December 25

Luke 2:8-20

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

“To God on high, the highest praise and peace to all down here.
God favors those who live with love and keeps them from all fear.”
The echo of that song in unexpected gladness rings.
And Christmas calls us to be still and hear the angels sing.

Beyond all darkness and all sin, the truth is told above:
that God shines light upon our world, that God draws near in love.
As Word takes Flesh, big concepts such as grace and truth and peace
are made concrete in Jesus, who embodies words like these.

The angels point to Him tonight. He comes in mystery.
They point to him for He’s the One who redeems history.
We’re not left empty or alone, cut off from heaven’s plan.
The song connects both strong and weak in one young Jewish man.

One day when Christ would show his strength in great humility,
He rode a colt into the town for all the world to see.
Bystanders waved their palms and raised their voices up to sing:
“All peace in heaven, glory too”[1] -- the angels echoing!

That’s what God wants – an echo! As the song starts from above,
It comes to dwell among us, then we give it back in love.
From God, through us, and back to God. That’s how the carols move.
The world is filled with rhythm ‘til we all get in the groove.

God starts the joy by sending Christ. The shepherds join the dance
And soon this night is filled with light, and all receive the chance
To lay down troubles at the cross, all sins abandoning.
And then the “world gives back the song which now the angels sing.”

So now we sing. We must respond. For much is now at stake
This world is shrouded in dark gloom and few dare stay awake.
The Caesars stomp with bloody boots and fill weak souls with fright.
It's up to us to echo grace. Our songs shall pierce the night.

Our mission is to sing, and serve all neighbors who cannot,
until the song consumes the world. This is God’s joyful plot.
This day we echo angels as we sing of peace and grace.
We lift the song that we received. With candles, find your place.

Rev. Bill Carter 

---

[1] Raymond Brown’s observation on Luke 19:38, from The Birth of the Messiah (Doubleday)

December 24

Luke 2:1-7

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING

 

His eyes

open for the first time

taking in the world

he’s been sent to save.

What he sees

transforms a makeshift maternity ward

covering dust and offal

with love

as tears dribble down the cheeks

of his exhausted young mother

and a relieved smile accentuates the wrinkles

around his “scandal-be-damned” step-father’s moist eyes.

 

His feet

about to disappear

in bands of cloth

like the ones he’ll abandon

in his final resting place

kick in spasms

unaccustomed to the air

replacing the watery world

they’ve left behind.

Ten toes she gladly counts

while wondering where they will carry him

unaware her tears will not be the last to splash them.

 

His hands

ten fingers gently counted and caressed

wave wildly ‘til they too

are tamed and bound by cloth

providing warmth against the chill.

Unencumbered and calloused

the touch of these

will bring healing and wholeness.

Stretched wide and pierced by nails--

precious hands first put to work at creation--

offer the welcoming embrace of eternal life

to you and to yours, to me and to mine, to one and to all.

James E. Thyren

From We  Need You More Than Ever,©2020

December 23

Isaiah 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
    on them light has shined.
3 You have multiplied the nation,
    you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
    as with joy at the harvest,
    as people exult when dividing plunder.
4 For the yoke of their burden,
    and the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor,
    you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors
    and all the garments rolled in blood
    shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child has been born for us,
    a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
    and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His authority shall grow continually,
    and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
    He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

              “Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.”

This year especially we can empathize with the people of Isaiah’s day. It feels as though we have been walking in darkness, captives mourning in lowly exile. Some have labored under the yoke of burdens. Others have suffered the rod of oppressors. We yearn for a government upon righteous shoulders with peace and justice.

Into our darkness comes a great light. Hear the mighty words again.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government will be upon his shoulder
and his name will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.

Lord of hosts, even when we feel lost in darkness, we remember that you
send us light and increase our joy. Thank you for the gift of light, a child, your son,
our Prince of Peace.

Chris Norton

December 21

Luke 1:39-45

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

Five Haikus for Elizabeth and Mary

A visitation - 

two women, powered by God

to birth Holy Men.

Hearing Mary's voice,

Elizabeth's baby leaped 

with joy in her womb.

