The Angel's Light

18“How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”

19“I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” (Luke 1:19)

26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man named Joseph, who was of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28The angel appeared to her and said, “Greetings,b you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.c ” (Luke 1:26)

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  (Luke 2:9)

Thoughts: Gabriel was an archangel found in Daniel 8 & 9 (apocalyptic literature).  Michael is called an archangel (Jude 1:9);  Deutero-canonical literature mention Raphael, Uriel, and Metatron.  1 Thessalonians 4:16 speaks of the Lord coming back at the voice of the archangel.  Angels are not dead human beings but separate kinds of beings.  While the Bible seems to indicate that each person has an angel (Acts 12:15 et al) each person is not an angel in themselves.  Angels are servants sent to minister or serve others.  The halo idea around an angels head- is sometimes just a way to say they are special.  But others who have said they have seen angels, point out that there can be a glow as they reflect the literal glory of God.  In Luke 2:9 it was when the angel came that there was a glow of the glory of God not only around the angel but around the shepherds- indicating something special was happening.  

     The second advent candle lights the angel or light candle.    God sends angels to deliver messages or encourage the discouraged.  

Prayer: Lord, thank you for angels .  I join my coive with thiers to you as worship.  

8But about the Son He says:

“Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever,

and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom.

9You have loved righteousness

and hated wickedness;

therefore God, Your God, has anointed You

above Your companions with the oil of joy." (Hebrews 11:8-9)

16On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (Rev. 19:16)

THOUGHTS: In the New Testament Jesus, the Son,  is also seen as the King.  No angel is given the throne.  He is the power above all powers.  Long ago David was promised that he would always have a descendant on the throne (2 Samuel 7).  Jesus, who is eternal, will sit on a throne that no general, king, or army could take away.  He is the king who was, is, and is to come because He is alive. 
The importance of the justice and righteousness of Jesus is brought out.  Justice is his scepter- which means a symbol of the kingdom.  Justice is the idea of fairness and judging properly- without prejudice or influence.  Jesus is not influenced by reputation or bribery. 
He also is noted for loving righteousness.  Righteousness is not self-righteousness- but it is doing what is right in God's eyes consistently.  Righteousness is not perfection but it is doing the right thing consistently. 
The blessing of joy will come to Jesus for his love of doing what is right and just.  

PRAYER: Lord, you are the king of kings and Lord of lords.  Let me honor you in my life as the king and Lord.  

Let the Party Begin

The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for al the people.  Today in the Town of David A Savior has been born who is Christ the Lord.  (Lk. 2:10-11)

I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly.  (Jesus: John 10:10)

Thoughts:  There are many Christmas parties going on in December.  Some of them have nothing to do with Christmas.  But they all pale with the true and great joy given by the Creator of joy and life.  He is the one who said, that He came to bring life and bring about the joyous, abundant life.  There is no joy like the love of God.  We don't have to be dour about Christmas.  It is a feast of the church- a celebration.  God's love manifest- incarnate.  All our presents imitate His great gift.  All our artificial parties imitate and try to artificially reproduce the joy.  But nothing compares to the true joy of knowing God loves us and has made us for a purpose- that our life is not meaningless, but has true meaning and hope.

Prayer:  Thank you for the joy that came down at Christmas.  Help us to live in that true joy no matter what life has in store for us.  Help us to rejoice in you- Emmanuel!

Sing: "Joy to the world The Lord Has Come!"

(Image Chordiem.com)

Light for all Peoples

12/23- “A Light of Hope for All peoples” Luke 2:29-32

29“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss ^d your servant in peace.

30For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

32a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

Thoughts: From the very beginning, Jesus was seen as a ray of hope to a dark world.  This was not just a ray of hope to the Jewish people, but to all people.  Because God’s promise of hope for the world is being fulfilled, Simeon and the rest of us may rest in peace.  God keeps His promises.  Jesus changed everything in opening up belief in the God of Abraham and Isaac to all the world.  We should seek to not keep the Gospel to ourselves but to invite others to worship with us, and to pray for the continued spread of the Gospel. 

Prayer: Lord, my your good news spread through me.  May my soul find peace because I know you have come for me.

