An Advent Devotional Collection by First Presbyterian Church

simple gifts FPC Advent Devotional 2016

November 27 - December 3 “Simple Gift of Hope” November 27

Isaiah 2:1-5

Ron Shive

November 28

Matthew 8:5-11

Norman Whitney

November 29

Isaiah 11:1-10

Mary Erwin

November 30

Ephesians 1:3-6

Katharine Frazier

December 1

Matthew 7:21-27

Peggy Harrelson

December 2

Matthew 9:27-31

Willy Fisher

December 3

Isaiah 30:19-21

Bob Lewis

December 4 – December 10 “Simple Gift of Love” December 4

John 3:1-17

Lindsay Conrad

December 5

Luke 5:17-26

Cathy Dusenberry

December 6

Isaiah 40:1-11

Tom McGowen

December 7

Isaiah 40:25-31

Mary Chandler Giles

December 8

Romans 10:9-18

Mark Payne

December 9

Isaiah 48:17-19

Mary Louise Bringle

December 10

Matthew 17:9, 10-13

Edith Vann

2

December 11 – December 16 “Simple Gift of Peace” December 11

Matthew 1:18-25

Patrick Murphy

December 12

Luke 1:39-45

Bro. Michael McGrath, OSFS

December 13

James 5:7-10

Kenneth G. Phifer

December 14

Luke 7:18-23

Harry Brown

December 15

Isaiah 54:1-10

Cindy Cothran

December 16

John 5:33-36

Charles Coffin

December 17 – December 24 “Simple Gift of Joy” December 17

Luke 2:8-20

Charlotte Allbright

December 18

Isaiah 7:10-14

Harry Brown

December 19

Luke 1:5-25

Bob Hill

December 20

Luke 1:26-38

Beth Hooten

December 21

Luke 1:39-45

Courtney Dyer Jones

December 22

Luke 1:46-56

Mary, the mother of Jesus

December 23

Malachi 3:1-4

Jackson Allbright

December 24

Luke 1:67-79

Michael Perry

John 1:1-14

Christ is Born! The Profound Gift of Presence

December 25

3

4

SIMPLE GIFT OF HOPE

Emerging Star 1 | Virginia Wieringa | www.virginiawieringa.com 5

SIMPLE GIFT OF HOPE

November 27 Isaiah 2:1-5 Ron Shive “In the days to come…[God] shall judge between the nations; …they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks.” In the days of Isaiah, Judah has experienced a troubled history. She is a tiny nation surrounded by dominate and powerful empires that are constantly vying for superiority. Wars are almost constant, some are devastating. For much of her existence, she has lived under the control of some other nation. Judah is now a vassal state of Assyria and during Isaiah's lifetime, the Assyrians sweep in and totally destroy the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and threaten to do the same to the Southern Kingdom of Judah. And yet there are those like Isaiah who could envision a different reality, who hope for a time when Judah will be faithful and allow God to be God. Some hope for the day when God will break into his world. Isaiah’s vision is one of the most expansive visions in all of Scripture. His vision is of the day when God will settle things fairly between nations. The day when God will turn their weapons into shovels, so there would be no more war. It will be the day when peace will rule the world. 2750 years later, that is still our dream, our hope, and our prayer. Some days, it is tempting to simply throw up one’s hands and give up hope. To simply pour cold water on the burning embers of our dream. To choke the life out of our prayer. To walk away from it. For the past 7 years, I have gotten to know a Palestinian Lutheran pastor that I greatly admire. His name is Mitri Raheb, and he is the pastor of the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. With the Israeli occupation of Bethlehem going on now for forty-nine years, it would be easy for him to simply say, “There is no reason to hope anymore.” To simply throw up his hands and give up hope. But, Mitri has not caved in and given up. Nor is he simply sitting down and waiting. Mitri often says, “Hope is what we do.” Hope knows that the future lies in God’s hands and so he is living into that hope. Mitri has established the Dar al-Kalima University in the heart of Bethlehem to bring hope to the lives of youth who have no hope. (http://brightstarsbethlehem.org/who-we-are/about-bright-stars/) How is God calling you “to do hope” today? How is God calling you to share the simple gift of hope? 6

