Advent Devotionals 2020

Thursday, December 24

Waiting…

Luke 2 25-33

 On a family vacation to Disney World several years ago, we stopped to grab a bite to eat before a packed, planned day. My brother and I were young at the time and Jonathan insisted he was not hungry and did not want to eat. After nicely telling him to eat, my mom sternly said, “You will not have an opportunity to eat for SEVEN hours!!” Needless to say, Jonathan scarfed some food down because who could imagine waiting THAT long? Of course, this has become a running joke in our family!

 It’s hard to say exactly how long Simeon waited to meet baby Jesus, but I can assure you it was much longer than 7 hours. I think we can agree that his patience remained stronger than ours ever could. Despite years of waiting and periods of darkness, his faith remained strong in the ancient promise made to Israel. I can’t help but wonder, would we be able to wait patiently? And if we did, would we even recognize baby Jesus as the Messiah?

 In a world that seems so dark at this time, we can still find God at work. In the midst of many polarizing conversations, we have come together to adapt to a virtual world. The leaves will continue to change, the sun will continue to rise, and a baby’s laugh will continue to be heard. The uplifting spirit of Christ will remain if we are willing to let it stay. Let us be more like Simeon and patiently wait for the return of the Messiah.

 Are we willing to wait?

Dear God, help us to mimic the admirable patience and faith that Simeon has showed us as we reflect on the promises you have made to us. Amen.

Kelsey Thomas

Wednesday, December 23

Isaiah 2: 1-5

Tuesday, December 22

Luke 2:8-20

If you’re a fan of Charles Schulz’s Peanuts cartoon as I am, then when you read this scripture you envision Linus standing proudly on the school stage holding his blanket and reciting this – The Christmas Story.  As a child, I watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas” every year, and I often still watch it as an adult.  As my growth as a Christian and my relationship with Jesus has evolved over the years, so also has my reading of this Scripture changed with each visit to it – my focus choosing a different portion to reflect on each time.

Today when I read this, I pause on the word “But” in verse 19.  We all know that the word “but” symbolizes the separation between two opposing thoughts, ideas, or actions.  This passage is primarily about the Shepherds and how they rejoiced at the news of Jesus’ birth while being joined soon after by a company of angels praising God.  After the shepherds recovered from this initial excitement, they hurried to Bethlehem to see the Baby Jesus and after their visit, they then left very excitedly to tell everyone about what they had witnessed.  “But…” between the time of their visit with Jesus and their return to the fields, proclaiming with great excitement all that they had seen, Mary simply “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”  In the midst of the shepherds’ great animated excitement, Mary remains in calm reserved awe, filing away the most recent events of her life and reflecting on them thoughtfully in her heart.

My challenge for you this Christmas is to be both sides of the coin – be on both sides of the “but.”  Christmas is indeed the most exciting time and should be celebrated with that excitement, “but” at the same time we need to quietly treasure the true meaning of Christmas and reflect upon that in our hearts.

Prayer:  Dear God, help us to always be overjoyed with excitement about the birth of your Son Jesus, “but” also help us to pause and reflect in our hearts on what your greatest gift to us really means.  Amen.

Diane Thomas

Monday, December 21

Matthew 1:18-25

When I read these verses, I try to imagine how Joseph must have been feeling during this time. Being engaged and preparing for marriage is a huge life step, and when he found out that Mary was expecting a child before their marriage I can only imagine the confusion and desperation he just have felt. He still cared enough about Mary to not expose her publicly, but I’m sure he was on an emotional roller coaster. I also imagine that when the angel appeared to him in a dream and confirmed that Mary was in fact carrying the son of God, that he just have felt some relief. Upon hearing the news from the angel he immediately took Mary as his wife; what remarkable faith!
I hope that I can have faith like Joseph. To trust Gods plan for my life even when it seems like things may be falling apart.

Prayer- God help me to have faith like Joseph. Don’t let my conceived notions of how things “should be” keep me from hearing YOUR plans and obeying them. Amen.

Emily Upchurch

Sunday, December 20

Isaiah 11: 1-10

Saturday, December 19

Luke 3:  1-6

 During this busy season of Advent, holiday preparations typically include house cleaning and tidying up for potential guests.  We are in such a different and unusual world today, and we may not have traditional holiday gatherings with friends and family or the church gatherings which make the season so special.  This separation from our normal schedules does not mean that we must face the holidays alone.