Hope in a Small Town

12/9- Hope in a Small Town- “But you Bethlehem…out of you will come the Messiah” Micah 5:2
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." 1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi ^a from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
   3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6“ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ^b ” 7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” (Matthew 2)

Thoughts: Sometimes, because things happen in the past, we assume they have added layer on layer of mystique.  However, the New Testament was written down within the lifetime of the eyewitnesses who could corroborate or deny the events.  While over the years layer of tradition is laid on top of the story (for example there were three wise men because there were three gifts; and the names of the wise men), the truth behind the legends is not suspect.  We know, for example, from outside sources that King Herod was a real king.  We know, in accordance to this passage that he was an extremely jealous king (even killing his own family members- wife and sons in suspicion of undermining his throne).  There are also many theories about the star that make that a possibility- the alignment of planets for example about 4 BC. 
      But we can miss the meat of the story by trying to defend the veracity of it.  The meat of the story is that a small, forgotten, sheep herding town became famous once again.  This time, not just nationally famous (birthplace of king David), but globally famous (birthplace of the Savior of the world).  It is the classic story of God lifting up the humble. 
   This humility is pointed out- But you Bethlehem, though you are least among the towns of Judah… People value worth in terms of popularity, and how well known some place or person is.  But God sees the small, the neglected, those that are otherwise in darkness.  This is the good news.  A carpenter’s son became King of kings.  He was not born in the throne room or palace.  He was not born in the capital with tabloids and social media blasting out every detail (think Prince George).  He was born in the smallest darkest, most hopeless place.  Then he was born in a barn, with a feeding trough for his bed.  All this points to God’s lifting up the humble and remembering those the world forgets.  Let us be faithful where we are.  God does not forget you, but is watching you.  Your faithful acts and work for Him will be rewarded. 

Prayer: Lord, let me not give up hope in the midst of humility.  Instead let me see that you are the lifter of my head. 

Song: “1. O sing a song of Bethlehem,Of shepherds watching there, And of the news that came to them
From angels in the air: The light that shone on Bethlehem Fills all the world to-day; Of Jesus' birth and peace on earth The angels sing alway.

Advent Devotional

Here is the link to the Advent Devotional for 2018. 
The full Advent Devotional is there- written by Ben Sloan for this year. 

Each Day we will update the daily devotional. The first week focuses on the prophecies about the coming of Christ. 

12/4- The Hope of Abraham- “Blessing to All Nations” Genesis 12:1-3

1The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.  2“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. ^a 3I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

Thoughts: It would be hard to leave this great prophecy out.  This is a prophecy of God’s choosing a people with an eye for saving the world.  For 2,000 years the Lord worked with the Jews- giving them a Law as a model for nations, watching them fall away into a remnant and then come back.  But the Gospel opened up to all nations through the coming of Jesus.  He was the Jewish descendant of Abraham who sought to give hope to all the peoples.  The Lord of all the earth wants all the earth to come to Him and His plan involved Abraham. 
      Jesus helped the Syro-Phoenician woman’s daughter who said, “even the dogs beg for crumbs from the table.”  He marveled at the faith of a Roman centurion.  He healed the Gerasene demoniac from the Gentile region of the Decapolis. He journeyed through the gentile countries of Egypt (as an infant), Samaria, and the Decapolis.  His parable of the Good Samaritan can be seen not only as the need for mercy and help but also salvation to go across national and racial lines.  In His discourse about the end of times he said, “And this Gospel will be preached to all nations (tribes) then the end will come” (Mt. 24:6).  After the resurrection He made clear that the Gospel would be for all peoples. He said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Lo I am with you always even to the end of the world” (Mt. 28:19,20).  His concern is for every people and He desires commitments from people of all nations.  Acts 1:8 remembers Jesus as saying, “And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.”  In Revelation it pictures people from every tribe, language and nation around the throne of God in heaven.  This is a blessing to all and every nation.  The fulfillment of Abraham’s blessing is not simply through moral influence.  The opening up of the hope of the Gospel to all people means the door of salvation is no longer closed.  There is no more keep out sign at the Temple.  The curtain of the Temple tore in two at the death of Jesus the Christ.  God’s blessing the world through Abraham occurred through the coming of his descendant, Jesus.  It is our hope today.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the father of faith, Abraham.  Thank you that we can stand in his path today because Jesus opened up the way.

Song: (#49)  “The God of Abraham praise”
The God of Abraham praise, who reigns enthroned above. The Ancient of Eternal Days the God of love.  The Lord, the great I am, by earth and heaven confessed, we bow before your holy name forever blest.