Elizabeth, filled

with the Holy Spirit, cried:

"Mary, blessed are you."

"Blessed are you among

women and fruit of your womb

God's power unleashed!"

Fulfillment done.

Given by God and believed:

A faithful response.

Char Lyon

December 20

Isaiah 35:1-10

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.”

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.


This undated poem points to a moment when God will give a home to those who have no other home. God will restore their lives. God will re-establish their physical well being and affect the environment around them. “They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” That is good news. God promises joy.

Someone describes joy this way: “Such a gift, far from being a positive attitude or constantly upbeat mood, is best described as a deep confidence, even a kind of astonished laughter because of the discovery that there is One at work in our world more central to our stories than we are to ourselves.” (Tom Currie, The Joy of Ministry, p. 4)

Joy is more than a transitory emotion, as with all the other emotions that come and go. Joy is a “deep confidence” or an “astonished laughter.” It is rooted in the kind of God that we have. God’s work in the world is with those who have weak hands, feeble knees, and fearful hearts. It’s where confidence replaces the fear, where laughter interrupts the sorrow. Joy is the deep and abiding knowledge that, no matter what happens to us, God is with us, and God is working out the restoration of the world.

This is something that we can keep reminding one another. Isaiah’s poem is not a carrot on a stick, some vain hope that entices us to keep going. No, it’s this confidence that there is a greater love at the heart of the universe than what we see day to day, that there is a greater goodness than the recurring human nastiness, that there is a deeper wisdom than all short-sighted human foolishness, that there is truly a salvage operation that heaven is undertaking on earth.


Restoring God, save us, lift us, salvage us, and give us joy. Amen.


Rev. Bill carter

December 19

Psalm 80:1-7

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
Stir up your might, and come to save us!
Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

O Lord God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
You have fed them with the bread of tears,
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
You make us the scorn[a] of our neighbors;
our enemies laugh among themselves.
Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

When our children were younger and there was confusion in the house, if she needed attention, instead of calling out “Dad!” our daughter would sometimes shout out my first name. Saucy, but effective; I listened!  She knew me well enough to call me by another name.

The Psalmist does something like this, using a collection of names: Shepherd! Enthroned one! God of hosts! -- Restore us! save us! shine your face upon us!  We call out for such things in Advent, the season of waiting. It may seem futile, trying one name, then another. Yet it is the language of lament, a gift the Bible offers. It is full of sorrow, yet not hidden sorrow; rather, it is sorrow expressed, sorrow addressed, to a specific one, whom we know well. Later Jesus will do it, mimicking Psalm 22: “My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?”

Psalms of lament give us voice to speak out, to describe graphically how we really feel: my only bread is my tears! But the lamenting psalmist does not shout into the wind; no, he addresses God, who has made himself present before in many ways. We know him, and this gives us confidence to keep on calling until we are heard.  

God of many names, you have come before. Come again. Heed our cry, and the cries of so many who sorrow today. 

 

Charlie Pinches

December 18

Micah 5:2-5

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
    who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
    one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,
    from ancient days.
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time
    when she who is in labor has brought forth;
then the rest of his kindred shall return
    to the people of Israel.
4 And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,
    in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great
    to the ends of the earth;
5 and he shall be the one of peace.

 

Waiting.  We spend many minutes of our life waiting; waiting in line at the store, waiting on the telephone, waiting at the doctor’s office, …. the list goes on and on.  Micah was waiting for a new ruler, someone to rescue the people of Israel and bring peace to their nation.

Micah is the sixth of the twelve minor prophets.  He was the first prophet  to  predict  the downfall of Jerusalem. He felt the city was doomed because it was supported by dishonest business practices which impoverished the citizens of Jerusalem in addition to mistreatment of women and children, and a government that lived in luxury off the hard work of the nation’s people. It’s not surprising that over two thousand years later many cities and nations around the world are still guilty of these practices.  As Micah predicted Israel did fall to the Assyrian Empire in 722BCE.

In the verses we are reading today, Micah writes of a new ruler arising from the lineage of David and Bethlehem as the birthplace for the new ruler of Israel.  Like many others Micah compares this new ruler to a shepherd who gathers together the people of Israel and cares for them. He envisions peace throughout the lands and protection from the Assyrians. Even though this prophecy is centuries old, it still resonates with the current status of our nation and the world.