John lived in the desert wilderness and faced loneliness and separation from humanity, but his focus was on preparing the way in his heart and soul for receiving the Word of God.  He encouraged others to prepare the path to their hearts for God’s Word as well.  By doing so today, we can fill our lives with the light of God’s Kingdom, and our spiritual growth can fill the wilderness of our hearts.  Even though we are living in times of political upheaval, spiritual corruption, isolation and loneliness, we can overcome    these trials through the light and hope of God’s Word.  This is God’s promise and our hope.  Let’s prepare the way to receive God’s Word to light our way through our spiritual wilderness and to receive His hope and salvation.

 Lord, during this season of Advent, open my heart to welcome Your Word which will provide a bright beacon of hope and light.  May the lonely wilderness of my heart be filled through Your Word of loving hope, peace and inspiration.   I pray in the name of Your loving Son, Jesus. Amen

Emily Powell

Friday, December 18

Jesus healing the blind man was a great miracle! Jesus’ birth was a great miracle and He performed many during his time on earth!  Neither the blind man nor his parents sinned, said Jesus, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.  As long as it is day we must do the woks of Him who sent me.  Night is coming, when no one can work.  While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 

Prayer:  Dear God, Open my eyes to see the miracles in the world, and all of the great things you’ve done.  Thank you for Your son Jesus Christ, and all of our many blessings.  In You heavenly name we pray. Amen.

Liza Upchurch

Thursday, December 17

Isaiah 40:1-11

 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.

When life gets difficult, I like to reflect on the challenges endured by the faithful throughout the years.

 Here in Isaiah 40, the Prophet Isaiah addresses a people who know all too well what it’s like to suffer. They’ve been conquered by the Babylonians. They’ve watched their homes be destroyed. They’ve lost loved ones. Many have even been marched some 900 miles to Babylon, where they forced to live in exile. It was undoubtedly a devastating time.

 But then God gives His Prophet a word of comfort.

 Here in Isaiah 40, the Prophet Isaiah proclaims, to a hopeless people, that change is on the way; that hope is on the horizon. In fact, despite seemingly overwhelming evidence, Isaiah lets the Israelites know God is at work in their midst lowering the mountains and lifting the valleys to prepare God’s people to return home.

 I don’t know about you, but this advent I find myself needing comfort.

 The past year has been one of the most challenging of my life. The coronavirus has thrown a wrench in so many of my plans. It’s required innovation and flexibility; not to mention a patience I often lack. I’ve missed spending time with family and friends. I know for so many, it’s presented unprecedented challenges at work and at home. 

 So what is our comfort?

 What is our hope?

 Put another way, what comfort can we find in a God who redeemed an exiled people from captivity in Babylon? What hope can we find in a God who entered our world through a baby born to a virgin in a lowly manager? 

 I believe our comfort is this: even in a time as precarious as ours, God’s at work. God’s bringing comfort to the despondent. God’s bringing hope to the hopeless. God’s working through the brokenness around us to create something beautiful, and to make all things new.

 Our comfort lies in the unshakable truth that God is faithful.

Always faithful.

 So will we find our hope in God, even when life gets tough?

 Prayer: Gracious God, as you have comforted the faithful in ages past, we ask for your comfort as we faithfully face the challenges before us. More than this Lord, we ask that you’d empower us to share your comfort with those we’ll encounter in the days to come. Amen.

Garrett Bowman

Wednesday, December 16

John 3:16-21

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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

THE GREATEST GIFT EVER GIVEN

I was so excited when Susan sent me these verses to use for the advent devotion!  My first thought was to emphasize how these verses present to us the GREATEST GIFT EVER GIVEN!

 First we are given the gift of God’s Love for US.  God loves us so much that he wants to spend eternity with us; and by His Gift we are given the opportunity to do just that.

 Second we are given the gift of Grace, he gives an unmerited gift to us.  There is nothing that we can ever do to deserve His awesome Gift.

 Thirdly we are given the gift of NO Condemnation!  When we remove condemnation, we build a stronger foundation of who we are in relationship with God. And we can fully appreciate The Gift.

All that he asks of us is receive and believe in His Gift-Jesus Christ; to believe in Christ’s death, burial and resurrection to save us.

