Dec 25 - Music Filled the Air

Music Filled the Air

Sunday, December 25, 2022

by Brian Groe

I know that we said this would be an Advent Blog, but since it is Christmas Day I wanted to add one more post as a farewell to Advent for 2022.  

I have really enjoyed selecting music for the blog over the last month, and there were a few more choral pieces that I wasn't able to get included into the daily devotions.  These are all pieces that are traditionally done during the Christmas Season, and ones that Diana and I have performed in the past as part of choirs.  I hope that you enjoy these pieces as much as we do.

First from The Messiah.  There are so many rich and treasured songs that we remember and sing during this season.  For Unto Us a Child is Born is one of the most memorable.  

If you want to hear the entire Messiah, please click HERE.  This video presents all 3 sections of The Messiah (about 2.5 hours), and when I played it there were no commercial interruptions.  It is worth listening to the end to hear Worthy is the Lamb and the final Amen chorus.

I love singing choral music from Russian composers.  They really know how to write a bass line!  Salvation is Created by Pavel Chesnokov is a beautiful piece that both Diana and I have enjoyed singing in the past.



A few years ago, the Community Choir did the Pinkham Mass with David Hall.  Diana and I have sung this mass a couple of times, and it has always been a challenge, but it was a joy to sing it with David.  Here is the Gloria In Excelsis Deo

Randall Thompson's Alleluia is a wonderful expression of praise and joy.  As we celebrate this wonderful Christmas season, may we all raise our hands to say Alleluia.



Let me end this with one of my favorite Christmas hymns, In the Bleak Midwinter by Gustav Holst.  What can I give Him poor as I am?  What I can I give Him, give my heart.



I hope you have enjoyed these songs.  Thank you all for your support over the last month.  We would love to hear your comments about this effort.  You will find the comment box at the bottom of this post.  

May God richly bless each and every one of you in the coming year!

Dec 24 - When They Returned

When They Returned ...

Saturday, December 24, 2022

by Andy Lambel

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Key Verse: Luke 2:20 

“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

The last verse of the Christmas story as written by Luke in his Gospel.  And it’s a familiar story to most of us. 

Today, I think about this text through the eyes and the lives of the shepherds.

Shepherds were not high on “totem pole” of that day.  In fact, they were the lowest of the low.  They were simple, uneducated men who risked their lives every day to care for a bunch of sheep.

And yet despite their lowly standing, the angels appeared to them that night sharing the good news with them.  In Luke 2:9-10, we read, “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.’”  And the angel went on to them about the birth of Jesus, where it would happen, and how they would know that the baby was indeed the Messiah.  Then a host of angels appeared in the night sky, praising God.

So, the shepherds go to see this child they had been told about.

This brings me to verse 20.  As I’ve read this verse over and over the past few days, one word sticks out to me.  The word RETURNED.

I don’t think these simple shepherds returned to their sheep the same men they were when they left their sheep.  I don’t think a person can have a personal encounter with the living Christ and return to wherever they came from the same person.

Think about other personal encounters with the living Christ in Scripture.  

What about the three wise men?  After they had a personal encounter with Jesus, Scripture says, “they returned to their country by another route.” – Matthew 2:12.  They didn’t go home the same way they came.  I think they went home different people.

Think about Nicodemus and his conversation with Jesus found in John chapter 3.  Nicodemus was a Pharisee, but he approached Jesus and had a conversation with Him.  The next time we see Nicodemus, he’s helping Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus after the crucifixion.  We’re not told that Nicodemus returned to his home a different man, but I think he did after having a personal encounter with Him.

And then there’s Thomas or doubting Thomas if you will.  We read about this in John chapter 20.  Thomas is told by the other disciples, “We have seen the Lord.”  Thomas doesn’t believe them.  He says, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” – John 20:25.

About a week later, Jesus appears to the disciples again.  This time Thomas was with them.  He appeared and said to Thomas, “Put you finger here; see my hands.  Reach out your hand and put it into my side.  Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas’ next statement show what can happen when a personal encounter with the living Christ take place.  Thomas said, “My Lord and my God.” – John 20:28.

This is what can happen to us when we have a personal encounter with the living Christ.  We will not return the same person.  

A personal encounter with the living Christ is a LIFE-CHANGING, LIFE TRANSFORMING encounter.  May we all have that same encounter with Christ as the shepherds on that first Christmas morning and return home glorifying and praising God.

AMEN

Dec 23 - Tell Everyone

Tell Everyone!

