Download 2013 Advent Devotional Booklet - Northeastern Presbyterian Church

Acknowledgments
This Advent Booklet is the product, first and foremost, of the members of Northeastern
Presbyterian Church, who contributed their devotions. Stacey Brown and Shirley Logan
assembled and edited the entries with the generous assistance of Pastor Nancy Thornton,
and Kathy Cuff. We thank God for inspiration.
~Season’s Greetings from the Pastor~
Dear Friends,
We are in what the world calls the “holiday season.” Now more than ever it’s easy for us to
compartmentalize our faith. We easily lapse into referring to the time period between
Thanksgiving and December as “the Christmas season,” or worse, “the holidays.”
Actually, for Christians, this season is called Advent -- the time when we remember Christ’s
coming in the Incarnation and when we await Christ’s second coming. Our waiting for both of
those advents is filled with anticipation. In the long history of the Christian church, Advent
has been a very quiet and penitential season, with time to reflect on these comings of Christ.
But our hectic “holiday” schedules almost totally prohibit those times of quiet.
One way that we might make room for God in our lives would be to evaluate honestly what we
do with our time during Advent. What do we do out of mere obligation during the season? Do
we bake a ton of goodies, suspecting that it “won’t be Christmas” if we don’t? Do we really
have to send out Christmas cards every year? Which of the “holiday” activities in which we are
involved truly honor Christ?
There was no room for the holy family at the inn because the world’s activities (the census)
packed the place full. If our schedules are filled with worldly activities, will we have room in
our own lives to give to Christ?
Christians can reclaim Advent with several small practices. We can put practices in place in
our households that anticipate what Christmas truly is (the birth of Christ) not just what
Christmas has become (a meal and some presents). We can alter how we use our time by
examining our social calendar. We can use an Advent wreath in our homes. Each Sunday you
can light a candle on the wreath to mark the time until Christ comes. Even a small time for
household devotion can help orient us to what is important during Advent.
Northeastern Presbyterian Church brings to this season our unique experiences,
expectations, understandings and beloved customs. Instead of purchasing devotional
booklets, we offer you our less-polished but heartfelt personal meditations on the meaning of
this holy season. This booklet is eclectic in that some of us have reflected on one or more
scriptural passages in the Common Lectionary, or an insight of a special passage, an event or
experience in our lives. As you read these words, we invite you to reflect on your own
journey to Christmas and to prepare with us to welcome God’s coming to you – Advent.
Grace, Hope, Love and Peace!
Pastor Nancy
“They find me a strange and terrifying creature,” he said to himself, “and I can’t
seem to think of any way to let them know they can trust me. If only I could be a bird
myself for a few minutes, perhaps I could lead them to safety. . . .”
Just at that moment the church bells began to ring. He stood silent for a while,
listening to the bells pealing the glad tidings of Christmas. Then he sank to his knees in the
snow. “Now I do understand,” he whispered. “Now I see why You had to do it.”
This parable was written by Louis Cassels many years ago.
Think of the many ways God has reached out to us to communicate with us since the
beginning. The climax of God communicating with us in the Old Testament was when God
formed the covenant with Moses on Mt. Sinai. God joined Godself to us in a covenant and we
were joined to God in a covenant. But we still sinned so God raised up prophets to call us back
but only a small number of people paid heed to the prophets. All through the centuries of the
Old Testament God pursued us like a lover but we had broken the covenant and God had to
make a new unbreakable covenant with us. For this new covenant, God would become flesh
and bones like us in the person of Jesus to convince us once and for all to accept God’s
invitation to be God’s people. Jesus is the climax of God reaching out to us.
“Now I see why You had to do it” wrote Louis Cassels in A Christmas Parable. And
indeed God had to do it, had to become one of us to make us understand because despite
God’s best efforts throughout all the Old Testament we still didn’t get the message. Sometimes
you have to, as we say, rub their noses in it to make them understand. Christmas is, in a sense,
God rubbing our noses in it to make us understand. Christmas is God saying, “Maybe this will
grab your attention.”
“…to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Nancy
December 25, 2013
1 John 4:7-16 - John 3:31-36
“By this we know that we abide in God and God in us, because God has given us of the
Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the God has sent the Son as the Savior of
the world. 1God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide
in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.” - 1 John 4:13-16
Once upon a time there was a man who looked upon Christmas as a lot of humbug. He
wasn’t a Scrooge. He was a kind and decent person, generous to his family, upright in all his
dealings with other people. But he didn’t believe all that stuff about Incarnation which
churches proclaim at Christmas. And he was too honest to pretend that he did. “I am truly
sorry to distress you,” he told his wife, who was a faithful churchgoer. “But I simply cannot
understand this claim that God becomes man. It doesn’t make any sense to me.”
On Christmas Eve his wife and children went to church for the midnight service. He
declined to accompany them. “I’d feel like a hypocrite,” he explained. “I’d rather stay at
home. But I’ll wait up for you.”
Shortly after his family drove away in the car, snow began to fall. He went to the
window and watched the flurries getting heavier and heavier. “If we must have Christmas,”
he thought, “it’s nice to have a white one.” He went back to his chair by the fireside and
began to read his newspaper. A few minutes later he was startled by a thudding sound. It was
quickly followed by another, then another.
He thought that someone must be throwing snowballs at his living room window.
When he went to the front door to investigate, he found a flock of birds huddled miserably in
the storm. They had been caught in the storm and in a desperate search for shelter had tried
to fly through his window. “I can’t let these poor creatures lie there and freeze,” he thought.
