Advent Devotional

2016

ADVENT 2016: Jesus Christ, Light of the World

John 8: 12: Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." The scriptures often use the metaphor of light/darkness when speaking of our faith. Without Jesus, we stumble around as one who is blind, as one trying to find a flashlight in the darkest storm, as one taken away blindfolded, into the unknown. But in God's love and grace, Jesus came to be our light. This light is everlasting: in creation, Genesis 1: 3: "And God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light," in Jesus' birth: Isaiah 9:2: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light," and forevermore: Revelation 22: 5: "And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light." Advent is often called the "Season of Light" because during this time we wait, prepare and celebrate the coming of Jesus, our light. One lovely example of "waiting for the light" is our ceremonial lighting of the Advent Wreath each week. Each candle has a special meaning, significant to our faith. Each is a reminder of God's promises, faithfulness and unconditional love. The Advent wreath is alive with symbolism. It is made from evergreen branches which symbolize the undying faithfulness of God to his people. The prickly needles remind us of the crown of thorns. The greens are arranged in a circle to symbolize eternal life and the immortality of the soul. There is not one prescribed color for the candles. Purple has been used to represent the penitential nature sometimes attributed to Advent, but in recent times, blue has been the color of choice. Blue distinguishes this season from Lent (when the deeply penitential season's color is purple) and includes the hopeful aspect of Advent. A deep pre-sunrise blue is symbolic of expectation and anticipation so characteristic of the season. This Advent devotional will highlight the most common meanings attached to the individual candles: hope, peace, joy and love. We invite you to make an Advent wreath for your home and perhaps set aside one evening each week this month to light one candle and to reflect on its meaning. Directions for making an Advent wreath are included in this booklet. Blessings and peace to all this beautiful season. Carol McClemens Stephen Ministry Team

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Week One: November 27 - December 3 The Candle of Hope

Sunday, November 27: Isaiah 11

The first part of Isaiah (Chapters 1-39) was probably written around the time that the northern kingdom, Israel, fell to the Assyrians (721 B.C.E.). Chapter 10 described how the people were massacred, enslaved and scattered. For years God's prophets had warned them and pleaded with them to repent and reform, all to no avail. God's patience came to an end, and Israel was conquered by the Assyrians. But God had not stopped loving his people and he did not leave them without hope. In today's reading, Isaiah tells what will happen when their punishment is finished. In the midst of destruction and captivity, Isaiah brings them a message of hope and promise. Isaiah reminds the people that even though now they are only a "stump," in David's time they had been a beautiful, majestic tree. He says that from that "stump of Jesse" (David's father), God will cause a new branch to grow and it will produce a new "tree," a wonderful, messianic king. This king will be royalty (as David), he will have all the qualities of God himself, he will be wise and understanding, he will delight in God, he will care for the people. He will not judge as the world does, but he will champion the poor and the meek. Indeed the world will no longer be enslaved by violence and sin; all creatures will live in peace and harmony, with none taking advantage of any. We read that the lion will lie down with the lamb, a beautiful image of the peace the new king will bring. The people are living in slavery and regret, but Isaiah promises a hopeful future: God loves them still and has a new and wonderful plan for them. Dearest Lord, you promise a kingdom where the lion and the lamb lie together and fear and danger will be no more. May our hearts remain steadfast in the hope that you will come again and take us there with you. Trusting in your grace and mercy, we pray. Amen.

Monday, November 28: Isaiah 40: 1-5 The middle part of Isaiah (Chapters 40-44) is thought to have been written after the fall of the southern kingdom, Judah, the time when God's people were in exile in

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Babylon (586 - 538 B.C.E.). For years God had been promising dire consequences for their idol worship, trust in foreign powers and neglect of the poor. Finally, Judah fell to Babylon (586 B.C.E.) and the people were taken away as slaves. Jeremiah's prophecy has been fulfilled: "A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentations and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more (Jeremiah 31: 15). But again, right here, in the midst of their exile when all seems lost, Isaiah predicts what is to come. Here we read beautiful words of consolation and hope. God does not forget his people; they will not be slaves forever. Their penalty will be paid and a way home will be made. In the beautiful words of hymns and anthems we read that valleys will be lifted up, mountains made low, uneven ground made smooth. A straight and even path will be made for God's people to return home. In the awful times of exile, God tenderly comforts his people, reminding them that he is their God and even though they have been faithless and disobedient, his forgiving love will find them again. Saving God, in the midst of dark and trying times, may we always remember that you never forget us. We may be unaware of your presence, but you are always there. Help us to hope and trust in your promise to forgive us and to love us forever. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Tuesday, November 29: Psalm 80 This Psalm, a prayer for Israel's restoration, could have been written during any of the many times when the people had been unfaithful, yet were returning to God to repent. Regardless of the specific time, it is not only a song of hope but also one of confidence. The writer begins by appealing to God's lovingkindness -- he addresses him as "shepherd," emphasizing his gentle and tender nature. He flatters God by telling him he is "enthroned upon the cherubim." He reminds God of his past faithfulness, when he brought the people out of Egypt and settled them in a beautiful land, and he asks God to turn "again" to their aid. "Restore us! he cries" (verses 3, 7 and 19). The writer is not timid. He makes no excuses for their sin; he does not deny their guilt. But he pleads in a tone of hope and expectation. He pleads boldly! You have restored us in the past, restore us again! The Psalmist asks boldly, believing that he will be heard. We, too, are told to be bold! "Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive

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mercy and find grace to help in time of need," the writer of Hebrews says (4: 15-16). God does not seem bothered when his children are assertive! Perhaps he sees it as evidence of great trust. Gracious God, again and again we fail in our efforts to walk in your way and do your will. Yet you are always there to take us back again. May we share the hope and boldness of the psalmist and never be afraid to repent and ask you for help. Trusting in your mercy and forgiveness we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, November 30: Lamentations 3: 21-33, 5: 21 One may wonder why , in a season of joyous preparation for a most wonderful Christian event, we would choose a writing from Lamentations. The book is a collection of five poems written after the people of the southern kingdom of Judea had been taken away into slavery in Babylon. All of the poems mourn the fall and destruction of the city of Jerusalem. The writer acknowledges that their fall has been due to their faithlessness and disobedience, and he laments over and over the misery and exile the people are experiencing. The Lord has "destroyed without mercy" (2:2) and has "become like an enemy" (2:5) he cries. Martin Luther taught it is in times of suffering, pain and disaster, times when we would least expect to find God, that there, God is present. In chapter three we see evidence that the writer agrees. In the midst of this terrible time, he writes, "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; therefore I will hope in him" (verses 21-24), "It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." (verse 26), and "The Lord will not reject forever" (verse 31). Today's reading is a little glimpse of the writer's hope for his nation to be reunited with God. He goes on to continue his sorrowful lament, but one of the last verses of the book remind us that regardless of their situation, the writer believes there is reason to hope and not despair: "Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored, renew our days as of old" (5: 21). The writer has hope and faith that the Lord will hear their call and reestablish their broken relationship. Forgiving Lord, again and again your heart of steadfast love brings us back to you. Forgive us for being so headstrong and stubborn. In our times of darkness and

