Return to flip book view

December 2 “When they saw the star, they were lled with joy.” Matthew 2.20 CEB One of my fondest memories as a child growing up in Houston was gazing up at the stars at night. Still is. I grew up a huge NASA and Apollo fan; I had all the astronauts’ pictures and the lunar map covering the walls of my bedroom where I built a two-foot-high model of the Saturn 5 rocket, complete with lunar lander. I was going to BE an astronaut to go and touch the stars!Growth spurts and bad eyes quickly doused that dream, but fascination with the stars never dwindled. Perhaps that was why, every Advent season, I took great care and delighted in placing the star atop our Christmas tree after we had hung all the tinsel-strand by strand. Nearly every night after that good and satisfying work was completed, I would just sit on the oor in my pajamas, arms around my knees and stare at that star; something about it mesmerized me with its quiet joyful witness. It still does. In God’s good time, I was moved to become a pastor rather than an astronaut but the deep desire to touch the stars remained steadfast. I think that must have been what the magi felt when they saw the star that led them to Bethlehem to experience the Christ child – with all the spell-binding wonder that a newborn gives us in its joyful witness. After the year that has been, I am grateful to again enter the season of wonder and joy; to again look at the stars in the sky and the stars on our Christmas trees and bask in the angelic call for “peace on earth and good will among all people.” Prayer: O Lord, give me the eyes and heart of a child this season, to again see with awe the wonder you bestow upon us every moment and perhaps just a bit more this year. May I look to the stars as my heart proclaims, “Glory to God in the highest!” Amen. Rev. Matt Gaston

December 2 “When they saw the star, they were lled with joy.” Matthew 2.20 CEB One of my fondest memories as a child growing up in Houston was gazing up at the stars at night. Still is. I grew up a huge NASA and Apollo fan; I had all the astronauts’ pictures and the lunar map covering the walls of my bedroom where I built a two-foot-high model of the Saturn 5 rocket, complete with lunar lander. I was going to BE an astronaut to go and touch the stars!Growth spurts and bad eyes quickly doused that dream, but fascination with the stars never dwindled. Perhaps that was why, every Advent season, I took great care and delighted in placing the star atop our Christmas tree after we had hung all the tinsel-strand by strand. Nearly every night after that good and satisfying work was completed, I would just sit on the oor in my pajamas, arms around my knees and stare at that star; something about it mesmerized me with its quiet joyful witness. It still does. In God’s good time, I was moved to become a pastor rather than an astronaut but the deep desire to touch the stars remained steadfast. I think that must have been what the magi felt when they saw the star that led them to Bethlehem to experience the Christ child – with all the spell-binding wonder that a newborn gives us in its joyful witness. After the year that has been, I am grateful to again enter the season of wonder and joy; to again look at the stars in the sky and the stars on our Christmas trees and bask in the angelic call for “peace on earth and good will among all people.” Prayer: O Lord, give me the eyes and heart of a child this season, to again see with awe the wonder you bestow upon us every moment and perhaps just a bit more this year. May I look to the stars as my heart proclaims, “Glory to God in the highest!” Amen. Rev. Matt Gaston

December 3 “Above all, show sincere love to each other, because love brings about the forgiveness of many sins. Open your homes to each other without complaining. And serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God’s diverse gifts. Whoever speaks should do so as those who speaks God’s word. Whoever speaks should do so from the strength that God furnishes.” I Peter 4.8-11CEB Our perspective is shaped by so many things from a very young age. Our culture, our race, where we live, economic status, education, belief system, and every single personal experience shapes how we view things. We can either dig in our heels and yield to those philosophies or we can learn and grow and shift our perspective. When dealing with a tough situation or a challenging person, we should stop and ask ourselves, where is this coming from? What is the background of this situation or person? What are the beliefs that have created this issue? How is my perspective framing how I deal with this situation or person? I believe this is when perspective and grace go together. I had a conversation recently with my neighbor. We’ve lived next door to each other for 16 years and she is more like family. We’ve solved many of the world’s problems by chatting across our driveways. Her mother recently had a stroke, spent some time in a rehab center and lived with my neighbor for a time. As you can imagine, this was all very overwhelming. We talked about both constantly having 25 tabs open in our heads thinking through every possibility the future may bring. I shared some of my experience in caring for an aging parent. Our conversation concluded with the realization that while this is an incredibly hard time, we do still have our mothers here with us for however long … and we are grateful. And just like that our perspective shifted. I think the easiest way to shift your thinking is through gratitude. Gratitude can transform any situation. Strive for a godly perspective, live grounded in faith and be grateful for every day. Julia Dolberry December 4 “Most important, know this: in the last days scoers will come, jeering, living by their own cravings, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of his coming? After all, nothing has changed—not since the beginning of creation, nor even since the ancestors died … Don’t let it escape your notice, dear friends, that with the Lord a single day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a single day. The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives.” 2 Peter 3.3-4, 8-9 You’re probably wondering what these verses about Jesus’ return have to do with Advent. This time of year, we await Jesus’ coming to earth as a child born of a woman. But I wonder if we should be awaiting his return. After all, that is the point of Jesus’ ministry, death and resurrection. So, in awaiting a baby, we await NOW Christ’s return. I think the context of the whole of Jesus Christ’s witness to us is what Christmas, and Easter, are all about. Instead of worrying about the baby in the nativity manger and whether his presence should wait until Christmas Eve, let’s reect on the whole of Jesus Christ. What a gift! What a wonderful feeling this reection should awaken in our hearts! How beautiful is God’s love! The wholeness of the story of Jesus Christ is the most astounding gift ever for every one of us. This message, not just the birth of Jesus the baby but the life of Jesus Christ and the promise to redeem all people and the earth is our truest Christmas gift. Prayer: Loving God, we are so very thankful for your love, compassion and patience! May we truly follow Jesus. Such a blessing should not go unanswered. May we so exact Jesus’ life that more will see that the promises you oer will gloriously be fullled! Amen. Rev. Rebecca Grogan

