Commitment or Resolution?

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18

As a child I remember New Year’s Eve as a very special family time. My parents would first let us stay up until midnight; it was a true time of celebration. It always felt like it was the beginning of a wondrous time- that continued from the Christmas celebration. I don’t remember all the activities that we did but it was definitely family time! We used the same noise makers for several years. One was a dancing pineapple that spun around in circles and played music (long before all the moving/animated toys of today); a banana riding a tricycle moving toy and my Chinese twirling drum with tiny bells that would hit the drums. My father would make us each a special drink to cheer in the New Year, 7-up with a little cherry flavoring, or coke with a little chocolate. They were served in Mom’s special event glasses and a straw was always included to top it off as an official cheer beverage. 

Now as the New Year’s Eve’s passing much more rapidly than in my childhood, I can’t say I have enjoyed them as much as I did in my childhood. In the last few years I have wondered how to bring the excitement and hope back into the event. I had found over the years that making new year resolutions was not much of an accomplishment because so many years I didn’t complete them. Did I not complete them because I didn’t really find it as important as I had, or was it because I chose the many common ones that others choose each year such as going on a diet, exercise more just to make a resolution?  I decided not to make resolutions for a few years. 

I now find that at the end of each year and beginning of the New Year I don’t make resolutions as I did, but I recommit myself to follow the path the Lord has set before me. I remind myself to be more thankful for the many blessings each day. This may include just the fact that He made a beautiful sky like a painting for me to see. The time I get to spend with family and friends. I opened my life to include new adventures for me such as writing these devotions which is something I had never done before. I was given the opportunity to volunteer in the church and other places to build new friendships. I find I am more committed to follow through not just through the New Year but throughout my lifetime. Each day I find myself with more blessings in recommitting myself to listen for His path or maybe His resolutions.

Prayer: Dear Lord, open my eyes that I may see, open my ears that I may hear, open my senses that I may feel your glory. Open my heart that I may find the many blessings that you have prepared for me that I may miss. Thank you for each second, minute, hour and year that I am blessed to enjoy those around me and the life around me that you have provided. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Lori Hood (reprinted from 2018)

All I Want for Christmas

And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" Luke 2:10-11  

I have heard many times how overwhelming the advent and Christmas seasons are for pastors. I can imagine them saying they could not fit one more thing into their church and family responsibilities as December 25th nears. However, when my family traveled to Iowa to share Christmas with my grandson and his family, I was amazed to learn that his wife, a Methodist pastor, was celebrating Christ's birth on Christmas Eve at two churches, one of which was not of her denomination. With just a week to go before Christmas, she learned that a friend of hers, a Lutheran minister, had suffered a heart attack and could not preach for Christmas. There was no one available for their church so she volunteered to preach and lead communion on Christmas Eve. This service was lovely with carols, familiar scripture, the lighting of the advent wreath, and the hope to the world of a savior. The congregation joyfully shook her hands as they left the service, thankful that they could worship together.

As we headed on to the next service at her church (which started in an hour), I kept thinking about the gift of giving of yourself at Christmas. My grandson's wife truly did this. Her church also sang carols, read familiar scriptures, lit the advent wreath, took joy in hearing the children play tiny bells, and the choir singing beautiful music. It was a lovely service.

In the busy times around Christmas, please remember to thank our pastors for their service to our congregations. Just as the holidays can be overwhelming to us, it can be especially hard on them. Thank God for their service as well.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the blessing of your son to the world. Thank you for your servants in our church, especially our pastors. Help us remember all the joy of a savior born and Christmas and the hope that He brings to our world today. Amen

Nancy Hall

Words from Romans

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. Romans 1:16 

Jesus Christ is Born

The introduction of my “The Message” Bible by Eugene H. Peterson says “The arrival of Jesus signaled the beginning of a new era. God entered history in a personal way and made it unmistakably clear that he is on our side, doing everything possible to save us. It was all presented and worked out in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It was, and is, hard to believe-seemingly too good to be true.”

What a wonderful time this Christmas season is for all of us. My parents believed in celebrating the wonderful gift of Jesus Christ to us from our Lord. As a child with two brothers and a sister, we traveled to one grandparent’s house to celebrate Christmas Eve and then the other one to celebrate Christmas Day. One of homes was ¼ mile from our house while the other was 150 miles from ours. Yesterday, December 14, twenty-five our family celebrated together.

It has continued to be a tradition in my lifetime to see family at Christmas because I believe, as my parents did, that Christmas is when God gave us the best gift humanity has ever received. Our family is so important to me and because Jesus was born, we are saved from our sins. 

After we pass away, Thessalonians 4:14-18 says, since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus. He’ll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they’ll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we’ll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So, reassure one another with these words. 

