2014 DEVOTIONAL CALENDAR Written by Sterling College faculty, staff, students and alumni
2014-2015 Verse of the Year: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7, ESV
Every year, Sterling College ends the fall semester part-way through Advent. Our students and employees travel to places all over the country to spend time with family and friends during the Christmas season. Although we are grateful for the ability to see loved ones, we also want to share a common experience with our Sterling College family as we prepare for the birth of our Savior. We prepare for Christmas with baking cookies, buying presents, decorating trees in and around our homes, sending out Christmas cards, practicing for church cantatas or school holiday concerts, and a variety of other activities. We prepare our homes, families, budgets, and work schedules to spend time with family and friends. How much time do we spend preparing our hearts for the birth of Jesus? I find that the familiarity of the Christmas season allows me to enjoy this time of year without thinking about the purpose of my preparation. Yes, there are Christmas-themed hymns and possibly Advent candles on Sunday, but what do I do the other six days of the week to fully comprehend the weight of the coming birthday celebration? The devotional you are reading was created to share with our students, employees, alumni and friends in an effort to build a unifying experience throughout Advent despite the distance between us. We want the Lord to move on our campus, in your homes, and throughout the entire Sterling College family as we draw near to the manger. May this be a daily reminder of the life-giving story of Christ and the hope of a world redeemed. Join us in reading and praying through these daily devotionals as we journey through the weeks of Advent together. Merry Christmas from Sterling College!
Scott A. Rich President Greetings from the President | 03
THE DISRUPTIVE NATURE OF ADVENT Rev. Christian Dashiell ’02 Chaplain
Nov.
30
Isaiah 64:1-9 Sweet Baby Jesus. Laying in the manger. Sweet head laid down. Stars gleaming cleanly in the sky as the Savior sleeps in the hay. The whole thing sounds so peaceful and serene. From a certain point of view, it is. Jesus came to usher in peace on Earth. Jesus came to provide reconciliation between God and creation. Jesus brings assurance and pardon and freedom. All of this was prophesied and made to come to fruition in the most unexpected manner possible. But these are not entirely benign procedures. Isaiah highlights the disruptive nature of Advent. Those who have been present in a delivery room know that for Jesus to come requires us to ask difficult questions. Coming into the presence of our Lord causes us to be laid bare. If the mighty mountains tremble before God, then shouldn’t our response be even more deferential? The landscape that Isaiah describes is hauntingly familiar for the modern day reader. A world and individual lives that are beleaguered by sin. People who have lost the plot when it comes to how to worship God and embrace the things that are important to Him. The sentiments of Isaiah don’t make 04 | Isaiah 64:1-9
good Christmas cards. They aren’t words that would be gleefully sung by family members gathered around a warm fire on a cold winter’s night. But they are an appropriate starting point for our journey through Advent. They demonstrate so strongly why we need Jesus. They point us in the right direction as we journey down the road to meet our Lord. Our prayer is resonant with verses 8-9. These are the prayers that we offer up faithfully and hold in hope. That God would use this season to form us into vessels that bring glory to the name of God. That we would be forgiven of our sins as the Lord shows restraint. And that we would come to know the loving embrace of God, as we are all His people.
TRUE PEACE Dr. Mark Tremaine Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Dec.
01
Psalm 122 Psalm 122 provides us some wonderful insight into David’s high regard for the city of Jerusalem. At the very beginning of David’s reign as the king of Israel, he chose Jerusalem to be his residence. From that time forward, Jerusalem was known as the “City of David.” As David spent the remainder of his days as the King of Israel, Jerusalem was his home. It was where he felt safe and secure. Jerusalem was also where David communed with the Lord. As David notes in this psalm, Jerusalem was the place that all of the Israelites came to praise and worship the Lord. In this psalm, David prays for the peace of Jerusalem and for the security that this walled and fortified city provided to its inhabitants. In Jerusalem, David sensed the very presence of God and this provided him with great comfort.
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. In answer to David’s prayer for peace for the city that bore his name, God has chosen to bless all nations with peace. The prophet continues with these words in verse 7: Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
It was always God’s plan to bless His people with true peace and security, and we have that peace and security through the amazing gift of His son. Jesus has taken his rightful place on During this time of Advent, we reflect His holy throne. And he continues to on the true answer to David’s prayer for provide us the peace that the Apostle peace. In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet tells us Paul spoke of in Philippians 4:7: “And of the coming of true peace: the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts For to us a child is born, and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Praise to us a son is given, God for the blessing of His peace. and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Psalm 122 | 05
RICH PROMISE Tate Strasner ’15 Christian Ministries: Youth
Dec.
02
Jeremiah 33:14-16 The prophet Jeremiah served God in a country whose doom was imminent and evident. His inspired words, laced with stringent warnings to turn from cycles of sin and separation, fell upon deaf ears. Unheeding his call to repentance, the people of Judah remained unapologetically disloyal to God. Unfortunately, Jeremiah lived to see his prophecies come to life, bringing death and destruction to the city. The rule of the good King David, the man after God’s own heart, and his successor son Solomon, who built the Holy Temple, were a far-off memory, and now, the people of the Promised Land found themselves kicked out, once more in exile. Shipped to Babylon and hiding in Egypt, the Israelites were finally awakened to the depth of their sin. Had the God of their ancestors really abandoned them? Was He truly done with them this time? Woven intricately alongside the warnings of Jeremiah was their answer. The rich promise of a coming Messiah from David’s royal line brought hope to the people then and can bring hope to us now. Many times when we are reminded of our sin or when calamity hits our lives, we will ask ourselves the same ques06 | Jeremiah 33:14-16
tions that the Israelites asked. However, we have the privilege of seeing that promise fulfilled, and it is that fulfillment that we celebrate today. Jesus is the promised King of Heaven who “will do just and right in the land”(v.15), and He is “The Lord Our Righteous Savior.”(v. 16) Just as the people had to hold on to the hope of their promised Messiah King, we must hold on to the hope of His glorious return. If you find yourself in exile this Advent season, have hope that God is faithful even when we are faithless.
