Thursday, December 24, 2015 Luke 1:46b – 55
Sophie Maness
Mary was a young woman (scripture does not tell us her age) from rural Palestine, Nazareth. She lived in a world in which the ruling government maintained control by force. For women that sometimes meant rape. It was a violent world.
Here comes the angel of the Lord asking her to bear the word of God, Christ. She asks how, and the angel answers. Mary consents to the will of God. Consent is important in this context. She said yes to God, knowing full well what she would face as a young unmarried woman with child, risky business.
Her response to God’s call is the song we hear in Luke. It is the longest speech/ song of any woman in the New Testament. She was called to bear the Christ child not because of how she looked, or her virginity. She was called because of her grace. Her grace is a rallying cry for the poor.
Her song is often compared to Hannah’s, but the two women have very different circumstances. Hannah’s song is one of Thanksgiving. She has been barren for a long time. Her child is a fulfillment of a long held desire. Mary on the other hand is a young woman not ready to be a parent. Her song is one of vision. If God can see the grace in a lowly, young woman in a small village and call her to bear Christ, God can do amazing things! This is a song that calls all of us to unfinished business. It is not the kind of work we will finish, but it is the kind of work that will bring the kingdom in God’s time.
It is the work of lifting up the hungry, the voiceless, and the left behind. Mary’s song interrupted the hold violence had on her world, and it does the same today. Sing on Mary! Let us disrupt violence with love. It is the call of God.
Prayer: Holy God, help us look for places and people who need a bit of your love today. Guide us to be the body of Emmanuel here and now. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
A Song of True Motherhood
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Melinda Coles
Melinda Coles
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the
lowliness of his servant. Surely, from
now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great
things for me, and holy is His name.”
Our Advent days are circling down to these last two days,
closer and closer to the birth, closer to Mary.
This passage in Luke is Mary’s song of praise to God, the Magnificat. In humility and faith she bears the
Christ. I have been intrigued by a poem
written by the 14th century mystic Julian of Norwich, “A Song of
True Motherhood.”*
God chose to be our mother in all
things
and so made the foundation of his work,
most humbly and most pure, in the Virgin’s
womb.
God, the perfect wisdom of all
arrayed himself in this humble place.
Christ came in our poor flesh
to share a mother’s care.
Our mothers bear us for pain and
for death;
our
true mother, Jesus, bears us for joy and endless life.
Christ carried us within him in
love and travail,
until
the full time of his passion.
And when all was complete and he
had carried us so for joy,
still all this could not satisfy the
power of his wonderful love.
All that we owe is redeemed in
truly loving God,
for the love of Christ works in us;
Christ is the one whom we love.
Prayer: O God our LORD, make us rejoice this day at the coming of our
Savior. May we bear in humility and
faith the blessings of Your love. Amen.
*Canticle R, A Song of True Motherhood, Julian of Norwich, Enriching Our Worship 1, p.40.
Remembering the Struggle
Monday, December 21, 2015
George, Camille, Jack, and Clay Crawford
Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord; praise the name of the Lord . . . He lifts the needy from the ash heap . . . He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 113: 1, 7-9)
Issac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. The children struggled within her; and she said, “If it is to be this way, why do I live?” (Genesis 25: 21-23)
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation . . . He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1: 15, 17)
Well, there are a lot of child birth references in those passages. Of course, during the Christmas season, the focus is on child birth, since the “reason for the season” is the birth of Jesus. How did Mary survive child birth without an epidural or without taking natural child birth classes? Rebekah in Genesis refers to the tough go she had with Jacob and Esau “struggling” in her womb. It is hard to imagine going through the physical and mental struggles that both Mary and Rebekah endured.
Of course, the miracle of birth is celebrated throughout the above passages. What we learn from the above is not only the miracle of Jesus’ birth, but also what it means to all of us. God gave us Jesus, his only Son, to “hold [us] together”. God blesses us with the gift of his Son so that we can see all that God does for us as God’s children. With this gift that God gave us, we are grateful and we celebrate this Christmas week by going to church on Christmas Eve, by listening to the birth story, and by singing traditional hymns as loud as we can (really loud). But, as we go through this week, we are reminded that we are servants of the Lord and should give of ourselves to others, especially those in need who are stuck in the “ash heap.” So as we begin the celebration, let’s remember to help others who need a hand in getting out of the ashes.
Prayer: Almighty God, as we begin the celebration of the birth of your son, Jesus Christ, help us to remember all of the other gifts that you have given us, keeping us ever mindful of the unmet needs that exist in this world every day. In your name, Amen.
George, Camille, Jack, and Clay Crawford
Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord; praise the name of the Lord . . . He lifts the needy from the ash heap . . . He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 113: 1, 7-9)
Issac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. The children struggled within her; and she said, “If it is to be this way, why do I live?” (Genesis 25: 21-23)
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation . . . He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1: 15, 17)
Well, there are a lot of child birth references in those passages. Of course, during the Christmas season, the focus is on child birth, since the “reason for the season” is the birth of Jesus. How did Mary survive child birth without an epidural or without taking natural child birth classes? Rebekah in Genesis refers to the tough go she had with Jacob and Esau “struggling” in her womb. It is hard to imagine going through the physical and mental struggles that both Mary and Rebekah endured.
Of course, the miracle of birth is celebrated throughout the above passages. What we learn from the above is not only the miracle of Jesus’ birth, but also what it means to all of us. God gave us Jesus, his only Son, to “hold [us] together”. God blesses us with the gift of his Son so that we can see all that God does for us as God’s children. With this gift that God gave us, we are grateful and we celebrate this Christmas week by going to church on Christmas Eve, by listening to the birth story, and by singing traditional hymns as loud as we can (really loud). But, as we go through this week, we are reminded that we are servants of the Lord and should give of ourselves to others, especially those in need who are stuck in the “ash heap.” So as we begin the celebration, let’s remember to help others who need a hand in getting out of the ashes.
