2022 Advent and Christmas Devotional Booklet

O Holy Night

Cover Art: Holy Night, Alexander Hieronymus, age 7

Amy Jo Alspaugh

Rev. Nathan Arledge

Rev. Taylor Pryde Barefoot

Lily Baucom

DanielleBean

Rev. Jessica Dayson

Lily Fogg

Hugh Floyd

Charley Fulghum

Lily Fulghum

CarolGreene

Beau Gregory

Cole Gregory Maren Haenni

Alexander Hieronymus

Henry Hodges

Dr. James Howell

Ford Hurley

Hazel Hurley

Dr. Uiyeon Kim

EmmaGrace Linebarrier

Frazer Linebarrier

Mary Helen Lockee

Leslie Lowery

Jonas Martin

Jude Martin

Susan Matz

Anna Merritt Peterson

Elizabeth Peterson

Lucy Peterson

Wynn Poe

Jason Rhymer

Charlotte Ross

Ella Ross

John Ross Lisa Ross-Smit

Rev. Bill Roth

Betsy Scott

Grace Sheehy

Lily Sheehy

Meredith Starling

Sarah Sumner

Trudy Hall Valentine

Wendy Wallace-Wright

Jackson Ward

Rev. Nancy Watson

AnnWeems

Julie Wentz

Barrett Wright Holston Wright

Designed by Katharine Willis

Starry Night, EmmaGrace Linebarrier, age 8

-OHolyNight

Dear Friends,

A part of the lyrics in the beautiful Christmas hymn “O Holy Night” say, Fallonyourknees

Ohheartheangelvoices

Ohnightdivine

OhnightwhenChristwasborn

Ohnightdivine

Ohnightdivine

Have you ever stopped to think of those who were present just after Jesus’ birth? One of the most compelling parts of the Nativity story is the people in the story. God brought Jesus to earth in an unexpected way in an unexpected place with unexpected guests. The first to worship and kneel before the infant Jesus were the shepherds. Imagine being one of them. They had been out in the hills, watching their flock, probably stinky and dirty when the heavenly host of angels appeared before them. The shepherds at once said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2:15). They went, they saw, they fell on their knees in worship, and then they spread the news to others. Would we have been that obedient?

We also find the Magi who knelt before Jesus to worship Him. They believed Jesus was “the king of the Jews,” and they traveled a great distance to honor Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What gifts would we bring to honor Him?

Each year we have the opportunity to fall to our knees in adoration and awe of the newborn King. Imagine you are traveling to Bethlehem this Advent season. You are on your way to honor the newborn King. Will you fall to your knees? What gifts will you give to honor Him? How will you spread the good news that Christ has been born?

OHolyNightis the title of our 11th Advent and Christmas devotional book. It includes thoughts from our clergy, staff, ministry friends, and other authors. The beautiful artwork is from the children of Myers Park UMC, and what a gift that is. We hope it brings you joy and peace this Advent season.

AmyJoAlspaugh,LeslieLowery,BetsyScottand LisaRoss-Smit

Manger Scene, Hazel Hurley, age 6

WEEK 1

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3

The Christmas Angel, Elizabeth Peterson, age 5

Sunday, November 27

Today we light the first candle on the Advent Wreath – the candle of Hope. If you have a lot of readers in your family, make this ritual one where they can participate. Use it the way it works best for your family.

Reader: God’s people waited for hundreds and thousands of years for the birth of God’s son. We still wait today. We wait and prepare our hearts during the season of Advent to celebrate once again the mystery of Christmas.

Reader: Read Jeremiah 33:14.

Reader: (Light the first candle.) We light the candle of Hope. The prophet Jeremiah tells us that God will fulfill the promise that God made to Israel and Judah by giving them a Messiah.

Reader: “Light the Advent candle one: Now the waiting has begun; we have started on our way, time to think of Christmas day. Candle, candle, burning bright, shining in the cold winter night; candle, candle, burning bright, fill our hearts with Christmas light.”

Quietly enjoy the light of the Hope candle. Sing “A Candle is Burning” to the tune of “Away in a Manger.”

A candle is burning, a flame warm and bright, A candle of HOPE in November’s dark night. While angels sing blessings from heaven’s starry sky, Our hearts we prepare now for Jesus is nigh.

Prayer: God of Hope, sometimes we find it very hard to wait. We want everything right now. Help us to wait. Help us to know that because we have hope, we can wait. We know that something is about to happen! Amen.

Reader: (Extinguish the candle.) We extinguish the light of the candle of Hope, knowing that the light of Jesus lives in our hearts always.

Monday, November 28

I read a sermon once that tantalizingly suggested that God is like an old woman in a nursing home, rocking, thinking of us, keeping an eye cocked toward the hallway, waiting, hoping that we will step through the door. During Advent, we long for the coming of the Lord. But I wonder if we might conceive of the Lord waiting for us to come. When you visit your grandfather or your mother or your husband in a nursing home, you need bring no gift. She has lived long enough to want just one thing: for you to show up. As we grow older, we do not care much what is wrapped under the tree. We only care about who’s come.

When we show up, what does Jesus want, besides us simply being there? If you have visited in a nursing home, even a little, you know that words often fail, maybe due to hearing loss, a stroke, or dementia. But try out an old, familiar hymn, and watch her rally; hum “Silent Night” and watch his eyes widen, and shed a joyful tear. Go to visit Jesus this Advent, and sing him a carol or two. ~ Dr.JamesHowellfrom WhyThisJubilee?Advent ReflectionsonSongsoftheSeason

God’s Present to Us, Charley Fulghum, age 8

Thehumanmindmaydevisemanyplans,butitisthepurposeoftheLordthatwillbe established.~Proverbs 19:21

When I was growing up, my family always attended the noon Christmas Eve communion service at our church, which was followed by an afternoon of busy preparations before heading over to my aunt’s house for a big family gathering that evening. I was blessed that my grandparents and lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins all lived very close to us. Christmas Eve was a loud and joyful celebration, one I anticipated as soon as the Thanksgiving dishes were cleared.

