ADVENT Devotional 2022
God of Advent, Come Towards! Enter into this Advent season with the grace of joy and laughter. Fill faces with smiles of delight and voices with sounds of pleasure and let this gift come from deep within. Replenish all the joyful blessings that only your peace can bring. Pause, Pray for joy in your everyday lives. God of Advent, Come Towards! Enter into the lives of all those we hold dear, the ones who struggle, those whose lives bear heartaches and feel over- whelmed. Come and gift them with a deep presence of You and Your never-ending faithfulness, companionship and compassion. Pause, Pray for those who struggle. God of Advent, Come Towards! Be the morning Star in our midst, the Light that can never go out, the Beacon of Hope guiding our way to you. Come into our midst and make of our lives a home, where your everlasting goodness resonates with assuring love and vigorous hope. Pause, Pray for “God in All Things.” Come, God of Advent, Come Towards! Fill us so that we might be “God with-skin-on” for others. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah. Adapted from Joyce Rupp These devotions are compiled by Bonnie Matthaidess, Spiritual Director Rev. Susan S. Shafer, Senior Minister, Emerita
WITH us
God
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God with us
Advent is the season to WAKE UP! A wake-up call to live fully, to live with the assurance that Jesus has come to us personally, collectively and to our earth. Advent is not just as we prepare for December 25th, the anniversary of Jesus’ birth, and a lovely celebration this is. Advent reminds of Jesus’ presence with us NOW and every day. Our God has chosen not to be remote, inaccessible, unapproachable, but at one with us. Yes, God choose to take on flesh in human form as Jesus of Nazareth, who took on humanity, to be at one with us! This is Incarnation, Emmanuel, God With Us. Friends, God continues to be incarnated, to be WITH us. And God’s incarnation is happening all around us including in and through each of us as we embody and offer God’s presence each in our own unique ways. Yes, Advent is the season we Wake Up to this miracle.
Asbury First 2022 Advent Devotional
Remember
Week 1
I ask you, God of Grace who has filled the heaven and earth with your glory, to help me to make my hands into your hands, so that your will may be done this day. Form my words into your words to affirm the faint- hearted, to support the faltering and to encourage the poor in spirit. Fill me up with your Presence so that I may be a co- creator with You in Your endless drama of creation. Moment of prayerful and reflection Be still and aware of God’s presence within and all around. Scripture “Let me hear what you will speak when I turn to You in my heart." Psalm 85:8 From “Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim,” Edward Hays
. . remember, v.t: 1. To recall to the mind by an act or effort of memory, think of again; 2. To retain in the memory; keep in mind. . . . remember a young boy riding in the sleigh to church for Christmas worship; performing an acrostic and reading about Emmanuel (God with us) and receiving a gift from the church – a box of hard candy and an orange. . . . remember a young seminary student and his wife leading Advent study at his part-time student appointment in rural Illinois and celebrating (God with us). . . . remember a young pastor and his wife celebrating Advent and Christmas in Tonawanda, NY, and celebrating the Scripture ‘unto us a Son is given’, while holding their new born son and proclaiming (God with us). . . . remembering a young missionary couple walking a dark, dirt road to the church on Christmas Eve, with their three children and celebrating (God with us). . . . remember Christmas 2020 – live stream – prisoners of COVID yet celebrating (God with us) without my wife of 64 years . . . joy in the midst of sorrow! It is good to remember that always (God with us). David Lubba – blessed and grateful Child of God
In Sunday school, we would make our own Advent wreath to take home. We were taught that the four candles represented Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. The wreath symbolized the anticipation of the arrival of our Savior. As more candles were lit each week, its growing light became brighter and brighter. and every year, my brother and I would fight over who would get to light the candles – especially the white one. When I started my own family, we continued this tradition of making Advent wreaths and would prominently position them as a centerpiece on our dining room table. We taught our children about its meaning and that Jesus’ birth was the best gift we could ever receive – God’s promise of everlasting life through Christ. despite this lesson, my