Lord, during this Advent season may we be followers of the Shepherd and minister to others in need.  Help us to lead simple lives and use our waiting time for spreading peace and joy to all we meet. Amen

For your listening pleasure copy this link into your browser: Waiting for a King
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=aOtCJajwD_M&list=RDAMVMaOtCJajwD_M 

Connie Weiss

December 17

Luke 1:34-38

Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Frederick Buechner writes of the angel Gabriel:

    She struck the angel Gabriel as hardly old enough to have a child at all, let alone this child, but he'd been entrusted with a message to give her, and he gave it.

    He told he what the child was to be named, and who he was to be, and something about the mystery that was to come upon her. "You mustn't be afraid, Mary," he said.

    As he said it, he only hoped she wouldn't notice that beneath the great, golden wings he himself was trembling with fear to think that the whole future of creation hung now on the answer of a girl.

from Peculiar Treasures: A Biblical Who's Who

December 16

 Luke 1:26-33

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”


Much has been written about Mary, Mother of Jesus. We know that she was young, set to marry a man named Joseph, a virgin, and a person of immense faith. The Protestant Reformation condemned the veneration of Mary. Martin Luther believed that we “…have an obligation to honor Mary…,” but reminds us to “…be careful to give her honor that is fitting.” Over time, some Protestants have softened a bit on the issue of giving Mary too much reverence. Certainly, Mary should be admired for her faith and courage in the face of such a huge task, and she took on this responsibility knowing the risks that it entailed. Shannon Kubiak, the author of God Called a Girl, spoke to Mary's vulnerability. "She was a nobody from the middle of nowhere...and God chose to use her for the most incredible task of a lifetime," marvels Kubiak. 

I think it is safe to say that, as culture, we have become risk-adverse. We can easily relate to her fear, but few of us respond to God’s call in such a selfless way, sure that God would not ask something from us that we cannot give. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could be more like Mary? Each time we are faced with some situation that we can make better through our love and belief in God, some injustice or grief that we can alleviate, we should be more like Mary. Step up to the fear or even pursue those actions that make us fearful but are in response to God’s call. 

Maybe the best way to honor Mary is to be a bit more like her in the small ways that God sets in our path.  

Tabbi Miller-Scandle

December 15

 Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


This is certainly one of the more reassuring and encouraging passages in the Bible. Even though Paul is struggling, he has joy in God because of his faith in Christ. This joy can endure changing earthly circumstances.

I’m especially moved by his plea for more gentleness. It seems like the world can be a pretty harsh, impatient, and violent place, and I wish we could treat one another with more gentleness, respect, and understanding.

And he lets us know whom we should consult if we have struggles. Don’t worry yourself to death... pray! Everything in life that bothers you or distracts you is important to God.

Paul tells us that the result of giving our worries to God is that God’s peace, which is more wonderful than we can imagine, will protect our hearts and minds. While we are still vulnerable, we are also assured of God’s concern and protection.

Lord, help us to be less anxious and bring our concerns to you, and may your peace rule in our hearts and minds. Amen.

John Weiss

December 14

Isaiah 12:2-6

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

THANK YOU, GOD. 

The other day when I happily tried to rescue my still blooming flowers on the porch from the first frosty night, a neighbor walked by and briefly waived. I had not seen him recently, so I shouted, “Hi, Good Morning, Good Morning! Isn’t this a beautiful fall day to take a walk or work on the porch.” He came a few steps closer. With ice-cold eyes, he said. “What is good about this morning? Or what is beautiful about any of our days? In case you have forgotten, let me remind you that millions of people have died from a certain virus and continue to do so. In every continent, people are starving. There are wars and terrorism in every corner of the world. Injustice and brutality exist everywhere, and climate change endangers us all. Where, Reverend Barb, is your God in all of this?” He turned and walked away but over his shoulder he said, “Please spare me quotations from the Bible or lines from your favorite prophets. Isaiah did not live in our decade.”

