Faith Lutheran Church

December 24 – Luke 1:57-66

2008-12-22T13:42:00.000-08:00

Have you been hoping for something for a long time, something very important to you or someone you love, and the time just seems to march on with no results? Have you asked God for help but feel that he isn’t answering your prayers? If God answered your prayers, were you grateful and full of praise? To me, this passage speaks to the need for all Christians to hold onto their hope for God’s response to his believers and to rejoice with others knowing that God is always present. God has mercy for those who believe and gives us hope, both on a personal level and on a grand scale.

In this story of the birth of John the Baptist, the Gospel is recounting two hope inspiring events. The first is the birth of John the Baptist to Elizabeth and Zechariah, a couple who have been barren for many years. In their time, it was viewed as a disgrace that a married couple remained childless. The opinion of the time would have been that God did not look upon the couple with favor. In this passage, we learn that God listed to the hope of two specific believers, for a child, and responded to them on a personal scale. I also think that it is important to note that in fulfilling the hopes of Elizabeth and Zechariah, God not only fulfilled their personal hope but the hope of many others through the birth of the messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord. On a grand scale, the passage is the final preparation for the fulfillment of the promise of the coming of Immanuel.

In addition to providing confirmation that God responds to the faithful, this passage also reminds us of the need for us to acknowledge God’s work among us. Upon confirming his son’s name to be John, Zechariah regained his speech. Immediately, upon regaining his voice, Zechariah begins to praise God. Those who attended John’s circumcision rite, no doubt, were quite familiar with how Zechariah became mute (Luke 1, 18-23) and were awestruck when he regained his voice. Word traveled quickly, throughout Judea of this monumental event. Zechariah’s deep faith is again an example for all believers – have hope and speak of God’s mercy for all to hear.

Let us pray. Dear God of Hope, make me a Zechariah, full of belief and hope, that my eyes may see your miraculous works and that my mouth may be opened to proclaim Jesus’ love to all. Amen.

by Dawn Bracken

December 23 – Luke 1:39-56

2008-12-22T13:41:00.002-08:00

Mary's song of Thanksgiving

Mary pours out her thanksgiving and wonder at the generosity of God at a time in her life when she is venerable. A young, pregnant woman just beginning to understand how God has blessed her and her heart overflows with joy. I love the way Mary's words can come to us from so long ago and mean so much to us personally. Mary's words are words of a disciple of Christ, one who has give all over to God. And from this place it seems like it was effortless. We know it could not have been. Young and unmarried, certainly she heard the whispers behind her back. Yet, she remained focused and joyously thankful. I pray to have the same single-minded thankfulness today.

by Kim Hoffman

December 22 – Luke 1:26-38

2008-12-22T13:41:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite Advent carols tells the story of the visitation of the angel Gabriel to Mary. The story speaks for itself but makes me ask myself: When God invites me to do something for him, do I respond with the humility and joy and deep faith of Mary? Thinking about the unexpected appearance of the angel and the incredible request from God makes me realize how much more I need to become like Mary. As she meekly bowed her head and spoke with gentleness of praising and magnifying God’s holy name to do whatever pleased God, we indeed celebrate and honor her as the most highly favored lady.

The angel Gabriel from heaven came, with wings as drifted snow, with eyes as flame: “All hail to thee, O lowly maiden Mary, most highly favored lady.” Gloria!

Holy child of Bethlehem, make me more like Mary, willing to do whatever you ask. Amen.

by Lou Schaffer

December 21 – John 3:16-21

2008-12-22T13:40:00.000-08:00

God sent his son Jesus not as Policeman, but more of a Social Worker, not to punish but to encourage us to do the right thing.

by John Shober

December 20 – Malachi 3:1-18

2008-12-22T13:37:00.000-08:00

Advent is a time of anticipation. We anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ by recalling His coming as an infant in Bethlehem; by experiencing His coming to us now in Word and Sacrament and prayer and Christian community; and we watch for His coming again at the end of time with the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God.