A TIME TO WAIT Dean Jaderston Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Dec.
03
Psalm 25:1-10 Nobody likes to wait. We don’t like to be on hold, stand in line, or have to wait if a text isn’t returned immediately. We especially don’t like to wait for Christmas. Stores start displaying decorations and merchandise in September and we can’t even get through Thanksgiving without seeing houses lit up with lights and wreaths. But perhaps in our rush to get to Christmas right now, we’re missing out on something much deeper. Maybe during Advent, as we wait to celebrate Christ’s arrival, we may experience some blessings that come with waiting. In Psalm 25, David has to wait. His enemies are multiplying, their hatred for him growing as they plot his downfall. While he fully trusts in God, there is no immediate relief in sight. It is during this time, however, he is reminded of what really matters. He knows where his hope is and is confident his feet will someday be removed from the snare of his current situation. What he prays for first and foremost though is not delivery or rescue. He trusts in God’s timing for that. Instead, he asks God to teach him. As he reflects on God’s truth, it brings him to a place of repentance and hope. He knows his God is loving and faithful and he can rest and trust in His timing. And as he comes to this place of
repentance, he also becomes even more aware of God’s great mercy and love. Christ came into a world when people had been waiting for thousands of years for their Messiah. But God’s timing is never accidental. Galatians 4:4 tells us that “When the time had fully come, God sent His Son....” Today He still waits for the time to fully come before He acts. Perhaps if during Advent, we wait and seek God’s truth and direction, we may experience a much needed time of repentance and renewal. We might once again be reminded in new ways of His great mercy and love. And, like David, we can do this secure in the knowledge that He is good, and will always act when the time is “fully come.” Advent prayer: Lord, as your people waited for their Messiah to come, I want to wait for you. Teach me and guide me, and in my waiting help me once again become more aware of Your great mercy and love.
Psalm 25:1-10 | 07
SEASON OF HOPE Jenny (Lane) Bradley ’02 Director of Ministry Teams
Dec.
04
1 Corinthians 1:3-9 When first reading this passage, one might question what these verses have to do with Advent. For the Apostle Paul and the church at Corinth, Jesus Christ had already lived and died. They were not waiting on the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. Perhaps we can relate. We are privileged in our century to hold the entire canon of Scripture telling us God’s story of creation, love and redemption for our world. We have testimonies of the life, works, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as well as thousands of years of church history continually pursuing and revealing God’s message of hope. Yet, sometimes we can get complacent about the amazing hope and love God does graciously provide us through Christ. Our daily grind, the culture around us, our hunger to consume more of whatever we think will fulfill us today can cloud our knowledge and memory of what God has done for us. Scholars note Paul spent around 18 months living in Corinth amidst the Greco-Roman culture of gods, encouraging and equipping followers of Jesus to live the hope they received from Christ’s coming. Paul affirms they were in every way enriched in all speech and 08 | 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
all knowledge and not lacking any gift because of the grace of God through Jesus Christ. It wasn’t a gift just for a season. It was a message running counter cultural. It was a hope to be lived and a love to be shared. As we prepare our hearts, minds and lives to recognize the gift of Jesus Christ’s birth and life, perhaps one of our prayers can be that we make room in all our speech and all our knowledge to live every season in the message of hope and love that comes from Christ.
WALKING TOWARD CHRISTMAS Dr. Charles M. Olsen ’58 Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies
Dec.
05
Isaiah 2:1-5 How I remember the impact of the New Orleans Preservation Hall Jazz Band playing “Just a closer walk with thee!” They played it so slow—at a plodding, deliberate pace. I wanted them to speed it up, but soon fell under their spell, realizing that the “closer walk” is a deliberate, daily journey.
Just a closer walk with thee, Grant it Jesus, is my plea. Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
The picture we take from Isaiah 2 is one of the pilgrims slowly plodding and singing their way up to Jerusalem to worship in the temple. “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord... that we may walk in his paths.” Translate that to your own daily Advent journey toward Christmas, where you expect to stand in the light of Jesus. To aid you in your journey, let me offer you this suggestion: Go to YouTube, where you can listen to the Preservation Hall band play “Just a Closer Walk....” Memorize the tune and chorus, then hum it to yourself with the words while walking at a slow pace to a daily destination. As you walk in the light of the Lord to the light of Jesus you will discover the ways of the Lord, which will lead you to share the vision with the prophet to beat swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks...with no more war. Isaiah 2:1-5 | 09
WELCOME HOME John Summitt Resident Director of Douglas Residences
Dec.
06
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 You can butter a warm Christmas biscuit with Frank Sinatra’s voice. There. I said it. Every year as Christmas surrounds me and I begin to enjoy all the things that make the Christmas season feel like Christmas, Ol’ Blue Eyes comes in and makes everything merrier. Merrier! We don’t often use the word “merry” outside of Christmas these days, but Sinatra returns the meaning. There is no question as to the definition of the phrase “holly-jolly Christmas” when Sinatra sings it. Christmas lights twinkle a little brighter. The tinsel on the tree has a little extra glitter in it. The smells of cinnamon and cocoa waft a little sweeter when Frank is providing the Christmas soundtrack. His voice extends open arms saying to all who will hear, “Come on in. It’s Christmas! Welcome home!” Frank Sinatra sounds like Christmas. As I sit now and listen to Frank sing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” I want to go home. I want to kiss my wife; I want to hug my daughter; I want to see my mom and dad; I want to taste some of grandma’s fudge; I want to throw snowballs with my brother. I am blessed with these things and they are Christmas to me. They define “home for Christmas” in my heart and memo10 | 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
ries. In reading 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Paul’s deep longing to be home and to see the faces of his loved ones bleeds off of the pages. This Christmas, there are many whose memories do not bring a feeling of “home.” For many, Christmas is riddled with pain, hurt or loss. Many don’t have a home to which to go, or they have a home they’d rather forget. Perhaps the people who most need to feel “home” this Christmas are in our own family. This Christmas, as we celebrate Jesus and the furious and tender love He brought to us, may our homes be “home” to anyone who needs one. May we abound in love for one another! May we long for one another with a longing of prayer and thanksgiving. May our homes be in love with Jesus and one another. May our hearts and homes warm Christmas for all who will hear, “Come on in. It’s Christmas! Welcome home!”
