Advent 2017
It’s the time of year again when we gather with those we love to usher in the spirit of Christmas. Many of us enter into this season with much anticipation. Others enter the Christmas season facing painful realities. No matter what you are bring into the season with you, we are so glad that you have chosen to join us for advent. It is my prayer that you will be touched by the messages shared in this book. I hope you are able to see Christmas in a new light with each day’s devotions and that you are filled with a new hope, peace, joy, and love this season. -Kamryn Olivier, Editor
A hymn of Hope
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness Oh God my Father There is no shadow of turning with Thee Though changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not As Thou hast been Thou forever will be Great is Thy faithfulness Great is Thy faithfulness Morning by morning new mercies I see All I have needed Thy hand hath provided Great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto thee Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside Great is Thy faithfulness Great is Thy faithfulness Morning by morning new mercies I see All I have needed Thy hand hath provided Great is Thy faithfulness
Sunday, December 3rd
Romans 15:13
As we start this advent season, are you hoping to get good deals on presents for others or hoping that a month from now, your clothes will fit after consuming many Christmas goodies? We know that hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for something specific to happen. While things we hope for can be at a superficial level such as wanting items or hoping not to gain weight, we also have a deeper level of the desire to have something specific happen in our lives and the waiting can be discouraging at times. This Christmas, are you waiting on something big or small to happen? Have you almost lost hope for something you’ve been praying fervently for to happen? Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This Christmas, reflect on how our God of hope sent his Son to give you an overflowing abundance of hope, joy, and peace. Keep on trusting in Him to guide your path this season and every other season of your life. He hasn’t forgotten you and has given you the best gift of all, His Son.
- Casey Woods Class of 2003
Casey is a third grade teacher in Dalton, Georgia.
To me there is no miracle more amazing than the fact that the Son of God - the One who spoke the world into existence, the One who is so big that heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool – humbled Himself to become just a tiny single human cell. And He did so in the womb of a poverty stricken, unmarried teenage girl. Can you imagine being pregnant with God? Pregnancy is both amazing and scary enough in itself, but how many times was this multiplied for Mary? But Mary did not let the fear of her present reality overtake her. She could not help but burst forth in her beautiful and triumphant song for the Hope that lay within her. Her Magnificat was the song that all of Israel had been longing to sing for centuries. Mary was not exempt from the pains and discomfort that comes with bearing a child. Yet she was sustained through it all because of the potential of her unborn Baby - the hope that He would bring to all. As we hope for the glorious Second Coming of Christ, we live in the present reality of a painful and uncomfortable world. “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” (Romans 8:22 NIV) Let us not despair at the state of the world around us, for this world is pregnant with the hope of Christ and His soon return.
- Jami Benning Class of 2014 Master of Arts in Christian Studies Jami is a homeschool Mom and Spiritual Advisor for a women’s drug rehabilitation facility.
Monday, December 4th
Tuesday, December 5th
The dictionary tells us that hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen; it is a feeling of trust. According to Helen Keller, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” If we have no hope, we will have no dreams. If we have no dreams, we will become stalemate. We need to allow our hopes, not our failures, move us to make our dreams a reality. Hope can make those failures, we may encounter daily, less difficult to bear. As Rick Warren once said, “What gives us the most hope everyday is God’s grace; knowing that His grace is going to give me the strength for whatever I face, knowing that nothing is a surprise to God.” We should surround ourselves with happy, positive and encouraging people. We need to learn to be open to constructive criticism in order to keep learning and growing. Finally, we need to work hard to fulfill our dreams and not give up hope. “The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.” Psalms 147:11
- Suzanna Harris Class of 1970
“…The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings…” - Malachi 4:2 At some point in our lives, we have or will experience a period where God is silent. It may feel like night has fallen on our souls. Our prayers seem to fall short and we question whether our faith is in vain. We plead with God to move, believing that He will. Yet, nothing happens. We feel lost. Throughout the Old Testament, God spoke to His people through the prophets such as Samuel, Elijah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. Then we come to Malachi, the last of the line of prophets. God used the prophet, whose name means “My Messenger”, to deliver His words to Israel. Then silence. For nearly 400 years. Silence. No prophets. No messages sent from God. Silence. Waiting. Then, like the sudden rising of the sun in the morning, dispelling the darkness of night and lighting the way, God Himself took on flesh and bone. He had not forgotten. He had been preparing the way for something far greater than the prophets. Jesus. Emmanuel. God with us. Four hundred years later, He came to fulfill His promise. When we find ourselves in the dark silence, let this be the anchor of our hope. That God is still working and that He will not remain silent. At just the right time, He will come crashing into our lives once more, bringing healing and revealing even more of His glory unto us. The birth of Jesus is the proof. - Tanner Yankey Class of 2014 Tanner currently resides in the scruffy little city of Knoxville, Tennessee, where he works as a professional counselor, assisting individuals in overcoming the power of drug and alcohol addiction.
