FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
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2020 Advent Devotional

Tuesday, December 16, 2020

Preparing for Change

Read Malachi 3:16-4:6 and Mark 9:9-13
Devotional by Mary Ann Aycock

As I read through the scriptures assigned to me, the one thing that stood out was that it was a lesson in preparation for change. Webster defines transfiguration as “to make a dramatic change in form, appearance of, or the character of.” As I labored to figure out how transfiguration fit into Advent, I soon realized that, for me, Advent is full of change.  We transform our homes with wreaths and trees, presents with ribbons and bows, with wonderfully delicious aromas wafting from our kitchens and, best of all, gatherings with family and friends. We do the same with our churches where most include not only wreaths and trees, but nativity scenes, Advent candles, and special services.  All of this we do in preparation to celebrate that most wondrous gift from God, the birth of his son, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  And how his coming transformed our world!

And so it is with me on Christmas Eve, as I sit in the sanctuary of our church surrounded by my family and life long friends, hearing the old familiar bible scriptures and Christmas carols, that I wonder if maybe this is what God has in store for us in heaven, the next transformation.

Prayer Dear God, Thank you for the gift of your beloved son and help us to be more open to change, so that we may grow evermore Christ-like in spirit and deed. 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
​December 14, 2020: What is Joy? by Tyler Bullock
December 15, 2020: Repent and Turn to God by Betty Davenport
December 16, 2020: Preparing for Change by Mary Ann Aycock
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Download a PDF copy of The Audacity of Advent
​by clicking here.

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First Presbyterian Church

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Address
​1621 E. Garrison Blvd.
​Gastonia, N.C. 28054
Phone
(704) 864-2651
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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