Friday, December 23, 2022

by Brian Groe

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Key Verse: Luke 2:17-19
After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.  All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.

Traditionally, Luke the physician and companion of Paul is the author of the Gospel of Luke.  In fact between Luke and Acts, the author of this book contributes 27% of the material in the New Testament.  Luke contains a considerable amount of information that is not contained anywhere else in the New Testament.  Tradition says that Luke got this information by interviewing eyewitnesses.

Think about that for a minute.  Say one of the shepherds was 10 years old when Jesus was born.  That would make him 43 when Jesus was crucified.  It was likely 20-25 years later that Luke began his research, that would put this particular shepherd in his mid 60's, which for that time and for his occupation would make him an old man.  I'll bet that he still remembered that night clearly, and could recite everything the angel said because he had told the story so often.  

In our verses today we have 2 reactions to the same incident, and they are both things that I need to incorporate into my own life.  First the shepherds told everyone!  They told them about the angels.  They told them what the angels said.  They told them about the child that they had seen in the manger.  I am sure that they didn't really understand what it all meant, but they told everyone what they had seen and heard!  AND all who heard were astonished.  It was quite a story, and all who heard it were amazed.

Secondly, Mary kept all these things in her heart, and thought about them often.  Mary thought often about the visit of the shepherds that night, and the message that they brought from the angels.  She cherished every word, and every sight.  

In a similar way, I need to contemplate what God is doing in my life.  Every day God is working within me as I walk with Him.  I need to open the eyes and ears of faith to see and hear the wonders of God in all that surrounds me.  I need to always keep at the front of my mind the many blessings God has given me.  Then I need to go out, and speak of God's love and grace towards me, and tell everyone I see of the grace and love of God that we celebrate all year long.

As I was searching for Advent Prayers, I found an interesting quote.  I like things that make me think, and this quote got me thinking in a new direction:

Advent Reflection

In one sense we are always traveling,
    and traveling as if we did not know where we are going.
In another sense we have already arrived.

We cannot arrive at the perfect possession of God in this life, 

    and that is why we are traveling 

    and we travel in darkness. 

But we already possess God by grace, and therefore, 

    in that sense, we have arrived and are dwelling in the light.

But oh! How far have I to go to find You in Whom I have already arrived!

- Thomas Merton, "Dialogues with Silence"

For a song today I have chosen Tchaikovsky's Hymn of the Cherubim.  Since the choir is singing in Russian, here is the text for this song.

Text by W. G. Rothery, 1909

Angel Spirits, ever Blessèd, 

    offer praise on high unceasing,

Ever crying Holy, Holy, Holy 

    Lord God of Sabaoth.

Saints and Martyrs Blessèd 

    praise Thy Name, Trinity Lifegiving,

Ever crying Holy, Holy, Holy 

    Lord God of Sabaoth.

In the angelic Song, let us join 

    before Thy Throne on high, 

    Blessèd, Blessèd Trinity

Ever crying Holy, Holy, Holy 

    Lord God of Sabaoth.

Amen.

Glory be to God in the highest.

With the angelic Throng, we join 

    in Songs of Praise for ever.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah,

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah. 

Holy Lord: Who is, and was, and is to come.  Open my eyes to see afresh the wonders of grace that You perform every day.  Open my ears to hear the songs of praise sung by angel choirs.  Open my mouth to proclaim Your love to everyone that I see.  Thank You for the great gift of salvation that we celebrate today.   Amen

PS - As we wrap up this year's Advent Blog, I want to thank Bambi for organizing, reminding and shepherding this effort.  Thanks to everyone who contributed their wonderful memories, thoughts and prayers to this effort.  Thanks also to Pastor Andy for his leadership that made this possible.  Most importantly thanks to you our readers for making this a success. Let's join together in thanking and praising God for the wonderful gift of salvation that we celebrate during this season.   

Finally, allow me to remind you of the schedule of coming events:

• On Saturday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) there are services at 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.  The 5:00 p.m. service will be livestreamed on the church's YouTube and Facebook page.
• On Sunday, December 25 (Christmas Day) there will be a potluck style breakfast in fellowship hall at 9:15.  There will be one service at 10:00 in the Sanctuary.  We will be singing Christmas Carols.
• Recorded and livestreams of our services can be seen on the FUMC West Plains YouTube channel at youtube.com/@fumcwestplains244/featured.
• For more information about First United Methodist Church of West Plains, MO see our website at fumcwestplains.com.

We hope that everyone has a blessed and joyous Christmas.