Advent might also a time of apprehension. The Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds remind us of the scriptural truth that Christ will not only “come again,” but will also “judge the living and the dead.” This text from Malachi suggests this judging will be as though the Messenger of the Lord will refine us from impurities and launder us from and unrighteousness.

Am I concerned about this judgment? Certainly. To be refined and laundered sounds painful – like having deep wounds irrigated so that they might heal. But I am not afraid – the healing does come. After the scrubbing and elbow grease, after the spit and polish, forgiveness cannot be far behind.

by Pastor Greg

December 19 – Jeremiah 33:14-16

2008-12-22T13:36:00.002-08:00

In the Hebrew scriptures, righteousness is not so much a moral virtue as the fulfillment of the responsibilities of a relationship among people or with God. God acts righteously in speaking against Israel's faithlessness and in working salvation for them. In today's reading, Jerusalem's future name -- "The Lord is our righteousness" -- serves as a sign that the Lord is even now working salvation for the people.

From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2008 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #23725.

December 18 – Isaiah 52:7-12

2008-12-22T13:36:00.001-08:00

These verses give us a picture of a messenger running down a mountain with the good news to Jerusalem and his reign as King. That’s a good enough reason to consider feet beautiful, and it makes me think of the importance of how our feet help us “put our best foot forward” for Advent.

How have we “gotten things moving” recently? Have we walked up to witness to someone who wants to hear about God or been inspired to take action when God is being criticized?

We can take our cue from Jesus, who took the trip down to earth to walk in our shoes and travel along our roads and cover the countryside to spread Good News. May our feet – like Christ – be beautiful because of the blessings God allows us to share.

O Christ, help us to “put some feet under our prayers” by walking always in the ways you lead us.

by Lou Schaffer

December 17 – Isaiah 41: 21-31

2008-12-22T13:35:00.001-08:00

Open-faced Sandwich

Is the "sandwich method" a familiar concept? To influence someone's behavior/performance, take the time to think of a positive aspect of the person's behavior you can start the conversation with. When a person hears reinforcing words, they become more receptive to your "constructive comments." By highlighting behavior/performance you appreciate about that person, both before and after, your request doesn't sound unreasonable ~ you have "sandwiched" your request between two positive thoughts, and you have a higher chance of attaining your desired results. (Good news - bad news - good news.)

This passage from Isaiah seems more like an open-faced sandwich - no compliment to begin with, just admonishment to the people who were honoring false gods. And that continues through verses 28. The "bull horn" in verse 21 says, "Yo, People!" Where are your manners? Didn't we teach you better than this? God is God, and we are not! No other "gods" are real. Look around ~ did you create the stars or planets? God is creator, ruler and judge of all ~ he allows earthly rulers to lead in earthly matters, but he is supreme in all matters.

God has given us a little corner of the universe to take care of. We've messed it up and now we're exhausted! That's the bad news.

We wait until verses 29 and 31 to hear the "bottom part of the sandwich" (the good news). We hear the reassurance that if we open up and listen to God and focus our attention in the direction of his lead, God will share his unending energy and strength to do His will. It can't be that easy or we'd already be doing it. But Isaiah tells us it's that simple. As one of our final preparations for the birth of our Lord, let us resolve to fall into our creator's loving arms, and then allow his hands to guide us in the direction he would like us to go. Let the good news of God's "energizer bunny-like" energy flow through us, giving us resolve and strength to do His will.

by Susan Meier

December 16 – Isaiah 7:10-17

2008-12-15T17:59:00.001-08:00

Immanuel, God with us.
Expectations

The prophet Isaiah rings the bell and bangs the drum for the One who is to come. And follows with some high expectations. He will know right from wrong, he will be called Immanuel, God with us. Yikes! The pressure!

With all the problems of this world, it is almost laughable to think of all that is expected of Christ. How can one person do all of these wonderful things? The answer of course, is the omnipotence of God. The unimaginable power of the Almighty. That is a great place to rest in this crazy world.