Prayer: Almighty God, as we begin the celebration of the birth of your son, Jesus Christ, help us to remember all of the other gifts that you have given us, keeping us ever mindful of the unmet needs that exist in this world every day. In your name, Amen.
Turning Tables
Saturday, December 19, 2015 Luke 13:31-35
Elizabeth Hollingsworth
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Luke 13: 34-35)
In this passage, Jesus reflects on the prophets who have come before him who were torn down in the city of Jerusalem. What a paradox – that the holy city, the city of the temple, perpetually rejects the people who bring the word of God.
In this advent season, I wonder in what ways I, and the church, are like Jerusalem. It is so easy, so natural, to cling tight to what we know, what is familiar. It is startling when our worldviews are shaken, and what we know is questioned. I don’t like to be challenged. I like to do things my way, in the way I that I know how. I like plans, completing tasks, checking names off my Christmas shopping list, sleeping no less that 7.5 hours a night, and starting every morning off with a strong cup of coffee, topped with a splash of my 1% organic milk and zero-calorie stevia sweetener, thank you very much.
The familiar becomes what is “right,” what is “holy.”
But God doesn’t work like that. God sends Godself into the world in mysterious and unexpected ways. God comes to us in the form of a poor, Middle-Eastern, refugee child, who grew up and surrounded himself with the outcasts of society, healing the afflicted and oppressed. God interrupts our plans, turning the tables of the world as we know it on their heads.
Prayer: Holy God, Help us to remain open to your presence in our lives and in the world. Help us to realize that our values our often misplaced, which causes us to shun your prophets. Help us to listen for your voice, and in this Advent season, find the courage to say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Elizabeth Hollingsworth
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Luke 13: 34-35)
In this passage, Jesus reflects on the prophets who have come before him who were torn down in the city of Jerusalem. What a paradox – that the holy city, the city of the temple, perpetually rejects the people who bring the word of God.
In this advent season, I wonder in what ways I, and the church, are like Jerusalem. It is so easy, so natural, to cling tight to what we know, what is familiar. It is startling when our worldviews are shaken, and what we know is questioned. I don’t like to be challenged. I like to do things my way, in the way I that I know how. I like plans, completing tasks, checking names off my Christmas shopping list, sleeping no less that 7.5 hours a night, and starting every morning off with a strong cup of coffee, topped with a splash of my 1% organic milk and zero-calorie stevia sweetener, thank you very much.
The familiar becomes what is “right,” what is “holy.”
But God doesn’t work like that. God sends Godself into the world in mysterious and unexpected ways. God comes to us in the form of a poor, Middle-Eastern, refugee child, who grew up and surrounded himself with the outcasts of society, healing the afflicted and oppressed. God interrupts our plans, turning the tables of the world as we know it on their heads.
Prayer: Holy God, Help us to remain open to your presence in our lives and in the world. Help us to realize that our values our often misplaced, which causes us to shun your prophets. Help us to listen for your voice, and in this Advent season, find the courage to say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Don't Just Sit There
Friday, December 18, 2015 Isaiah 42:10-18
Whitney Booth
A few weeks ago, I gathered with my small group of seven high school junior and senior girls on the blue denim couches in the youth room to read this passage and listen for God as we hope for something new in this season of Advent. In light of the ongoing episodes of inexplicable violence happening around the world and in our own country, we felt that the prophet Isaiah’s words were deeply applicable to the desperate situations of God’s people today. As Isaiah praises God for the glories of the earth and calls us to praise God alongside the majesty of nature, there is also a call to action in this prophet’s message. The people will no longer remain silent in our fear of the darkness, but will work to help usher in the light that God promises, as the prophet declares.
The counter-cultural message of Advent that we’ve grown used to is that, instead of losing ourselves in the hustle and bustle of the secular season or rushing to celebrate the manger scene, we’re called to be still, to hope, to wait. We hear that Isaiah is pushing us a step further, not only to wait but to do so actively. God calls us to join in with the work that is needed, to bring about the radical love that we wait for Christ to bring as God bends down to be with us. But we know this work will not be easy -- we will go through the pain to bring about something new and, like the labor pains that the prophet describes, it will be strenuous to turn the darkness into light. God does the world-changing that seems impossible to us right now, but we called to be active participants in our waiting and hoping. In trying to find God this season, amid the heartbreaking headlines that seem unending, let us remember that we have hard work to do as we wait.
Prayer: God, be with us as we wait. Help us to push through the pain to bring about something that is already on the way, to be active in our waiting, to bring the Kingdom near as we walk in hope toward the place where you will come and meet us in our mess. Amen.
(This devotion grew from the flourishing ideas and challenging responses of these seven wonderful young women in our congregation: Anna Avinger, Carrie Haynes, Claire Trabue, Marie DeWitt, Cammie Douglass, Anna Grace Cole, and Emily Jenkins).
Whitney Booth
A few weeks ago, I gathered with my small group of seven high school junior and senior girls on the blue denim couches in the youth room to read this passage and listen for God as we hope for something new in this season of Advent. In light of the ongoing episodes of inexplicable violence happening around the world and in our own country, we felt that the prophet Isaiah’s words were deeply applicable to the desperate situations of God’s people today. As Isaiah praises God for the glories of the earth and calls us to praise God alongside the majesty of nature, there is also a call to action in this prophet’s message. The people will no longer remain silent in our fear of the darkness, but will work to help usher in the light that God promises, as the prophet declares.
The counter-cultural message of Advent that we’ve grown used to is that, instead of losing ourselves in the hustle and bustle of the secular season or rushing to celebrate the manger scene, we’re called to be still, to hope, to wait. We hear that Isaiah is pushing us a step further, not only to wait but to do so actively. God calls us to join in with the work that is needed, to bring about the radical love that we wait for Christ to bring as God bends down to be with us. But we know this work will not be easy -- we will go through the pain to bring about something new and, like the labor pains that the prophet describes, it will be strenuous to turn the darkness into light. God does the world-changing that seems impossible to us right now, but we called to be active participants in our waiting and hoping. In trying to find God this season, amid the heartbreaking headlines that seem unending, let us remember that we have hard work to do as we wait.