1989 was different. A couple of days before Christmas, a huge snowstorm hit eastern North Carolina, and my hometown, Wilmington, received a record 15.3 inches of snow. Everything was at a standstill. Roads were impassable. What my 12-year-old self had in mind for Christmas Eve was not happening.

Instead of the large, familial gathering, we celebrated (I use that term loosely) with just the four of us: my mom, my dad, my older brother, and me. There were no cousins to run around with. No aunts yelling at us to get out of the kitchen. No grandparents telling us how quickly we were growing and asking us how school was going. That night my mom cooked dinner, including her famous macaroni and cheese that should have been enjoyed at my aunt’s table. We gathered around our small dining room table where we all fit perfectly. It was a slow and quiet evening, and I was disappointed that I wasn’t able to enjoy the traditions I eagerly looked forward to each year.

I now look back fondly on that unusual Christmas Eve. My dad has since passed away. My mom has been diagnosed with dementia and is no longer able to prepare her famous macaroni and cheese. The four of us will never again sit around that table and enjoy each other’s company. What a wonderful gift that snowstorm was, though it took me decades to realize it.

How often do we close ourselves off because we are too distracted being upset about missing out on “what should have been”? This Advent season, may we instead delight in the unexpected and be grateful for the blessings that surround us, even if we can’t see them quite yet. ~ LeslieLowery

Wednesday, November 30

I worked at a church in Georgia where the staff served in Children’s Ministry on Christmas Eve so our ministry partners could worship with their families. On this particular Christmas Eve, our job was to throw Jesus a birthday party. I was paired with the sweet 3- and 4year-olds who were in awe of the fact they got to be at church in their PJs that night. When we told them they would get to have a birthday party, their eyes lit up just like the twinkle lights on the tree. One young man in particular was stunned to learn our party would start with decorating cookies to celebrate the season. When his mom came to pick him up, the conversation sounded like this:

“Mom! We got to celebrate Jesus tonight. And you know what? We got cookies with icing. I haven’t even had dinner yet! This is the best day ever!”

Our God is a “cookies with icing before dinner” type of God. God draws us in lovingly, paying close attention to what we not only need but what we enjoy, too. While we understand God is not a genie or a vending machine we can manipulate for our every whim, we can rest knowing God knows our deepest desires. Psalm 139:1 tells us God has searched us and knows us well. God knew we would need Jesus in our corner just as much as God knew we would need a community like Myers Park UMC or need the warm cozy fireplaces that fill our homes with memories.

God knows you in this season even though you may feel alone, overjoyed, or a mix of every emotion. You can rest knowing God loves you, Jesus knows you and, in this season of Advent, you can say “yes, Jesus. I trust you are even better than cookies (with icing) before dinner.” ~ MaryHelenLockee

Thursday, December 1

Tradition says St. Francis created the first crèche to help people remember the Christmas story. When you set up your crèche, remember to put the Wise Men far away and move them a little closer to the stable every day. You may find this “Prayer for the Creche” meaningful as you unpack this treasure:

It is time, Lord. Time to take the holy drama from this cardboard box and set it up again.

As I blow away the dust, may this little crèche come to life in my home and bestow its secret blessings.

Bless this wooden stable, Lord, this lovely abode of cows and donkeys. May it keep me humble this Christmas.

Bless this star beaming at the top. May it light my eyes with the wonder of your caring.

Bless the angel. May her song flow through my home and fill it with smiles.

Bless the caring shepherd and the small lamb cradled in his arms. May it whisper of your caring embrace on my life.

Bless these Wise Men bearing splendid gifts. May they inspire me to lay my shining best at your feet.

Bless this earthly Father in his simple robe. May he remind me of all you have entrusted to my care.

Bless this holy Mother. May she teach me patience as I tend to little ones in my care.

And bless this Baby nestled in the hay. May the love he brought to earth that Bethlehem night so fill my heart with compassion and warmth that it becomes a Christmas gift to those around me.

Now the crèche is here, Lord, and I am a holy participant in your miracle night.

The Day Jesus Was Born, Holston Wright, age 7

Oh,singtotheLORDanewsong!ForHehasdonemarvelousthings...TheLORDhasmadeknownHis salvation...HehasrememberedHismercyandHisfaithfulnesstothehouseofIsrael;Alltheendsof theearthhaveseenthesalvationofourGod.ShoutjoyfullytotheLORD,alltheearth;Breakforthin song,rejoice,andsingpraises.~ Psalm 98:1-4

When it comes to Advent and Christmas, music is an essential part of our experiences. On that night so long ago, when angels sang and shepherds rejoiced, when Mary held her first child close, all of creation sang the praises of God. “The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the earth proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge…their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world” (Psalm 19). On every morning since, the universe has continued to at least hum the melody of redemption. But at Christmas, we give full voice to that salvation song: “Sing to the LORD a new song…make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth–break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” A new song–not a song freshly composed. No, this is a song of new understanding, new comprehension of the greatness of God. It is a song in response to the steadfast faithfulness of God: “morning by morning new mercies I see.” These new songs don’t just come out of nowhere. Look in the Bible: all the countless hymns of praise, from the songs of Miriam and Moses at the Exodus to the hallelujah chorus at the end of the Book of Revelation, all of them flow out of hearts thankful to the God of salvation. We sing the praises of a God who not only created, but who–from before the beginning of time–determined that he would reclaim, restore, redeem, and renew that creation. God did not leave us to struggle alone in a world broken by sin, by fear, by violence. He followed us into this world; he lived among us and is with us still, singing with us new songs of grace! ~ Rev.NancyWatson

Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Ella Ross, age 11

Prayer:LordGodofcreationandsong,thankyouforthemusicinmyheart.Givemea newsongeachdaytosingintotheworld,asongofyourloveandgrace.Amen.

Read Luke 2:1-20 aloud as a family.

Advent is a time of expectant waiting. We await the birth of the Christ child and the joyous celebration of Christmas day with great anticipation. But whoever said that waiting was easy? I’ve learned that I can wait more patiently – whether it’s at a doctor’s office or for a track meet to start – when I have a book with me. I feel the same way during Advent. When I sit down with a good book and especially “the good book,” I breathe more easily and find the peace I seek as I wait.