SIMPLE GIFT OF HOPE

November 28 Matthew 8:5-11 Norman Whitney “As he entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, beseeching him and saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed, in terrible distress.’ And he said to him, ‘I will come and heal him’. But the centurion answered him ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed…’ When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who followed him, ‘’Truly, I say to you not even in Israel have I found such faith’… and to the centurion Jesus said, ‘Go; be it done for you as you have believed.’ And the servant was healed at that very moment.” From Matthew 8:5-13 Along beside the celebration of the promised return of our risen Lord at Advent, the idea of gift giving is very popular at this time of the year. “What do you want for Christmas?” is a question that begins many a conversation among us all, both young and old. And come December 26th as a follow up we’ll hear, “Well, did you get it?” Receiving, however, is accompanied by asking and asking is accompanied by a willingness to believe that the one whom we ask for a particular gift has both the power and the willingness to supply our needs. This Advent, indeed every Advent, we find ourselves humbling ourselves before our Lord Christ and asking Him to hear and fulfill the deepest desires of our hearts. In the story of the Centurion’s Faith, St. Matthew reminds us that our prayers do not fall upon deaf ears when we lift them up to Christ. St. Matthew reminds us that our Lord does not just hear our prayers, but he also answers them. So do not hesitate to offer your prayers to the Risen Lord this Advent; also expect your prayers to be answered.

Let us pray: By your grace, O Lord, hear our prayers and lift the burdens of our hearts; for we offer our prayers in Your Name. Amen. 7

SIMPLE GIFT OF HOPE

November 29 Isaiah 11:1-10 Mary Erwin O Father, Your life in me brings stillness to my turmoil. Your life in me brings clarity to my confusion. Your life in me brings wisdom to my worry. Your life in me brings contentment to my striving. Your life in me brings gentleness to my anger. Your life in me brings patience to my panic. Your life in me brings hope to my suffering. Your life in me brings faith to my frustration. Your life in me brings such heavenly treasure into my heart And enables me to navigate a peaceful path. In you I find strength for my journey. living-prayers.com

8

SIMPLE GIFT OF HOPE

November 30 Ephesians 1:3-6 Children of God Katharine Frazier God of Love, We thank you for the miracle of children. Guide us in our grown-up lives that we may remember to see the world as they do: with imaginations eager, driven by curiosity, overflowing with love, and not afraid to show it all. Like our children, open our hearts so that we may freely feel and share your glorious grace. Amen.

9

SIMPLE GIFT OF HOPE

December 1 Matthew 7:21-27 Peggy Harrelson On a hillside, thousands of years ago, Jesus delivered a simple but powerful message about life as a follower of God – live out your faith and your call in every way possible, in the big moments and the small, in the noticed and the anonymous, in the publicized and in the quiet. This Matthew passage gives us a simple guide to the behaviors expected of Christ’s followers and the how-to of being and doing in God’s kingdom, behaviors that are built on a foundation of Jesus’ life and teachings. It reminds us that the manner in which we live our lives really does matter. Now, who has not experienced angst and remorse when it is clear that what we say we believe and what we have actually done are two entirely different things? It is a very humbling experience to both understand that duality and then to try again and again to live true to Jesus’ teachings. Perhaps that is one lesson to be learned from Advent – that the celebration of the birth of the Savior is another opportunity for us to hear the good news of the Gospel, to examine our own lives, to move into a closer relationship with God, and to share our faith with others. Prayer for the day: Holy God, thank you for sending your son Jesus to be the Hope for the world. Thank you for being a never changing presence in our lives in an ever changing world. As your disciples, help us live as you would have us live, to shine light in the darkness, and to bring the story of the baby to the world. Amen.