Wednesday, December 6th
Thursday, December 7th “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened which the Lord has made known to us” Luke 2:15 As the shepherds watched their flocks in the cold fields on the outskirts of Bethlehem the night of Christ’s birth, hope was probably not the first thing on their mind. These men would not have expected to be some of the first to whom the LORD would reveal His Son. Even as they received the message with the great display of the heavenly hosts, some doubts had to enter their minds as to whether they would be the first to see God’s glory. They may have even doubted His glory could be revealed in the birth of a child from a common family in the lowly town of Bethlehem. Miraculously though, faith is the assurance of things hoped for (Heb 11:1) and allowed the shepherds to respond obediently to the call to come and see. This year, as we prepare our hearts for the beautiful restoration of hope we celebrate at Christmas, let us respond in a way that would bring glory to God in the highest. Through this reliance on the promises of the LORD the shepherds were able to see the Messiah and share the message of hope through their rejoicing and praising as they left His birth. In a time when there are so many things, which tempt us to doubt, let us place our hope in the LORD’s promises so that we may experience His joy and glory.
- Jacob Ratliff
Class of 2015
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13 Hope is defined as, “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.” As I think of the Christmas season approaching the word, “hope” rings in my ears. As children we had hope, an expectation and desire, for a certain gift we had longed for all year. As we grew we began to understand the depth of hope and how it breathes life into even the hardest, darkest places. As I envision that very first Christmas when Christ was born, I can see hope awaken the lives of Mary and Joseph, of the shepherds, of the townspeople that were hearing the heralding good news that the Messiah had come. Their lives would never be the same. And from the moment he took his first breath to the moment he breathed his last, Christ’s message and ministry was one of hope. For the man born blind Jesus said through healing, “there’s hope.” For Jairus’ daughter Jesus said through new life, “there’s hope.” For the women caught in adultery Jesus said through grace, “there’s hope.” For the disciples as they watched their friend and teacher be led away to be crucified Jesus said through provision and sacrifice, “there’s hope.” No matter the circumstances, trials, joys, and hardships you may face in this holiday season, Jesus says to you with unmeasurable love, “there’s hope.” For he himself is our hope. As you prepare to usher in the Christmas season, take a moment to expect and desire for the Lord of hosts to fill your heart with all joy and peace so that you may overflow with hope.
- Magan Elizabeth
Class of 2006
Friday, December 8th
Saturday, December 9th Hope, The Sustainer of our Faith Luke 1:26-38 “Hail Mary, full of Grace.” Wow, what a greeting from a messenger of God to a lowly woman. This greeting, which would announce the coming of the Savior of the world, was a greeting of hope. Mary was the first to receive the hope that who she carried in her womb was the Lamb of God, who will take away the sins of the world. In this passage, though, we see something even deeper than a message to Mary. In this passage, we see a message of hope to us, the people of God. The messenger, though it may not be an angel, is something even greater, the witness of the Precious Holy Spirit, who has spoken through the very Word of God. Each of us have this promise that the Savior of the world has infused into us, a saving Grace that will lead us to Heaven. This Grace, which is the hope of all people to see the beatific vision of God, is given freely and lovingly by the Father, thanks to the Son, in the Holy Spirit. This Grace calls us to live a life of hope. This hope is a beautiful thing, and it calls and impels us to share it with the world. We share this hope through love and compassion. Let us remember, this Advent season, the importance of sharing the hope that has been given to us, as it is a saving hope. Amen and Amen. - Jessie W. Mosley Class of 2014 Jessie is been pursuing a Master’s in Theology at Franciscan University and plans to further the degree to a teaching degree in Catechetics and Evangelization and eventually earn a Ph.D. in theology.
Week of Hope Recipe
Cherry 7-Up Pound Cake- Dr. Jolly Sharp Class of 1974 2 sticks butter 5 eggs ½ c. shortening 3 c. sugar 1 tsp. almond flavoring 1 tsp. vanilla flavoring 3 c. all-purpose flour ž c. cherry 7-up
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. If oven runs slow, you can preheat to 325. Grease and flour 6 small loaf pans. Using mixer, cream butter, shortening and sugar. Add eggs one at a time while continuing to run mixer. Add extracts. Alternate flour and 7-up. Using spoon, complete mixture. Pour into prepared pans. Bake for 50-60 minutes until toothpick comes out dry. If desired, add a powdered sugar glaze (but it is not really needed). This pound cake tastes better if allowed to mellow for at least a day.