Waiting with children at any time can be challenging. To ease the Advent wait, I encourage you to gather as a family for a read-aloud. I can still recall sitting in my mother’s lap to read and then continuing that tradition with my daughters. Even though my children have outgrown sitting in my lap, we still enjoy pouring over our favorite books during Advent. Each year we read TheLittleGoldenBookabout the Christmas story and ‘TwasTheNight BeforeChristmas , as well as newer books like GreatJoyand BisforBethlehem , which we can still recite by heart.

How can you find peace this Advent season? Read, read, and read some more! Rediscover an old favorite or find a new one, and read it so many times that you know all of the words by heart. Delight in the shared language that comes from pouring over this book together. Read about the birth of Jesus in the second chapter of Luke before you watch ACharlieBrownChristmas . Treasure these words, ponder them in your heart, and draw closer to God and to each other this Advent season. ~BetsyScott

Prayer:LovingGod,aswejourneythroughAdventandawaitthebirthofyourson,we growimpatient.Helpustoslowdown,breatheandfeelyourpeaceaswereadyourword. Amen.

WEEK 2

DECEMBER 4 – DECEMBER 10

Jesus is Born, Lucy Peterson, age 8

Sunday, December 4

Today we light two candles on the Advent Wreath – the candle of Hope and the candle of Peace. If you have a lot of readers in your family, make this ritual one where they can participate. Use it the way it works best for your family.

Reader: Today we mark the second Sunday of Advent and, as God’s people, we continue to wait. We wait and prepare our hearts during the season of Advent to celebrate once again the mystery of Christmas. (Light the first candle.) The prophets told us to hope.

Reader: Read Isaiah 40:9.

Reader: (Light the second candle.) We light the candle of Peace. The prophet Isaiah says to lift up your voice with good tidings – the good news of peace.

Reader: “Light the Advent candle two: Think of humble shepherds, who filled with wonder at the sight of the child of Christmas night. Candle, candle, burning bright, shining in the cold winter night; candle, candle, burning bright, fill our hearts with Christmas light.”

Quietly enjoy the light of the Hope and Peace candles.

Sing “A Candle is Burning” to the tune of “Away in a Manger.”

A candle is burning, a candle of PEACE, A candle to signal that conflict must cease, For Jesus is coming to show us the way, A message of peace humbly laid in the hay.

Prayer: God of Peace, help us during the season of Advent to be peacemakers in your name. Amen.

Reader: (Extinguish the candle.) We extinguish the light of the candle of Hope and the candle of Peace, knowing that the light of Jesus lives in our hearts always.

Monday, December 5

See,theLordGodcomeswithmight,andhisarmrulesforhim;hisrewardiswithhim, andhisrecompensebeforehim.Hewillfeedhisflocklikeashepherd;hewillgatherthe lambsinhisarms,andcarrytheminhisbosom,andgentlyleadthemothersheep. ~ Isaiah 40:10-11

Every morning before school, our 4-year-old son turns to his 3-year-old sister and gives her a big hug. The same happens when he gets home from school. He is gentle and tender with her. We watch with joy, awe, and peace as they embrace in these moments.

Gentleness is that of God. When we watch children, animals, and adults being gentle to one another, we are seeing the image of God come forth in those particular moments. Leave it to the world and you’ll hear that the word gentle is misconstrued as weak. And this is simply not true. Gentleness takes strength, discipline, endurance, and perseverance – anything but weakness. Gentleness is a proactive decision that we must exercise within our spiritual disciplines. Just as our son chooses to hug his sister gently and lovingly. We have opportunities to gently and lovingly choose to engage with our family, friends, enemies, and strangers to allow, in those moments and all moments, God’s love to burst forth into our world.

Friends, as we proactively prepare this Advent season, I pray that you choose gentleness. I pray you’ll consider incorporating it into our hourly routine at home, work, store, or wherever you are during the day. Trust me; you’ll be glad you did! ~ Rev.NathanArledge

Prayer:God,todayandalldaysletmechoosethegentlenessthatyouhaveplacedinto myheartthroughtheHolySpirit.InJesus’nameIpray,Amen.

The Baby and The Sheep, Jackson Ward, age

Today is a day many people celebrate as St. Nicholas Day. Nicholas was born in what is now called Turkey. His parents died when he was young. They left him a lot of money.

One day he heard about a man with three daughters who had lost all his money. Although the daughters were old enough to get married, they could not because the family had no money. They would be sold as slaves.

The night before the oldest daughter was to be sold, she washed her stockings and put them in front of the fire to dry. Then all of them went to sleep – the father and the three daughters.

In the morning, the daughter saw a lump in her stocking. Reaching in, she found a small, heavy bag with gold inside – enough gold to provide food for the family and money for her dowry!

The next morning, another bag with gold was found. Imagine! Two of the daughters would now be saved. Such joy!

The next night, the father planned to stay awake to find out who was helping his daughters. He dozed off, but heard a small “clink” as another bag landed in the room. Quickly he jumped up and ran out the door. Who did he catch ducking around the corner?

“Nicholas, it is you! Thank you for helping us – I hardly know what to say!” Nicholas asked the father to thank God and then to tell no one what Nicholas had done.

Nicholas continued helping people. He always tried to help secretly. He didn’t want any attention or thanks. Years passed and he was chosen to be a bishop. Bishops look after their people as shepherds look after their sheep. And that is what Nicholas did. Everyone loved Nicholas. After he died, they told stories of the good and kind things he had done. He is an example of how we should live. And that is why he became a saint.

Our tradition of hanging stockings goes back to this story about St. Nicholas. Many of us also have the tradition of setting out a plate of cookies and a glass of milk to welcome Santa as he sneaks into our houses to leave gifts, much like St. Nicholas.

This year when you welcome Santa with cookies and milk, think about this: What would you do for Jesus if you knew he was coming to your house in the middle of the night? Would you provide food or a blanket? How would you prepare a place for him near a fire or at the kitchen table?