Prayer: God, be with us as we wait. Help us to push through the pain to bring about something that is already on the way, to be active in our waiting, to bring the Kingdom near as we walk in hope toward the place where you will come and meet us in our mess. Amen.
(This devotion grew from the flourishing ideas and challenging responses of these seven wonderful young women in our congregation: Anna Avinger, Carrie Haynes, Claire Trabue, Marie DeWitt, Cammie Douglass, Anna Grace Cole, and Emily Jenkins).
Going through the Motions
Thursday, December 17th, 2015 Jeremiah 31 and Hebrews 10
Sara Frederick
As a church, we all take communion on the first Sunday of every month. We listen to the ministers inviting us to the table and are reminded of the symbolism of the bread and wine. Sometimes I feel like I’m just going through the motions and think to myself, “Is it time for communion again? That month flew by!” Then, something might happen the week before and I feel bad for the way I’ve reacted. Examples of some of these instances might be not talking to an irritable co-worker, getting upset with a friend’s decision, or getting irritated with another driver on my way to church. Situations like this make me that realize if I fail; God will understand and forgive me. I am then thankful it is communion Sunday. I can ask God again, even though I already did at the beginning of the service, to forgive me from acts or sins. In Jeremiah 31 and Hebrews 10, the Lord says “I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds. Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” What a comforting statement, as I do not want to be reminded of my sinful acts. It’s a gift that I can start on a clean slate for the week and try to be a better person.
Prayer: Lord, please help me to not just go through the motions. Help me to remember your laws and keep them to memory. Amen.
Daily Challenge: Try not to go through the motions each and every day. Be mindful of what the Lord has and will done for you.
Sara Frederick
As a church, we all take communion on the first Sunday of every month. We listen to the ministers inviting us to the table and are reminded of the symbolism of the bread and wine. Sometimes I feel like I’m just going through the motions and think to myself, “Is it time for communion again? That month flew by!” Then, something might happen the week before and I feel bad for the way I’ve reacted. Examples of some of these instances might be not talking to an irritable co-worker, getting upset with a friend’s decision, or getting irritated with another driver on my way to church. Situations like this make me that realize if I fail; God will understand and forgive me. I am then thankful it is communion Sunday. I can ask God again, even though I already did at the beginning of the service, to forgive me from acts or sins. In Jeremiah 31 and Hebrews 10, the Lord says “I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds. Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” What a comforting statement, as I do not want to be reminded of my sinful acts. It’s a gift that I can start on a clean slate for the week and try to be a better person.
Prayer: Lord, please help me to not just go through the motions. Help me to remember your laws and keep them to memory. Amen.
Daily Challenge: Try not to go through the motions each and every day. Be mindful of what the Lord has and will done for you.
Breathe...Push...
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Scott Baker
Micah 4:8-13
Now why do you cry aloud? Is there no king in you? Has your counselor perished, that pangs have seized you like a woman in labor?
Scott Baker
Micah 4:8-13
Now why do you cry aloud? Is there no king in you? Has your counselor perished, that pangs have seized you like a woman in labor?
In a prophecy about the exile facing Jerusalem, the word of God comes to the people comparing them to a woman in labor. Now, during Advent, labor metaphors are not uncommon. We typically encounter them in the narratives about Elizabeth and Mary, though I’m not sure we dwell on them as anything other than moments along the way. My wife, Beki, is pregnant now with twins, so this is a metaphor with some currency for me right now.
Labor, as spoken in Micah, is not a fleeting moment, but a state of being. Of waiting, and enduring the pain. And it’s richer than merely illustrating pain. See, when you’re in labor you’re at the end of a plan that began long ago. When you’re in labor, you’re in the middle of a time-stopping reality that shuts out everything else. When you’re in labor, you’re at the beginning of the life to come. It’s a part of something much larger. Not one of us got here but through the pain and enduring of someone else’s labor, someone else’s plan.
And so it is in Advent. The pain of the moment is a part of the deliverance begun long ago. It is our reality, but it is not our eternal reality. And it makes a way. On the other side…
“There you shall be rescued, there the LORD will redeem you from the hands of your enemies.”
Prayer: Sovereign God, though we know that our place in your story has a past and a future, we experience only the now. And now many of us are groaning in the pains of labor as we await delivery and deliverance. Bring your peace to our pain and help us to live in the in-breaking kingdom of your reign even as we await its fullness. Amen.
Lift High the Cross
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Ben Griffith
Acts 28:25-31
So they disagreed with each other; and as they were leaving, Paul made one further statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah, ‘Go to this people and say, You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn – and I would heal them.’ Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” He lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Ben Griffith
Acts 28:25-31
So they disagreed with each other; and as they were leaving, Paul made one further statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah, ‘Go to this people and say, You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn – and I would heal them.’ Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” He lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
It is a very stressful time in my life right now. College deadlines are inching closer every day, midterm finals week is here, and I still have to get Christmas presents for my entire family. In this very busy holiday season, it is easy to forget that we need to take time to spend with God. I know recently that at times my ears have been “hard of hearing” and my eyes have been shut. However, this past Sunday, I was fortunate to be front and center in an amazing performance by the choir. I took the time to absorb what words we sang and it left me in a state of awe of how spectacular our God is. “Wait For the Lord” really hit home for me, as I stood at the front of the congregation, holding the cross high. I looked out across the congregation, as everyone joined in the refrain, I thought, “This is surely one of the most beautiful signs of God’s amazing power that I have witnessed in my life.” I left the service feeling rejuvenated and stress-free, ready to conquer the looming tasks that lie ahead in my life.
Take a moment to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find time to connect with God. Open your eyes, listen, and put your heart into it, and God shall heal.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help everyone through hardship and struggle that need your assistance, and watch over all of your people during this advent season. In your name we pray, Amen.