A hymn of Peace Wonderful Peace Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm In celestial-like strains it unceasingly falls O’er my soul like an infinite calm Peace peace wonderful peace Coming down from the Father above Sweep over my spirit forever I pray In fathomless billows of love What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace Buried deep in the heart of my soul So secure that no power can mine it away While the years of eternity roll Peace peace wonderful peace Coming down from the Father above Sweep over my spirit forever I pray In fathomless billows of love
Sunday, December 10th Colossians 1:20 Some of my fondest memories of the Christmas Season have been from my time at Cumberland. As a member of the Chorale, I can remember filming for a Christmas television special as we sang carols in front of President Taylor’s home. Everyone was light-hearted and serenity filled the air. Through the years, I have noticed that serenity or peace still plays an important role in the Christmas Season. Have you noticed that most people are more pleasant to each other this time of year? What is the source of this seasonal peace? Why do even the “Scroogiest” of personalities seem to contract such a peace? Simply stated, it’s the effect of “The Prince of Peace.” Colossians 1:20 says, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” Christ reconciled all things unto Himself when He shed His blood on the cross. We celebrate His coming the first time to earth each year as we sing songs about silence and peace in a little town of Bethlehem. I wonder how peaceful this season would be if we failed to take note of what created that peace? “The blood of his cross”. Peace has been defined as absence of conflict. Some people don’t have peace this time of year. Some are in the middle of a tremendous conflict within their own heart. Yet it is the blood of Christ each one needs to bring true peace. Every conflict, every trial, and every struggle we face in life finds resolution when we come to the cross of Christ. Maybe this Christmas season God would use you to help someone find the true peace they need in a relationship with Christ. He is still the best gift anyone can receive. May you have a blessed and peaceful Christmas! - Paul Cornelius Class of 1995 Paul Cornelius is the Executive Director for The Discovery Center, a Biblical museum of science and history in Abilene, Texas. Paul is husband to Dana
and they have seven children. Four of whom are grown.
John 14:27 Advent is a beautiful time. It is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of the Messiah. For those of us within the Anglican tradition, we celebrate the Advent season by lighting a candle on an Advent wreath on the four Sundays preceding Christmas. The candles represent Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, and we spend the week reflecting the coming of each through Jesus. I would invite you to read John 14:27, perhaps even light a candle in a dim setting (candles are symbolic of the light of Christ that shines in the darkness), and read the following meditation. May the God of hope, love, and joy fill you with His peace. I have come to bring you peace. Not the peace of the season, for it is too fleeting, Not the peace of the carol, for it is too nostalgic, Not the peace of the greeting card, for it is too slick, Peace of the ordinary, the daily, the homely, Peace for the worker, the driver, the student, Peace in the office, the kitchen, the farm. The peace of accepting yourself as I fashioned you, The peace of knowing yourself as I know you, The peace of loving yourself as I love you, The peace of being yourself as I am who I am. The peace that warms you at the completion of a task, The peace that invades you at the close of the day, The peace that sustains you at the beginning of the day, The peace that reinforces you when you are reconciled with one another, Without peace, my coming is unfulfilled. Without peace, my birth is forgettable Without peace, Christmas is a contradiction.
-Marcelo Negro Class of 2000 Marcelo and his wife Maria live in Biggleswade, England, about 30 miles north of London. They have two children. Marcelo is an ordained Church of England priest who works in lay ministry with families and children.