PrayerofSt.Nicholas:Godofjoyandcheer,wethankyouforyourservant,thegood bishopNicholas.Inlovingthepoor,heshowedusyourkindness;incaringforchildren,he revealedyourlove.Makeusthoughtfulwithoutneedofrewardsothatwe,too,maybe goodfollowersofJesus.Amen.

Wednesday, December 7

The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve realized that the season of getting ready for Christmas is a lot more meaningful to me than the actual day of Christmas. We spend so much time in hopeful anticipation that the actual day of Christmas can feel like a letdown.

As the church calendar and the Advent experience continues to shape my experience as a Christian, I’ve started enjoying the waiting and not trying to compare it to Christmas Day.

Instead of feeling sad that Christmas morning doesn’t have the same shine I remember as a child, I enjoy the magic of smelling the Christmas tree the first time it comes into the house, or the sweet taste of the first Christmas cookie of the season.

I have a friend who would say to people “Happy Advent” instead of “Merry Christmas.” I think there is something really powerful in celebrating the waiting, finding joy in the hope to come, and embracing all the days of December not simply Christmas Day.

So, Happy Advent! May this be a blessed season of joy, peace, and presence.

~ Rev.TaylorPrydeBarefoot

Prayer:DearLord,helpustobeintherightnow.Tonotmissallthatisgoodand beautifulaboutthisseason.Helpustogivethanksforwhatistocome.Prepareour heartssowecanfullyencounteryouthisAdvent.Amen.

Christmas Angel, Lily Fulghum, age 10

The Star, Lily Sheehy, age 8

STAR-GIVING

What I’d really like to give you for Christmas is a star… brilliance in a package, something you could keep in the pocket of your jeans or in the pocket of your being.

Something to take out in times of darkness, something that would never snuff out or tarnish, something you could hold in your hand, something for wonderment, something for pondering, something that would remind you of what Christmas has always meant: God’s Advent Light into the darkness of this world. But stars are only God’s for giving, and I must be content to give you words and wishes and packages without stars. But I can wish you life as radiant as the Star that announced the Christ Child’s coming, and as filled with awe as the shepherds who stood beneath its light. And I can pass on to you the love that has been given me, ignited countless times by others who have knelt in Bethlehem’s light. Perhaps, if you ask, God will give you a star.

Ann Weems, KneelinginBethlehem

Advent is not simply the remembrance of a historical event that took place 2,000 years ago when God took on the frailty of a baby. Rightly celebrated, Advent is a current event focusing on the incarnational God who wants to be born into our world through our lives.

Advent is meant to be repeated in the life of every believer in this season and every day. The Word who found a dwelling in Mary's womb comes to knock on the heart of every person with singular intensity during Advent. Therefore, Advent is an intense preparation that directs us decisively toward him who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously.

The Lutheran magazine Connectionssummed up Advent best in a 1993 article with these words:

"LifeisaconstantAdventseason:wearecontinuallywaitingtobecome,todiscover,to complete,tofulfill.Hope,struggle,fear,expectation,andfulfillmentareallpartofour Adventexperience.

Theworldisnotasjust,notasloving,notaswholeasweknowitcanandshouldbe. ButthecomingofChristandhispresenceamongus—asoneofus—giveusreasonto liveinhope:thatlightwillshatterthedarkness,thatwecanbeliberatedfromourfears andprejudices,thatweareneveraloneorabandoned.

MaythisAdventseasonbeatimeforbringinghope,transformationandfulfillmentinto theAdventofourlives."

~ Rev.BillRoth

The music that we enjoy during Advent and Christmas can be truly uplifting or it can be annoying! I remember the first time I heard Alvin and the Chipmunks sing, “Christmas, Christmas time is near. Time for toys and time for cheer. We’ve been good, but we can’t last. Hurry Christmas, hurry fast.” I could not get that tune out of my head and it has been that way for more years than I want to admit.

There is certainly nothing theologically accurate about the lyrics. We all know that Christmas is really not just about toys and cheer. And we certainly know that we haven’t been good! However, there is one line that struck me when I listened more closely: “Please Christmas, don’t be late.”

How many times have we longed for something not to be late? I know that Mary probably did, as her body grew larger as her baby grew. She probably whispered to that baby inside her, “Please Baby, don’t be late.” But she waited, which is what we all do during Advent – we wait and we hope fervently that Christmas won’t be late.

Simon, Theodore, and Alvin used the waiting time to perfect their lists for Santa. I hope that I will use this time of waiting a little differently from that. I want to get my heart ready for the birth of Emmanuel – God with us. I want to sing that Christ is born! I want to hear, once again, those good tidings of great joy. So, as I wait, you will probably hear me humming, “Please Christmas, don’t be late.” ~ SarahSumner

Prayer:Come,LordJesus.Come andbeborninourhearts.Our heartsareready.Comeand beborninourhearts.Amen.

Mary and the Angel, Jude Martin, age 9

WEEK 3

DECEMBER 11 – DECEMBER 17

When Joseph and Mary Find a Home, Lily Fogg, age 7

Sunday, December 11

Today we light three candles on the Advent Wreath – the candle of Hope, the candle of Peace, and the candle of Joy, which is often called Mary’s candle. If you have a lot of readers in your family, make this ritual one where they can participate. Use it the way it works best for your family.

Reader: Today we mark the third Sunday of Advent and, as God’s people, we continue to wait. We wait and prepare our hearts during the season of Advent to celebrate once again the mystery of Christmas. (Light the first candle.) The first candle reminds us of Hope – God keeps promises. (Light the second candle.) The second candle reminds us of Peace and Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Reader: Read Isaiah 12:2-6.

Reader: (Light the third candle.) We light the candle of Joy and remember that the Lord has done glorious things.

Reader: “Light the Advent candle three: Think of heavenly harmony; angels singing ‘Peace on earth’ at the blessed Savior’s birth. Candle, candle, burning bright, shining in the cold winter night; candle, candle, burning bright, fill our hearts with Christmas light.”

Quietly enjoy the light of the Hope, Peace, and Joy candles. Sing “A Candle is Burning” to the tune of “Away in a Manger.”

A candle is burning, a candle of JOY, A candle to welcome brave Mary’s new boy. Our hearts fill with wonder and eyes light and glow As joy brightens winter like sunshine on snow.