Dec 22 - Good News

Good News

Thursday, December 22, 2022

By Geoff Posegate

Scripture: Luke 1:1-20

Key Verse: Luke 2:16
“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”

Have you ever felt like you were just not the kind of person who could or should get lots of good news in this life?

In the 2009 film, “The Blind Side,” a poverty-stricken young man named Michael Oher (now a retired professional football player) is taken into the home of the well-to-do Touhy family of Memphis, Tennessee. He is stunned when he realizes he is being given his own room, much less his own bed. Michael assumed good news like this would never be a part of his life path.

Looking at the realities of our world, we can assume that some people get good news and some people don’t, and that’s just the way it is. Judean shepherds certainly knew this to be true. Shepherding was not the idyllic, pristine look we give it in our Nativity scenes at Christmastime. Shepherding was dirty, transient work, looked down upon by most people in first century cultures. People assumed shepherds were of low character and untrustworthy. Only the lowest of the low stooped to shepherding sheep and goats. They were not people who experienced much good news in life, if any.

Luke specifies that after the shepherds heard the news of Jesus’ birth, they “hurried” to find him. Was the hurry just due to curiosity or fear of missing out? Or was it more? I notice the number of times in the preceding verses the word translated “you” in English appears. “I bring you good news…” (verse 10.) “A Savior has been born to you…” (verse 11.) “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby…” (verse 12.) Perhaps the shepherds rushed to see if it was all true because of the staggering possibility that the good news actually was for them; that they really had been chosen to get good news, maybe for the first time in their lives.

Maybe because of illness, someone’s death, job loss, depression, a relationship ending, or any number of reasons, you feel good news just isn’t in the cards for you. If so, you’re in good company; in the company of the first ragged crew to get the news that Jesus was born. Maybe this year a Christmas angel (messenger from God) wants you to be the first to get life-saving, life-changing good news. Michael Oher could not imagine the good news that was ahead for him and how his life would change. Maybe that’s true for you, too.

Loving God, rescue me from the lie that good news is for everyone else except me. Stand me with the stunned shepherds. With them, bowl me over with the message that the good news actually is for me; for us. Focus my mind and heart of those who don’t believe good news is for them this Christmas, because of what’s happen to them, where they came from, who they are, or who they’re not. Use me as your messenger of good news to them. I pray in the name of the One who is the good news. Amen.

Dec 21 - The Sign

The Sign

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

by Sherry Zajicek

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Key Verse: Luke 2:15

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

Well, of course they went to see, right?  That would be the natural thing to do.  But upon contemplating this a little more, why was it important for them to actually go see? 

I have to admit that I’ve always wondered why the baby was referred to as a sign.  After all, the baby was the actual Messiah.  To me that would be like saying rain is a sign it is going to rain.  But as I’ve been seeing in the Bible, those speaking on behalf of God frequently make a statement and then follow it up by specifying a sign.  The recipient of the message can know that it is true because there is also going to be a sign to validate the message.  So, in verse 10 they are told the message is going to be good, in verse 11 they are given the actual message (their Savior, Christ, is born) and in verse 12 they are told that the baby in a manger is the sign to validate the message.  They were invited to go see the baby and know that the message was true.  Which they did, and then proceeded to tell other people about what they had been told by the Lord.

Why was it important for this message and sign to be given at that time, and not when Jesus’s ministry began?  And why were shepherds given a message directly to them?  They weren’t the only ones, but it was important enough for Luke to include it, and they may have been the first people besides Joseph and Mary to see Jesus in the flesh and recognize Him as the Messiah.  I think it was to mark the start of the implementation of God’s plan to reconnect with humankind, his creation, in a more intimate way.  The Israelites had requested that Moses be their liaison with God because they were afraid.  From that time, God’s communication to his people was through the priests and those he selected as prophets.  But through time, the leaders tended to become gatekeepers and some even misled the nation.  The Law of the Covenant, which was meant to bind the Israelites to their God, had been expanded to the point of being a burden and even a distraction or obstacle to a connection with God.  Some probably gave up or were excluded from the congregation because they had failed and could not afford the sacrifices to maintain “good standing.”  The nation that was supposed to reveal God to the rest of the world was itself struggling with that connection.