December 3 “Above all, show sincere love to each other, because love brings about the forgiveness of many sins. Open your homes to each other without complaining. And serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God’s diverse gifts. Whoever speaks should do so as those who speaks God’s word. Whoever speaks should do so from the strength that God furnishes.” I Peter 4.8-11CEB Our perspective is shaped by so many things from a very young age. Our culture, our race, where we live, economic status, education, belief system, and every single personal experience shapes how we view things. We can either dig in our heels and yield to those philosophies or we can learn and grow and shift our perspective. When dealing with a tough situation or a challenging person, we should stop and ask ourselves, where is this coming from? What is the background of this situation or person? What are the beliefs that have created this issue? How is my perspective framing how I deal with this situation or person? I believe this is when perspective and grace go together. I had a conversation recently with my neighbor. We’ve lived next door to each other for 16 years and she is more like family. We’ve solved many of the world’s problems by chatting across our driveways. Her mother recently had a stroke, spent some time in a rehab center and lived with my neighbor for a time. As you can imagine, this was all very overwhelming. We talked about both constantly having 25 tabs open in our heads thinking through every possibility the future may bring. I shared some of my experience in caring for an aging parent. Our conversation concluded with the realization that while this is an incredibly hard time, we do still have our mothers here with us for however long … and we are grateful. And just like that our perspective shifted. I think the easiest way to shift your thinking is through gratitude. Gratitude can transform any situation. Strive for a godly perspective, live grounded in faith and be grateful for every day. Julia Dolberry December 4 “Most important, know this: in the last days scoers will come, jeering, living by their own cravings, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of his coming? After all, nothing has changed—not since the beginning of creation, nor even since the ancestors died … Don’t let it escape your notice, dear friends, that with the Lord a single day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a single day. The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives.” 2 Peter 3.3-4, 8-9 You’re probably wondering what these verses about Jesus’ return have to do with Advent. This time of year, we await Jesus’ coming to earth as a child born of a woman. But I wonder if we should be awaiting his return. After all, that is the point of Jesus’ ministry, death and resurrection. So, in awaiting a baby, we await NOW Christ’s return. I think the context of the whole of Jesus Christ’s witness to us is what Christmas, and Easter, are all about. Instead of worrying about the baby in the nativity manger and whether his presence should wait until Christmas Eve, let’s reect on the whole of Jesus Christ. What a gift! What a wonderful feeling this reection should awaken in our hearts! How beautiful is God’s love! The wholeness of the story of Jesus Christ is the most astounding gift ever for every one of us. This message, not just the birth of Jesus the baby but the life of Jesus Christ and the promise to redeem all people and the earth is our truest Christmas gift. Prayer: Loving God, we are so very thankful for your love, compassion and patience! May we truly follow Jesus. Such a blessing should not go unanswered. May we so exact Jesus’ life that more will see that the promises you oer will gloriously be fullled! Amen. Rev. Rebecca Grogan

December 5 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the one who is rst over all creation,Because all things were created by him: both in the heavens and on the earth, the things that are visible and the things that are invisible. Whether they are thrones or powers, or rulers or authorities, all things were created through him and for him. He existed before all things, and all things are held together in him.He is the head of the body, the church,who is the beginning, the one who is rstborn from among the dead[b] so that he might occupy the rst place in everything.Because all the fullness of God was pleased to live in him, and he reconciled all things to himself through him— whether things on earth or in the heavens. He brought peace through the blood of his cross.” This is a song recorded in Colossians 1.15-20. It is also a creed. It’s called a creed because it proclaims what we believe about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Whether Paul wrote the song or someone else did and Paul recorded it, it is a beautiful poem of what the early Colossians believed about their faith and savior. Spend some time with this poem. Ask yourself questions. Give yourself answers. Dwell in the glorious love found in this poem and from the author. This is what we celebrate when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We celebrate God’s great love for humanity in the gift of Jesus. Here’s a question. Where would we be without Jesus? Here’s another. Where would we be if we all followed Jesus in our very being? Prayer: God of glory, we thank you for your gift of Jesus to the world. We ask that you help us to commit to greater practice of what you expect from us. May your kingdom come! Amen. Rev. Rebecca Grogan December 6 “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again, I say, ‘Rejoice!’” Philippians 4.4-8 Melinda Staneld has sung second soprano in our chancel choir since 1982, when she and husband Ed joined FUMC Plano on 18th Street (the same day as Jerry and Melody Wyatt). This is no surprise, as she had been in choir in high school in Tulsa, Oklahoma and then in college. Shortly after their move to Plano, the family visited several dierent churches before deciding on FUMC Plano. Knowing Melinda’s love of singing, Ed sat with all three of their sons in the sanctuary while Melinda sang in the choir. In 1997, I arrived for my rst appointment as clergy to FUMC Plano. As the choir processed in on Sundays then, if you looked closely, you might notice just a slight diculty in Melinda’s steps but the joy in her face and in her singing belied any concern. As time progressed, Melinda’s challenges increased enough that a visit to a specialist revealed Melinda was dealing with primary lateral sclerosis. When the church moved its physical location to its present site, it was 2002. Melinda continued to sing on Sundays, making her way with a cane, and eventually a walker. Her husband Ed was ever-present in a side pew closest to choir access, and Steve Ritchey kept a lookout and cleared the way for her. Melinda’s last Sunday in choir was Sunday, June 2023. These days, Melinda tunes in every Sunday from home to both services, and she sings along! Her love of music continues to bring her joy. She keeps up remarkably with what is happening at First Christ and with what is happening with the choir. Cindy Boateld faithfully sends her the choir’s joys and concerns, and the choir –and Pastor Matt–caroled to her and Ed this past Christmas. In my visits with her, I have found today’s scripture to be an unspoken mantra with Melinda. She cannot keep from singing! Rev. Judith Reedy