boys also squabbled over who could get to light the candles! I joined the Altar Guild shortly after becoming a member of Asbury First. During Advent, we decorate the Sanctuary with evergreen trees, poinsettias, and a beautiful Advent wreath. One year, the greens around the wreath had gotten so dry, the entire wreath needed to be reconstructed. I felt overwhelmed at my DIY attempt to restore it to its splendor for the Christmas Eve Service. I prayed for God to guide my hands. When I finally finished, the wreath was breathtaking. Of all the Advent wreaths in my life, this particular one was the most meaningful for me. Only I knew its recreation and transformation. The light from those candles filled the Sanctuary that night, and in it, I felt the presence of God in my heart. The most important symbolism of an Advent Wreath is to remember that we journey from the darkness into the light of Christ. We are called upon to be a light to others. No need to compete over who gets to light the candles because the light is within us all. Martha Tuke loves to kayak, walk her dog and solve Sudoku puzzles
remember
Childhood traditions help shape the people we become. Growing up, Advent was a time of waiting, hoping and preparing. Preparing in our house meant not only decorating, but also searching for those often hard-to-find purple, pink and white candles and fresh greens that would become a part of our Advent wreath. We had 4 children at home, so each child had a week where we would light the candles at dinner. Nobody wanted to be first, of course. Lighting just one candle? We would protest and ask for later Sundays where our turn would mean more candles to light! Mom took us to church camp every summer where we met a singer, Mary Lou Walker. Another advent tradition was to listen to Mary Lou’s song “The Advent Candle”. Her sweet, simple melodies taught us lessons of working together, unconditional love and even about judging others based on appearance. “The Friends” song, tells of three butterflies, one red, one yellow, one purple, who are lost in a storm. The butterflies seek shelter from flowers who are the same color, thinking he/she will help. The daffodil offers shelter only to the yellow butterfly, the lilac to the purple, and the tulip to the red. The three butterflies say “No, no, no, we’ll stick together, that’s what friends should always do. Through the dark and stormy weather, you’re with me and I’m with you.” As I think of our advent traditions, ones we have carried through to our family, I realize that Advent is not only a time of waiting, for the birth of Christ, for a turn to light the candles, for presents under the tree, but it is also a time of searching. Looking for those among us who are lonely or lost, needing shelter from the storms of their lives; for those who don’t blend in with the same colors as seen around us; for God to fill our hearts with Christmas light. This advent season, may the simplicity of a burning candle in our advent wreath fill us with the desire to “stick together” and find the lost. Joanne White likes baking chocolate chip cookies, spending time with friends and family and teaching her first graders. Joanne White likes baking chocolate chip cookies, spending time with friends and family and teachinng her first graders.
“Candle, candle, burning bright, shining in the cold winter night. Candle, candle burning bright, fill our hearts with Christmas light.” The Advent Song by Mary Lou Walker
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; who shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1 As the new leader of the Asbury Storehouse in 2006, I remembered that I had forgotten to bring the laundry home with me, something I did regularly on the way home from work on Wednesday evenings. Following dinner, I decided to return to Church to pickup the laundry. The night and Storehouse were dark and being alone, I admit I was a little afraid to be there by myself. As I turned on the light, an aura of soft white light appeared to be shrouded around the ceiling light. I audibly gasped, thinking some- one or something was there. But I proceeded to get the laundry. Leaving, the image was still there and it was then I heard a voice, saying “Do not be afraid, I will always be with you.” Was this incident a figment of my imagination? Was there something In the atmosphere causing this strange phenomenon? I tried to put this happening out of mind, but know now that hearing God’s words of assurance that God is with us can take different paths of understanding of God’s care for us. I remember and trust that God is with us, every day, everywhere. God With Us . Nancy Davidow enjoys participating in Asbury’s community and enjoys counted cross stitch, knitting and reading.