But now God was going to reveal himself to mankind again.  He was going to be accessible at an individual level to all people who choose to follow him.  And He was starting on that very day when the Son was born as a human.  He would walk the earth and show and explain so much.  His life would be filled with signs.  It would start the path through time to another sign mentioned in Matthew 27:51. When the Son had made the ultimate sacrifice to pay the price for our sins, and then be raised from the grave to conquer death so that we can have eternal life with God, the temple curtain was torn, allowing access for all who believed and would follow the Lord.  All of the obstacles that we could not remove ourselves were removed for us. The only one remaining is our very own choice, and whether we accept the gift that has been given to us.

That Night, by John Thompson

That night in all of heaven, there wasn’t a sound,

As God and the angels watched the earth.

For there in a stable, the Father’s only son

Chose to give himself through human birth.

And when the cry of a baby pierced the universe,

Once for all men were shown their worth.

Then the heavens exploded with music everywhere,

And the angels spilled over heaven’s edge and filled the air.

And the Father rejoiced, for he did not lose his son,

But he gained to himself forever those who’d come. Amen.

Lord, as we celebrate this Advent time, when we see the Christ as a baby, help us to remember the sacrifice that you made and the path of salvation that you gave us.  Help us to not take for granted the love that you offer us every day.  And help us to be like the shepherds on the night of Christ’s birth, so that we share the good news with those who do not yet know you, the One that can give them peace and joy. Amen.

Dec 20 - This Little Light of Mine

This Little Light of Mine

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

By Donna Cook

Scripture: John 1:1-18

Key Verse: John 1:4-5

The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and his life brought light to everyone. 

The light shines in the darkness, 

    and the darkness can never extinguish it.

These verses bring to mind a couple of different thoughts for me. First, if we really love Jesus, we want to be like him. We want to live our lives in a way to “shine” and reveal light in the world; helping to overcome the darkness that is out in the world- I could name several names of fellow church members, wonderful people here at our church who are great examples- “shining their lights” for others daily- continually giving to others. I believe this is what we are all called to do in any way we can.

The second thought I had when I read these verses can be summed up by the children’s song “This Little Light of Mine-I’m Gonna Let it Shine.” I think that song says it all quite well. 

Dec 19 - An Advent Journey

An Advent Journey 

Monday, December 19, 2022

By Gloria Macy

Scripture John 1:1-18

Key Verse: John 1:1-3

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” KJV

 

The Advent journey is almost complete. We enter the journey seeking Hope. The first verse of this passage the word, Word is capitalized. Many will seek God’s written word, the Bible. But it was Jesus, “Wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” who was sent to us. To bring us HOPE! So many scriptures and passages of hope spring to mind. The Word of God is this child wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manager, one very holy night, in a little town of Bethlehem, the stars guiding the way for the wise men, God sent his Word to walk among the people on Earth. Often times my hope is for things of this world, better life situations or hope of things to come. But knowing God gave us his “Word," written in translation, in the flesh and audible at times to us by his whispers in our hearts, his Word brings us Hope. 

"Star of Bethlehem" by Sarah Richards Samuelson

As we Journey down the path into week 2 we seek to rejoice and pray for Peace. More times than not, I look at my sleeping children and think to myself this is the Peace which will bring the chaos. His Word brings us Peace because this world provides so many challenges for all of us. As I reflect on John 1:2, I have searched many translations to help me understand this verse. Genesis chapter 1 verse 2 tells us how the earth was without form and yet the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Jesus was there with God in the beginning. The Zondervan KJV Study Bible references Jesus as an “acting agent” in creation or Jesus as being the very Word of God. Such Peace in knowing that God knew from the very dawn of existence, before life was breathed into creation, A peacemaker would be needed to comfort us all. 

The next stop on this Journey, Joy. There are many things that bring us Joy. And many things that seem to try to steal our Joy. There is so much Joy in knowing all things were made by Christ, a loving God who knew the trials of the world created. All he asked Is that we love him back with a Joyful heart. Simple? Right? My world is falling apart, and I am supposed to be joyful. My child is sick, I lost someone I love, finances aren’t matching up and He expects me to praise him and thank him Joyfully! So, let’s put that into a perspective of human understanding. God gave up his son, who was in heaven with Him. Gave him to a world of selfishness and sin, a vile world. To bring HOPE, PEACE and yes, JOY. He gave this helpless infant that Mary nursed and cared for to a crowd of God’s created beings, which beat him, spat upon him and Mary had to watch as they put a crown of thorns on his head, and pierce his hands and feet. It most certainly was not joyful in that very moment. The Bible speaks little of Mary’s responses. However, when the stone was rolled away in Matthew’s account Chapter 28 verse 8, the women departed with fear and great joy. But during the crucifixion what form did Joy take? 

