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2009-10 Advent Devotional Booklet |
Faith's Advent-Christmas -The Epiphany Devotional Booklet is here!
Enrich your Advent
and Christmas season by reading daily devotions written by our church family.
Share a copy of
the booklet with those who long to hear the story of God's love.
The booklet is available in the
narthex and the Parish Hall on Sunday morning
and in the church office during the week, starting November 15.
More and more people
Encountered by Christ
Empowered for God’s purpose.
WELCOME to Faith Lutheran’s Advent, Christmas, Epiphany Devotional! Loving gifts are shared here from people near and far. When you see them, thank them for their offering. Kelsey Wade, one of this year’s Confirmands, blesses us with the beautiful cover! Thank you, Kelsey! A few months ago now Helga Ruge opened her home to FLC Seniors to gather with Pastor Twahirwa Elidard of Kagitumba, Rwanda and his interpreter Pastor Joe Kiwovele of the 2nd Baptist Church of Chico. Pastor Elidard translated a Christmas song from a CD of songs from the choir of Kigali Lutheran Church in Rwanda. We offer it here for us to enjoy as part of our preparations for Christmas. May it remind us of the joy God gave us in Pastor Elidard’s presence and of the grace of Jesus, the Christ Child, coming among us “that peace may be in the world!” The people of God are praising God, singing Alleluia.
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May we too praise God for sending the Christ Child to show us the loving face of God! That is Lutheran theology in a nutshell: that God comes to us, with grace and truth, freeing us for lives of praise and service. May we rejoice this Christmas as we celebrate the intimate love of God who comes ever so near; who knows our every need; and who calls us to “play guitar and organ with the angels and sing Alleluia” – in Rwanda, in Chico, and in all the world.
CELEBRATION ACTIVITY: When Pastor Elidard was among us we had several opportunities to break into song. He quickly harmonized as we sang in Swahili “Blessed be the Name” ELW #797. A great joy for me was one of the evenings Pr. Reg and I had him in our home and we sat at the piano and sang through each song in our ELW that is in Swahili. (We sent an ELW home with him.) Gather around your pianos, guitars or recorders, or unaccompanied, and sing Alleluia for Christ comes to us! May these devotionals help us to expect and trust his coming! +Pastor Twahirwa Elidard and Pastor Peg |
Pastor Elidard and Everett Vierra
Sunday, November 29, 2009
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Monday, November 30, 2009 |
Tuesday, December 1, 2009ST. ANDREW, APOSTLE“And you established your people Israel for yourself to be your people forever; and you, O LORD, became their God. And now O LORD God, as for the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, confirm it forever; do as you have promised. Thus your name will be magnified forever in the saying, ‘The LORD of hosts is God over Israel’; and the house of your servant David will be established before you.”
I am reminded of all the "house of’s" I've encountered: House of Lords, House of Usher, House of Chanel, House of Pancakes (!!!). Well, when you're part of one of those "houses," you are directly affiliated with it, and now, David is exclaiming at being named as part of the House of the Lord, of Yaweh, the One and Only God. Understandable, his feeling of humility; but he was a chosen king. How much more amazing is it for me to be included in the House of the Lord: not a Sunday prayer duty, but a personal invitation from and connection with the Creator of the Universe. How unworthy I am! How generous is the Lord, to open his doors and fold me inside; to invite me to belong to his house.
Let us pray: Lord, I am not worthy to come unto you, but I shall belong entirely to you, and strive to deserve such graciousness. Come, Lord Jesus. Carol Fegté |
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
“A voice cries out: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” (Verse 3 of Isaiah 40:5) Drawing by Austin Kuntzler “Say therefore to the Israelites, 'I am the LORD, and I will free you from the burdens of the Egyptians and deliver you from slavery to them.’” |
Thursday, December 3, 2009“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Verses 78-79 of Luke 1:68-79)
What a beautiful verse from the passage called Zechariah’s Song! This verse completes the prophesy Zechariah proclaimed after the birth of his son, John the Baptist. While the verse points to the coming birth of Jesus, the light of the world, it is also a message of great comfort to us in the here and now. How wonderful to know that our God is not just merciful, but also tender – and that He will send to us light in our darkness. This is a powerful message that can be shared with everyone, even non-churched or non-Christian people. When we offer to pray for someone, give them a ride to the grocery store or feed them, when we simply smile at others and live our lives as children of the light – we are reflecting His Light into the darkness; we are sharing God’s love with the world. Let us pray: O Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending Your Light into the world; please help us to share that Light with others. Amen. Celebration Activity: Sing the song “This Little Light of Mine” as you light your advent wreath candle and think about the ways that you can share God’s light with others.