Expectations
Monday, December 14, 2015
Emily Cornish
Isaiah 11: 3-5
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears, but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
Advent is my favorite season; full of hope, and happiness and expectation. We are giddy with anticipation waiting for the birth of Jesus, and the holiday shopping and food doesn’t hurt either. As I sit here in my cozy apartment admiring the lights on my Christmas tree and wonderfully scented candles a-glow, I think about this anticipation and other expectations begin to creep into my mind. Am I living up to my own expectations or the expectations others have of me? Am I always treating others with the respect they deserve and who is the judge of this?
Emily Cornish
Isaiah 11: 3-5
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears, but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
Advent is my favorite season; full of hope, and happiness and expectation. We are giddy with anticipation waiting for the birth of Jesus, and the holiday shopping and food doesn’t hurt either. As I sit here in my cozy apartment admiring the lights on my Christmas tree and wonderfully scented candles a-glow, I think about this anticipation and other expectations begin to creep into my mind. Am I living up to my own expectations or the expectations others have of me? Am I always treating others with the respect they deserve and who is the judge of this?
The answer is seemingly simple. God is the judge of this, for God values righteousness and justice. By turning towards others and offering them the help they need we are inspiring a world of peace, love and tranquility. As you go about your days, finishing your Christmas shopping or enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in front of your Christmas tree, strive to find ways in which you can inspire righteousness and justice within your community. Join me in a prayer for the world and the fair treatment of the poor of the earth. For those who are poor in love, respect, money, justice or simply in need of a helping hand or kind word this Advent season. Set the self-expectation to treat all others equally, with the love and respect they deserve, for it is not up to us to be the judge of others but to make the most of the time that is given to us.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, come soon. Come to us and exceed our expectations, let us know that you alone are the judge of not only us, but of all those who we are so often too quick to judge ourselves. Let us open our hearts and minds this holiday season and treat all others with the respect they deserve. Amen.
Rejoice
Sunday, December 13, 2015 Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9)
Obviously, Paul has not had an opportunity to sit in holiday traffic. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.”
Paul has never been put on hold by Comcast customer service. Paul has never had to deal with your Facebook “friend” who continues to post things that suggest we, “Be mean to each other always, again, I say be mean.” “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” Come on Paul. Get real.
The problem with Paul is that he is real. He writes from a prison cell, and there’s nothing about a prison cell that says “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice”. But, for Paul the prison is not all bars and chains. He is not alone. He is with Christ. He is with the Church. In fact, he can’t decide betwixt the two. Whether to go on and be with Christ or to stay and be with the church. I don’t know what makes him think he gets to choose, but either way he finds his joy. ALWAYS.
He sees himself as part of the grand sweeping narrative that was “in the beginning of time and will go on when we’ve been there 10,000 years, bright and shining as the sun.” So, as unusual as it is to think of anyone rejoicing in the Lord always, it isn’t that unusual for anyone who knows Paul. Paul, who thinks often of the Church.
Paul thinks of the people who do whatever is “true, honorable, just pure, pleasing, commendable and praiseworthy.” Paul finds that in the worst of times, there are gentle people who do the Lord’s work. These “things” give him joy and peace. These “things” give God joy and peace. These “things” is what we’re all about. Rejoice!
Prayer: Holy God, In times when life is less than holy, help us to think about “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise.” Help turn our thoughts into actions and may we experience your peace. Amen.
Donovan Drake
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9)
Obviously, Paul has not had an opportunity to sit in holiday traffic. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.”
Paul has never been put on hold by Comcast customer service. Paul has never had to deal with your Facebook “friend” who continues to post things that suggest we, “Be mean to each other always, again, I say be mean.” “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” Come on Paul. Get real.
The problem with Paul is that he is real. He writes from a prison cell, and there’s nothing about a prison cell that says “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice”. But, for Paul the prison is not all bars and chains. He is not alone. He is with Christ. He is with the Church. In fact, he can’t decide betwixt the two. Whether to go on and be with Christ or to stay and be with the church. I don’t know what makes him think he gets to choose, but either way he finds his joy. ALWAYS.
He sees himself as part of the grand sweeping narrative that was “in the beginning of time and will go on when we’ve been there 10,000 years, bright and shining as the sun.” So, as unusual as it is to think of anyone rejoicing in the Lord always, it isn’t that unusual for anyone who knows Paul. Paul, who thinks often of the Church.
Paul thinks of the people who do whatever is “true, honorable, just pure, pleasing, commendable and praiseworthy.” Paul finds that in the worst of times, there are gentle people who do the Lord’s work. These “things” give him joy and peace. These “things” give God joy and peace. These “things” is what we’re all about. Rejoice!
Prayer: Holy God, In times when life is less than holy, help us to think about “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise.” Help turn our thoughts into actions and may we experience your peace. Amen.
God With Us
Saturday, December 12, 2015 Isaiah 12:2-6
Claire Coenen
Claire Coenen
Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid,
for the Lord God is my strength and my might;
he has become my salvation.
-Isaiah 12:2
I will trust, and will not be afraid,
for the Lord God is my strength and my might;
he has become my salvation.
-Isaiah 12:2
I read the words “I will trust, and will not be afraid,” and
I want to ask Isaiah: how? Have you
looked around? Have you scanned the New York Times? Have your turned on CNN?
I wrestle with anxiety and fear daily. I fret about
midterms, and I am terrified of gun violence. As I navigate the challenges of
life as a first year divinity school student in a world that is broken and
bloody, I struggle to trust God.
The wisdom of my mentor Sophie has helped me as I’ve tried
to understand the darkness in the world. Sophie has reminded me on many
occasions that God does not promise that we will not suffer. God promises to be
with us during times of suffering. I
find solace, and even in strength, in this belief.
When I read the words “God is my salvation,” I want to tell
Isaiah: yes! This is a statement I
too can own. I do not know how I would get out of bed in the morning if I did
not believe in God. God saves me daily because I know God is with me.