I have a co-worker who shared a story about a teacher he had as a 6th grader in a Lutheran school. When my friend would fall down on his responsibilities or not achieve the grade that he was working for, his teacher would ask, "Does this mean you are not going to heaven?". Well, no. That price has already been paid in full. My friend found it a powerful reminder of what is important in this life. So here in our human, imperfect bodies, we truly can rest; even when the pressure breaks us down for God is with us.

by Kim Hoffman

December 15 – Isaiah 7:10-17

2008-12-15T17:57:00.002-08:00

I am sure I am not the only one who loves Isaiah 11:6. I love the imagery of two enemies of the animal kingdom laying down together, despite the way of the wild. For humans, peace seems to be so distant today. Terrorists plot and plan devious attacks designed to kill as many people as possible, for reasons that are difficult to understand in our comfortable houses, in our country of freedom for all. The cycle seems never ending, yet God tells us of the time when His perfect peace will be served.

I remember when the Berlin Wall came down. I thought that Germany would always be divided, I didn't see how that could change. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, I assuming that there would always be an nuclear threat hanging over our heads, that there would always be two countries called Germany. But the wall did come down, Germany is united again. Something that seemed impossible to a little girl happened. In my simplistic mind, that gives me hope for scourge of terrorism.

Thank God for hope, thank God for peace that we cannot understand.

by Kim Hoffman

December 14 – Isaiah 9:1-7

2008-12-15T17:57:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I break out the Christmas music a little earlier than most, I listen to my fairly vast CD collection from the St. Olaf Choir Christmas Vespers in my car at a volume that would annoy most people and maybe break a few “noise pollution” laws in the process. Still it is my way of preparing!

There is one CD in particular that is my favorite. It has most all of my favorite songs. “Oh Light Everlasting”…” O Day Full of Grace”...”Keep Your Lamps”…etc “Child of Light, Illumine Our Darkness” is the CD title. It is a more recent recording but it brings to mind one very special vespers that I attended when I was in high school. Keep in mind that I have had the fortunate opportunity to attend the Christmas Vespers at St. Olaf on a yearly basis from 5th grade through college and a few times since.

After a freezing walk down the big hill, you walk into this huge gymnasium with bleachers of open seating filled with young, old, and in between, everyone in their holiday finest after eating a huge, delicious Scandinavian buffet. The anticipation of this worship service was often overwhelming for our family. This year, this year was different…it was my sister who was going to be singing up there in the Chapel choir! The first Norum singing at St. Olaf since my father in the 1940’s! The lights dimmed and we prepared ourselves for worship, St. Olaf style!

A voice comes out of the darkness with what I am almost sure was this scripture… while a single spot light shines on a three dimensional glass mosaic star… It shines brilliantly! “Those who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” The voice is not loud… it is not a whisper. It is just there….helping us to prepare for what is to come. The music is powerful and moving and delightful all at once. You don’t need to turn the volume up, it is perfect. As I sat there with my parents and we caught a glimpse of Nina, there is no brighter moment.

For our family there had been times of gloom and distress in our lives before this and there would be times of gloom and distress to come. But the promise of this scripture, these words that have been written into many worshipful arrangements by and F. Melius Christianson and Handel, you know of the ones I am referring, …”And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), these were the words that would help us prepare and carry us for now!

“Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by way of the sea, along the Jordan. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light: on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:1-2) Well, in this economy, in this war, in these more than distressing and often gloomy times… could we not take that and run with it? Could that be our whole reason to sit next to someone and tell them about the Messiah?

Don’t you just want to blast it through your car stereo?

by Kristie Kresslein

December 13 – Jeremiah 14:1-22

2008-12-15T17:56:00.000-08:00

So what does this passage have to do with Advent? That’s the question I asked myself several times while reading and reflecting on this passage. Advent is about hope, joy, anticipation, love, and all the other things that make the weeks before Christmas wonderful, right?