“But how can I help them?” Then he remembered the barn where the children’s pony was
stabled. It would provide a warm shelter.
He put on his coat and galoshes and tramped through the deepening snow to the barn.
He opened the door wide and turned on a light. But the birds didn’t come in. “Food will lure
them in,” he thought. So he hurried back to the house for bread crumbs, which he sprinkled
on the snow to make a trail into the barn. To his dismay, the birds ignored the bread crumbs
and continued to flop around helplessly in the snow. He tried shooing them into the barn by
walking around and waving his arms. They scattered in every direction - except into the warm
lighted barn.
December 1, 2013
First Sunday of Advent
I Thessalonians 1: 5 - Luke 21: 5-19
Children of the Light
“We are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of
darkness.”
God has a plan for us. We do encounter difficulties in living out our Christianity. Christ has
said that these things will happen but He is there to help us overcome the darkness with
light—whether it be our personal hurdles, which may include domestic situations, betrayal by
others, or the problems of the world. Children of the light lean on the grace of God to take
them through their trials, and lighten their paths. They lead a prayer life, coupled with
meditation and fasting. Christ reigns supreme in the children of the light.
We have the hope that Christ will return but we know not when; therefore, it behooves us to
live each day to its fullness. There is so much joy in serving our Lord and Savior. Out of our
great love for Him will flow love for all of the children of God—in word and action. Children
of the light are involved in advocacy.
Luke 21:14-15 speaks to our inadequacy in situations and God’s promise to give children of
the light a mouth and wisdom. Children of the light use their God-given talents to address the
social problems of our community: poverty and hunger, education reform, human trafficking,
prison reform, immigration reform, all forms of abuse, and gender equality, and other
concerns. Children of the light are cognizant of the fact that Jesus gave us His peace and that
we should strive to live together in harmony.
The advent season is a good time to renew our commitment to Christ—and not get so
wrapped up in the secular part of Christmas. Material things should not be our focus but the
sacred things that He emphasized in His stay on earth. Children of the light celebrate family,
friends and sharing the good news of Christ in the community worldwide during this joyful
season.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Ernestine H. Brown
Monday, December 2
2 Peter 1:1-11
Spiritual Maturity: Knowing the Reason for the Season
Christmas is a time for family and traditions. I loved Christmas time. One of my
fondest memories is when my Dad took us out on Christmas Eve. In the morning, we would
pick out the tree. We would put it up in the living room or basement undecorated. Later in the
evening, we would first go to McDonald's—back when going to McDonald's was a special
treat. I loved their eggnog milkshakes. Then he would take us downtown to see
the trees near the White House. At that time, each state decorated a tree, so you would see
different displays from all the states. There were live animals on the mall, the big fire log and
a live nativity scene. Afterwards, we would go to see the displays in the store window at
Woodies, Garfinkel’s, Lansburgh’s, Hecht's, and Hahn’s. We would ride through the
neighborhoods looking at all of the Christmas lights on the houses. Once we got home, we
made sure the cookies were out and went to bed early. The next day, the tree was decorated,
presents were under the tree and everyone was excited! Later, we would get dressed up and
go to my Grandmother's house where all of the extended family would gather for dinner.
Now, we still gather together as an extended family at my sister's house. I still go see
the trees with a friend or with my nieces and nephews. I still love seeing the Christmas lights
in the neighborhoods. What’s different is that I know the reason for the season! I am thankful
that Jesus was given to us on this day. Because of him, I know that there is salvation, there is
hope and there will be peace. I can look back at all of the memories and see the Holy Spirit in
each of them. Jesus is truly the reason for the season. Thank you God for sending your son!
Jennifer Allen
Thereby enhancing our little world and the greater world we share.
That is my Christmas Eve prayer:
With what you have;
Do what you can’
Be who you are.
Call it thoughtful wishing,
All we have to do is put our heart in it.
And there’s one more bonus.
Unlike wishful thinking, thoughtful wishes always come true.
Merry Christmas! And may Emmanuel find a home in us.
Pastor Nancy
December 24, 2013
Galatians 3:23-4:7 - Matthew 1:18-25
Today, for a blessed moment, simply be. Just be. In this time of economic stress, racial rift
and global fear, which takes a viral purchase on our souls as it disrupts the patterns and
threatens the well-being of so many lives, today in the glimmering of the lights, be present. Be
open. Do nothing. Force nothing. Your worries and fears, your hopes and ambitions, let them
be. No more striving, not now. We’ve done enough this year. We have all done enough. Too
much even. Too much and too many and too often. Around and around the track we go,
racing to stay abreast of our fears and keep pace with our plots, driven by our fancies and
prancing little egos – on Dancer, on Blitzen – speeding them on, keep them spinning. So stop.
Stop for Christmas. Be present. Be open. Be awake. Force nothing. Listen and lighten up.
Ease your heartstrings. Catch your breath. Put down your lists. Just be. Here. Now. May
God scatter and diffuse our pride in the imagination of our hearts. And may music sooth our
tattered souls.
Listen. Today listen for angels. Angels of mercy and healing. Angles of mystery. Angels of
birth. Angels dreaming and dancing. Imagine yourself in a field under stars of wonder. Listen
and imagine. Do nothing. Just wait. For the hint of a new birth within you. A harbinger of
hope, beyond all seeking and striving. For you too are the child. We are the child. Love
children. Children of hope in fearful times. Children who light candles against the darkness.
Children who sing their hearts out.