During this Advent season, I’m trying to tune into the
profundity of the incarnation. Jesus’ entrance into this world insists on the
truth that God is with us. Trusting
in the good news of the incarnation makes me less afraid.
O Come, O Come
Friday, December 11, 2015 Isaiah 12:2-6
Janet Salyer
Janet Salyer
Can you imagine observing Advent without music? I used to hear people grumble and complain about not getting to sing Christmas carols in church during the weeks leading up to Christmas. I haven’t heard those complaints as much in recent years. Perhaps it’s because we Protestants have reached a deeper level of appreciation for Advent as a season of waiting and watching, of hopeful anticipation, of journeying to Bethlehem through days of deep darkness. As we sing the lovely, haunting songs of the season, we prepare our hearts and souls for a joyful dawning of Light and the newness that the Light brings, each and every year. Only at the end of the Advent journey when we arrive at the manger, are we truly ready to sing with the heavenly host, “Joy to the World.”
Isaiah 12: 6 ends the first section of Isaiah’s prophecy. The prophet is writing in the eighth century B.C.E. to the people of Judah (the Southern Kingdom) who lived in the uneasy era in which Israel, the Northern Kingdom, has been annexed to the Assyrian empire. This first portion of Isaiah concludes with two songs. The first song, verses one through three of chapter 12, is a song of deliverance. Despite the uncertainty of their situation, the prophet sings out the assurance that God is the strength, the might, and the salvation of the people of Judah. The prophet’s words ring with certainty: out of the dark and murky context of their lives, God has delivered and will continue to deliver God’s people.
Isaiah’s words in verses four through six comprise a joy-filled song of praise and thanksgiving. The song declares that God is in the midst of those living in uncertain times, and that their future is secure: “Sing praises to the Lord, for the Lord has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst [in the temple — in Jerusalem] is the Holy One of Israel.”
During these Advent days of 2015, the prophet’s ancient words are music to our ears. We, too, live in dark and shadowy times, when terrible and terrifying alliances are being formed and innocent people are living in exile. Others are held captive by powers beyond their control — addictions, illnesses, poverty, fear, and oppression. Though Isaiah was writing for a particular people living in a particular context, his words ring true across the centuries.
The promise of Advent is that we wait in hope and certainty because God came in the flesh as Emmanuel, God-With-Us. Jesus as Christ is our deliverer, our comforter, our hope for peace and joy and life. He is the Light no darkness can overcome. Let us then sing the songs of Advent with hope in our hearts, knowing that we are journeying to a bright and joy-filled Christmas: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”
Isaiah 12: 6 ends the first section of Isaiah’s prophecy. The prophet is writing in the eighth century B.C.E. to the people of Judah (the Southern Kingdom) who lived in the uneasy era in which Israel, the Northern Kingdom, has been annexed to the Assyrian empire. This first portion of Isaiah concludes with two songs. The first song, verses one through three of chapter 12, is a song of deliverance. Despite the uncertainty of their situation, the prophet sings out the assurance that God is the strength, the might, and the salvation of the people of Judah. The prophet’s words ring with certainty: out of the dark and murky context of their lives, God has delivered and will continue to deliver God’s people.
Isaiah’s words in verses four through six comprise a joy-filled song of praise and thanksgiving. The song declares that God is in the midst of those living in uncertain times, and that their future is secure: “Sing praises to the Lord, for the Lord has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst [in the temple — in Jerusalem] is the Holy One of Israel.”
During these Advent days of 2015, the prophet’s ancient words are music to our ears. We, too, live in dark and shadowy times, when terrible and terrifying alliances are being formed and innocent people are living in exile. Others are held captive by powers beyond their control — addictions, illnesses, poverty, fear, and oppression. Though Isaiah was writing for a particular people living in a particular context, his words ring true across the centuries.
The promise of Advent is that we wait in hope and certainty because God came in the flesh as Emmanuel, God-With-Us. Jesus as Christ is our deliverer, our comforter, our hope for peace and joy and life. He is the Light no darkness can overcome. Let us then sing the songs of Advent with hope in our hearts, knowing that we are journeying to a bright and joy-filled Christmas: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”
Outrageous Generosity
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Claire Harris Kramer
2 Corinthians 8:15
As it is written,
“The one who had much did not have too much,
and the one who had little did not have too little.”
In this passage, Paul praises the Macedonians, a poverty-stricken community, for their outpouring of support for the church at Jerusalem. Paul is also putting the pressure on the Corinthians to see the Macedonians as an example and to contribute to caring for the Jerusalem church. Referencing a passage from Exodus, Paul reminds the Corinthians, “The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little.”
On my first reading of this passage, I thought about social justice, about making sure everyone has enough, and about sharing out of our abundance. These things are all good and appropriate, work in which we should all be participating. However, during this busy season, I wonder if it might not be more apropos to think about how we might give generously, not just of our financial resources, but also of ourselves and our time. I wonder how we might be really present for each other. I wonder how we might carve out generous space for God as we await the birth of Christ. I wonder how we might allow ourselves to be inconvenienced so that others’ lives are made more convenient.
A friend recently shared with me that when her family was going through a difficult time years ago, a person in her life encouraged her to do something kind for someone else every day. Call a friend. Give up the parking space. Make eye contact. Be open to the conversation. Through these small but outrageously generous acts even and especially in the midst of all that we have going on, we just might be changed and change the world.
Daily Challenge: Give the gift of presence. Reach out to someone who has experienced a recent loss or might be going through a difficult time. Spend some time with a friend or family member who may be feeling isolated. Think about how we might be the Church for all those people who are experiencing emotional, mental, and physical needs during this Advent season and into the New Year.
Prayer: God, thank you for all the good gifts that you have given us. Please help us to care for one during this season that can be so full of joy and also so full of sadness. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear each other and you. Give us hearts ready to share generously ALL that we have with others in need. Give us the courage to receive the love and support we need from ourselves, from others, and from you. Amen.
The Trap
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Virginia Reynolds
Psalm 126: 1-3
Virginia Reynolds
Psalm 126: 1-3
When the Lord changed Zion’s circumstances for the better,
it was like we had been dreaming.