The final stop on the Journey, for the greatest of these is LOVE. With Hope, Peace and Joy we find the greatest gift, Love. I love watching the light in my children’s eyes during this time of year. My youngest was up late. He was gazing at the lights on the Christmas tree in its undecorated bareness. He asked me “Mom, do you know what my favorite part of the tree is?” Of course I respond with “What is your favorite part?” He responds, “The star. At the top and my second favorite is the gifts under the tree.” How simply precious? To wrap up advent from the eyes of the child, the star guides us along the journey just as the wise men did over 2000 years ago. With the Hope at the end of the journey to find a gift of Peace lying in a manager, which brings us Joy in our hearts and delivers Love to us all. His Word brings us all this and so much more than the four  - Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. 

Dec 18 - God's Loyal Love

God's Loyal Love

Sunday, December 18, 2022

by Rebecca Pruett

Psalm 117 - New English Translation

Praise the Lord, all you nations.

Applaud him, all you foreigners.

For his loyal love towers over us,

    and the Lord’s faithfulness endures.

Praise the Lord.

Did you know that if you counted all the chapters of the books of the Bible and then looked for the chapter in the very center of the Bible, you would find Psalm 117?  Although this seems small, I am convinced our powerful God controlled even this! In the center of His Word, He placed our primary priority - to praise the Lord who made us and showed us such wonderful, amazing love.  And as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are reminded to praise the Lord, just like the angels did at Jesus' birth!

I especially love the word choice in the New English Translation - God's love TOWERS over us! It is so large and amazing, it is like looking up at a skyscraper! And this is not a frightening thing, it is a reassuring thing. His love, His loyal love, towers over US!  

Can you imagine such love that is loyal to us, even though we have sinned and done wrong things? This is why God sent Jesus! To save His people from their sins! Romans 6:23 tells us "the wages (or payoff) of sin is death" and that is what we deserved. But Romans 6:23 goes on to tell us that "the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  So God loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus....for us! 

I have a young son. He is ten years old and his smile makes my heart turn upside down. I look at him and wonder. I can't imagine sending him off to take someone else's punishment. I just don't love anyone enough to sacrifice my precious son. But God loves us so, so much, that He sent His precious Son to take our punishment! His loyal love....He loves us even when we turn our backs on Him and decide to do what we want instead of what He wants. God's loyal love. So loyal that He keep loving us. Such love that He doesn't give up. His faithfulness endures, it doesn't give up! 

And so, here, in the middle of the Bible, is our calling. Praise the Lord, all you nations! Applaud him, all you foreigners.  EVERYONE! Praise the Lord, First United Methodist Church! Applaud him, EVERYONE! Because our God, our Lord, He loves us! His love, His LOYAL LOVE, the love that doesn't give up on us, is bigger than us. And the Lord's faithfulness, His absolute faithfulness, does not give up on us!

Dec 17 - The Person Within

The Person Within

Saturday, December 17, 2022

By Carol Macy

Scripture: John 17

Key Verse: John 17:13-19
“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy.  I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.  I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.  They do not belong to this world any more than I do.  Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.  Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.  And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

With the advent season comes anticipation of things new.  Christ came as a newborn baby to be a living Lord and Savior. 

Jesus was not a regally attired King as was expected. He arrived as an infant born in a humble stable. He was raised by Mary and Joseph and probably spent many years learning Joseph's trade of  carpentry. There are few scriptures detailing his life growing up. He would probably have experienced sibling rivalry as did those of us who grew up in families with brothers and/or sisters. We know from scripture, that when he began his ministry, his teachings were not accepted by the residents of Nazareth where he grew up.

Today I still remember the joy and wonderment experienced by a three year old grandchild while sitting on the floor in his uncle's lap on Christmas eve. Once he had removed the brightly colored Christmas paper from his gift, he exclaimed, "Look, Uncle Trevor, a box!!!" He was totally unimpressed by the bright wrapping, but was excited by what he found under the wrapping even though it was not the intended gift. His reaction was the embodiment of an old adage, "You can't judge a book by its cover."

In my more than 50 years as a nurse, I learned that the greatest joy came not just from caring for others, but from getting to know the person within. Just as I discovered the greatest joy came from getting to know the person within, so too, the greatest joy comes from studying the words within the Bible. It is through this study that we get to know God the Father, Jesus our Savior and the mission He has for us, so we too can pass on the joy which He has promised us.

May we continue sharing His word throughout the year and not just during the Christmas season.