 What would the world be like if EVERYONE realized how Truly Wonderful God’s Gift to us is? Love and Grace would make our hearts overflow with Gratitude! If we had no condemnation-Doubts, fears, and insecurities would be a thing of the past. We would be so full of joy that we’d all want to live a life that shows our appreciation and gratitude for THIS MOST WONDERFUL GIFT!

Today tell God how Grateful you are for The Gift He Has Given You And then Share the Gift with someone else!

Wendy Daniel

Tuesday, December 15

1 John 1: 4-7

We write this to make our joy complete.  This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you:  God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.  If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin. 

 Living during this Covid Pandemic has been months of living in the darkness of fear.  Fear has no light and brings no joy.  It only brings worry and clouds of impending darkness.  Jesus is our Light!  He is the One who will get us through this valley of worry, fear, and dark clouds that loom on us each day.  We must read the truth in His word and find the light in His messages.  We must put our faith and trust in Him and let Him be our guiding light through this pandemic.  Pray to Him and ask for His light to shine through us so that we can share this joy with others and help dispel their fear and worry.  This is how we will find peace by letting Jesus be our light.  Let us remember as we approach the Christmas Season to be thankful for Jesus who was born to deliver us from our sins and to take away our darkness and bring us light and joy.  Thank you, Jesus!

 Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for sending your Son to be our truth, our joy, and our light.  We cannot make it through without your guidance and love.  We praise your Name and ask You to shine your light through us so that we can be beacons to help others in these days of fear.  Thank you, Lord.  Amen.

 By Nancy Dalton

Monday, December 14

II Corinthians 4:3-6

I love driving after dark this time of year, seeing candles in windows, and garlands and wreaths and trees twinkling with lights. Something about all of those little points of light evokes such a happy, cozy feeling, adding to the building sense of anticipation and expectation.

In the verses leading up to today’s focus passage, Paul writes that whenever someone turns to the Lord, a veil is taken away. Only then can one see and reflect the glory of the Lord.  We read in today’s passage that Satan, the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe; they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News.  But to those who hear, believe, submit and accept, God the Father gives a light in the darkness. He makes a light shine in their hearts, so they can know God’s glory through His Son Jesus.

Jesus himself tells us not to hide this light under a basket. He commands us (commands, not requests) to go and make disciples. We are quick to tell everyone about the gifts we found under the tree, why are we hesitant to share the gift of the Good News?

So remember when you see all of the sparkling lights this season, that you carry within you a reflection of the light of our Saviour and it is your duty to let it shine. What a gift it would be if Christ’s light through you pierced someone’s veil of darkness. 

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gift of the Good News, delivered and fulfilled by your Son, Jesus.  May we be like a mirror that reflects your light within us, not just through this season of Advent, but always. Amen

 Sara Boelte

Sunday, December 13

Isaiah 60: 1-3

1“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. 3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn

 According to astronauts and satellites, earth from outer space is a phenomenal thing to see, particularly at night.  The cities are a web of lights, but one city stands out in particular – Las Vegas, not because of it’s size, but because of its brightness.  There are billions of LED lights in Las Vegas and countless billboards and marquees that light up, lighting up not only the Nevada sky, but space as well.   

As Christians, we are to shine as light in the world and our lights should shine brightly.  The prophet Isaiah tells the people of Jerusalem “arise, shine” because God’s glory is upon them.   Likewise, we are to “arise and shine” as well, reflecting God’s light and spreading God’s light in the world.  As we go about our daily lives, we are to reflect and spread God’s light to a world that is in darkness. 

We use light a great deal in our worship services.  An acolyte each Sunday will light two candles on our altar table – one signifying that God is the light of the world and the other signifying that we are the light of the world.  In some traditions, the acolyte will carry a single lit candle out at the end of a worship service, reminding us that we are to carry God’s light out into the world.  During Advent, we light a candle each week in our Advent wreath, symbolizing love, joy, hope and peace.  Then on Christmas eve we light the Christ candle reminding Christians of the light that Jesus brings to the world. 

Not only during Advent, but all throughout the year, let us shine as light – God’s light – in the world. 

Susan Davis

Saturday, December 12 

1 Peter 2:5-9

  By the time First Peter was written, Christians were a small but growing group in the Roman world.  Most people did not know who Jesus was and many did not know what Christians were like.  Peter wanted the Church’s reputation to be excellent and the way Christians acted was important.  I am sure everyone has been told by a parent or grandparent that “actions speak louder than words”.  Peter would have liked that cliché. 