Monday, December 11th
Tuesday, December 12th
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 When I walked into my house in a Hazmat suit and mask, I couldn’t believe the destruction. There was mold on the couches, the dryer was tipped over and the stench made my head hurt. My house flooded in Hurricane Harvey and sat in water for 12 days. With one storm, the home where my husband and I spent our first year of marriage became a war zone. I wanted to cry. But then I looked up on the living room wall and saw the words, “It is well with my soul” on artwork. The lyrics of the old hymn were God’s reminder that a home wasn’t my security—He was. As I continued to tour the house, I sang the words on repeat. Peace flooded my heart in the midst of personal disaster. Jesus was holding my hand in the chaos, calming my anxiety and covering me in His love. This is the same message God gave us the first Christmas. When Jesus was laid in the manger, God sent His peace into a chaotic and messy world. To people torn and ravaged by their own sin, He sent a Savior to flood the earth with His peace, hope, joy and love. Like God sent me peace in the flood, He sends us peace through His Son. May you find His peace today — whatever your circumstances. Oh come let us adore Him, Jesus, the Prince of Peace! - Catherine Mack Martinez Class of 2006 Catherine currently lives in Houston, Texas with her husband Julian. She’s a full-time writer with Cross International, a Christian relief and development organization; and her new
hobby is home renovation.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” - Luke 2:14 The events surrounding the birth of Jesus are recorded most extensively in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Matthew tells the story of the angel of the Lord appearing to Joseph and declaring the holy circumstances of Mary’s conception of the baby, thereby bringing peace to Joseph’s broken heart when he thought that Mary had been unfaithful to him. Matthew also speaks of the Magi who had sought for the One who was to be born “King of the Jews.” They experienced peace and joy in their discovery of the baby Jesus, while Herod and all of Jerusalem had no peace or joy. Luke tells the story of the angel Gabriel who brought God’s peace to a childless couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth. They would have a son who would prepare the hearts of people for the coming of the Christ, the Messiah. Luke tells how Gabriel brought God’s peace to Mary, a young girl overwhelmed with the prospect of miraculously conceiving the Son of the Most High. Luke even includes the multitude of the heavenly host declaring the peace of God to rough and dirty shepherds. How interesting that the peace that Jesus brings to the world began with certain people. The peace of God comes into the world when people claim the Christ Child for their own. -Dr. Bob Burnett Class of 1987
Bob lives in Gahanna, Ohio with his wife, Susan (Hume) (class of 1986). Bob has pastored churches in Louisiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. He currently works as Bereavement Care Coordinator for Kindred Hospice of Columbus and serves as pastor to the First Baptist Church of Carroll, Ohio.
Wednesday, December 13th
Thursday, December 14th Luke 1:26-38 (NLT) The Birth of Jesus Foretold My favorite place on planet earth is The Big Level in Poplar Gap, Kentucky. It’s where I grew up as a child. The Big Level is exactly what the name implies. It is a big level field on top of Poplar Gap Mountain. In the dead of winter, around February or so, on any clear, bitterly cold night, and without the intrusion of city lights, it seems as though one can see every star in the galaxy. Also, because The Big Level is located miles from the nearest major roadway, the night is quiet…peaceful. For me those moments of peace and clarity are spiritual experiences. I realize how big God is and that He loves me. As I look around today I see people searching for peace but it eludes them. Peace is washed out by the neon lights of our pressing schedules or drowned out by the noise of our anxieties. Many are desperately in need of their own, personal Big Level experience. God knows. God cares. God has done something about it. He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth so every person who trusts in Him can have peace. “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” - Luke 2:13-14 NKJV
- Charlie Higgins Class of 1987
Charlie and his wife Kim (Hosack ’91) currently live in Sanford, FL where he serves as Senior Pastor at Westview Baptist Church. They have four sons, one daughter-in-law, one future daughter-in-law, and one grandson!
“You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You.” - Isaiah 26:3 HCSB In today’s world, there is so much chaos. We can see natural disasters such as hurricanes that can wipe out an entire island or see fires that almost took out Gatlinburg, Tennessee last year. We see manmade disasters from the Las Vegas shootings to nasty motor vehicle accidents and I could go on and on. So as we live daily life we can be tossed about like a boat in a stormy sea (James 1:6). But we are called by our Heavenly Father to keep our eyes on Jesus Christ, our author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). For if we keep our mind set on Jesus we can do mighty things based on a firm foundation, even when the foundation does not make sense to the human eye. Just ask the Apostle Peter about that one. As a chaplain, I see a lot of craziness and anyone can get lost without focusing on Jesus because it’s natural to do so. But for the sake of our sanity and the sanity of those around us, we need to have our minds set and be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. All for the Glory that is His during this Christmas season and throughout the new year and years to come.
- Stephen “Chipper/ Chip” Hall Class of 1994 Chip is a night stocker for Lowe’s and a chaplain/ first responer for Knoxville Voluteer Emergency Rescue Squad. With his wife, he also runs Lularoe Hall Closet on Facebook.
Friday, December 15th
Saturday, December 16th Isaiah 9:6-7 I love Christmas! I love everything about it - buying presents, the decorations, the weather, the traditions, the Christmas parties, and the music. But what I love most is being able to see and spend time with my family. Christmas time is the one time I get to spend significant quality time with my family. All my aunts, uncles, and cousins get together at my Aunt Marlene’s house a few days before Christmas to have breakfast for dinner and spend time together. There are stories, laughs, pictures, and love. Even at age 25, there are traditions for Christmas morning. My sister, who is 28, still wakes me up way too early to open presents. Then we help our mom with dinner and my Nana comes to our house to eat with us. After dinner we help wash up the dishes, and suddenly, it’s over. All the traditions and festivities are over. I find myself exhausted when it’s all over. I’m sure that as you were reading my traditions you got a little tired yourself. For a holiday that has numerous Christmas carols about peace, it seems to be a time when no peace is had until the holiday is over. Before and during the Christmas season we’re on the go constantly. We all need to try to find the peace so often sung about in Christmas carols. We need to take time to step back and remember the true reason for the season. Isaiah 9:6-7 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 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.” While all of our traditions will always be dear to us, the Prince of Peace is the reason for the season. So take some time this holiday season to sit, be still, and be in peace with the Prince of Peace.