In August, with excitement, I accepted a project to be completed by September. Then somewhere in September, another opportunity presented – to write for the Advent Devotional. I thought about the similarities for both experiences. I heard, “Prepare ye the way,” and it was an urgent call. Many hours were spent on the first project and the need to pursue completion with sincerity and care, put other projects on hold. The time spent was worth every moment I gave to it and will hold this in my heart. Now as I thought of the Advent Devotional, I remember how each writer tells of their journey and memories – unique to each. To be honest, in Advent I have had trouble keeping the chatter, the ads, the visuals, the busyness, “should do, could do,” to find quality quiet time. Before I know it, Christmas Eve is upon me. I remember do I really ‘prepare my way” to welcome the Christ child? Then it came to me . . . the way of Lenten preparation, still visible in my mind, was to “give up something.” I thought instead of “giving up something”, I’m going to pay more attention to the Asbury Advent Devotional. On each day and each page, I’m going to remember to “do more.” On each page and day, I hope to add a word, a hymn title, a Christmas hymn, make a phone call, send a note card to a shut in, offer a smile at a store, at the Red kettle. I plan to “do more” by offering the sign of peace more and share special memories. And repeat, “Do more good as long as I can.” This honest journey I now conclude, with hope and all my heart that this is good for all. Lorraine Fusare loves being a part of Women of the Well and spending time with her family and friends.
I remember an ordinary day in late November. Thanksgiving past, Advent, and Christmas on the horizon. On the day I am remembering I had gone home for lunch. (No food served in our schools). As I entered the dining room, instead of neat and orderly, I saw the table was littered with newspaper and bark and fir branches and long logs. It was stacked with supplies for creating the white birch log candle holders that my parents made for our church. Dad was drilling the holes for the candles and affixing the stands he had made for each end of the logs. Mom was clipping fir branches and stapling them around the candles. Ribbons threaded through them, and a light spray of snow completed each holder. My after school-job? Carefully pack the logs in cartons to take to the church. These candle holders would be fitted over the backs of the pews neatly dividing the pew into two sections from the back of the nave to the front. There were three sections of pews, with two center aisles and two side aisles. Asbury First Methodist Church, as much a home to me as my own home. It is where I was baptized and nurtured in the substance of faith and the community of faith. The community nurtured my sense of calling there. I will never forget - and be forever indebted to - the people who were part of my life in those years. Jesus became real for me, there. For the next six weeks, aside from replacing the spent candles, they remained in place giving light to the services. What a splendid environment they created when the lights were extinguished on Christmas Eve. That scene remains in my memory. The Season of Light meant for me not only Christ, the Light of The World, but my own family’s contribution as “light to the church” giving it a special meaning. And every year those logs reappeared to remind me again. Rev. Thomas Clemow, (Ret.)
to remember...
reflection
Receive
Week 2
RECeivE
Take a moment, quiet your thoughts, close your eyes or soften your gaze, and breathe. Notice how your breath feels as it fills your lungs. As you exhale, let go of any thoughts you don’t need. Continue to breathe, feeling the gentle rhythm of your breath. As you breathe, start to tune into how you are feeling right now, in this very moment. Allow yourself to be with that feeing, noticing where that feeling is present in your body. As you experience this feeling, begin to notice a sense of peace in your heart. Feel that sense of peace begin to fill your heart, allowing your heart to open to receive. As your heart opens, feel God’s presence with you, holding you, feeling that sense of peace surround your entire body. In your mind’s eye, imagine a place where you have felt God’s incredible love and sense of peace. Feel yourself in that place, noticing what is around you. Perhaps you feel at peace near the water or in nature or on a mountain. Perhaps someone is with you; someone you love. Feel God’s presence in this place. And as you feel God’s presence, hear the words from James 1:17, Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from God of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. What words stand out to you? Feel God’s heavenly light fill you. Receive God’s gifts into your heart. Take a moment and reflect on how you feel receiving these gifts. As you bring your experience to a close, begin to become aware of your surroundings, the room you are in, the sounds around you. Know that you can return to your place of peace any time that you need. As you continue throughout your day and week, hold the gifts that you have received from God. Know that those gifts and God’s presence are with you whenever you need them. Chris Gold and Cory Tylenda love to travel, connect with friends, and spend time in nature, hiking and biking.