In this scripture Peter uses the language of a mason and builder.  The mason takes stones and makes them into a beautiful building.  Jesus came to earth and was rejected by some, but he became the cornerstone or foundation for a new building composed of Christians or “living stones”.  When God gets through transforming us into “living stones”, we are like God’s dear Son Jesus. As living stones, Peter challenges us to be the church in our relationships with the world around us and in our relationships with each other. 

I thought of how this scripture speaks to us today.  Christians in the Roman world lived in difficult and dangerous times.  Our world has been remarkably similar in recent months.   In verse 9 it says, “But you are a chosen people…we are a people belonging to God”.  To be a “living stone” and represent Christ, people must see Christ through us.  That is a tall order in out world today.  Peter told his readers they had to be different from the prevailing culture.  Think about how you can participate in society and culture and worship God following the example of Christ. And remember the truth and wisdom of you parents and grandparents:  Actions do speak louder than words.  

Prayer:  Dear Christ, in this Advent season help me to be more like you.  Help me to be a “living stone” transformed and fashioned in your image.  Let me be an example to the people around me so that they might see your likeness in me.  In your Holy name I pray.  Amen

Pam Smith

Friday, December 11 

From Darkness into the Light

Ephesians 5: 9-10 (NRVS)

For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true.

Light has amazing properties. It is a powerful tool and it travels more than 186,000 miles per second. Jesus calls us to be light, to shine like stars in the world. But how do we do that?

Mother Teresa shone for Jesus in the darkness of poverty in India. The Rev. Billy Graham preached the Word in countries around the world, bringing hope and love to people in many nations. A worker who takes time to listen to a coworker and offers support is a light in the darkness of discouragement and despair. A friend who spends time with one who is dying and their family is light in the darkness of pain and grief. A mentor to a fatherless child is a light in the darkness of loneliness.      

There are many ways to be a light for Jesus. As Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount, we can shine brightly and our good works will glorify our Father in heaven. Jesus also said “I am the Light of the World.” With the Spirit of Christ filling your heart, in what ways are you shining the light of Jesus’ love in this world?

It’s Advent! Jesus is coming soon and He will give you light! Are you ready? 

Prayer:  Lord, sometimes our light dims. 2020 has been a difficult year; yet, You have sustained us. Please continue to keep us close to You, our source of the Light of the World! May we shine brightly wherever You place us, doing what You want us to do. Amen.  

Tommy Nelson

Thursday, December 10

John 12:35-36

In Bible study with my youth at Roxboro Baptist recently, we talked about how there were so many people who still didnʼt recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Particularly in Jewish culture they were expecting someone like a king or a ruler, but Jesus, born in a lowly manger certainly didnʼt fit that description. This message from John comes much past Jesusʼ birth, but I think itʼs a rather fitting text for us during this Advent season. Jesus is being asked by Jews “Who is this Son of Man?”, and Jesus in his typical fashion responds in a way that could often bring more questions than answers. Jesus responds, “The light is with you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you.”

To us, the answer is obvious ... Jesus is saying that he is the Son of Man, and he is only to be with them a short while longer. But while we as Christians realize exactly what Jesus is saying here, we still have a message to receive here. The message that Jesus is telling those many, many years ago, is the same message heʼs telling us today in 2020. Jesus is saying that he is the light, and we are to follow that light so that we do not get lost in the darkness.

 I admit, that the darkness is a lot easier to find than the light. We see this darkness every day when we choose to hate someone who is different than us based on the color of skin, economic status, political preferences, or any other thing that diversifies the body of Christ. We see this darkness when we choose to share something on Facebook that we donʼt consider for a moment may actually hurt or dis-value someone else. The darkness that overtakes us and moves us away from the light of Jesus is so prevalent in todayʼs world, but we as Christians are called to share the light rather than spread hatred and darkness.

During the Advent season I challenge you, as well as myself, to seek to be light, to seek to lead others to the light of Jesus through our love, kindness, and compassion towards all humans without consideration to differences that we have with others.

Emily Davis

Wednesday, December 9

Psalm 119: 105-106

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.  I have taken an oath and confirmed it.”