- Sara Donahue Class of 2014 & 2017 I am the administrative assistant for the History & Political Science Dept. at UC. I go to church at The Creek Church in London, KY. I am a
small group leader for a group of high school sophomore girls.
Week of Peace Recipe Microwave Toffee - Erica Harris Class of 1984 2 cups finely chopped almonds 1/2 cup margarine 1 cup sugar 1 tsp salt 1/4 cup water 1 cup semi sweet morsels Make a 10 inch thin circle of the nuts (use 1 1/2 cups of the nuts on a greased cookie sheet. Grease it with margarine Use a 2 1/2 quart glass bowl. Melt margarine first. Then pour the sugar and then the salt and then the water and in that order and do not stir. Microwave for 10 minutes or until light brown. You will have to play with this depending on microwave wattage. If you use different size bowl, that makes a difference in cooking time, too. Try using a bowl with a handle like a Pyrex measuring glass bowl. Bowl will be very hot. Immediately pour over the nuts. It will start hardening fast, so act quickly. Sprinkle morsels over it and let sit for a couple of minutes and then spread chocolate over whole circle. Cover with remaining 1/2 cup nuts and pat them down and then refrigerate until hard. Then break up in pieces. Store in refrigerater. If it turns out too soft (chewy) then next time microwave a little longer. If it turns out too crunchy then next time microwave a little shorter time. It is trial and error. Once you get it just right then make sure to write it down and always use the same bowl.
A hymn of Joy
Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
Joyful joyful we adore you God of glory Lord of love Hearts unfold like flow’rs before You Op’ning to the sun above Melt the clouds of sin and sadness Drive the dark of doubt away Giver of immortal gladness Fill us with the light of day All Your works with joy surround You Earth and heav’n reflect Your rays Stars and angels sing around You Center of unbroken praise Field and forest, vale and mountain Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea Chanting bird and flowing fountain Praising You eternally
Sunday, December 17th Luke 2:10 It’s the time of year when we hear the words “Merry Christmas” over and over. But what does that phrase really mean? For many, it means gifts under a tree, lights in the windows, cards arriving in the mail, turkey dinners with family and friends, football games, snow in the yard, and stockings hanging in the living room. For others, Christmas is a time of sadness. No money to buy presents, memories of those who are not with us, and for some a sense of failure. These thoughts often result from our understanding of what true happiness really is. For many, happiness is the absence of problems. It is having what I want in life. In other words, happiness depends on my circumstances. But the Bible turns those thoughts on their ear. When you read the Bible you find a small word that describes what we really want. It describes a happiness that never depends on circumstances or possessions. That little word is JOY. What is this JOY and how can I have it? According to the Bible it is the presence of Jesus. Luke 2:10 “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” When I learn this lesson, Christmas is merry, life is enjoyable, there is hope for the future and no fear in living. So, our prayer is “JOY to the world, the Lord is come!”
- Dr. Jerry Huffman Class of 1978 Jerry is currently the Senior Pastor of the dynamic and historic Tates Creek Baptist Church in Richmond, Kentucky. His messag es can be heard nightly in southeastern Kentucky, eastern Ten nessee and western Virginia as well as in Richmond, Kentucky. He can also be heard on local TV and internet.
Frederick Buechner says that “Joy is a mystery because it can happen anywhere, anytime, even under the most unpromising circumstances, even in the midst of suffering, with tears in its eyes....” If you’re like me, there are seasons in life when it’s hard to be joyful. Honestly, I haven’t been joyful in a while. This world is full of war, strife, political upheaval, violence, death, sadness. Friends betray us. Family members die. The world beats you up. What is there to be joyful about? And that’s just the thing about joy, isn’t it? It comes when we don’t expect it. It comes when we’re bogged down with this terrible world in which we live…when we’re not looking for it. The Jews had been waiting for joy for some time. The whole Old Testament is more or less a story of a people waiting for joy - waiting for their liberator so they could experience the joy of freedom. And just when it was probably time for them to give up after the centuries kept passing, joy finally came. Joy and happiness - those are two different things. Joy transcends your circumstances. Your world can be crumbling around you, and you can be full of joy. This advent and Christmas season, no matter what is going on, take hold of the joy of the coming Christ. Dear God, with joy and praise we acknowledge the signs that your kingdom has come in Jesus Christ. We rejoice in the forgiveness of sin. We rejoice that you have made us new creatures in Christ. With joy we commit ourselves to the proclamation of the good news of great joy. In the Savior’s name we pray. Amen.