     

Dec 16 - A New Living Hope

A New Living Hope

Friday, December 16, 2022

By Betty Coats

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-12

Key Verse: 1 Peter 1:6-7
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

In this scripture Peter, and Apostle of Christ, is speaking to God's people who are being faced with trials, persecutions, and grief.

It also speaks to us today.  His message is one of giving a new living hope by the resurrection of Christ.  He tells us to rejoice in our trials and in doing so we strengthen our faith.  He compares our faith to gold, which can be refined by fire, but then perishes.  If our faith is genuine then it will not perirsh but brings praise, glory, and honor.

Nativity by Ruanne Manning

When Christ returns and we rejoice with a genuinely rediscovered joy we will receive an inheritance of a new heavenly home.

In this Advent Season, may our faith be refined, and our response be one of Joy.

God of all hope:  Fill us with the peace and assurance of Your love this Advent season.  Open our eyes to see Your love that is lavished upon us each day.   Amen 

Dec 15 - Joy for All Seasons

Joy For All Seasons

Thursday, December 15, 2022

by: Barbara Alsup

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Key Verse: Luke 2:8-12
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Joy is an emotion that we all experience but in many different ways.  It is not something we can create - it has to come from within.  The stimuli that brings joy to you may not be what brings joy to me.  If God is an important part of our lives, we will experience joy in the simplest things!

We can experience joy in the mundane tasks we all do everyday.  Joy in a task well-done adds a new dimension to our everyday lives.  It could be as simple as the smell of bread baking, a clean house, taking care of our families, or doing our very best on our job we have chosen.

Real joy comes when we meet with family or friends.  These relationships can be strengthened through God's love and grace.

Real joy is going to worship and meeting our friends, hearing the choir, hearing the message, and feeling God's presence.

In This Holy Season

Lord, in this holy season of prayer and song and laughter, we praise you for the great wonders you have sent us: for shining star and angel's song, for infant's cry in lowly manger. We praise you for the Word made flesh in a little Child. We behold his glory, and are bathed in its radiance.

Be with us as we sing the ironies of Christmas, the incomprehensible comprehended, the poetry made hard fact, the helpless Babe who cracks the world asunder. We kneel before you shepherds, innkeepers, wise men. Help us to rise bigger than we are. Amen.

- Author Unknown

Dec 14 - God is in Control

God is in Control

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

By Shaun Duggins

Scripture: Psalm 30

Key Verse: Psalm 30:11-12

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
    You have taken away my clothes of mourning 

    and clothed me with joy,
that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!

Wow, I’m in total control, after all I have everything, I could possibly need a brand-new vehicle, the best home on the block, the best job in town, a great family, great investments, plenty of money in the bank, an awesome vacation home and countless other things that make us all happy all thanks to me. Yes, I’m pretty good at achieving all these things and after all what else could I possibly need except maybe a bigger boat. Sound familiar? 

It sure does to me, and I think it is all too easy for all of us to chase these material goals and believe that it the root of all happiness and even worse is the belief that we alone accomplished all these things. In the context of this Psalm, the psalmist King David had sinned by taking a census against God’s wishes, resulting in God’s discipline. The Lord could have let David fall to his enemies, but instead sent a plague on Israel. This plague was cut short as King David pleaded for his people. God had mercy on David through illness, and his human enemies and kept him alive to which David changed his prayers to praise and worship to God for sparing his life. This psalm is known as the psalm of thanksgiving as David was forgiven and set out to get all his people to offer unending praise and thanks even in times of despair. As I am so often guilty of believing that prosperity or a “confident state” is an accomplishment created by me and shows God’s Favor where in reality this security comes from the Lord’s presence and is a sign of God’s Amazing grace. It serves as a reminder that we must be careful to ALWAYS offer specific and authentic prayer and worship including thanking him for the many gifts bestowed on us and his amazing salvation and grace. 

Praise!!! by Jacqui Hatten

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises and to you and not be silent. This psalm serves as a powerful reminder that we are not in control, that God loves us right where we are and that in times of despair and times of prosperity, we must give all thanks to God through sincere prayer and worship. It is so easy to just go through the motions with our daily demands instead of rediscovering the joy of Gods unending Love and grace and focusing our worship and prayer life on his greatness and offering all the praise to him. My prayer during this advent season for us all is to take the time to be still and know that he is God, to listen to his plan for us and be sincere in our prayer and worship, thanking him for our many blessings. Let King Davids trials remind us of the fact that we are not in control, He is!

