, but from knowing God is with us. Prayer and thankfulness remind us of that and keep us close to Jesus. Praying continually is a constant discussion rather than a Christmas list.

Thought for the Day: Don’t let anything take away your joy you have in Jesus Christ. Instead share it. Bless someone today and train your mind to turn to God and love more.

Prayer: Lord, help me be aware and change the thoughts that steal my joy. Instead help me to be awake and aware of all the important signs of your presence among us: love, sharing, peace and joy.

Lynnette Begue-Lavery, Child of God

December 8 HOSPITALITY AT THE HOLIDAYS In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. Luke 1:39–56 I am writing this after Nancy Johnson’s memorial service. During the service, I remembered how Nancy and Hobe welcomed me into their home for many holidays after I had moved to Kent and, given the distance, I was unable to go home. The service caused me to remember my father, my Aunt Cecelia, my grandparents, and all the other people that I have celebrated Christmas with over the years, but who are no longer with us. The loss of each of these people has left a hole in our family and in our lives.

For so many people, the holidays are difficult because of the people they have lost. The pain of remembering is overwhelming. It can feel like celebrating means that they no longer care for the people they have lost. For many of these people, this bubble of pain can isolate them from everyone else.

This Christmas, we all need to watch for the people for whom the Christmas season causes pain. We need to invite those people into our lives and to make sure that they have a place to be. Just as Nancy and

Hobe welcomed me when I had no place to go, we need to do the same today.

Remember when Mary was a young, unmarried pregnant woman; not knowing whether Joseph would accept her child or whether he would turn her away, she had to feel very isolated. We know during this time that she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s Zechariah; who not only welcomed her but made her feel that she was beloved of God. Thought for the Day: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Luke 1:42 Prayer: Dear Lord help to remember those for whom the holidays are a season of pain. Help us to comfort those who have suffered loss. Help us to open our hearts and our lives to give comfort. In your name. Amen Mark Lewis, Husband and Father, Professor of Mathematics

December 9 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:5–6 Hollywood really missed this one. It was a movie no one was willing to distribute; a movie most thought would have a limited audience. But from its midweek opening, Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” took off like a rocket in 2004. Soon it became apparent this movie portraying the agonizing last twelve hours of Jesus’ life was going to be a blockbuster, whose box office numbers were up there with the record-breakers. But according to Director, Mel Gibson, this movie ultimately wasn’t about commercial success. It was, for him, a deeply personal project, portraying what he described as “Christ’s wounds that healed my wounds.” The personalness of Jesus’ death to him surfaced vividly on the day they were filming the driving of the nails into Christ’s hands. It’s a not-to-be forgotten moment. The director himself grabbed the mallet and spikes from the actor who was supposed to be nailing Jesus to the cross. The cameras kept rolling, and in the movie it is Mel Gibson’s hands we see, wielding the hammer and driving the nails into Jesus’ hands.

In that moment Mel Gibson sends a message that it wasn’t the Jews or the Romans that crucified Christ, it was all of us, and God makes that crystal clear in the passage from Isaiah 53 when the author writes, “He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, by His wounds we are healed.”

Thought for the Day: During the advent season as we prepare ourselves to remember the birth of Christ; let’s not let the festiveness of the season cloud the fact that we are celebrating the birth of the savior of the world. The Savior who was ultimately sent to pay the price for the transgressions of both you and me.

Prayer: God, during this season help me to live my life in such a way that I remember the sacrifice you made for me on the cross.

Rick Stout Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministry

December 10 THE LORD PROMISES “For I know the plans I have for you”, says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 I thought the years 2011–2014 were the most challenging of my life, but because I went into and through them with a strong faith foundation and complete confidence in God, I kept moving. I moved through the death of the 2nd of 3 brothers, my mother and my stepmother. I moved through the beginning of my marriage and the challenges that brings. I moved through work uncertainty, through the breast cancer and subsequent healing (praise God!) of my sister, through my struggles with infertility, though a medical diagnosis saying I couldn’t have children, through another diagnosis indicating I have an autoimmune disease.

I kept moving and—for the most part—kept confident and secure in the knowledge that God has a plan. After all, He has never let me down.