- Chuck Powell Class of 2004 Chuck is Director of Youth and Worship at First Farragut United
Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Monday, December 18th
Tuesday, December 19th “But the angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people.’” – Luke 2:10 The first occurrence of the word “joy” (Hebrew simchah) in the Bible is in Genesis 31:27. You probably remember the story of Jacob, who after being with his father-in-law, Laban, for years of what we would consider indentured servitude, fled by night with all of his family and flocks. Laban soon catches up to Jacob and challenges him by saying that if Jacob had given him a chance to say goodbye he would have done so with joy. Oddly, the first reference to joy is probably a lie. Laban had not offered to let Jacob go before. Laban had even tricked him into staying. Why would he let Jacob leave with joy at this time? I find it interesting that modern society uses “joy” the same way as Laban did. Have you noticed how many people seem to blame others for their lack of joy? If only you had done it my way then I would have joy. If my parents had only... If my college professors would have... If only my husband/wife would ... Sadly, we quickly reason away our lack of joy based on the actions of others. While the actions of others should not take our joy, the great biblical truth is that the action of One other can grant us true and lasting joy. There is no need to trick others, there is no need to guilt others. True joy is a product of knowing Jesus Christ. This is the purpose of the Incarnation. Do you know the Joy of Christmas?
-Steve Davidson Class of 1988 Steve serves as pastor of First Baptist Church in
Sellersburg, Indiana.
As we approach the holiday season, I want you to stop and think about the things that bring you joy. Is it the warm embrace of a family member that you have not seen for a long time? Is it the sweet taste of grandmas’ cookies? Or is it the warmth of the fire and remembering back on the olden days? There are lots of special things this time of year that bring us joy. Each one is wonderful in its own way, but the joy they bring is only temporary. After the season is gone, it seems that it takes that precious joy with it. Romans reminds us that if we trust in God he will fill us with joy. God’s joy is not something that fades away, but instead it last forever. On the night Jesus was born an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds and gave them news that caused them to have great joy. It may have occurred more than 2,000 years ago, but that does not mean that it was just a story meant to entertain. That first Christmas night was an example of Jesus meeting us in our everyday lives and bringing us true joy. During this season, I pray that you find and experience God’s true joy just like the shepherds when they heard the great news of Christ birth. -Nate Clouse
Class of 2011
Wednesday, December 20th
Thursday, December 21st
Too Busy “But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her’.” - Luke 10:41-42 ESV One recent morning I sat around a table staring into the faces of other tired, weary homeschooling mothers. We were having a quarterly meeting for leaders in our community and we all had the same problem. We were missing joy in our lives. As we shared our prayer requests, the petitions were not only becoming repetitive, but almost funny. How could it be that seven women who have no major complaints in life, happy husbands, and smart children (I mean, they are homeschoolers) were having trouble being joyful? After some discussion, and likely divine revelation, the real problem became evident. We were too busy. We put so much time into our homes, our children’s educations, checking off all of the boxes on the to-do list of being a good Christian mother that we had neglected to just be Christians. We might not all be busy homeschool moms, but we all have that tendency to make ourselves busy with what we perceive as good or necessary, especially at Christmas. But when we become consumed with busyness, we take our focus off of what is truly good and necessary, Christ. When we look at our long to-do lists this week, may we, like Mary, choose to sit joyfully at Jesus’s feet.
-Lorri Pilcher Class of 1999 Lorri is a mother of seven who ironically has to work at not being busy. She home educates five of her children while he three-year-old destroys her home and her oldest is away in college.
Joy in Life Psalm 126:3, Romans 15:13 “There ain’t nothing gonna steal my joy” is one of my favorite lines from the song “Old Church Choir” by Zach Williams. It’s also become my mantra in daily life. I have realized that joy is a choice - an attitude and a lens to see the world through. I had an epiphany at a conference. My elementary school is becoming a Leader in Me school and as part of that training, the staff goes through The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The first habit deals with being proactive. This is the idea that “I am in charge of me.” There are things that I cannot control, like what other people do or say, but I can control me and my attitude and response to those things. This got me thinking about joy. If little things that happen to me can steal my joy, can’t little things also bring me joy? It’s like a renewable resource, joy can breed joy, spreading when you give it away. When you allow little things to bring you joy, you become less dependent on huge things giving you joy. My ultimate joy comes from the gift of salvation and shouldn’t that permeate everything I say and do? Psalm 126:3 says “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” So, even on a day when everything goes wrong and nothing goes as planned, can I still find joy? The first day of school this year was difficult - new schools for the kids, a new job for me. It started out rough with missing buses, getting stuck in traffic, being late to work, and wearing shoes that gave me blisters. But, do you know what happened? It was a great day. My kids came home excited with smiles on their faces. I was able to laugh with coworkers. Each of the little things that could have ruined my day only helped me look to God and allow Him to show me the joy in my day. Sometimes, in trying to fit in all of the family events and buy the perfect present, we forget why we celebrate this Advent season and where our joy comes from. So I pray for you Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
- Terri Hall Class of 2005 Terri is a proud wife and mother of seven. She serves as a school counselor in the Boone county school district.