Joyfully submitted by Christina Lynn |
Friday, December 4, 2009“For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.” Wow. The apostle Paul was an amazing, memorable figure, a hero in the true sense of the word. Even in prison, he could claim,…”living is Christ…dying is gain.” I used to think that concept was reserved for a final passage from our earthly life into the presence of God. Today, I perceive it to mean that and more. I now see life as a spiraling continuum of circumstances that provide opportunities, one after another, for personal growth. Usually, they involve “little deaths” to self-centered ideas and beliefs, fears and behaviors. Usually they involve taking the risk to look outward, or to serve “others.” With each “little death” a kind of “re-birth,” takes place: a new way of viewing ourself, others, and the world. Stories we pass from generation to generation are full of individuals whose personal sacrifice becomes a gift to those around them. But the hero’s journey isn’t only for larger-than-life characters. We all can develop heroic qualities in the course of the moments, hours and “ordinary” days that make up our lives. Ceding a place in line, extending a hand to someone in need, waiting, not requiring recognition for a contribution made, being gracious, “biting our tongue” instead of lashing out when we “had every right to do so.” Small personal “deaths” foster better relationships, encourage risk-taking and right action, and improve life in the the communties to which we belong. Let us pray: Lord, help us to begin each day inspired by the idea that “living is Christ,” and to have the mind of Christ when given the opportunity to give ourselves in service to others. Amen. Linda Greer-Wegener |
Saturday, December 5, 2009“Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.”
Christmas is a time for giving gifts, and what a gift these twelve received--- power and authority over demons AND to cure diseases. But the gifts meant nothing if they did nothing with them, so they were sent; sent to proclaim and sent to heal, something for the soul and something for the body. Like the twelve, we have been given gifts and we are called to use these gifts. Sometimes we have our hands so full of our own possessions we fail to recognize the new packages in our arms. Who do you know that just needs one person to listen to them, or someone to visit them in the hospital? Who have you seen who is hungry? Who needs a tiny word of encouragement? How are you using your gifts?
Celebration Activity: We always put up our tree on St. Nicholas Eve, and we always gave a special ornament to each child on this date. As the children decorated the tree they would tell the family stories of Christmases past represented in those ornaments. Sherrill Heinz |
Sunday, December 6, 2009SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
He came down that we may have love; He came down that we may have light; (See music printed on back of booklet)
Drawing by Lauren Mishelof LET US PRAY O faithful and loving God, Light the second candle. |
Monday, December 7, 2009“But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”
Patience, my mother always told me, is an acquired virtue. Few people are naturally skilled at waiting. But life, as most of us discover, offers plenty of opportunities to practice. Some lessons are effortless: in autumn put the bulbs in the ground and then wait for spring to work its magic. Others are less so. We wait and hope for relationships to improve, for illnesses to ease, for broken hearts to mend, for troubled times to pass. Mom was right, of course, about patience. It is a learned behavior. But sometimes I find the advice offered by Gladys Knight and the Pips to be just as compelling and comforting: when anxiety and frustration begin to erode that hard-won fortitude, the most important thing any of us can do is “keep on keepin’ on.” Let us pray: Lord, help us to be your instruments as we “keep on keepin’ on” in the work of bringing peace and justice to our world. Amen. Celebration Activity: Every year I continue a family tradition and buy an advent calendar. Over the years I’ve sent them to friends and relatives around the country. The ritual of opening the calendar doors invites everyone to recall happy childhood memories of Christmas. Lisa Emmerich |
Tuesday, December 8, 2009“May grace and peace be yours in abundance
When I get a chance to venture in the orchards in the early morning with my dog, Murdock, and see the hawks flying and the occasional deer running, I feel the Mother’s grace and peace. When I see my children playing with each other I feel God’s grace and peace. When I hear Art’s beautiful piano music I feel the Lord’s grace and peace. When I let all my judgments and opinions of others and the ways of the world “go,” trust that Jesus is with me at all times (even during the dark times), and put my hand out to help another I really, really feel his grace and peace. Let us pray: Dear Jesus, I pray to always know that your wisdom is with me and within me. Please let me be an instrument of your peace and grace in everything that I do today. Thank you for being the love and the light of the world. Amen.