My confidence and security were well placed, of course. In 2016 I said hello to the little boy He’s asked me to raise for Him! Brought into this world as naturally as God intended. Seems the medical diagnosis was wrong—tee hee and praise God! I remember at the time thanking the Lord for seeing me through those “toughest” years and for giving me a companion to walk alongside me. I distinctly remember asking, “What would I do and who would I be if I lost that anchor? This ‘one most

important gift’ in my life from God?” I thought January 2011–2014 were the most challenging of my life, but I was wrong. The circumstances are irrelevant to the story, but in January 2019 what I thought was my “one most important gift” walked away from our joint life. The anchor was gone and I found myself struggling to keep my head above water.

I look to the future and it’s nothing like I thought it would be. For the past 11 months I’ve been asking myself, “Who am I? What do I do now that I’ve lost the ‘one’?” I’d love to report that I’m through it all and on the other side but I’m not. Every day seems like it brings new worries, new hurts, new fears and new uncertainty. My story is no different than many of yours; change the names and the details, but the bottom line is that life is hard and God never promised us it would be easy. But He did promise He would always fight for us (Exodus 14:14), that He will give strength to the weary (Isaiah 40:29), that He will save us from our enemies (Psalm 18:3), that He is faithful (1 John 1:9), and that He will be with us wherever we go (Mark 11:24). Even though I don’t know what the future holds and what I see right now isn’t what I wanted, I do know God has a plan for me because He’s promised me. Who am I? I am a child of God. What about the ‘gift’ that I lost? Turns out I haven’t, because from the daily hurt comes the daily reminder that the Most Important Gift, and the only one upon which we can absolutely count, is the gift of Jesus Christ. Alleluia!

Thought for the Day: Difficult days can be dark days. How important for us to remember that “the light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never distinguish it” (John 1:5).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you not only for our joys but also our struggles. Please help us remember that “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” We call upon the strength of Your son Jesus, our Savior, to help us “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Amen.

Mo McFarland

December 11 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 Praise God for prying my posterior off the couch and sending me to Sager Brown Mission this year. It was spiritually uplifting, fun, exhausting, and worthwhile, just to come back for Dr. Palmer’s sermon on how to approach God; with praise and thanksgiving. I try to keep my thoughts stayed on him by singing this week’s hymns in my head, and the music does seem to raise my spirits. So praise and thanksgiving to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the almighty heavenly Lord. He takes away the sins of the world, even my own foibles, flaws, and faults—and loves me anyway! Bless you and yours this holiday seasons, and my Jesus let you know how he loves you, too.

Prayer: All glory and praise to God. May God give peace to all peoples of good will.

Georgia Foster

December 12 HOPE For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 As we anticipate Christmas day, we are reminded that God gave his one and only son as an ultimate gift of grace to us, undeserving and imperfect humans. The Scripture above is a very hopeful one, specially if you have lost a loved one. I have experienced the loss of three beloved friends and family members in the past two months. Although I did not understand the suddenness, or the excruciating painfulness, or the agonizingly slow deaths of my friends, I DID understand that God’s timing is perfect. I give thanks and glory to a God who enacted a plan of hope, so that we can take comfort in knowing that our friends and family can have eternal life. That plan begins with the season of Christmas.

I pray that this year, as a gift of hope, you are reminded to keep CHRIST in Christmas.

Thought for the Day: Remember those experiencing the separation of loved ones whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

Prayer: Heavenly and Gracious Father, I thank you that you are thinking of us even when we are not thinking of you. I ask that you fill our empty spots with reminders of the hope provided by your one and only Son. Carol Pozuc Your Companion in Christ

December 13 LIFE-LONG LEARNING All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. II Timothy 3:16–17 Growing up in the Kent and attending the same Methodist church since I was born, one might feel that I have a complete basic understanding of our religion and faith. Always wanting to learn more, I was looking for a way to be not just a member of this church but also contribute to this community. I felt the best way to start is with God’s word. I was encouraged and supported by my fiancee to join the Disciple course led by Dr. Palmer. I was nervous at first because, though I have been attending this church forever, I try to hide and work behind the scenes. Disciple has been an amazing experience helping me grow in my faith. Reading your way through the Bible with a group of people helps grow and shape your understanding of the Bible better. Even if it is rereading a story you have read a million times, when doing it in a community you gain a different perspective of those stories. With as busy as the holidays can be, it is important to remember why we celebrate Christmas. You most likely already know the story of Jesus’ birth, but reading it and studying it is a great reminder and gives new perspective.

