Advent 2023 Devotional Booklet : simplebooklet.com

Advent 2023 Making Room From Your Editors: Your editors have been blessed this season with an abundance of Advent devotional contributions from our pastors and members across the nation. Thank you all for writing! If you don’t find your entry here, rest assured, we’ve saved it for future use. This booklet contains many insightful, thoughtful, and touching entries. We earnestly pray that it is a blessing to all of our readers in the NACCC and beyond. Do you have a devotional thought that would bless other Christ-followers of the Congregational Way? This is your invitation to contribute to our devotional series. Themes will be announced in the Lent 2024 booklet. The email addresses for submission are listed on the last page of this booklet. Letting God’s Spirit work through your writing, you will be offering fellow Congregationalists a beginning for their morning devotions in these holy seasons. Your editors have intentionally left the writers’ theological and spiritual expressions intact, editing only for grammar, clarity, spelling, and punctuation. We sincerely respect the breadth and depth of theological understanding embraced within the NACCC and are honored to reflect that variety in this devotional booklet. Blessings to all our readers in this season of preparation and, once again, thank you to our writers. Your co-editors, Casey vanderBent Carol Taylor Terry Bobzien

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First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2023 Holy, Holy, Holy “And one cried unto another, and said, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.’” - Isaiah 6:3 (KJV) Reginald Heber wrote 57 hymns that were published posthumously by his wife in 1826. One of these hymns is the favorite: “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” The verse I included from Isaiah indicates they, “cried unto another” and indeed, the use of the exclamation points in Heber’s written hymn indicates that we should sing it as a cry. Usually, this hymn is attributed to Revelation 4:6-11, and that is worth reading to get the idea of the setting Heber probably considered when writing this hymn. This hymn is considered to be a great hymn expressing the blessed Trinity, and it does very well, “God in three Persons, Blessed Trinity.” I like to imagine Heber writing this hymn along with the 56 others that were included in the hymn book he did not live to see published. These hymns were all written when he was a rector at a small church in Hodnet, England from 1807-1823. Indeed, all the writing was done when he was just an average pastor, in a small town. He did not hold delusions of grandeur for his great hymns. However, a hymn like “Holy, Holy, Holy!” does wield power. His work at the church in Hodnet has been described as a position halfway between a parson and a squire. He made time to write hymns that have been used to express, in the most beautiful poetry, his understanding of Jesus Christ. It is important to recognize the legions of saints who took time to express their understanding and to hand it down to us, centuries later. Dear Lord, thank you for all the saints, especially those who have left something that reveals the understanding in their hearts for Jesus. Help me to continue making room in my heart for Jesus and to continue growing my faith and understanding of the greatness of Thee. Dr. Lisa Bircher Grace Church, Columbiana, OH lbircher69@gmail.com Monday, December 4, 2023 Sacred Time and Sacred Space “…God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’” - Exodus 3:4b-5 (NRSVUE) In biblical times, Jews had a strong sense of both sacred time (sabbath) and sacred space. God’s voice from the burning bush told Moses that the ground on which he was standing was holy. Later, under Moses’s leadership, the people built a tabernacle—a reasonably portable edifice devoted to the worship of the Lord. Centuries later, a non-portable temple was constructed in Jerusalem. Today, we have sanctuaries and chapels, prayer gardens and labyrinths, monuments and reflecting pools. While most of us believe that God is everywhere—theologians would say “omnipresent”—many of us still find spending time in special spaces to be a helpful part of our spirituality. One member of my church has a room in her house that she uses exclusively for her morning devotional time, the room with a window that features the home’s most scenic and sunlit vista. In contrast, I live in a small apartment with no southern exposure. It’s impractical for me to have a physical space in my home dedicated solely to prayer. But that only makes it more important for me to make room, or find room, for spiritual practices—yes, physical room, but also room in my calendar and room amid my daily routines. In our culture today, with its twin norms of excessive business and excessive drivenness, I think we would do well to rediscover at least some of the reverence for sacred time and sacred space exhibited by our biblical forebearers. The inn was full back then, O God, and so are our lives today. Guide us to find sacred time and sacred space, even if it’s in a stable under the stars. In the name of the Christ-child, we pray. Amen. Rev. Rob Fredrickson, Associate Minister Ozaukee Congregational Church Grafton, WI rcf474@gmail.com