Each of us has a story. They are all different. And they are all one. Brought to light under the
one sun that will set one day on each of our horizons, heart to heart, dust to dust. But each
path is also different, and at times surpassing strange.
Let us want what we have –
Praying for health, if we are blessed with health,
For friendship, if we are blessed with friends,
For family, if we are blessed with family.
For work, if we are blessed with tasks that await our doing.
And if our lives are dark, may we remember to want nothing
More than the loving affection of those whose hearts are broken by our pain.
Let us do what we can –
Not dream impossible dreams or climb every mountain,
But dream one possible dream and climb one splendid mountain,
That our life may be blessed with attainable meaning.
And let us be who we are –
Embrace our God-given nature and talents.
Answer the call that is ours, not another’s,
Tuesday, December 3
Matt. 21: 12-22
“Helping Others in Need”
As a child, there were few things I always remembered as ‘signs of the season’ during the
Christmas holidays: getting out of school, spending lots of time with family and friends, giving
and receiving gifts to family, friends, and people in need, eating hearty meals, and most of all
celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. There was always an expectation that all of these things
would happen during the holiday season. The birth of Jesus Christ was at the CENTER of every
celebration and gathering because it was about giving to others: kindness, love, time, gifts,
joy, peace and the list could go on and on, to acknowledge what God has given to us, the Lord
of Lords, Prince of Peace, and a Mighty Counselor.
As we enter into our churches, our “temple of God,” our “houses of prayer’ let us remember
who we serve and why we adore the son of God. In the midst of all of the buying, shopping,
and materialism that seems to take over during this season, our churches and our lives must
remain places where people in need can turn and rely on to share a word of encouragement,
kindness and hope. Just as Jesus helped the blind to see and the lame to walk, our focus should
be on helping others, not ourselves. We must acknowledge that Jesus Christ has all power
from the day we were born to the day we depart this earth. Throughout the Advent season let
us acknowledge the ‘signs of the season,’ but while we are acknowledging these signs let us
not forget to be fruitful-giving to and sharing with others, obedient-listening and doing the
Word of God and faithful-not doubting and only believing in the Word of God.
Stacey Brown
Wednesday, December 4
2 Peter 3: 1-10
The Day of Christ’s Coming
Have you ever associated the coming of Christ with the sunrise? Well, neither had I until I
read the following words in the Believer’s Bible Commentary.
“Christ’s coming is likened to the sunrise because for centuries the world had lain in darkness.
Now through the mercy of God, dawn was about to break. It would come in the Person of
Christ shining on the Gentiles who were in darkness and guiding Israel’s feet into the way of
peace.”
The next time you watch a beautiful sunrise, pause for a moment to thank God for giving us
His son Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Merry Christmas.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your Son, who we have come to know as the King of Kings, Lord of Lords
and Savior, bringing light, joy, and peace to a world of darkness. Help us to know and
understand that this was the first coming, and he will come again to judge all who believe in
Him. Help us to repent for our sins and turn from our self-fulfilling ways and desires. Amen
Gloria Harris
Monday, December 23, 2013
Luke I: 16 – 80
In the Gospel of Luke, we learn that the angel Gabriel foretold the birth of John the Baptist to
his mother, Elizabeth, and foretold the birth of Jesus to his mother, Mary. After Mary had been
visited by the Holy Spirit and was with child, she visited Elizabeth, her cousin, who was
already with child. Both Elizabeth and Mary were women of faith, and Luke tells us that when
Mary spoke to Elizabeth, the baby John leapt in Elizabeth’s womb, and Elizabeth said to Mary,
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear…” and “Blessed is she
who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.”
As I reflect on the faith and faithfulness of Elizabeth and Mary, I am reminded of my
grandmother, another woman of faith. My grandmother was a strong woman. She was born in
the South just before the turn of the century and endured many difficult times, both as a child
and as an adult. When my cousins and I were young, she described some of the adversity that
she had experienced, and we, her grandchildren, often asked how she had survived them. She
always answered, “through hard work, prayer, and faith in the Lord”. Not only did she tell us
about the power of prayer and faith, but, as we grew older, she showed us on a daily basis that
faith would sustain us in even the most troubling times. We saw her reading her Bible and
praying every day. She sought neither wealth nor praise, but constantly found ways to help
others, content to receive her reward in Heaven. Her mantra to her grandchildren was, “Work
hard; serve the Lord, and have faith; and God will take care of the rest.”
My grandmother died when I was fourteen, but my most vivid memory of her is that there
was always a little twinkle in her eye and just a hint of a smile on her lips as she hummed her
way through each day. When I was younger, it seemed as if she had a secret -- something that
others didn’t know --that kept her smiling. However, as I think back, there was no secret that
she kept. She told us all the time what kept the twinkle in her eye and the smile on her face:
knowing that God had always taken care of her and always would and that her faith had made
her triumphant and would bring her the Salvation promised by God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, in this Advent Season, may our eyes twinkle and our hearts be joyful as
we celebrate the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. Bless us, your children. Let us work hard to do
your will on earth, and may we have the faith of Mary and Elizabeth and our mothers and
grandmothers to sustain us as we joyously await his Second Coming.
Rhonda Winston
Sunday, December 22
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Gal. 3: 1-14
Luke 1:57-66 Signs of the Season
Paul stressed to the Galatians the danger of over emphasis on laws which could hamper their
growth of spirituality. He told them we grow spiritually because of God’s work in us, not by
laws. Freedom from laws does not mean lawlessness, but believers are free to obediently love
and serve God.
