Starry Night: Bless

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

“O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light…”

Advent season is the perfect time to slow down and gaze at the stars. This Advent season each star has been given a unique name and our Saint Luke friends have been invited to reflect on what that name means to them.  Their thoughtful reflections help us to also see the Advent and Christmas in new light.  

Today’s reflection is from John Menapace:

Bless

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. -Mark 10:13-16

The root of the word “bless” is “bledisan” or “marked with blood.”  We are all marked with the blood of the crucifixion.  In this time of Advent, what does it mean to be marked by the crucifixion?  To me, it means to wonder.  Shepherds, wise men, and angels were all in wonder about the birth of Jesus.  Mary and Joseph, like all new parents, were in wonder as well.  But most important is the child – the child!  

Children are filled with wonder.  They approach each day with amazement and awe.  To be blessed is to recapture – somehow - the amazement and awe of a child.  We are able to see the world new again.  To bless someone is to offer them a new beginning- like a child.  

“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. -Mark 10:15-16

Blessing is rebirth.  Blessing is renewal.  How wonderful!

Dear Lord, please bless us as we prepare for the coming of Jesus on Christmas.  Help us to greet each day  with child-like wonder and amazement.  And thank you for the gift of children, especially the gift of your child, Jesus.  Amen.

Starry Night: Involved

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

Once we change our clocks and return to Eastern Standard Time, a growing darkness will swallow up the sun’s rays a little earlier each evening. While we will miss the long sunny evenings, we are enchanted by the night sky and its stars. As the psalmist wrote, 

“The Lord determines the number of the stars and calls each of them by name.”   

-Psalm 147:4

As we journey through Advent, we will gaze at the stars and hear from various friends from our congregation, pondering their star’s unique name. Each thoughtful reflection will help us all see Advent and Christmas in new light.  Enjoy! 

Today’s reflection is from Sparky Lok:

Involved

As Advent unfolds, the winter sky sparkles with bright stars, all of them named. There are Rigeland Betelgeuse in Orion the Hunter, Aldebaran in Taurus the Bull and Sirius in Canis Major, the Big Dog, and many, many more. My star, Involved, also shines brightly in the Saint Luke constellation, reminding us of the beloved saints who said “yes” to being involved in the nativity of our Lord Jesus. Mary, in answer to the astounding proclamation of the angel, does not consider or deliberate, but immediately assumes the role of mother to Jesus, replying “Let it be with me as you have said” and “My soul doth magnify the Lord!”. Joseph also stays involved, keeping faith with Mary when the angel comes to him in a dream to affirm that the child she carries is from God. Let us join with them and the shepherds, the three Kings and all those involved in the first Christmas and involve ourselves in the wonder and beauty of this holy season.

Lord, involve me in this holy season.

Starry Night: Embody

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

“O Holy Night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!…”

As we journey through Advent, we continue our devotional series featuring various friends from our congregation, pondering their star’s unique name. Each thoughtful reflection points us towards our Savior and fills us with a thrill of hope. Enjoy!

Today’s reflection is from Rod Rothermel:

Embody

In the panorama of the night sky, if we gaze at and contemplate the star Embody, some questions are bound to come up. Questions such as:

How many stars are there?

How far away are they and where did they come from?

When we talk about stars we are talking about a billion trillion in number and distances up to billions of light years. The magnitude of these numbers and the vastness of our universe are concepts which the human mind simply cannot comprehend. This is particularly true once you learn you cannot count to one billion in a life-time. What you can understand is that in this scale of our vast universe, planet earth becomes a very tiny speck at most. Remember however, God is the creator of all. And He chose to send his son to us on earth embodied in our form with flesh and blood. Think about that and rejoice!

Heavenly Father thank you for sending your Son to us. May we learn from his teachings and from his examples. Forgive us for our sins and our shortcomings so our lives may be acceptable in your sight. Be with us this Advent as we prepare again to accept Christ.

Starry Night: Connect

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

The night sky filled with stars is one of the most breath taking sights in all creation. Can you imagine the starry Christmas night many years ago?  What a sight that must have been!

 As the psalmist wrote, 

“The Lord determines the number of the stars and calls each of them by name.”   

-Psalm 147:4

As we journey through Advent, we will gaze at the stars and hear from various friends from our congregation, pondering their star’s unique name. Each thoughtful reflection will help us all see Advent and Christmas in new light.  Enjoy! 