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Tuesday, December 5, 2023 We Don’t Have Room For It “And she added, ‘We have plenty of straw and fodder, as well as room for you to spend the night.’” – Genesis 24:25 (NIV) Sometimes we don’t have room, but we decide we just have to make room. A number of years ago, I met my cousin and his family for a camping adventure in Brown County Indiana. I had a 17-foot travel trailer with 5 people in it. My cousin and his 4 children were staying in a tent. During the night we experienced a large thunderstorm that rolled through the area. I yelled for my cousin and his family to get inside my camper. As we attempted to sit out the storm we realized it was not going to end soon. So we made makeshift beds and squeezed kids into tight spaces and made room for 11 people to sleep in a 17-foot camper. It was cramped, but we made room! Many people feel like they don’t have room for Jesus in their hearts. They are already full of frustration, dreams, plans, fears, and stress. They keep turning away from the TRUTH! I have been there! When God called me at a young age to ministry, I just didn’t have room for that in my life. I spent a lot of time convincing myself that God was mistaken about my ability. Finally one day, I realized I had so many things in my life, I needed to make room for Christ to do what He wants in my life. What a great decision it was to make room for Christ. You can still make room for Christ in your life if you haven’t already! Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that you didn’t give up on me. I am also thankful that one day I decided to make room for you in my life. You have made such a difference and I just want to thank You and praise You. Amen. Pastor Eric Hickman First Congregational Church Hudson, MI hickmaneric61@gmail.com Wednesday, December 6, 2023 Make Room in the Shelter “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going.” - Hebrews 11:8 (NRSV) The corporation that I work for provides annual training regarding employee safety in the workplace. One topic dealt with severe weather. It directs employees to go to specific shelter areas when severe weather hits, and when you arrive, to make room for others as people file into the area. This image stuck with me after I watched the training video recently. Creating a space for others to share our lives is important. Moving into the space that God has prepared for us is critical to our faith journey. Our faith enables us to walk forward and make room in our lives for Divine Presence. Hebrews 11 tells of many people who made room for God to be present to them and show them the way. Abraham obeyed, even though he didn’t know the destination. He just moved forward. Others mentioned in Hebrews 11 all marched forward in their own way to make room for their God: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Moses, and more. This Scripture reminds us that “By faith, the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned.” (Hebrews 11:29-NRSV). We can get through our Red Seas of struggles if only we make wide the path and let God in. In clearing our minds and meditating on Scripture, we immerse ourselves in God’s word and make room for the Holy Spirit. Loving, Moving God: Take us by the hand during this Advent season and lead us. Move us closer to You and Your plan for us. Help us to move what needs to be moved to make room for Your plans. In Jesus Name, Amen. Nancy Hayes (Lay Ministry Training Program student – Cohort A) First Congregational Church Royal Oak, MI njhayes7019@gmail.com

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Thursday, December 7, 2023 Making Room “And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them.” - Luke 2:7 (NIV) I like the stable owner. Bethlehem was overwhelmed with travelers, yet he made room for Mary and Joseph and their baby. It wasn’t much, but it was a roof over their heads. I am sure Mary and Joseph were pleased. The stable owner’s challenge is our challenge; to make room for Jesus in this overwhelming season with too many things to do, too many places to go, and too many people to see. Like him, we can make room for Jesus: When we live Faith: These days are filled with mind-boggling distractions, but we remember that the decorations, the music, and all the activity point to something more. We can openly express that Jesus’s birth is what we really celebrate. When we practice Hope: There is so much around us that is going wrong, that could go wrong, and probably will go wrong. We can radiate that Jesus is the Lord of life and has the final word. Be joyful, for the Lord has come. When we give Love: We are in contact with so many people: clerks, mail carriers, delivery people of all sorts, restaurant workers, co-workers and colleagues, and all the other people we meet along the way. Offer a kind word, a helping hand, a smile. Be kind to all. When we bring Peace: We will meet people with nerves grated, feelings hurt, and tempers short. Others will have just gotten up on the wrong side of the bed. With soothing words, understanding, grace, and forgiveness, be a peacemaker for the Prince of Peace. This bustling season is hectic, but it is filled with opportunities to make room for Jesus. Precious Lord, I open myself to let you live in and through me. Amen. Dr. Randall Hase (Retired) Stuart Congregational Church Stuart, FL randlhase@gmail.com Friday, December 8, 2023 Heart Health “But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.” - John 1:12-13 (NIV) The word “heart” can have different meanings. One is the physical organ that circulates our blood. Another is the spiritual reality of what we love, yearn for, and “have a heart for.” Jesus taught us to have a heart first for God and then for our neighbor as we do ourselves. Like a million or so other Americans, I depend every second of my life on a pacemaker to monitor and regulate my physical heart. My natural heart does not work the way it should. A pacemaker is a small electronic device implanted in the chest that corrects my heart’s beats when they are out of whack, setting them back on pace -- literally saving my life. Scripture teaches us that our spiritual hearts are just as likely to get out of whack as our physical hearts. Our desires, priorities, and devotion easily deviate from true love of God, neighbor, and our best self. We get caught up in “things of the flesh” and “things of this world.” The result is the destructive and self-destructive behavior that is so prevalent in individuals and society. The good news is that assistance is available for sick spiritual hearts as well as for the physical. A spiritual heart corrector can be implanted, the heart of Christ, to reorder and reorient our natural loves, desires, and inclinations, guiding us toward becoming the children of God we are intended to be. Our natural hearts will still be prone to going astray, but now there will be a powerful regulator to correct and reorient them. As I look forward to Christ’s birth this Christmas, I will therefore give thanks not only for my physical pacemaker but also for the soul pacing coming from God’s light within. Rev. Dr. Arlin Larson Searsport Congregational Church Searsport, ME

