ADvent Devotional - Day 17: by Ryan Traher

December 15, 2009
READING: John 1:19-28

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him. “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” ….. John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me…
John 1: 19-21, 26

Every day seems like a battle; a battle raging between the faithful and the doubtful. The faithful sit down once a week for an energy shot and are then sent out into the world for six days before returning for rejuvenation. However, during time out of church, the faithful are constantly challenged by the doubtful. Just as John the Baptist was questioned by the Levites, the faith driven today are questioned by the skeptical. “Who are you?” A typical inquisition that Christians are subject to. The second someone does something out of the social norm with any relation to Christ, they’ll turn the corner and a scoffer is waiting, ready to pounce the question, “Who do you think you are?”
So how is one to answer such a question? It is rarely in such a blunt form, but many of the questions revolve around misconstrued ideas about Christianity and what it represents, or whom the Christian represents themselves. People do not enjoy feeling inferior or demeaned, so how is one to proclaim Jesus by being his hands and feet without treading on other people’s toes? Well it is inevitable that eventually someone will be offended by their good intentions. John the Baptist was simply doing what he believed was right and explained that it wasn’t his choice, but that he represented someone much more important. This seems to be the best strategy in explaining where one is coming from when questioned about their faith. “I am merely a messenger of the Lord. I want nothing more than to make the world a better place in preparation for someone who is far more capable than I to change the face of humanity.”

Lord Jesus, continue to guide me and give me the strength to be your messenger so the world will know you as I do. Amen.

Advent Devotional - Day 16: by Frank Raike

December 14, 2009

READING: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not despise the works of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.”
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-22

I recently attended the Michael Jackson Movie, This Is It. I went to the film, not only because my wife asked me to go with her, but also out of sense of closure and finale.

Many years ago, I had met Michael and had a brief opportunity to work one of his concert tours, as a lighting operator. In retrospect, I recall that he didn’t have the ego or the arrogance that many self-absorbed rock stars think they are entitled too. He was nice and polite to everyone around him, no matter what your contribution was.

My brief moment around Michael Jackson was nothing particularly special. The concert moved from city to city, a couple times a week. However, Michael’s music came and evolved at a time when music videos were just becoming a fad and MTV started to define a generation. It was my generation.

Michael Jackson’s death earlier this year, seems to me that part of my generation has come to an end. It’s done; this is it.

From the movie, I find meaning in Thessalonians 5, in the presentation of Michael’s music, art, and performance. The film, This Is It, incorporates film footage that was taken during rehearsals from March through June at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The film captures the pure creativity of Michael. The film is constantly filled with musicians, choreographers, and crew, but the focus is forever on Michael Jackson. Watching him prepare for the concerts, one truly understands what it takes to be the best in music performance. To make the best at what God gave him.

What I brought a way from this film the most, is an appreciation of Michael’s disposition as a gentle, sweet soul, who was also a perfectionist. He was joyful and genuinely grateful to those around him. On the concert stage, he was sanctified and blessed in music, singing of caring for the world and loving his fellow man. His life might have ended, but his spirit lives on.

Jesus Christ, help us to remember to use our gifts that you have given us to the fullest, so we may shine for Christ wherever we go. Amen.

Advent Devotional - Day 15: by Matthew Swope

December 13, 2009

READING: Isaiah 40:1-5

Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her
that she has served her term,
that her penalty is paid, that she has received from
the Lord’s hand double fro all her sins.
Isaiah 40: 1-2

As a singer who spends time every year performing George Frideric Handel’s beloved Messiah, these words of scripture are some of the most familiar to me. In his setting of the scripture, Handel repeats the phrase “Comfort ye, my people” several times. Repeated passages force the performer to find different levels of meaning, intent, and nuance within the seemingly simple words.

Each year when we read the accounts of Jesus’ birth, we too are forced to see the prophecies and the coming of Christ in new ways. The central idea of comfort within today’s reading can be a difficult one for us as disciples. Whether consoling a grieving friend or smiling at a disgruntled co-worker, we are beacons of comfort in this world. Whether sharing our faith in an intimate spiritual discussion or in our daily acts, we are reminders of God’s love.

While God charges us to comfort His people, He also challenges us to “prepare the way of the Lord.” Indeed, there is nothing simple or easy about this mission. In striving toward His call and aspiring to Christ’s example, God calls us outside of our own comfort zones. Complacency and contentedness are not options. We are to reach out to our fellow man in word and in deed. During this time of Advent, let us challenge ourselves and each other to leave the safety our comfort zones. By committing to even one random act of kindness each day, we can effect positive change in the world around us. We will never know the full impact of these comforting actions; however, we can trust that if we keep Christ at the core, then we will have been at least a small part in preparing a “highway for our God.”

Lord Jesus, help us to prepare for your coming, even when it takes us out of our comfort zone. Amen.