The Lord's Prayer and Advent

12/4- Lord’s Prayer- 1- “Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name”

Read:  “You have the Spirit of adoption so you call out Abba, Father.”  Romans 8:15
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” Lk. 2:11

Thoughts: When Jesus said we should pray “Our Father who art in heaven.”  He says some really important things about God.  God is a God who loves us as a loving father- better than any father on earth.  God is not uncaring and God is not an it but a person who loves us.  The word “our” means that God wants us to call on Him together and not just alone.  Yet God is the only Father who is above all of us in heaven.  He is the Father who is good, pure, and will help us.  The word “hallowed” just means holy- pure or perfect.  Even God’s name is holy and to be treated with respect. 

Activity- get a phone, ipad, or computer out.  Then google your address and see if you can get a picture of where you live.  Remember that God knows you by name.  Each day, use the picture below to trace the Lord’s Prayer as you say it together. 

Prayer: Father, thank you for your love, thank you that you are holy.  

Advent Begins

Here is a devotional book about advent written for my families at Lake Murray Presbyterian Church.
The devotional focuses on the basics of the Christian faith: The Lord's Prayer, Apostles' Creed, Ten Commandments, and Beatitudes. 

Advent is really a tool of the church to grow in our faith and discipleship.  It is a season because though we are supposed to live the Christian life, the intensity of the Christian life cannot be easily maintained for most people 356 days a year. 

Advent means "coming."  But it is an opportunity to come nearer the One who came near to us.

Prayer; Lord, help me to draw closer to you this advent. 

Mary Listened

12/22- Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant, Mary answered. May it be to me as you have said.”

Thoughts: Mary’s humble “I am the Lord’s servant” was amazing.  This pregnancy surely cost her a reputation she had preserved all her life.  She teaches us by example to listen even if we do not fully understand.  She was willing to go with God’s flow.  We should too.  

Prayer: Lord, may it be to me as you have said. Give me a listening ear and heart. 

Joseph Listened

12/11- Matthew 1:24- And Joseph, having risen from the sleep, heeded the messenger of the Lord as directed and received his wife.

Thoughts: Joseph was a man of faith.  He wanted to do the right thing.  He had a listening ear.  Unlike Zechariah, Elizabeth’s husband, he responded to the message of the angel and took Mary as his wife. Thus Jesus had an earthly father who protected him- leading him to Egypt to escape Herod.  Jesus’ earthly father took him to the Temple to keep the Law.  Jesus’ earthly father was the one who made sure he had an education and a skill.  But Joseph sets the best example in that he listened to God.  We too should learn from all those who listened from God to make the Advent story turn out the way it did. 

Prayer:  Lord, give me a listening ear and a willing heart to respond to you.   

Joseph's Dream- Rembrandt

12/18/15 Scribes and Pharisees Missed Christmas

12/18- The Scribes and Pharisees- Mt. 2:3-6
3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:|
6“ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”

Thoughts: The criticism of the people of Jerusalem- their apathy and not seeking after the Messiah could also be used to describe the people who knew better- the chief priests and teachers of the law.  They knew how to read the prophecies- that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.  Maybe they were too scared of the fiercely jealous Herod to go seeking after the Messiah.  Most likely their skepticism mixed with apathy and fear- enticed them to just stay home in their warm beds.  Let us not seek our comfort and miss out on the most important and life-changing presence of God in worship.

Prayer: Lord, give me a desire to worship you that would motivate me to love you more than my comfort.

Activity: Pray for your teachers today- the people who teach you or members of your family by name. Make a short prayer list.

Song: People look east the time is near; of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table.
People look east and sing today- love the guest is on the way.  

12-15-15 The Waiting Simeon

12/15- The Waiting Simeon Luke 2:25-35
25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss^d your servant in peace. 30For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” 33The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Thoughts: Jesus later said, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”  Perhaps Simeon’s righteousness, devoutness, and patience put him in a position to see God while he was alive.  In our day, we are not called to panic, to grumble, to give into temptation, but to wait on the Lord.  In our day we want instant things- instant communication (text, phone, emails), instant answers (look it up on Google).  Simeon is an example of godly waiting and patience in God.  Instant trust, instant hope, instant patience does not exist. Simeon also knew how to expand the horizons.  His concern was not just for Jewish independence.  He was concerned for reaching the whole world- the Gentiles included.  This means this older wise man foreknew that the Romans would be conquered not by the sword but by the Good News of God.  The Hope of the world is not found in politics, weapons, or money- but in the eternal hope of God.