10

SIMPLE GIFT OF HOPE

December 2 Matthew 9:27-31 Willy Fisher When reading this passage, we are reminded of a couple of things. One of the things that stands out is when the blind men cried out, “Have mercy on us.” The word “mercy” is powerful. For us, it can be translated with the idea of “grace.” It describes some act of compassion that is undeserved – a free gift, a kind act. Isn’t that one of the greatest gifts of all? The mercy of Jesus Christ. The other idea we pull from this passage is what is most important when it comes to our faith. It’s not what we can see with our own eyes, but instead what we feel with our hearts that bring us these gifts. At times we feel like “cracked pots” who really don’t deserve anything, but because of God’s love for us, and the gift sent to the earth in human form on that cold night in Bethlehem, we have peace and mercy.

God, thanks for the gift of mercy. Your amazing love and grace, even during times we don’t feel we deserve it, is one of the greatest gifts we have. Help us to remember this mercy, so that we can go into our world with open hearts, and share our faith with others. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

11

SIMPLE GIFT OF HOPE

December 3 Isaiah 30:19-21 Bob Lewis The Prophet Isaiah wrote in a most tumultuous time in the history of the Jewish nation in 740 BC. Hear now the word of Isaiah: O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, you teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah is appealing to the Jewish people to get into a righteous relationship with God. Historically, the Jews were worshipping idols, not following their own Judaic Law and had become woefully lethargic with their own spirituality. The Prophets who wrote during this time cautioned all to change their way as God would inflict terrible punishment on his people if they did not change their ways. At the same time, he would bless them and answer their prayers once they began this “right relationship” with him. In 2016, our time on earth it seems we are afflicted as the Jews were with the “bread of adversity” and the “water of affliction.” The news is filled every day with violent actions, hunger, death, dishonesty, mistrust, the selfish and homelessness. We, as a community of faith. can be depressed by this human suffering and feel just as the Jews did during the time of Isaiah. It can be overwhelming. Yet, there is hope my friends.

12

Hope comes to us in many ways. Hope comes through prayer. Hope comes to us by the Grace of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Hope comes to us through friendship and caring for your family and neighbors. Hope comes to us by joining hands with others in our community to care for those less fortunate. Hope comes to us through worship. Hope comes to us through music. Hope comes to us by giving and sharing. The Lord calls each and every one of us to walk with him on this journey we call life and faith. He calls upon us to hear his word through Scripture. He calls upon us to be a vehicle for love and faith. He calls upon us to share with others. He calls upon us to have mercy. He calls upon us to have Hope.

Dear God, hear our prayers. Give us the strength, guidance and Hope to walk with you in our daily lives. Make us mindful of our family, friends, neighbors and community needs. Let us walk together as a community of faith against all odds so that we share this righteous relationship with others. We pray this in your Son’s name, AMEN.

13

14

SIMPLE GIFT OF LOVE

Emerging Star 3 | Virginia Wieringa | www.virginiawieringa.com 15

SIMPLE GIFT OF LOVE

December 4 John 3:1-17 Lindsay Conrad For God so loved the world so much that an idea arose ­ of love incarnate, tried and true and tangled in the web of the world. Because God so loved the world a piece of God’s heart ­ God’s very soul ­ was knit into our story that we might never die. Since God so loved the world ­ the way was shown and known embraced in hugs and torn in flesh bled and died to rise anew ­ for you and for me. If God so loved the world so much to grant us such a gift, what might that mean for you and me? ­ the ones charged to be the hands and feet ­ the ones working as the pieces, and places, and people of God’s very heart. What a simple gift it might be to embrace the idea that God’s gift of love lies in your life, and your love, and your story. Oh, what a world it would be ­ if we chose to love it like God. May it be so. 16