Today’s reflection is from Donna Daly:

Connect

“STAR OF WONDER, STAR OF LIGHT, STAR WITH ROYAL BEAUTY BRIGHT, WESTWARD LEADING, STILL PROCEEDING, GUIDE US TO THY PERFECT LIGHT”  

-We Three Kings.

 

The star “Connect” is not the star referred to in the refrain of the song, We Three Kings.   It is not the brightest shining, nor the most beautiful.  However, “Connect” plays a part in illuminating the path to God’s Love along with all the other stars and the brightest, the “Star of Bethlehem” which lead to baby Jesus, God’s Love Incarnate.  When we gaze on “Connect,” we see that it is part of a whole beautiful sky, lit by many stars, some brilliant and some less visible.  When we follow the “Bethlehem Star” to Jesus Christ, God’s love for us, we are connected as God’s people and God’s love lives in us, lighting us up inside, like the stars in the sky. 

As God’s beloved people who shine like stars, connecting us with our Lord and one another, we can share God’s awesome Love.  Gazing at star “Connect” reminds us that,  because we are all loved by God, He frees us to connect with Him through prayer and connect with one another through loving relationships.

Dear Lord,  Thank You for freeing us through Your Son and our Saviour. Jesus Christ, so that we can connect with You anytime and anywhere through prayer.  Please help us to connect with others, sharing your unconditional love with them.

Starry Night: Expectation

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

“O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light…”

Advent season is the perfect time to slow down and gaze at the stars. This Advent season each star has been given a unique name and our Saint Luke friends have been invited to reflect on what that name means to them.  Their thoughtful reflections help us to also see the Advent and Christmas in new light.  

Today’s reflection is from Donna Redmond:

Expectation

For me, expectation is at the heart of Advent. We joyfully anticipate the birth of our Savior at Christmas, as foretold by Prophets like Micah, in 5:2:

“But you, Bethlehem Eprathah,…out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times.”

My mind wandered down another path with the word “expectation”, as in a performance evaluation, which made me think about requirements. This led me to another passage in Micah, 6:8:

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

This passage, to me, is the guidance we need from God as we await the birth of Jesus.

Dear God, guide us as we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus, our Savior. Help us to act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with you. Amen.

Starry Night: Share

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

Once we change our clocks and return to Eastern Standard Time, a growing darkness will swallow up the sun’s rays a little earlier each evening. While we will miss the long sunny evenings, we are enchanted by the night sky and its stars. As the psalmist wrote, 

“The Lord determines the number of the stars and calls each of them by name.”   

-Psalm 147:4

As we journey through Advent, we will gaze at the stars and hear from various friends from our congregation, pondering their star’s unique name. Each thoughtful reflection will help us all see Advent and Christmas in new light.  Enjoy! 

Today’s reflection is from Scott Youngblood, 7th Grader:

Share

Sharing is more than giving what you already have. It is offering to those in need things that you need too, not just stuff you want to get rid of. Items you have to save for to get. Things that everyone needs. It could be clothing, food, a place to stay, or even emotional support. Sharing is important to me, because I know what it feels like to have a hard time for me and my family and it felt amazing when someone close to us stepped up and helped. We should all live our lives practicing sharing not only at Christmas time but all year long, all the time.

Dear God, lead our hearts to share this Advent Season and always. Amen.

Starry Night: Participate

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

“O Holy Night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!…”

As we journey through Advent, we continue our devotional series featuring various friends from our congregation, pondering their star’s unique name. Each thoughtful reflection points us towards our Savior and fills us with a thrill of hope. Enjoy!

Today’s reflection is from Nancy Shaw:

Participate

This star, “participate,” initially brings to mind activity—the doing, the organizing, the serving—key elements, but often overwhelming aspects, of our lives.

 To “participate” in Advent presents us with the paradox that less is more. We are called to reflection: to “ponder” like Mary; to “prepare him room,” as we sing in “Joy to the World;" to “wait” for the Lord.

Making space for this holy pause doesn’t come easily to those of us whose prayer at this time of year is often, “Oh Lord, how am I going to get everything done by Dec. 24?” (or December 25, if you really live on the edge). Yet this is exactly when we most need the nudge to be still, to reflect on what matters, to “Listen, listen God is calling.”