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Saturday, December 9, 2023 Leave the Light On “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” - John 8:12 (NIV) I remember going to Homecoming with a member of our youth group. After the dance, she wasn’t expected home right away, and the stars were beautiful, so we decided to park the car at my house, and walk in our neighborhood which didn’t have streetlights. So we pulled up to my house, and all the outside lights were on! I was a little irritated with all the lights (was this really necessary?), so I quickly ran inside to turn them off (I mean, really…I was 18 after all), and there was my dad waiting up for me. Many of us approach God like that: busy out in the world, having a good time, checking in occasionally…and we are surprised to see that God has left the light on for us. We are adults, quite good at managing our affairs, and maybe we are not always so keen for God to know everything we’ve been doing. I realize now that my Dad left the light on and waited up for me because he loved me and that’s just who he is. In a sense, God is always waiting up for us, hoping the light of Christ and Christmas will help us find our way home. But Jesus didn’t come to just leave the light on for us, because Jesus is how God headed out into the storm with a light! How amazing to think of Christmas as God coming to search for us! Even more amazing is that once Jesus, the Light of the World, has found us in the storm, the Light of His Love begins to shine in us. Jesus enables us to carry the light of His love into the stormy world, searching for others. Lord, help us to welcome the light You have left on for us. Amen. Rev. Doug Gray First Congregational Church Salt Lake City, UT Dgray1620@gmail.com Second Sunday of Advent, December 10, 2023 Many Mansions “In my Father’s house are many rooms.” - John 14:2a (ESV) Of course, the old translation has “many mansions.” But the newer versions are correct. In our present-day English, it is more accurate to speak of “rooms” or “dwelling places.” The image of the Father’s house with many rooms became clearer to me when someone explained that Jesus apparently had in mind an Old Testament patriarch’s tent in the wilderness. As the family expanded, new rooms were added to the tent. There was no limit. German mathematician David Hilbert, in 1924, introduced his hypothetical hotel, ever afterward known as “Hilbert’s Hotel.” The fictional hotel had an infinite number of rooms. It could be filled up so that there would be an occupant in every room. And yet, since it had an infinite number of rooms, there was always room for one more. Our Father’s house is like that. It is infinitely big. It could become full, and it will become full. But as long as the world lasts, there is always room for one more. I said it was like Hilbert’s Hotel—but with a difference. Its dimensions are infinite, but it is not hypothetical. And in front of each doorway, there is a welcome mat for each one of us. Now we commemorate Jesus’s first Advent. At the same time, we anticipate His second Advent, when we will step across that welcome mat. Father God, we look forward to staying eternally in Your infinite house. Remind us to invite others to come and be there with us. In Jesus’s Name, Amen. Rev. Dr. Robert Hellam, Pastor Church of the Oaks Del Rey Oaks, CA bchellam@pacbell.net