ANTICIPATION Jeremy Labosier Director of Mabee Library
Dec.
07
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Advent is a season of anticipation. We join in the deep longing felt by God’s people throughout the centuries for the coming celebration of Christ’s birth. Yet our anticipation also looks ahead to Christ’s return when we will fully experience the redemption that Christ came to accomplish through his life, death and resurrection.
the Lord says” (v. 8 ). The journey to understanding and peace must take a turn through the silence of attending to God’s Word.
As we deliberately choose to listen, we quiet our need to be in control. We can take comfort in that God “promises peace to his people, his faithful servants” (v. 8). Present circumstances Psalm 85 captures this eager longing may be very challenging, yet “surely for the final and complete realization of his salvation is near those who fear God’s salvation. The Psalm begins with him” (v. 9). Through every moment, a declaration of God’s actions in the God sustains us with His peace and past. God blessed His people as they presence. lived in the Promised Land, and in the ultimate expression of divine favor, He Following God’s promise of peace and forgave their sins (v. 1-3). salvation , the psalmist declared the comfort and hope of God’s final act of Time passed. The experience of God’s redemption (v. 10-13). When Christ reintimacy had faded. A season of loss turns to make everything right, we will and deprivation caused the psalmist to experience the complete fulfillment of cry out in a highly emotional lament. all our longings. In perfect harmony, How long would God wait before “love and faithfulness meet together; bringing restoration? The psalmist righteousness and peace kiss each pleaded for God to show His tender other” (v. 10). During our moments love and salvation, demonstrating the of lamenting and listening, we have necessity of giving voice to our emoreason for great hope. All our longings tions and thoughts before God (v. 4-7) will be gloriously satisfied in the fullness of life that awaits God’s people. The process of the lament gave birth to the choice of submission to God May we pause today for unhurried through listening. The psalmist reflection on God’s promises to us. This displayed deep resolve in concluding is the path to peace. his lament, “I will listen to what God Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 | 11
RESTORING THE THRONE Garrett Looney Coordinator of Online Student Services
Dec.
08
Isaiah 11:1-10 Between 725 and 721 B.C., the Assyrian army besieged, captured and destroyed the northern Kingdom of Israel. Now, on the doorstep of Judah to the south, it threatens to do the same. Imagine the fear of defeat—Judah watched as Israel’s people were killed or taken captive. The people are removed from their land and effectively, their God. No longer can they worship Yahweh without the potential of Nineveh’s brutal retaliation. The God who created the earth, placed the stars in the sky, told the waters where to stop and helped the Israelites cross on dry ground did not come to the rescue. All seems lost. Isaiah 11:1-10 is part of a larger vision that emphasizes Yahweh’s promise to restore the Davidic throne, and through it, all of creation. This cosmic narrative gives hope to the people of Judah, a people pining for the assurance of God’s promises amidst Assyria’s threat of utter turmoil. Indeed, the imagery of a branch shooting forth from the stump of Jesse (11:1) would immediately resonate with a culture who used a stump as a metaphor for a broken, cut-off dynasty.1 The succession of kings after David and Solomon brought bitter judgment upon Israel. Yet Yahweh will raise His people to new life and solidify a new leader in 12 | Isaiah 11:1-10
line with the family of David, according to his promise. The branch that would carry on the lineage of David exudes wisdom and understanding (v. 2), power and authority (v. 4), faithfulness and righteousness (v. 3-5), and peace (v. 6-9). He delights in the Spirit of the Lord, which descends upon him. He advocates for the poor and shows equity to the meek. The earth befalls the power of His lips and with his mouth, He destroys the wicked. Creation itself alters its natural, sinful order when this branch arrives. Wolf and lamb, lion and calf, child and cobra, lie, dine and play together. Intrigue over this branch festers in every nation. Peoples, tongues and tribes inquire about Him. And in the end, all people will worship Him. Do you recognize Him? Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection set off a cosmic redemption. The Gospel exclaims that God’s people have hope in a future eternity. They have peace in the assurance of his promises amidst earthly turmoil. They have a righteous, just Lord that took the place of their punishment. And ultimately, our Branch will restore creation once again, bringing peace and harmony to a violent, fallen world. To the Branch be the glory.
PRINCE OF PEACE Taylor Fair ’16 Christian Ministries
Dec.
09
Ephesians 2:13-16 Often times when we think about the peace of God, we think about the internal peace that He promises to give us, the peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:6-7). However, as amazing as that peace is, we often forget about a different type of peace that God has given us—Jesus Christ. One of the most famously quoted passages during the Christmas season looks forward to Jesus’ coming, prophesying that He will be called, among other names, Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6). What we find in this is that Jesus didn’t come to Earth just to bring peace; He is our peace.