SIMPLE GIFT OF LOVE

December 5 Luke 5:17-26 Cathy Dusenberry This passage in Luke tells the story of the paralyzed man who was lowered into the house in Capernaum where Jesus was staying and consequently healed of his paralysis. There are several simple Gifts of Love that are demonstrated in this scripture. First and foremost are the gifts of love shown by the four friends of the paralyzed man. They loved their friend so much that they were bold, persistent, and innovative in their quest to have Jesus heal him, even to the point that they dug through the roof of the house, then lowered him down in front of Jesus! Their love and compassion is evidenced through their actions to obtain healing for their sick friend. Secondly, the paralyzed man showed his love and faith in his friends by consenting to the extraordinary means that they go through for him. Imagine the trust that he must have had in them! Can we put ourselves in his place, on that bed, descending through the roof? And there is also the gift of love that he surely must have felt when he was healed by Jesus and told to pick up his bed and walk home. Thirdly, there is the simple gift of love that Jesus shows especially to the paralyzed man when He first forgives him of his sins, then heals his body. Jesus proved to the scribes and Pharisees, through his loving actions, that He had the right to forgive sins and the authority to heal the sick. And we need to remember that Jesus’ love continues to extend to us now, to help heal whatever is paralyzing us, whether it’s guilt, perfectionism, bad habits, or a myriad of other issues.

God, we pray that we always remember the simple gifts of love that our friends extend to us and we ask You to help us appreciate and reciprocate these gifts. May we always be reminded about the ultimate act of love that Jesus made for us. In Your name we pray, Amen.

17

SIMPLE GIFT OF LOVE

DECEMBER 5

December 6 Isaiah 40:1-11 Tom McGowen My mother always had a great admiration for the Salvation Army. As a child of the depression her reasons were simply stated – when a lost soul walked in off the street the first things they received were a hot shower, clean clothes, and a hot meal. Not a sermon, not a theological questionnaire, not a pep rally. Just a hot shower, clean clothes, and a hot meal. This simple act of love did more to give hope to someone who felt abandoned by this world than any amount of well planned and intentioned program could ever accomplish. They knew they were loved. God gives us a similar simple, loving message in Isaiah 40. No matter your sins, no matter the “hard service” your sins have caused, they have been paid for. God is in control, and God is making a path straight from Him to you. Our existence may be temporary, but God’s love is forever and ever. In this Advent season, we celebrate the defining moment of that path from God to us. An infant’s lowly birth is the permanent Good News for all of humanity. Shout the Good News from the mountaintop! Receive the great simple gift of love!

Lord, in this season as we focus on the great gift of our Savior come to earth, may we celebrate not only the gift, but the way You chose to give it. As we go forth, may we focus on the simple acts of love each of us can present in gratitude to You. Amen.

18

SIMPLE GIFT OF LOVE

DECEMBER 5

December 7 Isaiah 40:25-31 child’s drawing Mary Chandler Giles

Dear God, We give you thanks for this day and for all our many blessings. Thank you for always listening to my prayers and for always answering our call for help. Be with us, lead us, guide us, and direct us in all that we do. Amen.

19

SIMPLE GIFT OF LOVE

DECEMBER 5

December 8 Romans 10:9-18 Mark Payne “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

In the first century after the birth of Christ, Paul finds himself addressing the fledgling Christian Church in Rome. The amazing central theme of Paul’s letter is the gift of hope by which one can receive eternal salvation by resting your faith and belief in the resurrection of Jesus after his death on the cross. The Apostle reminds us that this hope is for all humanity, Jew or Gentile, who are willing to call upon and trust in the Lord. Furthermore, we are exhorted to not only trust, have faith, and believe... but to, also, spread the Good News to the ends of the earth! Paul’s voice comes to us across the void of twenty centuries... but it remains strong, vibrant, and incapable of being ignored. Advent allows us to refresh ourselves in the simple hope of the Child who would become Jesus and our eternal Lord and Savior. “Their voice has gone out to all the Earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” (Romans 10:18)

Let us pray: Lord, thank you for another year in which to praise you and your works. Thank you for this season of expectation and preparation and gently remind us that all humankind are your children... that our hope rests firmly in a faith founded upon the resurrection of your Son in a world that yearns for your love, your redeeming grace, and the simple hope that all are forever welcome children in your kingdom. Amen.