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suffering, help us believe that you have not left us alone. May we find you there, restoring our hope with your loving presence. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Thursday, December 1: Luke 1: 8-20, 2:67-79 Zachariah was a Levite and a priest; he had charge of some of the most important parts of the people's worship and was a faithful and devout man. In his day, having children was considered a sign of God's blessing, yet he and his wife Elizabeth were of advanced age and had none. One day, when it was his turn to attend to the duties of the temple, an angel appeared to him -- right next to the altar. Zachariah was terrified. But the angel told him that a great and wonderful thing was to happen to him and his wife. They are to have a child. Zachariah's first reaction is not one of joy and hope; it is one of doubt. "How will I know this is so? ...I am old and my wife is getting on in years" (1: 18). As a result of his doubt, the angel tells him that he will not be able speak until his child is born. But his son is born, and Zachariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, speaks again. He speaks a beautiful prophecy giving evidence that, indeed, his doubt has changed to hope. He affirms his faith in God's promise to send a Messiah and describes the part his son will play, "You, child, will be called the prophet of the Most high" (verse 76). Paul says the we live by faith, not sight (II Corinthians 5:7). Lutheran theologian Mark Allen Powell has said we live by "faith not sight, hope not confirmation, love not power." Paul also says, "...hope that is seen is not hope" (Romans 8: 24). Hope is not certainty. Hope presupposes doubt, for we hope for what is not seen, not yet realized. Hope is a strong and confident expectation -- but it is not sight. Trusting God, we live in confident hope for what we have not yet seen. Zachariah is a faithful and devout man, but it is the touch of the Holy Spirit that turns his doubt into a confident expectation that the Messiah will come and his son will prepare his way. Faithful Lord, we can only hope for that which we cannot see, and so we cling to a strong and confident expectation in your coming again. Until that day when we see you face to face, strengthen our faith and deepen our hope. Lord, we believe. Help our unbelief. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Friday, December 2: Luke 1: 46-55 This beautiful passage of scripture is the song Mary sings after she knows she is to be the mother of Jesus. Think again about the reality of Mary's situation. She lives in a small, unpretentious village of common people. Her family is probably poor. She is young, pregnant and unwed. She lives at a time when women were stoned in such circumstances. Yet this song exhibits no sign of anxiety or fear. On the contrary, she sings of how happy she is, how blessed she feels and how thankful she is to be the one God has chosen to be the mother of his son. She expresses her hope in God's plan -- his plan to lift the lowly and fill the hungry, his plan to care for people like her. At this point, Mary does not know how this all will turn out, but she believes what the angel has communicated to her -- nothing is impossible with God. Martin Luther wrote, "Here, the tender mother of Christ teaches us with her words and by the example of her experience, how to know, love and praise God." Caring Lord, help us to follow Mary's beautiful example of hope and trust. In our own times of anxiety and fear, help us to remember that we are your children, protected and loved , and indeed, nothing is impossible with you. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Saturday, December 3: Matthew 1: 18-25 In the Christmas story, Mary shows beautiful grace and faith. She shows enviable trust and hope. But Joseph, too, has an amazing story. This must have been a very happy time in his life. He was a young man with a quite marketable skill, engaged to a lovely young woman -- the future looked very bright. But then he receives the news that Mary is pregnant. He knows the child is not his. He must have been totally confused, angry and hurt. How could he have misjudged her so? But, we are told, Joseph is a righteous and caring man. He does not want to hurt or endanger Mary. He decides to end the engagement quietly. His heart heavy, he falls asleep. And behold; another angel!! In a dream, this angel tells Joseph that Mary is pregnant by the Holy Spirit. The angel assures Joseph that this is God's doing and quotes the prophet Isaiah who had written, "...a virgin shall conceive and bear a son" (Isaiah 7:14). The Bible does not tell us how Joseph felt or what he thought when he awoke, but we know he believed the angel, for the scripture says he did as he was

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commanded (verse 24). Christoph Dohmen in his book No Trace of Christmas, has likened Joseph's experience to that of Jacob in the Old Testament (Genesis 28: 10- 17). During a very confusing time in Jacob's life, when he was unsure of God's will for his life, he, too, had a dream. In his dream, God explained his plan for Jacob's life and assured him that he would be with him always. Jacob awoke and said, "Surely God is in this place -- and I did not know it" (Genesis 28:16). Joseph, too, surely believed that God had spoken to him. It must have been amazing for him to think that he was to be a part of people's hope in the "son" to be born of a "virgin." The Bible says very little else about Joseph, but what it does say gives evidence of his deep caring for Mary and her child and of his own righteousness and faith. Amazing God, your Word is full of captivating stories about people who have struggled as they come to grips with your will for their lives. People whose lives have been changed in a moment because they have heard and believed your voice. O Lord, guide us when we are perplexed and may we, too, be ready to hear your voice and follow your will in our lives. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Week Two: December 4-10 The Candle of Peace

Sunday, December 4: Isaiah 2: 2-5

Isaiah is an important book of prophecy; it relays terrifying words of judgment and comforting words of promise. Above all, it emphasizes that God has a plan; a plan for his people that nothing will deter. This plan, in the end, is to rescue, forgive and redeem his people and gather them together in his kingdom. Today's reading paints a picture of how that kingdom will look. The reference to Zion reinforces the significant tradition that Mount Zion in Jerusalem is the center for the people's worship. Isaiah says that in the day of the Lord, that hill will be so elevated that all will see it; it will be a light to the whole world. At that time not only people, but all society will be changed, restored and redeemed. It will be a time of peace. There will be no need for weapons; they will be turned into plowshares and pruning hooks. Nations will never go to war again. In the book of Matthew, Jesus picks up on this Old Testament imagery. He calls his followers the "light of the world" and a

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"city built on a hill" (5:14). And Jesus does not say "a city on a hill that will not be hid." He says that city "can not be hid" (verse 14). It will shine so brightly that it will not be possible to hide it. God does have a plan. We do not know all the details right now, but we do know that he has promised we will be with him in a kingdom of light and love and peace. And so we live in hope, trusting him to keep his promises, just as he has always done. Gracious Jesus, you are the light of the world and one day the time will come when all will have eyes to see your glory. How we long for the time when swords will be beat into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks. Help us to trust in your plan as we wait for the peace you will bring when you come again. In your name we pray. Amen.

Monday, December 5: Psalm 23 Have you walked in green pastures, lay down on the grass and watched the clouds make pictures in the sky? Have you strolled along a beach or a mountain stream and listened to the water lapping to the shore or cascading over the rocks? Are these not times when your soul feels restored? Have you felt God's presence in a dark valley of your own and known the comfort he can bring even then? Have you shared a lovely meal with friends or family when everyone at the table is in harmony and delights in the presence of one another? Doesn't your cup overflow? In this favorite, well-known psalm the writer describes a soul at peace with God. In this life we can be overwhelmed by stories 0f violence, war and injustice. But we cannot let ourselves get caught up with the noise and furor of the world. We need to listen for God: the soft rustle of the wind through falling leaves, the gentle drops of rain falling on the window, the quiet words "I love you" spoken to a dear one. This is God saying, "I am here." When God spoke to Elijah it was not in the exploding wind, fire or earthquake; it was in a still, small voice (I Kings 19: 11-12). Do not listen to the cacophony of the world; listen for God telling you, "You are my beloved, be at peace for I am with you always." Comforting God, Thank you for the signs of your love all around us. Open our eyes to see them in our everyday lives. Help us to shut out the noise of the world and