This is such a beautiful truth that transforms how we view the Gospel. Jesus’ death on the cross was God’s ultimate act of reconciliation toward humanity, and now we can be at peace with Him and one another. Have you embraced that act of God and been reconciled to Him? Are you actively being reconciled to your brothers and sisters in Christ? If your anything like me, it’s a constant struggle. I disobey God daily, I have hurt my brothers, my brothers have hurt me—I need reconciliation that comes through the person of Christ. So I encourage you during this season to seek out reconciliation and foster peace in the body of Christ. If you have turned from God, repent and be reconciled to Him. If you have wronged someone or been wronged by someone, go be reconciled to that person.
Paul sheds more light on what this means in the passage in Ephesians. He claims that Christ himself is our peace, and that He has reconciled us both to God and to each other, creating unity in the body of Christ. Usually this pas- May the Prince of Peace restore broken sage is related to equality in Christ, but relationships and unify the body of there is an amazing truth about peace Christ this holiday season. Amen. here. You see when Adam and Eve sinned, we were all separated from God and put in contention with each other. But Christ came to satisfy and mend those relationships that have been broken since the fall, and to bring to peace the hostility that existed between man and God and within mankind.
Ephesians 2:13-16 | 13
MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT Rev. Dr. Joel Enoch Wood Adjunct Lecturer in Theology and Ministry
Dec.
10
Malachi 3:1-4 Mark’s Gospel quickly reveals the two messengers of Malachi 3. First, John the Baptist prepared the way of the Lord, “the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” (Mark 1:2-3) Then Jesus Christ, the most true and full messenger of the covenant. Malachi promised the messenger would come. And he did. John promised in the Revelation that Jesus would come again. And He will.
Enter God’s Covenant, of whom Jesus is the messenger, the true Prophet. Though not just the Prophet of redemption, “revealing to us, by His Word and Spirit, God’s will for our salvation,” (WSC 24) Jesus is also the Priest, “in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice and reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us.” (WSC 25) In God’s covenant, the Father decrees that the Son will stand in the place of sinners, for righteousWhen Jesus comes again, our salvation ness and judgment, and they send Holy will be perfected. In the meantime, we Spirit to accomplish that work in those face the reality of our sinful brokensinners. New hearts are given. Faith ness. It’s everywhere we look, in society and repentance are granted. Salvation and ourselves. We sin because we’re accomplished and applied. “[W]ho can sinners and we’re sinners because we endure the day of his coming, and who sin. Even the best day contains the can stand when he appears?” In light of cursed fruit of the fall. Christ’s work and the Spirit’s application of that work to God’s people, the The messenger will come. And as the answer is sinners. Sinners like you and great glory of that day comes into me. God’s covenant makes the day of focus, so does its terrible judgment the Lord’s appearing a blessing. Someand wrath. The glorious perfection of thing to look forward to. No judgment, God demands that sin be dealt with. all joy. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Consequently, He is the judge, “sitting” in judgment like a refining fire, like a launderer who will beat the dirt from the clothes. This is the fate of the sinner: all judgment, no joy. So, Malachi’s question is valid. “[W]ho can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when He appears?” 14 | Malachi 3:1-4
OUT-OF-CONTROL COMFORT Dr. Jacob Shatzer Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies
Dec.
11
Isaiah 40:1-11 We say we want comfort, but in many ways I think we would prefer this passage start with “Control, control my people, says your God.” Sure, we want comfort, but we want it our way; we want to control it. We want a list of the blessings God could give us—along with their precise dates of arrival—and the option to say “Yes,” “No,” or “Later.” Yet, with this passage we’re reminded of the contents of God’s comfort: He has paid for sin; He reveals the glory of the Lord; He reminds us that we are but grass; He gives the good news to be shouted.
them close to his heart. The comfort that the lamb experiences requires it to give up control—to stop kicking and bleating—and to rest in the arms of the shepherd. In this season of waiting, may we acknowledge our own discomfort, our own desire to seek control, and instead, look forward with hope and expectation to the comfort God brings to us and to this uncomfortable world through Bethlehem’s manger and—ultimately—through Golgotha’s cross.
It is tempting to try to control this message, to put it in our terms and to reject portions that make us uncomfortable, like our sin, our inability, our impermanence. We want those out of sight and out of mind. But the comfort comes only in acknowledging that we are sinful, that we need God, and that we must wait for the comfort to come. We don’t control its timing. Advent is a season of waiting—waiting for the coming of the Lord and the comfort He brings. Waiting for true comfort, however, implies the reality of times of discomfort. Our passage ends with a nice picture of this true comfort: the shepherd gathering lambs in his arms, carrying Isaiah 40:1-11 | 15
PERSPECTIVE ON HOPE Rev. Paula (Daniel) Steinbacher ’92 Pastor at Church of the Eternal Hills in Tabernash, Colorado
Dec.
12
Romans 15:4-13 Advent is a time when our hope is really put to the test. Imagining ourselves waiting, waiting, waiting in the darkness for the light of the world to come puts hope into perspective. Probably the closest thing we can compare that with is the hope of children, seeing the shiny presents under the Christmas tree. Their imaginations run wild with the anticipations and expectations of what might be in those packages. All too often, the packages, once opened, do not live up to those expectations. I wonder if the first-century Jews felt that same kind of let-down when the long-expected light of the world—the promised Messiah—was born in a stable rather than a palace. I wonder if we, the 21st-century Christians feel a let-down ourselves when Christmas finally arrives and we, who have been jaded and blinded by the glitz and materialism of an overly consumerized Christmas, find ourselves feeling no different than we did during Advent. Paul’s letter to the Romans reminds us that turning to the scriptures can be instrumental in helping us to feel hopeful in these most bleak of times. This is true at Christmas when, despite the busyness of the holidays and all the concerts, parties and shopping that “has” to be done, we take time to slow 16 | Romans 15:4-13
down and read the promises found in scriptures. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
AN UNUSUAL REASON FOR EXCITEMENT Jonathan Faulkner fs13 Maintenance Staff
Dec.