December 5 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the one who is rst over all creation,Because all things were created by him: both in the heavens and on the earth, the things that are visible and the things that are invisible. Whether they are thrones or powers, or rulers or authorities, all things were created through him and for him. He existed before all things, and all things are held together in him.He is the head of the body, the church,who is the beginning, the one who is rstborn from among the dead[b] so that he might occupy the rst place in everything.Because all the fullness of God was pleased to live in him, and he reconciled all things to himself through him— whether things on earth or in the heavens. He brought peace through the blood of his cross.” This is a song recorded in Colossians 1.15-20. It is also a creed. It’s called a creed because it proclaims what we believe about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Whether Paul wrote the song or someone else did and Paul recorded it, it is a beautiful poem of what the early Colossians believed about their faith and savior. Spend some time with this poem. Ask yourself questions. Give yourself answers. Dwell in the glorious love found in this poem and from the author. This is what we celebrate when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We celebrate God’s great love for humanity in the gift of Jesus. Here’s a question. Where would we be without Jesus? Here’s another. Where would we be if we all followed Jesus in our very being? Prayer: God of glory, we thank you for your gift of Jesus to the world. We ask that you help us to commit to greater practice of what you expect from us. May your kingdom come! Amen. Rev. Rebecca Grogan December 6 “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again, I say, ‘Rejoice!’” Philippians 4.4-8 Melinda Staneld has sung second soprano in our chancel choir since 1982, when she and husband Ed joined FUMC Plano on 18th Street (the same day as Jerry and Melody Wyatt). This is no surprise, as she had been in choir in high school in Tulsa, Oklahoma and then in college. Shortly after their move to Plano, the family visited several dierent churches before deciding on FUMC Plano. Knowing Melinda’s love of singing, Ed sat with all three of their sons in the sanctuary while Melinda sang in the choir. In 1997, I arrived for my rst appointment as clergy to FUMC Plano. As the choir processed in on Sundays then, if you looked closely, you might notice just a slight diculty in Melinda’s steps but the joy in her face and in her singing belied any concern. As time progressed, Melinda’s challenges increased enough that a visit to a specialist revealed Melinda was dealing with primary lateral sclerosis. When the church moved its physical location to its present site, it was 2002. Melinda continued to sing on Sundays, making her way with a cane, and eventually a walker. Her husband Ed was ever-present in a side pew closest to choir access, and Steve Ritchey kept a lookout and cleared the way for her. Melinda’s last Sunday in choir was Sunday, June 2023. These days, Melinda tunes in every Sunday from home to both services, and she sings along! Her love of music continues to bring her joy. She keeps up remarkably with what is happening at First Christ and with what is happening with the choir. Cindy Boateld faithfully sends her the choir’s joys and concerns, and the choir –and Pastor Matt–caroled to her and Ed this past Christmas. In my visits with her, I have found today’s scripture to be an unspoken mantra with Melinda. She cannot keep from singing! Rev. Judith Reedy

December 9 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the authority will be upon his shoulders: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9.6 While vacationing in Ft. Lauderdale, I spotted a beautiful bed of coleus outside the grocery store. I was amazed at how beautiful and perfect the coleus grew in this spot, so I snapped a photo. Magenta is often referred to as “the color that does not exist.” On the prism, magenta is absent from the spectrum. It’s because magenta is created by the combination of red and blue waves, and red and blue are on opposite ends of the color spectrum. In contrast, magenta’s complimentary color, green, is made up of blue and yellow waves which are both positioned in the middle of the color spectrum. I love that God created this color combination in nature. It reminds me of how people see God. Throughout my life, the nature of God has been like magenta to me. It was always hard for me to understand (see) how God can be the Father and the Son. The last several years I have been in an intentional search of truth. Isaiah 9.6 really helped me understand the nature of God. This scripture is more than the prophecy of Jesus’ birth, it’s proof Jesus is God manifest in the esh. It says HIS NAME will be called: the mighty GOD, the eternal FATHER, the PRINCE of Peace. What is that name, it’s Jesus. “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the esh, justied in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”I Timothy 3.16 It’s as easy to see as the color green. The mystery of godliness is no mystery. Jesus is all of it. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This important discovery has helped me see Jesus clearer, know Jesus better, and love Jesus more than ever before! Prayer: Dear Jesus, I love you! Thank You for being everything I need and want. Help me know you more everyday. In your most beautiful and precious name, Jesus, Amen. Nancy Bryan-Ellison

December 9 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the authority will be upon his shoulders: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9.6 While vacationing in Ft. Lauderdale, I spotted a beautiful bed of coleus outside the grocery store. I was amazed at how beautiful and perfect the coleus grew in this spot, so I snapped a photo. Magenta is often referred to as “the color that does not exist.” On the prism, magenta is absent from the spectrum. It’s because magenta is created by the combination of red and blue waves, and red and blue are on opposite ends of the color spectrum. In contrast, magenta’s complimentary color, green, is made up of blue and yellow waves which are both positioned in the middle of the color spectrum. I love that God created this color combination in nature. It reminds me of how people see God. Throughout my life, the nature of God has been like magenta to me. It was always hard for me to understand (see) how God can be the Father and the Son. The last several years I have been in an intentional search of truth. Isaiah 9.6 really helped me understand the nature of God. This scripture is more than the prophecy of Jesus’ birth, it’s proof Jesus is God manifest in the esh. It says HIS NAME will be called: the mighty GOD, the eternal FATHER, the PRINCE of Peace. What is that name, it’s Jesus. “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the esh, justied in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”I Timothy 3.16 It’s as easy to see as the color green. The mystery of godliness is no mystery. Jesus is all of it. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This important discovery has helped me see Jesus clearer, know Jesus better, and love Jesus more than ever before! Prayer: Dear Jesus, I love you! Thank You for being everything I need and want. Help me know you more everyday. In your most beautiful and precious name, Jesus, Amen. Nancy Bryan-Ellison

December 10 “When the LORD changed Zion’s circumstances for the better, it was like we had been dreaming. Our mouths were suddenly lled with laughter; our tongues were lled with joyful shouts. It was even said, at that time, among the nations, “’The LORD has done great things for them!’ Yes, the LORD has done great things for us, and we are overjoyed. Lord, change our circumstances for the better, like dry streams in the desert waste! Let those who plant with tears reap the harvest with joyful shouts. Let those who go out, crying and carrying their seek, come home with joyful shouts, carrying bales of grain!” Psalm 126 The Lectionary presents this Psalm 3 times for reading. In the CEB Study Bible it says, “While this pattern ts the post-exilic era, it also suggests that God’s people will always need to pray for restoration.” Well, duh. Don’t we know it! We are always using our self-will and not even considering God’s will. So, yes, we need to be restored, redeemed, forgiven always. That is why we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is the beginning of our salvation, and always our salvation through Jesus’ life and resurrection, and the promise of his return. We look with trepidation at all the changes that have happened in our country and the world. We have turned a page, and we don’t feel too comfortable with not knowing what will happen next. The Jews felt the same in returning to Judah after years of exile in a country with a dierent culture. Their temple is gone, and still life goes on. The Psalmist says, “Yes, the LORD has done great things for us, and we are overjoyed. Lord, change our circumstances for the better…...” Prayer: Lord, as we go through these days of uncertainty, help us to remember that your will is for our circumstances to be better. May we understand that that way is in following Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Rev. Rebecca Grogan December 11 “We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suering labor pains up until now. And it’s not only the creation. We ourselves who have the Spirit as the rst crop of the harvest also groan inside as we wait to be adopted and for our bodies to be set free. We were saved in hope. If we see what we hope for, that isn’t hope. Who hopes for what they already see? But if we hope for what we don’t see, we wait for it with patience.” Romans 8.22-25 Back in Romans 8.14-16, Paul tells us that we have all been adopted as children of God, and not slaves (people with choice). We have chosen to follow Christ and that gives us a hope in what we can’t see, the kingdom of God. Well, we can see a little in the community of the church, a fellowship of believers. What we really hope for is Jesus’ return and for God’s kingdom to be on earth as it is in heaven. All this isn’t possible without the birth of Christ who gave up his place in heaven to be born among us as one of us. Talk about loving salvation! God’s sacrice, freely given, of his Son for our redemption is amazing and worth every bit of celebration this time of year. This is our time to be grateful, to be content, to look for God’s will for our lives and our world. We were given dominion over the earth, and we haven’t been good managers of its health, or ours either. Take to heart what is “hoped for” and imagine! Prayer: God, help us in our imagination to hope for what is not seen. Give us courage, wisdom, and strength to live in to the Kingdom! Amen. Rev. Rebecca Grogan