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listen for the many ways you are telling us to be at peace, for you are with us always. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, December 6: Micah 2: 12, 13; 4: 1-4; 7: 19-20 Micah is one of the minor prophets who lived around the time the northern kingdom (Israel) fell to the Assyrians (about 721 B.C.E). His message is a contrasting pattern of words of judgment and words of hope. For the most part, his words of judgment and condemnation are meant for the powerful kings and rulers, the dishonest priests and the greedy people of wealth. His words of wrath condemn those who were chosen to lead and those who have been scholars of the law -- those who should have been leading the people in righteousness. They have utterly failed in the responsibilities God gave them and they are facing the consequences. Micah's words of comfort seem aimed at the common people without power, most of whom have been faithful to God. To these people, even in their time of trial, he makes a promise of peace to come. He will "gather the survivors of Israel" and "set them together like sheep in a fold" (Micah 2: 12). God will be the judge and shepherd of his faithful. Weapons will be destroyed and everyone will have enough to eat (Micah 4: 3,4). God will have compassion and show the faithfulness of his promise to Abraham (Micah 7:19, 20). And although at this point the future is uncertain, Micah speaks with authority. How can he speak with authority? "...for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it" (Micah 4: 4). Faithful Lord, we live in a world where the powerful and dishonest are able to take advantage of the poor and mock the advantages and responsibilities they have been given. Give us the wisdom and strength we need to know your will and stand up for what is good and honorable. Haste the day when your love will prevail and all nations will live in harmony and peace. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Wednesday, December 7: Genesis 2: 4b -- 25 and Revelation 21: 1-5 There continues to be disagreement as to whether we are to take the account of creation in Genesis literally or whether we are to see it as a beautiful story telling us that God made the heavens and the earth (Genesis 2: 4b). For now, let's look at the

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picture of the creation itself. God made the waters rise and planted a garden. Beautiful trees and wonderful food grew in the garden. Amazing animals flourished. God created two perfect human beings living in harmony with each other. They were to spend their days loving each other, caring for the garden and continuing to keep it beautiful. It was a time of perfect peace and everything was good! To this day the phrase "the garden of Eden" is seen as a metaphor for something perfect and good. We do not know why sin entered the world and the beautiful life that God created for humanity was shattered. But we do know that sin does not have the final word in God's story. God promised that when he comes again we will no longer even remember what was lost, for God will create a new heaven and a new earth. He will wipe every tear from every eye and there will be no more death or pain. The first things will pass away (Revelation 21: 3, 4). It is hard to imagine a world more beautiful that that described in Genesis. But God has promised that his new world of peace and joy will be more that any of us can imagine. Creator God, you made our world good and perfect and pure. Forgive us for not caring for it as we should. Show us how to be better stewards of all you have given us. Haste the day when all things will be made new and, as your children, we will live with you in love and peace as you have always intended. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Thursday, December 8: Mark 4: 35-41

The time was evening and Jesus and the disciples were tired. They wanted to get away from the crowd so they got into their boat and started for the other side of the lake. Jesus fell asleep. Then a storm arose and the disciples were terrified. Matthew's account (8:23-27) has Jesus rebuking the disciples and then calming the storm. Here Jesus dealt with their fears and calmed the storm first. "Peace," he commanded and all is still. Then he turned to address their weak faith. Perhaps they were more open to a lesson in faith when their fears had calmed. But calm the storm Jesus does, and they are amazed -- relieved, but amazed! The trials of life have been likened to stormy seas. They take us out of our comfort zones, frighten us, and threaten our safety and security. Notice two things in this reading. First, while the storm is raging, Jesus is still asleep; the disciples have to waken him. In the midst of the storm, Jesus is not afraid, he doesn't panic. Jesus is calm. Isn't it

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wonderful to have someone calm and in control in the midst of a calamity? Jesus is that person; the one who can be counted on to stay calm even when we are most fearful. Then, to the disciples wonder, Jesus stops the storm. All is "dead calm" (verse26). Jesus has power over the storms of our lives. He shares them with us, saves us from them and wants us live trusting him to stay calm and bring us peace during stress and anxiety. Jesus is in the boat with us, whispering, "Peace! Be still!" Calming Lord, you tell us over and over that you are always in the boat with us yet we never completely let go of our fears. In spite of that, you never leave us. Help us to trust you more and may your beautiful words of peace comfort us in all of the storms of our lives. Amen.

Friday, December 9: John 14: 15-31 The events of this passage occur when there was very little time left before Jesus' crucifixion. Jesus has been trying to prepare his disciples for his death by telling them many things, yet they are unable to understand much of what he says. This passage is a kind of a break in intensity. In it he tries to assure them that, while he is leaving them, he will not leave them alone. He will return to them in his Spirit, and his Spirit will be their comforter and teacher. Comforter in their sadness of losing him and in the hardships of life, and teacher in that he will teach them about what they do not now understand. Then Jesus says beautiful words of peace. "My peace I give you," he says. Not the kind of peace that we find in this life. The world brings demands, worries and anxieties. The world offers peace in status, material goods and power. Jesus' peace is what he and the Father have together -- the constant and eternal tranquility and friendship that exists between them. This is the peace God wants to give us. Jesus tells his disciples that his Spirit will come and be their continual source and reminder of this peace. "Don't be afraid." he tells them. I am not leaving you alone. I am going away, but I will come to you in my Holy Spirit of love and peace. Blessed Lord, save us from searching for peace in the things of the world. Stir up your Spirit within us; comfort us in sadness and teach us your wisdom and your will. Give us the kind of constant and eternal peace that you have with the Father. May we share this peace with you and with one another. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Saturday, December 10: Philippians 4: 6-7 In verse 6, Paul is repeating what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:31-32). We are not to worry; as God cares for the "lilies of the field" so he will care for us. We are to tell him about our needs; God knows what they are, but he wants us to share these needs with him and recognize that he is the source of our help. What happens when we nurture this relationship of trust with God? We will know peace. Peace will guard us, like a sentinel or a body guard. Always on duty, always alert. What is the nature of this peace -- it is God's perfect peace. It is significant that Paul describes God's peace as the "peace that surpasses all understanding." There is much mystery to our faith and indeed about life itself. How could the Amish people of Lancaster, Pennsylvania forgive the attacker of their children and find peace is doing so? How could a young wife who has just lost her husband say, "I do not understand, but I know God is here, with me, feeling my pain." Truly, many times God's peace is beyond our understanding. My daughters often asked me "Why?" Occasionally, my answer was, "Because I am the mother and I said so." At times God is treating us like this. Right now, we do not need to know why about everything. But we trust that Jesus walks with us and shares all things. When we are able to do this, we can experience the peace we need so much. God of peace, our fallen natures tell us that we need to know and understand everything! But this is not your plan. Instead of fretting over what is not ours to know, fill our hearts with the trust and peace that you want so much to give us. Help us to believe you when you say you will give us your peace to guard us night and day. Thank you that you love us so much. We pray in your precious name. Amen.