20

SIMPLE GIFT OF LOVE

DECEMBER 5

December 9 Isaiah 48:17-19 Now the Heavens Start to Whisper Hymn #94 Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal text by Mary Louise Bringle

Now the heaves start to whisper, as the veil is growing thin. Earth from slumber wakes to listen to the stirring faith within: seed of promise, deeply planted, child to spring from Jesse’s stem! Like the soil beneath the frost-line, hearts grow soft to welcome him. Heavy clouds that block the moonlight now begin to drift away. Diamond brilliance through the darkness shines the hope of coming day. Christ, the morning star of splendor, gleams within a world grown dim. Heaven’s ember fans to fullness; hearts grow warm to welcome him. Christ, eternal sun of justice, Christ, the rose of wisdom’s seed, come to bless with fire and fragrance hours of yearning, hurt, and need. In the lonely, in the stranger, in the outcast, hid from view: Child who comes to grace the manger, teach our hearts to welcome you.

21

SIMPLE GIFT OF LOVE

DECEMBER 5

December 10 Matthew 17:9, 10-13 Edith Vann Drawings by Bridget Vann (3rd grade) and Madeline Vann (Kindergarten)

We must prepare for when the Lord comes again and turn away from everything that keeps us from pursuing His will. We should also help others prepare for when the Lord comes by showing them His love. One way we show God’s love is through baking cookies and food to give to the hungry. We also fill shoeboxes full of gifts to send to boys and girls around the world. Dear Lord, help me to live my life showing your gift of love, and turn away from sinful behaviors. I want to shine for you and live devoted to you and to your kingdom. Amen. 22

SIMPLE GIFT OF PEACE

Emerging Star 2 | Virginia Wieringa | www.virginiawieringa.com 23

24

SIMPLE GIFT OF PEACE

DECEMBER 5

December 11 Matthew 1:18-25 Patrick Murphy

Emmanuel, God is with us. In this very busy season of Advent, we hear every Sunday in worship that this is a time of preparation, of waiting. These words are not always easy to hear – for we tend to focus on all that we must do before Christmas Day arrives. But what if we approach Advent with a different attitude this year? What if we take a moment each day, perhaps before we even leave the bed from our sleep, and say silently or aloud: Emmanuel, Emmanuel – God is with me, God is with me. Perhaps if we start and end each day in Advent with this simple prayer of peace, we will find that God, indeed, is with us… through our work, our play, our running errands, our loving on our children, our preparations for Christmas… And, perhaps, we might even find in those times of praying Emmanuel, Emmanuel – God is with me, God is with me moments of true peace. Surely these are simple gifts for this Advent season.

25

SIMPLE GIFT OF PEACE

DECEMBER 5

December 12 Luke 1:26-38 “Windsock Visitation” by Bro. Michael McGrath, OSFS “This is the place of our delight and rest.” St. Jane de Chantal Mary and Elizabeth greet each other in a spirit-filled flurry. This image was painted for the Sisters of the Visitation in North Minneapolis.

What do you notice? Read the scripture and ponder what the artist wants us to know through his work of art. What speaks to you? How do you relate to the story of Mary and Elizabeth meeting? What image pops into your mind when you think of their visit with each other? What memories and emotions come to you as you read the story and look at this image? In meditative prayer, spend time in silence reflecting on the image and the scripture. Ask God to lift out the words or images that you need to hold onto and ponder on for a while. Take words and images with you wherever you go this week and notice God speaking to you. 26

SIMPLE GIFT OF PEACE

DECEMBER 5

December 13 James 5:7-10 “I Am Impatient” by Kenneth G Phifer from A Book of Uncommon Prayer (The Upper Room, 1981) O Lord our God, When I stop to think upon life, I am amazed by its diversity. There is a time – to give thanks for the sheer rapture of living, to ask for help in the bearing of burdens, to ask for surcease from pain. There is a time – to cry out, to be still, to seize the opportunity that lies at hand, to wait until the night has gone, and the dawn has come once more, and hope trembles naked in the chill of morning. There is a time – to pray to refrain from praying, Simply waiting in the silence for a sound of music that will set our spirits to dancing again. I confess, O Lord, my problem lies in my inability to unravel the complexity of my own experiences. I take life’s rapturous moments for granted, only to look back and see that I gave no thanks. (Continued on page 28)