Celebration Activity: This year since my kids are a “little” bit more mature I want our family to put our hands out and share with others the grace and peace of this miraculous season. Mary Davis |
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
“A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.” (Verses 1-2 of Isaiah 11:1-10) FOURTH ANTIPHON RESPONSIVE PRAYER: |
Thursday, December 10, 2009
“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the
As we journey through the complexities of everyday living, we sometimes find ourselves immersed in feelings of inadequacy, helplessness and despair. We question how we could have possibly allowed situations or relationships to become so confusing and muddled. What did we do wrong? How could she have misunderstood what I was saying? Why did he react that way? We attempt to heal what is broken, but sometimes the hurt is too deep and we find ourselves plunged into a well of despair. We overlook the obvious–God is our salvation and strength. We need only reach out and seek his help…”[F]or the Lord God is my strength and my song”... In “A Jubilant Song,” an anthem sung by our choir in October, Allen Poe directs his listeners to “Tell of His salvation from day to day. Shout his marvelous works among the people, for great is the Lord ...and greatly to be praised.” We have no need to fear; the Lord promises salvation to all who believe, and in him do we find our strength. Let us pray: Dear Lord God: May we always look to you for the strength we need to make it through the days of our lives. We are blessed to be called your children and thank you for the gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life. Amen.
Janine & David Rush |
Friday, December 11, 2009“And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” (Verse 8 of 2 Corinthians 9:1-15)
One of my fondest memories of my mother is of her looking out the kitchen window at the sparrows on the lawn and marveling that not one of them falls to the ground but it is known by our Father in heaven. This was my first lesson regarding the abundance of God’s care for each of us. During the past four months, God has motivated a special friend to help us with some issues regarding a family farm. This friend has accompanied Carl on trips to the farm in Kansas where he practices his expertise in readying equipment and property for sale. He has worked side by side with Carl for seven of the last 16 weeks, cheerfully, with a discerning mind, and high ethical standards. Money or power cannot create such friends; only God can do this. God put him in our lives at exactly the right time. Surely, God has abundantly provided this friend to us as a blessing. Let us pray: Lord, let us be mindful of and recognize your promise to care for us and to abundantly provide for us. Amen. |
Saturday, December 12, 2009“Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.” (Verses 57-58 of Luke 1: 57-66) Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah received the announcement of the birth of their child in an extraordinary way. Read Luke 1: 5-23 to find out how and why they were so surprised! Elizabeth enters seclusion. Read her response in Luke 1:24-25. What would you have done and said? When Elizabeth is in her fifth month, her young cousin, Mary, travels to visit Elizabeth in the hill country where she lives. Elizabeth’s baby leaps in her womb at the meeting and she knows that she and her young cousin have been touched by God. When Mary shares her visitation by Gabriel and her amazing news, Elizabeth recognizes young Mary for her openness to receive the mystery of God’s message. (Luke 1: 39-45) Mary’s amazing prayer we call the Magnificat comes out of that meeting! (Luke 1: 46-55) In the verse above, Elizabeth’s neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. I was impressed by the importance of solitude and community in this scripture. Elizabeth enters seclusion, perhaps to comprehend the miracle within her. Mary seeks out her older cousin. Elizabeth validates Mary’s miracle when the child leaps in her womb as they meet. Later, Elizabeth’s surrounding community of relatives and friends, who knew of her barrenness, are present to rejoice in God’s goodness with her after the birth of John. We need quiet time with God to hear God speak but we also need the community of faith in times of discouragement, confusion and in times of joy. We need to share God’s story and our own stories with each other. Let us pray: O Loving God, help us to trust your presence in times of pain and in times of joy. Help us to be willing to receive your comfort through others when we suffer or are discouraged. And, open us to be aware of those in our community who need encouragement and support. In the name of Jesus, the Christ, Amen. |
Sunday, December 13, 2009THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