Prayer: Lord, may I put my patient hope in you no matter what the world faces.  Help me seek purity and patience over worldliness and hurry.   

ctivity: Who do you know in your family or friends who has a pure heart?  Send them a note by text, email, social media or a card. 

Song: Come thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou aArt;
Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. 

12-13-15 The Virgin- Third Sunday in Advent

12/13- Third Sunday- Luke 1:27, 34-36; Matthew 1:18-22; Galatians 4:4 The Virgin
God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
34“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”  35The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called^b the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.      Matthew 1:18 18This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about^d : His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet^e did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.    Galatians 4:4- 4But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law.

Thoughts: The teacher asked, “So how are children born?”  “God makes them.”  Replied the little boy- and He was right.  The “who” behind the reality of Jesus’ life is not simply a human will or human love but the Divine hand.  The Virgin birth’s focus is not on the “how” question- the answer to that is “the Holy Spirit will overshadow you.” This is not a lesson in biology but a lesson on God being at work in a special, mysterious way.  Faith enables us to live with the mystery and trust that the answer of the “Who” question is God and not the usual suspects. 
       The Romans and the Jewish oppressors of the Christians spread the rumor that a Roman soldier had a "relationship* with Mary.  Instead of holiness they wanted evil to be labeled as the cause of Christ’s birth.  It is a sad thing, but common, that people in power can lie to put down those who they feel are a threat.  But God’s truth wins in the end.  The hope of the world is not in a lie, but in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to live with the mystery and uniqueness of your birth.

Activity: Show the most innocent person you know love and kindness today.  Text or email them a happy message.

Song: The virgin Mary had a baby boy, the virgin baby had a baby boy; the virgin baby had a baby boy, and the name of the boy is Jesus.
He come from the glory; he come from the glorious kingdom.  He come from the glory, he come from the glorious kingdom.  O yes believer!  O yes believer! He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom!

12-11-15 The Angels

12/11- Luke 2:9-13 The Angels
9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,”Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to those on whom his favor rests.”

Thoughts: Christmas without angels would be hard to imagine.  But we restrain angels to the memory of Christmas instead of the mysterious reality of today’s Christmas.  The term “angel” means “messenger.”  These powerful messengers woke the shepherds up from their status quo. The sheperds’ response was to also be messengers by going and telling everyone they met about Jesus’ birth and what they saw.  We can be messengers of the good news as we share the hope we have in Jesus with others.  People need their fear shattered by those who bring good news- “Do not be afraid for I bring you good news of great joy for everyone.” 

Prayer: Lord, help me to be a good messenger of your great news. 

Activity: Angels were messengers of good news.  How can you encourage someone today?  Compliment and encourage someone to build them up.

Song: Hark the Herald Angels sing, glory to the newborn king!  Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.  Joyful all ye nations rise; join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem.  Hark!  The Herald Angels sing- glory to the newborn king!

12/12/14 Spirit of Unrealistic Expectations

12/12 Scripture: When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” (Matthew 2:13-15)

Another spirit that makes it hard to embrace the holidays is the spirit of unrealistic expectations. Each year is supposed to be “the best Christmas EVER.” Each eleven months we have to compete against our best efforts from years past. We must have the best and most and the first! This lying spirit convinces us that the quality of our Christmas lies in our actions – in how much we do and spend and how busy we are. It is exhausting and ultimately self-defeating.

Herod had unrealistic expectations about his power and might and he let them consume him. He wanted to control his kingdom and his fate. He was willing to destroy anything that was in the way of how he thought things should be. Even helpless babies were expendable if they were in his way. But Herod most well-laid schemes were no match for God.  Jesus was kept safe. And end in the end all Herod’s riches and power, all his earthly expectations came to nothing at his death.

God created us to love us not for what we do, but for who we are. He loves us despite our sins. We do not earn our salvation. We never could. God gives it to us a gift, completely unearned and undeserved. This is grace! Surely such grace should fill our Christmas celebrations. Let us rest and relax knowing through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, that the perfect Christmas is one where Jesus is worshiped and adored.

Prayer: Lord, may your Holy Spirit cast out any expectations that are not centered on you. Help me to grow in grace and rest in your love.

Application: Spend quiet time reading the Christmas story or listening to carols. Think about how much God has done for you and how much He loves you.

