Advent and Christmas
Advent Theme and Sermon Series
We hope that you will gather with us this Advent season as we prepare for the birth of the Christ child! This year our theme is “Adages of Advent” which draws inspiration from the book of Isaiah. Each week, sermons will focus on a different description of Christ as foretold in Isaiah.
Week 4 of Advent: December 18 - December 24
Click on a date to read the devotion!
Click on a date to read the devotion!
December 18: "Responding to God's Call" by Charles & Kathy Gallman
Read: Matthew 1:18-25
Joseph was a quiet, steady, hard-working, and strong – probably with a few bits of saw dust always in his beard. You know the type – that guy who can do anything and, more importantly, is always willing to help out when there is a need. This is how I imagine Joseph, but the reality is, we don’t know. Other than a few references in the Nativity narratives in Matthew and Mark, we don’t know much about Joseph. He is kind of like a character actor in a play, one of those actors in the background who has no lines and might otherwise be forgotten. But Joseph is much more than a character actor; he is the glue that holds the scene together. Without him, the play couldn’t be finished! He gave Jesus the legal connection to the House of David, thus fulfilling prophesy. More importantly, he was called by God. And what a calling it was - to raise God’s son to adulthood. You have to ask yourself here: how does one punish God’s Son? If you are too harsh on the young Messiah, does God call you out? So many questions.
What we do know about Joseph is that he was obedient. He answered God’s call. He gave up everything to be the father of Jesus. God came to Joseph in his dreams four times. Each time, Joseph responded to God’s call without question or hesitation. Through his obedience, Joseph shows his devotion to God, to Mary, and to Jesus. During this time of expectant waiting and preparation, what is God calling us to do?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in this time of preparation, help us to be still and to listen for your call. More importantly, help us to be like your servant Joseph, answering your call without question or hesitation. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Joseph was a quiet, steady, hard-working, and strong – probably with a few bits of saw dust always in his beard. You know the type – that guy who can do anything and, more importantly, is always willing to help out when there is a need. This is how I imagine Joseph, but the reality is, we don’t know. Other than a few references in the Nativity narratives in Matthew and Mark, we don’t know much about Joseph. He is kind of like a character actor in a play, one of those actors in the background who has no lines and might otherwise be forgotten. But Joseph is much more than a character actor; he is the glue that holds the scene together. Without him, the play couldn’t be finished! He gave Jesus the legal connection to the House of David, thus fulfilling prophesy. More importantly, he was called by God. And what a calling it was - to raise God’s son to adulthood. You have to ask yourself here: how does one punish God’s Son? If you are too harsh on the young Messiah, does God call you out? So many questions.
What we do know about Joseph is that he was obedient. He answered God’s call. He gave up everything to be the father of Jesus. God came to Joseph in his dreams four times. Each time, Joseph responded to God’s call without question or hesitation. Through his obedience, Joseph shows his devotion to God, to Mary, and to Jesus. During this time of expectant waiting and preparation, what is God calling us to do?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in this time of preparation, help us to be still and to listen for your call. More importantly, help us to be like your servant Joseph, answering your call without question or hesitation. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
December 19: "Keeping Christmas" by David Dickson
Read: Ephesians 6:10-20
Christmas time is so special to me after being blessed with the family that I have enjoyed for sixty three years. From Bible stories read to me as a child by mom and dad, to holding and reading the same stories to my three fantastic daughters and by the time you read this, my four fantastic grandchildren. Not to mention my First Presbyterian church family of teachers and friends. But as we grow we are all painfully reminded daily that these stories and the studying of the Bible is constantly utilized to strengthen our body armor against the evils of this world knowing that evil is very much alive and well in this world. We must strive to be faithful as a church family to continue putting on our full armor of God, so that we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes. During the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, let us stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around our waist, with our breastplate of righteousness in place, and with our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all of this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Do all of this with the power of the Holy Spirit, which is the word of God.
Go in peace this Christmas time to enjoy and teach and love your children and your children’s children. In Jesus Christ our lord and savior live, with the love Jesus left us within the Holy Spirit live, and with the full armor of God protect.
Prayer
Lord we pray to you this Christmas season to keep us safe, and to continue to deliver us from evil. Be with everyone around the globe to remember Jesus and his gift to us this Christmas time. For it is in his holy name we pray, Amen.