Advent is the ideal time for spiritual growth in faith as we await the fulfillment of the
prophesy of the birth of our Lord. There is excitement in the air, bells are ringing, laws allow
non-stop shopping, even on Thanksgiving Day! Children jump with joy as they compile
extensive lists of gifts expected from the family. There are the lonely ones, the bereaved ones,
the sick and shut-ins, who search frantically for peace and calm during this time. In the midst
of all of this hustle and bustle, we lose the true significance of Christmas.
Many years ago our family found time to keep the meaning of the celebration before us. There
were no TV’s, I-Pads, Smart Phones, computers or other technologies to distract us. While
preparing simple activities together, our parents taught us spiritual values which were passed
on to the younger generation. It was such fun to fill stockings with nuts and candy, sing carols,
make gifts and enjoy the scent of the fresh tree. The depression of the twenties wrought
hardships on most urban families. Money and food were scarce. We stuck together, prayed,
and relied on God’s grace to see us through.
I have witnessed more than 90 Advent Seasons, but none can compare with those of my
childhood. Advent is a time to look beyond glitz and commercialism and remember Paul’s
teaching to the Galatians, “Everyday offers a challenge to live for Christ.”
I believe Paul would tell us today to use the Advent Season to develop spiritually. Christmas
will take on a new meaning if we include prayer, faith and meditation in our celebration.
Mary Gross
Thursday, December 5
That First Christmas
No tinsel glistening from the tree
No holly wreath to adorn the door
No lights to blink in dazzling rays
No brightly wrapped gifts upon the floor.
No lighted snowman on the lawn
No sparkling street lights for passersby
No Santa’s sleigh gliding oe’r the rooftops
No reindeer riding through night’s sky.
No bustling crowds to fill the shops
No Santa to greet the kids, was there
No luring gifts piled high in store bins
No stockings “hung by the chimney with care.”
No festive table setting for all to see
No cards displayed from those who care
No turkey roasting under watchful eye
No aroma of pies to fill the air.
No tasty dressing, no candied yams
No chestnuts “roasting on an open fire”
No bright red cranberries, jellied nor whole
No tempting cakes for kids to admire.
There was a mother, great with child,
Who on that night calm and clear
Brought forth the proclaimed Prince of Peace
With all the lowly animals standing near.
There was Baby Jesus with His love to share
A shining light to give light to many
His sparkling spirit touched all those around
He was adorned with love, peace and purity.
More meaningful than so many dazzling things
Was God’s gift of love who in a stable lay
The Baby Jesus sent to save the world
Was the object of adoration that first Christmas day.
Myrtle W. Simpson
Friday, December 6, 2013
Matthew 22:1-14
An Invitation to Commune with the Lord
As I ponder the words of scripture as recorded in the Gospel of Matthews 22:1-15, I am
greatly reminded of how appropriate this parable is for Advent. This parable addresses on
two levels, an invitation to a wedding banquet. On the one hand, we are reminded of the
celebrations that we have during the Advent and Christmas season. On the other hand, it
points to the invitation that Jesus Christ—the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, the son of
the living God extends to each of us. In this parable, the king sent out his servants on several
occasions to remind those who were invited to his son’s wedding banquet to attend. Each
time the servants approached those who were invited, they were met with indifference and
disdain. Several of those invited decided that tending to their fields and businesses were more
important than attending the banquet, while the others eventually murdered the servants
that approached them. Once the king was aware of this, he ordered his army to kill those who
had murdered his servants and extended the invitation to any who cared to attend.
As we look in anticipation for the coming of Christ during this Advent season, I extend the
challenge to each of us that we take heed and accept the Lord’s invitation to commune with
Him. This can be done by setting aside some quiet time to pray, meditate and/or read His
word. Let us not be so busy “tending to our fields and businesses” (i.e. holiday shopping,
holiday parties, etc.) that we forget that the true meaning of this season is celebrating the
saving grace God has given to us each of us in Jesus Christ. On Christmas day the Christ of our
hope was born. On Good Friday the Christ of our hope died. On Easter day the Christ of our
hope rose again from the dead. He then ascended into heaven. On the last day, the Christ of
our hope will come again to establish his kingdom over all things. So let us give thanks to God
for the gift of Jesus, for the hope he gives us, for the peace he bestows upon us, for the joy he
pours into our hearts, and for the love that redeems us and shows us his way.
Merry Christmas and blessings to all!
Cheri Young
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Titus 2:11-3:8
Titus 3:1-8 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for
every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every
courtesy to everyone. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to
various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one
another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us,
not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through
the water[a] of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly
through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become
heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
As a manager and as a mom, I find that I spend more time and attention on other people’s
behavior relative to my own. Yet I am totally guilty of slipping into bad behavior like being
discourteous, speaking less than favorably of someone, and being harsh. As the scripture
guides us to remind them, I find reminding me is a part of that guidance that is required as
well.
It is the cynic in me, that natural part of being human, that can serve as an umbrella blocking
the Spirit being poured over me so richly. A cynic is defined as a person who has negative
opinions about other people and about the things people do. The cynic in me is the one who
brings the judging, criticizing, unkind behavior. When she creeps out, she blocks the
experience of the loving and joyful feelings that come from the Holy Spirit. Cynicism is easily
spread. It is not a visible, clear enemy that confronts me to my face. Rather, it tends to be a
quiet, stealthy visitor that sets up shop behind me, out of sight, and starts operating, long
before I notice I have been visited.