Thought of the day: How blessed we are learn God’s word in a supportive community1 How is God trying to teach you new lessons?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the blessings of our community of faith, and thank you for the things that you continue to teach us throughout our lives. Amen Andrew Alderson, marketing coordinator

December 14 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 My Bible notes that the word light in this passage is a common symbol of the presence of God. Last Christmas I received a beautiful handmade Christmas card with an eight-pointed star. It is dark blue, white and silver. It is so simple yet so stunning.

The front of the card says: The Light of HEAVEN . . .

BECAME the Light

of the WORLD. The inside says:

The light the shepherds saw that night THAT LIT THE WAY FOR THEM, Still guides the hearts of all who seek THE CHILD OF BETHLEHEM. MERRY CHRISTMAS

This message so moved me that this card sits right on a candle holder in my living room, so I can see it all year long. It reminds me who is in charge of my life. This is what the celebration of Christmas is all about, a simple message of FAITH, HOPE, and CHARITY all in LIGHT of LOVE. Thought for today: It still amazes me that God’s son Jesus came into the world as a baby-child. He grew, lived , and died among us, to guide our journey to life with Him forever. He reaches out and guides my heart and I pray you will continue to seek Him in your heart and walk with Him too.

Prayer: Lord, as we celebrate your blessed arrival this year, let us rejoice in the GOD of HEAVEN who BECAME the GOD of the WORLD, as HE loves and guides us every day. Amen Donna Stiller, Retired Academic Advisor, KSU

December 15 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 It is a remarkable thing to consider, even though we celebrate it each year. God takes the form of His creation in the person of Jesus. I often think of this event as a humbling experience, as it would be for any of us to take a lowly position for a short time and experience life from a different perspective. It is only recently, however, that I have begun to look at it as an exercise in trust. As a parent, the weight of responsibility descends as soon as you hear your child cry out and you know that a human life relies on you for its defense and sustenance. In these words from Isaiah 30:19: “Truly, O people in Zion, inhabitants of Jerusalem, you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you.” We rely constantly on God, our heavenly Father, for love and support. But imagine the act of trust that it must take to give Yourself in mortal form over to Your beloved creation: to take on that vulnerability that requires total reliance on another. As the infant Jesus, God placed His mortal flesh in the hands of a sinful humanity. We must use that act as an example of the love and devotion we show back to God. We must strive to give ourselves over in trust to His love and mercy.

Thought for the Day: What aspects in your life are you keeping from God? How can you give yourself over more fully to trust and love?

Prayer: Dear Lord, please fill me with the trust and love You showed me in the miracle of Christmas. Help me to give myself over to You, safe in the knowledge that Your power and mercy are everlasting. Amen Anonymous

December 16 LIVING IN A TIME OF FEAR “Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” Luke 2:10 Today we live in an environment of fear. Politicians would have us fear many things—war, immigration, terrorists, school shootings, drug abuse, violence; to name a few. They claim to have the answer, but their answer is more fear. Fear is not new to our day though.

• Isaac fled in fear from the wrath of his brother Esau. And God said, “Do not be afraid for I am with you.”

• Moses led the Israelites from Egypt to a land they did not know and feared. And God said, “Don’t be afraid and don’t be discouraged.”

• When the country of Judah watched as the Assyrians led their kinsmen from Israel to Assyria, Isaiah was there to give them God’s word. And God said,”Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.

Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.” The world says be afraid. Jesus says, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.

So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27) When we focus on God’s message instead of the world’s message we can have that gift from Jesus of “peace of mind and heart.” God gave us the gift of Jesus at the first Christmas and Jesus can give us the gift His peace every Christmas.