“And the WORD became flesh and Dwells among us” Simone Weil has said: “We cannot take a step toward the heavens. God crosses the universe and comes to us.” This insight reminds me of the poignant and dramatic play “Green Pastures”. God has sent angels, archangels, prophets, down to earth to speak to humanity about how to live as spiritual beings, beings centered in love. The world is in chaos and God wishes for the world to live in harmony, beauty and love. Each messenger comes back with the same message. It is NO use! They do not listen, understand, or act. In the play … there is a pregnant pause ….And then God speaks: “this time, I will go down myself!!!” God came to us in the darkness and gave of ONESELF that we might live life in abundance with our lives directed by God’s gift of Jesus the Christ. It is not a one - time gift. The gift is ours each time we renew our commitment to walk as “children of the light”. Indeed, God crossed the universe and came to us and still comes as our lives, our decisions, our actions, our interactions, are guided by this wondrous gift. God came in human form. “May our hearts be renewed and re-committed this Season to walk and live inspired by God’s gift giving Spirit of Jesus!” -Submitted by Susann Schafer
receive
Willingness to Recieve Since our teens, my husband and I have served in music ministry in a variety of churches, Leading and singing in choirs, ringing bells and helping where we could. Several years ago the choir director at a church where we were serving, came to me with a stack of her Favorite Advent and Christmas anthems and asked me if I would put these into a cantata; literally writing a narrative that would tie them all together. Immediately I thought, “I don’t have the skills to do this! I have no idea where to start!” But God said, “say yes” – so I did. For some time, I put the task aside. I avoided the project. I doubted that I had the skills. I couldn’t figure out how to order the anthems. I even tried to get out of it. Then the Lord prompted me to pray about it – so I did. It was a Sunday afternoon, and suddenly the Lord answered, saying, “get out your pad and pencil and listen to me” – so I did. For the next two hours, I ordered the anthems and I wrote. The words simply came. It was as if the pencil was moving without my guidance. I wrote non-stop until the entire narrative was complete. I put down my pencil and read it back, making only one edit for grammar. In scripture, Jeremiah doubted that he had the words. (Jeremiah 1:5-8). Moses felt inadequate to do the work God had called him to do (Exodus 4: 10-12). If you’ve ever doubted like Jeremiah, or felt inadequate like Moses, trust in the God who equips those who obey Him. I had to be open to receive God’s word; to receive God’s direction; to receive God’s inspiration. Open your heart, mind and will to receive the gift that God has to give in this Advent season. Ruth Phinney's heart is filled with music of all expressions and when she relaxes, she enjoys making button jewlery
Good Friday, March 27,, 1964, on Kodiak Island was a pleasant day. At 5:36 PM our house began to shake and the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in North America began. Peggy and I, being from the Midwest, had no idea what we were about to experience. In addition to the shaking, the village was about to experience extensive damage due to tidal waves that reoccurred hourly. We were advised by our neighbors that we needed to leave our home and take the road up the side of a mountain, which we did with our infant son. Soon the road was filled with cars unable to go further up the mountain. Finally, about 11;00 PM, we and many on the mountainside decided to return to our homes to determine if we had any damage. Fortunately, there was a large hill between our house and the Commercial area of the village that was being devastated by the Ocean. Our home, and all with it, except for electricity and phone service, was not affected by the quake. Not knowing any better, we decided to go to bed. The next morning we awaked to a glorious, sunny day. It was as if nature was indicating that life, with all of its goodness, would continual as usual. Throughout the earthquake and the tidal waves, I was confident that God would take care of our family. The Bible tells us that no matter what happens to us, we are always in God’s hands. We need to be open to receive new and different opportunities and challenges. -Larry Elliott
One of my favorite family photos is of me and my brother Pat playing an impromptu jam session with his new electric guitar and my new spinet organ. It’s Christmas morning and we are in our pajamas standing in our living room bedecked in decorations including a fully lit silver Christmas tree. The photo evokes memories that illustrate the Christmas messages of preparation, anticipation, gratitude and joy during the advent season. Luke 1:79 – “to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” During advent evenings we would turn out the lights in the living room to enjoy the lit Christmas tree and candles and sing a carol or two in preparation to receive the good news that a savior is born. The singing of Silent Night with a lit candle in the darkened sanctuary on Christmas Eve is my most anticipated moment of the Advent season to experience Jesus’ presence. Luke 2:10 – “Fear not, behold, I bring good news of great joy that will be for all people.” I don’t recall what my brother and I requested from Santa specifically that year but receiving the musical instruments was truly beyond our usual expectations of practical gifts of socks and underwear. Our birthdays that followed over the next few months after Christmas tended to be the time for fun and impractical gifts from our parents. One year we got a baby brother which was a game changer. The photo awakens feelings of gratitude to God for the gift of the baby Jesus and utter joy of receiving something precious and beyond our expectations. John 10:10 – “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Angie Burch enjoys reading, playing pool in a local league and playing card games with her extended family.