Prayer: God of Joy, you love us and take care of us. You pay special attention to the people others ignore and overlook. You came to live among us as a tiny baby. We are filled with joy when we say thanks be to God. Amen.

Reader: (Extinguish the candle.) We extinguish the light of the candle of Hope, the candle of Peace, and the candle of Joy, knowing that the light of Jesus lives in our hearts always.

“Butasforme,IwillwatchexpectantlyfortheLord;IwillwaitfortheGodofmysalvation. MyGodwillhearme.” ~Micah 7:7

When I was nine years old, there was only one thing I wanted for Christmas: a pair of ice skates. And not just any ice skates. I wanted white ice skates just like the ones Dorothy Hamill wore in the Olympics. I had been taking ice skating lessons all year, but I had to rent skates to wear. I wanted my own. I wanted to show up for my weekly lesson carrying them in on my shoulders, lace them up, and then glide onto the ice, pretending I could skate like Dorothy. That December I jumped out of bed every morning and ran to the living room to look under the tree for a box that might contain a pair of skates, but each day...no box. Each night I went to bed with anticipation that tomorrow the box just might be there. Perhaps my mom would wrap them while I slept. Maybe she was waiting until her next payday to buy them. The waiting was torture, the anticipation was killing me, and the closer it got to Christmas the harder it became to wait. Then one day I began to think that maybe I wasn’t going to get those ice skates after all. Maybe my mom couldn’t afford them. She was a single mom, and money was a little tight. I decided not to mention the skates anymore. Imagine my surprise and delight when I woke up Christmas morning and saw those skates under the tree. I squealed. I jumped up and down. I hugged my mom so tight. I could not believe it. It was worth the wait!

What are you waiting for this Advent season? What is your heart longing for? Are you waiting to experience Jesus in the midst of your ordinary days? Are you waiting to feel His presence? You just need to open your heart.

Jesus came to us in an unexpected way and surprised everyone. He was worth the wait. He can still come in unexpected ways today. We just have to be waiting and watching. Be alert. Be watching. Be waiting. He is worth the wait.

~ AmyJoAlspaugh

Angel on Christmas Day, Maren Haenni, age 11

“SotheLordmustwaitforyoutocometohimsohecanshowyouhisloveand compassion.FortheLordisafaithfulGod.Blessedarethosewhowaitforhishelp.” ~ Isaiah 30:18

Advent, our season of waiting, is here. Are you ready? Waiting. It seems to be just as hard to wait as an adult as it was as a young child. The past two years with the challenges of COVID and then entering back into a "normal" way of life seem to have made waiting even harder to do. As I was waiting in line at the DMV the other day (is there anything worse than to wait at the DMV?), the woman in front of me turned around asked me if I could read the sign about the notary fees. I could, and read them to her. She then asked if I had any idea how long we had been in line. I told her that I thought it had been about 20 minutes. She sighed, and I laughed because the line had moved two people in that 20 minutes. Waiting. We needed what was at the DMV, and we really did not have a choice but to wait. While waiting, we chatted some more and eventually made it to the counter to get what we needed. As I walked out after an hour and 35 minutes, which seemed to pass at a much slower rate, I was so happy and relieved to have my situation corrected and to have what I need for my vehicle. I was almost to my car when the woman in front of me called out. She did not know my name, but she yelled out, “Hey friend!" I turned mostly out of curiosity I suppose, and saw her waving to me. She just wanted to thank me again for helping her with the notary fees. She smiled and said it was nice to have a friend to chat with while we were waiting. I left the DMV tired but feeling a sense of gratitude that even when we have situations that are not easy, we have those around us, whether we know them or not, that can make the waiting time more bearable, even fun.

How lucky we are as a church community and family that we have each other to wait with, regardless of what we are waiting for: a medical diagnosis, a celebration, an email to come across, a grade to post, or even our turn at the DMV.

This season of Advent, of waiting to celebrate God's most precious gift to all who believe, I am reminded of something that I read while looking over this passage that really stuck with me: Godisnotfinished,Godtakesthetimetodoeverythingright—everything,those whowaitaroundforGodaretheluckyones."

I am so thankful for this season of waiting, and thankful for all of you to wait with. Hope is HERE. Merry Christmas! ~ Julie Wentz

HOLDING BABY JESUS

Oh my goodness, the world is noisy! Even if we manage to turn off the music, news, TV, and social media for a while, our inner “noise” can sometimes rush in to fill the void. Even in quiet moments of solitude, our minds race from one thought to the next, from one worry to the next. With Christmas on the horizon, our minds might by busier than ever with worries about activities, obligations, and finances. In those noisy inner moments, let’s take a deep breath and remember that Jesus came to us as a baby. A baby. It doesn’t get any simpler or smaller than that. Jesus didn’t come for our Christmas trappings, either. He came for us. He wants who we are, not anything we can do. Today let’s remember baby Jesus and hold him for just a minute, quieting our minds and opening our hearts to be filled with his love. Pay attention to the “noise” in your life today and those things that you allow to disturb your peace. Whenever possible, turn off the noise, whether it be inside or outside your thoughts, and say a small prayer in its place: “Come Lord Jesus, come.” ~ DanielleBean , PeaceonEarth:FamilyDevotionsforAdvent

Baby Jesus and The Donkey, Grace Sheehy, age 8

Thursday, December 15

Gospel of Luke 3:4-6: As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

How can you and I be part of this journey of “prepar[ing] the way of the Lord?”

Preparation of any kind, especially for something worth doing together, takes time, effort, inconvenience, and sacrifice. Yet God calls us to “prepare the way of the Lord” together. In the life of the church, such preparation happens in different ways. Meaning, we can all, in our particular ways, participate in this preparation work/witness. We serve in-person, pray from afar, give of our resources, forgive each other, make space/time for reconciliation, and grow in love with God and our neighbors, including our neighbors whom we do not particularly care for.

Different seasons of our lives call us toward different forms of witness in the life of the church.