Dec 13 - Love One Another

Love One Another

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

By: Fredia Campo

Scripture: John 15:1-17

Key Verse: John 15:10-17
When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!  This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.  There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command.  I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.  You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.

There could be some questions that enter our minds as we read this part of God's Word.  "If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love.  I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.  My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." (John 15:10-12)  Does not God love us no matter what?  Even if we disobey sometimes?  Yes He loves us, however we become disconnected from Him when we disobey His commands (directions).  Disobedience hinders fellowship with Him, and interrupts the flow of love.  Tod disobey is our decision, not God's.  God desires to flood us with His love, but if we do not listen to Him, and insist on pursuing our own wishes, then we have "unplugged" from the source of love.

In verse 13, Jesus expresses His love for us in willingly laying down His life for us.  He did this in obedience to the Father.  Because he was obedient and laid down His life and shed His blood for His friends.  God will forgive our disobedience and we can be reconnected and back in fellowship with Him.  he then states again how important it is to be obedient: verse 14 "You are my friends if you what what I command."  He offers us so much.

In the last part of verse 1q5, "for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."  He tells this to His disciples that he chooses.  This should give us encouragement.  Jesus appointed them to go and bare fruit.  They were obedient and because they were we can consider ourselves some of the fruit that they continue to bear.

Midway through verse 16, "then the Father will give you whatever you ask in My Name."  He told this to His disciples.  They had a big job ahead of them, to tell the world who Jesus is and His love for them.  It was very important that they be obedient, stay connected and believe they could accomplish whatever God required of them.  Then He gives them this command, "This is my command: Love each other."

We have a big job ahead of us.  Let us love each other (as He loves us).

A Prayer for Resting in God's Love 

God of Goodness, 

I come into your presence so aware of my human frailty and yet overwhelmed by your love for me. I thank you that there is no human experience that I might walk through where your love cannot reach me.

If I climb the highest mountain you are there and yet if I find myself in the darkest valley of my life, you are there.  Teach me today to love you more.

Help me to rest in that love that asks nothing more than the simple trusting heart of a child.

- Author Unknown

Dec 12 - The God of Hope

The God of Hope

Monday, December 12, 2022

by Elgar Macy

Scripture: Romans 15:1-13

Key Verse: Romans 15:13
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

It was the Christmas season of 1977.  On December 23rd of that year, the USS Guadalcanal pulled into the harbor in Barcelona, Spain.  As a member of the ship's company on a six month Mediterranean deployment we were going to be spending Christmas and New Years in the Spanish port.

As I walked the streets of the city I decided to see if I could find a nativity set for the family back  home since we didn't have one yet in our home.  I had heard that Lladro Porcelain had some really nice sets, and being made in Spain I figured I could find one rather easily.  Scouring the local shops I discovered that most of their nativities had been sold out prior to our arrival in Barcelona.

Not to be deterred I continued my quest and discovered a unique nativity in the window of a small shop located in a back alley off the beaten path.  I went inside to examine it closer.  To my surprise it turned out to be a Lladro Children's Nativity.  The three kings with their gifts did not hold gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but instead held a toy car, a puppy dog, and a wrapped package for the baby Jesus.  The faces of the figurines were that of children, the kings, the shepherd, as well as the choir of Angels.  It was beautiful!  As the father of three young children at the time, it was relatable and ideal for them as they grew up.  Today, forty-five years later, we still display that nativity in our home every year bringing joy and memories back to our children, and now to their children as well.

The God of Hope fills us with all joy and peace as He did that day for me when I first gazed upon that childhood manger scene with Mary, Joseph, and the baby Christ child, Jesus, in the small shop window in Barcelona, Spain.

But Jesus called them to Him and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them for of such is the kingdom of God."    Luke 18:16

Jesus, you are light even in the darkest places. 

Help us to trust in you when we are lost or lonely. 

Shine hope into our hearts we pray. Amen.

Dec 11 - Dreamer of Stars

Dreamer of Stars

Sunday, December 11, 2022

by Diana Groe

Scripture: Genesis 15

Key Verse: Genesis 15:5
Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!”

I know what you're thinking.

What does this verse have to do with Advent? 

I'll get to that, but first a little background info.

In the culture of Abram's day, a man was judged by not only how many cattle and goats and camels he possessed, but also by how many sons he sired. When God gave Abram this promise, he had no children at all. Yet God assured him, he would have so many descendants, they'd be more numerous than the stars in the sky.