Upon reading Jeremiah the first time I was struck by the hardships Judah is undergoing. Some [false] prophets were proclaiming that the Lord would deliver Judah from their hardship; they proclaimed a message of peace instead of war. Jeremiah’s prophesy was one of hardship “The Word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah concerning the droughts…” Jeremiahs prayed to God and pleaded with God on the basis of God’s name and character, particularly His role as the Hope and Savior of His people. Unlike the troubled Jeremiah, the people were unrepentant and reverted back to worshiping false idols rather than worshiping the Lord.

So what does this passage have to do with Advent? We as Christians worship the Jesus of the New Testament don’t we? Advent is all about Christ’s love and hope, right? The easy answer is yes to these questions, but this answer ignores the embrace of the triune God. In the Gospel of John we are reminded “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Word [Jesus] is also part of the God of the Old Testament, The character of the God of Hope and the Savior of His People from Jeremiah is part of the Jesus of the New Testament. God wants; no he demands our complete and full attention. Jesus wants us to become his disciples to learn, practice and demonstrate the marks of discipleship so that when our season of Sword, Famine and Pestilence comes, we will be steadfast like Jeremiah standing strong, confident and focused on God’s grace. Otherwise, we could become like the people of Judah searching for the quick fix, seeking out the feel good, and putting our hope on the false prophets of this world.

So what does this passage have to do with Advent? Judah was unrepentant. “Thus says the Lord to his people: Thus they loved to wander; they have not restrained their feet.” Jeremiah 14:10a. In the New King James Revised Study Bible, which I referred to, to help me understand this passage, Loved describes voluntary desire. Wander describes a repetitive back and forth movement – of seeking every possible occasion for sin, in this case. Am I holding onto something that has become an idol perhaps a stand in for Christ – trust in myself, trust in my government, trust in my church? Are the traditions of Christmas superseding the meaning of Christmas? Is the comfort of having everything go my way – in the way – of becoming a disciple of Christ?

Advent is a season of forgiveness. Christ’s coming brings the Hope and the Savior into this world, for this world, and through his death and resurrection saves us from this world. As we journey through Advent, we can begin again to learn, practice, and demonstrate the marks of discipleship. We can strip away the idols that interfere with our relationship with Jesus and we can trust in God to create in us steadfastness, strength, and confidence in our faith so that as we leave the season of Advent we are prepared to enter the next season in our life. Amen.

by Valorie LaCour

December 12 – Micah 6:1-8

2008-12-15T17:55:00.000-08:00

What is good? What would you say if asked?

We all know how to be good. Not fighting with siblings. Sharing your cookies. Doing what you’re asked. Telling the truth. Staying off the high horse. Those things can be described as good, but they don’t exactly define it. Kids are always told to "be good", especially with Santa eyeing each of them like a hawk. I’ve come to understand “good” as happiness in itself. It can be recognized by the intrinsic elation that comes after something good has been done. That’s how I think you know if something’s really good. No one has to convince you, you don’t have to reassure yourself, it’s automatic.

A while back, Micah, a Jewish prophet laid it out for us. He said, "He has shown you, Oh Man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you, to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." This verse is significant to me because I relate it to the place where the majority of my spiritual experiences and growth have occurred. That place just happens to be Mar-Lu. This verse is used quite often, it was the verse of study about two years ago, its words are put to music for an awesome song, and this summer it was an understudy verse to our theme verse, which was Amos 5:4.

This summer was one that I won’t forget. I had the opportunity to be in the Staff in Training program. It meant a month at my favorite place in the world. The “norm” times four. One of the countless things I learned was to prepare for devotionals, and we had them every night, regardless of how insanely late it was. It allowed us to sum up our jam-packed days and remind us of how much we got accomplished without even realizing. We took in so much during those days; our “Devos” let us just think. When we had a specific verse that we were asked to reflect on, we broke it down verse by verse, picked it our favorite part, and came up with our own explanation. I decided to take this one and divvy it up Mar-Lu style, because I, personally, get the most out of it this way. Here we go.