HE CAME DOWN He came down that we may have love; He came down that we may have light; He came down that we may have peace;
LET US PRAY O faithful and loving God, |
Monday, December 14, 2009"A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots." (Verse 1 of Isaiah 11:1-9) Our reading is a prophesy from Isaiah. He is predicting the arrival of Christ. He even knows Jesus will be descended from Jesse, the father of King David. To quote a friend of mine, “How amazing is that?” Often I don’t even know what I will have for dinner tonight, but Isaiah saw the future so clearly. So, is there anything I can predict? Absolutely. Every December we will celebrate Isaiah’s vision, the coming of the Messiah. More importantly, I can predict that the love Jesus brought to us from the Father will never die. For Isaiah, God’s grace comes in the future, but I am living in that future. Grace is here and the future is clear. What more from the future do I need to know? Let us pray: Heavenly Father, be our guide and lead us forward in life by the light of your grace. Amen
Ralph Godwin |
Tuesday, December 15, 2009“After they had set a day to meet with him, they came to him at his lodgings in great numbers. From morning until evening he (Paul) explained the matter to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets.” (Verse 23 from Acts 28:23-31)
Paul opened his doors and invited people in so that he could convince them about Jesus. Advent is another opportunity for our congregation to open our doors even wider and encourage our community to see the beauty of the Christmas season through the word of God. From Hanging of the Greens through our special Christmas Day services, there are so many opportunities to help us put a warm glow into the hearts of many. This is how God works through people to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Celebration Activity: A special tradition at our home and business is to aggressively decorate for the Christmas season. Of course we do this to enjoy the fruits of our labor during the holidays, but we also do it so that we can invite others to also enjoy our Advent handiwork! Our decorating, and yours too, testifies to the kingdom of God much in the same way Paul’s did when he invited so many to hear him speak of Jesus. Mark and Jolene Francis |
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Thursday, December 17, 2009
“But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
Long before the age of modern medicine, God performed major heart surgery! His chosen people had chosen to abandon him and his ways, wandering far from the loving laws he’d given them, worshiping false idols, and suffering the consequences of their sins. They were so wrapped up in themselves they lost sight of God. So God promised to change their hearts. Everyone would know that he was their God, and that they were his people. So God himself came to live among us; the Word became flesh, full of grace and truth. When we were baptized, the Holy Spirit of that Word was implanted in our hearts, and we were changed. During Advent we remember what those changes mean to us. In preparing for the birth of the baby in a manger, we also prepare for the risen Christ to come again, for that time when the final, everlasting change will happen—in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus! Let us pray: Change my heart, O God, make it ever true; change my heart, O God, may I be like you. You are the potter, I am the clay; mold me and make me, this is what I pray. Change my heart, O God, make it ever true; change my heart, O God, may I be like you. Amen. Celebration Activity: If God were going to change your heart right now, what would he most want to alter? Draw a sketch of his heart surgery on your own life, and give thanks for his mercy and love! Pastor Gail Sowell |
Friday, December 18, 2009
“Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the end of the earth! Sing to the Lord…his praise from the end of the earth? Why? Read the headlines: continuing wars, global warming, government bailouts, unemployment, poverty, drought and heinous crimes! The world is in crisis…what is there to praise? This is probably not much different than during the prophet Isaiah’s lifetime. The chapters preceding Isaiah Chapter 42 tell of people facing a series of crises in need of a message of hope: that forgiveness was on the way. Isaiah 42:1 reads, “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.” God promises not to toss us aside, or kick us when we’re down, but instead to gently pick us up and carry us with love. What a joyous message of hope; share it by singing a new song of praise! Let us pray: Dear God, open our eyes and hearts to your goodness and love, so we may reflect the Christmas love you give everyday to your creation. Amen.