Our mouths were suddenly filled with laughter;
our tongues were filled with joyful shouts.
It was even said, at that time, among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them!”
Yes, the Lord has done great things for us,
and we are overjoyed.
We all fall into the trap.
Why is it easier to think about all the bad happening around us rather than the good? The fact is, there is a lot of bad happening around us. We see the headlines and watch the news, and then we rehash what we read and heard with co-workers, friends and family, even share it on social media.
While we can’t ignore the bad, we shouldn’t always focus on it. Like so many others, this is where I struggle. I’m constantly questioning why was she let go from her job, or why is that person asking for money outside the grocery store. I also struggle with why so many innocent people are killed, either by disease or tragically by the hands of someone else.
God not only changed Zion’s circumstances for the better, He changed all of ours. At times it may not seem like it -- and I haven’t even mentioned that my football team finished 4-8 -- but He did. He does.
The better trap to fall into? Thinking about the great things God has done for us, and how we can personally acknowledge the joy that those things bring. Even better, how we can share that joy with others.
Receiving a clean bill of health from the doctor. Spending a Sunday afternoon laughing with a sibling you rarely see. Coming together with others on a Saturday morning to build a wheelchair ramp for someone in need. David Price signing with the Red Sox. (OK, that may not be a God thing to you, but it is to me!) And most importantly, the birth and resurrection of God’s only son.
Daily Challenge: Share with others something positive that has recently happened in your life, or share or retweet a good news story on social media.
Prayer: God, thank you for the moments of laughter and joy, and for all the great things you do for us.
it was like we had been dreaming.
Our mouths were suddenly filled with laughter;
our tongues were filled with joyful shouts.
It was even said, at that time, among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them!”
Yes, the Lord has done great things for us,
and we are overjoyed.
We all fall into the trap.
Why is it easier to think about all the bad happening around us rather than the good? The fact is, there is a lot of bad happening around us. We see the headlines and watch the news, and then we rehash what we read and heard with co-workers, friends and family, even share it on social media.
While we can’t ignore the bad, we shouldn’t always focus on it. Like so many others, this is where I struggle. I’m constantly questioning why was she let go from her job, or why is that person asking for money outside the grocery store. I also struggle with why so many innocent people are killed, either by disease or tragically by the hands of someone else.
God not only changed Zion’s circumstances for the better, He changed all of ours. At times it may not seem like it -- and I haven’t even mentioned that my football team finished 4-8 -- but He did. He does.
The better trap to fall into? Thinking about the great things God has done for us, and how we can personally acknowledge the joy that those things bring. Even better, how we can share that joy with others.
Receiving a clean bill of health from the doctor. Spending a Sunday afternoon laughing with a sibling you rarely see. Coming together with others on a Saturday morning to build a wheelchair ramp for someone in need. David Price signing with the Red Sox. (OK, that may not be a God thing to you, but it is to me!) And most importantly, the birth and resurrection of God’s only son.
Daily Challenge: Share with others something positive that has recently happened in your life, or share or retweet a good news story on social media.
Prayer: God, thank you for the moments of laughter and joy, and for all the great things you do for us.
You Will Never Be Lost
Tuesday, December 8, 2015 2 Peter 1:2-15
Suzie Lane
Suzie Lane
The Bible is filled with call stories, Mary, Moses, Jonah, Samuel, the list goes on and on of God calling people to Kingdom building. Call stories are similar in 4 ways: God extends the call, there is resistance (“I’m too old,” “I’m too young,” “I don’t speak well enough”), God offers reassurance, and, finally, there is a response. It’s a perfect package; God has a task to be done and knows who should do it, there is understandable hesitancy, God sends assurance, and the person responds. The story of call in 2 Peter doesn’t disappoint.
According to the Common English Bible, our call is to a godly life to “share the divine nature and escape from the world’s immorality that sinful craving produces.” And, because our response is likely one of resistance, God directs us to “make every effort to add moral excellence to your faith; and to moral excellence, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, endurance; and to endurance, godliness; and to godliness, affection for others; and to affection for others, love.”
Our response? In a world that often doesn’t care about Kingdom building, we are instructed to “be eager to confirm your call and election. Do this and you will never ever be lost. In this way you will receive a rich welcome into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.” With God’s help, may it be so.
Prayer: “Stretch forth your hand; our health restore, and make us rise to fall no more.
O let your face upon us shine and fill the world with love divine.” Amen.
Daily Challenge: Today, look for God’s presence in the smallest of places, in strangers, on the road, in your home.
According to the Common English Bible, our call is to a godly life to “share the divine nature and escape from the world’s immorality that sinful craving produces.” And, because our response is likely one of resistance, God directs us to “make every effort to add moral excellence to your faith; and to moral excellence, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, endurance; and to endurance, godliness; and to godliness, affection for others; and to affection for others, love.”
Our response? In a world that often doesn’t care about Kingdom building, we are instructed to “be eager to confirm your call and election. Do this and you will never ever be lost. In this way you will receive a rich welcome into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.” With God’s help, may it be so.
Prayer: “Stretch forth your hand; our health restore, and make us rise to fall no more.
O let your face upon us shine and fill the world with love divine.” Amen.
Daily Challenge: Today, look for God’s presence in the smallest of places, in strangers, on the road, in your home.
Joy to the World
Monday, December 7, 2015
T.J. Piccolo
Psalm 126:4-6
And now, God, do it again—
bring rains to our drought-stricken lives
So those who planted their crops in despair
will shout hurrahs at the harvest,
So those who went off with heavy hearts
will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.
I spent much of my Young Adult Volunteer year of service at Room In The Inn (RITI), where I volunteered four days a week. Countless participants with different backgrounds have come to RITI for different needs because of different reasons, but the root cause remains the same. The number one cause of homelessness is because of strained or severed relationships. During the advent season, I think back to RITI during the time of holidays.