To act justly: We just need to be honest and fair with every person, and seek to bring justice for those who are mistreated or taken advantage of.

To love mercy: We all mess up, and when we do we sure appreciate someone who is compassionate and forgiving. Forgiveness doesn't mean consequences are removed. But the thing about forgiveness is that it doesn’t seek revenge. Compassion is an attitude of the heart. These things are all a part of being.

Walk humbly with your God: When a person doesn’t fear God, that person tries to make himself an equivalent to God and will challenge all kinds of evil. But to live in a way to please God, Who is seen perfectly in Jesus, is a good way to live.

To act justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly with God, that's God's answer as to what is good!

by Marion Kresslein

December 11 – Psalm 130

2008-12-15T17:53:00.000-08:00

This brief passage is in many ways the perfect Advent message – with God’s arrival comes his unfailing love and complete redemption. Because we all sinners, we all cry out for help, and our lives become a prayer to this forgiving God. We wait and watch all our lives for God’s arrival, more than we do anything else. And we trust in God’s mercy, not just for ourselves, but for all who believe and put their hope in him. How could we ask for any more reason to spread the good news?

by Dale Rohn

December 10 – Hosea 11:1-11

2008-12-09T15:37:00.000-08:00

On internship, I was fortunate enough to hear Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel speak at Penn State’s Schwab Auditorium. At one point during his presentation, he mused aloud, “Who is the most tragic character in the Bible?”

Now, more than 11 years later, I have to paraphrase the answer he gave to his own question. It went something like this: Jews might answer Isaac, who was almost slain by his own father. Christians might answer Judas, the one who played the role of betrayer.

But, no. Neither. The most tragic figure in the Bible is God. Page after page of Scripture records the stories of Him having his heart broken. God’s people are constantly dropping their end of covenants and agreements. God’s own people are forever turning away to other, false gods and idols of their own making.

I need to remind myself of this. It is too easy for me to think of the God of the Old Testament Prophets as an angry God, full of judgment and punishment. This text from Hosea helps me remember God’s heartbreak at my own misdeeds. The prophet gives voice to God’s agonizing over the fate of those He loves.

And, in the tenderness of the scene proclaimed by Hosea, “those He loves” includes you and me.

by Pastor Greg

December 9 – Matthew 22:34-46

2008-12-09T15:36:00.001-08:00

The greatest commandment is the one of love. Love God and love your neighbor as you love yourself.

In this Advent season especially, we are called to remember that we need to reach out in love to those who are less fortunate than us. We are called to bear witness to the love of God in this broken world. We are to follow the example of Christ to think more of the sorrows, struggles and needs of others.

During this time of uncertainty with the world's financial crisis, people losing their jobs, and facing home foreclosures, we are called not to give up hope. There are people who even before our economy went bad, were denied of their basic needs. And especially for those, there is a greater need now than ever before.

Now is the time to extend God's love and compassion. Jesus is counting on us to re-create a loving world. We are to do tangible acts of kindness, mercy and love in a world that is hurting.

by Monica Fetzer

December 8 – Revelation 1:1-8

2008-12-09T15:35:00.001-08:00

Anticipating Advent

Christ’s coming is always preceded by an announcement. During Advent, we look [back] toward the coming of Christ into the world through his birth some 2000 years ago. Matthew Chapter 1 documents the birth of Jesus Christ. In Luke Chapter 1 Christ’s coming to the world is announced by the angle to Mary “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Mark Chapter 1 prepares the way for Christ’s ministry here on earth. John the Baptist proclaims to each of us “by preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” In our text today, Christ’s return is proclaimed by John “He made it known by sending his angle to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw that is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev 1:1-2

Advent is a time of anticipation, where we individually and collectively reflect on his first coming as God made flesh, born in Bethlehem, His coming to ministry, baptism and redemption from sin and death, and now his second coming, “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him.” Rev 1:7a

When I was a little girl, Christmas always began a season of anticipation, a feeling of excitement for something to come. As a girl, often the anticipation of the imagined gifts to find on Christmas morning could be almost too much to bear. In our home we had an Advent Calendar and every day upon opening the calendar became one day closer to the gratifying experience of opening a gift with my name attached to a brightly covered package. As my young faith in Jesus grew, Advent became alive with the excitement of the birth of Jesus. The children’s program, lessons and carols on Christmas Eve, and the midnight communion service with lighted candles and singing Silent Night before returning home to wait for Christmas morning.