Dear God, during this joyful, busy time, give us the wisdom to breathe, to pause, to stare at a lit candle or at the stars, to snuggle quietly with a child on our lap, to think about the words as we sing a familiar carol. And, in this way, help us to prepare our hearts to experience and share Your Love, given to us in the birth of Your Son Jesus.

Starry Night: Join

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

The night sky filled with stars is one of the most breath taking sights in all creation. Can you imagine the starry Christmas night many years ago?  What a sight that must have been!

 As the psalmist wrote, 

“The Lord determines the number of the stars and calls each of them by name.”   

-Psalm 147:4

As we journey through Advent, we will gaze at the stars and hear from various friends from our congregation, pondering their star’s unique name. Each thoughtful reflection will help us all see Advent and Christmas in new light.  Enjoy! 

Today’s reflection is from Dawn Heckert:

Join

Join the angelic choir.  During this holiest and darkest part of the year, let us join our voices with those of the heavenly host, as they call the Shepherds to come see the Christ child.  As they call us to see the peoples who live on the margins. To see the peoples who have no home, no pillow but a stone.  To see the peoples who are hungry; physically, emotionally, spiritually.  Join. Join them to meet this child, who has come to our world to save us!

Dear God, thank you for this season of waiting.  As we wait under the starry night, help us join with those around us in anticipation of the gift of Jesus. We join with the heavenly host praising You and praying for peace on earth.  Amen.

Starry Night: Engage

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

“O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light…”

Advent season is the perfect time to slow down and gaze at the stars. This Advent season each star has been given a unique name and our Saint Luke friends have been invited to reflect on what that name means to them.  Their thoughtful reflections help us to also see the Advent and Christmas in new light.  

Today’s reflection is from Sue Hirsh:

Engage

As I reflected on my Advent star, the words of a favorite hymn came to mind:

“ I want to walk as a child of the light. I want to follow  Jesus. God set the stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus.”

Advent is a season of waiting for the birth of our Savior. It is not enough to simply wait, however; we need to ENGAGE in behavior that inspires us to prepare our hearts and homes for Christ’s birth. We need to take extra time for prayer and worship more frequently. Most of all, we must demonstrate a love for others and a desire to honor God in everything we do.

Dear God, guide me into action this Advent season. I want my hope in You to give light to others. Help me shine like my Advent star, ENGAGE. In Jesus name, Amen.


Starry Night: Meeting

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

Once we change our clocks and return to Eastern Standard Time, a growing darkness will swallow up the sun’s rays a little earlier each evening. While we will miss the long sunny evenings, we are enchanted by the night sky and its stars. As the psalmist wrote, 

“The Lord determines the number of the stars and calls each of them by name.”   

-Psalm 147:4

As we journey through Advent, we will gaze at the stars and hear from various friends from our congregation, pondering their star’s unique name. Each thoughtful reflection will help us all see Advent and Christmas in new light.  Enjoy! 

Today’s reflection is from Paul Neff:

Meeting

Upon reflection of the word meeting , I immediately thought about our brothers and sisters in Christ the Quakers or Friends. When the Quakers attend worship they refer to it as going to the Meeting House or Meeting. Hence the names in our community such as Plymouth Meeting or Meetinghouse Rd. At the Meeting there is no one leader. All sit peacefully and quietly .When someone is inspired by the Holy Spirit they will offer either a prayer, a Bible verse, a hymn or reflection about our Lord.


During Advent we too wait peacefully and quietly to “meet” and welcome our Lord again into our lives, our homes and our places of worship. May you be blessed this Advent as you meet, welcome and see our Lord work wonders in your life. Then be inspired to tell your “friends” and to go and tell it on the mountain of all that Jesus has done for you.

Dear Lord, with joy we look forward to “meeting“ you once again as we give thanks for your blessings in our lives. Amen.

Starry Night: Enter

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

“O Holy Night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!…”

As we journey through Advent, we continue our devotional series featuring various friends from our congregation, pondering their star’s unique name. Each thoughtful reflection points us towards our Savior and fills us with a thrill of hope. Enjoy!

Today’s reflection is from Lorraine Miller:

Enter

The star “Enter” reminds me of 2 Bible verses that are ones we can commit to memory.

I am the gate, whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture. -John 10:9

Enter his gates with Thanksgiving and enter his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name. -Psalm 100:4

Jesus came to earth as a baby so he could live among us and enter our lives and ultimately bring us salvation, now we need to open our hearts so God can enter in. God is always with us, but it’s up to us to enter into a relationship with him.

