FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
  • Home
  • About
    • Visitors
    • What We Believe
    • Our Staff
    • Pastoral Search
  • Worship
    • Services
    • Livestream
    • Music
  • Faith Formation
    • Adults
    • Youth
    • Children
  • Outreach
    • Local Missions
    • Global Missions
    • Pastoral Care
    • Parish Nurse Ministry
  • Giving
    • Giving
    • Planned Giving
    • Stewardship
  • Connect
    • Calendar
    • Videos
    • Weekly Announcements
    • Resources
  • More
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Presbyterian Weekday School
    • Mother's Morning Out

2020 Advent Devotional

Sunday, December 13, 2020

Sharing the Good News

Read Isaiah 61:1-4
Devotional by Sally and Gwin Hilton

While reflecting on the above scripture, Habitat for Humanity comes to mind. Habitat has been a part of First Presbyterian Church for well over a decade. It also holds a special place in the heart of the Hilton household. Some of our fondest memories are when the youth and adults come to our home to build the components for the Habitat House. Everyone in attendance has an opportunity to leave their mark for the homeowner through the many nails hammered and the scripture verses written on walls, doorframes, etc. Building these components gives the volunteers an opportunity to preach the “good news” (through works not just words) and share in the labor that will be life changing for a family.
Usually, the walls are raised the following weekend, and everyone can see the actual fruits of their labor. This isn’t limited to only the construction of the home. Many volunteers provide meals, interact with the family and provide needed assistance over the course of the construction.

Gwin and I fondly remember one homeowner who shared with us some personal stories. He spoke of the sacrifices his family had made and the moments of despair they encountered over the years.  He was so proud and grateful for his new home. He spoke through tears, of his pride and thankfulness to God and the volunteers who helped to provide a home for him and his family.

There are many ways we can lift-up others. The time we give may seem insignificant to us, but it could mean the world to someone else.


Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, help us to prepare for your coming this Advent season. Please help us be ever mindful and responsive to the needs of others, in Jesus name we pray, AMEN.

Read Daily Devotionals by clicking on the links below.
November 29, 2020: Great Expectations by Beth Silver
November 30, 2020: A New Beginning by Roger Rizk
​December 1, 2020: Walk in his Paths by Helen Rogers
​December 2, 2020: Exhortation to Watch by Davidson Hobson
​December 3, 2020: He will Revive Us by Sarah Sumner
December 4, 2020: Still Small Voice by Coleman Efird
December 5, 2020: The Authority of Jesus Challenged by Grady Kennington
December 6, 2020: John the Baptist Prepares the Way by Bobby Sumner
December 7, 2020: Earnestly Seeking You by Mallory and William Trogdon
December 8, 2020: The Branch of the Lord by Craig Whitley
December 9, 2020: Oh! The Difference a Child Makes by Lee DuBois
​December 10, 2020: God Does Great Things by Jim Brown
December 11, 2020: A Personal Relationship with God by Kelly and Rick Hovis
​December 12, 2020: Abide with Us by Stuart Euliss
​December 13, 2020: Sharing the Good News by Sally and Gwin Hilton
Picture
Download a PDF copy of The Audacity of Advent
​by clicking here.

Picture

First Presbyterian Church

Contact Us

Address
​1621 E. Garrison Blvd.
​Gastonia, N.C. 28054
Phone
(704) 864-2651
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Affiliated with: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Presbytery of Western North Carolina
Copyright © 2020 First Presbyterian Church, Gastonia, N.C.
  • Home
  • About
    • Visitors
    • What We Believe
    • Our Staff
    • Pastoral Search
  • Worship
    • Services
    • Livestream
    • Music
  • Faith Formation
    • Adults
    • Youth
    • Children
  • Outreach
    • Local Missions
    • Global Missions
    • Pastoral Care
    • Parish Nurse Ministry
  • Giving
    • Giving
    • Planned Giving
    • Stewardship
  • Connect
    • Calendar
    • Videos
    • Weekly Announcements
    • Resources
  • More
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Presbyterian Weekday School
    • Mother's Morning Out