Advent Devotion – Day 28

Get Ready!
By Ken Hussar

Tomorrow is a day that most look forward to,
Giving, receiving, unwrapping, eating, there’s so much for us to do.
Oh, there’s plenty of action stirring ‘round the Christmas tree
With our children and grandchildren shrieking happily,
Burl Ives sang of Christmas, you know, that “holly, jolly” one
That ever so distracts us from the Greatest Gift, God’s precious, holy Son.
The Psalmist tells us to be still, amidst our making merry,
And focus on the One who authors peace and frees us from all worry.
Don’t fixate on the flurry, praise Him Who matters most
For God incarnate is with us, our exalted Lord of hosts.
Yes, “Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound,”
Who know the Christ of Christmas, in Whom salvation’s found!
So, on this December 24th, don’t be overstressed,
Fix your thoughts on Jesus Christ, and may His name be blessed.

Today’s Readings – Psalm 45, 46, 89:1-29, Isaiah 59:15b-21, Galatians 3:23-4:7,
Matthew 1:18-25

Advent Devotion – Day 27

The true light of the season
By Sue Ezard

As I scurried around this week getting the last minute gifts and trimmings for Christmas, I was wowed by the beautiful decorations that sparkled and glittered in the mall. As I drove home the lights and wreaths that adorned the many houses and business that I passed reminded me of the coming festivities to celebrate our Savior. Even in my home, a few hours later, the tree glowed and the candles in the windows promised silent nights and peace on earth.

How different were the days leading up to the birth of our Savior. The Bible reminds us of the terrible darkness that had engulfed mankind. Isaiah 59 reads like a laundry list of man’s sins and transgressions before God. The sin brought by Adam had completely separated us from the God who created and loved us. There was no hope, no light, nothing but wretchedness in the human condition.

But “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son…” Jesus was born into a world of darkness so we who lived here could have light, born in a world of wretchedness so we could have forgiveness, born to a life of travail and finally a horrible death to bridge the gap of eternity.

The darkness shrouded the earth that night. Satan was sure of victory over man. But one tiny babe, one tiny light in a manger and everything changed. Psalm 96 says, “Sing to the Lord a new song, sing to the Lord all the earth.” This year as we enjoy our festivities may we remember the bitter darkness that engulfed mankind and praise the God who loved us so much that He came to bring light that only He could supply.

Christmas trees, twinkling lights and glowing candles are beautiful, but do you have the true Light that makes this season special? If not, call to Him now and let Him illuminate your heart.

Today’s Readings – Psalm 93, 96, 148, 150, Isa 59:1-15a, Gal 3:15-22, Luke 1:67-80

Advent Devotion – Day 26

Expectant waiting
By Darriel Davis

One definition of Advent calls it a time of “expectant waiting.” What a wonderful phrase! It seems to give purpose and action to the otherwise passive task of waiting. Mary and Elizabeth literally defined “expectant waiting,” as they anticipated the arrival of their babies.

But what about us? How do we wait expectantly, purposefully? Especially at this time of year when some of us are distracted by simply surviving…surviving the hectic pace of shopping, decorating, wrapping, cleaning and baking. Or surviving the stress of the season because we are not having the “storybook” Christmas, due to economic pressures, family struggles or health issues.

Today’s reading in 2 Samuel reveals what it is like to expectantly wait. David offers a truly moving prayer of thanksgiving, which follows Nathan’s prophecy of God’s covenant with David. He comes before the Lord in complete humility. “Who am I, Lord God, and what is my house that you have brought me so far?” But he also comes in boldness… claiming the blessing that the Lord has promised. “Now, please bless Your servant’s house so that it will continue before You forever. For You, Lord God, have spoken and with Your blessing Your servant’s house will be blessed forever.” David is waiting in full expectation that God’s promise, having been declared, would be fulfilled. He then goes on to serve God’s purpose, and with God’s promised help, conquers enemies of Israel. There was waiting involved before God’s plan would be completely fulfilled, but it was not passive waiting. David listened to God and carried out his part in the plan. David had no fear that God would not fulfill His promise.

Like David, we can also wait expectantly…we simply need to put aside the distractions of the season and come to God. Like David, we can be humble. God will show us our part in living out His plan if we put aside our agenda. Like David, we can be bold. God will equip us to carry our His plan if we put aside our preconceived limitations.

Like David, we need not fear. God’s plan is already fulfilled through the gift of Christ.