receve
As we celebrate another advent season, it’s a time to reflect on inviting and receiving the love of God and His greatest gift of Jesus. Sometimes gifts are obvious and sometimes they may be hiding in plain sight. When our son Sean was born, we were thrilled to add another child to the Mahan family. We now had 2 boys and felt our family was complete. It quickly became apparent that Sean’s development was taking a different course than what we were expecting. After receiving a diagnosis of autism, we were grieving the life Sean would not have, not realizing how much love he would bring our family and others around him. We worried about how cold the world can be and how he might be treated. What we found instead was an outpouring of love, support, and acceptance. With God’s love and grace, we have embraced Sean’s autism. There are so many gifts that he has given us and he spreads light in the form of love and joy to others. Learning to let go of what we thought our life would be like and welcome all the joy and love that our family has received is one of the greatest gifts from the Asbury community. We see and welcome the unconditional love of God everyday in the form of a special young man named Sean. Johanna Mahan loves baking cookies, looking for sea glass on the coast of Maine, and living with all her boys in their cozy house.
Week 3
Rejoice
I rejoice in the Lord, oh my soul. I praise His name. I am humbled by the power of the rain that soon turns to snow. Nature astounds me. It reflects the power of the universe, the essence of God: so pure, so fresh, So alive! Each season brings new beauty: renewal in the spring and summer, rest in the fall and winter. I rejoice in the wonder of the simple things in life: the changing leaves of autumn, the snowflake of winter, the stillness of freshly fallen snow. May this season of rest refresh our souls. Rejoice in the coming and Advent of Christ’s birth. As we remember a wee babe who brought Peace to the Earth, may the Spirit of Christ remind us to Rejoice in the Lord! Amen. Written by Cheryl Thompson. She is a retired Educator. Now seeking peace in her art. She loves to paint and draw. A member of Asbury for over 30 years, she loves to be involved in Children’s Ministry and the Asbury Art Group.
rejoice
I was excited that they trusted me to take my Pop-Pop to the doctor single handed. After an OK report from the doctor, we headed to a near-by, homey, little diner for lunch. All of our outings had to involve food in some form or another. We were seated and checking out the menu when my Pop-Pop said those fateful words, “I need to use the restroom.” Ugh! We went to find the men’s room, navigating through the crowded dining room, with his walker and my steady hands. Once we found it, he assured me that he was fine and I should wait in the hallway. Dutifully I did. After what seemed like a very long time, I cracked open the door and said, “Everything OK in there?”He quickly responded with, “No, I need help. “ As I inched my way into the tiny room, he started to topple backwards.“Oh God, please don’t let him hit his head,” I fervently prayed. I attempted to break his fall and managed to save his head from hitting the wall, but ended up underneath him in a ridiculously compromising position. After easing out from under him, I dashed out the door looking for someone to help. “Dear God, Help!” I almost knocked over the busboy as he came out of the kitchen, tray in hand. “Quick, can you help me?” I pleaded. He had no idea what I was saying but followed me down the hallway. As he surveyed the situation and we stood across from each other, flanking my Pop-Pop, I looked into his dark, brown eyes, smiled and said “como te llamos?” He replied, “Julio.” I said, “mi llamos Sandra, Gracias, Julio.” Now as I think back on it, my Spanish is sparse and unpredictable, but at that time, and in that place, there was no communication barrier, no lack of understanding, God was with us. We worked in tandem to maneuver Pop-Pop into vertical position so that we could enjoy our lunch. Sandra Holloway, happiest when being creative, enjoying kitchen therapy, reading a good book and doing something to help someone else.