Advent reminds us to enter into this relationship daily. The familiar words of the song, O Little Town of Bethlehem reminds us of this:

Oh holy child of Bethlehem descend to us, we pray

Cast out our sin and enter in,

Be born in us today .

Dear God, please enter my heart and please help me to always keep my gate open to you. With praise and thanksgiving we thank you for entering our lives today and always. Amen.

Starry Night: Homecoming

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

The night sky filled with stars is one of the most breath taking sights in all creation. Can you imagine the starry Christmas night many years ago?  What a sight that must have been!

 As the psalmist wrote, 

“The Lord determines the number of the stars and calls each of them by name.”   

-Psalm 147:4

As we journey through Advent, we will gaze at the stars and hear from various friends from our congregation, pondering their star’s unique name. Each thoughtful reflection will help us all see Advent and Christmas in new light.  Enjoy! 

Today’s reflection is from Bill Baver:

Homecoming

Homecoming. This reminds me of the carol line:

“I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams”

I can’t help but think of my immediate and extended family when this song is on and the togetherness and joy I feel at that time. It all starts with Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with the family. Then on Christmas day with in-person and virtual gatherings – even just the phone call, to “be together”. To be “home” together. God and Jesus are central to that thinking and as my Mom would ALWAYS tell me – you NEVER say or write “X-MAS” – because there is no Christ in that writing and without Christ – there is no season for a homecoming.

Dear God – thank you for homecomings, that can ALWAYS be received. No one is ever too far to miss out – especially at Christmas. Please remember all those that can be in person and those that are in spirit – to know we are ALL together. We are forever grateful for all you have done and continue to do for each and every one of us to allow us to be together. Help us to keep Christ in the Christmas spirit whenever we want to come home. You allow us that each and every day. In your name we pray. Amen.

Starry Night: Awaiting

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

“O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light…”

Advent season is the perfect time to slow down and gaze at the stars. This Advent season each star has been given a unique name and our Saint Luke friends have been invited to reflect on what that name means to them.  Their thoughtful reflections help us to also see the Advent and Christmas in new light.  

Today’s reflection is from Nancy Wood:

Awaiting

As we await Your coming Lord, help Your twinkling light shine through each one of us. May God's Spirit spread rays of peace and hope to others each day. What beam of light can you shine today in the darkness so that God's Light is stronger and God's love prevails? We look forward to the day when Jesus comes bringing love and peace to families, communities, and the world. Hosanna to the Lord for He fulfills God's Word!


Lord be with us this day and help us spread Your love, kindness, caring and acceptance to everyone we meet. We thank you for Jesus who came to show us love and Your ways. Be with us as we await Your coming.

Amen

Starry Night: Visitation

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

Once we change our clocks and return to Eastern Standard Time, a growing darkness will swallow up the sun’s rays a little earlier each evening. While we will miss the long sunny evenings, we are enchanted by the night sky and its stars. As the psalmist wrote, 

“The Lord determines the number of the stars and calls each of them by name.”   

-Psalm 147:4

As we journey through Advent, we will gaze at the stars and hear from various friends from our congregation, pondering their star’s unique name. Each thoughtful reflection will help us all see Advent and Christmas in new light.  Enjoy! 

Today’s reflection is from Lynn d’Entremont:

Visitation

When I read my Advent Star name, Visitation, the first miraculous visitations that came to mind were those by the Archangel Gabriel to Joseph, Zechariah and Mary. And, of course, the angels who visited the shepherds to tell of the Good News. And, then the Magi’s visitation to Jesus.

But, as I thought more about our last year and a half during the pandemic, how we lost our ability to make visitations, causing a disconnect, both spiritually and physically with one another, I realized how precious and important all visitations are. The angels are always quoted as saying “do not be afraid”. Visitations are caring, loving, joyful, and bringing peace. How blessed we are to be able to “reconnect” this Advent season. To bring to each other the blessings of our Lord and the anticipation of our celebration of His birth!

Dear Heavenly Father, as we enter into this time of Advent and we remember all your miraculous visitations. I pray that you will open our hearts within each of us and guide us during our visitations in your name. Please help us to be a blessing bringing love, caring and concern, your joy and your peace to our families, our friends and the strangers we encounter!

In the name of your blessed son, Jesus, Amen.