Week Three: December 11-17 The Candle of Joy

Sunday, December 11: Isaiah 35

After the Israelites had been in exile in Babylon for 60 years, the Persians defeated the Babylonians and King Cyrus released the people to return home to Jerusalem (538 B.C.E.). This reading is full of beautiful symbolism describing their joyful

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return. While at their homecoming the wilderness and the desert may blossom and bloom and all nature may rejoice with joy and singing (verses1-2), these words probably symbolize the inward changes that occur in the hearts of the returning remnant. Their time of suffering is over and their sins forgiven. They are humbled and repentant. They are returning, not only to their land, but also to their God. Another symbol, the highway, is often used to indicate divine deliverance, as when the Israelites passed through the Red Sea. Perhaps most lovely, is the way this passage refers to Jesus. "Jesus said to them, 'I am the (high)way the truth and the life'" (John 14: 6). The use of the word "highway" in verse 8 can also be seen as meaning the way to eternal life. Another metaphor, "The eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped" (verse 5), indicates they will understand things they cannot now "see." Finally, in verses 8 and 9 we read the words "redeemed and "ransomed." The New Testament often describes Jesus as the redeemer (Galatians 3:13) and as one who paid our ransom (Mark 10:45). So as we read these beautiful verses, we can imagine the joy experienced by God's people of old when their hearts were renewed and they traveled back to their homeland, but also we can rejoice in the joy that is ours today as we rest in God's promise to redeem us too. Redeeming Jesus, we thank you for your grace and forgiveness, to all people of all time. When we ponder your goodness we are humbled, yet we rejoice. No matter what life brings, may we experience the joy that comes from knowing our lives and our futures are safe in your loving hands. We pray in your name. Amen.

Monday, December 12: Jeremiah 33: 6-9 Like Isaiah, Jeremiah not only wrote about the deep anger God felt because of the disobedience and sin of his people but also about how God intended to embrace the people after they repent and return to him. Unlike Isaiah, much more of Jeremiah's writing describes God's furious anger and wrath than it does any comfort and hope or forgiveness and restoration. These verses are some of the rare words of consolation; they list several metaphors telling what God will do when his anger is over. The first metaphor is medical: there will be recovery and healing; the next spiritual: God will forgive and cleanse; the last economical: there will be prosperity and security, rebuilding and return of fortunes. And why will God do all this --

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because these people and this city are his greatest love. "...this city shall be for me a name of joy," a place where all the nations will see and praise the goodness and prosperity God will bring his people. No matter how often God's people disappoint him, he never stops correcting them, seeking them out and bringing them back to him. This is, of course, because he loves us. But reread verse 9 and find about another reason God is doing this. For the joy that it will bring him!! Consider how parents feel when their child is baptized or receives their first Holy Communion, when they take their first steps or graduate from college. Such feelings are just a taste of the joy in heaven when one person repents and turns back to God (Luke 15:7). We are God's children; it brings him joy when we do well! Gracious God, we thank you that you not only comfort us in our sorrows and pain, but also that you rejoice with us in our happiness and joy. Help us to remain faithful to you, serve others with the gifts you have given us and, as loving children, may we bring you great joy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Tuesday, December 13: Psalm 16: 7-10 This Psalm, attributed to David, is one of trust and joy. It reflects the beautiful relationship and friendship that David has had with God his entire life. Scripture often tells of God's love for David: "I have found my servant David; with my oil I have anointed him; my hand shall always remain with him; my arm also shall strengthen him" (Psalm 89: 20,21). "My faithfulness and steadfast love shall be with him; and in my name his horn shall be exalted" (Psalm 89: 24). "...the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart; and the Lord has appointed him to be ruler over his people" (I Samuel 13: 14). Today's Psalm is an example of the many that tell of David's love for God. David talks of the many times God has protected him and guided him. He rebukes and pities anyone who has chosen to follow another god. David trusts and believes that God will never let him down and this brings him gladness and joy. David was a poet and a musician. Can you imagine him playing his harp and singing about how happy he is that God is his dear friend? The beautiful message for us is that this relationship is ours too. "For God so loved the world, that his gave his only son...." (John 3:16). So let us love God with all our hearts and enjoy his friendship forever.

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Dearest Lord, your word gives us lovely stories of relationships you have had with your people over time. We are filled with gratitude and joy when we remember that we, too, are your children and friends. Thank you for your steadfast love and may we respond by loving you and one another. In your precious name we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, December 14: Luke 1: 39-45 This reading tells the lovely story of Mary and Elizabeth, two women sharing one of the most beautiful experiences that can happen to women. Any difference in age or station is overcome by the wonder of the miracle that is to be for each of them. Elizabeth, older and long past child-bearing age, and Mary, very young and unmarried; each will have a child. Right now they do not know what enormous tasks face their unborn sons, but their hearts are not troubled. Elizabeth shouts a blessing when she sees Mary and feels her baby jump for joy. Mary sings the beautiful words that are known as the Magnificat. Uncertain as the time may be for them, their trust in God brings them the joy of motherhood, sisterhood and partnership in God's plan. Can you imagine the fun and laughter they must have experienced during the three months Mary stayed with Elizabeth? The wisdom Elizabeth may have shared with Mary? The questions they must have pondered together? God called each of them and gave them one another to share in the joy of trusting and following him. Lord of joy, thank you for the special people you have given us to share the joys of our lives. Thank you for the joy we feel when we choose to follow the paths you set before us. As Mary and Elizabeth, may we trust you in times of uncertainty, when we do not know what is to come. You know the way, dear Lord. Help us to follow. Amen.

Thursday, December 15: Luke 2: 8-14, 20 A shepherd lived a hard and lonely life, far from towns and communities. Since fertile lowlands were kept for farming, shepherds often grazed their sheep in dangerous, rugged mountain areas. A big part of their job was to protect their sheep from predators like wolves and lions. Shepherds were simple wage earners,

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paid meagerly to care for the sheep of others. The nature of their work often meant that they were single and childless. Socially and economically, a shepherd's place was near the bottom of the ladder. Yet the shepherds were the first to hear the news that Jesus had been born! Poor, lowly and isolated men who lived with sheep were the first to hear the angels sing. At first they were terrified. But the angel spoke and told them the Messiah had been born. The shepherds believed! And they responded to the angels' song with excitement, obedience and joy. Without hesitation they went to Bethlehem to see the new king. After they had seen the child, they praised and glorified God and told everyone what had happened. Surely this is a beautiful picture of what the nature of Jesus' ministry will be, for he came to touch the lowly and the poor, the outcast and the marginalized. Can you imagine a poor, young immigrant doing yard work at a rich man's mansion when suddenly God's angels appear and tell him to turn off his mower and go into town to see a newborn king? And he goes immediately! The shepherds probably returned to their sheep and their solitary lives as care givers and protectors. But their hearts had been changed. God had chosen them, poor and lowly shepherds, to be the first to hear of his son's birth. Their day-to-day lives stayed much the same, but the joy of that night remained with them forever. Caring God, thank you for the example of faith we see in the shepherds. In their world and in ours, often it is the wealthy and the powerful that do not recognize you; many times it is the poor and the lowly who do. O God, save us from our pride and arrogance. Take away our indifference and give us a heart like your heart, loving to all. In your precious name we pray. Amen.