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Monday, December 11, 2023 Space for More "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it." - Hebrews 13:2 (NRSV) In 1832, the missionaries Rev. David Belden Lyman and Sarah Joiner Lyman arrived in Hilo on Hawai'i Island after being married for 24 days and being on board a ship for a journey that took six months. When they arrived in Hilo, they established the Hilo Boarding School, an educational institution for young Hawaiian men. The school became their life's work. They also built a house there for themselves, which still stands today as the oldest standing wooden structure on the whole of Hawai'i Island and one of the oldest overall in the state, constructed in a New England style. It had to be disorienting for the Lymans, as well as others who set off to do the Lord's work in various ways far from one's original home, in a place of a different language and culture. The Lymans knew early on that this would be where they would spend their lives, as the difficulty of travel was too great. Recognizing this, they created their home not only for themselves and their seven children but planning to host many guests. Not only was there a designated guest room on the second floor of the house, but on the most upper level, there was space established for even more to lodge, should the need arise. They indeed hosted many missionaries and others who found themselves in need of shelter and sustenance, and even some well-known visitors, including Hawai'ian royalty (ali'i), Mark Twain, and Isabella Bird. The Lymans made room. That is something that we think about during Advent and Christmas--making room for Jesus. However, it is really what we are called to do as Christians throughout the ye ar. How do we make room for those who are in need of sanctuary, of shelter? Our witness and our church's witness direct us to always have a place ready for those who seek refuge and safety from the struggles of life. Lord, who has invited us into the kingdom, when we make room for others, we are welcoming you, as well. Allow us to expand our own sacred space so that we can provide this for those most vulnerable. Amen. Rev. D r. Charles A. Packer, Senior Minister Pine Hill Congregational Church West Bloomfield, MI drcapacker@gmail.com Tuesday, December 12, 2023 Puny or Abundant? Matthew 13:31–32, Mark 4:30–32, and Luke 13:18–19 It’s one of Jesus’s shorter parables, but it’s one of my favorites – the Parable of the Mustard Seed, found in the Synoptic Gospels. Imagine the tiniest of seeds, about 0.039 to 0.079 inches in diameter growing into a magnificent tree, in excess of 10-20 feet tall! Ponder that for a few minutes. Too often I am guilty of puny thinking. Jesus, in his effort to teach us about the place where God reigns, tells this fantastic parable in order that we might begin to understand the expansive nature of God’s unconditional love and welcome to all people. I believe it’s hard for us to wrap our heads around the idea of abundance, to fathom the ever-expanding nature of God and God’s grace, the inexhaustible graciousness and hospitality that Jesus wants for us to not only grasp but transform into reality, here on earth. As we journey toward Bethlehem to see the tiny Christ Child born in the humblest of environments, who grows into the Savior of the world, what might happen if we gave space for the template of Jesus’s life and teachings to inform our love and outreach to those around us? Are any of our actions or the behaviors of our church cramping Jesus’s capacious welcome? Oh God, forgive my puny thinking. Swell not only my heart in this season of joy and gladness but place deep within me a desire to do nothing to deter the growth of your kingdom. Use me as an instrument of luxurious welcome, so all with whom I connect, might know they truly have a place where they belong, and they are loved. In the name of the Babe in Bethlehem. Amen. Rev. Wendy G. Van Tassell, (Retired) First Congregational Church Saugatuck, MI wjgvt@hotmail.com