I was stunned by his words and also heartbroken: what he said revealed arrogance and anger but also deeply hidden despair, lostness and pain. I honored his wish to not say anything but inside me, I talked with him all day long. Yes, the pandemic has been horrible, but by Grace we have vaccines for all age groups, children included, and helpful medications are on their way. Thank You, God! Yes, there is world-wide hunger, but churches and community agencies have opened soup kitchens and feeding stations. And international efforts to stop starvation are, by Grace, growing stronger! With shame and pain, I have to admit that racism, injustice and inequality are still enormously widespread, but at least these issues are being discussed in earnest and so is climate change. Thank You, God!

Here is another comment I would have liked to have shared on that day. If anyone on earth knows about misery, it is the Jewish people. From the beginning of their earthly walk, they were homeless, landless, powerless, despised and rejected by all. The Egyptians forced them into slavery and the Babylonians took them into exile. Generations lived in the wilderness, not knowing what the next day would bring. Nowhere did they find welcome signs, only border walls and patrols. During the reign of David, they got a brief time of quiet. But then came the Greeks and the Romans, and only a hundred years after the birth of Jesus, the little nation of Judah disappeared. The Temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed and, once again, they became Migrants, homeless, landless, powerless and despised by all. And yet, my friends, in spite of their horrible history, the people of Israel continued to sing praises to God and proclaim the Lord as the only Savior of all. They have left us beautiful visions of comfort, of hope and of faith in everlasting goodness and mercy. 

I have a friend who every evening makes a list of what could have gone wrong but went right. Then she says, Thank You, God! She tells me that she learned it from the Jewish People. So then, my brothers and sisters, let us be good learners as well. Despite the pandemic, let us proclaim God as our Savior. When the earth under our feet crumbles, let God’s hand steady us. When we feel attacked from all quarters, let us proclaim God as our Healer and Protector. In the darkness of the night, let us look for tiny glimpses of light. And when one tiny, little flower manages to bloom in the wilderness, let us celebrate. Let us hold on to believing in goodness and mercy. Above all else, let us call God our Creator, Redeemer, Healer, Sustainer and, forevermore, the world’s Savior. Hallelujah and Amen!

The Rev. Barbara C. Muntzel

December 13

 Zephaniah 3:14-20

Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel!
   Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!
The Lord has taken away the judgments against you,
   he has turned away your enemies.
The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
   you shall fear disaster no more.
On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
   Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak.
The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory;
   he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love;
   he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival.
I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it.
I will deal with all your oppressors at that time.
   And I will save the lame and gather the outcast,
   and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.
At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you;
   for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth,
   when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord.

Advent and the Christmas season are a time for music and singing.  Each year we are greeted with more celebrity Christmas albums.  Before the pandemic our schedules were filled with holiday concerts.  The stores and restaurants are also playing the music of the season. And often, we find ourselves humming a carol. 

The music of this season mirrors an ancient longing deep in the heart of humanity.  It is not nostalgia for days past, no!  It is more profound.  It is a longing for home.  Home, where we experience the security to be the creatures God created.  Home, where we experience comfort and the wounds of life are healed.  Home, where we are held in the arms of God and we know we are loved. 

This is a radical vision of hope in world where violence, injustice, racism, hatred, hunger, and homelessness are the norm.  Raising our voices in song of the One to come is an audacious act of resistance to the false deities that our world worships. The message of Zephaniah is to “sing aloud” of the One who came and is yet to come; to proclaim the good news of the Messiah in a world of phony saviors.  Sing aloud! 

The Rev. Dr. Brent Eelman

sent in from northern Colorado

December 12

Luke 3:15-18

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.


Luke, the Gospel writer, calls this word
that John the Baptist preached "good news."
    So, with many exhortations,
    he preached good news to the people.

Yet, when I read his words, Lord,
at least as Luke records them here,
calling the people a "brood of vipers,"
threatening them with wrath and fire to come,
the news does not sound "good" to me.

Is it right to frighten people, God,
to stampede them to your mercy like a herd
of frightened cattle? So many preachers,
down through the centuries, have used this same technique,
have portrayed their congregations dangling by
a spider thread over the flames of hell.
So many persons seem to have embraced the faith
in order to evade eternal punishment,
rather than to enter joyful into life abundant.