Today’s Readings – Psalm 80, 146, 147, 2 Sam 7:-18-29, Gal 3:1-14, Luke 1:57-66

Advent Devotion – Day 25

My soul glorifies the Lord
By Rashard Allen

“My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed…” (Luke 1:46b-48)

As a musician, I have long regarded “Mary’s Song” as one of the most beautiful and poignant poetic utterances in all of scripture. I have enjoyed nearly every musical setting of this poem and have even written a rendering of it myself (my first Christmas present to my, then girlfriend – now wife, Michele). Her understanding of God’s nature and affinity for “the humble” and “the hungry” along with her ability to express that sentiment so eloquently is inspiring even to the most cynical of readers. In short, it’s good stuff!

“He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty…” (Luke 1:51-53)

However, as an average American, I find this passage to be one of the more dangerous portions of scripture. See, I have never been truly poor, and have rarely ever been hungry (which is fairly evident if you’ve ever seen me). I grew up in an upper-middle class home with two college-educated parents. I always had everything I ever needed, and most of what I wanted. Even when I was broke (i.e. grad school), there were always people I could turn to for help if I really needed it. If God is particularly compassionate toward the poor, the humble, and the hungry, where does that leave me? Am I the one whom God sends “away empty.” Am I to be “scattered” and “brought down”?

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Advent Devotion – Day 24

Our true source of happiness
By Peggy Maberry

On the first day of my third grade year our teacher gave us her yearly “What it means to be a third grader” speech. She told us that as third graders we had a responsibility to watch out for the first and second graders while on the playground and always let them go first whenever we had to line up. After all, we were eight years old and obligated to protect the younger children.

This was, my teacher explained, as important as keeping the secret that there was no Santa Claus and Easter Bunny. WHAT???? How can that be? I was devastated!!! It ruined my day and that night while doing the dishes with my Mom I asked her the question I had been dreading. She confirmed my teacher’s statement but made me promise to keep the secret safe for my little sister. Although I was miserable I decided to put this to the test because I just didn’t want this to be true. My whole life was based on the goodness that surrounded these two holidays and without Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny there wouldn’t be the goodness that I had enjoyed so much.

For weeks leading up to Christmas I avoided giving my parents my wish list for Santa nor would I write him a letter. Although I really wanted a Thumbelina doll I lied and said I wasn’t quite sure what to ask for. I was convinced that just because the Santa at the fire station was just a man dressed up in a red suit whose breath smelled like cigarettes, the true giver of the holidays would know and bring me my baby doll. I whispered my ‘gift list’ to Santa every night before I fell asleep as well as many times during the day. I was going to prove to my teacher and my mom that I was smarter than a third grader!

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Advent Devotion – Day 23

Just Trust
By Julie Welles

Trust.
Such a simple word. Such a simple concept. And yet so hard for humans, inherently flawed, to put into action. For most of my life, I have struggled to fully trust in the Lord. There have been and still continue to be areas in my life that I have not handed over control to the Lord. I hold on so tightly to those things that I felt I could control. It gave me a sense of security. But truly, the security was short-lived. Something would happen to shatter my perception. It truly was just a perception, an illusion that I created for myself. True security is only found in Jesus.

Over and over again, I find that the more I let go and let God handle an issue, a habit, some trouble in my life, a person, a relationship, a circumstance-God comes through. He doesn’t just come through; He gives us blessings and wonders, instead! Psalm 40:5, sums it up so much better than I could.”Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; where I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.” I can’t count the ways that God has swooped in and made something beautiful out of the mess of my life. He too, has lifted me out of the slimy pit and mud and mire, and gave me a firm place to stand, a new song in my mouth and gave me a renewed sense of security and trust. (Psalm 40:2-3)

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Advent Devotion – Day 22

Knowing He is in control
By Sara Ralph

Just last week I had to throw away my beloved lunch box of four beautiful years. I had asked for a new one for Christmas, and really wanted my lunch box to last until then, but it had turned the corner of nastiness. So, I surrendered it to the trash, and had accepted that I would just take my lunch in a plastic bag until I (hopefully) got one for Christmas.

The next day, my husband attended a college alumni event at a local restaurant. He came home proudly offering me a Lebanon Valley College lunch box that he had received along with the other attendees. Wow, I thought, what perfect timing.

This perfect timing seems to happen a lot in my life—especially among the little, though significant, things. I have seen God’s power and providence over the details of my life, and there is such humility and comfort in this.

It’s interesting how when we talk about a person being powerful or, in some cases, “power hungry,” it has such a negative connotation. But, God’s sovereign power is not something to be afraid of; in fact, it’s something I long for. Knowing that someone (besides me!) is in control gives me peace over the past, hope for the future, and joy for today.