Prayer: Father, help us to focus on you, when the world says to be fearful, and realize the peace that can only come from you, through your son our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Janine Beck

December 17 HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 There are many names we could add to the list above: Jesus, Emmanuel, the Son of David. The angel messengers announcing his birth all emphasized what he was to be called. As many of our hymns and other Bible passages proclaim, we should go forth in His name. But what does that mean? When I think about representing a name, my first thoughts are my family. I know that everywhere I go, anyone that I interact with and everyone that I meet may at some point encounter someone in my family. Will they look forward to that encounter? Will I have prepared their expectations, so they look forward to meeting the many loved ones I represent?

In the same way, as Christians we represent the family of the church.

And ultimately, this greater family in Christ is represented by our actions and attitudes each day. In this season of good will and cheer, and at times when we may feel less cheerful, we should try to remember that we represent the Lord to those who haven’t yet met Him. We are charged to not only prepare ourselves for Christ, but also to prepare His way. We are charged with making that introduction, so that when those who once were strangers have their encounter with God, they can truthfully say, “Yes. I know you. I’ve met your son. I have worked with your daughter. I know your name.”

Thought for the Day: How can you proclaim the name of the Lord in your everyday actions, during the holiday season and beyond?

Prayer: Dear Lord, here I am. Use me to spread the good news of the birth of your Son. Make my name a credit to yours. Amen Adam C. Alderson, church business manager

December 18 “How does a man become wise? The first step is to trust and reverence the Lord!” Proverbs 1:7 “God is more pleased when we are just and fair than when we give him gifts.” Proverbs 21:3, The Living Bible Wisdom . . . a trait we all seek. There are many kinds of wisdom, many avenues available. Here we are, in a college town, a magnet of sorts, for wisdom-seekers.

What badge is there to certify someone as wise. A degree? A plaque? A title? To whom and how will we share our wisdom? What motive propels us to share?

Surely, wise people have helped human kind: through discoveries such as vaccines, new medicines, agricultural improvements, ecological advancements, technological items, vehicles and space travel . . . the list goes on and on. These brilliant minds have improved the lives of millions, and they have been rewarded with praise, awards, money, titles and tenure.

In preparing for this Christmas season, let our wisdom ripple onward . . . to each person we encounter. Let our kindness and mercy lead our endeavors. Each of us has the ability to earn and keep God’s favor and gain tenure in his kingdom. . . .

Though for the Day: how easy it is to give meaningful gifts when we act justly and fairly to all we meet. Our humility and kindness are our gifts to all.

Prayer: Dear God, keep us mindful of each opportunity to use our wisdom to your glory.

Karen Beck Retired educator

December 19 “I am the lord’s servant. Let it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38 When Joseph awoke he did what the angel of the lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. Matthew 1:24 No doubt there was embarrassment and gossip for Mary and Joseph while awaiting the birth of Jesus. But they didn’t let that stop them.

They knew God had a plan, and they were going to do their part.

Recently, I attended the UMCOR mission at Sager Brown in Louisiana. I was so eager to get started that I dived right in! Into the trash bin, bead first! It took a moment for the bin to fall over so I could get out. I will forever be remembered as the dumpster diver. How embarrassing! But to add insult to injury, I had to fill out an incident report. The only thing injured was my dignity.

But, I didn’t let that stop me. I just didn’t get that far into the trash bin again. The lesson I learned from this was to put the work for Jesus ahead of my personal reputation. God knows that was my intent, and that’s all that matters in the end.

Thought for the Day: Let’s all focus on what is really important during the season of our Savior’s birth.

Prayer: My precious Lord, turn my eyes from my own life to your purposes. Amen Sarah Derrit

December 20 HOPE AS GOOD TIDINGS Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. Isaiah 40:9–11 Egypt on the south; Assyria on the north; and Babylon to the east! Israel was between “rocks and hard places” in the eighth century bc just as they are in the 20th century ad!