December 10 “When the LORD changed Zion’s circumstances for the better, it was like we had been dreaming. Our mouths were suddenly lled with laughter; our tongues were lled with joyful shouts. It was even said, at that time, among the nations, “’The LORD has done great things for them!’ Yes, the LORD has done great things for us, and we are overjoyed. Lord, change our circumstances for the better, like dry streams in the desert waste! Let those who plant with tears reap the harvest with joyful shouts. Let those who go out, crying and carrying their seek, come home with joyful shouts, carrying bales of grain!” Psalm 126 The Lectionary presents this Psalm 3 times for reading. In the CEB Study Bible it says, “While this pattern ts the post-exilic era, it also suggests that God’s people will always need to pray for restoration.” Well, duh. Don’t we know it! We are always using our self-will and not even considering God’s will. So, yes, we need to be restored, redeemed, forgiven always. That is why we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is the beginning of our salvation, and always our salvation through Jesus’ life and resurrection, and the promise of his return. We look with trepidation at all the changes that have happened in our country and the world. We have turned a page, and we don’t feel too comfortable with not knowing what will happen next. The Jews felt the same in returning to Judah after years of exile in a country with a dierent culture. Their temple is gone, and still life goes on. The Psalmist says, “Yes, the LORD has done great things for us, and we are overjoyed. Lord, change our circumstances for the better…...” Prayer: Lord, as we go through these days of uncertainty, help us to remember that your will is for our circumstances to be better. May we understand that that way is in following Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Rev. Rebecca Grogan December 11 “We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suering labor pains up until now. And it’s not only the creation. We ourselves who have the Spirit as the rst crop of the harvest also groan inside as we wait to be adopted and for our bodies to be set free. We were saved in hope. If we see what we hope for, that isn’t hope. Who hopes for what they already see? But if we hope for what we don’t see, we wait for it with patience.” Romans 8.22-25 Back in Romans 8.14-16, Paul tells us that we have all been adopted as children of God, and not slaves (people with choice). We have chosen to follow Christ and that gives us a hope in what we can’t see, the kingdom of God. Well, we can see a little in the community of the church, a fellowship of believers. What we really hope for is Jesus’ return and for God’s kingdom to be on earth as it is in heaven. All this isn’t possible without the birth of Christ who gave up his place in heaven to be born among us as one of us. Talk about loving salvation! God’s sacrice, freely given, of his Son for our redemption is amazing and worth every bit of celebration this time of year. This is our time to be grateful, to be content, to look for God’s will for our lives and our world. We were given dominion over the earth, and we haven’t been good managers of its health, or ours either. Take to heart what is “hoped for” and imagine! Prayer: God, help us in our imagination to hope for what is not seen. Give us courage, wisdom, and strength to live in to the Kingdom! Amen. Rev. Rebecca Grogan

December 12 And Mary said:“My soul glories the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has lled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”Luke 1.46-55 This is what Mary sings after nding out from an angel that she was to bear a child who would be called the Son of the Most High. Mary was somewhere between the ages of 12-16 when the angel spoke to her. She shows a great amount of wisdom and excitement in what will happen to her. That’s extraordinary! She has something going for her that has to do with her trust of God; she knows her history. She knows that God speaks to people in many ways. We know this because of what she says about God’s work through the history of the Hebrews, now called Israelites. She is aware of what was promised to Abraham and his descendants … including her. Her song called the Magnicat, has been immortalized through song, opera, and lm. She feels blessed; she is not afraid. Prayer: O God, may we trust as Mary trusted in your works. Give us a hunger to follow and bless the earth. Amen. December 13 “When they reached Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you. He asked, ‘Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for someone else?’”Luke 7.20CEB I’m sure that when this scripture or story was told, everyone snickered and grinned at Jesus’ answer and reaction. Is it like someone asking you, as you prepare for a big event, if you were going to wash your hair? “Of course!” Read the whole story Luke 7.18-30. It’s a funny story just because Jesus had just returned from “healing diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and gave sight to many blind people.” So, yeah, He’s the one. Jesus arms the worth of everyone, but he is frustrated because the people who follow him, the crowds who gather to hear him, don’t seem to understand the call they are receiving. It’s not about hearing it and believing it; it’s about acting out what you believe. He refers to OT Scripture (Isaiah) to say to the people around him, “Look, I’m sending MY messenger before you, who will prepare you the way.” (emphasis mine). God’s messenger, our savior, take it seriously! Whoa, that’s tough! I don’t know if I can do that, you say. Well, the great thing about Jesus’ call to humanity is 1) if you get it wrong, you can try again; 2) we have our entire lives to work it out. Forgiveness is a prayer away. All it takes is asking for forgiveness. And while you’re at it, ask for some guidance and then look for it. Many people don’t believe God talks to them. They’re wrong. It can be from the mouth of a friend or an enemy. It can be in an experience, just pay attention. We are called to be dierent from cultural norms, or societal norms, we are called to imitate Christ. And it is such a big privilege! Prayer: God of humor, allow us to work at being like Christ and when we fail, we don’t quit, but get up and try again. We have you to show us the Way and the Holy Spirit to guide us. Thank you so much for your love and compassion. Amen. Rev. Rebecca Grogan