Advent Devotional - Day 14: by Kenny Champagne

December 12, 2009

READING: John 10:14-15

“ I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—-- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—- and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
John 10: 14-15

The image of the Shepherd is present from the beginning of Jesus’ life. It is Shepherd’s watching their flock at night who spot the star that leads them to the manager that Jesus is born in. I find great imagery in the fact that Shepherds don’t leave their flock to go find baby Jesus but bring them along to witness this miracle. In fact, I think it speaks to the heart of ministry. Normal every day people leading their flock to Jesus. Is this not what we are supposed to do as Christians? So at first we have ordinary people bringing a flock to Jesus, but quickly the tides turn as Jesus becomes the Shepherd and we become his flock. In John 10 Jesus speaks of being the good Shepherd. He does not leave his flock; in fact the good Shepard will risk his life for the flock. And of course Jesus, not only risks his life for us, he gives his life for us, so that we may have life through him.

Jesus is truly the good Shepherd, and who wouldn’t want to be a part of his flock; the part of a flock who’s Shepherd will die for you. So this time of year we recognize the birth of this good Shepherd and we remember the Shepherds who visited this baby on his birth. But we shouldn’t just remember and recognize this; we should share this with those around us. Just like those first Shepherds who brought their flock to Jesus, we too can bring people to Jesus. We can do this because we have the best news around; we have the good Shepherd…the Best Shepherd who will and has died for us so that we will have life! Merry Christmas and God Bless!

Almighty Father, keep us ever mindful of what you have done for us, in bringing the Good Shepherd to die for us. Show us how to be shepherds too who bring people to our flock. We are so blessed by you. Amen.

Advent Devotional - Day 13: Becky Rotroff

December 11, 2009

READING: Psalm 24:7-10

“Lift up your heads, O you gates;
Lift them up, you ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty—-
He is the King of glory.”

Psalm 24:9-10

As we approach the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, I find Advent a time to reflect on everything I have to be thankful for in this life. Sure, life is challenging at times, however, it is my faith in the Lord that keeps me going and I hope the same is true for you.

The Message version of Psalms 24:7 shouts out, “Wake up, you sleepyhead”. Does this take you back to when you were a child and your mother would stand at your door or by your bed, possibly even shaking you, saying these words? Was it because something wonderful was going to happen that day and you needed to get ready?

David is proclaiming to the people to “Wake Up”, to “Lift up your heads” because something wonderful is about to happen to them and he wants them ready. The Lord is coming! He is entering their gates.

Christ our Savior,
This season I pray that I will wake up each morning with Your love in my heart and be ready to walk with You all day. I pray that You will enter the gates of my life so we can all rejoice. Amen.

Advent Devotional - Day 12: by Margene Wampole

December 10, 2009

READING: Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus said, “I thank you , Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
Matthew 11: 25-26

Advent is a time of waiting and preparation as we do all the things to get ready for Christmas. Decorating, shopping, Christmas Cards etc.

I have a memory of a Christmas long ago when we had three little boys under four years of age. We unloaded the boxes of ornaments and decorated our tree, with unbreakable ornaments for the boys to place on lower branches as we sang carols. Then the newest addition, our crèche scene, made with molded rubber figures easy for little hands to hold. As the older boys set up the crèche under the tree and the baby watched, Dan told Mike the Christmas story and the part of each figure and animal.

In the coming days the boys prepared presents for all members of the family, colorful pictures, clay creations and home baked cookies lovingly decorated. Carol singing and the crèche scene held their focus as the boys hopped each figure over to see the empty manger many times a day.
Early Christmas morning we awakened to the strains of Happy Birthday Baby Jesus! Our not quite four year old and two year old were delighted to see the Baby Jesus in His manger and were welcoming Him. We gathered up the baby and joined them singing. Then our oldest reminded us that Jesus shared presents with EVERYONE on His birth day!
The quiet simplicity and focus on the birth of the Holy Babe makes Christmas. May the serenity, joy and peace of Christmas be with us as we prepare for the birth of our Savior and let it dwell in our hearts all year.

Heavenly Father, as we prepare for the coming of your Son, let us focus on the simple joys and peace that Christmas brings and keep them in our hearts. Amen.

Advent Devotional - Day 11: by Anita Bergh

December 9, 2009
READING: 1 John 4:7-16

Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.
1 John 4: 11-12

Most of us love “love” stories. The Bible is full of love stories. And today’s reading from the book of I John is one example. (not the GOSPEL of John - I John at the very back of your Bible….)Actually, the story of Jesus, his life and work, is not part of I John, but the essence of his life and work permeates the book.

Read this passage in the 4th chapter of I John again. Then select verse 10 and concentrate on it. It STUNS us. It STOPS US IN OUR TRACKS.. He loves us….! “Not that we loved God, but that he loves us…..” Or, as we read in John 15:16 (the GOSPEL John), “You did not choose ME, but I chose YOU”.

To think that we humans, running around on this planet, in charge of our own affairs, living life as we see it, really cannot get out of God’s grasp, even if we wanted to. He chose YOU----ME--- to love. He will love us until we come to his heavenly kingdom.

Because we are enveloped daily in busyness, worry, family and job concerns, we must return again and again to the “canopy of love”---to the amazing truth of God’s love wrapped up in “swaddling clothes and lying in a manger”.

“Love be our song and love our prayer
And love our endless story;
May God fill ev’ry day we share
And bring us at last into glory”.
(Marty Haugen, WOV #633)