The beauty and grace of the Word of God is such an excellent, accessible source for me to use
as a weapon to exterminate my unwelcome guest. The scripture in Titus is an eloquent yet
plain set of guidance to linger on, to revel in, and to repeat as my protection from cynicism
and my fuel source for goodness... in myself and in my behavior. I feel so blessed when I am
reminded that I have everything I need right at my fingertips to guide me. I care deeply about
being and sharing love, peace, and joy in my home, my work, my church, and community. I
have my teacher and my tutor in the book of Titus! Amen.
Pam Jackson
Friday, December 20, 2013
Titus 2: 1-10 - Luke 1:26-36
Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to
renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are selfcontrolled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the
glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Luke 1:26-33 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called
Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The
virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with
you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you
will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will
be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor
David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
My experience at the time of conception was not like Mary’s. If the angels came to talk to me I
must have missed them and if they tried to tell me to be not afraid, I could not hear them. I
was afraid, scared, and alone. I was unmarried and found myself feeling quite out of favor
with God. I did, however, manage to set my pride aside and continue going to church even as I
knew people would know I was like Mary in being unwed and unlike Mary in being not a
virgin. God’s grace showed its face again and again. Those people did not care.
The dictionary defines grace as “elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action; a
manifestation of favor, especially by a superior. The words identified as antonyms of grace are
stiffness, ugliness, awkwardness, harshness, and disfavor.
Through the grace of a truly loving church, full of attentive people who ministered to me, I
was easily able to let go of my concerns about my circumstances and focus on the spiritual
development of myself in preparation for motherhood. I became cleaner in spirit and pure
enough to hear the angels when they came for me later in the pregnancy. They did tell me, like
Mary, that my child would be great, that he would be a child of God, and that he would reign
mightily in this world somewhere at sometime over something.
As the years went by, I started to assume that every mother of every child must have been
sent the same message, though some may not have received it. I continue to be deeply grateful
to have been part of a loving, accepting Christian community that honored me and ministered
to me without knowing or caring about my circumstances. They saw the Christ in me and
drew it forth so that I could prepare for the extraordinary experience of bringing life into this
world and forming it. I pray every day to create that experience for anyone else who crosses
my path. I pray that my church does as well. Amen.
Pam Jackson
Saturday, December 7
Matthew 22: 15-22
Questions, Questions, and More Questions
There have been many saints and servants of the Lord during my journey; many Christian
soldiers that have impacted my existence and assisted in shaping the framework of the house
I have built. I owe a debt to many and as long as I breathe, I will continue to repay by
spreading examples that have so generously been shared with me. Therefore, I would like to
submit a name of one of my greatest influences. A personal teacher and guide of my earliest
experiences, my maternal grandfather, Mr. Edgar Thomas, Sr. (Daddy Jones).
Throughout the course of my early life, a more than mischievous imp continued to challenge
the household rules and many times ran head on into what were perceived obstacles that
serve me now as blessings that are applied in my house. With that in mind, I have many
memories of different punishments endured, many of the punitive nature indeed.
However, one occurrence and a stay led me from many instances of impulsive behavior and
boyishness. That instance was of my maternal grandmother and grandfather coming to live
with us in the summer of 1973. To say I was at first underwhelmed would be an
understatement.
"Why is Ma and Daddy Jones coming here? Ain't they gonna stay at their house anymore?" I
would ask my mother incredulously.
"They are just going to stay with us for a little while. We are going to change the den into a
room for them to sleep in." replied my mother.
My playroom, personal toy factory and arsenal? Perish the thought! "I don't want them to
stay in the den! Can't they stay in the living room?" I countered. "They're coming here and
staying in the den because I said so! And, if you don't want to get skinned alive, you'd better
keep your mouth shut!" coldly growled by my sweet, dear, Christian mother. She said those
words with a finality and promise of a fate worse than I could fathom during those early
years.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, for many, the holiday season brings fond memories of family
members and family experiences that made a significant impact on our lives. Just as we
questioned our parents when growing up and oftentimes did not know why certain things
were happening, the Pharisees questioned Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar. During this
season, we ask that if we make decisions to question you, then allow us to be ready for your
answers; giving to others what you have asked us to give and giving to God, what belongs to
God! Let us not rob God, but remembering Jesus is the Reason for the Season! Amen.
Shawn R. Thomas, Sr.
Sunday, December 8
Second Sunday in Advent
Luke 1:57-68
You Are Not Alone, I Am Always With You
"Daddy Jones, today was great! I didn't know about all the things that you told me about!
Water breaking rocks, little frogs and big ones, butterflies and bees making plants grow! Boy,
you sure do know a lot! We even saw that black snake!" I gushed.
"Yes we did, son. We saw everything that God made. Every animal, plant, and rock. The
water, even the smallest piece of dirt is all part of God's world. Everything down at that river
is part of everything you need to know." He said calmly and assuredly.
"You saw nature surrounding you from the young to the old. You saw life and how we can
live, by eating and taking advantage of what God has given us. So, from now on, that fishing
pole is yours. You might need it when you get big enough to go back by yourself." He sagely
offered.
"I might not want to go again…" I said meekly as my voice trailed off to a near whisper. I felt
ashamed that my normal intrepidation was challenged after seeing the venomous snake and
the rats.
"You a little, scared? Huh? Well, that's all right. I'm scared of snakes, too."
"You are, Daddy Jones?" I was only too surprised.
"Sure, I am. But, there will always be snakes somewhere. So, you have to know how to get
around them or get rid of them. And one day, when you're able to go on alone, you won't be
scared anymore. Trust me."