Christmas time is so special to me after being blessed with the family that I have enjoyed for sixty three years. From Bible stories read to me as a child by mom and dad, to holding and reading the same stories to my three fantastic daughters and by the time you read this, my four fantastic grandchildren. Not to mention my First Presbyterian church family of teachers and friends. But as we grow we are all painfully reminded daily that these stories and the studying of the Bible is constantly utilized to strengthen our body armor against the evils of this world knowing that evil is very much alive and well in this world. We must strive to be faithful as a church family to continue putting on our full armor of God, so that we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes. During the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, let us stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around our waist, with our breastplate of righteousness in place, and with our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all of this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Do all of this with the power of the Holy Spirit, which is the word of God.
Go in peace this Christmas time to enjoy and teach and love your children and your children’s children. In Jesus Christ our lord and savior live, with the love Jesus left us within the Holy Spirit live, and with the full armor of God protect.
Prayer
Lord we pray to you this Christmas season to keep us safe, and to continue to deliver us from evil. Be with everyone around the globe to remember Jesus and his gift to us this Christmas time. For it is in his holy name we pray, Amen.
December 20: "Praise the Lord!" by LeeAnn Harris
Read: Psalm 146
“Praise the LORD!” How many times do we say that when some chore, project, or problem we are attempting to solve ends in success? I am guilty of uttering the words and not really considering that my praise, thanks, and success all belong to God. I’m sure throughout history the world has seemed like a scary place full of disappointment, uncertainty, and fear. Just think back to some of the things the elders in your family have witnessed and endured. The pandemic, the economy, political division, crime, health, aging and life feels like a tsunami that just keeps hitting our shores. In this season of commerce, rush, overindulgence, flared tempers, chaos and doubt why not pause and reflect on Psalm 146:7-8 “He always does what he says-he defends the wronged, he feeds the hungry. God frees prisoners-he gives sight to the blind, he lifts up the fallen.” Wow! I’m with Him! Psalm 146 ends with the reassuring promise from verse 10, “God is in always in charge. Zion’s God is God for good! Hallelujah!” So, take a moment today to think about this promise and claim it as the ultimate gift.
Prayer
Dear LORD, You always have been and always will be in charge. Remind us to rely on and respond to you as we face all that life throws at us. Remind us too that You who gives, loves, watches, and frees will continue to do these and all good things on our behalf. And to that all God’s children say, Hallelujah!
“Praise the LORD!” How many times do we say that when some chore, project, or problem we are attempting to solve ends in success? I am guilty of uttering the words and not really considering that my praise, thanks, and success all belong to God. I’m sure throughout history the world has seemed like a scary place full of disappointment, uncertainty, and fear. Just think back to some of the things the elders in your family have witnessed and endured. The pandemic, the economy, political division, crime, health, aging and life feels like a tsunami that just keeps hitting our shores. In this season of commerce, rush, overindulgence, flared tempers, chaos and doubt why not pause and reflect on Psalm 146:7-8 “He always does what he says-he defends the wronged, he feeds the hungry. God frees prisoners-he gives sight to the blind, he lifts up the fallen.” Wow! I’m with Him! Psalm 146 ends with the reassuring promise from verse 10, “God is in always in charge. Zion’s God is God for good! Hallelujah!” So, take a moment today to think about this promise and claim it as the ultimate gift.
Prayer
Dear LORD, You always have been and always will be in charge. Remind us to rely on and respond to you as we face all that life throws at us. Remind us too that You who gives, loves, watches, and frees will continue to do these and all good things on our behalf. And to that all God’s children say, Hallelujah!
December 21: "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" by Rev. Daniel J. Commerford
Read: Revelation 21:10-11
Advent will always be a mixed-bag of a season for me. On one hand, I love the joy it brings as we anticipate the birth of Jesus Christ. Every year, I look forward to the lights, the festivities, and all the fun that goes into preparing for Christmas. On the other hand, Advent will always be marked by the solemn anniversary of my mother’s death that occurred in December of 2020. Alongside the happiness that Advent brings, I also spend this time of year wrestling with grief and sorrow. More than anything, Advent is a complicated season to navigate.