13
2 Peter 3:8-15a As I continue to grow as a minister of the Gospel, I find myself getting more and more excited during the preparation phase of sermon writing. It is a task that most young pastors find boring because it does not lend itself to the excitement of presenting the text. While I get excitement out of the presentation, I find the prep work exciting as well. In our passage in 2 Peter 3, we have plenty to get excited about. Our text tells us that “the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise...but is patient” (v. 9a) in coming back. In a world where patience is no longer a virtue, we may have a problem with this text, but God has a reason for his patience. “Not wishing that any should perish, but that all may come to repentance” (v. 9b). Not that all will come to repentance, but wishing that all would not perish.
They should inspire us then to be the kind of people that Peter describes in 11b-12: “Holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God.” We should get excited about the second coming because it means we have fulfilled our purpose here on Earth. The English hymn writer Isaac Watts used a similar scripture reference, Psalm 98, to pen the words to “Joy to the World” for this very same reason. This hymn-turned-Christmas-carol is in fact singing about the return of Christ. Think about that joyful day when Jesus returns again, not as a baby, but as our Savior. Joy to the World, the Lord has come Let Earth Receive her King And every heart, prepare him room And heaven and nature sing. – Isaac Watts
Peter then launches into a description of the end times, which is where I begin to get really excited. See, we should get excited about the prospect of the coming of Christ. For one, it means that all have heard the Gospel, and secondly, it means the creation of the new heaven and the new earth. The return of Christ and the fulfillment of the promises to us should excite us. 2 Peter 3:8-15a | 17
BEARING WITNESS Addie Swihart ’11 Resident Director of McCreery Hall
Dec.
14
John 1:6-8, 19-28 I am both challenged by and grateful for the verses we find in the first chapter of the Gospel of John where we see John the Baptist’s testimony of Christ unfold. Since the beginning of John’s life, his purpose was clear: “He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.” As the forerunner to Christ, he understood that his life was to be selflessly lived, preparing the way for the coming Messiah. With this aim in mind, John established the evangelistic routines and kingdom-focused language that attracted the crowds to gather around him. Examining this text begs me to think about what my purpose is and how similar it is to John’s purpose, “...to bear witness about the light.” Do my daily thoughts, deeds and speech reflect this purpose? When reading this passage, I also see John’s humility seep off the page. It is clear that John sees himself correctly due to his keen awareness of who God is and His holiness, “...the straps of whose sandals he was not worthy to untie.” John knows what his calling is and therefore able to humbly redirect the questioning bystanders. He makes no claims of his own, not even familial relationship to the Christ, but only 18 | John 1:6-8, 19-28
points them to the One who will one day rule His people with truth, justice and righteousness. Are you able and willing to humbly redirect the attention and concentrate on the coming Christ? Or is there a desire in your heart to be accepted and feel significant among your peers by claiming some of Christ’s rightful glory? What was true for John in this text can also be a reality for us in this awe-inspiring Advent season. John knew his calling in life and, with his humble heart, he was able to announce hope and anticipation for the One that is to come! How exciting for both the first hearers of this news and for us now! I hope this joy that God has given you overflows from your heart this season. Make an effort to engage in conversation with family and friends about the Christ who came once as a small baby and who will one day come again as King and reign eternally!
WHERE DOES YOUR HELP COME FROM? Paul Brandes ’11 Associate Pastor at Christ Community Church, Kansas City, Mo.
Dec.
15
Psalm 146:5-10 In the classic animated Disney film The Lion King, the scene of King Mufasa’s death is particularly striking. Having risked everything to save his son, Simba, from a stampede, Mufasa is now trying to avoid death himself. Clawing up the gorge as the herd runs by below, he looks up at his evil brother, Scar, who orchestrated the current situation. “Brother,” Mufasa pleads, “help me.” With a terrible look in his eye, Scar throws Mufasa off the cliff, flinging him to his death.
the person of Jesus. Why did He come near? In part, to fulfill God’s promises. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 2:20 says “All the promises of God find their Yes in Jesus.” Every single promise of God in Psalm 146 can be linked to Jesus Christ. By Jesus all things were created. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Jesus helped the oppressed, healed the suffering, loved the righteous and protected the vulnerable.
Psalm 146:3 warns against putting our trust in the princes of this world. Why Where does your help come from? In would we look to earthly princes for times of chaos and struggle, who do help when we have such a good and you find yourself looking up at? Thank- gracious King? Jesus is the King of fully, unlike Mufasa, who was forced to Kings and the only one deserving of look to Scar for help, we get to choose our trust. The only one who can truly who we look to. We get to choose be our helper. Where does your help where our help comes from. come from? Psalm 146:5 says, “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.” The remainder of Psalm 146 unpacks who this God of Jacob is. He is the God who made everything. He is the God who is forever faithful. He is the God who helps the oppressed, heals the suffering, loves the righteous and protects the vulnerable. He is the God of justice. He is the God who is always there. And as the season of Advent reminds us, He is the God who came near in Psalm 146:5-10 | 19
PATIENCE THROUGH TRIALS Brandon Ponchak Head Men’s Soccer Coach
Dec.