God calls you to prepare...to prepare your heart, to live your life, and to witness to the world. I am constantly reminded that I cannot sufficiently do this preparation work on my own. So we continue our journey as a family of God at Myers Park UMC in such a way that “all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” ~ Dr.UiyeonKim

Prayer:SpiritoftheLivingGod,wethankyouforcallingallofustodoyourwonderful worktogether.Giveusvision,encouragement,andcourageto“preparethewayofthe Lord”aswewitness,serve,andjourneytogetherasthechurch.Helpustoforgiveone another,buildeachotherup,anddothehardworkofsharingyourGospelintheworld. Andinduetime,allofuswillseethefullnessofyourgoodnessandgloryhereonearth asitalreadyisinheaven.ThanksbetoGod.Amen.

Read Luke 2:8-20.

A shepherd’s job is to lead their sheep to pasture, and provide shelter from predators. The shepherds often get overlooked in their role in the nativity story. They are men from the neighborhood village, at work, making an honest wage, caring for their sheep just as their fathers did and their fathers before them.

Here they are on a hillside with their flock of sheep, outside the city limits, the sun has set and it’s dark and cold. There is no glow of lights shining from their homes, just moonlight and stars. In this very moment, we are drawn into their story. Here they are taking turns doing night watches to keep their sheep safe, just like any other day on the job. It’s nightfall, the weather is cooler, and they have on an extra layer for warmth. It’s late. They are probably tired and looking forward to their shift ending so they can head home, eat, and get some rest. When, out of nowhere, they are startled and scared by an unknown bright light, which is God’s glory blazing around them. An angel appears and delivers a message meant for everybody everywhere telling them that a Savior has been born. They are to go look for this baby. They talk it over amongst themselves, “Did you just see what I saw? Did you just hear what I heard? What should we do?” They decide to go and see this baby for themselves as has been revealed to them. And they didn’t take their time or dawdle; they abandoned their post, and ran immediately to the scene of Jesus’ birth, their Savior. Our Savior. They saw with their own eyes what they had been told, a baby wrapped in a blanket laying in a manger. They didn’t keep this event a secret, no! The shepherds went and told everyone who would listen to them. In this gospel passage of Luke, the shepherds are included in this great moment in history. They are called by God to be eyewitnesses at the scene of Jesus’ birth and become some of the first missionaries of the church spreading the Good News of Jesus. God included ordinary people like you and me, simple-minded shepherds, to bear witness to this Divine Act of Love being born, Word made Flesh, dwelling among us. The shepherds were allowed access with front row seats to the main event that disrupted society and changed the course of history forever.

Now we get a turn to participate in this story. I wonder what has God revealed about himself to you that you want to rush and share with your family, friends, and neighbors?

~ WendyWallace-Wright

Christmas Angel, Lily Baucom, age 6

WhenJesusspokeagaintothepeople,hesaid,“Iamthelightoftheworld.Whoever followsmewillneverwalkindarkness,butwillhavethelightoflife.” ~John 8:12

I absolutely love everything about Christmas! I also enjoy all of my family’s traditions, which bring me comfort each holiday season. Recently I was asked about my husband’s family Christmas. His parents moved here from Holland. We share that we are both Christians who celebrate the birth of Jesus, but they definitely have some different holiday traditions. When my husband and I were dating in Virginia, I visited his parents’ house in December before my trip home to North Carolina. His younger sister, Inge, was home from college with her roommate. We all gathered in the living room to celebrate our first Christmas together. Much to my surprise there were many candles clipped to their live Christmas tree! As his mom began to light the candles, Inge’s roommate ran to get the fire extinguisher and clutched it as if her life depended on it. This gave all of us a good laugh. Although lit candles all over the tree seemed risky, the flames burning were absolutely beautiful. It was nothing like the trees of my childhood strung with lots of tiny light bulbs. I fondly remember staring at those flickering flames and am reminded that Jesus is the light.

A Christmas Tree, John Ross, age 6

As I light the candles on our Advent wreath each week, I pray for your family and am thankful that we will never walk in darkness with the arrival of the sweet baby, Jesus.

(In case you are wondering, they have never burned down a Christmas tree.)

~LisaRoss-Smit

WEEK 4

DECEMBER 18 – DECEMBER 24

Away in a Manger, Frazer Linebarrier age 6

Sunday, December 18

Today we light four candles on the Advent Wreath – the candle of Hope, the candle of Peace, the candle of Joy, and the candle of Love. If you have a lot of readers in your family, make this ritual one where they can participate. Use it the way it works best for your family.

Reader: Today we mark the fourth Sunday of Advent and, as God’s people, we continue to wait. We wait and prepare our hearts during the season of Advent to celebrate once again the mystery of Christmas. (Light the first candle.) The first candle is the candle of Hope. (Light the second candle.) The second candle is the candle of Peace. (Light the third candle.) The third candle is the candle of Joy.

Reader: Read Micah 5:2-5a.

Reader: (Light the fourth candle.) Today we light the candle of Love and remember that Love was born at Christmas.

Reader: “Light the Advent candle four: Think of joy forevermore; Christ Child in a stable born, gift of love that Christmas morn. Candle, candle, burning bright, shining in the cold winter night; candle, candle, burning bright, fill our hearts with Christmas light.”

Quietly enjoy the light of the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love candles.

Sing “A Candle is Burning” to the tune of “Away in a Manger.”

A candle is burning, a candle of LOVE, A candle to point us to heaven above. A baby for Christmas, a wonderful birth, For Jesus is bringing God’s love to our earth.

Prayer: God of Love, the waiting is almost over. Come and be born in our hearts. Amen.

Reader: (Extinguish the candle.) We extinguish the light of the candle of Hope, the candle of Peace, the candle of Joy, and the candle of Love, knowing that the light of Jesus lives in our hearts always.

Advent Wreath Light, Charlotte Ross, age 7

Monday, December 19

Standing in the checkout aisle of Barnes & Noble a week before Halloween, I bought my first Christmas present of the season: a package of sponges in the shape of the three wise men with the title “We Three CLEAN.” I giggled at the pun and decided someone had to have this. It will likely go to my mother whose humor tells a third grader she is going on a field trip to the “Museum” to see cows who “moo” and you say, “see um?”