I question this, Father. How can one choose
to live a selfless life for selfish reasons?
How can I freely love a God who threatens to destroy me
and all that I hold dear? What is the proper role
of fear in the gospel of your grace, Lord God?

Sin is a fearful thing.
Evil is no childish fairy tale,
but a real-life horror story, as the news headlines
make clear every day. this evil may seem far beyond
my own small failings and omissions,
yet the roots are here within. I know them
in myself, when I am honest with myself.
Could it follow therefore that,
before I hear the good news of your grace,
I have to face the bad news of my failures,
with all their fearful consequences?
Might it be that fear, not fear of hell so much
as fear of hell on earth I am creating here and now,
might this fear be the blade that opens my life,
prepares it for your gospel? Is so, then may this day
be fearful, and thus open to your grace. Amen.


J. Barrie Shepherd

A Child Is Born: Meditations for Advent and Christmas 

Westminster Press, 1988

December 11

Luke 3:10-14

And the crowds asked John the Baptist, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”

The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What then should we do?” John was preparing the world for Jesus’ ministry, preaching of repentance and paving the way for followers of Christian doctrine. John’s answer seems easy, but truly was not. Share what you have with others. If you have enough food, give the rest to those who are in need of a meal. The tax collectors were told, “Don’t take more than you are required to.” In other words, don’t make yourselves rich by stealing from others. This passage always reminds me of the hymn “They’ll Know We Are Christians”. This very familiar hymn states that we will be known by the love that we show others through unity and sharing the Word of God.  

We have all been the recipient of God’s love, sometimes at the most needed moments. We recently said goodbye to our much-loved Shih Tzu, Gracie. She was our first baby, and we were devastated. As we sat in our car afterward, crying like babies, there was a knock on my window. A woman who had been parked next to us handed me a tiny square pocket quilt and accompanying card. That small act of love made us immediately aware of God’s presence with us. She reminded us that we were not alone, and that God was now taking care of our sweet girl. 

That woman identified herself as a Christian by her act of love. She was God’s presence in the world right where and when it was needed. May we all be known as Christians by our love. 

Tabbi Miller-Scandle 

December 10

 Luke 3:7-9

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

My favorite Advent greeting card bore the message: Happy Advent, You Brood of Vipers. Gleefully sent to a select group of clergy friends, it was a reminder that the coming of Christ has less to do with tinsel, holly, and ribbons - and a whole lot more with purging our souls of sin, waste, and distraction.

John the Baptist dressed in the garments of Israel's prophets. He belted out a message of repentance. We can romanticize his invitation to return to God, yet the painful truth is that none of us can come "just as I am." We can only return if we cast off all that is unworthy of God's glory. We will be welcomed only if there is evidence that the grace of the coming Christ has begun to transform us. 

John's prophetic message slices away the presumptions and privileges that we accumulate. Do you think your family name will win over a holy God? Forget about it. Believe your list of successful accomplishments is a free pass into God's banquet hall? Nope. Do you assume your favorite pew will prepare you a place at the Table of God? Sorry, but something more is necessary. 

Beware of an easy Advent. The trip home is demanding. Excess baggage must be left behind. Well-hidden arrogance will be exposed...and purified. This, too, is the work of God.

Holy One, purge me of sin. Amen. 

Rev. Bill Carter

December 9

Luke 3:1-6

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler[b] of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler[ of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,

“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth;
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”


Among the four Gospel writers, Luke is the one whose favorite class in college was world history. He works diligently to get all the names of the rulers down right. In this passage he takes us on a zoom-in, like Google earth: starting with Rome, narrowing to Judea, then to Jerusalem where Caiaphas is the high priest in the Temple. These governing authorities are real, and what they do has force and consequence. Consider, for instance, what we discover later about Pilate, or Caiaphas, who will press to have an innocent man killed to “keep the peace.”