16
James 5:7-10 Aside from James being probably my favorite book in the Bible, this particular passage is something I typically need to hear constantly. “Be patient” is a statement that I often remind myself of over and over. Patience has never been one of my strong traits. I always have wanted things done, completed, processed or seen. As a coach, to relate to many athletes about the process and patience, one saying is, “it’s not a sprint, but a marathon.” The same is true no matter how patience can be applied to any person wherever they may be in their faith. Our walk is a process; we do not just achieve perfection in our walk with the Lord. We face trials and tribulations, no matter the size, that stand in our way. The patience it requires to persevere through our various trials is different for each person. We all have many people we know who may be heading down the wrong path in life, their faith is lacking or nonexistent. When we have the chance to evangelize to someone who may not have faith in the Lord or whose faith may not be as strong as ours, we have to have patience that the Lord will be working in his or her life. We may not see the fruits of our labor, but our patience is a witness to the nonbeliever 20 | James 5:7-10
that faith in the Lord Jesus is a process. In the end, our patience revolves around the love we have in the Lord. We can either try to do it ourselves and continuously fail, or we can have a trust in the Lord who will love us always and will help us through our daily successes and struggles. The patience we have with a teammate, family member, friend, coworker or stranger on the street depends upon the love we have for them, in which we are commanded to have. As it is commonly said, “Love is patient....” Advent prayer: As we rush through this busy time of preparation, help me to remember that I need to be patient with others, as the Lord is patient with me. Help me couple my patience with kindness and gentleness as I interact with others—my brothers and sisters in Christ.
COVENANT OF HOPE Dec.
Stephanie (Smith) Nelson ’15 Christian Ministries: Missions
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Jeremiah 31:31-34 Art has always been a major part of my life. I am often lost in thought imagining a new project that I am excited to begin. I will spend hours building a flawless mental image of the masterpiece that I am about to create. When I finally put the paint brush to the canvas, I begin to create something beautiful. Then, the inevitable happens - my hand slips. The piece of art that I had been slaving over is ruined. Heartbroken, I am forced to throw away my first project and begin again. In Exodus, God developed a systematic Law that allowed the Israelites to be in relationship with Him. However, this Law was tedious and burdensome. It was almost impossible for the Israelites to live up to its expectations. Living under this Old Covenant, the Israelites had lost hope of ever truly knowing God. The covenant between Israel and God was a precious creation that had become flawed, and God, being the most perfect artist, already had a plan for how to fix this heartbreaking imperfection.
nant, making the old one obsolete. This New Covenant, God’s promise to the hopeless Israelites, is Christ! With the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God’s flawed masterpiece was replaced with a much more precious work of art. The Israelites placed their hope in the promise of the New Covenant. Thousands of years later, we too can claim this covenant as our hope. The author of Hebrews calls this hope an “anchor of the soul” that we can cling too during our sufferings. No matter how great our sins or how burdensome our hardships, God promises, “I will be their God, and they will be my people... and I will remember their sins no more.” This is the promise of the New Covenant, and this is the greatest hope of all. Also Read: Hebrews 8:1-7 Hebrews 6:13-20
In this passage, God promised to create a New Covenant with His people; He promised to provide the Israelites with a way in which they can truly know God. The writer of Hebrews declared that the New Covenant is a better coveJeremiah 31:31-34 | 21
GOD’S NOT FINISHED Jeff Darnauer Coordinator of the Youth Ministry Program
Dec.
18
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Gratitude can sometimes be most difficult during the holidays. It shouldn’t be, but our culture has made it quite challenging. We are confronted at every turn with advertisements, messages and people telling us what we need in order to find joy. Once we buy that perfect gift, once we upgrade to the newest technology, once we get our homes and relationships in order, once conflict has ended, then we can finally be content and give thanks. Future peace, joy and gratitude is an elusive and unachievable goal when it is based on the false promises of our culture. During Advent we remember that God’s people have always been aware that something isn’t right in the world. The Israelites, who were still awaiting full restoration and deliverance through the promised Messiah, were keenly aware of this as they anticipated the Anointed One’s arrival. Even after the birth of Jesus, God’s people are faced with the reality that God’s shalom—the complete Reign of God and the fulfillment of His design for Creation—is not a reality...yet. We eagerly await the Second Advent when Christ will return and His salvation will be complete. Amidst the reality of a broken world, unmet longings and anticipation for 22 | 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
full restoration, this passage reminds us of the key to holding on to hope in the midst of chaos...gratitude and joy. But this kind of joy can only grow from a deeply-rooted hope that God is not finished with us yet. “When Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” We are still being sanctified—transforming into the image of Christ. God isn’t through with us yet! Today, make it your goal to remain in a prayerful mindset. Rather than worrying about all that still needs to be done before Christmas, give thanks for all that Christ has done and continues to do through His Spirit. When you are given false promises of things that can’t really bring you joy, let God’s Spirit remind you that Christ alone can satisfy and bring life. May the words of hymnist Horatio Spafford sit with you today, “When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.”
SOWING TIME Dr. Brian Mills Associate Professor of Psychology
Dec.
19
Psalm 126 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is the story of Clark Griswold, a hard-working, well-intentioned family man who wants nothing more than to host the perfect Christmas with his family. Sadly, it seems that the harder he tries, the more disasters pile up. As all of it comes to a head, there is a scene where Clark’s teenage daughter is in the kitchen pouring out a litany of woes to her mother. After trying to listen sympathetically, Ellen finally reaches her limit, blurting out “I don’t know what to tell you, honey. It’s Christmas. We’re all in misery.” The holidays can be a magical time of celebration and thankfulness for our blessings, but they can also be just the opposite. What we tend to overlook is that depression, anxiety and suicide rates reach their peak between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day each year. I experienced several major losses in my own life during the Christmas season several years ago. Since then, I sometimes find myself ashamed to admit that I struggle with dreading the holidays rather than looking forward to them. At times I am flooded with sadness, regret and even resentment toward those who seem to be sailing along on a tide of good cheer.
is looking back on the days of the Babylonian captivity, remembering the dark clouds of loss and hopelessness hanging over the people as they were led away. But now, standing on the other side and looking back at God’s faithfulness, he also speaks of the joy that comes with experiencing both the highs and the lows of life as God’s children. The Hebrew word for joy, rinnah, describes an overwhelming sense of exultation bursting forth as song or as the peal of bells; but notice that this joy only comes after the seeds of sorrow have been carried with us, sowed, cultivated and transformed into a harvest of blessing by God. If you are in a dark place this holiday season, take heart; decide to view the coming days as an opportunity to sow those seeds of sorrow in the hope of a coming harvest of joy. If you are already joyful, take time to share hope and encouragement with those who are struggling.