Starry Night: Memory

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

“O Holy Night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!…”

As we journey through Advent, we continue our devotional series featuring various friends from our congregation, pondering their star’s unique name. Each thoughtful reflection points us towards our Savior and fills us with a thrill of hope. Enjoy!

Today’s reflection is from David Hughes:

Memory

Many of my favorite memories in life are related to Christmas. I remember great times spent with friends and family during the holiday season. I loved going to church on Christmas Eve; hearing the good news about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

When it came to gifts, it brought me much joy when I would give a gift to someone that they truly appreciated. In fact, I have much better memories of giving gifts rather than receiving them. As an adult, Janet (my wife) and I host a holiday open house to benefit the Salvation Army, an event that brings us much joy. All of this reminds me of Acts 20:35- “In all this I have given you an example that by such work, we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give that to receive.’ ”

Lord God, please fill all of us with joy this Advent season as we focus most on giving rather that receiving.


Amen.

Starry Night: Entrance

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

The night sky filled with stars is one of the most breath taking sights in all creation. Can you imagine the starry Christmas night many years ago? What a sight that must have been!

As the psalmist wrote,

“The Lord determines the number of the stars and calls each of them by name.”

-Psalm 147:4

As we journey through Advent, we will gaze at the stars and hear from various friends from our congregation, pondering their star’s unique name. Each thoughtful reflection will help us all see Advent and Christmas in new light. Enjoy!

Today’s reflection is from Sue Saxer:

Entrance

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

-John 1:1-5

Ever since I was a young child I have been in awe of the Creation and, as an adult, am more aware of the awesomeness of the Word becoming flesh. Every Christmas Carol, Christmas service, and moments to celebrate Christmas reinforce my awe and gratitude to a God who has given me biological and spiritual life through His free gift of Grace and sacrifice. What a Christmas gift, indeed! 

Advent is the beginning, an “entrance” to “thy kingdom come, they will be done on heaven and on earth.” We are not alone. God is with us every step of the way on earth and when he takes us home. Thanks be to God!

Angels we have heard on high,
sweetly singing o'er the plains,
and the mountains in reply
echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Amen.

Starry Night: Appearance

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

“O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light…”

Advent season is the perfect time to slow down and gaze at the stars. This Advent season each star has been given a unique name and our Saint Luke friends have been invited to reflect on what that name means to them. Their thoughtful reflections help us to also see the Advent and Christmas in new light.

Today’s reflection is from Pastor Karl Krueger:

Appearance

A star appeared in the sky.

God went public, and it was stunning.

Shepherds will look up.

The Magi will take notice.

We make appearances, and they attract attention as well. We are, truth be told, God’s stars, and people are looking at us when we make an appearance. And in some instances, we may be the only Bible that people will ever read. Awesome.  

Shine, Jesus, Shine.

Starry Night: Coming

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

Once we change our clocks and return to Eastern Standard Time, a growing darkness will swallow up the sun’s rays a little earlier each evening. While we will miss the long sunny evenings, we are enchanted by the night sky and its stars. As the psalmist wrote,

“The Lord determines the number of the stars and calls each of them by name.”

-Psalm 147:4

As we journey through Advent, we will gaze at the stars and hear from various friends from our congregation, pondering their star’s unique name. Each thoughtful reflection will help us all see Advent and Christmas in new light. Enjoy!

Today’s reflection is from Phil Valentine:

Coming

The star “Coming” reminds me of coming home. Home is where I feel that I am not judged in any way. Home is where I can be myself without inhibition. When I was younger, I used to visit my parents who lived many, many miles away. I always longed to visit them as I found unconditional love there, that never ceased to warm my heart. Coming home can be as simple as coming home from work every day into the loving arms of a spouse, chattering children or even a loving dog. Coming home can mean children coming home from college as parents expectantly await their return for the holidays. Coming to Saint Luke on a Sunday makes me feel like I am coming home. All are welcome with unconditional love and there is no judgement. Make coming home memorable this joyous season, it means a lot to the one coming home!

May the Lord Jesus bless abundantly the one coming home and the ones at home. Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all. 

Starry Night: Excitement

Virginia Wieringa Fine Art

Once we change our clocks and return to Eastern Standard Time, a growing darkness will swallow up the sun’s rays a little earlier each evening. While we will miss the long sunny evenings, we are enchanted by the night sky and its stars. As the psalmist wrote,

“The Lord determines the number of the stars and calls each of them by name.”