With the sun setting at the earliest point of the day, December 21 is the shortest day of the year. This fact may resonate with so many who try to find holiday cheer this time of year while struggling with grief, illness, depression, or strained relationships. Even in a season where we proclaim light, darkness still has its say. For that reason, Advent can be a complicated season for any of us to navigate.
It’s okay to not be okay.
In the Book of Revelation, God gave John a vision of a New Heaven and New Earth that gives a sneak peek of the eternal Kingdom Christ makes available to all of us. Christ’s birth leads to his life, death, and resurrection, ensuring there will be a day we are all together again in God’s glory without the constraints of sickness and death. Therefore, Advent is not only a season of waiting for Christ’s birth; it’s also a season of waiting for the fulfillment of all his promises. As complicated as this season can be to navigate, Advent is ultimately a season filled with hope.
December 21 may be the darkest day of the year, but it gets brighter and brighter after that. I love my mother and miss her so much. But with gratitude for everything Jesus promises us, I look forward to seeing her again, even if that means I have to wait a bit longer.
Prayer
Eternal God, thank you for the hope we find in your Son. Be with us today and comfort us in our grief and sorrow. May the promise of Christ’s Eternal Kingdom serve as a light that pierces through the darkness that often surrounds us. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.
Advent will always be a mixed-bag of a season for me. On one hand, I love the joy it brings as we anticipate the birth of Jesus Christ. Every year, I look forward to the lights, the festivities, and all the fun that goes into preparing for Christmas. On the other hand, Advent will always be marked by the solemn anniversary of my mother’s death that occurred in December of 2020. Alongside the happiness that Advent brings, I also spend this time of year wrestling with grief and sorrow. More than anything, Advent is a complicated season to navigate.
With the sun setting at the earliest point of the day, December 21 is the shortest day of the year. This fact may resonate with so many who try to find holiday cheer this time of year while struggling with grief, illness, depression, or strained relationships. Even in a season where we proclaim light, darkness still has its say. For that reason, Advent can be a complicated season for any of us to navigate.
It’s okay to not be okay.
In the Book of Revelation, God gave John a vision of a New Heaven and New Earth that gives a sneak peek of the eternal Kingdom Christ makes available to all of us. Christ’s birth leads to his life, death, and resurrection, ensuring there will be a day we are all together again in God’s glory without the constraints of sickness and death. Therefore, Advent is not only a season of waiting for Christ’s birth; it’s also a season of waiting for the fulfillment of all his promises. As complicated as this season can be to navigate, Advent is ultimately a season filled with hope.
December 21 may be the darkest day of the year, but it gets brighter and brighter after that. I love my mother and miss her so much. But with gratitude for everything Jesus promises us, I look forward to seeing her again, even if that means I have to wait a bit longer.
Prayer
Eternal God, thank you for the hope we find in your Son. Be with us today and comfort us in our grief and sorrow. May the promise of Christ’s Eternal Kingdom serve as a light that pierces through the darkness that often surrounds us. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.
December 22: "Our Mighty Savior" by Sally & Gwin Hilton
Read: Isaiah 31:1-9
The passages of Isaiah speak of how foolish it is to trust more in something or someone other than our God, who is wise and all powerful.
Isaiah 31:1-3. “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord!”
Isaiah 1:6-9. “Return to him. For in that day every man shall throw away his idols of silver and his idols of gold- sin, which your own hands have made for yourselves.”
After reading this passage, it made us think how easy it is to put other “secular idols” before God, especially during this Advent season. People are often exhausted from the shopping, decorating, baking and other holiday activities. We think too much about “things” we think we must do rather than spending time in God’s presence. Because we have such an awesome God who asks only that we repent and follow Him, let us put him first not only during this Advent season but every day. He has given us the gift of eternal life if we will only accept Him as our Savior.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace and for forgiving us when we repent of our sins. Help us to remember what is most important during this Advent season and to always put you first.
The passages of Isaiah speak of how foolish it is to trust more in something or someone other than our God, who is wise and all powerful.
Isaiah 31:1-3. “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord!”
Isaiah 1:6-9. “Return to him. For in that day every man shall throw away his idols of silver and his idols of gold- sin, which your own hands have made for yourselves.”