27

SIMPLE GIFT OF PEACE

(Continued from page 27)

I struggle on blindly through my days of difficulty, realizing too late that I have asked for no help either from you or from those who love me and would like to help. I have tried to go it alone. I have stormed heaven with my strident demands when there was no need. You are my Father and, like a good father, you are sensitive to my needs, concerned about my predicaments. Help me to remember that you are standing by, offering me the courage and faith necessary to see me through another day and another night. So I can rein my impatience and wait. At least I think I can, with your help and with the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

28

DECEMBER 5

SIMPLE GIFT OF PEACE

December 14 Luke 7:18-23 Harry Brown The Way and The Life; or Gifts for my teacher are all we have, to and from friends. But inches and ounces hardly count. Silk, jade, karats? So what? Surface and stuff but seem. Essence is substance here, no extension about ­ except the hint of a heart like The Goldberg Variations glorying the air (and the artist’s eye meandering through a magical collocation of angle, color and line). Moreover ­ don’t be fooled ­ there is no own, only ours. Leave mine to Ozymandias... and sands. Discrete is not divine; all that is holy has strings. Yes, they tangle, yet to love is to live in them. They and today are plenty eternal ­ far moreso than Beyond.

29

SIMPLE GIFT OF PEACE

December 15 Isaiah 54:1-10 Cindy Cothran

“Lord, You have given to me Your perfect peace; Your peace You have bequeathed to me. It is not the peace that the world gives. I will not let my heart be troubled, neither will I let it be afraid. Instead of worrying, I will pray. I will let petitions and praises shape my worries into prayers, letting You, Father, know my concerns, not forgetting to thank You for the answers. Your peace will keep my thoughts and my heart quiet and at rest as I trust in Christ Jesus, my Lord. It is wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of my life. Thank You for guarding me and keeping me in perfect and constant peace. My mind is stayed on You. I commit myself to You, to lean on You, and hope confidently in You. In Jesus’ name. “ from, “Prayers That Avail Much” by Germaine Copeland 30

SIMPLE GIFT OF PEACE

December 16 John 5:33-36 On Jordan’s Band the Baptist’s Cry Text by Charles Coffin, 1736; trans. John Chandler, 1837 Hymn #96 Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry announces that the Lord is nigh; Awake and hearken, for he brings glad tidings of the King of kings.

Then cleansed be every life from sin; make straight the way for God within, and let us all our hearts prepare for Christ to come and enter there.

We hail you as our Savior, Lord, our refuge and our great reward; without your grace we waste away like flower that wither and decay.

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. 31

32

SIMPLE GIFT OF JOY

Advent Starry Night 1 | Virginia Wieringa | www.virginiawieringa.com 33

SIMPLE GIFT OF JOY

December 17 Malachi 3:1-4 Charlotte Allbright Recently, my family hiked to the top of Chimney Rock. My husband and sons even took the more harrowing trip to Exclamation Point climbing over trees, rocks, and tired people to see the breath taking view. I was excited to take this journey with my family until I heard the elevator was broken and we would have to climb the 500 steps to get to the top. Still, I was not going to miss this journey or this moment. So, I took a deep breath, a big gulp of water, and put my foot on that first step. I had traveled to the top of Chimney Rock before as a child, but now I viewed the scenery with new eyes – the eyes of an adult, the eyes of a mom who was terrified of my son falling off the side of a cliff, the eyes of someone thanking God that I am still breathing and prays that I’ll make it to the top. Exploring the woods, trekking up the mountainside, and seeing things I have never seen before with my family was a joy-filled moment. Praise God for the people who risked their lives to build the path! It wasn’t easy building those steps so long ago. Engineers may have never imagined that hundreds of thousands of people would take that journey every year. Construction workers may have never considered the impact they would make for generations to come. Park Rangers may have never thought about the people who would follow in their footsteps to keep the path clear and maintain the path so that others may journey to the aweinspiring destination. “Look, I am sending my messenger who will clear the path before me” (Malachi 3:1). And thank God for that messenger whom we know as John! He did not have an easy task of clearing the path for our Lord and Savior. He may not have considered the millions that would travel the path