Tradition says that the Psalmist here Psalm 126 | 23
SHARING HIS LOVE Brianna Clayton ’16 Christian Ministries: Youth, Worship Leadership
Dec.
20
1 John 4:7-11 The word “love” is commonly used in everyday language. We say we love this new décor, a new software program, or this friend of ours. What is love truly? Do we go around saying we love God just as we love everything else? Earthly love simply cannot compare to God’s love. Even if we do say we love God far above earthly things, God will still love us more. He will always love us more, for His love is far too deep and far too wide to even begin to comprehend. But His is love is the very thing that we quickly forget in our daily lives. God’s love is so sweet; we can only aspire to love in such a way. Our love is far from perfect, but here is the catch, our God has already perfected His love. We can see this through his sacrificial love of sending His Son. This passage begins and ends with the same phrasing. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” What a beautiful picture that this creates! Our love comes from God, so why don’t we use it in the most genuine way to love others just as God loved us? From work to school to families to everything else that consumes our day, we easily get preoccupied with the little things. A great day is surely coming, the birthday of our Lord and Savior. Is that not something to cele24 | 1 John 4:7-11
brate? Share that love that you have for Jesus with those in your company. Take a few moments each day to share an act of love. Let us truly make this the “happiest time of the year” by sharing the love that God has placed in all our hearts. Remember that we love because God first loves us. After all, He did send his son for He truly loves all of us.
A PROPER RESPONSE Ketty Reppert ’02 English Language Program Instructor at Kansas State University
Dec.
21
Luke 1:26-38 The story of Elizabeth’s pregnancy is interrupted by the angel Gabriel, bringing big news to a small town. Even before we hear the news, Mary is in exclusive company. Gabriel’s only other recorded visits are to Daniel and Zechariah—big-time prophet-and-high-official-in-Babylon Daniel and priest-inthe-Holy-of-Holies Zechariah. Daniel’s response to Gabriel’s first visit was terror; he fell flat on his face. (Dan. 8:19) Gabriel is apparently scarier than a den of lions. The message he brought left Daniel “appalled” and “exhausted for several days.” (Dan. 8:27) No wonder Mary was troubled and confused by Gabriel’s appearance, much less his words.
and receives the worship of “peoples of every language.” His “dominion is an everlasting dominion, that will not pass away;” His “kingdom will never be destroyed.” (Dan. 7:13-14) Mary’s response is outrageously practical, not a hint of skepticism about who this boy would be, or why her, just a question clarifying the logistics. Gabriel’s explanation doesn’t help much, but he gives her the example of Elizabeth, a comforting companion on her journey into the unimaginable.
Gabriel’s parting words remind Mary that all things are possible with God. Grown-up Jesus called upon this aspect of God’s power to explain how the rich can enter the kingdom of God (Luke In his greeting, Gabriel tells the woman 18:27) and also as, overwhelmed with who will bear Immanuel, our God sorrow, He wrestled with His Father in with us, that the Lord is with her. His prayer saying, “everything is possible message is less terrifying than Daniel’s for you, take this cup from me. Yet not vision but no more comprehensible. what I will, but what you will.” (Mark This unmarried girl would have a 14:36) (See also Jer. 32:16-44) son, and what a son! Gabriel’s words carry the resurrected promise of God’s Throughout Advent, and always, may covenant with David: “Your house we be as open as Mary to the messenand your kingdom will endure forever gers God sends us and through faith before me; your throne will be estabecho her words, “May it be to me as lished forever.” (2 Sam. 7:16) There are you have said,” whatever announcealso echoes of the image from Daniel’s ments these angels bring. earlier vision where “one like a son of man” approaches the Ancient of Days Luke 1:26-38 | 25
OUR OBJECT OF WORSHIP Dec.
Dr. Laura Bateman Assistant Professor of Music
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Luke 1:46-55 In these verses, we see a beautiful picture of authentic worship. By looking more closely at how Mary worshiped God here in these verses, we can learn what it is to truly worship our Father. First, Mary worshiped with her whole being. She references her soul and spirit in verses 46 and 47. In the same verses, she makes it clear Who she is worshiping: “‘the Lord’” and “‘God my Savior.’” Furthermore, she continually uses the pronoun He, making it extremely clear that this is truly all about God (v. 51-54). She also proclaims attributes of God in verse 49 with the words “‘Mighty One’” and “‘holy is his name.’” Though no human can fully comprehend God, Mary demonstrates a deep love for and knowledge of the holiness and omnipotence of her Father. In verses 48-55, Mary proclaims why she is worshiping. First, she recounts who God has been to her through the descriptions mindful and compassionate, and what He has done for her, mentioning she is blessed and He has done great things. Then, in verses 5055, she proclaims what God has done and continues to do for His people. In this re-telling, it becomes clear that there are two types of people: those who acknowledge their need for God 26 | Luke 1:46-55
and those who do not. So what should our worship look like? Based on these verses, I think it begins with total surrender and freedom from distraction. Mary worshiped with all that she was. If you’re anything like me, you know that worship is hard. Not because we don’t want to worship God, but because we are too distracted and too focused on ourselves. This leaves us with the incapacity to fully engage. We need to clarify the Object of our worship. Oftentimes, we make it about too many other things or even other people. We also need to approach worship with an understanding of who God is, who we are, and the difference between the two. Additionally, we need to continually acknowledge Him and thank Him for all that He has done for us. This includes a proclamation to the world of His goodness and love towards them and towards all of His people. Finally, we must approach the worship of our Father with the knowledge and acknowledgment that we are completely dependent on Him. Humility is essential to worship (v. 48, 50-52). May you be blessed in your discovery or re-discovery of authentic worship— because He is more than worthy.