Friday, December 16: Galatians 3: 1-5, 5: 22-25 The Galatian community was made up not only of Jewish believers, but also of non-Jewish believers. Paul's ministry was one especially for non-Jewish people and there were times when many of the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem had a hard time with this. Some had come to Galatia to insist that in order to be Christians, non-Jews had to follow the whole Jewish law. Paul was adamantly opposed to this. This letter is his response to the Galatians and to these leaders from Jerusalem. He makes several arguments and one important one is written in the third chapter. He stressed that they received the Holy Spirit not by works of the law, but as a gift, by

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their faith and belief (3:2). Then in chapter 5, he goes on to insist that evidence of the Spirit is not obedience to the letter of the law. The evidence of the Spirit are the characteristics of a person's life, known as the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Finally he tells them how to have these gifts evident in their lives: "If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit" (5: 25). Paul was telling the Galatians that they must not be tricked or guided by those who say you must abide by the letter of the law. They must be guided by the Spirit and so live a life characterized by the Spirit's fruit. Heavenly Father, you promised your disciples that you would not leave them -- or us -- alone. Your sent your Holy Spirit to give us faith and to help us remain strong in our faith. Because of you, this is sufficient for us. May we bear the lovely fruit of your Spirit every day. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Saturday, December 17: Acts 20: 17-24 In today's reading Paul's is about to make what will be his last trip to Jerusalem. Friends and co-workers had begged him not to return there. The Jewish leadership in Jerusalem was very hostile to Paul and they wanted him in prison. Paul knew of the dangers awaiting him, but felt compelled to go because he believed it was the Spirit leading him there. In this reading he recounts examples of his faithful service and reminds his readers of his trials and sufferings. But he assures them that no matter what happens in Jerusalem, he is committed to "... finish my course with joy." (Acts 20: 24, KJV). Paul indeed is imprisoned in Jerusalem; he is later sent to Rome where many scholars believe he died there in prison. Having experienced much hardship and anticipating more, Paul still vows to "finish his course with joy." Henri Nouwen writes, "Jesus reveals to us God's love so that his joy may become ours and that our joy may become complete. Joy is not the same as happiness. Joy is the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved and that nothing -- sickness, failure, emotional distress, oppression, war, or even death -- can take that love away. " Paul has found joy in his life regardless of imprisonment, sickness, and persecution. He knows a joy based on "...the knowledge that we belong to God and have found in God our refuge and our safety and that nothing, not even death, can take God away from us" (Henry Nouwen).

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Heavenly Father, in the midst of the challenges and sufferings of our lives, help us to know your presence and feel your comfort. Assure us that you are there with us, feeling our pain and caring deeply about us. Fill our hearts with your joy, the joy that nothing can take from us. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Week Four: December 18-24

The Candle of Love

Sunday, December 18: Isaiah 52:13 -- 53: 12 The book of Isaiah contains four passages called "Servant Songs." The Servant Songs are poems written about a certain "Servant of God." They describe the call and the work of this Servant. Not all scholars agree on just who this person is. Some have what is called a collective interpretation and think that the Servant is the nation of Israel (or a faithful remnant of Israel). This is, of course, a traditionally Jewish view. Some Jewish scholars do have an individual interpretation and see the Servant as the Messiah, but as one who is still to come. Christians see the Servant as an individual and have a messianic view; the Servant is Jesus Christ. The first three Servant Songs (Isaiah 42: 1-4, Isaiah 49: 1-6 and Isaiah 50: 4-11) describe the Servant as a teacher, one in whom God delights, one who will bring justice, one who will bring Jacob back to God, one who is a light to the nations and one who obeys God's will for his life. These interpretations can be applied to both Israel and Jesus. But in our reading today, the fourth of the Servant Songs, something new is introduced. This Servant is despised, suffers, bears our infirmities and carries our diseases; he is wounded for us, is oppressed and does not answer, is crushed with pain, and though he is righteous, he dies. As Christians we, of course, see Jesus in these lovely, stirring words and we praise and thank God for keeping his promise from long ago by sending his servant, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Dearest Jesus, the Servant Songs remind us that you came not to be served, but to serve. We want to follow your faithful example. Open our eyes to see the many needs around us and guide us to serve using the gifts you have given us. We pray in your precious name. Amen.

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Monday, December 19: Luke 10: 27 A young, Jewish lawyer asks Jesus what is necessary to inherit eternal life. Jesus asks him what the law says. The lawyer responds by saying one is to love God and love one's neighbor. Jesus tells him he has answered correctly. But this lawyer is not sincere; his object is to trick Jesus, so he continues, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus is not one to be fooled. He responds, as he often does, with a beautiful story; this one the parable of the good Samaritan. This is, first of all, a story about outsiders. It speaks to the love, compassion and contributions often made by strangers. In this case, one who was a Samaritan, a person who would have been denigrated and despised by the Jews. It is a reminder that Jesus has told us that the way we treat strangers and outcasts is the way we are treating him (Matthew 24: 38-40). But this story is also an explanation of the answer the lawyer gave in the first place -- we are to love God and love our neighbor. The story explains that we love God best when we love our neighbor, and that our neighbor can be anyone who crosses our path. Loving our neighbor may mean loving our family, our friends or the person living next door. But it may mean visiting a prisoner, standing up for someone who is being bullied or who is being treated unfairly, or making a personal sacrifice in order to give a little extra to build wells in Africa. Every week in worship we confess that we "...have not loved God with our whole heart or our neighbor as our self." We will never love God perfectly in this life. But by the power of the Holy Spirit we do as best we can and treat any neighbor we encounter with love, caring and respect. Merciful God, we want to love you with our whole heart, but we so often fall short. Forgive us, Lord. Help us to remember that when we look into the eyes of an immigrant, a prisoner, or anyone that the world has deemed undeserving, we are looking at you. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Tuesday, December 20: Luke 4: 16-30 This scene in Nazareth occurred near the beginning of Jesus' ministry. He had come home for a visit and, "as was his custom," he attended worship on the Sabbath. He took this opportunity to read from the writings of the prophet Isaiah (61: 1-2). When he finished, he told them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing"

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(verse 22). There was some discussion, but eventually they became very angry and tried to kill him. One reason they reacted this way was that he (the son of a car-penter they had known all his life) compared himself to the Messiah. But also, he discussed his mission, the mission of the Messiah. The Messiah, he said, is to come for the poor, the oppressed, the captives, the blind (including those who cannot "see" the truth). He is to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor -- a time in Israel when slaves are freed and land that had been sold is returned to its original owners (Leviticus 25: 1-17). In other words, he is to come for those whom society rejects and marginalizes. There are so very many times in the Bible that Jesus tells us that his love is inclusive: he talks about the poor, the widows, the orphans; he heals lepers and rescues prostitutes, he eats with prostitutes and tax collectors. It seems the people in Jesus' home town did not want to hear this. What about us? Are we open to hearing that Jesus came for the immigrant, the transgender person, the prisoner? Does our yearly income or social status preclude us from "seeing" that in Christ there is no discrimination (Colossians 3: 11). Lifelong attitudes and prejudices are very hard to change; we cannot do it alone. But God wants to help us, and when we turn to him we find that "with him, all things are possible" (Mark 10: 27). Embracing Lord, help us to search our hearts to see if there are ways that we need to be more open and loving to others. Where we harbor prejudice, change our minds and hearts. In humility, may we see that your love encompasses the whole world. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Wednesday, December 21: I John 4: 7-21 In the early 20th century Carey Bonner wrote a song that our children often sing in Sunday School: Praise Him, Praise Him, All Ye Little Children, God is Love. These words convey the message of today's reading. God is the source of all love. Before we even knew God, God loved us. John stresses the reason we are able to love at all: God loved us first (verse 19). And by the power of his Spirit, we, too, are able to love. Now, Jesus shows us how. His life of suffering service models how we are to live and how we are to love. God wants us to love one another with the love he has put in our hearts in the first place. There are many examples of hatred and fear in our world. But there are also so many examples of others loving as Jesus did: a soldier sacrificing his life to save his fellow soldiers, a wife giving up her needs to

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care for a husband with dementia, a healthcare worker nursing people with AIDs. God loves us and he gives us the example and the power to do the same. In verse 18 we read words of wonderful assurance: "...perfect love cast out fear." Johann Christoph Arnold writes, "Perfect love, the apostle John writes, casts out fear. So when God's angels broke the good news of the Savior's birth to the cowering shepherds of Bethlehem, "Fear not!" was more than an instruction for them to be up off the ground and stop shielding their frightened faces. It was a declaration of war on fear. The "glad tidings of great joy which shall be to all people" meant that fear's grip on human hearts was going to have to give way to the far greater power of love." Gracious God, your unconditional, unending love surrounds and embraces us. You love us and you show us how to love others. Help us to follow your example in the way we care for those around us, and thank you so much for loving us first. Amen.