Sandra Hilsabeck

Christmas Day

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 

Christmas Eve

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:1-20

Joy: Words from Romans

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing. Romans 15:13 

Hope: Words from Psalm 130

I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. Psalm 130:5 

Light: Words from Psalm 36

In thy Light shall we see Light. Psalm 36:9 

Blue Christmas

"Comfort, O Comfort my people, says your Lord.” Isaiah 40:1

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens; and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30 

Our expectations for Advent and Christmas are a joyful and wonderful time of year. But it can be a stressful time for many people. Everything around us is merry and bright but there is an ache in our heart that won’t go away. Whether that ache is from the death of a loved one, the loss of a relationship or there is something else causing pain, we seek a time of reflection, acceptance and healing.

Some churches offer a Blue Christmas service where persons can share in a time of sadness and seeking hope. Heather Hill created a Blue Christmas service that she gives permission for anyone to use. St. Mark’s United Methodist Church and Lincoln Berean Church in Lincoln offered Blue Christmas services this year.

Most Blue Christmas services begin in silence with a time of reflection, followed by scripture, and a liturgy of remembrance with candlelight. It is a time to remember persons who participants have loved and lost. Persons remember their name, their voice, their face, and the memory that binds them to us in this season. Persons can hold them before God, giving thanks for their lives.           

Prayer: Dear God, help us remember that Christmas may not be a time of joy for some persons. Help us to reach out to those with sad and aching hearts during this season. Amen.  

Lois Poppe (reprinted from 2018)

Peace: Words from John 14

Peace I leave with you...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
 

Joy

When they saw the star, they were filled with joy.  Matthew 2:10                        

When Advent- the waiting days before Christmas- is approaching, I think of the little word, joy. It is the joy of Jesus’ birth in the stable and the joy of what Jesus brought to each of us. 

God sent Jesus to be born in the manger to save each of us. We can have joy every day when we remember that God gave us a loving Savior who takes our sins away. We have to make room for that joy in our hearts. Advent is a time to remember and renew in us, the joy of Jesus. 

Joy came to the barn when Jesus was born

Joy came when they saw the star

Joy came to Bethlehem

Joy came to the world

Joy is here for each of us

Prayer: Dear God, during this Advent time, help us find the joy that Jesus brought to each of us. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus so we can have joy. Amen

Susan Taylor, reprinted from our Advent Devotional of 2011

Advent: Words from Isaiah

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14  

Be Still

"Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

When I am overcome with so much to do and so little time left to get it done, I need to regroup, pause, take a deep breath and have some silence to refocus.  How many of us are caught in the treadmill of constant motion during the holiday time that we fail to recall why all this stuff happens?

Advent is a time for such refocus and silent reflection. It is sitting back and just letting the simple scene of a nativity overcome one’s thoughts and spirit. Activity like looking at the animals just grazing from a trough, or watching Mary and Joseph adore their newborn child, or the awe of a shepherd beholding the baby, or even the Magi bringing their gifts to a young Magi of the manger. Take time and look at the star above the crèche.

As one is watching what seems to be lifeless carvings or clay figures, realize how the breathing begins to ease and become slow and rested. Notice how the sheer silence of the moment is absent of distraction.  It is a brief moment indeed, but enough to pause and hear God assure one and all to “be still and know that I am God.”

Prayer:  Gracious God, still my anxious stress with the peace of Your presence and in the simplicity of awe.  Help me see the nativity of Your Son so that tired eyes, weary mind, and fast-beating heart can be quieted for just a moment. Then, I can imagine the calm of Your Word grace me with “Be still and know that I am God.”  In the name of Him for whom we await.  Amen.

John Duling (reprinted from 2016)

Advent Activity - Subtract 1

 

 

 

Subtract one thing from your day today – and use the extra quiet time to pray for better relationships between races in our country, our city, and our neighborhoods.

(reprinted from 2016)

Words for Advent

 

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:10-20

This year, I have a nativity set in my church office that I received as a gift, which fits perfectly in the window near my phone. As I’m answering calls for the Food Pantry, or any phone call, I can see each character in the scene and consider his/her role. This seems to fit well with our word theme this Advent. The Advent study that my group did this season (Pauses for Advent by Trevor Hudson) explores a word a day as well.

Here’s what I mean:

Word for the day: Mary. In our Wednesday morning Advent study, the day that focuses on Mary looks at her willingness to bear God’s son. “Let it be with me according to your Word” (Luke 1:38). The study encourages us to find a quiet moment in our day and present ourselves to God and willingly offer our will as Mary did.

Word for the day: Angel. The study suggests we look for angels in our daily lives, remembering that as we offer hospitality, we may be “entertaining angels unaware” (Hebrews 13:2).

Word for the day: Joseph. The study points out that even though we hear no spoken words from Joseph’s mouth in gospel passage, his actions speak loudly. He follows God’s guidance and steps out in faith.

Word for the day: The Magi. The Magi “encourage us to be serious about our seeking”. “When we strive to seek and to surrender, the miracle of Christmas can happen every day.”