Now, I realize the irony on the sponges. The three kings didn’t do anything to clean things up. In fact, they made a mess!

The wise men traveled for months to Bethlehem. They had to have stunk by the time they got there. The kings gave the worst baby gifts. What baby needs myrrh? They had to sneak away to go home in the opposite direction. And they spooked King Herod so badly he ordered mass killings. The “Kings” didn’t clean things up. They made a mess.

The Little Lord Jesus Asleep on the Hay, Beau Gregory, age 6

But isn’t that what the birth of Jesus does? It makes a mess, too.

A tiny baby born in a stable turned the world upside down. Everything was now out of place. Our neat and tidy world was disrupted. He changed everything and made a mess. And it’s beautiful.

The story turns our perspective to see the mess Jesus wanted to create but also the community he strived to build. Jesus wanted a world built on the cornerstone of the Love of God. He led by example of his human life and sent the breath of the Holy Spirit to help guide us. These are the real gifts of the season given so long ago. This of course makes things messy. But leaves us with the beautiful work of cleaning our hearts and minds, loving the world and our fellow humans as Jesus does and offer the gift of Grace every day, not just at Christmas.

So, the next time you grab a sponge to wash your dishes or clean, remember those three Kings and Jesus and the mess they made. Give thanks and start making things beautiful.

~ MeredithStarling

Tuesday, December 20

WaitfortheLord;bestrong,andletyourhearttakecourage;waitfortheLord!

~ Psalm 27:14.

Have you ever gotten impatient while waiting? We have to wait a lot in our lives…in a line at the store, at a stop light, at the doctor’s office, etc. Why do we have such a tough time waiting?

We often look at “wait time” as unproductive, wasted time. The busyness of our lives seems more important than waiting. It seems like a thief of our valuable time!

But, what if we reframed waiting as a spiritual gift? A time to think, read, reflect, dream, stretch or just breathe? A time to listen? That would make waiting something to savor. Could we even find joy in the waiting?

The Advent season is a gift. It is the gift of expectant waiting. As Christians, we have great hope that we are waiting for something glorious!

God gives us “wait time” as an opportunity to grow closer to Him. Advent is a season of waiting. Expectant waiting for our newborn King and all of the hope He brings to the world!

I challenge you this Advent to practice waiting with hope and patience. ~ Susan Matz

Jesus and Bethlehem, Henry Hodges, age 6

Wednesday, December 21

IwaitfortheLord,mysouldothwait,andinhisworddoIhope.Mysoulwaitethforthe Lordmorethantheythatwatchforthemorning:Isay,morethantheythatwatchforthe morning.~Psalm 130:5-6

Christmas officially began in my home when my grandmother arrived. My own mother, a church organist, was busy with Christmas music and special events for the season. Her mother, though, came a few weeks before the holiday itself to prepare the traditional family goodies. Maxie (who became a grandmother at age 40 and consequently had us call her by her first name rather than any derivation of “grandma”) arrived with supplies and plans and marching orders for the rest of us. Waiting for her appearance was more than just waiting. There was a cleaning frenzy and a period of exhaustive family preparation to properly welcome her and to be sure that all was in order for her approval.

Advent, too, is a time of waiting but not of inactivity. How can I find ways to prepare my heart for a celebration of His birth? How can I live in joyful anticipation of such a singular event? How can I prepare my home for His arrival? The Advent season, calendars and booklets like this one remind us to wait and to prepare and to live in expectation.

I am struck by the idea that the word “wait” can mean “to remain stationary” and it can mean “to serve.” I was not allowed to remain stationary when my grandmother was on her way and this year I won’t be stationary either - I choose to use the second definition again: towaitas in to serve .

There is a third definition of “wait.” It was used in England as the name of the town watchman. The wait sounded the hours of night and the word eventually became used to name public musicians who wandered around performing during the Christmas season. Perhaps this year, I will wait while waiting as a wait. Even so, Lord Jesus, quickly come!

~ HughFloyd

A few weeks ago, I had a bittersweet prayer experience. It was the anniversary of a tragic death in our community. As I prayed for the family, the lack of words was a struggle. In the next breath, I had a thought 180 degrees away…in a few days I was going to Mary Helen’s wedding (Mary Helen is one of our wonderful Assistant Youth Directors). Oddly, there was another loss of words while praying, but this time with smiles and joy. I grabbed my guitar and started creating a song about big life events and how the prayers are very similar. Here’s one of the verses:

Onthedaywhennothingelsemattered myhandswallowsyourlittlehand Icountyourtoes Andwatchyoubreathe Fromtwotoafamily

There will be days when nothing else matters. When meetings or “to-do’s” you had planned will vaporize from your mind because “it” happened. It could be really good or really bad, but either way your prayer might be just tears and maybe some gasps. That’s when I am so thankful for Romans 8:26…God loves us so much that on the day when nothing else matters, the Holy Spirit prays for us.

Baby Jesus, Barrett Wright, age 5

I imagine Christmas being the ultimate day when nothing else mattered. I can see Mary counting Jesus’ toes and watching him breathe with bittersweet feelings. She has encountered angels. There was nowhere to stay. She is so happy. She is so scared. It’s a perfect time for a prayer full of smiles and tears. This Christmas, my prayer for you (and me), is to experience the season with awe and wonder like nothing else matters. ~ JasonRhymer

Prayer:Godofwonder,whobecameababyborninamanger,forgiveourcomplacency, renewourpassionforthisjoyousholidayseason,andgiveuscouragetobethelightof theworld.Grantusstrengthandhopetoliveeverydaylikenothingelsemattersexcept lovingyoucompletelyandlovingourneighbors.InJesus’name.Amen.”

Read Isaiah 40 and Luke 1:46-56.

The Israelites and Mary had so many other things around them that were contrary to the promises of God. But that is where God comes to us. Not when things are all right in the world, not when we are the people who we should be…but God comes to us anyway. Promising a different future. Scripture reveals to us the intentions of God’s relationship with creation. The prophets help us to understand the life that is to be inaugurated with the reign of Christ. The prophecies give us a glimpse of what a life of justice and peace may look like.