-Psalm 147:4

As we journey through Advent, we will gaze at the stars and hear from various friends from our congregation, pondering their star’s unique name. Each thoughtful reflection will help us all see Advent and Christmas in new light. Enjoy!

Today’s reflection is from Maggi O’Malley:

Excitement

Who wouldn’t be excited? Christmas is coming. The presents under the tree, the carols, the kids faces as they look upon the lights on the houses. Excitement is everywhere.

Where is the excitement for the Baby Jesus?

Have we lost the ability to gaze with wonder on the Savior of the world?

This Christmas I want to see Jesus in the Holiday and every day.  I want to dwell on not only his birth but what his birth means to me. God loved me so much he sent his one and only son to save me. 

My Christmas hope is you see Jesus as your savior too. That would make me very excited!

May Christ fill your heart with excitement this Advent season. Amen

In Everything Give Thanks

In Everything, Not For Everything

A former pastor, Ed Dobson was diagnosed with ALS and shared that it was a diagnosis that he would not wish on his worst enemies. However through his suffering, he learned something great…gratitude. He went on to share how in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, it says “In everything give thanks,”… not for everything. He is not thankful for ALS, but in the midst of it, he has found that he can be thankful. For us too, after a challenging year, we may not be thankful for everything that we encountered or that is occurring in our world. However, in the midst of it our hearts can overflow with gratitude.

Dobson shared that he liked worshiping in the African American church because they prayed differently than the white churches he was used to. Their prayers as a community had been shaped by their suffering and struggle. They often began their prayers with: “Dear God, thank you for waking me up this morning.” Whatever we are facing, we can find something as simple as that to be grateful for.

Recently, our staff took some time to reflect on what we were grateful for. We shared what filled us with thanks from that morning, this year personally and as a church, as well as some unexpected blessings from a challenging year. Together, our reflections formed this litany of thanksgiving. Pray with us & may your hearts be filled with hope, gratitude, and peace.

This Morning

For warm comforters wrapped around us on chilly fall mornings, such pure delight. For fresh coffee and dashing to catch the train just in time. For those in recovery, healing and becoming well. For calm demeanors of loved ones in unsettling moments. For daily walks and faithful companions to travel beside us. We know that friendship in any form is a gift from you. For technology that connects us for relationships, work and worship.

Lord, we give you thanks and praise. You have done great things this morning.

 

This Past Year Personally

For first steps and first words, along with a slower pace to enjoy them all. For grown children returning to the nest and having families reunited again in ways we never anticipated. For personal growth, new focus and energy. For a network of friendship that adapted to the new landscape of virtual gatherings, remaining close and bonded. For meaningful music that speaks to the soul, songs to calm our hearts and carry us through whatever comes. For time and space to read, write, create and simply… breathe.

Lord, we give you thanks and praise. You have done great things in our personal lives & families this year.

 

This Past Year as a Church

For meaningful work that continued to abound in your church despite distance and shutdowns. For new relationships forming and for reconnecting with old familiar faces. For those gathering consistently in prayer, study, and worship, dedicated to one another and to a rhythm of growing in God’s love. For honesty and open hearts. For kind words shared to encourage one another in the journey. For resiliency and teamwork, a willingness to learn new skills, tackle challenges, and navigate transitions with grace.

Lord, we give you thanks and praise. You have done great things in our church this year.

 

The Unexpected Blessing

For the unexpected surprise of finding joy in new circumstances such as working from the back porch, soaking in nature and the beauty of your creation. For improved heath during a time when our health has never felt more at risk. You never cease to surprise us God. For discovering more intentional communication with those that we care about. We could not have imagined the fertile ground for connection that you were preparing. For the closeness that resulted in all of the challenges, how we clung to one another and through it all sensed your love.

Lord, we give you thanks and praise. Again and again, through a difficult year, you have showered us with unexpected blessings, silver linings reminding us of your faithfulness.

 

For…

Take a moment to add some of the things that you are grateful for. Begin with a list of things from this very morning. Reflect on the past year personally and professionally. Then ponder the ways that God has surprised you with unexpected blessings amidst challenges.

God, you are always up to something good. Thank you for waking us up this morning. Thank you for all this year has held for us, as individuals, as families, and as your church. Thank you for the ways you have surprised us with your everlasting goodness. In all things may we continue to give you thanks and praise. Amen.