December 12 And Mary said:“My soul glories the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has lled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”Luke 1.46-55 This is what Mary sings after nding out from an angel that she was to bear a child who would be called the Son of the Most High. Mary was somewhere between the ages of 12-16 when the angel spoke to her. She shows a great amount of wisdom and excitement in what will happen to her. That’s extraordinary! She has something going for her that has to do with her trust of God; she knows her history. She knows that God speaks to people in many ways. We know this because of what she says about God’s work through the history of the Hebrews, now called Israelites. She is aware of what was promised to Abraham and his descendants … including her. Her song called the Magnicat, has been immortalized through song, opera, and lm. She feels blessed; she is not afraid. Prayer: O God, may we trust as Mary trusted in your works. Give us a hunger to follow and bless the earth. Amen. December 13 “When they reached Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you. He asked, ‘Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for someone else?’”Luke 7.20CEB I’m sure that when this scripture or story was told, everyone snickered and grinned at Jesus’ answer and reaction. Is it like someone asking you, as you prepare for a big event, if you were going to wash your hair? “Of course!” Read the whole story Luke 7.18-30. It’s a funny story just because Jesus had just returned from “healing diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and gave sight to many blind people.” So, yeah, He’s the one. Jesus arms the worth of everyone, but he is frustrated because the people who follow him, the crowds who gather to hear him, don’t seem to understand the call they are receiving. It’s not about hearing it and believing it; it’s about acting out what you believe. He refers to OT Scripture (Isaiah) to say to the people around him, “Look, I’m sending MY messenger before you, who will prepare you the way.” (emphasis mine). God’s messenger, our savior, take it seriously! Whoa, that’s tough! I don’t know if I can do that, you say. Well, the great thing about Jesus’ call to humanity is 1) if you get it wrong, you can try again; 2) we have our entire lives to work it out. Forgiveness is a prayer away. All it takes is asking for forgiveness. And while you’re at it, ask for some guidance and then look for it. Many people don’t believe God talks to them. They’re wrong. It can be from the mouth of a friend or an enemy. It can be in an experience, just pay attention. We are called to be dierent from cultural norms, or societal norms, we are called to imitate Christ. And it is such a big privilege! Prayer: God of humor, allow us to work at being like Christ and when we fail, we don’t quit, but get up and try again. We have you to show us the Way and the Holy Spirit to guide us. Thank you so much for your love and compassion. Amen. Rev. Rebecca Grogan

December 16 “She gave birth to her rstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom.”Luke 2.7 Christmas has always been one of my most favorite times of the year. I remember as a child how much I loved the decorations my mom would put up, the Christmas goodies she baked, and I loved the lights blinking in the hallway as I went to sleep. I love the busyness of December with the extra concerts and family get together and anticipating what might be under the tree for me on Christmas Eve! On Christmas Eve the children of our church would present a Christmas musical. The Jr. Choir was made up of 3rd-8th grade singers from our church. I’m guessing we had around 35 children. EVERYONE was involved. We sang in 2-part harmony, we were exceptional. One year I remember being super excited to present the musical because we were THAT good. A couple of days prior to Christmas Eve a big snowstorm hit our area of South Dakota rather suddenly. Two of my sisters were in town when it hit and managed to get to my aunt’s house. Because of the snow blowing they couldn’t drive to the farm where we lived. As Christmas Eve approached it was apparent that the weather was not going to cooperate for our Christmas Eve activities. Not only was the Christmas Eve service canceled, but we weren’t going to open presents until my sisters could get home. Not even Christmas goodies made me feel better. Often events in our lives don’t turn out as we anticipated. I’m sure when Mary thought about giving birth to Jesus, she pictured something a little more peaceful and less smelly than a stable. Traveling on a donkey probably wasn’t something she wanted to experience. Even so, there was joy beyond measure because of Jesus. Imagine the peace Mary felt as she held Jesus on her arms. Robin Anderson

December 16 “She gave birth to her rstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom.”Luke 2.7 Christmas has always been one of my most favorite times of the year. I remember as a child how much I loved the decorations my mom would put up, the Christmas goodies she baked, and I loved the lights blinking in the hallway as I went to sleep. I love the busyness of December with the extra concerts and family get together and anticipating what might be under the tree for me on Christmas Eve! On Christmas Eve the children of our church would present a Christmas musical. The Jr. Choir was made up of 3rd-8th grade singers from our church. I’m guessing we had around 35 children. EVERYONE was involved. We sang in 2-part harmony, we were exceptional. One year I remember being super excited to present the musical because we were THAT good. A couple of days prior to Christmas Eve a big snowstorm hit our area of South Dakota rather suddenly. Two of my sisters were in town when it hit and managed to get to my aunt’s house. Because of the snow blowing they couldn’t drive to the farm where we lived. As Christmas Eve approached it was apparent that the weather was not going to cooperate for our Christmas Eve activities. Not only was the Christmas Eve service canceled, but we weren’t going to open presents until my sisters could get home. Not even Christmas goodies made me feel better. Often events in our lives don’t turn out as we anticipated. I’m sure when Mary thought about giving birth to Jesus, she pictured something a little more peaceful and less smelly than a stable. Traveling on a donkey probably wasn’t something she wanted to experience. Even so, there was joy beyond measure because of Jesus. Imagine the peace Mary felt as she held Jesus on her arms. Robin Anderson

December 18 A – Anticipation, arrival D – Divine, declaration V – Virgin, virtuous E – Emmanuel, elation N – Night, near T – Together, therapeutic As I think about the advent season, I feel a sense of anticipation as we look forward to celebrating the arrival of Jesus. After a long season of turmoil and angst for many of us, I think many of us long for the arrival of our Savior. It all starts with a divine declaration by the angel Gabriel. The virtuous Virgin Mary is to be the mother of the Son of God, Jesus. Mary also longs for the arrival of her Savior, see Mary’s Song in Luke 1:47-55. 2000 and some years later, we have the advantage of hindsight and what wonderful news this is to our ears! The arrival of the angel is cause for great rejoicing, praise, and thanksgiving instead of uncertainty! Gabriel’s announcement, see Matthew 1:23, that Emmanuel, God is with us, brings us the same sigh of relief and sense of elation as we hear the good news that God is near to us! As the night of Jesus’s birth draws near, I look forward to celebrating with my church family the birth of our Savior. I look forward to being together with loved ones and feeling that sense of therapeutic closeness not only to God, but to each of you as well. If you want to challenge yourself this advent season, I invite you to do as I have done above. Write down vertically the word ADVENT. Next to each letter, try to think of a word or two that you would associate with the advent season that starts with that letter. Here’s a hint, a thesaurus is helpful. I hope you will share your advent creation with others and help share the good news of the coming Christ child this season. Tim Hopson December 17 “Look, I am sending my messenger who will clear the path before me; suddenly the LORD whom you are seeking will come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you take delight is coming, says the Lord of heavenly forces. Who can endure the day of his coming? Who can withstand his appearance? He is like the rener’s re or the cleaner’s soap. He will sit as a rener and a purier of silver……. I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against the sorcerers, the adulterers, those swearing falsely, against those who cheat the day laborers out of their wages as well as oppress the widow and the orphan, and against those who brush aside the foreigner and do not revere me, says the Lord of heavenly forces. I am the LORD, and I do not change; And you, children of Jacob, have not perished.” An Oracle of Malachi 3.1-3, 5-6 This oracle came to Malachi as the Jews were returning to Judah. Although under Persian rule, King Darius gave the Jews permission to return and rebuild their temple. It was dark times for the Jews and discouragement reigned as the people questioned whether God still loved them. Malachi assures them that God has not changed, but he challenges them to change their ways! This story is timeless! We too, need to remember the greatest commandment, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your beings, and with all your mind. This is the rst and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.” Matt. 22.37-40 Prayer: God’s steadfast love endures forever! Hallelujah!!! Rev. Rebecca Grogan