After reading this passage, it made us think how easy it is to put other “secular idols” before God, especially during this Advent season. People are often exhausted from the shopping, decorating, baking and other holiday activities. We think too much about “things” we think we must do rather than spending time in God’s presence. Because we have such an awesome God who asks only that we repent and follow Him, let us put him first not only during this Advent season but every day. He has given us the gift of eternal life if we will only accept Him as our Savior.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace and for forgiving us when we repent of our sins. Help us to remember what is most important during this Advent season and to always put you first.
December 23: "Ready, Set, Go!" by Patty & David Ratchford
Read: Revelation 22:6-11; 18-20
During our childhood and youth, our parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, and close friends reminded us to be ready, to be prepared, to do our homework, read, study, plan, and even have back-up plans. This coaxing was for our own good to better prepare us for living a full life with purpose.
In the last chapter of the Bible, Revelation 22, the angel showed John visions of the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God, the tree of life bearing twelve crops of fruit, and the throne of God and of the Lamb in The City. The angel also foretold that they would see God’s face and that his name would be on their foreheads, and there would be no need for light from the lamp or sun, for God would give them the light, and they would reign forever.
The Lord sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place, and the angel quoted Christ saying: Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.
John’s eyewitness account emphasizes being prepared because Jesus is not only coming soon, but he will come unexpectedly.
These are surly words to live by each day. Here at the end of the Bible, the truth is accentuated – to have a deep desire to know God, to thirst for him, to believe, and truly worship and adore him. We are told to confess our sins, then ask God to stir our heart, to meditate upon God’s revelation, to see him in a new way, and to cheerfully worship him.
We are instructed and decreed how we can best live a fulfilled, purposeful life as we reflect on Jesus’ expression of the “greatest commandment” to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and with all our mind”.
Revelation closes human history as Genesis opened it – in paradise. It describes the perfect city (the new Jerusalem) where evil is gone forever. Revelation describes people worshipping God face to face and ends with an urgent request: “Come Lord Jesus”. Revelation is above all a book of hope, and it is a reminder that God is in control. It depicts the wonderful reward that is waiting for all of us who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Believe!
Final cue: Coming soon means at any moment, and we must be prepared and not caught off guard.
A final question to ask ourselves each day: Are we prepared?
Prayer
Lord, help us to set aside our daily routines and duties to give you first place in our lives. Fill our minds and hearts with your truth and your wisdom so that we may be prepared to meet you at any moment. Amen.
During our childhood and youth, our parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, and close friends reminded us to be ready, to be prepared, to do our homework, read, study, plan, and even have back-up plans. This coaxing was for our own good to better prepare us for living a full life with purpose.
In the last chapter of the Bible, Revelation 22, the angel showed John visions of the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God, the tree of life bearing twelve crops of fruit, and the throne of God and of the Lamb in The City. The angel also foretold that they would see God’s face and that his name would be on their foreheads, and there would be no need for light from the lamp or sun, for God would give them the light, and they would reign forever.
The Lord sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place, and the angel quoted Christ saying: Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.
John’s eyewitness account emphasizes being prepared because Jesus is not only coming soon, but he will come unexpectedly.
These are surly words to live by each day. Here at the end of the Bible, the truth is accentuated – to have a deep desire to know God, to thirst for him, to believe, and truly worship and adore him. We are told to confess our sins, then ask God to stir our heart, to meditate upon God’s revelation, to see him in a new way, and to cheerfully worship him.
We are instructed and decreed how we can best live a fulfilled, purposeful life as we reflect on Jesus’ expression of the “greatest commandment” to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and with all our mind”.
Revelation closes human history as Genesis opened it – in paradise. It describes the perfect city (the new Jerusalem) where evil is gone forever. Revelation describes people worshipping God face to face and ends with an urgent request: “Come Lord Jesus”. Revelation is above all a book of hope, and it is a reminder that God is in control. It depicts the wonderful reward that is waiting for all of us who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Believe!
Final cue: Coming soon means at any moment, and we must be prepared and not caught off guard.
A final question to ask ourselves each day: Are we prepared?
Prayer
Lord, help us to set aside our daily routines and duties to give you first place in our lives. Fill our minds and hearts with your truth and your wisdom so that we may be prepared to meet you at any moment. Amen.