The Joy of Re-connecting Through Music During the past few months, I have been reminded of how much I had missed the connections with friends and family due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the sanctuary choir, we have once again been able to sing without masks. One recent rehearsal, I was filled with joy, as I just sat in reflection and looked around at all of the singing (and smiling) faces nearby. All of the things we have previously taken for granted are now fresh and new. Alleluia! There are old friends, and new acquaintances in my view. In that moment, I am reminded of individual conversations and shared experiences with each individual. I am reminded that God is with all of us, as we prepare to honor him with music during each Sunday service. And the connections we have with each other, and with the congregation, is a sign of His love for us. St Augustine is often credit with saying, when you sing your prayer, you pray twice! The music we can create together is greater than anything we can create individually, and the sound brings joy to my heart. I am grateful that God has given this gift of music to me and I feel His presence in contributing to the pleasing sound. It is a time when I truly feel the presence of Jesus, and is a reminder also that all things are possible through Christ, who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for all of us, and a time of isolation and separation for many. Isolation from the connections that we need to sustain and strengthen us. May we be reminded of the joy that comes from re-connecting with friends and family, in person, during this Advent season, and in the year ahead. May it be so for you and may you feel His loving presence each day. Dave Rice – sings in the bass section of the Asbury First UMC Sanctuary choir
“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians, 5: 16-18. Advent brings the hope of Jesus to the world. We rejoice in His coming and celebrate the love that He models for all of us. Jesus points us to God: to a better, more fulfilled, and holy life. It is easy to rejoice when everything is going well. We may be on a walk in the woods, enjoying the crisp crunch of leaves underfoot and the sweet carols of birds in the trees. We can give thanks to God for the beauty and majesty of nature God created. It is not so easy, when we are faced with problems. We may have an accident, poor health, anxiety, the death of a loved one or countless other problems. Whether young or old, we all encounter problems in life. Jesus did not promise us a life without problems. What He did was to show us how to open ourselves to God and share our problems with God. He wants us to live in communion with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit so that the richness of that relationship can surround us with the comfort of knowing that God is with us always. Christ nurtures us as a parent does their child when hurt, knowing that unconditional love helps us accept any trauma in our lives. I believe that our spirit will join with God’s at death, and that spirit is eternal. Jesus calls us to join Him forever. And that is a reason to rejoice. By Bruce Thompson: husband, father, physician and child of God.
In the quiet of the summer morning, dew still fresh on the grass, the girl bends down and gently turns over a leaf looking for an egg that is smaller than a mustard seed. The first leaf bares no egg, she moves on to the second, third and fourth. Not willing to lose hope, she tries just one more and to her pure joy she found one. The girl places her newfound treasure safely in its home for the next couple of weeks. Days go by and the tiniest caterpillar emerges. It’s hungry and gets to work eating the milkweed provided. More days go by, and the caterpillar grows and grows until one day it makes a chrysalis. More waiting follows. Finally, the day arrives. A small, wet butterfly emerges out of the chrysalis. The girl watches eagerly, waiting for just the right time to set her butterfly free. As the sun is setting that day, the girl heads out into the humid evening to release her butterfly into the world. She cups it carefully in her hands, looks up to the heavens, lifts her arms and sets it free. Advent is a time of hope, waiting and rejoicing. May we find time during the hustle and bustle of the season to stop and find quiet space allowing us to find even the smallest of miracles around us. May we find a calm heart as we ponder as Mary did as she waited. Finally, may we rejoice in the amazing gift God has given us, the birth of his only son, Jesus. Sue Leader loves hunting for Monarch eggs, spending time with her family and celebrating the joys of the world around her.