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Wednesday, December 13, 2023 Making Time “And Jesus said unto them, ‘let us go off by ourselves to a quiet place, and rest a while…’” - Mark 6:31a (NASB) Making room for Jesus is simply making time. It is natural to human nature to make a project out of a simple activity; making room for Jesus does not require preparing a pleasant aesthetic venue in which to commune with Him. Although a quiet venue is pleasing to a weary heart, there are days and times in our lives when burdens or crisis do not afford us the opportunity to prepare a place to be quiet. Perhaps there is some false piety in the process of preparing such a place when all that is required is to simply stop and commune with your heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ his son. I remember, reading in a Christian publication, a statement of A. W. Tozier. He encouraged a Christian brother, who was caught up in keeping a strict fast in prayer. During this prayer time in the church, Tozier went into the church’s small kitchen to prepare himself a cup of tea. This brother was amazed that he would do so, and Tozier replied, “I’m feeling just a bit weak, and I have found that tea is helpful, and more importantly I know that God is easy to live with.” Just take time! Father, thank You for the gift of communion with You! Helen Cunningham, First Congregational Church Kingston, NH hc6645@gmail.com Thursday, December 14, 2023 Jesus’s New Commandment “All the prophets and the law prophesied until John came.” - Matthew 11:13 (ESV) The season of Advent is a new beginning. What is at the core of Advent? Rebirth. In Jesus’s incarnation, we move through the Old Testament to the New Testament, the New Kingdom of God. John the Baptist sends his disciples who ask Jesus this decisive question, “Are you the one who is to come?” Jesus tells them, “The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor receive good news.” (Matthew 11) Jesus then turns to his followers asking them what they seek in John, and tells them John is more than a prophet, for he is the one preparing the way before the Christ. Jesus added, “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came.” According to St. Augustine, John the Baptist “represents times past and is the herald of a new era to come” So, when Jesus announces he is fulfilling the law because he is the way to God, St. Augustine informs us Jesus is the ‘turn,’ the ‘boundary,’ between the Old and New Testaments. Yes, the Old Law showed a path to union with God. However, the New Law of Jesus is a new commandment: “that we love one another.” (John 13:34) Sounds so simple, yet, 2,000 years later we find it so easy to ignore his final and definitive commandment. In trying to follow Jesus’s command how do we know we are not just paying lip service to “love?” Jesus gave us this test when he added, “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” Lord, Father, your Son has given us a simple command, which surpasses all other laws, that we love one another. During this time of Advent may we renew ourselves and pray we may love as Christ loved, with all of our being. And we pray that in this most important life test, we strive for a grade of A+. Amen. Rev. Dr. Barry W. Szymanski, (Retired) barrylmp@icloud.com

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Friday, December 15, 2023 What is the Point of Christmas? “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’”- John 1:29 (NKJV) I take my granddaughter to her school two days a week. Along the route is a particularly funny Santa display. I pointed it out first and now she points it out every day. It’s not your normal Santa. This Santa is head first stuck down a tree trunk. His feet are kicking in all directions. Every day, she points it out. Pointing out Christmas figures is something we all do at Advent. One particular favorite with kids and grandkids is pointing out the baby Jesus in the Nativity. Before most children are two they can find the baby Jesus in the manger. Pointing to Jesus is the most important thing to do at Christmas and quite frankly all through the year. John the Baptist was the first one to point to Jesus. When John the Baptist first saw Jesus, the Bible tells us he pointed at him saying, “Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Truth be told, the world has been pointing to Jesus ever since. He’s the one. There He is. God's great gift to the world. The Savior who takes away the sin of the world. In our world today it is harder to find Jesus among all the distractions. I want to be more like my grandkids and John the Baptist with a keen eye for the Savior and for the people doing the Savior's work. Our family and our friends may need us to point out Jesus. It’s not obvious to everyone. Will you join me in pointing out where Jesus and His Kingdom people are at work? Lord, help me to see you working in the world today. Point me to where you are along the road and make me a frequent observer. I want to see you my Savior, and for others to see you, too! Pastor Stu Merkel Faith Community Church Franklin WI pastor@faithcc.us Saturday, December 16, 2023 Las Posadas “The King will reply, ‘Whatever you did for the least of these siblings of mine, you did for me.’” - Matthew 25:40 (TNIV) When I lived in California, a favorite Christmas tradition I was introduced to was Las Posadas, which I participated in through invitations from some partner Latino churches. This is a celebration where people go caroling from house to house re-enacting Mary’s and Joseph’s journey when they could find no room to stay. After having a similar journey of rejection, the participants finally arrive at a place that, like the stable of the nativity, has room for them. These can just be fun for communities to do together, but can also sometimes be powerfully prophetic statements of a world still in need of the full arrival of Christ’s Kingdom. Sometimes stops along the way represent things in our society that don’t make room for those who are vulnerable, like Jesus’s family. One year, a local gift donation charity heard of the Posada we were doing, and said they could get toys donated from some giant retailers, and a news crew to capture everything. We thankfully accepted, but it was a bit of an ironic evening. Most of the participants in the Posada who would get the donations were employees of those same retailers. The evening included calling out to God about how they had repeatedly been told there was no room for safe working conditions or fair wages in their jobs. But it turned out there was room for a tax-deductible donation and a photo op that year. Emmanuel, help me to have room for you to speak about where in the world there is no room for the dignity and thriving of your beloved children. As you reveal to me, may you help me learn to make room in my life to meet you among your people who are following you in making room for your kingdom everywhere. Amen. Pastor Robb Tarr Gahanna Community Congregational Church Gahanna, OH robbtarr@gahannac3.org