Word for the day: The Shepherds. We’re encouraged to take a closer look at those who are considered “outsiders”. Maybe YOU feel like an outsider. We all have those who may be considered outsiders in our midst. Ask God to help you notice them, and reach out to them.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be more aware this Advent season, and always. Help me remember that I am representing You to the world and help me be obedient to act accordingly. Thank you for sending Your son, Jesus. Amen.

Donna Gustafson (reprinted from 2017. Note: the nativity is in my window again this year!)

Community Christmas

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16

On one of our many trips back to Colorado where Jane’s family lived, we visited the one room schoolhouse where Jane and her brothers attended grade school back in the ‘40s. The door wasn’t locked, so we went inside. Except for the dust, it looked pretty much like the students had just left for summer vacation. The coal/wood stove still sat at the front of the room. On the walls were pictures of Washington and Lincoln along with several maps which could be rolled up like window blinds. Chalk remained in the trough under the blackboard. While we took in the sight, Jane told us how the community celebrated Christmas. “When the community gathered for Christmas, it was standing room only. Each student had a part, with the oldest student reading the Christmas story from the Bible. Following this everyone joined in singing Christmas songs until no more were requested. Then Santa arrived and gave each person a sack of candy. The adults settled into quiet conversation while most of the kids went outside to have a snowball fight in the dark. No one worried about separation of church and state. We were drawn together by our need for community and our shared belief in a God who sent His Son to show us all how to live in “peace”.

Prayer: Remind us of the importance of community and through our common faith, empower us to be the body of Christ here on Earth. Amen.

Noel and Jane DeKalb (reprinted from 2016)

Joy

Sing Praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great is your midst in the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 12:5-6 

I have a friend who does ornamental blacksmithing. Some time ago I asked him to make me an iron advent wreath that I could put the advent candles in. He did and it is wonderful. I have it on my dining room table during advent and the Christmas Season. I light the appropriate candle or candles each evening before supper. A Christ candle sits in the center of the wreath.

The candles represent hope, peace, joy and love. The joy candle is the rose colored one. The other three are purple.

If you haven't had an advent wreath give it a try. It can be as ornate or as simple as you choose. It's the symbolism that counts.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your gifts of hope, peace, joy and love to us through your Son Jesus the Christ. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

Kathy Kuehn (reprinted from 2016)

In the Pause Comes Peace

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and your minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7  (NLT)

Trying to keep my focus on the One who's the “reason for the season” is difficult -He often gets shoved aside by the demands of a daunting to-do list. How can I possibly pause to reflect on the birth of Jesus, when there's SO much to do...and so little time to do it?! Besides, I can just wait until the Advent services, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to do all my reflecting...right? Wrong. This is the very reason the Christmas season has always been so stressful for me. To find the peace I so badly need, reflecting on--and conversing with - Jesus needs to happen daily!

In her devotion, “The Treasure of Thrown-Away Food”, Lysa TerKeurst says we can find “a powerful peace centered in the awareness of God's presence.” She suggests we start by “noticing something for which to be thankful - no matter the circumstance.”  If we remember to keep our eyes open, we can always find something. Also, she says we must “pause to acknowledge this something as a reminder of God's presence”. (Yes, pause!  The to-do list can wait.) In this pause, we then “choose to focus on God's presence until his powerful peace is unleashed.” Notice that the outcome of proclaiming thanksgiving is peace - just as the scripture from Philippians (above) reminds us. 

I believe when we “choose to focus on God's presence”, we willingly give Him our complete attention, patiently keep our eyes and ears open, and trust him with all our hearts. If we are “those whose minds are steadfast” (Isaiah 26:3), it's then that, in the midst of all the chaos and to-do lists, we can find His “perfect peace”.  A powerful peace that “exceeds anything we can understand”. A peace that will “guard our hearts and minds” this Christmas season.

Prayer: Prince of Peace, forgive us for being too busy and distracted to keep our focus on you.  Help us to remember each and every day to pause and approach you with thankful hearts and steadfast minds.  And thank you so much for the “powerful peace you unleash” in our hearts when we do.  Amen.

Sharon Irvin (reprinted from 2016)

Words from Psalm 100

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2 

Words from Psalm 55

Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. Psalm 55:22 

Peace Came

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace. Micah 5:4-5

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Every birth is a miracle, and every child is a gift from God. But nearly 20 centuries ago, there was the miracle of miracles. A baby was born, but he was the Son of God. The Gospels tell of this birth but Dr. Luke provides most of the details surrounding this awesome occasion. With divine Father and human mother, Jesus entered history - God in the flesh. The angel appeared to Mary. And Mary would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear Jesus, the Son of God.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. And angels of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid." I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:8-14 

Peace - and we can have and accept this peace. It can be ours, and it is our choice. What a blessing for us. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the peace you brought to us. Let us accept it and live in your peace. Amen

Marilyn (Jones) Albin (reprinted from 2016)

Words of Praise