DO NOT BE AFRAID Dr. Felicia Squires Professor of Language & Literature
Dec.
23
Luke 2:1-21 The first part of Luke is Christmas pageant material. Who doesn’t love a great Christmas pageant? Young children dress up as grumpy inn keepers, shepherds, wise men, cows, donkeys, sheep, angels, and of course Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus—sometimes a doll, sometimes a bundle of rags, and sometimes, if the timing works out, a real baby.
woman—she’s shown herself to be strong and faithful—but still young. Maybe afraid. Maybe tearful. Resigned, perhaps, to delivering her baby in a stable, with only a manger for the baby’s bed.
I see a recently wed husband trying to protect and care for his pregnant wife in the best way he can. Government forces and edicts, however, are working against him, and at the most critical time of her pregnancy, when he should be making her comfortable and preparing for birth, he has to move her so they can be properly counted.
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.’” (v. 10). The shepherds need this message, but it’s also a message for all. Mary and Joseph need to hear it. Don’t be afraid—a manger is enough. Don’t be afraid—government edicts can’t stop the Savior.
I imagine them camping out under the stars on their way from Nazareth to Bethlehem, Joseph worrying that his wife will give birth in the elements.
We need to hear the message, as well. Don’t be afraid! We have good news! We tell of great joy! “[T]o you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Be awed, but do not be afraid.
To underscore the pastoral element of Jesus’ birth, we have shepherds, watching their flocks nearby. And Perhaps because of our association angels. Not cute, safe little Christmas of Luke 2 with children playing dress pageant angels, waving at grandma and up, we may be tempted to think of the grandpa in the crowd. These angels are narrative of Christ’s birth as a children’s messengers from God. So powerful story: cute, safe, even mildly humorand awe-inspiring that before they can ous. But, that’s not what I see. I see an deliver their message, they have to first adult narrative with adult problems tell the shepherds not to be afraid. The and concerns. shepherds are terrified, and justly so.
I see a young mother-to-be. A brave
Luke 2:1-21 | 27
ROAD OF TRUST Rev. Ted Weis Lecturer in Theology and Ministry
Dec.
24
Matthew 1:18-25 One of baseball’s most memorable players is Hall-of-Famer Yogi Berra. From 1946-1963, he was an all-star catcher with the New York Yankees. Then, for over two decades, he coached the Yankees, Mets, and Astros. Berra unintentionally spoke so uniquely about baseball and life that his witty statements became known as “Yogiisms.” One of them goes like this: “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” If only decision making was that easy! What should we do when our choices appear uncertain?
that Joseph does not—God was the one responsible for making Joseph’s life messy. Mary’s pregnancy was not the result of any man, but through the Holy Spirit. In a dream, an angel reveals to Joseph the full situation. Furthermore, he is earnestly commanded. Don’t be afraid. Take Mary’s hand in marriage. As husband and descendant of David, name the baby Jesus.
But what will Joseph do? Before we find out, Matthew as the narrator pauses the story at 1:21 and speaks to us as readers in 1:22-23. In doing so, he lets Matthew 1:18-25 tells us that near the us in on a secret and—very importanttime of Jesus’ birth, his father, Joseph, ly—indirectly issues us a challenge. In was in a tough spot. The dilemma is citing Isaiah 7:14, Matthew proclaims vividly portrayed in the movie, The Na- most assuredly that God is sovereignly tivity Story. Joseph’s bride-to-be, Mary, working out His grand plan of salvareturns home to Nazareth after three tion. Jesus will be born of a virgin and months and shockingly appears pregwill be known as the “With-Us-God.” nant before the whole village. Joseph So when life becomes uncertain, will not only knew “the birds and the bees,” we trust the Lord? Will we believe that he knew he wasn’t responsible. His God sees ahead of our way? When the joyful anticipation of marriage to Mary story resumes at 1:25, we learn Joseph’s suddenly turned into a gut-wrenching decision. Though he never utters a betrayal. While Jewish law entitled word, his actions say it all. He believes Joseph the right of harsh punishment God. He walks by faith and not by sight for Mary’s infidelity, Joseph set aside (2 Cor. 5:7). revenge and instead chose a quiet divorce. When you come to the fork, take the road of trust. However, as readers of Matthew’s Gospel, there’s a key fact we know 28 | Matthew 1:18-25
THE FULFILLMENT OF ALL THINGS Dr. Roy Millhouse Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies
Dec.
25
Luke 2:22-40 Anticipation is one of the great joys of Christmas. We love the anticipation of wondering if someone caught the hint and got us the gift we were hoping to receive. Children revel in anticipation of what they hope to find under the tree.
“...Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.’”
In the Gospel of Luke, a man named Simeon knew of anticipation. He had been given an incredible promise and then it was left to him to wait. Compelled to go to the temple, suddenly he sees that his anticipation and hope May the hope, peace, love and joy of have turned to reality. Simeon not only the Lord Jesus Christ be with you and sees the child, he has the opportunity yours this blessed day. to hold in his arms the answer to all of his hopes and dreams. The days of darkness were over; light and glory had come. During this season of Advent, we have reflected on hope, peace, love and joy, all looking toward the fulfillment of all things in the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, on Christmas day, we reflect on His birth itself. We reflect on the fact that God became flesh and Simeon can hold Him in his arms. We consider that all of the darkness of this world cannot hold back the light that came that day. We are encouraged by the knowledge that even death would not hold back this child:
Luke 2:22-40 | 29
NOTES & PRAYERS ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ John D.W. Watts, Isaiah 1-33, eds. David A. Hubbard and Glenn W. Barker. Word Biblical Commentary, vol. 4 (Waco, TX: Word Books), 171. 1
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