So, after that day, I did trust him. Always. We were best buddies. My play area had become of
minimal importance as I sat with him every day after the first, listening to him teach me about
this world.
Little more than a year later, in the summer of 1974, I found out why Daddy Jones and Ma had
come to stay with us. I still really didn't understand about sickness very much, but he went to
the hospital one day and didn't come back home. All of my relatives came. One of them said
Daddy Jones had something called lung cancer. And, as Mama was making preparations with
the Alston & Anderson Funeral Home, my Aunt Clara came to me teary eyed to let me know
that Daddy Jones was gone.
Even still, I didn't understand very much then. But, for some reason, not long after he was
gone, I wasn't afraid to go back to the river anymore. And soon enough, I could go alone.
Because Daddy Jones was always with me. And it just so happened, he always brought a
friend.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Titus 1: 1-16
Titus 1:7-9 For a bishop, as God’s steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or
quick-tempered or addicted to wine or violent or greedy for gain; but he must be hospitable, a
lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled. He must have a firm grasp of the
word that is trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach
with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.
When I was pregnant, I spent months in prayer and solitude. One of the first inspirations that
came to me, which I affirmed immediately, was that my son was a child of God. He came
through me but did not belong to me. I was his steward. A steward, I concluded, was a
caretaker of that which did not belong to them. The dictionary defines steward as “a person
who manages another's property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the
agent of another or others.” After my son was born the strength of this inspiration continued
and to this day, more than ten years later, it remains. I am his caretaker and guide, to
shepherd the boy through this world until he reaches manhood and can care for himself.
As a steward, I believed that my role was to ensure that my son had everything he would need
to journey in this world according to God’s purpose for him. I was completely aware that I had
no clue as to God’s purpose for him and I still don’t. I chose to prepare him, equip him, and
train him as best I could to be a person that is strong in character and yet humble; hospitable
and compassionate while focused and productive; self-controlled and joyful; upright and
devout but not judgmental. I focused on his educational, physical, spiritual, emotional, and
social development in order to get him started and then to teach him to do the same for
himself.
One thing many of us know about parenting is that we have to be that which we want children
to become. If our actions differ from our words, it is our actions that young people will model.
As the only adult that my son has ever lived with, the responsibility is greater and more
pronounced. Many a day I failed to exhibit the best behavior and some of those days I have
exhibited the very worst. Being short-tempered and quick to anger, feeling the stress of sole
providership, and failing to feel the joy of Lord in my heart all contribute to my travel down
the wrong path. And as I travel down that path I harm my son’s spirit, I earn his distrust in the
Word, and/or drag him with me.
It is the grace of God, the fellowship of Christian friends, and a faithful pastor that remind me
of who I am supposed to be and how I am supposed to feel. We are so blessed to have the
scripture, and talented interpreters of that scripture in our midst to lead us back on track
when we stray and then continue to lead us to the place where we can feel the joy of the Lord
and lay our burdens down. It is the grace of God in my son’s heart that he forgives me my
failings and honors me as a sinner stumbling along the way myself.
Pam Jackson
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life.”
LOVE, BELIEVE AND LIVE FOREVER
The scripture and comments come from “The Life Application Bible, New International
Version.” The comments were so helpful to me that I would like to share them with you. The
commentator relates the scripture, John 3:16, to each of us personally so that we can learn
what true love, eternal life and believing mean in God’s words.
“The entire gospel comes to focus in this verse. God’s love is not static or self-centered: it
reaches out and draws others in. Here God sets the pattern of true love, the basis for all love
relationships. When you love someone dearly, you are willing to give freely to the point of
self-sacrifice. God paid dearly with the life of his Son, the highest price he could pay. Jesus
accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins, and then offered us the new life that he
had bought for us. When we share the gospel with others, our love must be like Jesus’--willingly giving up our own comfort and security so that others might join us in receiving
God’s love.
Some people are repulsed by the idea of eternal life because their lives are miserable. But
eternal life is not an extension of a person’s miserable mortal life. Eternal life is God’s life
embodied in Christ given to all believers now as a guarantee that they will live forever. In
eternal life there is no death, sickness, enemy, evil, or sin. When we don’t know Christ, we
make choices as though this life is all we have. In reality, this life is just the introduction to
eternity. Receive this new life by faith and begin to evaluate all that happens from an eternal
perspective.
To ‘believe’ is more than intellectual agreement that Jesus is God. It means to put our trust
and confidence in him that he alone can save us. It is to put Christ in charge of our present
plans and eternal destiny. Believing is both trusting his words as reliable, and relying on him
for the power to change. If you have never trusted Christ, let this promise of everlasting life
be yours --- and believe.” LAB,NIV, page 2224
Sylvia Samuel
Prayer: Heavenly Father we thank you for memories and stories that helps us when we
reflect on the Advent season and what it means to us; the first coming and the second coming
of your son, Jesus Christ. We even want to thank you for the ‘snakes,’ or people who tell us to
go against your Word as they did to Elisabeth and Zacharias when they named their child John
because these are the obstacles that force us to exercise faith in your Word. Even though
many have gone before us and we may feel alone, we know that your hand is on us and all
who believe, all who are obedient, and all who trust in you will have everlasting life, and
never be alone.
Shawn R. Thomas, Sr.
Monday, December 9
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Matthew 24: 32-44 Revelations 3:14-22
Dear Jesus
The wondrous Star shone brightly
On that miraculous awe-filled night.