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Third Sunday of Advent, December 17, 2023 Give the Holy Spirt His Space “Jesus also said, ‘The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.’” - Mark 4:26-29 (NLT) One of my daily tasks at work is to follow up with customers who have filed an auto or home claim. Having a claim is a time of angst and concern for many. Customers want answers right away. I’ve learned to allow my claim partners the time and space they need to follow the appropriate procedure for claim settlement. Waiting may seem like a waste of time but really it is the best thing to do. Working through a troubling situation can be much the same; sometimes it is best to wait and do nothing, allowing space to think a little and pray a lot, asking God for His mighty hand in resolution. Thinking we can resolve a problem by our own power and strength can be a disaster -- like “a bull in a China shop.” At these times, I remind myself to make room for God and the power of His Holy Spirit to work. If I keep getting in the way, the Holy Spirit is stifled and I’m unable to see Him at work. Sometimes the smartest thing I can do is nothing but stand back and allow God the room to work. Gracious God, thank you for your amazing work in my daily life. Remind me to step aside and give you the room you need to show your mighty hand at work, helping me navigate the challenges of each day. Amen. Polly Bodjanac, Lay Minister Pilgrim Congregational Church Green Bay, WI pollybodjanac@gmail.com Monday, December 18, 2023 Cleaning House “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’” - Matthew 1:20 (NIV) My wife loves antiques. She has a knack for decorating our house and making it a home. Often she will purchase something to decorate our home which means something else has to go to make room for it. I can't begin to tell you the number of times that I have made room for a new piece of decoration. I can't say that I've always been happy about that. Sometimes it's a lot of work to rearrange things, to make room for even better things. In contemplating the circumstances of Mary being pregnant by the Holy Spirit, and Joseph being uncertain about how to proceed, Joseph's heart and mind were full of fear. I'm sure he was thinking, "Did I make a mistake? Has Mary been unfaithful? Can this really be true?” I just can't imagine what he was experiencing. It wasn't until he was visited by an Angel that he made room in his heart for the possibility that this was God's Son. He had to get rid of his thoughts and fears and make room for the idea that God was going to use him in a big way. We all have to find a way to make God fit into our lives. Sometimes we have to rearrange the spiritual furniture in our minds to make room for Him. Heavenly Father, help me and those who read this to find a way to make room in our hearts for Your mercy, Your grace, and Your forgiveness. Help us to realize that there is nothing more important in our lives than You! We ask this in the precious name of Jesus Christ Your Son. Pastor Eric Hickman First Congregational Church Hudson MI Hickmaneric61@gmail.com

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Tuesday, December 19, 2023 Let It Be Magic! “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16 (NIV) I have worked with children for over four decades. Overhearing their conversations last Christmas season was a hoot--many deep, sometimes heated discussions as to whether Santa Claus really exists. After much deliberation, one girl blurted out with great conviction, “Just let it be magic!” Twinkle lights, family gatherings, snow, and carol singing all help us feel magic. But one of my favorite childhood memories happened at the Christmas Eve service in the little idyllic church nestled in the hills of West Virginia where my father was pastor. Before the service, we would be allowed to open one gift and only the one from my grandmother. Mom and Dad knew she had sent us new clothes. We donned our fancy new garb and off to church we went. The magic for me was when we passed the light of Christ until the church was aglow with candles and the croon of Silent Night was wafting gently through the air. The Virgin Mary gave birth to baby Jesus, the light of the world in a humble stable. This certainly does not seem very magical. But the scenarios in the Bible of angels, shepherds, and kings paint a beautiful picture of a magical miracle. And just look at what an impact this miracle has had on the world! So as we prepare our hearts for Christmas this year, remember to make room for the joy, light, and love of Christ, the hope of the world. Let it be magic indeed! Dear God, we humbly ask You to open our hearts to receive the magical miracle of your precocious Son. Warm us with Your perfect love and light and fill us with the contagious spirit of Christmas. In Jesus name, Amen. Colleen Murray Gahanna Community Congregational Church Gahanna, OH Wednesday, December 20, 2023 Making Room “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”- Hebrews 13:2 (NIV) I don’t remember what prompted us to sign up to help with the church fair, but we did. My wife and I were new to this church and knew only a few other people. Soon after signing up, the chairwoman of the Hospitality committee asked if we would help in the kitchen. Now, I have no culinary ability (beyond lugging tables), but my wife is a pro. She and the others on the team bonded quickly and they drew her in, making space on the team for her talents. They could have assigned her to table duty with me, but they didn’t, they made room for her in the kitchen with them. I don’t mean to imply that my wife and I are angels, but what we do for others matters (Matthew 25:35-40). Sometimes, the results of our actions are immediate (like in my wife’s case), but often we don’t get to see the results at all (but God does). So, who are the strangers the writer to the Hebrews reminds us to show hospitality to? The stranger is our neighbor and not just the neighbor we like to be around. Our neighbor includes the Samaritans, the very people the Jews despised the most. The stranger needing our hospitality is the last person we would choose. When we make room for someone in our pew, our team, or small group, we are doing it to Christ. On one level, welcoming new people onto our teams helps them, but I can’t help but think that what is also happening is that Christ is making room for himself in our lives too. Lord God, help us to remember to make room for others in your church. Moving over is hard, it often requires us to throw out the junk in our lives and let you in. May we always remember to show hospitality to our neighbor wherever they find us. Amen. T.D. Larson First Congregational Church Kingston, NH tdlarson73@gmail.com