Thursday, December 22: I Corinthians 13 We have heard this scripture read many times at weddings, and when we do, we pray that this kind of love will follow the bride and groom all of their lives. But actually, Paul was not discussing marital love when he wrote this chapter. He was instead, talking about love in the life of a community, the Christian community in Corinth. At the time of Paul's letter this community of believers was dealing with many problems. Paul's letter was a response to the people about his concerns. What was happening there? There was division over who was their leader. Some people were admiring Paul, some Apollos, some Peter. Paul assures them that their only leader is Christ. There were problems of immorality and sexual misconduct that Paul addressed directly. There were abuses of the Lord's Supper, and some were eating food that had been offered to idols. There was a lot of bickering; instead of talking with someone with whom you had a disagreement or asking the elders of the church to help, they were taking each other to court. Paul was especially upset because some of the richer members were lording it over those who were poorer, and using their worldly status as a way to gain status in the church. In most of the book Paul talks about these issues. But in chapter 13, he gives his solution. Paul wants them to replace their arguments and their displays of social status with love. And he tells them what this looks like. First of all, he makes

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a list of many good things that are, however, not good without a loving heart. Then in verses 4-8 he draws a beautiful picture of what love is -- how you are to treat one another. Do not be divisive, respect one another and treat all with kindness and care. Be patient and don't always insist on your own way. Do not rejoice in wrong doing, rejoice in the truth. I think Paul understands that no one is perfectly loving at all times (Romans 3:23). But he is telling them that this is the best way to act, the way that Jesus modeled for us all and the way he wants us to behave. The last verses (9-13) assure us that now, until Jesus comes again, loving God and loving one another is the most important thing. Forgiving Lord, again we remember our confession, "....we have not loved you with our whole heart, we have not loved our neighbor as ourselves." In Jesus' name we pray for forgiveness and we ask you to give us hearts like yours, hearts of compassion and love. May we remember that, no matter what our differences, we are all your children. Trusting in your grace and mercy we pray. Amen.

Friday, December 23: Romans 8: 31-39 Sometimes we find it hard to explain our faith. Today's reading is one of those passages that could be challenging to understand or to defend. Paul describes many kinds of disaster that may befall us (verse 35). Yet the tone of the reading is a positive one of hope and love. Paul tells us that no matter what happens in this life, God can make all things work for good (Romans 8: 28) and that we have conquered all hardship and even death because of Jesus Christ (verse 27). To an unbeliever, such feelings can seem naive. But not for those who trust God. Ben and Ann Witherington have written a book called When a Daughter Dies. They tell of how their faith and the support of their faith congregation sustained them through their grief. Ben quotes Romans 8: 28 as a true source of comfort. Andrew Yarborough was imprisoned for 22 years for a triple murder that he did not commit. On release he said a silent prayer; he said that he had Jesus and that was how he survived. A woman named Lisa (last name undisclosed) has founded a group called Army Mom's Stories. She tells that, while her son was in Afghanistan, it was her faith that comforted her and brought her peace. God does not promise that life will be without suffering. He does promise that he will be with us every moment, and assures us that nothing can separate us from his love.

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God of Comfort, your peace and love can lead us through the most painful times. Help us to cry to you when we are hurting and to trust in your care. Continue to assure us that nothing can separate us from your love. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Saturday, December 24: Romans 1: 17, Psalm 51:10 This week the focus of our readings has been love -- the love of God and how he wants us to live our lives giving that love to him and to those around us. In his sacrificial, unconditional, inclusive love, we see Jesus model the love he wants to see in us. But we don't always love as Jesus did. We are impatient, unkind and envious. We see prejudice and pride in ourselves that we do not like but can't completely rid from our lives. What are we to do? Martin Luther asked himself this same question. He struggled for years trying to live a righteous life, but he never believed he was righteous enough to be saved. In one story, he supposedly spent three hours praying, walked from his room and stubbed his toe. He then screamed out a loud curse, making him feel his prayers had been for naught. But one day he had a brilliant revelation. While reading Romans 1: 17, (a quote from Habakkuk 2:4), Luther came to realize that God was not talking about the righteousness by which God himself is righteous, but about a righteousness that God freely gives to those who do not have righteousness of their own. The righteousness by which one is saved is not their own, but God's. Luther said, "When I discovered that, I was born again of the Holy Ghost, the doors of paradise swung open, and I walked through" (Luther and the Reformation by R. C. Sproul). A cornerstone of our Lutheran faith is that we cannot save ourselves. On our own, no matter how hard we try, we cannot make ourselves righteous. However, by God's grace we are justified and made righteous by faith in Jesus and made holy by the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2: 9). And so we pray, read God's word, abide in a community of believers and we ask each day that God will help us to love "not as we ought but as we are able" (ancient Eucharistic prayer). We trust that will be enough. When Martin Luther realized that, it changed his life -- and the world. Merciful God, thank you for loving us in spite of our weaknesses and failures. Thank you for making a way for us to be with you even though we are not righteous on our own. Deepen our faith in Jesus and strengthen us by your Spirit that we my grow more and more to love as you love. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

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Directions: Making an Advent Wreath Buy an inexpensive wreath frame at a craft store (Michaels or A. C. Moore).

Buy four blue candles and one white one.

Cut fresh evergreen boughs and weave them around the frame.

Put the blue candles in the frame.

On the first Sunday of Advent gather for the lighting of the candles; begin with a blessing of the wreath as shown below. Read Isaiah 11: 1-10 and light the first candle. Close with a short prayer

Continue to meet each Sunday, reading the prescribed scripture and lighting the candle of the week and closing with a prayer.

On Christmas day, put the white candle in the center of your wreath. Light it early in the day and sing a favorite carol; share a prayer of thanksgiving.

Sample blessing for the Advent wreath: Lord God, Let your blessings come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ's promise to bring us salvation. May he come quickly and not delay. We ask these through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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ADVENT READINGS

Waiting, as we see it in the first pages of the gospel, is waiting with a sense of promise. "Zachariah, your wife Elizabeth is to bear you a son." "Mary, listen! You are to conceive and bear a son" (Luke 1: 13, 31). People who wait have received a promise that allows them to wait. They have received something that is at work in them, like a seed that has started to grow. This is very important. We can really wait only if what we are waiting for has already begun for us. So waiting is never a movement from nothing to something. It is always a movement from something to something more. Henri Nouwen Peacemaking is not an optional commitment. It is a requirement of our faith. We are called to be peacemakers, not by some movement of the moment, but by our Lord Jesus. The Challenge of Peace If Christ had arrived with trumpets and lain in a cradle of gold, his birth would have been a splendid affair. But it would not have been a comfort to me. He was rather to lie on the lap of a poor maiden and be thought of little significance in the eyes of the world. Now I can come to him. He reveals himself to the miserable not to give any impression that he arrives with great power, splendor, wisdom and aristocratic manners. But upon his return on that day, when he will oppose the high and mighty, it will be different. Now he comes to the poor, who need a Savior, but then he will come as a judge against those who are persecuting him now. Martin Luther In the Old Testament, Jacob comes to an understanding about God through a dream (Genesis 28: 10-17). Joseph, too, discovers God's meaning in a dream. Of course he knows what is going on. Mary is pregnant (not by him), and he is considering her dismissal. But while he is still struggling with the facts of his life, with what he knows or thinks he knows, God's world breaks into his world in a dream. He, in fact, must confess as Jacob does: the Lord is here, and I did not know it (Genesis 28: 16). Christoph Dohmen, No Trace of Christmas?