Devotion by Tracie Stewart

12/11/14- Spirit of Consumerism

12/11 Scripture: “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.  On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” (Matthew 2:9-12)

One of the most overwhelming spirits we encounter this time of year is consumerism.  We are not just to buy things but to consume them. We need bigger, shiner, newer and always MORE!  We are encouraged to eat everything in sight, to buy as much as we can, to decorate every inch of space. The excess and waste is incredible. While around the globe people perish for lack of necessities we are fed a mantra that just because something attracts us for a moment we MUST have it.

I have always wondered about how Mary and Joseph must have received the magi and their gifts. These men were offering them a fortune! And they were truly poor. In Luke they give most meager offering the law allowed at Jesus’ birth. And yet here all their wildest dreams are coming true. They have literally won the lottery and can change their lives. But these gifts quickly became a lifeline. Most scholars think they provided the funds for the Holy Family to flee to Egypt. Jesus grew up as the son of a poor carpenter.

In a world that is all about “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” what does it say that our Lord chose to be poor? His priority was His relationship with His heavenly Father and with other people. He came not to serve but to be served and give His life as a ransom for many. The Holy Spirit can teach us to put others first and to resist the siren songs of our culture. And what blessings will follow as we learn to be content with what we have and truly enjoy life rather than exhausting ourselves seeking more.

Prayer:  Dear Jesus, help me to discern between what I want and what I need. Send your Spirit into my heart to teach me to resist greed and temptation and to serve others.

Application: Consider buying some gifts from fair trade cooperatives (they give poor people fair prices for goods like coffee, jewelry and art pieces). Or consider an alternative Christmas gift such as a gift to a charity.

12/6- i am the Vine

12/6       John 15:1             I am the Vine

1"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2"Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit….I am the vine you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.  Apart from me you can do nothing.

Thoughts: Jesus is the vine for us. He comes to nurture us so that our lives would not just exist, but would be productive and fruitful.  If we are cut off from Him we may exist for awhile like a branch that has been cut off.  A few months ago I trimmed some pine trees.  For several months these chopped off branches lay on the ground.  They were green at first but with time turned brown.  A young person cut off from Christ not only is unproductive, but begins to wither.  With God nothing is impossible.  But cut off from Him- we can do nothing but retreat more and more into ourselves until we are gone.  The great news is that He has come so that we may continue to live.  We are grafted into His living vine so we may live.  The spirit is the Spirit of life.  The Spirit of Christ gives life to our bones even when we are  tired and weary.

Prayer: Lord, may my life live for you and in you.  Bear fruit in my life, O Lord.  

12/3- "I Am the Good Shepherd"

12/3-  11"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12"He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.… (John 10:11-12)

Thoughts: Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd.  A hired hand, when faced with a wolf or bear, may say, "I don't get paid enough for this" and leave.  But the Good Shepherd knows His sheep, loves them, and lays down his life to save them from their enemies. The only way He lays down His life is to help His sheep. The Good Shepherd sleeps with the sheep, heals the sheep, feeds the sheep, finds the sheep and cares for them. So Jesus came down to lead us to God and to His love. 
     We can get into the spirit of Christmas as we remember He cares for us.  He came to care for us- and to show us that.  He reminds us to call God “Father” and healed the sick and encouraged the weak.  Let Jesus shepherd you through the busy-ness of this advent season with His peace.

Prayer: Jesus, my Shepherd, help me to hear and respond to your voice and guidance.  

12-7-13- Anna and Joachim

23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph,

the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat,

the son of Levi, the son of Melki,

the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,

25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos,

the son of Nahum, the son of Esli,

the son of Naggai, 

Thoughts: Scripture seems to want us to know something about the genealogy of Jesus.  But it says it goes through Joseph in both Matthew and Luke.  Most traditional biblical scholars believe that Luke focuses on Mary's genealogy.  Protoevangelum of James (2nd century) says that Anna and Joachim (Heli is a variation of Eliachim/Joachim)  were Mary's parents.  They were said to have lived in Jerusalem and then Sephorus (near Nazareth).
    The actual Bible is silent about her parents.  The focus is more on Jesus than Mary.  But if even Joseph had doubts, you can bet Mary's parents wondered what their daughter had done to get pregnant.  Tradition says they were supportive.  But it is hard to make an argument from silence.  Perhaps they were supportive of Mary but also struggled as human beings with what was going on.  In the struggles of life, it is important to trust in God.  When our children upset us, it is important to trust God.  When neighbors may look down on the behavior of our children, it is still important to love our children.  

Prayer: Lord, when my children do things that make me sad, help me to be graceful and patient that your will comes forth clearly and freely.  Give me grace to love my children even when I think they may be wrong.