There were plenty of challenging moments. I worked the mail room in the afternoons. I witnessed participants burst into tears from mixed emotions when they would receive letters, cards, and presents (or lack there of) from loved ones who, for whatever reason, they did not get to spend time with during the holidays. I saw participants make numerous phone calls and leave multiple voicemails that would never be returned. They would stare at their phone screens many times a day, waiting, sometimes jumping if their phones rang, only to be disappointed when it wasn’t who they wanted it to be. I saw people with addictions trying hard not to use again to escape the isolation they felt. I saw participants frustrated with receiving help, fed up with the notion that they were of lower status, feeling as if they were merely the homeless who people thought to serve during Christmastime. Of course the moments I describe to you were seen throughout the year, but during advent, they were intensified, bigger, more repetitive.
Still, the holiday season at a facility that provides services to the homeless population isn’t always as desolate as the moments mentioned above. Even the grouchiest of participants would soften and sing along when the Christmas carol playlist would deck the halls through the speakers. There are plenty of groovy dance moves, tacky sweaters worn, hot cocoas chugged, candy canes devoured, and jokes with holiday motifs that were probably found on Laffy Taffy wrappers. There are people experiencing homelessness who access a positive attitude and choose to find community and celebration in and with each other. Participants at RITI can be so generous with their time and resources, especially during this time of year, and succeed in finding ways to give back to the Nashville community through churches, organizations, and events. I witnessed participants give thanks to God several times a week, thanking God for Jesus’s birth. Heads and hearts were in the right place, and the joy participants spread could be absolutely contagious.
Daily Challenge: Find a moment where joy is contagious, or better yet, be the person spreading the contagious joy.
Prayer: Lord God, help us to find and spread joy in life even when times are beyond difficult. Please strengthen our neighbors experiencing homelessness when they feel exhausted, help them to feel your comfort, and let them know that they are loved. Amen.
T.J. Piccolo
Psalm 126:4-6
And now, God, do it again—
bring rains to our drought-stricken lives
So those who planted their crops in despair
will shout hurrahs at the harvest,
So those who went off with heavy hearts
will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.
I spent much of my Young Adult Volunteer year of service at Room In The Inn (RITI), where I volunteered four days a week. Countless participants with different backgrounds have come to RITI for different needs because of different reasons, but the root cause remains the same. The number one cause of homelessness is because of strained or severed relationships. During the advent season, I think back to RITI during the time of holidays.
There were plenty of challenging moments. I worked the mail room in the afternoons. I witnessed participants burst into tears from mixed emotions when they would receive letters, cards, and presents (or lack there of) from loved ones who, for whatever reason, they did not get to spend time with during the holidays. I saw participants make numerous phone calls and leave multiple voicemails that would never be returned. They would stare at their phone screens many times a day, waiting, sometimes jumping if their phones rang, only to be disappointed when it wasn’t who they wanted it to be. I saw people with addictions trying hard not to use again to escape the isolation they felt. I saw participants frustrated with receiving help, fed up with the notion that they were of lower status, feeling as if they were merely the homeless who people thought to serve during Christmastime. Of course the moments I describe to you were seen throughout the year, but during advent, they were intensified, bigger, more repetitive.
Still, the holiday season at a facility that provides services to the homeless population isn’t always as desolate as the moments mentioned above. Even the grouchiest of participants would soften and sing along when the Christmas carol playlist would deck the halls through the speakers. There are plenty of groovy dance moves, tacky sweaters worn, hot cocoas chugged, candy canes devoured, and jokes with holiday motifs that were probably found on Laffy Taffy wrappers. There are people experiencing homelessness who access a positive attitude and choose to find community and celebration in and with each other. Participants at RITI can be so generous with their time and resources, especially during this time of year, and succeed in finding ways to give back to the Nashville community through churches, organizations, and events. I witnessed participants give thanks to God several times a week, thanking God for Jesus’s birth. Heads and hearts were in the right place, and the joy participants spread could be absolutely contagious.
Daily Challenge: Find a moment where joy is contagious, or better yet, be the person spreading the contagious joy.
Prayer: Lord God, help us to find and spread joy in life even when times are beyond difficult. Please strengthen our neighbors experiencing homelessness when they feel exhausted, help them to feel your comfort, and let them know that they are loved. Amen.
Without Fear
Sunday, December 6, 2015 Luke 1:68-79
Andy Kramer
...that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear. (Luke 1:74)
I remember the first time I signed up to spend the night at Room In The Inn at Westminster. I guess when I signed up it seemed like an easy enough thing to do. I had the luxury of having a roof over my head every night, so why couldn't I sacrifice one night so a group of 15 people could have that same opportunity this one night. As the evening approached, I started to feel anxious; I had no idea what to expect. I had randomly signed up and didn’t know the person I was working with. I was thinking about all of the stereotypes associated with people experiencing homelessness and started to question my security. How was I going to be able to have a dinner conversation with someone I thought was so different from me?
As I read this passage in Luke, I was drawn to the phrase “serve him without fear.” We are called to serve others and a lot of times I let my fears get in the way of living out this calling. It is easy to let fear get in the way and find excuses not to do things.
Despite my anxiety, I made it through my first Room In The Inn experience. I found it interesting that once the evening started, my fears vanished. The conversations were relatively easy, the night went smoothly and we were able to provide housing for some people who otherwise would have been experiencing a cold, lonely night. Sometimes God’s call for us takes us out of our comfort zone, but when we answer that call we find the reward of the experience outweighs any anxiety leading up to it.
Daily Challenge: What fear is holding me back from helping others? How can I overcome this fear to live out God’s calling for me?
Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to overcome my fears and find ways to help others in need. Amen.
Andy Kramer
...that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear. (Luke 1:74)
I remember the first time I signed up to spend the night at Room In The Inn at Westminster. I guess when I signed up it seemed like an easy enough thing to do. I had the luxury of having a roof over my head every night, so why couldn't I sacrifice one night so a group of 15 people could have that same opportunity this one night. As the evening approached, I started to feel anxious; I had no idea what to expect. I had randomly signed up and didn’t know the person I was working with. I was thinking about all of the stereotypes associated with people experiencing homelessness and started to question my security. How was I going to be able to have a dinner conversation with someone I thought was so different from me?