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The "good news" is not just that Jesus came down to redeem us, but also to build a kingdom of justice, peace, and love. The call to change is directed not only to individuals, but also to the larger community. Most people are not able to wield power in the stock markets, or industry or government, but nevertheless they are challenged by the gospel to seek justice according to their vocation and circumstances in life. The ordinary citizen can make informed judgments in voting or can prod good legislators by phone calls or letter writing. Each person must discover unique ways to seek justice for the powerless -- be they unemployed, single parents, elderly poor, or the educationally impoverished. Robert D. Eimer/Sarah A. O'Malley, Dayspring From on High Perfect love, the apostle John writes, casts our fear. So when God's angels broke the good news of the Savior's birth to the cowering shepherds of Bethlehem, "Fear not!" was more than an instruction for them to be up off the ground and stop shielding their frightened faces, it was a declaration of war on fear. The ”glad tidings of great joy which shall be to all people" meant that fear's grip on human hearts was going to have to give way to the far greater power of love. Johann Christoph Arnold Lo, in the silent night A child to God is born And all is brought again That ere was lost or lorn. Could but thy soul, O man, Become a silent night! God would be born in thee And set all things aright. 15th century We are a wounded people; we can love each other, forgive each other and celebrate together our oneness. Perhaps we can only truly accept this humiliation if we live an experience similar to the one lived by the prodigal son.

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If we discover that we are loved and forgiven and accepted by the father just as we are, in all our brokenness, with all the darkness and pain inside us, then we too can weep in the arms of God, rejoicing in his forgiveness. Jean Vanier Children's letters: This is an ancient Advent custom, widespread in Europe, Canada and South America. When children go to bed on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, they put upon the windowsills little notes which they have written or dictated, addressed to the Christ Jesus. These letters, containing lists of desired Christmas presents, are supposed to be taken to heaven by St. Nicholas or by angels. In South America the children write their notes to the "little Jesus" during the days from December 16 to 24 and put them in front of the crib, whence, they believe, angels take them to heaven in the night. Francis X. Weiser Peace is more than the absence of war: it cannot be reduced to the maintenance of a balance of power between opposing forces nor does it arise out of a despotic dominion, but it is appropriately called "the effect of righteousness" (Isaiah 32:17). It is the fruit of that right ordering of things with which the divine founder has invested human society and which must be actualized by humans thirsting after an ever more perfect reign of justice. Peace cannot be obtained on earth unless human welfare is safeguarded and people freely and trustingly share with one another the riches of their minds and their talents. A firm determination to respect the dignity of others and other peoples along with the deliberate practice of love are absolutely necessary for the achieving of peace. Therefore all Christians are earnestly to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and join with all who love peace in pleading for peace and trying to bring it about. Vatican II: The Church in the Modern World

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They've come to sing your honor from the desert and the forest, From valleys deep in the mountains; they make a joyful chorus. They've brought their drums and their dances, ancient ways their parents taught them; Their village saints and their banners, ev'ry group make sure they brought them. O Mother dark and lovely, hear the poor who come with their song; Lead them into Jesus' kingdom where they truly do belong. From Vera Cruz and Nogales, from old Taxco with its fountains, Tehuantepec, Zacatecas, and Durango in the mountains; They come from humid Tampico, Matamoros near the river, From ranchos deep in Sonora where the cottonwoods still quiver. They dance to show they love you, out of faith and deep emotion, They offer flowers and candles as a sign of their devotion. The children run and are laughing all are sure that you still love them, While parents weep out of gladness, for your picture's there above them. Willard F. Jabusch The Advent mystery is the beginning of the end of all in us that is not yet Christ. Thomas Merton

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The whole long history of God's relationship with us human beings is a history of ever-deepening communion. It is not simply a history of unities, separations and restored unities, but a history in which God searches for ever-new ways to commune intimately with those created in God's own image. Augustine said, "My soul is restless until it rests in you, O God," but when I examine the torturous story of our own salvation, I see not only that we are yearning to belong to God, but that God is yearning to belong to us. It seems as if God is crying out to us: “My heart is restless until I may rest in you, my beloved creation." From Adam and eve to Abraham and Sarah, to David and Bathsheba to Jesus and ever since, God cries out to be received by his own. Henri Nouwen O Day-Spring, dawn of day, bright clearness of the light: Sometimes, in the very early morning, I watch for your coming to unravel the darkness, to unhide the unknown, to unmask the shapes and shadows of the night; And in your sun-brilliant shining to discover the secrets of righteousness and justice, to discern and learn that where you are, there is no shadow, no darkness, no death. Mary Winifred, Hasten the Kingdom It is central to the biblical tradition that God's love for his people should not be forgotten. It should remain with us in the present. When everything is dark, when we are surrounded by despairing voices, when we do not see any exits, then we can find salvation in a remembered love, a love which is not simply a wistful recollection of a bygone past but a force which sustains us in the present. Through memory, love transcends the limits of time and offers hope at any moment of our lives. Henri Nouwen

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Let's be gentle with ourselves and each other this Advent and Christmas. Let's not fret about imperfect lives and incomplete holiday preparations. We won't ever get it completely right. That's God's work. It is the best gift exchange ever. Martin Luther wrote: "Is not this a beautiful, glorious exchange, by which Christ, who is wholly innocent and holy, not only takes upon himself another's sin, that is my sin and guilt, but also clothes and adorns me, who am nothing but sin, with his own innocence and purity? And then besides dies the shameful death of the cross for my sake that I may live with him eternally" (Luther's Works, Vol. 52). Good Christian friends, rejoice! Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton One day of peace that dimly shines Through all our hopes and prayers and dreams, Guide us to justice, truth and love; Delivered from our selfish schemes. May swords of hate fall from our hands, Our hearts from envy find release, Till by God's grace our warring world Shall see Christ's promised reign of peace. Then shall the wolf dwell with the lamb Nor shall the fierce devour the small; As beasts and cattle calmly graze, A little child shall lead them all. Then enemies shall learn to love, All creatures find their true accord; The hope of peace shall be fulfilled, For all the earth shall know the Lord. Carl P. Daw, Jr. Father in heaven, the day draws near when the glory of your Son will make radiant the night of the waiting world. May the lure of greed not impede us from the joy which moves the hearts of those who seek him. May the darkness not blind us to the wisdom which fills the minds of those who find him. Roman rite