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Thursday, December 21, 2023 No Room in the Inn “And while they were there (in Bethlehem), the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.” - Luke 2:6,7 (RSV) “The inn” is a translation of the Greek word “kataluma” – “A lodging place or inn. It was so-called because of the ancient travelers who on arrival loosened their own belts…and the saddles or harnesses of their animals.” (Zodhaites, Word Study, N.T) It is a humble place made available for all sojourners. And it was the place of our Lord and Savior’s nativity, His arrival to be with us. It is the place where the shepherds were directed on that very night. The word is not used again in His story until His last night with His followers. In Mark 14:14 and Luke 22:11, Jesus directs a specific question to be asked of a man in Jerusalem: “The Teacher says, ‘Where is my guest room (kataluma), where I am to eat the Passover with my disciples?’” The bookends of Jesus’s earthly journey are centered around gathering in a humble guest room, a place to which He invites all who turn from sin and obey God’s law. Christ Jesus shared His life and ministry in the humble gathering places of all who will hear and obey Him. There may have been “no room in the inn” but He has made room for us. Father God, there was no room in the kataluma for your Son on His arrival. Thank you for making room for us to come into His guest room as He dwells in our hearts. Rev. J.R. McAliley III Center Congregational Church Atlanta, GA jrmcalileyiii@aol.com Friday, December 22, 2023 Our Gifts “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” - 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) “A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” - Proverbs 18:16 (NIV) Advent Season is a time of prayer, reflection, and kindness, a time we prepare to celebrate the arrival of Jesus, God’s promised gift. This may occasionally get lost in the activities of the Christmas season it precedes. It is a busy time in our lives. It may seem there isn’t enough time to do everything as we are making room for holiday parties, family gatherings, and giving gifts. We make room in our hearts for those less fortunate by giving food, clothing, as well as financial, and other gifts to help them. Let’s not forget to make room for those that are alone. Our time with them may be the greatest gift we can give them. Also, make room to reflect on the gifts God has given you and these words from scripture: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” - 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) and “A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” - Proverbs 18:16 (NIV) These scriptures speak to me in this way, as we use our God-given gifts to serve others, room is made for us in the presence of God. In the presence of God, we find Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love, the essence of the season of Advent. Loving God, you have blessed me with many gifts, the greatest being your unconditional love. Guide my words and actions to share this gift with others to glorify you. Amen. Rev. Jerry Turner First Congregational Church Portland, MI jerryturner4705@gmail.com