Friday, December 22nd
Saturday, December 24th Nehemiah 8:10 Recently as I sat with my dad who is coping with Parkinson’s Disease, he asked for a hymnal. This was unusual, because my dad has never been known as a singer. I sat near him on the couch, while he sat in his wheelchair and looked through the hymnal. When he found a song that he knew, he would sing a couple of verses and then continue his search. He went through the entire hymnal that evening. I don’t know how many songs he sang before he handed it back to me. As I later thought of that evening, I was reminded of the scripture in Nehemiah that says, “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). My dad that evening drew from a source of strength that he has drawn from many times in his lifetime of eighty-two years. It is the same source of strength that Mary had when she sang the Magnificat after Gabriel’s unexpected visit in Nazareth. Advent is a time of singing and joy. The Lord of creation was born into this hurting world to bring redemption. Just as the angels sang for joy at creation, they also sang when the Redeemer was born. Our Savior’s mission began with the angel chorus and will conclude with His redeemed singing around the throne. May each of us receive strength for the journey from those timeless carols as we celebrate once again the birth of our Savior.
- Jim Siler Class of 1994 Jim and his family live in Barbourville, Kentucky, where Jim is currently interim pastor of Roadside Baptist Church.
Week of Joy Recipe Peanut Butter Cookies- Mirissa Fugate Class of 2012 1/2 cup shortening 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 2 tablespoons milk 1 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt
Heat oven to 375 Cream shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar Stir flour, baking soda, and salt Add eggs, milk, and vanilla to creamed mixture. Beat well. Add dry mixture. Beat well. Shape into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes or until golden brown. My father’s family adds an exchange to our Christmas gathering. We have a plate exchange! The recipient of the plate chooses a homemade food to make that they know someone specific will enjoy the next year and attaches a note, “Fill with food made with thought and care to complete our family mission to love and share.” The first year I received this plate it was piled high with my aunt’s peanut butter blossom cookies. This is the perfect peanut butter cookie recipe for any occasion: these never bake dry or crumbly. You can mix this recipe up by adding candy such as Reese’s peices (fold in the batter) or my aunt’s favorite- an unwrapped Hershey’s kiss (press into center of cookie as they are removed from the oven), or lots of other delicious things!
A hymn of Love In Christ Alone In Christ alone my hope is found He is my light, my strength, my song This cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm What heights of love, what depths of peace, When fears are stilled, when strivings cease My comforter, my all in all Here in the love of Christ I stand In Christ alone, Who took on flesh, Fullness of God in helpless babe This gift of love and righteousness Scorned by the ones He came to save Till on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied For ev’ry sin on Him was laid Here in the death of Christ I live There in the ground His body lay Light of the world by darkness slain Then bursting forth in glorious day Up from the grave He rose again And as He stands in victory Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me For I am His and He is mine Bought with the precious blood of Christ No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the pow’r of Christ in me From life’s first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand Till He returns or calls me home Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand
Sunday, December 24th Healing Love “Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins.” -1 Peter 4:8 The arrows were still piercing my flesh, though brittle and broken. The now-familiar feel of blood ran down my back. It had been many painful months since her onslaught, but I wanted my close friends to see the jagged holes and I wanted to remind myself, every time I saw her, that I had a reason to feel injured, angry. And so the vicious cycle continued – I removed the arrows to expose the gaping wounds and then jammed them back in place to keep the pain fresh. What I didn’t count on was the infection – bitterness had set in. My self-defeating steps at dealing with the injury hadn’t stopped the pain or brought healing. No, healing began when I allowed the cleansing properties of love to wash over the wound, the love that I had from knowing Jesus Christ and remembering all He has done for me, despite the jagged holes I had put in His hands, feet and sides. Honestly, it hurt worse than the initial wound had at first. Choosing to love her helped to cleanse the infection and the healing salve of forgiveness could finally be applied. My cup was full of His grace and now it was time to let some of that pour out on my archer. Look at the packages under your tree with its twinkling lights. Next year, no one will remember what was in those boxes, but the gift of love and grace can change someone’s life. Maybe yours!