As I matured into an adult, my anticipation changed as I grew deeper in my faith and studied the ministry of Christ. No longer was I looking forward to just celebrating the birth of Christ, but anticipating Advent in the context His birth, ministry, and his death and resurrection. Advent is a time of anticipation for the real blessings Christ bestows on me daily as I walk in faith and focus on his word. Oh, I still marvel at my childlike joy watching the children’s program, my joyful tears hearing the lessons and carols, and my contentment while participating in the midnight communion service.

Revelation reminds us that there is more to come. My anticipation during Advent grows rich as I mature in faith and realizes that life brings me closer to Christ coming. I realize that life grows short and I am no longer content to focus only on the past, but to look forward with renewed anticipation that soon and very soon, I will see my Lord.

“I am the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, The Almighty.” Rev 1:8

by Valorie La Cour

December 7 – Isaiah 40:1-11

2008-12-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

In 586 B.C., the people of Judah were sacked by the forces of King Nebuchadnezzar and deported to Babylon. There, in exile, a generation of God’s chosen people longed for home. Our text for today’s devotion marks the end of that captivity. The divine attendants of God are instructed to assure the people with the good news that the time has come for them to return. A voice from among the attendants urges the others to build a super highway through the wilderness, from Babylon to Jerusalem, to convey the exiled back to their promised land.

God’s people of every time and every place are familiar with their own wilderness experiences. Who among us has not known times of want and hardship? For many, this time of year is just such a time: grief and isolation are as real as any desert landscape. If you now find yourself in exile, far from the joy and celebration that so many others seem to be experiencing, my prayer for you is two-fold:
• that you may know that God is with you now just as He has been (and will be!) with His people of every time and place – whether they be in exile or home;
• that the first and last of God’s unfading words you hear are the same as the first and last words in our text today: comfort!

by Pastor Greg

December 6 – 1 John 3: 1-8

2008-12-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

Advent is here, Christmas is coming, and excitement is in the air! We all feel it. Young children are even more excited and, I hope, trying to be good. While their excitement may be motivated by the anticipation of gifts, we adults become excited and nervous about all the things we think we have to do to get ready for the celebration.

But wait….in this passage the author reminds us we are all “children of God”, adults and kids. He then adds further anticipation that “what we will be has not yet been revealed”. Now that’s pretty exciting too. There’s a lot more to come for us all. But in the meantime he says to his friends, “we do know that… we will be like Him”. Whoa! Does he mean that we will be without sin like God? How can we do that? We know we all sin either intentionally or unintentionally.

Well I think it means that the more that we realize that we are God’s children, the better off we will be and much less likely to sin intentionally. But if we succumb too much to the evil possibilities of this world, we could even become like a “child of the devil”. Who would want that, especially during this season?

Fortunately through the revelation of God’s son Jesus to this world, he is able to overcome and “destroy the works of the devil”. If we believe, and are baptized, we receive God’s gift of grace for all our sinful ways. We received full forgiveness for our sins our whole lives here on earth.

Wow! What a gift! What a Dad!!

by George Mohr

December 5 – 1 John 2:8-11

2008-12-04T10:51:00.000-08:00

When we have a grudge against someone, John said we are walking in darkness. We have a heavy heart, we are sad, and we carry guilt – yes guilt. We can’t be totally happy. The same goes if we have prejudice against someone who is different than we are. We need to clean up our hearts before Christmas so we can love Him with a pure heart.