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Saturday, December 23, 2023 Prepare a Room For Jesus “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” - John 14:1-2 (NIV) Inspired by The Holy Spirit 07/25/2023 12:45 am Lord Jesus, our Emmanuel- In Your saving grace, our souls can dwell. Your love for us Your Word foretells- You have prepared a place for us. Not a courtroom for our deserved condemnation- But a welcoming room of invitation. Not a waiting room for execution- But a meeting room filled with loved ones In joyful celebration! Loving Savior, for Your goodness and mercy in all You do- Help us express our gratitude. Please help us prepare a room for You. In our hearts, in our minds, in our souls, in our lives- Help us to always make room for You, Lord- To make room for You. Almighty God, Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us Jesus. Through Him, we are empowered to share Your love in this broken, hurting world. Please help us to always make room in our hearts for Christ’s love, and to keep enlarging that room for all who want to come to You. In The Name of Lord Jesus, we pray, Amen. Margaret Stout Gahanna Community Congregational Church Gahanna, OH MARSTOUT@columbus.rr.com Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 24, 2023 God’s Love “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8 (NIV) Many of the stories in the Bible are expressions of the ways Jesus touched people to heal them. Touching was a physical way to express His love. A blind man gained sight when Jesus put mud on his eyes. He touched unclean lepers and cured them. He called children to His side and touched them, blessing them. God gave Jesus the gift of love to express to us even while we are sinners. As we prepare to light the fourth candle during this Advent season, the candle of Love, let us reflect on ways in which we can touch people’s lives; ways in which we can convey love from our hearts. Maybe you can help someone “see” God’s love by offering to listen to them when they are having a bad day; maybe you can give your neighbor who expresses loneliness, a hug; or maybe you can read a bible story to a young child. It’s amazing how much love Jesus can place in our hearts if we let Him in. The greatest thing about the heart is it can always hold more love, no matter how full it is. Make room for Jesus in your heart. Do kind works. Celebrate with joy His coming during this Advent season. Dear God, we anticipate the coming of Your Son as we prepare for the Advent season. Help us to fulfill your purposes for us. Lead us to extend grace and love to others as Jesus taught us to do. Connie Brack Gahanna Community Congregational Church Gahanna, OH CBrack4228@aol.com

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Monday, Christmas Day, December 25, 2023 Let Us Go into the House of the Lord “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us” - Luke 2:15 (RSV) My first trip to the Holy Land and Bethlehem was in January 1998. My Mother gave the trip to me as a gift. Her hairdresser and my aunt also went. We went with three busloads of Methodist ministers. It’s a long story. Below is one of the special ones: Friday, January 30, 1998, was cold and rainy. I wore a long green winter coat, a hat, and gloves. Our group crowded into the Grotto. As I unselfconsciously sit down near where Mary might have sat, I envision myself sitting while the baby rests. My hand reaches to touch the baby in the stillness. I hear the sounds the animals make as they wait. Much like the bird’s song, the sounds comfort us. I remember first loving this baby. I pine, “If I could just sit here and touch this baby one more time before He suffers.” Tears roll down my cheeks. There is nothing I can do to stop them. A minister taps my shoulder, “Would you like to sit there at the manger while I take your picture?” I look at him as if God Himself has spoken to me and hand him my camera. The picture snaps. I look over my right shoulder and get up in a daze. I barely notice the confusion around me as “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem” fills the room. Our group exits the Bethlehem Church of the Nativity. Thank you, God, for so many blessings in this lifetime. It is more than anyone could have imagined. Mary McAliley Center Congregational Church Atlanta, GA marymcaliley@aol.com We can use your help! We are eager to receive your devotional writings to help with this sharing of our faith during the seasons of Advent and Lent. After thinking about the theme of the booklet, pray about how you can best communicate some aspect of your faith life for the benefit of other Congregationalists. Here are the details for upcoming devotional booklets: Advent 2024: Theme: Published in Lent 2024 booklet. Deadline August 15, 2024 Email your Advent 2024 entry to nacccadvent24@gmail.com Lent 2025: Theme: Published in Lent 2024 booklet. Deadline October 15, 2024 Email your Lent 25 entry to naccclent25@gmail.com. For questions or clarification, contact Carol Taylor at jazzytay@gmail.com. For some issues, we have extra submissions, which we set aside for later use. Please feel free to remind us or resubmit your writings if you don’t see them used. Rest assured, we value every submission and strive to have a diverse representation. We deeply appreciate the work of all our devotional writers! Your editors will honor the breadth of theological convictions of our membership and our congregations. Throughout our booklets, you will find a range of faith expressions; this booklet reflects the NACCC in its rich theological diversity. As you prepare to write, please frame a central thought that contributes to the theme of the booklet. Please include each of the following in your submission: 1: Title; 2: Scripture verse(s) with translation used; 3: Body of the devotional; 4: A short prayer; 5: Your name; 6: Your church and its city; 7: Your email (if you do not want it published, let us know). We can use submissions of up to 350 words, with title, scripture, body, prayer, name, church, and city included. Your editors will proofread grammar, spelling, punctuation, and will make minimal corrections for narrative flow. We want your voice to come through these devotionals! Blessings to you all, Casey, Carol, and Terry

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Advent 2023 Devotional Booklet

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