Week 4
Respond
“Christ has no body but yours…” When I began teaching, I was armed with years of dinner table stories from my parents, both teachers. They had shared successes and struggles both, distilling over time a few bits of wisdom that proved reliable. The one I remember best was that students live up to our expectations of them. If I would meet the students with a smile, seem confident of their good intentions and steady work, they would often fall into the role. Age and experience led me to realize me that my parents had used this very same technique on me. I came to see any challenge as a gift, a chance to make myself into a person who could do what I had not tried before. Recently, I have seen advent as one of those challenges. The challenge comes from a God who loves me enough to send to me, to all of us, his son. So how do I respond? I’m retired, so it seems that my role is to do what I can to ease the way for others. At Asbury First, an army of people are continually meeting the needs of others daily. As I have joined them, I have found community, energy, positivity, and amazement at what is possible. What we do is not earthshaking, but what it does to us, to me is powerful. It reminds me that giving is the gift, that community grows from people who choose to be in community. That community can grow anywhere that we turn our faces to others and ask, “What can we accomplish together?” God is with us and we can respond by being with each other. -Jeanne V
respond
My life as an artist, spiritual person, and Methodist come together in a series I created several years ago called “The Mary Series”. There are ten artworks. The theme of all the pieces is Mary the mother of Jesus. The words of Mary’s Song in Luke, and the hymn “Mary Did You Know?” were resonant in my heart as each Mary was created. I began with my own technique of fiber art: first, with a drawing on silk; then, free-motion sewing of the image. I could not see the drawing as I sewed. The Mary that emerged was the Mary that wanted to be seen. It is an intuitive process; I allowed her presence to inform all that I created around her in each piece. The fabrics, threads, and embellishments I used came together in a cohesive piece. I have been awed by the figure of Mary. She accepts what God has asked of her - she does not elevate herself to some kind of Godess status, she accepts humbly. She proceeds to praise God and all that God did in past, present, and will do in the future. Her words are revolutionary. She speaks of the death of pride, and of social and economic revolution; to bring down the mighty and give equal opportunity to all. We Methodists hear these themes in the preaching and writings of John Wesley. When I created the art above, the lyrics of the song “Mary Did You Know?” were rummaging around in head and heart. It is a depiction of a woman contemplating what God has told her. Did she know when giving birth to her baby boy that he would be crucified on a cross? As I am creating art, I am in a ‘zone’, oblivious to everything except a quiet dialog that occurs in a place inside of me, beyond understanding. Each piece changes me. This artwork evokes, in me, a response of acceptance, joy and sorrow – to walk with God wherever and however I am lead. Rev. Linda Clemow, Ret.
One of our family’s fond memories took place about twenty years ago when my three-year-old sister was practicing for her Sunday School’s Christmas program. All of us were helping her memorize the little piece she was to recite. She was reluctant, to say the least. Even showing her the new dress and shiny shoes she would wear, did not thrill her about standing up in front of the congregation. We promised that we would be where she could see us – that she would not be alone. Grandma Jepson was not going to be able to attend the Christmas SS program so when she came to visit our house, Beverly would have the opportunity to practice by saying her piece for Grandma. Those two had a loving relationship and the family was sure this practice performance would go well and build Beverly’s confidence. We hade set the stage by telling Grandma that Beverly was to stand in front of a placard of very large “C” and eight other little ones would so the same spelling out Christmas. The big day came for Grandma’s visit and she was gently easing Beverly into the performance by asking her to tell her about the program – just what was she going to do? Beverly said she would be holding a pretty present that was wrapped up with a bow. Grandma said how nice that was and then what would happen? Little (more confident) Bev said she would say her piece, “C” is for the Christ Child who came on Christmas Day,” and then give her present to the kid in the grass!!!” We all gasped! Do you laugh? Do you applaud? I decided the best move was to look at Grandma who called her dearly loved granddaughter near, snuggled Bev in her lap and thanked her for sharing her piece – and then the two of them lovingly talked about the baby Jesus in the manger and how He came in love to be with her and all of us. What a precious sight and memory. A joyful memory of a three-year-old graining confidence, but perhaps even more is how Jesus was with Beverly and her Grandma Jepson in those moments . . . and how Jesus was with the rest of our family then . . . and today in this lasting memory. Bonnie Matthaidess is proud older sister of Beverly who is now the organist of her church and a proud grandmother.