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Hope is the presentiment that the imagination is more than the real, and reality is less real, than we had thought. It is the sensation that the last word does not belong to the brutality of facts with their oppression and their repression. It is the suspicion that reality is far more complex than realism would have us believe, that the frontiers of the possible are not determined by the limits of the present, and that miraculously and surprisingly, life is readying the creative event that will open the way to freedom and resurrection. Rubem Alves Even so, it is the invisible Spirit with us still, everywhere and every-when. Even so is his very presence the consolation that answers prayer; for his presence allows us to decide according to our best intelligence; for there is no where we can go away from his Spirit. Whatever we choose, he chooses to go there with us, even if we should take the wings of the morning to dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea. Walter Wangerin Jr. They watch for Christ who are sensitive, eager, apprehensive in mind, who are awake, alive, quick-sighted, zealous in honoring him, who look for him in all that happens, and who would not be surprised, if they found that he was coming at once. This then is to watch: to be detached from the present, and to live in what is unseen; to live in the thought of Christ as he came once, and as he will come again; to desire his second coming, from our affectionate and grateful remembrance of his first. John Henry Newman When the power of man fails, the power of God begins, provided faith is present and expectant. Martin Luther

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Advent is both a beginning and an end, an alpha and an omega of the church's year of grace. Too often considered merely a season of preparation for the annual commemoration of Christ's birth, this rich and many-layered season is actually designed to prepare the Christian for the glorious possibilities of the parousia. It is a season of longing expectation -- "Come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22: 20). William G. Storey O Lord and leader, I'd see and understand you in an unburned bush, ....if I were Moses. You a fiery warrior, bringer of law and order; delivered, designer, strong and powerful. Leader of the led and Lord of all. The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. ....if I were Moses. As it is, You are more obvious to me in the laughing eyes of children, in the sick, the homeless street people, the prisoners: guilty and not guilty. Unexpected, almost uninvited, bringer of joy and tears, questions and courage and comfort. The God of Miriam, the God of Sarah, the God of Rebecca, even the God of Leah and Rachel, the God of Naomi, and most definitely the God of Ruth. ....like Moses, yes.

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You are my God, But, my God, for me your redeeming arm is stretched out on a cross. Mary Winifred, Hasten the Kingdom Let us then observe how these Wise Men took no offense at the mean estate of the babe and his parents, that we may also not be offended in the mean estate of our neighbor, but rather see Christ in him, since the Kingdom of Christ is to be found among the lowly and the despised in persecution, misery and the holy cross. Those who seek Christ anywhere else will find him not. The Wise Men discovered him not at Herod's court, not with high priests, not in the great city of Jerusalem, but in Bethlehem, in the stable, with lowly folk, with Mary and Joseph. In a word, they found him where one would have least expected. Martin Luther

Simply, prayer is communication. We talk with God, not just to him. God talks with us too, causing a circle to be whole and closed between us. Walter Wangerin Jr.

If we Christians would join the Wise Men, we must close our eyes to all that glitters before the world and look rather in the despised and foolish things, help the poor, comfort the despised, and aid the neighbor in his need. Martin Luther

The Bethlehem mystery will ever be a scandal to aspiring disciples who seek a triumphant Savior and a prosperity gospel. The infant Jesus was born in unimpressive circumstances, no one can exactly where. His parents were of no social significance whatsoever, and his welcoming committee were all turkeys, losers and dirt-poor shepherds. But in this weakness and poverty, the shipwrecked at the stable would come to know the love of God. Brennan Manning, Watch for the Light

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No one can celebrate a genuine Christmas without being truly poor. The self-sufficient, the proud, those who, because they have everything, look down on others, those who have no need even of God -- for them there will be no Christmas. Only the poor, the hungry, those who need someone to come on their behalf, will have that someone. That someone is God. Emmanuel. God-with-us. Without poverty of spirit there can be no abundance of God. Oscar Romero, Watch for the Light

Jesus brings us both completion and surprise in our waiting, and points us forward to a lifelong waiting that can only find fulfillment in the end of all things. Perhaps most surprising of all, however, is the discovery that the one for whom we wait has been present all along; silently waiting with us in joy as well as is sorrow, in delight as well as in agony, drawing us further into the glorious paradox of God, who summons us to wait for that which has already happened and to remember what that which is still to come. Paula Gooder, The Meaning is in the Waiting

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ADVENT READINGS FOR CHILDREN from desperatepreacher.com

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT: The Angels The angels have always known the good news: that God longed to be known by God's creation. From the moment humanity first walked upon the earth, God accompanied those steps and shed light upon that path. God in greatness and majesty has always stooped in lowliness to be close to the beloved creatures whose feet roam and whose hearts wander. The angels have always known of God's love for humankind.

And when in the fullness of time, God's majesty took on human form and God lived upon the earth as a human baby, the news was too good to bear in silence, and had to be proclaimed in song, in angel song. The angel brought good news to Mary: behold, God shall dwell with God's creation. The angels greeted the shepherds: Christ is born! We, too, can join in the angels' rejoicing by singing and making merry and bright this Advent season of light. SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT: The shepherds The shepherds have always understood lowliness. On the hillside, there were no dwelling places and fewer possessions, only the sheep to watch, and the stars ... and there was the silence. Wind and weather exalted themselves above the shepherds, and drenching rain and scorching sun ruled over them. There was no claim of closeness to God or stature in the eyes of humanity, only rough clothing and hard ground and a rock for a pillow, and silence. Silence until, in the fullness of time, the song of the angels filled the night with words unbelievable and joy unexpectable and the need to rush from the hills to a stable where

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lowliness was bathed in radiance, and humility became divine, and God came to be with God's creation. We can join with the shepherds when we, in humility, serve others by doing simple things, like putting the dishes away or hanging up our clothes. THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT: The Wise Men The promise of a king wove itself into the study of the stars and the pondering of the prophecies, as some intricate pattern in brocaded tapestry. Throughout the dreariness of life, royalty was heralded; in the darkness of the night, a star was encountered. The travel preparations were costly, but the gifts were even more valuable, and it seemed likely that they would be laid at the foot of a dazzling throne as instruments were played and servants offered lodging and legions of subjects bowed in obeisance. But when the journey was fulfilled, the star's light on the straw was glowingly golden, and the breathing of the cattle in the stalls was a finely orchestrated hymn, and the tapestry was woven with the realization of prophecy patterned against the changing of direction, and it was all so much richer than anything ever had been before: rich in purpose and implication, rich in surprise and imagination, rich in love. We can join the wise men by offering a simple gift to the Lord Jesus -- a trusting heart and an obedient spirit. FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT: Mary Nobody had less occasion to step upon history's stage than a woman, too poor, so young, and still unmarried. No one had less hope against the shock of a man disappointed in his choice of a bride. No one had less claim upon the orders of Caesar Augustus. No one had less reason to be noticed by God. It was not wealth and position that gave her the title of the mother of a king, and it was not purity of thought or diligence of work or depth of understanding that acted as a magnet for the attention of the creator. Rather it was the intention of the creator that found a way unique and humble for this event to enter upon history's stage.

And when the creator chose to be among the people, the creator chose a particular people, humble and poor, and a specific, very young woman, and a precise moment

2:00 pm Traditional Service with Holy Communion and Children’s Sermon

4:00 pm Family Worship with Children’s Choirs

6:00 pm Contemporary Candlelight Family Worship with Holy Communion

8:00 pm Traditional Candlelight Service with Chancel, Brass & Handbell Choirs

10:00 pm Traditional Candlelight Service with Holy Communion and Chancel, Brass, and Handbell Choirs

Calvary Lutheran Church

730 South New Street

West Chester, PA 19382

610-696-2475

www.clcwc.org