Into the middle of all this comes the word of God, to John, out in the wilderness. It may seem like a remote world, and remote word, which has little bearing on what is really happening in bustling cities like Jerusalem, where the powerful play. Yet John is a prophet who does not speak for himself. Indeed, he fits within a long tradition; he is a prophet whose message has been foreseen by other prophets. John, and Isaiah before him, are tapped into a much bigger reality which, as we zoom out to have a look, does not keep separate from, but mingles with what St. Augustine calls the “earthly city,” where people like Tiberius or Pilate or Joe Biden make their moves.

The mingling creates stories, some of them shocking, like the one about how John’s head later ends up on a platter. But John and Isaiah know that the true and ultimate ruler of the universe will not be deterred in his purpose, which is to bring peace to all. This Is not the peace of Rome, nor is it administered by the likes of Caiaphas. It is rather true peace, the kind we catch a glimpse of as we proceed prayerfully through Advent: the peace that comes when “all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

King of kings, Lord of lords, in troubled times we long for your peace. Guide our attention to those places where your word has entered, and continues to enter, our world. When the peace it brings seems small and fleeting, remind us that it is your peace, and that you have promised to bring it to fullness and extend it to all. Amen.

Charlie Pinches

December 8

 Philippians 1:3-11

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion...”

Many people seem quick to take credit for their work, apparently believing they accomplished it all by themselves. But Paul reminds us to acknowledge the source of all good work.  Can you reflect for a moment on some good work in your life?  Are there others who inspired you or encouraged you along the way?  Maybe a teacher, or a friend you admire, or a colleague or mentor in your career, or an apparently random and unexpected idea,  a bolt out of the blue that got you started.  Maybe you didn’t see it at the time, but can you now see the hand of God beginning a good work in you?   And perhaps you can be the teacher, or friend, or mentor who encourages the good work in others around you.

“It is my prayer that your love may abound more and more.”

It seemed like just another Zoom webinar in which speakers were discussing challenges they’d faced in the workplace, until one woman revealed a male supervisor had once warned her she wouldn’t succeed in business because she was “too nice.”  In the Chat box someone typed “There is no such thing as too nice.” 

Lord God, you who began a good work in me, strengthen me to keep at it. Help me to see and encourage the good work you began in others, that love may abound more and more. Because there is no such thing as “too nice.

Chris Norton

December 7

Luke 1:76-79

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
by the forgiveness of their sins.
By the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

The Road to Peace 

In verses 76-78 God speaks to John, son of Elizabeth and Zachariah, telling him about his mission to introduce the Gospel.  Did you know that “gospel” means “Good Tidings!” or “Good News!”?  The name Jesus is derived from a Hebrew word that means “savior”.

 “Salvation” is the broadening, enlarging, creating a space in the community for life and conduct’; or the way of Jesus in which God restores our wholeness; our faith in God; the new consciousness that Father, Son and Holy Spirit have promised us.  Salvation comes only through his grace, and his tender heartfelt mercies. Salvation exceeds human ability to grasp it.

In verse 79, who are “those in darkness sitting in the shadow of death” that God’s light shines on?  In Henri Nouwen’s book, The Road to Peace:  Writings on Peace and Justice, there is a “connection between intimacy with Christ and solidarity with the wounded world.”  Nouwen speaks about The March on Selma in 1965, the funeral of Martin Luther King Jr., the spirit among the oppressed poor of Latin America, the legacies of Oscar Romero, Thomas Merton, and lessons of the heart learned among his handicapped friends of L’Arche.  It is a message about Christ’s discipleship.  Nouwen calls activists to be peacemakers in the fullest sense:  to root their witness in prayer, joy, and the spirit of love.

The Good Tidings or Good News is that we may have intimacy with Christ when we include solidarity with the wounded world in our lives.

Jesus, our Savior, show us the way, one foot at a time, down the Road to Peace.  Amen

Myrna Diven

December 6

Luke 1:68-75

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a mighty savior for us
in the house of his servant David,
as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
and has remembered his holy covenant,
the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness
before him all our days."