In recent years, I’m doing a great job of aging!  We older folk can tell you our mental and physical faculties surprise us regularly in our aches, pains and diminished hearing and vision.  When reading from this longest book in our Bible, Psalm 119, it reminds me anew of the wisdom of our Creator God, who not only equipped us in every way on how to survive, but also, how to be prepared in handling all possible aspects of life and its circumstances.  Indeed, God is synonymous with light!  With it, we see; in it, we understand its revelations.  It is knowledge, truth, guidance.  God IS our Lamp!  He not only shows us right directions we’re to take based on His words, but even when we may physically falter, as in losing our sight, we learn His words and engrave them upon our hearts.  Come what may in our adversity, instinctively we remember His Light in our darkness.

God sent His Song, Jesus, to be our enlightenment, to accept Him in our hearts, and to promise Him, as He has promised us, never to forsake the precepts of His redeeming grace!

 Advent is, JOY TO THE WORLD, OUR LIGHT IS COME!  Take your Light and illumine our world in His Love!

 Martha H. Lester 

Tuesday, December 8 

Psalms 27:  1-4

A little girl scrambled up a tall tree.  The limbs were a great fit for her small legs, and up she went.  After achieving a great height she looked down.  At that point, she became very frightened indeed.  She could not fathom a process whereby she could descend the tree.  She resorted to a tried and true plan.  She yelled,  “Daddy”!!!!!!!  Of course, he came quickly to her aid.  Opening his arms, he encouraged her to jump, which she did with no hesitation because he was her daddy.

How many of us in this year  of 2020 have felt “frightened indeed”?  My guess would be that all of us have had some degree of fear from time to time.   In Psalms 27 David tells us to have no fear.  He tells us to be confident in the Lord through all adversities – having enemies, fighting wars, enduring slanders.   In today’s time he would add coping with the pandemic, I am sure.

David portrays our Lord as his light and his salvation.  The Lord will provide for us always.  He will shelter us in our present lives, and , even better, He will allow us to dwell in His house forever. 

How uplifting this passage is for us today in our troubled times!   Thanks be to God!

Violet Neal

Monday, December 7

Psalm 43: 3-5

During these months of pandemic with separations, shortages, cancellations, and restrictions on what we can and cannot do, it is easy to see why so many of us have become cast down and disheartened. We are navigating uncharted waters, and this leaves us feeling confused and disappointed. Life is far from what we expected it to be.

Upon reflecting on what life must have been like for Mary and Joseph, one sees that they had to deal with the shame of Mary's unexpected pregnancy and the disapproval of family and friends. They also lived in a society with an oppressive government with the constant conflict between the Romans and the Jews. Certainly, this was far from an easy life.

When told they had to travel the difficult journey to Bethlehem to register for the census, they undoubtedly felt confused and frustrated. As if that was not bad enough, Joseph was warned to flee to Egypt for the safety of his wife and child. He probably wondered how they would survive. Life as newlyweds with a tiny baby was so different than they could ever have imagined.

What about you? Are there things in your life that you never expected to have to deal with? Job loss, serious illness, the death of a loved one? Are you confused, angry, or disappointed? The same light that shone for the wise men all those years ago and led them to find the Christ Child is available to us today. God will send us His light to guide us through the difficulties we face if we will only look to Him for strength and courage. May the truth of God's wonderful gift of His Son shine its light upon your life and bring you hope, peace, and joy.

Mary Eanes

Sunday, December 6

Romans 15:4-13

4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.  5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.  8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, 9 that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.”

10 Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.” 12 And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Have you ever been down and discouraged by life events and feel that sometimes your prayers are unanswered? Maybe it’s financial difficulties, work woes, sickness, family issues, or pressures of this world that have you living in the valley of hopelessness instead of on the mountaintop. God’s word tells us that we don’t have to live in the valley of hopelessness. He has joy and peace for us overflowing through his son Jesus Christ! Even if you’re in the valley, sing praise to God! Be consistent in prayer and praise! The power of the Holy Spirit can lift us from the depths of despair if we only trust in Him, seek him, and follow him. God brought light to the world in the form of a precious little baby, Jesus, so that we may have hope and life eternal!

Prayer: Good and gracious God, we offer you our praise for all of your many blessings. Lift us from the valley of despair and shine your light on us so that we may experience the hope and eternal life found in you through your son Jesus. Amen.