Lighting the way for the many lives
That followed its guiding light.
The little Babe in Bethlehem
Lay gently on the hay.
As above His blessed sacred head
Gleamed a brilliant golden ray.
Dear Jesus, sweetly sleeping.
How we love you, the chosen One!
You came gently, without fanfare
To live on earth, as the Heavenly Son.
Did you see the bright Star shining
In the east, to light the way?
Did you see the lowly animals
As you lay among the hay?
Dear Jesus, on that Christmas long ago
You were born to bear the Cross
That the love and peace abiding in You
Would save mankind from a life lost.
Did you watch the Wise Men praying?
Did you hear the angels sing?
Did you see the shepherds coming?
Proclaiming you the newborn King?
Man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. – 1 Samuel 16:7
Dear Jesus, Holy Child Divine.
Born to purge my sins from me.
Born to die for all mankind
That they might live in liberty.
Did you hear the golden trumpets
As the bells began to ring?
Did you hear the multitude shouting:
“Glory to the newborn King?”
Did you know that we were waiting
For the Savior of our lives?
Did You know that you’d be the One
To impart all love God has to give?
Dear Jesus, you give faith, and love and
hope
To the darkness of our souls,
May these gifts forever fill our hearts
As the light of Your life unfolds.
Myrtle W. Simpson
You Are Welcome Here
On Sundays - as greeters and ushers - we greet people with the words “Welcome to
Northeastern ”. When some of those are first time visitors, do we display a spirit of love or do
we convey a message that says to keep out – “ You Are Not Welcome Here ” ! Remember, God
looks at the heart. He looks far beyond the surface of someone’s appearance. 1 Samuel 16:7.
God’s message of welcome is clear. He says to all who seek Him, “ Everyone who thirsts come
to the water. “ – Isaiah 55:1
Unless we show love, no one will know what we mean when we say God is love.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you gave your only Son to die
for our sins. Thank you for your grace and mercy everyday – not just during Advent season.
We do not know the hour or the day that the Lord will come, so let us be alert and ready at all
times, welcoming you into our lives all that come and desire a better relationship with you
today and everyday. Amen.
Josephine C. Glenn
Monday, December 16, 2013
Matthew 24:15-31 - Revelations 3: 7-13
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Revelation 1: 9-16; 3: 7-13
Eternal Life
I've always loved Christmas. The smells, the sounds of bells outside the grocery store, the
music inside. The excitement in the air, the greetings of strangers as you pass them by on the
streets. I love the lights, the anticipation of snow, the traditions. I love the season of Advent,
the celebration of our Lord’s birth.
It always gives me a time to reflect on the wonderful gift that was given to us from our Holy
Father. A most generous gift. The gift of his Son, so that we may have everlasting life.
Prayer: Heavenly Father thank you for all of the signs of the coming season that we have
experienced since our youth. Just as we know the ‘signs of the season,’ make sure that we
listen and know the signs of the second coming or the second Advent of Christ the King. Do
not let us be deceived by false teachings and false beliefs, but obedient so that we will be the
chosen ones gathered by your angels to have eternal life. Amen.
Robin Miller
The Door of Opportunity
We often speak of “windows of opportunity” to accomplish certain things, windows that we
worry may soon be closed. But God has given us an opportunity for action that is always
there for us to take advantage of, a door or window that “no one is able to shut.” This is the
kind of opportunity revealed in the Apostle John’s letter to the church in Philadelphia. It is the
opportunity made available to those who have kept his word and not denied his name.
I often wonder whether some of the doors of opportunity we walk through are best for us.
For me, it’s that last minute trip to Chicago, the work on a search committee with over ninety
applications to read, the independent study arranged with a student who wants to graduate
on time. Are these really the kinds of doors I should be walking through? What are we doing
to spread the word that Jesus Christ was born? Have we taken the opportunity each day to
enter through the door of gratitude and thanksgiving? Have we missed an opportunity to walk
through the open door leading to sure salvation? This is a door that no one is able to shut
because it is held open for us by God.
“Let all who can hear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”
Thank you, God, for the door to salvation you keep open to us. Amen.
Shirley Logan
Wednesday, December 11
Matt. 23:1–12 - Rev. 1:17—2:7
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Third Sunday of Advent
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3; 13-17
“Remain Humble in Giving”
What does the word GIVE mean to you when you think of the Advent season? When you GIVE
do you expect something in return? When you GIVE do you want to be recognized by someone
else? Have you ever tried to GIVE anonymously, so that no one knows about your kind deeds?
During this Advent season let us challenge one another to perform acts of kindness without
expecting recognition or for the receiver to know who performed this act of kindness. In
Matthew 23:1-12 Jesus reminds the multitude and the disciples that the scribes and the
Pharisees do works to be seen and praised by men, they want to sit in the best rooms during
feasts, have the best seats in the synagogues and to be called only by official titles. Jesus says
in Matthew 23:12, And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall
humble himself shall be exalted.
Humility allows time for us to focus on the needs and concerns of our sisters and brothers,
rather than focusing on our own wants. Humility gives us quiet time to pray and to ask God
who should we be serving or giving to in order to demonstrate Christ-like behaviors.
Whenever you do something for the church, an organization or someone else always remain
humble, expecting nothing in return immediately, but looking forward to the return that you
will receive when your journey on this Earth is complete.