Today let’s consider the New Commandment Jesus gave us: to love one another. Sometimes it’s hard to love some people. But a fact that’s good to remember is that no one can make you angry; only you can let yourself be angry. Have you ever asked Jesus to love someone through you? It works if you are persistent. And it gives you a peace in your heart that will surprise you.

Prayer: Lord we love you, and we want to love your people as you love them, even though some don’t seem worth loving. We come to you in humility today, to ask your help in unburdening us of the unhappiness we have because we have let ourselves be angry with someone else. If we can’t let the anger go right now, will you please just love them through us. Thank you, Jesus

by Ethel Rigotti

December 4 – Isaiah 58:1-12

2008-12-04T10:47:00.000-08:00

I could never figure out what good fasting (or for that matter, giving up for Lent) would do to glorify God. These verses seem to confirm my suspicions. They remind us that fasting for the sake of fasting does not glorify God, but sharing with those in need and spreading God’s goodness does. So, let’s get to it! God will be there to help us along the way.

by Cathy Latoof

December 3 – Psalm 43

2008-12-02T08:58:00.000-08:00

The psalmist asks God to protect him from the deceit and harshness of his attackers. His wonderings imply that he thinks God has forgotten him, and he questions why he should have to bear the brunt of his enemies’ attacks on him.

He asks for God’s enlightenment and truth so that he will be led by them – not by the influence of the source of his oppression. He seems to know that trusting in God and embracing His goodness will lift him up and make him smile.

Almighty God, keep us temperate in all things and grant us patience. Give us grace to be just and upright in all we do, quiet and peaceable, ready to do good to all men. Direct us in our ways, defend us from all dangers and adversities, and be graciously pleased to take us and all who are dear to us under your fatherly care and protection. We ask this through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen. (Adapted from The Book of Common Prayer 1928)

by Bob Butler

December 2 – Isaiah 60:1-9

2008-12-02T08:57:00.000-08:00

God does not mince words in the first part of the book of Isaiah. We are shown an angry God: “Stop all this evil that I see you doing. Yes, stop doing evil and learn to do right.” He is tired of his people worshiping Him, all the while being so corrupted by sin. The situation reeks of hypocrisy! You can almost hear our God pleading through his anger. But then the Loving God injects the words of hope, “I will wash you as clean as snow.” He just asks that we obey Him.

by Gloria Neubert

December 1 – Isaiah 1:1-20

2008-12-02T08:56:00.001-08:00

Have you ever traveled some distance and in the midst of your travel become homesick? There is a popular song on the radio that speaks of a young entertainer, word traveled and with all the world’s riches, but with one wish—that he could simply go home.

In this passage, the Lord offers His people, the people of Jerusalem, the opportunity to shed their recent life as nomads and return home. And their return home will be accompanied by “silver and gold to honor the name of the Lord…” It is this joy that awaits all of us as we enter the season of Advent.

by Jim Binko

November 30 – Matthew 25:1-13

2008-12-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

The five foolish bridesmaids were waiting for the “right time” to get their oil for their lamps. They didn’t expect the bridegroom to come so soon and figured they could get the oil later or at least borrow some from the other bridesmaids. Not to happen!

So often we wait for just the “right time” to do those things that wouldn’t take long at all if we first got to it. But we say, “Now isn’t a good time.” “Maybe when it’s a bit warmer.” “I need to think about it some more.” “Let’s see what everyone else thinks about it.” Sound familiar?

There is a lesson to be learned from both the wise and foolish bridesmaids. Be prepared! Don’t put off! Live your life in a way that is satisfying but more importantly, pleasing to God. Wise or foolish? The choice belongs to each one of us.

Almighty God, draw our hearts to you; prepare and guide our minds; fill our imaginations. Use us as you will; let us always be mindful to use each day as a gift from you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

by Margaret Butler

Hello!

2008-07-24T07:36:00.000-07:00

Look for our Advent devotions coming in December.