Today’s Readings – Psalm 24, 29, 8, 84, Gen 3:8-15, Rev 12:1-10, John 3:16-21

Advent Devotion – Day 20

Let earth receive her king
By Dan Macha

One of the storybook romances of our time unfolded in the union of Kate Middleton and Prince William. Cindy and I set our alarm for 5am this past April 29 to watch their wedding. Sometimes when I am standing in line at Weiss’s I will scan the gossip magazine headlines about this remarkable couple.

Of course the British are far more serious “royal watchers.” The nation follows every rumor about the status of a royal pregnancy preceding the birth of a royal child. I can assure you that cynical, postmodern 21st century England will erupt in wild celebration when an heir to the British throne is finally born. Almost every heart in London will affirm allegiance to the Monarchy when the new baby is announced to the world.

We should sense even greater anticipation as Christmas nears. We await the coming of royalty this advent season. Advent heralds the birth of the Heir to the Throne of the Nations. The familiar choral says it best:

“Joy to the World,
The Lord is come.
Let earth receive her King.”

Christmas is about The Monarchy of heaven extending its claim to all the nations of the earth. The child born in a manger is also the King to whom every knee shall bow one day! So, let the trumpets blow loud and long as we once again sing, “Let earth receive her King!”

Today’s Readings – Psalm 45, 47, 48, Zech 2:1-13, Rev 3:14-22, Matt 24:32-44

Advent Devotion – Day 19

Here with us
By Deb Flores

I just learned that the niece of my friend was killed in a car accident yesterday. She was her parents’ only child, and a mother of three. As I sit here, stunned, my mind instinctively turns to our scripture readings for this day of Advent, which I’ve been meditating on for a few days. One of the themes that jump out at me is the steadfastness of God. Even in the middle of the raw, consuming pain of losing a loved one, there is a nugget of hope. When everything is stripped away, and we have nothing left, we still have God and God is enough.

People die, relationships are temporary, acclaim is fleeting, wealth is transient. Powerful civilizations have risen and fallen, knowledge has been replaced, and theories have been overturned. Only God is constant. Only God is here for us. Here with us. Emmanuel.

Even our sin couldn’t keep God from us. Our righteous and holy God, whose fellowship with us was broken, found a way to bridge the gap our willfulness had opened. The bridge was fully human and fully God. Makes sense for a bridge, doesn’t it?

The eternal Son, one third of the Trinity, stepped down from heavenly realms, covered his glory with a human body and did for us what we could never do for ourselves: restored our fellowship with God.

I think all our human fears can be distilled down to one drop. The pain we feel over the losses we suffer have roots in our deepest fear of being alone, of being without God. No wonder the angels’ message was: FEAR NOT. God is with us. Forever and ever. Amen.

Today’s Readings – Psalm 24, 29, 8, 84, Gen 3:8-15, Rev 12:1-10, John 3:16-21

Advent Devotions – Day 18

Getting Ready For Christ
By Sean Garner

“The shepherds said to one another,
“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.”
-Luke 2:15

As the day gets closer, the only problem with getting yourself ready for Christmas is….well…getting ready for Christmas. Whose house are we going to this year? Where do I find that thing that my grandchild put on her wish list? What time are our parents showing up for Christmas dinner again?

Our heart cries out “Where can I find Jesus?” but our spouse cries out “Why is that light out on the Christmas tree?” Our head asks “Where is God in all this?” and our kids or grandkids ask “Can you buy me this?” Our mind sometimes wonders “Why has my Christmas lost hope?” while our checkbook asks “Why has my bank account lost that many zeros?”

So, we commit ourselves to read the story of Christmas in scripture and then we see it everywhere. The wise men had to search over a continent for a newborn king. The shepherd had to search the town of Bethlehem for the angel’s assignment. Joseph had to search his heart to see if he could accept Mary while Mary had to search her heart to see if she could accept God’s will. Everybody was searching. Every single person.

So maybe the tree, the lights, the meals, the gifts are road signs that point toward the real reason for the season. As they are flying past us (as speeds that can be dizzying at times) we forget we’re on the same search as the rest and the glory that awaits when we’re in the presence of the newborn King. As the days before Christmas tower over us, as the countdown moves quickly toward the 25th of December, we begin to realize there is a big difference between getting ready for Christmas and getting ready for Christ.

Today’s Readings – Psalm 119:49-72, 49, 53, Zech 3:1-10, Rev 4:1-8, Matt 24:45-51