Her leaders were about to admit defeat when the prophet Isaiah urged them to “hope in God”. In this 40th chapter (from which Handel received much of his inspiration for his masterpiece, “The Messiah”) the prophet describes God as a shepherd who. . . “Shall feed his flock. . ., gather the lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

What a tender and beautiful vision of God! It breathed hope into the Jews of 713 bc; it is still the greatest hope for all of us today; hope in the tenderness of Almighty God toward us and in turn, our tenderness to each other.

Prayer: Great and tender God of us all, help us to be more tender with each other. Amen Hobe Johnson retired minister (from the 1993 Advent devotional)

December 21 GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. Psalm 89:1–2 My family has moved a lot—over 25 times! Whenever I moved, it was many times with a sense of loss, and with the loss came grief and all its manifestations. One of my friends made me a counted cross-stitch picture that has hung on my kitchen walls wherever I moved. It says, “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Looking back at those many transitions in my life, I know that that verse is true. He was with me, understanding and healing my sadnesses, picking me up in times of disappointment and failure, giving Himself to me as a good friend when I was lonely, and opening my eyes to new horizons when I felt purposeless. Now I’m in the last half of my life and after remembering how faithful God has been in the past, I’m able to live with the expectancy that He is still holding me in the palm of His hand. And because of that, my future will be full of more of his gracious serendipities.

Thought for the Day: “Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning, new mercies I see. All I have needed, your hand has provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.” (from Hymn 140) Prayer: Dear God, thank you for being with us wherever we go. Thank you for loving us so faithfully. Help us to love others in the same way.

Amen Nancy Johnson (from the 1997 Advent devotional)

December 22 CHRISTMAS PRESENCE “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”

Matthew 1:23 What does it mean to simply be present? What does if feel like to truly meditate and focus on a single subject and to allow yourself to be moved and inspired—to set aside peripheral distractions, responsibilities, and to-dos? Around Christmastime, just being present can seem like an impossible task. The demands of the season battles for our attention, our time, and our focus. However, the very thing that brings us together at Christmas demands that we are present to reflect and be moved by Christ’s birth. In today’s cantata, the concept of being present weaves throughout the music and narration presents a challenge to experience Christmas in God’s presence and the presence of those around us.

It is our sincere hope that preparing this work inspires directors, choir members, and members of the congregation to wait, listen, and to be moved by God’s presence in this Christmas season.

Thought of the Day: Try to be present for this season, and allow God to have a presence in your life now and always.

Prayer: Dear Lord, with all of life’s distractions, please help me to stay present for you and others during this busy time. Amen from a note by the Lorenz Publishing Company, publisher of the New Spirit cantata

December 23 “When the shepherds saw him they told them what the angel had said about the child. All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said. Mary remembered all these things and thought deeply about them.” Luke 2:17–19, Good News Bible Last year around this time I saw something that made a lasting impression on me. When going toward Kent from Stow on Fairchild Rd., there is a railroad track. Alongside of that track, someone had used railroad ties to write the word “peace”. A few weeks later, the word “love” appeared.

The words were rather crudely formed, but the message was there. It was unexpected and it was done with the materials the designer had at hand. There were no flashing lights announcing that people should pay attention. We do not know the author. Yet, the words were noticed by the hundreds of people who traveled that road every day. They made a point.

We often find Christ in unexpected places. It does not seem that he should have been born in a stable. He spent time, not with the polished and rich but with the needy and ordinary. His message was delivered with the materials he had at hand. He tried to create impressions with the ordinary and for the ordinary. People either paid attention and had their lives changed, or they ignored what Jesus had to say and continued to live the way they had been living, but the story was still there.

Those words by the Fairchild tracks are gone now, but the railroad ties are still there in a pile on the side of the tracks. I guess one could say that the message of those words is hidden right now, but those words can still be recreated with the materials that are waiting.

Thought for the Day: Each of us have materials that could be used to spread the word of Christ, and to help to create peace and love in this confused world. Will we bring those materials out, or leave them hidden in a pile?

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to look for you all the time and to recognize your presence even in unusual places. Then, help us to share your message with others. Amen Andrea Denton Retired mental health worker, wife, mother and grandmother.

December 24

United Methodist Church of Kent 1435 E. Main St. Kent, OH 44240 www.kentmethodist.org