Image compliments of our friend, David Whigham

When we lived in Wyoming, we experienced truly dark skies. It meant we could see the Milky Way spilling across the expanse above us almost every night. It was harder to spot the familiar constellations there than it is here in West Plains because so many more glittering stars were visible against the inky blackness. Even with help from a telescope, they were uncountable.  

God obviously made Abram a HUGE promise when He compared the number of Abram's descendants to the number of stars in the sky. And the next verse tells us that Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness. Even though, Abram made some bad choices and tried to help God fulfill this promise, God still counted his belief as faith.

What Abram didn't realize is that God wasn't talking about just his physical descendants. God was promising Abram spiritual children. 

Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. ~ Galatians 3:7

That includes those of us who are, genetically speaking, not of the line of Abraham. If we believe in the promise of God, as Abram did, we are still his children. 

And here's where we come to Advent. We're not called to believe that God will give us many children. We aren't promised physical land we'll inherit. 

We are promised that God will send/has sent (for all times are the same to God) His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to take upon Himself the sin of the world. And Jesus, the most illustrious in Abraham's line through His mother Mary's lineage, gave up His life beyond the confines of our time and space to take on our weakness.

Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels He helps, but Abraham’s descendants. ~ Hebrews 2:14-16

Jesus came to die for my sin. Your sin. Everyone's sin from the beginning of time until God finally rolls up the heavens like a worn out garment.

LORD of heaven and earth, of all light and warmth and love, help us to remember when we look at the night sky that You have redeemed the sons and daughters of Abraham. The number of souls You have saved and will save exceeds the number of stars. Lord Jesus, You are worthy to receive all our praise and honor and love. Thank You for coming to save us and bring us into Your family. In Your precious name, Amen.

Dec 10 - Gloria in Excelsis

Gloria in Excelsis

Saturday, December 10, 2022

by Mary Lou Kingensmith

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Key Verse: Luke 2:10-14  (New King James Version)

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

The Christmas story, as written in the Gospel according to Luke, has been the cornerstone of our Christmas celebration for as long as I can remember.  Luke’s sharing of Christ’s birth draws us back to faith and joy even through the hustle and bustle – and fun – of holiday preparations and Christmas traditions.  

One of my traditions, as a young child growing up in the 1960s, was watching Charles Schulz’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, which was released in 1965.  Even at a time when the world moved much more slowly than today, the chaos and Charlie Brown’s stress directing the Christmas play, culminating in his question, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about,” was something to which even a child could relate.  And to this day, I get goosebumps when Linus (holding his blanket) answers, “Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about,” and recites Luke 2:8-14.  In the show, Linus’ recitation brings all of the children to a place of quiet joy, reflection, and goodwill.  The reaction wasn’t due to Linus’ skill as an orator but to the power and meaning of those simple words and the hope they convey.

How understanding and kind are the angel’s first words, “Do not be afraid.”  We humans tend to react to the unknown with fear, and the shepherds most likely would have as well.  Moreover, they would have been taken completely by surprise when such significant tidings were shared with them rather than with more “important” people.  Sharing the news with these humble shepherds, however, is consistent with God’s word throughout both the Old and New Testaments.  It is simplicity and humility that allow you to come closer to God, not worldly wealth and influence.

The angel’s words also signified both the keeping of a promise and a fundamental change.  God kept his promise; the Savior’s birth fulfilled God’s long-standing commitment to his people that he would bring forth a king of David’s lineage.  

The change was two-fold.  First, the message reflected what Walter Brueggemann describes in Celebrating Abundance as “a fresh decision from God himself about the new shape of the world” (p. 55).  The new king “does not come as victory but as helpless child. He does not come in pride but in a way almost unnoticed by the world.  But he is king.” (Brueggemann, Celebrating Abundance, p. 55).   This would be a king of peace!  Second, this message was for all people, not just for the people of Israel.  This is a saviour for all mankind.

The closing image of a multitude of the heavenly host joining the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” evokes an exuberance and a deep rejoicing that cannot be contained and must be shared!

It is very easy to identify with Charlie Brown… his honest desire to do the right thing so often undermined by challenges, insecurities, uncertainties (and Lucy).  Then again, we can also choose to be Linus!  Share the good news, let the wonder that the Christmas story brings radiate from you and bring joy to others.  

Gloria in Excelsis Deo (Glory in the highest to God)

Lord, we offer our humble gratitude that you know and love us so completely.  You understand our tendency to fear and, if we listen, tell us not to be afraid but to rejoice.  As we sing your praises – Glory in the highest to God! – please help our love for you and joy in you be reflected in our faces and our actions.  Make us a blessing to others.  Amen.