As disciples of Jesus in a time when we have the privilege of already knowing the one who is coming into our lives once again, we have a better understanding of what it means for us to prepare the way for the Lord. We help prepare the way of the Lord when we follow in the example of Isaiah and Mary. When we allow the Spirit of God to come into our lives and lead us. We prepare the way for the Lord when we embrace the mission and characteristics of God here and now.

If we want to prepare for Jesus’ arrival into our lives once again, then we should be living in the heart of God that we already know. The God who loves justice and invites all people to the table. If we want to prepare for Jesus, then we should be surrounding ourselves with people who God identifies with the most. If you are feeling far from God, then seek the places where God is most often found.

As people of God, we can recognize that the world is not as it should be. We can recognize that we are not the people that we should be, but the question is…what are we going to do about it? ~ Rev.JessicaDayson

Away in a Manger, Ford Hurley, age 6

Saturday, December 24 - Christmas Eve

Reader: Tonight marks the time known as Christmas Eve. Tonight marks the end of our waiting for the birth of God’s son. Tonight all those who have waited gather at the manger.

Reader: (Light the first candle.) The people who hope gather there. (Light the second candle.) The people who pray for peace gather there.

Reader: (Light the third candle.) The people who search for joy gather there. (Light the fourth candle.) The people who long for love gather there.

All: We gather there.

Reader: Read the story of the birth of Jesus in Luke 2:1-20.

Reader: To help us celebrate the gift of God’s son, Jesus, we light the Christ candle. (Light the white Christ candle in the center of the wreath.)

Quietly enjoy the light of the Christ candle as we think about that holy night.

Sing “A Candle is Burning” to the tune of “Away in a Manger.”

We honor Messiah with Christ’s candle flame, Our Christmas Eve candles glad tidings proclaim, O come, all you faithful, rejoice in this night

As God comes among us, the Christian’s true light.

Prayer: God of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, we give thanks for the gift of your son, Jesus. Through Jesus, you gifted us with your great love. May our giving and receiving of Christmas gifts reflect your love. Amen.

Reader: (Extinguish the four candles.) We extinguish the light of all those gathered at the manger.

Reader: Watch while we change the light of Jesus. (Extinguish the Christ candle.) Now the light lives in all of God’s creations. Now the light lives in our hearts and the hearts of all God’s people.

The Advent Wreath, Wynn Poe, age 8

CHRISTMAS DAY DECEMBER 25

The Heavens Sing, Jonas Martin, age 9

The Christmas Story WaitingforChristmas

By Carol Greene

“Mighty me,” said Caesar. “I’m ruler of the world. Let’s count how many people I rule.” And so the counting began.

“We must go to Bethlehem,” said Joseph. “We must be counted in my hometown.”

“But the baby will soon be born,” said Mary.

“I know,” said Joseph. “I know.”

They got to Bethlehem late. The inn was already full. “You can stay in the stable,” said the innkeeper. “I’m afraid that’s all that’s left.”

“I understand,” sighed Joseph. “Thank you.”

They settled themselves in the stable and there Mary’s baby was born. She wrapped him in strips of cloth, as mothers did back then, and laid him in a manger full of straw.

“Rest now, Mary,” said Joseph. “I will watch the child.” So Mary closed her eyes and the dark night folded itself like a blanket around the stable.

Close by, shepherds were tending their sheep. Suddenly the sky filled with light and an angel appeared. The shepherds trembled and shook in their sandals.

“Fear not,” said the angel. “I bring good news, news to make the whole world joyful. Today, in Bethlehem, your Savior is born! He is the Lord, the one God promised, and you will find him in a manger.”

Then a great throng of angels appeared. “Glory to God in heaven!” they sang, “And peace to his people on earth.”

“Let’s go!” said the shepherds, and they ran as fast as they could to Bethlehem. There in the stable they found baby Jesus and told what the angel had said. Mary listened quietly and kept their words like a treasure, deep in her heart.

And baby Jesus slept in the manger, lost in the dreams that babies dream, the small, helpless ruler of the world.

Monday, December 26 - Thursday, January 5

What happens after Christmas Day? If you look around at the world, you decide that Christmas is over. It is time to pack away ornaments and candles and move on. However, Christmas is just beginning on Christmas Day and it continues for twelve days! What a delight to know that we do not have to be frantic any more. We can just enjoy Christmas!

Here are suggestions for how your family can enjoy the twelve days of Christmas.

Have 1 family sleepover under the Christmas tree.

Visit 2 friends you have not seen in a while.

Send 3 notes/cards/pictures to people who could use a smile.

Play 4 games (cards, board games, etc.)

Share 5 good memories with someone.

Name 6 things for which you are grateful.

Give 7 cans of food to a food pantry.

Try to watch a family movie as close as possible to 8 AM with breakfast in bed or 8 PM with popcorn.

Gather the family and read 9 pages in a new book aloud.

Find 10 items of clothing in your house to donate.

Stop whatever you are doing at 11:11 and pray for those who are sick or may be in the hospital.

Make 12 cookies and take them to a local fire station as a way to thank first responders.

Friday, January 6 - Epiphany

Epiphany means “shining forth.” It is the season of the year when we recognize the significance of Jesus, when his identity as the Christ will begin to manifest itself beyond the boundaries of a small town in a small country.

When we think of Epiphany, we think of stars and kings. To celebrate this day, read the story of the wise men’s journey to visit and worship the new king: Matthew 2:1-12.

Move the wise men and their camels to the crèche. They arrive to worship the Christ child, bringing their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Even after you pack up the crèche, let the kings and camels hang around for a few weeks! Send them in different directions away from the crèche around the house. Let them be the first bearers of the Good News to faraway places beyond the borders of Israel.

You know what gold is, but what are frankincense and myrrh? Go online to see what you can learn.

Prayer:Godoflight,justasthewisemenwere“overwhelmedwithjoy”tomeettheChrist child,maywealsobeoverwhelmedwithjoytoknowJesus.Ourlighthascomeandshines inusthisdayandalways. Amen.

Star, Trudy Hall Valentine, age 10

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Holy Night Angel, Anna Merritt Peterson, age 11