Judy Fisher

Saturday, December 5

Isaiah 6

Isaiah describes what it is like to see God and be in His presence. As a sinful man, Isaiah does not expect to survive the encounter with the all-powerful and perfectly holy living God. But God has mercy on Isaiah. Isaiah is cleansed with a burning coal from the altar and is assured that his sins are atoned for by the sacrifice. But Isaiah is not saved for his private benefit. God is seeking a messenger, and Isaiah immediately volunteers. God tells him up front that his message will not be well received by most. But God lets Isaiah know that His long-term plan will still prevail, with a mention of the ‘holy seed.’ In the beginning of the Bible, God promises the seed of the woman will conquer Satan (Genesis 3).

In God’s time—about 700 years after Isaiah’s vision—that seed is born in Bethlehem. Jesus came that we may not only survive an encounter with God but be adopted into His family through belief in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus and in His resurrection. Like Isaiah, we should not consider ours an individual and private salvation but should voluntarily accept the commission Christ gives to be His messengers. We bring a message of hope, even in the darkest of times. God has revealed the ending to us, and His promises never fail.

 Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help us to be faithful messengers during this Advent and Christmas. Help us bring more than good tidings and good will. Help us bring your Truth and your Good News, in love, even to those who are not seeking it. Amen.

Bill Boelte

Friday, December 4

Jeremiah 33: 14-16

 14 “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 “‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’

 I don’t know about you, but for most all of 2020 I have felt out of sorts.  The pandemic has certainly left many feeling isolated, alone, and frightened.  We have stayed home and worn masks and social distanced to keep ourselves from being exposed to someone who might have this virus.   We have not been able to worship in our sanctuary as we always have, which leaves us feeling deprived.   Our country has been divided politically as never before and as I write this, the election has not even happened.   There have been major fires on the west coast and many hurricanes to our south. 

In Jeremiah, we find where God has finally had it with Israel’s covenant breaking.   Some might even wonder if God has had it with us as well and is reigning his judgment on us as he did during the time of Jeremiah. 

But right in the middle of Jeremiah, just as God’s judgment is at it’s harshest, God speaks an unexpected word of hope.  I’m sure Israel felt there was not hope at this point, yet God speaks a word of hope and promise to them that he made years before to David.  God’s word to them is about righteousness and hope for His people.

Just as we feel that things couldn’t get any worse this year, God offers us that same hope and assurance.  The words in Jeremiah are meant as much for us as they were for the people of Israel thousands of years ago.   As we move through Advent this year, let us be reminded of the hope that we have in the coming of Jesus Christ. 

 Susan Davis

Thursday, December 3

John 1:6-9 NKJV

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

John the Baptist – just the mention of his name conjures up images of a wild man living in the desert eating locusts and honey.  But perhaps what really made him wild was his defiance of the world.  John had a clear calling from God.  God’s plan for John was for him to preach of the repentance of sins and to point others to Christ.  John understood with clarity God’s call for his life and he embraced it with abandon.  He was humble and obedient, never desiring personal recognition or giving in to the need for success in the world’s eyes.  He wasn’t interested in pleasing people, but God.  John lived solely to point others to Christ, the light of the world.  He was brave and risked his own life in order to speak the truth about salvation, which only comes from a relationship with God.

God’s plan for us today probably doesn’t include living a secluded life in the dessert, but we can certainly draw inspiration from John the Baptist, as Christians in the modern world.  The opportunities to share the love of Christ in such a broken world are endless.  If we humble ourselves and seek God’s guidance He will give us the wisdom and courage to carry out His plan for our lives.

Dear God,

Help us to always seek you and your will for our lives.  May we be like John the Baptist, humble and obedient; always faithful to answer your call. Amen

Mickey Thomas

Wednesday, December 2

John 1: 1-5

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2 He was with God in the beginning.  3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The year 2020 has been quite a year, we must admit. We’ve had incredible frustrations and inconveniences, empty shelves and loneliness, and losses and tragedies. Yet, God still provides a light for us, even in the darkest of times. It might be the birth of a new baby, a friend who comes to help us, a surprise awaiting us, or just the warmth of sitting in church again with our church family. God will provide and be our light in the darkness.