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive." Howard Thurman The kernel of this topic came to me in a weekly newsletter from Pastor Rich Cullen, Cox Memorial UMC In Maine. Shortly after Shirley died and my role as caregiver ended, I was asking myself: “What do I do with my life now. What can I do to feel useful again?” Surely, I felt useful and needed while I was caring for Shirley. Before that my passions included playing tuba with the New Horizons Band, renovating our camp during our summers in Maine, and having family visit us there. For the most part, I was passionate about my work at Kodak. And before that I strove to excel in High School and College. No doubt, I continue to be passionate about family and friends. I cannot say that these passions were a calling from God, but they made me feel glad to be alive. They got me out of the bed in the morning. Pastor, Rich Cullen writes: “For the most of us there are passions we have had our entire lives and other passions that we have had for a season, but have come and gone over time. What most excites you? These are the things that we need to pay attention to and through them fulfill God’s calling in our lives. Whatever we do with a sense of passion and aliveness will be done in such a way that others will sit up and take notice.” I sense a “calling” to reach out to persons that are experiencing a rough period because of loss or failing health. It does not seem like such a great thing. But how we interact with people does make a difference. We can be an encourager, give compliments; and often just a smile can brighten someone’s day. For this Advent season and all days, let us follow the advice of Thich Nhat Hanh – a Vietnamese Buddahist monk: “We have a tendency to think in terms of doing and not in terms of being. We think that when we are not doing anything, we are wasting our time. But that is not true. Our time is first of all for us to be. To be what? To be alive, to be peaceful, to be joyful, to be loving. And that is what the world needs most.
Love in Action Love in Action Your love, O God, is an active love; engaged, involved, immersed. Your love, O God, is seen in our responding, not just in what we say; engaged, involved, immersed. Your love, O God is an active love expressed through people like us; as we share our abundance and prayers in simplicity and generosity; as we share wholeness in care and healing of the sick and broken, as we share hospitality be being truly present to the lonely, the imprisoned, and the marginalized; as we share peace in kindness, listening, and acceptance with those who challenge us, confront us. As you have loved us in incarnate action, O God, may we learn to be little incarnations through whom your love is expressed and experienced in action. AMEN. Adapted from John van Laar’s post on his website, Sacredise.com
Christmas Eve “Love Came Down” Right at the darkest Season of the year when the tilting of the earth moves our northern sphere farthest from the sun – something mysterious and miraculous occurred and still occurs … Our group had come to Israel to better understand the Holy Land conflicts. We had spent days learning of the complexities of the horrific conflicts … Late one morning, We walked across the square in Bethlehem to the Church of the Nativity. We ventured down the dark narrow stairs to the musty, earthy smelling room with its red eternal lights shining in the darkness. For some it was to be the “high experience of our trip?! I knew not what I was expecting but in this designated spot where Jesus was born, it was nothing like what I thought it might be. No peasant Mary, no patient Joseph, no sweetly sleeping baby Jesus, no stable, no gathered sheep or sleeping cows, no silent oxen… I stood in this sacred designated spot - surprised, wondering, praying … “ without the usual markings, let me find and understand the true potency of the true story within a story.” And there in my heart it came and comes again every year! The Almighty One, The Creator, The Supreme Being, Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, God, the One whose power is far beyond Comprehension, this Powerful Creator - One- has come close to us and enters into the very place we dwell and knows the experiences of being human – the One - has come in the ordinary in a mysterious extraordinarily miraculous way, unveiling a mystery and power of love and grace! Gloria in Excelsis Deo!!! -Susan Shafer
Christmas eve
Most of us have plans for Christmas day. For some of us, it’s the same every year—some combination of eating, gift giving, and time with family or friends. For others of us, it’s something else entirely. But almost all of us, make plans for how we will spend it. And we should. After all, this is the day in which God reminds us that no matter how dark, how dank, how dreary the world seems, we are not in this alone. It is a day of hope—a day in which we celebrate that light which shines in the darkness that no darkness can overwhelm. Truly this a day worthy of celebration—joy to the world! But Christmas is more than a day. It’s about more than a brief pause from our routines so that we can exchange some gifts and eat some cookies . It’s about changing the world. Good news is meant to be shared. Light is meant to shine. And the promise of Christmas is needed every day of the year. Christ may have entered the world on Christmas, but Christ stays in the world through us! That is, we are the body of Christ for this broken world. Which means that today we can’t just look back on what has been, we have to look forward to what could be. So why not make plans for tomorrow? And the day after? And the day after that? Not just for the twelve days of Christmas, but for the 365 days ahead of us. Because if we could plan to share the hope and promise of Christmas every day of the year, we just might find that by this time next year all our plans have changed. -Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady
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