As I read this passage in Luke, I was drawn to the phrase “serve him without fear.” We are called to serve others and a lot of times I let my fears get in the way of living out this calling. It is easy to let fear get in the way and find excuses not to do things.
Despite my anxiety, I made it through my first Room In The Inn experience. I found it interesting that once the evening started, my fears vanished. The conversations were relatively easy, the night went smoothly and we were able to provide housing for some people who otherwise would have been experiencing a cold, lonely night. Sometimes God’s call for us takes us out of our comfort zone, but when we answer that call we find the reward of the experience outweighs any anxiety leading up to it.
Daily Challenge: What fear is holding me back from helping others? How can I overcome this fear to live out God’s calling for me?
Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to overcome my fears and find ways to help others in need. Amen.
Better than a Fairy Tale
Saturday, December 5, 2015 Luke 1:68-79
Chad Folk
Mary’s proclamation in Luke’s gospel displays a unique side of Mary. Have you noticed that Mary, as a teenager, knew her faith history so well? I picture her sitting beside a warm fire listening to an older relative, telling the stories about Israel’s past and future. The story that warmed her heart more than the burning coals was the one that promised a savior, a Messiah! Do you think this young girl was wondering if it was all a Fairy tale?
In our current day of social media and access to information anytime, I can’t imagine what it was like for Mary and the other Jewish followers. They were waiting for years, recounting the narratives of their ancestors from Abraham, Jacob to Joseph, over and over. Remembering about warriors such as Joshua and David and prophets such as Elijah, Isaiah, and Malachi. Great leaders like Nehemiah and Caleb. Can’t you hear Mary thinking as she gazed at the weathered face of town elder telling these tales, “Can this be real?”
Suddenly, Gabriel appeared and all those “tall” tales were transformed into a promise that her people always longed for, no-- needed to be real! Not only that, but she was to play the lead role in this amazing story going forward! Praise be to God.
Most likely we will never be asked to carry out a task like Mary. However, it does not take Christmas for us to tell the greatest story of all time over and over like the Israelites did for so many years.
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us (Luke 1:68-69)
That is a story that warms my heart. How about you? A story that is even better than a Fairy tale.
The Season of Giving
Friday, December 4, 2015 Luke 20:41-21:4
Anna Grace Cole
What
does it mean to give? At this time of
year, the true spirit of giving is oftentimes lost in all of the wrapping paper
and ribbons. There is great joy in
watching family and friends open the presents in which you have invested your time
and money. While it feels great seeing the faces of loved ones brighten at the
sight of the perfect gift that you managed to get them, it is vital to think
about how we give. As He does now, Jesus tries to warn his people of the ones
that take pride in their possessions and giving. The author of Luke writes:
He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury; and he saw a poor widow put in two copper coins. And he said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all the living that she had.” (Luke 21:1-4, NRSV)
Jesus stresses the importance of how it is not about the
amount that is given, but the act of giving all that one can. The wealthy gave
a nice sum of money, but compared to all that they had, it was only a mere
portion of their earnings. The poor widow, however, gave literally all that she
had. Even though it was much less, it was more in the eyes of God.
Last
spring break, I volunteered to be part of a mission trip to the Dominican
Republic with my school. On our first day working, we were given the
opportunity to help deliver care packages to people in an underprivileged
community known as Cielo. The care packages consisted of necessities such as
rice, grain, and other ingredients to help households in the community feed
their family. I walked around with some women of the community to deliver the
packages to their neighbors’ homes, and the joyful shouts echoing off the homes
of the skinny roads helped brighten up the cloudy day. These women were members
of the same poverty-stricken community as the people on the receiving end of
these packages; we even dropped some packages off at the homes of the women we
were with. Although they had significant needs themselves, the women spent
their time preparing and delivering the care packages for their neighbors and
friends weekly. They did not have very much to share personally, but their
willingness to give their time and spread their faith was remarkable.
Daily Challenge: Especially at this time of year, take a
moment to appreciate everything that is being given, no matter how big or small,
and examine how much we really give of ourselves.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father. We are so blessed. Please help
us to discern how we can use those blessings to enrich the lives of those
around us and give fully of ourselves, rather than providing only a portion of
what we can. Be with us this holiday season as we try to remember the gifts
that we have received and how we can really give to others. Amen.
A Promise of Light
Thursday, December 3, 2015 Luke 1:68-79
Jennifer Larson
I think we can all imagine the great joy that Zechariah must have
experienced after the birth of his son, whom we know as John the Baptist.
Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were, as we might tactfully call them
today, “older parents.” At open house
night at school, Zechariah would be the portly guy in baggy pleated pants while
his son’s best friend’s dad is wearing stovepipe jeans and Converse All-Stars.
But it didn’t matter to Zechariah. He was so happy that, like all
excited new fathers, he had to brag a little bit about his son. You know, the
son who would prepare the Messiah’s way.
So this passage from Luke is sometimes referred to as the Benedictus—Zechariah’s
song, full of joy over the birth of his son, full of joy after months of
silence. It’s a song and a prayer heralding the coming of Jesus. It’s full of
promises and the fulfillment of promises.
For me, the promise in the last couple of lines of the song are the
best:
“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon
us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to
guide our feet into the way of peace."
At this point in time, we’re experiencing a lot of darkness, a lot of
shadows of death. We pray for peace, and
yet, it sometimes feels like our prayers just evaporate in the dark. The dark
is so heavy that it compresses and weighs down our wispy hopes for peace until
they’re just…gone.
But this song promises light. It promises light that will not only pierce
the darkness, but overtake it completely. It’s the dawn after a long black
night. It promises how to guide us to real, lasting peace. That’s what we can
look forward to from Jesus. And if you ask me, that definitely warrants a song!
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