34

daily. John may not have considered that generations to come would talk about his important role in helping us prepare for the coming of the Messiah. He may not have considered that the message of “Prepare the Way” would be read and sung. I am so very thankful for the messenger who cleared the path. May I be one of those who helps to keep the path clear, who encourages folks to take that first step onto the path, who walks with the traveler, and who seeks the Light of our Lord Jesus.

Thank you, Holy One, for faith ancestors who have made and cleared the path for you to come. We are humble travelers, thankful for the opportunity to know your love and joy. We are weary workers continuing to clear the obstacles on the path. Give us strength and courage for the journey. May we be a conduit of your light and love so that others will know your amazing grace. Amen.

“Charlotte Trudging” photo credit Roth Allbright

35

SIMPLE GIFT OF JOY

December 18 Isaiah 7:10-14 Harry Brown

“God is All Ear”

Blessed it is to listen; divine to hear.

36

SIMPLE GIFT OF JOY

December 19 Luke 1:5-25 Bob Hill When we are attentive, there are moments of joy throughout our daily life. A beautiful sunset, a budding flower, the uncontrollable giggle of a child being tickled ­ all are the simple gifts of joy that we are often too busy to notice. Sometimes, even the most joyous occasions can be marred by all the other things that are running through our minds. It can be hard to fully enjoy the wedding ceremony when we are worrying if the reception will go well. In these hectic days leading up to Christmas, it is especially difficult to look for the joy in the little things going on around us. In today’s lesson, Zechariah is the perfect example of this. He is told by Gabriel, one’s of God’s most highly regarded angels, that he is going to become a father. Instead of leaping for joy and enjoying the moment, he scoffs at Gabriel and is unsure despite hearing directly from the presence of God. Of course, he has to pay a heavy price for his incredulity. On the other hand, Elizabeth is truly excited by the wonderful news. In a world where barrenness was a shameful condition, she is elated at the good news, and not only is she having a son, she is also having a holy son who will become a great prophet and the baptizer of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Rather than questioning, she gives thanks to God for answering their prayers. In this Advent season, we need to look for the simple joys in our life and hold them dear for they are the things that make our lives worth living. These joyous moments are precious, and we need to celebrate and be thankful to our God who has provided them, and they are much more important than all the hubbub that surrounds them and distracts us from their enjoyment. Gracious God, We thank you for the many joys you set out for us to enjoy each day. Please help us to open our eyes to all the beauty and wonder in this world you have created. Most of all, we thank you for this gift of your son, the greatest joy of all, who came to the earth to save us from our sins. Help us to keep this in mind as we journey through the Advent Season. In your Holy Name we pray, Amen. 37

SIMPLE GIFT OF JOY

December 20 Luke 1:26-38 Beth Hooten The Twins. They were premature and couldn't stand on their own, so we bottle fed twice a day for a couple of weeks until they managed to begin nursing from their mother. Small miracle in itself that she stuck with them and accepted them to nurse that long after arrival. We dropped back to one bottle a day until they were about seven weeks old and then stopped with bottles at that point. Davis, the one on the right in the photo, is still on the farm and is "our steer mascot." His brother, Parker, died from sepsis at about ten weeks of age. Still, they represent for me the hope of new life, especially when unexpected (we knew the cow was pregnant but weren't expecting twins). Moreover, they were/are a gift and a witness to the power of nature and the possibility of growth.

Oh, God – thank you for your creation and all the magnificent creatures in it. Thank you for the redemptive hope that arrives in small beings. Amen.