December 18 A – Anticipation, arrival D – Divine, declaration V – Virgin, virtuous E – Emmanuel, elation N – Night, near T – Together, therapeutic As I think about the advent season, I feel a sense of anticipation as we look forward to celebrating the arrival of Jesus. After a long season of turmoil and angst for many of us, I think many of us long for the arrival of our Savior. It all starts with a divine declaration by the angel Gabriel. The virtuous Virgin Mary is to be the mother of the Son of God, Jesus. Mary also longs for the arrival of her Savior, see Mary’s Song in Luke 1:47-55. 2000 and some years later, we have the advantage of hindsight and what wonderful news this is to our ears! The arrival of the angel is cause for great rejoicing, praise, and thanksgiving instead of uncertainty! Gabriel’s announcement, see Matthew 1:23, that Emmanuel, God is with us, brings us the same sigh of relief and sense of elation as we hear the good news that God is near to us! As the night of Jesus’s birth draws near, I look forward to celebrating with my church family the birth of our Savior. I look forward to being together with loved ones and feeling that sense of therapeutic closeness not only to God, but to each of you as well. If you want to challenge yourself this advent season, I invite you to do as I have done above. Write down vertically the word ADVENT. Next to each letter, try to think of a word or two that you would associate with the advent season that starts with that letter. Here’s a hint, a thesaurus is helpful. I hope you will share your advent creation with others and help share the good news of the coming Christ child this season. Tim Hopson December 17 “Look, I am sending my messenger who will clear the path before me; suddenly the LORD whom you are seeking will come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you take delight is coming, says the Lord of heavenly forces. Who can endure the day of his coming? Who can withstand his appearance? He is like the rener’s re or the cleaner’s soap. He will sit as a rener and a purier of silver……. I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against the sorcerers, the adulterers, those swearing falsely, against those who cheat the day laborers out of their wages as well as oppress the widow and the orphan, and against those who brush aside the foreigner and do not revere me, says the Lord of heavenly forces. I am the LORD, and I do not change; And you, children of Jacob, have not perished.” An Oracle of Malachi 3.1-3, 5-6 This oracle came to Malachi as the Jews were returning to Judah. Although under Persian rule, King Darius gave the Jews permission to return and rebuild their temple. It was dark times for the Jews and discouragement reigned as the people questioned whether God still loved them. Malachi assures them that God has not changed, but he challenges them to change their ways! This story is timeless! We too, need to remember the greatest commandment, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your beings, and with all your mind. This is the rst and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.” Matt. 22.37-40 Prayer: God’s steadfast love endures forever! Hallelujah!!! Rev. Rebecca Grogan

December 20 “Now why do you cry out so loudly? Isn’t the king in you? Or has your counselor perished, so that pain has seized you like that of a woman in labor? Writhe and scream, Daughter Zion, like a woman in labor! Now you will leave the city and dwell in the open eld, you will go to Babylon. There you will be rescued; there the LORD will redeem you from the power of your enemies. Now many nations may gather against you; they say, “’Let her be deled,’ or ‘Let our eyes look with desire at Zion.’ But they don’t know the plans of the LORD; they can’t understand his scheme, namely, that he will bring them like grain to the threshing oor! Arise and thresh, Daughter Zion, for I will make your horn out of iron; your hooves I will make out of bronze. You will crush many peoples; you will dedicate their ill-gotten gains to the LORD, their wealth to the LORD of all the earth.” Micah4.9-13 This is the vision of how the Old Testament prophets saw the destiny of Israel and the power of God. Although things are bad as Micah prophesies these verses, they know that God’s plan thwart all human plans and powers. They saw Israel as God promised to Abraham, that they would be as sand on the beach and stars in the sky and the love of God would bless all the people of the world. Little does Micah know that it wouldn’t be horns of iron or hooves of bronze that would defeat the power and principalities, but a baby born of a virgin, the son of God. Who would turn the world upside down with the gospel of God’s love and forgiveness. Thanks be to God! Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for your everlasting love. May we learn to love as you love and we saw through your Son, Jesus our Christ! Amen. Rev. Rebecca Grogan December 19 “The time is coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. It won’t be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant with me even though I was their husband, declared the LORD. No, this covenant that I will make with the people of Israel after that time, I will put my instructions within them and engrave them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Jeremiah 31.31-33 You know what I mean. Yeah, we all do. That feeling when you start a new job, or start school, or anything new. You are alone. Everyone is a stranger, and they are comfortable, and you are not. I felt that way in July. Don’t get me wrong. Everyone was super nice and helpful. But I didn’t yet speak the language. I wonder if God felt the same way. God gave them laws, he redeemed them over and over when they went astray and got in trouble, yet they weren’t speaking the language. They were missing the overall picture. Fortunately, time becomes your friend, and you know that the day will come when you understand and speak the language. Jeremiah is letting the Israelites know that God isn’t nished with them. He will bring one who can help them take what they believe and instead of following laws and monitoring everyone else, they will know in their hearts the language of God AND ACT UPON IT EVERY DAY. Jesus wasn’t born or didn’t die so that we could go to church every Sunday and feel good about ourselves. No, God wants us to feel good about ourselves because we hear God’s call, it’s on our hearts, Love God and Love Your Neighbor. Prayer: O God, help us to carry what we know in our hearts to fruition in our way of living and being. Amen. Rev. Rebecca Grogan