Luke 1:68-75 is part of what is called “The Benedictus,” also known as “The Song of Zechariah.” A little background might be helpful. Zechariah was a priest who was married to Elizabeth, a descendent of Aaron and relative of Mary. They were quite old and childless. One day while Zechariah was serving in the Temple, the angel Gabriel appeared before him and told him that Elizabeth would give birth to a son, who was to be named John. John would be a great man who would bring people back to God. Zechariah would not believe this since he and Elizabeth were just too old for this to be true. Gabriel didn’t like that reaction and literally “muted” Zechariah until the day of John’s birth. When Elizabeth gave birth to a son, Zechariah was then able to speak again and spoke the words we have in Luke 1: 68-79 – “The Song of Zechariah.”

In verses 68 through 75, Zechariah reminds us of what God has done in the past. God remembered the covenant God made to Abraham and has redeemed the people and saved them from their enemies. Being rescued from our enemies, we might serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness in all our days. I like how Carolyn Winfrey Gillette puts it in her hymn: “When Old Zechariah Saw What God Had Done”:

You keep what you promise and so we are blest;
In mercy you saved us when we were oppressed.
As Abraham heard you, we’ve heard your call too;
We’re saved, so we’ll serve you in all that we do.

The last eighteen months have been very difficult for all of us. As we approach this Christmas season with its message of “Good News to all the people,” we may feel a little like Zechariah felt when he first heard the news of his wife giving birth: “Are you sure, God?” However, as Zechariah finally realized and proclaimed: God has not forgotten us. We are blest and redeemed. Because of God’s love for us, we can prepare for the coming of the Christ Child with courage, love, and hope. Good News, indeed!

Loving and Gracious God, as we await your coming to us as the Christ Child, help us remember your promise to us that you will never leave us or forsake us. Enable us to live our lives with expectation, love, and gratitude. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us. Amen.

Rev. Bill Samford

December 5

 Malachi 3:1-4

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

Just the other day, I heard one of our choir members rehearsing a solo for the Advent season. A featured piece from early in Handel’s “Messiah,” the song takes its text from this passage in the third chapter of Malachi’s prophecy:

Who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears?
For he is like a refiner’s fire… (listen here: https://youtu.be/exAxdWs-hKk

Ever hear that one? I have. And every time, that solo curls my hair.

Malachi reminds us that the coming of God will be a great and terrible Day. Great because of the glory of a Holy God. Terrible because of - well - the glory of a Holy God. Even if we are treasured by or Creator, like a collector who owns precious metals, we will be refined, purified, smelted by fire. It’s going to hurt.

What makes this particularly painful is that the prophet Malachi was addressing the clergy in his day. The priests around Malachi had one hand in the offering plate and another hand clenching their wallets. They were greedy and cheap, in short, cheating God out of a full offering, prancing around in their clerical finery with uncommitted hearts, exerting whatever authority they could - while offering a terribly flawed example for others to follow. Or ridicule.

So the refiner’s fire is a gift from God. It expresses a loving God’s desire for a holy and committed community of faith, led by those who lived a committed and generous life – and called others to live likewise.

In those moments when we have been “salted with fire” (Mark 9:49), there is the opportunity to correct abuses and repent of our own constricted hearts. Again we hear the invitation to change our ways, to turn again toward the Holy One, and to correct our steps. Hard work? You bet. But necessary.

Purify us, Holy God, until we are as generous as you are. Amen. 

Rev. Bill Carter

December 4

 Luke 21:34-36

“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

             “Watch at all times,  praying that you may have strength...”

Trouble is coming.  Throughout Luke 21 Jesus has been preaching that violent, frightening, and cataclysmic times are near at hand.  Wars, earthquakes, famine, pestilence,  persecution, execution, hatred, terror.  What is his advice for dealing with all this ?  Prayer.   But not prayer that the evil times will go away.  Prayer for strength to endure the challenges we will face, prayer that we may remain faithful. 

It’s the same selfless prayer Jesus would himself make very soon as his enemies were closing in at Gethsemane.  “Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me;  nevertheless, not my will but thine be done.”  And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 

Lord God, in this Advent season of waiting, keep us watchful at all times. Whatever fears we must face, whatever cares of this life weigh down our hearts, give us strength to face them faithfully, as Jesus did.  For it is in his name that we pray.

Chris Norton