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Dear Friend in Mission, The time of Advent is full of expectation, anticipation, and joy. As I recently walked the streets of Bethlehem and worshipped with Palestinian Christians, I experienced the joy of hope that was born in a humble manger. As we celebrated the commissioning of missionaries in Tampa; Alexandria; New York; and Kolwezi, DR Congo, I experienced the joy of love that has spread across the lands. As I meet people across the connection, I experience joy in the deep faith of people like you, who are engaging in God’s mission, sharing the love and joy and peace of Emmanuel. Thank you for being part of this mission, offering your prayers for United Methodist missionaries and your financial support to the work of Global Ministries. I invite you to use the Advent devotions in this booklet with your family each week. Just as John leapt for joy in Elizabeth’s womb, may you respond to the presence of God among us with jubilation. As we meditate with expectation, I pray that the Spirit will dance in each of us, moving us to transformation and renewal.
In mission and ministry together,
Thomas Kemper
C HRISTMAS EVE Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. —Isaiah 9:2 (CEB)
any people in the world are celebrating St. Nicholas
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by themselves or with their family, but tonight we
celebrate the birth of that child who is Jesus. What a wonderful thing that God has come and has shone God’s light into our dark world and into the darkness of our lives. Look to Jesus today! Whatever the hopelessness, darkness, or death in your life, Jesus can meet your needs. He fulfills what is lacking. He heals what is broken. He supports what is weak. Look for Jesus; he is the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.” He has come into our world. Jesus is at work in our world and in our lives. Do you see Jesus at work within you and around you? Look at Jesus today! I invite you to admire him, worship him, thank him, and glorify him.
Written by Devorah Umipig-Julian, serving through Global Ministries as a social worker for the Christian Coalition for Refugees and Migrant Workers (CCRMW), Tokyo, Japan.
FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT Scripture: Psalm 25:1-10
Lead me in your truth— teach it to me— because you are the God who saves me. —Psalm 25:5 (CEB)
s we dance into the arena of life we dance around the
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drum, which is the heartbeat of our lives. The drum
brings us strength, humility, and gratitude. It guides us through our journey in life. You, Creator, are the drum! You sustain us from long ago to the present. You show us the right path to follow. You lead us by your truth and give us hope. Creator, you pour out your unfailing love and forgiveness on us, your people. May we continue to dance to the beat of your drum. Help us to instill your teachings in our lives so that we may share it with others.
Written by Donna Pewo, serving through Global Ministries as a Church and Community Worker at the Clinton and El Reno Church and Community Ministry of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference (OIMC).
SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT Scripture: Luke 1:68-79
Bless the Lord God of Israel because he has come to help and has delivered his people. —Luke 1:68 (CEB)
od has looked favorably on all people and redeemed
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them. Because of Christ, we have been shown mercy
and love. May we remember that God promised that we would be rescued from our enemies so we could serve without fear, and Christ was the fulfillment of that promise. Christ is the light to those who live in darkness, a light to guide us toward the way of peace! May we remember the hope that we have in Christ, even in our darkest times.
Written by Wil Wilson, a US-2 missionary serving through Global Ministries as an associate campus minister with United Campus Ministry in Fargo, North Dakota.
THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT Scripture: Isaiah 12:2-6
You will draw water with joy from the springs of salvation. —Isaiah 12:3 (CEB)
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ater is an essential element to ensure the survival
of creation. Water allows plants to grow, beautifies
the landscape, and gives us food. The cells in our body need water to maintain our health. Sadly, however, not all people will have access to potable water today and some may die from the lack of water. How many people still live in the world, thirsty for the only water that can give a new and real meaning to their lives? That water is You, Lord! You are the source of joy that fills our being, renews us, and springs from us to refresh others!
Written by Annie SolĂs-Escalante, a Mission Intern serving through Global Ministries as a junior consultant for the Health and Healing Program of the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland.
FOURTH W EEK OF A DVENT Scripture: Micah 5:2-5a
He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. —Micah 5:4 (CEB)
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ord Jesus Christ, who was revealed and sent by God, Prince of Peace; be born again into our world. Come,
Messiah, to deliver humankind from the reign of sin and bind us into God’s family. Help us to spread your fragrance everywhere we go; wherever there is war in this world, wherever there is pain, wherever there is no hope. Come, Lord Jesus Christ, flood our souls with your spirit and life. Holy child, whom the shepherds and the kings and the beasts adored, be born again!
Written by Jean Claude Masuka Maleka, serving through Global Ministries as the church development and pastoral training leader in the East Africa Annual Conference from a base in Busia, Kenya.