December 24: "What Does Christmas and the Celebration of the Birth of Christ Mean to You?" by Lee DuBois
Read: Luke 2:1-20
In researching this scripture, I was reminded that this is the only inspired account of our Lord’s birth recorded in the Gospels. Neither Mark nor Jon discuss the birth of Jesus and Mathew tells us about the visitation of the angel to Joseph, prior to the birth of Jesus. Even Luke chooses to give us a very brief account of the factors which occasioned Jesus’ birth – that it occurred in Bethlehem, the decree of Caesar, the census, and how nearby shepherds came to witness the Messiah’s advent. These events reported were chosen from many that could have been.
When I reflect on the birth of Christ and the celebration that occurs each Christmas, I try to pause and reflect on what are we celebrating. Christmas is about the love of our God for us. It is important that we express his love for us to others through our words and actions. I believe that many times in todays world we lose this focus. We are influenced by social media, the news and people using shortcuts like saying Merry X-mas instead of Merry Christmas. I feel that many people are slowly losing sight of Christmas’ true meaning. The focus often turns to material things, and the question of “have I bought everything I needed to buy for everyone on the list? What if someone gives me something and I do not have something to give them in return? What if I can’t make it to a Christmas party because I have already RSVP’d to another Christmas party on the same night?” Stop! I know I am guilty of this as I know many of you are as well. We lose focus on the true and only reason for the season - the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior.
This Christmas let’s focus not on ourselves but on others and how we can help them find the love that Christ brings to us not only at Christmas but throughout the whole year. Let Christmas be the catalyst that reinvigorates Christ love in our hearts so that we may spread it to others throughout the year
Prayer
Lord, help us to set aside our daily routines and duties to give you first place in our lives. Fill our minds and hearts with your truth and your wisdom so that we may be prepared to meet you at any moment. Amen.
In researching this scripture, I was reminded that this is the only inspired account of our Lord’s birth recorded in the Gospels. Neither Mark nor Jon discuss the birth of Jesus and Mathew tells us about the visitation of the angel to Joseph, prior to the birth of Jesus. Even Luke chooses to give us a very brief account of the factors which occasioned Jesus’ birth – that it occurred in Bethlehem, the decree of Caesar, the census, and how nearby shepherds came to witness the Messiah’s advent. These events reported were chosen from many that could have been.
When I reflect on the birth of Christ and the celebration that occurs each Christmas, I try to pause and reflect on what are we celebrating. Christmas is about the love of our God for us. It is important that we express his love for us to others through our words and actions. I believe that many times in todays world we lose this focus. We are influenced by social media, the news and people using shortcuts like saying Merry X-mas instead of Merry Christmas. I feel that many people are slowly losing sight of Christmas’ true meaning. The focus often turns to material things, and the question of “have I bought everything I needed to buy for everyone on the list? What if someone gives me something and I do not have something to give them in return? What if I can’t make it to a Christmas party because I have already RSVP’d to another Christmas party on the same night?” Stop! I know I am guilty of this as I know many of you are as well. We lose focus on the true and only reason for the season - the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior.
This Christmas let’s focus not on ourselves but on others and how we can help them find the love that Christ brings to us not only at Christmas but throughout the whole year. Let Christmas be the catalyst that reinvigorates Christ love in our hearts so that we may spread it to others throughout the year
Prayer
Lord, help us to set aside our daily routines and duties to give you first place in our lives. Fill our minds and hearts with your truth and your wisdom so that we may be prepared to meet you at any moment. Amen.
Advent Devotional Booklet
In addition to our sermon series, a corresponding booklet, with daily devotionals written by church members, was mailed out on Friday, November 18. If you do not receive one, please contact the church office. Together, we hope these will be vital resources for you and your family as we approach the Christmas season with anticipation and joy!
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Calendar of Events for Advent
Wednesday, December 7:
- Cocoa & Carols Hymn Sing at 6:00 pm in Fellowship Hall
- Longest Night Service at 6:00 pm in the Chapel
- Children's Service at 11:00 am in the Chapel
- Candlelight Service at 5:00 pm in the Sanctuary
- Joint Service of Lessons and Carols at 10:00 am in the Chapel
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