Stacey Brown
Holding Fast to the Traditions
Christmas is a time when families celebrate the birth of Jesus by coming together to celebrate
their love for each other. The important element is “coming together.” When I told a friend
that all the children in their families were planning to come home for Christmas, she asked me
whether they were staying in a nearby hotel, assuming that the house where three children
lived and grew up could not comfortably accommodate three times that number—two
spouses and four children—in the same space, not to mention toys, high chairs, cribs, and
other paraphernalia. My response was quick and sure: “No, we’ll manage.” And we will.
There will be two new babies since last Christmas and things will be a bit tight, but I can’t
imagine any one staying anywhere else. I remind myself that after the three or four days of
“together time,” when everyone has gone, there’ll be the piles of dirty linen and towels, crayon
marks on the wall—and that empty silence. But I will also have the memories of the
traditions we observed and the blessings that were lifted up in thanks to a loving God.
God, help us remember to “hold fast to the traditions” that we observe during this season of
celebration. Amen.
Shirley Logan
I will always cling to Him….For Jesus is His name.
Shawn R. Thomas, Sr.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the books of Revelation and Matthew that brings our
attention to the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I ask that we always ‘cling
to you,’ despite wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes so that we
someday can walk in white and have our names written in the book of life. Amen.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Matthew 23:13-26
Stern Words for the Religious Elites
Jesus has stern words for the religious elites in the passage from the Gospel of Matthew. In
total there are seven charges or seven statements beginning with “Woe to you” against the
Pharisees. All seven have hypocrisy at the core.
Through their actions, the Pharisees are shutting heaven’s doors right in the faces of the very
people they seek to serve. Jesus does give them credit for making converts but the converts
don’t know Christ – they join, but they truly don’t know that they should be following Christ.
They tithe, giving tangible things; but the critically important intangibles - justice, mercy and
faith - are missing. The gifts of mint, dill and cumin cannot replace right behavior; cannot
replace extending love to one’s neighbors.
Verses 25 and 26 sum it all up:
‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the
cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You
blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may
become clean.
Not exactly a heartwarming passage for the Advent season. Or, perhaps, it is the perfect
passage. As we prepare to once again welcome Jesus into the world, we hold images of a cute
swaddled baby cradled in the bosom of his beaming human parents in our heads. Perhaps it
is a good thing to be reminded who this child grew to become and what the adult Jesus did for
us. Jesus came so that we might have abundant life and not one bound by sin and death. Jesus
came so that we might have hope.
That is the gift that we have to share this season – hope. So not only should we be
encouraging people to join the church, but, more importantly, we should be energizing people
to follow Christ. Not only giving material support to the church, we need also to extend to one
another so much grace and love that it overflows from the sanctuary windows and doors!
Yes, the words are particularly stern, but it is necessary to pierce through the busy-ness that
consumes us – tree trimming, holiday shopping, greeting card writing…etc. If our focus is on
the Kingdom of God, it will show on our faces. If our minds centered on the Word, then our
hearts will be clean. Jesus wants us to work from the inside out, to make the necessary
changes within ourselves to clear away whatever clutter that prevents us from fully following
him. First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside may become clean.
Cynthia Gervais
Friday, December 13, 2013
Matthew 23:27–39
A Softened Judgment
After the seven “Woe unto you” statements of the preceding versus, Jesus softens and shows
the underlying sadness that fired the judgment of Matthew 23:13-26.
Jesus laments over Jerusalem – the city that murders prophets and other messengers of God.
The threats yield to the image of Jesus as mother hen; gathering the scattered chicks under
her wings for protection and care.
Jesus so wished to protect them, but they “were not willing.” However the passage doesn’t
end there. There is still hope. Jesus offers compassion. In verse 39, “For I tell you, you will
not see me again until you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Yesterday, I heard a sermon on Mathew 11:28-30 at an ordination service. Rev. Sterling
Morse preached on the following passage:
‘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.’
The preacher focused on the image of the yoke. When two animals are yoked
together they can move forward and pull more than either one of them could
individually. When we lean into Jesus, we can handle far more than we can alone.
Bring it to Jesus and allow him to help.
So, even though there is stern judgment, we know that Jesus has not left us alone. All
we need do is call upon him.
Cynthia Gervais
Saturday, December 14
Revelations 3: 1-6 - Matthew 24:1-14
The Testimony…
They asked me to tell them
And I said that I would try
To think of the important things
That I would do until I die
I sighed and then began to speak
As the tears welled up, streamed down my cheek
I gathered myself and told them true
Of all the conditions I would go through
No matter the longest day or darkest night
If my senses betrayed me, and I lost all sight
Or pain assailed my body and mind
The presence of lurking death curtailing my time
I will always cling to YOU….
I told them these things for when I once cried out
And no one heard my cry, I began to doubt
What would I do unfailingly until I pass
Would I have the strength to hold on and stand fast?
But, as I have made it here, and then wondered why?
When I questioned myself, "Was it you or was it I?"
I then remembered, I could not have come from that place all alone
Your grace strengthens my soul, not the flesh or bone
I am not shaken, my faith will endure
For when I fell ill, You were the cure
You gave me the courage, you gave me the power
To continue the fight during my darkest hour
I will always cling to You…
My youth and strength will surely wane
But, my devotion and faith will truly remain
So, from this day to the next, and all that follow that
Til the earth swallows the sea, and then becomes fat
Til the moon shouts to the stars for being so bold
And the trees curse the mountains for being so old
And as the skys fall signaling the end of days
They can ask time and again, to tell them the ways
Of how I have been blessed, so thankful of what I've got
The bounty of what's here, and to disregard what's not.