38

SIMPLE GIFT OF JOY

December 21 Luke 1:39-45 Courtney Dyer Jones Advent is a time of anticipation, expectation, and fulfillment with the birth of Jesus. This passage, from the gospel according to Luke, tells the story of Mary visiting her cousin, Elizabeth, while they are both with child. In these verses, Mary and Elizabeth are both brimming with anticipation for their unborn sons. Mary, who will birth Jesus, and Elizabeth, who is pregnant with her son, John the Baptist, are both filled with wonderment and joy at the prospect of being mothers. Elizabeth has conceived her son at a later stage in life, and Mary was a virgin who became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. The infant in Elizabeth’s womb “leaped for joy” when hearing the voice of Mary upon her arrival, prompting Elizabeth to say, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” This passage speaks to our ongoing trust in our Lord to be able to fulfill our needs and expectations on a daily basis. His will for us is anticipated and sought after by those who have faith in Him, and who believed that Jesus died for our sins, so that we may have everlasting life. During the Advent season, we exchange gifts with one another to symbolize the gift that God gave to us, His only begotten son, Jesus Christ. This Advent season is particularly special for my husband and me, as we are expecting a daughter at the beginning of Advent. Our anticipation of the arrival of our daughter is palpable at this time; like Elizabeth, we are starting a family later than people traditionally do. With every “leap” and movement our daughter makes, we are reminded of the beautiful blessing we are about to receive from our Lord. Heavenly Father, we come to you once again to say ‘thank you’ for the beautiful season of Advent and all it symbolizes. Please help all of us to remember the origins of this season, that You have given us the greatest gift of all, Your son, Jesus Christ, and that He is all that is pure, right, and just in our world. Please help us to anticipate the beauty and sanctity of this season of giving and receiving, as well as to reflect on the unending love that Your son Jesus has for us. Amen.

39

SIMPLE GIFT OF JOY

December 22 Luke 1:46-56 by Mary, the mother of Jesus

With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am, I rejoice in God my savior. He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name. He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God. He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations. He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away emptyhanded. He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy, just as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.

40

SIMPLE GIFT OF JOY

December 23 Luke 2:8-20 Jackson Allbright May the Heavenly Hosts interrupt our lives today, terrifying us, and leading us to the holy place where we will find our Savior. Fill us with your light, Lord, and let us share it with the nations. Terrified and joy-filled. Amen.

41

SIMPLE GIFT OF JOY

December 24 Luke 1:67-79 Blest Be the God of Israel: Song of Zechariah Text by Michael Perry Hymn #109 Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal “Blest be the God of Israel, who comes to set us free; Who visits and redeems us, who grants us liberty. The prophets spoke of mercy, of freedom and release; God shall fulfill that promise and bring the people peace.

God from the house of David a child of grace as given; A Savior comes among us to raise us up to heaven. Before him goes the herald, forerunner in the way, The prophet of salvation, the harbinger of day.

On those who sit in darkness the sun begins to rise, The dawning of forgiveness upon the sinner’s eyes. God guides the feet of pilgrims along the paths of peace. O bless our God and Savior with songs that never cease!”

Praise to you, O God, for sending the prophet to prepare the way. Help us to prepare our hearts in this season of Advent as we wait for your beloved. May the Peace of our Savior come! Amen.

42

SIMPLE GIFT OF JOY

December 25 John 1:1-14 Christ is Born! The Profound Gift of Presence Child of the Night by Holly Woolley Child Of the night and hushed Majesties of light. Cool evening breeze And single cry, A mother's tender arms And eyes . . . Unspoken grace adorns Crude stable hay and Humble cloth. A King is born In a quiet manger Without pretense Or display . . . No jeweled crown Nor fame is found Except, In lighted sky And whisper Of a father's tender Murmur of His name, "Jesus" The morning breaks In quiet sigh and fame: A dark and sleeping World awakes To never be The same. 43

First Presbyterian Church 508 W. Davis St. Burlington, NC 27215 336.228.1703 44 www.fpcburlington.org