December 20 “Now why do you cry out so loudly? Isn’t the king in you? Or has your counselor perished, so that pain has seized you like that of a woman in labor? Writhe and scream, Daughter Zion, like a woman in labor! Now you will leave the city and dwell in the open eld, you will go to Babylon. There you will be rescued; there the LORD will redeem you from the power of your enemies. Now many nations may gather against you; they say, “’Let her be deled,’ or ‘Let our eyes look with desire at Zion.’ But they don’t know the plans of the LORD; they can’t understand his scheme, namely, that he will bring them like grain to the threshing oor! Arise and thresh, Daughter Zion, for I will make your horn out of iron; your hooves I will make out of bronze. You will crush many peoples; you will dedicate their ill-gotten gains to the LORD, their wealth to the LORD of all the earth.” Micah4.9-13 This is the vision of how the Old Testament prophets saw the destiny of Israel and the power of God. Although things are bad as Micah prophesies these verses, they know that God’s plan thwart all human plans and powers. They saw Israel as God promised to Abraham, that they would be as sand on the beach and stars in the sky and the love of God would bless all the people of the world. Little does Micah know that it wouldn’t be horns of iron or hooves of bronze that would defeat the power and principalities, but a baby born of a virgin, the son of God. Who would turn the world upside down with the gospel of God’s love and forgiveness. Thanks be to God! Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for your everlasting love. May we learn to love as you love and we saw through your Son, Jesus our Christ! Amen. Rev. Rebecca Grogan December 19 “The time is coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. It won’t be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant with me even though I was their husband, declared the LORD. No, this covenant that I will make with the people of Israel after that time, I will put my instructions within them and engrave them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Jeremiah 31.31-33 You know what I mean. Yeah, we all do. That feeling when you start a new job, or start school, or anything new. You are alone. Everyone is a stranger, and they are comfortable, and you are not. I felt that way in July. Don’t get me wrong. Everyone was super nice and helpful. But I didn’t yet speak the language. I wonder if God felt the same way. God gave them laws, he redeemed them over and over when they went astray and got in trouble, yet they weren’t speaking the language. They were missing the overall picture. Fortunately, time becomes your friend, and you know that the day will come when you understand and speak the language. Jeremiah is letting the Israelites know that God isn’t nished with them. He will bring one who can help them take what they believe and instead of following laws and monitoring everyone else, they will know in their hearts the language of God AND ACT UPON IT EVERY DAY. Jesus wasn’t born or didn’t die so that we could go to church every Sunday and feel good about ourselves. No, God wants us to feel good about ourselves because we hear God’s call, it’s on our hearts, Love God and Love Your Neighbor. Prayer: O God, help us to carry what we know in our hearts to fruition in our way of living and being. Amen. Rev. Rebecca Grogan

December 23 All this took place to fulll what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”Matthew 1:22-23 NRSVIn the rst chapter of Matthew, we learn that Mary and Joseph did not have to worry about looking for their baby’s name. Rather, the name was given to them. Have you thought about what it meant to Mary and Joseph not giving the name to their rst child?Mary and Joseph were Jews, Hebrews in their heritage. This means that names were more than a word in their culture. The understanding of the Hebrew concept around names was one in which a name expressed essence. The name described the person’s character, destiny or hope. As you see, letting other people naming your child was a big deal.Now that you know how important names were in the Hebrew culture, let me go back to the previous question. What did it mean to Mary and Joseph not giving the name to their rst child? More importantly, what did it mean to them when they knew the meaning of their child’s name?Oh, blessed be the name of the Lord! It is in his name, Emmanuel, that you and I know his essence, character and why he came to the world. Jesus Christ is God. Jesus Christ is God with us. Jesus Christ is God’s promise to be with us until the end of the age. It is through his name that we are reminded we are not alone. Emmanuel is with us and that is a reason to rejoice in this season. Sing, rejoice, Emmanuel has come!O come, O come, ImmanuelO come, O come, Immanuel,and ransom captive Israelthat mourns in lonely exile hereuntil the Son of God appear.Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuelshall come to you, O Israel. * United Methodist Hymn #211Prayer: Precious God, as we continue with our life journey and we face times of loneliness and emotional isolation help us experience the meaning of your name. We know you are God with us. We pray to embrace your essence of your name now and forever. Amen. REFLECT: Think about this scripture and the name Emmanuel. What does your name mean? Do you know how you received your name? Which of your many names matters to you the most? Why?FAMILY FOCUS: Grab a blank piece of paper for each family member and write their name, big, in the middle. Underneath, look up and write down the meaning of each name. What are the best parts about being you? Decorate the rest of your page with words and pictures that describe who you are. Let your family members help you with ideas! Names are precious and God named each of us “Child of God.” As you go about your week, practice saying people’s names kindly and remember that they are children of God, too! Liliana Peña

December 23 All this took place to fulll what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”Matthew 1:22-23 NRSVIn the rst chapter of Matthew, we learn that Mary and Joseph did not have to worry about looking for their baby’s name. Rather, the name was given to them. Have you thought about what it meant to Mary and Joseph not giving the name to their rst child?Mary and Joseph were Jews, Hebrews in their heritage. This means that names were more than a word in their culture. The understanding of the Hebrew concept around names was one in which a name expressed essence. The name described the person’s character, destiny or hope. As you see, letting other people naming your child was a big deal.Now that you know how important names were in the Hebrew culture, let me go back to the previous question. What did it mean to Mary and Joseph not giving the name to their rst child? More importantly, what did it mean to them when they knew the meaning of their child’s name?Oh, blessed be the name of the Lord! It is in his name, Emmanuel, that you and I know his essence, character and why he came to the world. Jesus Christ is God. Jesus Christ is God with us. Jesus Christ is God’s promise to be with us until the end of the age. It is through his name that we are reminded we are not alone. Emmanuel is with us and that is a reason to rejoice in this season. Sing, rejoice, Emmanuel has come!O come, O come, ImmanuelO come, O come, Immanuel,and ransom captive Israelthat mourns in lonely exile hereuntil the Son of God appear.Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuelshall come to you, O Israel. * United Methodist Hymn #211Prayer: Precious God, as we continue with our life journey and we face times of loneliness and emotional isolation help us experience the meaning of your name. We know you are God with us. We pray to embrace your essence of your name now and forever. Amen. REFLECT: Think about this scripture and the name Emmanuel. What does your name mean? Do you know how you received your name? Which of your many names matters to you the most? Why?FAMILY FOCUS: Grab a blank piece of paper for each family member and write their name, big, in the middle. Underneath, look up and write down the meaning of each name. What are the best parts about being you? Decorate the rest of your page with words and pictures that describe who you are. Let your family members help you with ideas! Names are precious and God named each of us “Child of God.” As you go about your week, practice saying people’s names kindly and remember that they are children of God, too! Liliana Peña