- Michelle Parker Class of 1995 Michelle is a homeschool mom of three boys and wife of UC alumnus, Rev. Kevin Parker.
Genesis 22:1-2, 11-17 The first mention of “love” in the scripture comes from the familiar story of Isaac on the altar. Isn’t it interesting that the first time the word “love” is used it’s a foreshadowing of God’s great love and sacrifice for all mankind through Christ? Sacrifice is at the very core of love. We just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary on December 19th. Daryl asked me to marry him under the Gazebo in 1987 on Cumberlands’ campus. We were high school sweethearts. We had no idea the amount of love and sacrifice we would experience in 30 years. Early in marriage we sacrificed for each other, usually in small ways. Then came children and our love multiplied and we sacrificed for their sake. As our parent’s aged we sacrificed for them. When our oldest son entered college we sacrificed again. As parents, it was hard to let our only son leave us, because we realized just how much we loved him. Loving our son Justin meant that we had to love him even more to give him the freedom to find his future. So often we think of sacrifice as a negative, but in reality it is a positive. Each time we love deeply and sacrifice a part of our self, we are decreasing and God in us is increasing! Essentially we become better human beings. Our deepest love doesn’t compare to God’s love for us! He gave His only Son to die on a cross for you and me. How humbling to think of such GREAT LOVE in a little baby, born in a lowly manger to express how much God loved us! It is our prayer that you accept God’s GREAT GIFT this Christmas Day by simply asking Christ to come in and make you a new creation, wiping away all the wrong you have ever done, and then learning to love. May God bless your celebration of the ultimate gift of love, His Sacrificed Son, Jesus.
- Daryl & Cindy Cornett Daryl – Class of 1989, Cindy – Class of 1992 Daryl serves as pastor of First Baptist Church in Hazard, Kentucky and as an Air Force Reserve Chaplain. Cindy is CEO of the parsonage (Mom and Homemaker!) and volunteers with the Appalachian Pregnancy Care Center in Pikeville, Kentucky.
Monday, December 25th
Week of Love Recipe
The Best Fudge Ever- Debbie Harp Class of 1979 3 cups sugar 3/4 cup butter or margarine 1 small can (5 oz.) evaporated milk (about 2/3 cup) (Do not use sweetened condensed milk.) 12 oz of Semi-Sweet Chocolate chips or Peanut Butter Chips (I usually just use a big scope of Peanut Butter instead) 1 jar (7 oz.) Marshmallow Creme 1 cup chopped Walnuts (if you want them in the chocolate fudge 1 tsp. vanilla Butter the inside and sides of a 9X13 cake pan to simply grease the pan. Bring sugar, butter and evaporated milk to full rolling boil in 3-qt. (heavy duty) saucepan on medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook 5min. for chocolate and 7 for peanut butter or until candy thermometer reaches 234°F, stirring constantly. Turn heat off or remove from heat and Add chocolate and marshmallow creme; stir until melted. Add nuts and vanilla; mix well. Pour into prepared pan; spread to cover bottom of pan. Cool completely.
Thank yous
I’m so glad that you could join us for this advent season. I pray that you have been touched by the messages hope, peace, joy, and love shared in this book. Our hope is that you are able to begin the new year with a spirit of fulfillment and renewed perspective. We want to extend many thanks to the great number of people who contributed to this publication. To the writers, our University of the Cumberlands alumni, thank you so much for the time you spent preparing your devotion. Thank you for your words of perspective and encouragement this season. To Kaitlyn Yates, thank you for the time you spent helping to develop this year’s publication. We appreciate your continued support of this project. To Jeremiah Massengale, thank you for offering our team your facilities and technology to be able to create this year’s publication. To our recipe contributors, thank you for sharing your best sweet recipes for this Christmas season. To Dr. Bob Dunston, our Missions and Ministry Department Chair, thank you for your help gathering contributors and submissions. Thank you for your continued support for this publication and it’s readers. Thank you for all of your investment in our department. We appreciate all that you do! To Dr. Larry Cockrum, our University President, thank you for giving us the opportunity to share this publication with our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members. Thank you for all that you do for our university family. We appreciate your leadership and passion for our school. Thank you to our readers for sharing this advent season with us. We pray that you, your family, and even those around you are touched by the Spirit of God this season. Be blessed with the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love offered through Jesus Christ our Savior.
-Kamryn Olivier Editor
Department
of
Missions & Ministry
University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, Kentucky
2017