Sit in a room one evening after you have turned off all the lights and observe the darkness. The longer we sit, the lighter it seems in the room. And then if we light even one candle, the darkness truly flees; it cannot overcome the Light. “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

December is the darkest month of the year with the shortest number of daylight hours, yet the darkness cannot win If we don’t allow it to overtake us. As you go through Advent this year, remember the Light that has already come. Keep your eyes and heart open, keep your lamps burning bright, and do not fear the darkness. The birth of Jesus shines brighter than all the darkness, and if we allow ourselves to turn to Him, to “see the light,” then we can focus on the positive things in our lives instead of the negative.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Light of the World, be with us in the dark times and the bright ones.  And although our world is going through very difficult times, help us to feel your presence in our everyday lives every single day. And help us to share the light with those who need it most. Amen

Becky Donner

Tuesday, December 1

Mark 13: 33-37

 COVID-19 has definitely changed our lifestyles!  Our church services were altered, and we have been practicing social distancing.  I pray that God has not sensed a spiritual distancing with the absence of our traditional ways of worshiping and preparing for the Advent season! 

 In this scripture, Jesus compares his leaving Earth to a man going on a journey. He is leaving his servants to watch over things while he is away. Each has been given a task and is instructed to “be alert”, “on watch”, “watchful” because His return is unknown.  He warns them that they should not be found “sleeping” when he returns.  The disciples should live as though he may return at any moment. 

 This spoke to me loudly and clearly!  Since March, life has changed, but we still have tasks that we should be doing.  We should be reading our Bibles, attending church services, praying without ceasing, helping others, and being the hands and feet of God despite the social distancing restrictions of COVID 19.  We can call church members, attend church services virtually or in person, share our monetary gifts, and support efforts of our church.  We can offer our services to our pastors.  They are working diligently to make sure our church’s light remains a beacon in our community.  Are we each doing our share?  Are we completing tasks that God has assigned us to do?  Are we keeping watch?  If Christ should return today, would he find of sleeping or would he find us busy attending to the tasks that he left to us? 

 As we move through the last days of a trying year and enter into an uncertain 2021, let’s wake up!  Let’s work together to use our talents to be the hands and feet of Christ!  We need to be busy working so we can open the door and welcome Christ with open arms if he should return today!

 Let us pray:

Our most gracious and loving Heavenly Father, wake us up.  Even amidst a pandemic, help us generously offer our talents and time to better serve you.  There is so much to be done to prepare for your return.  Help us strive to be better stewards of our time so we can complete our tasks and be prepared for your return.  Help us be alert to the needs around us. Use us each day.

 In your precious name we pray.  Amen

 Donna Elliott

Monday, November 30

1 Corinthians 1:3-9 NIV

3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul addressed the Corinthians in the verses above to be ever thankful to God.  Here we are 2000 years later; we need to look around us as we all face uncertainties with the virus, economic woes, and unrest amongst and within nations.  We are all living with restrictions that we’ve never experiences in our lifetimes.  We are learning to do things differently, and when we say our prayers, we find comfort in knowing that God is there, he is listening.  Take a moment to thank God for the abundance that he has given us as we go through life.  We are blessed to have a God who cared so much that he gave his son, our redeeming savior, to come, walk among us, teach we, love us, and to die for us.  Each day we should thank God for his love.  God was with you when you woke up this morning and you decided to make a better day today instead of waking up and complaining about your personal woes, losses in your life and just be grumpy all day.  Yes, it was a good day today and you should let our God know you appreciate and recognize his benevolence, compassion, and love that is there for us. 

Prayer:  Father, thank you for the life you have given me.  Thank you for your son and help us to better understand the written word in the Bible so that we can become disciples to spread your word. 

In your Son’s Holy name. Amen

Bill McCaleb

Sunday, November 29

Romans 13:11-14

11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.  So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

The alarm clock rings and awakens us from our slumbering sleep. We open our eyes from the night to face the light of a new day not knowing what the new day will hold. As we begin to awaken from a restful night’s sleep, we begin to experience the hope and uncertainty that the new day will bring.  Despite the unrest and divisions and dissentions in our world, political and racial tensions, and the COVID pandemic that threatens us each and every day, we arise and begin to get dressed to face the day ahead.  That may include work, school, appointments, errands, church, and much more.  But in our hustle and bustle, we must not forget to put on the armor of God.  Spending time in His word and prayer and clothing ourselves with his love and the welcome Hope He provides will help us keep our focus and face the challenges ahead.  Born as a baby in a lowly manger, the light of God shone in Jesus Christ, and he brings us the gift of salvation.

Prayer:  Gracious and Loving God, thank you for bringing us out of the darkness into your light of love and hope.  Help us to armor ourselves with the light you provide through your son Jesus so that we may have the gift of salvation and eternal life!  Amen

Sherri Bee