December 24 “They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully.” Luke 2.16-19 You bet Mary committed this day to memory! We all at the birth of our children commit the events to their memory! I’m just glad the shepherds didn’t get there any sooner! I went to get a haircut and one of the women who works at the hair salon had just had a baby, in fact, she wasn’t back to work yet. But the other women were relaying her story. It seems her husband fainted at some point during the birth and wiped out the whole room in his fall. Now, that’s funny. Especially if you’re a woman, going through birth, to have your spouse faint is ironic! I always think of Mary as being rather wise for her age, because she doesn’t interfere with the gloriousness of the moment when the shepherds talked about the angel’s message. Of course, Mary and Joseph have their own angel stories. Maybe they share stories like you do when someone gives birth. What followed at the hair salon were stories that all the women, stylists and customers shared about their own births. All births are special. And Mary presented the wisdom to take it all in and keep it close to her heart. This woman raised the Son of God and did it well. Then she followed him to the ministry. She displays an extraordinary trust in God as she witnesses what she was told as a young woman, about what her son would do. We all should have such trust in God and what we know about God’s love and compassion for humanity. Prayer: O God, may we all grow in wisdom to match that of Mary. May we trust that you have this world’s interests and allow us to know what you want from us. Amen. Rev. Rebecca Grogan December 25 “The child grew and became strong, lled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.” Luke 2:40 Too often the Christmas season has this eect on me: tremendous and energetic build-up that starts before Halloween and comes to a screeching halt some time Christmas morning after the last present has been opened and wrapping paper covers the oor around us. There is a sense of great letdown as I ask myself, “Now what?” while picking up my pile of goodies to put away, clean up the trash, and gure out what I will do with the rest of Christmas day beyond the Christmas meal. There is a sense of bewilderment and lost direction. I think there was little of that on Joseph and Mary’s rst Christmas morning. According to the Jewish law, there was preparation to be made; they had a road trip ahead of them. They needed to get their new son to the Temple in Jerusalem for the rite of circumcision and purication/dedication. Read Luke 2 and you discover that this was not only a big trip but also an experience that amazed his parents. People around them in the Temple are moved mightily by this child and he is barely a week old; his ministry won’t start for another 30 years! And in the meantime, right after that rst Christmas? Jesus is taken home where he grows, becomes strong, and is lled with wisdom and the God’s love . . . not a bad protocol after Christmas. What if we looked at Christmas day dierently? What if instead of it being the end of the “Christmas season,” it becomes for us the beginning? That’s what it is in the tradition of the Church: a “season” that lasts 12 days and includes the arrival of the magi to discover the Christ as the beginning of a whole new epoch in human history. What if instead of wallowing in feeling “drained” by the Christmas season, we saw it as opportunity to grow strong in the wisdom and grace of God? What if we used Christmas morning and those days of Christmas to be our runway for taking o in the new year and new, Christ-led, God-centered practices that strengthen us in mind and spirit, even before we make that resolution to get that gym membership – again? May Christ and his parents be our guide. Prayer: O Lord, forgive me when I think of Christmas as an ending rather than a beginning. Send your Spirit upon me today that I may run and not be weary, walk and not be faint, and grow in grace and wisdom in this new season and all next year. Amen. Rev. Matt Gaston

December 24 “They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully.” Luke 2.16-19 You bet Mary committed this day to memory! We all at the birth of our children commit the events to their memory! I’m just glad the shepherds didn’t get there any sooner! I went to get a haircut and one of the women who works at the hair salon had just had a baby, in fact, she wasn’t back to work yet. But the other women were relaying her story. It seems her husband fainted at some point during the birth and wiped out the whole room in his fall. Now, that’s funny. Especially if you’re a woman, going through birth, to have your spouse faint is ironic! I always think of Mary as being rather wise for her age, because she doesn’t interfere with the gloriousness of the moment when the shepherds talked about the angel’s message. Of course, Mary and Joseph have their own angel stories. Maybe they share stories like you do when someone gives birth. What followed at the hair salon were stories that all the women, stylists and customers shared about their own births. All births are special. And Mary presented the wisdom to take it all in and keep it close to her heart. This woman raised the Son of God and did it well. Then she followed him to the ministry. She displays an extraordinary trust in God as she witnesses what she was told as a young woman, about what her son would do. We all should have such trust in God and what we know about God’s love and compassion for humanity. Prayer: O God, may we all grow in wisdom to match that of Mary. May we trust that you have this world’s interests and allow us to know what you want from us. Amen. Rev. Rebecca Grogan December 25 “The child grew and became strong, lled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.” Luke 2:40 Too often the Christmas season has this eect on me: tremendous and energetic build-up that starts before Halloween and comes to a screeching halt some time Christmas morning after the last present has been opened and wrapping paper covers the oor around us. There is a sense of great letdown as I ask myself, “Now what?” while picking up my pile of goodies to put away, clean up the trash, and gure out what I will do with the rest of Christmas day beyond the Christmas meal. There is a sense of bewilderment and lost direction. I think there was little of that on Joseph and Mary’s rst Christmas morning. According to the Jewish law, there was preparation to be made; they had a road trip ahead of them. They needed to get their new son to the Temple in Jerusalem for the rite of circumcision and purication/dedication. Read Luke 2 and you discover that this was not only a big trip but also an experience that amazed his parents. People around them in the Temple are moved mightily by this child and he is barely a week old; his ministry won’t start for another 30 years! And in the meantime, right after that rst Christmas? Jesus is taken home where he grows, becomes strong, and is lled with wisdom and the God’s love . . . not a bad protocol after Christmas. What if we looked at Christmas day dierently? What if instead of it being the end of the “Christmas season,” it becomes for us the beginning? That’s what it is in the tradition of the Church: a “season” that lasts 12 days and includes the arrival of the magi to discover the Christ as the beginning of a whole new epoch in human history. What if instead of wallowing in feeling “drained” by the Christmas season, we saw it as opportunity to grow strong in the wisdom and grace of God? What if we used Christmas morning and those days of Christmas to be our runway for taking o in the new year and new, Christ-led, God-centered practices that strengthen us in mind and spirit, even before we make that resolution to get that gym membership – again? May Christ and his parents be our guide. Prayer: O Lord, forgive me when I think of Christmas as an ending rather than a beginning. Send your Spirit upon me today that I may run and not be weary, walk and not be faint, and grow in grace and wisdom in this new season and all next year. Amen. Rev. Matt Gaston