Celebration Activity: During the remaining days of Advent, keep a simple journal of God’s blessings in your daily life: a favor received, a wonderful meal, good times shared with friends, etc., and then “Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the end of the earth!” Mark and Leanne Chrisman |
Saturday, December 19, 2009
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Verse 34 of Luke 13:31-35)
Sometimes I feel it would be impossible to cultivate a consistent attitude of acceptance and gratitude for what we have been given. Maybe a part of this comes from an effort made by a less open side of ourselves to avoid some of the pain which comes with a gift. There are innumerable reasons to run from a loving God who wants us under his wings. Under his wing we sometimes find ourselves confronted with being close to others and facing mirrors of the demons that plague our minds with doubt, fear, and guilt. Or we can be blind to the beginning of something miraculous He has in mind for us as we stubbornly push harder in the direction we are comfortable with. We have all encountered God’s miraculous presence either in our own lives or in the lives of our friends. The memory of these moments encourages our hope, faith and courage to go through our lives fighting our battles with love. This verse offers a rather strong call to remember His still small voice in our lives. However it is just one of the many ways He does this throughout his word. After all he also reminds us that “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.” Let us pray: Oh Lord, we have found ourselves so often rejecting some of the simple signs of your love. Help us to see what needs to be seen in ourselves and clear away our pain enough that we might not destroy our true gifts which come from You, in Jesus’ name. Amen. Rick Danner |
Sunday, December 20, 2009FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENTHE CAME DOWN He came down that we may have love; He came down that we may have light; He came down that we may have peace; He came down that we may have joy; (See music printed on back of booklet) O faithful and loving God, Light the fourth candle. |
Monday, December 21, 2009“Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord; praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time on and forevermore.”
Seeing into the tenderness of my son’s and my little grandson’s hearts was one of those awesome, spiritually charged moments. A vision of the tenderness in God’s heart toward us flashed in my thoughts. “O God, how your heart must burst with such tender love when we run to you and embrace you, with childlike abandonment, single-mindedly focused on you, seeing only you. O how you must long for those moments to be our very life. It is all about your love and loving you back!” As I received this gift of being in that moment my whole being was caught up in wordless praise. Let us pray: O that the eyes of our hearts would be open to all those holy moments which surround us all the time so that our very lives would be a living praise to you. Amen |
Tuesday, December 22, 2009“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices
Let us pray: May the humble spirit of Mary be shared within our faith community and may we reach out to others with that same humble spirit. Amen.
Fred William Lee |
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
“Therefore the LORD himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.”
Drawing by Grace Massa
RESPONSIVE PRAYER: Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. |
Thursday, December 24, 2009CHRISTMAS EVE“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’” (Verses 10-11 of Luke 2:1-14) Christmas Eve is a magical night as churches are filled with people to hear the good news of God’s love through the gift of the Christ Child. Churches are aglow with lights and candles. There is the inspiring music of the carols which fill the church. We think, “If only this celebration would continue!” Then families go to their homes for their Christmas Eve customs. It may be a special dinner—lighting the Christmas tree—the exchange of gifts. It is a night like no other! And the first Christmas Eve was also a night like no other. Joseph and Mary were looking for a place to stay. They found a stable for the birth of their child, promised by the angel. There was a chill in the night air—no attending physician—no antiseptic sheets. But here was the place for the coming of God’s Promised One—no candles, no music, no party. But there was music, there was light in a field near the city of Bethlehem. Shepherds huddled around a small fire for warmth while watching their sheep. An angel appears with the message, “I bring you good news of great joy…there is born in Bethlehem a Savior, the Christ!” Then a light shone around the shepherds as they huddled in awe, and there was music from a choir of angels singing, “Glory to God in the highest!” This was indeed a night like no others—a most glorious Christmas Eve…one that makes a difference in our lives.
Celebration Activity: Gather the family around a small cake decorated with candles. Light them and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. Then share cake with those gathered around. Dick and Margaret Bergman |
Friday, December 25, 2009NATIVITY OF OUR LORDCHRISTMAS DAY
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’” (Verse 15 of Luke 2: [1-7] 8-20)
I wonder if the shepherds were aware that they alone received the joyful invitation. They must have been awed by the angel and the heavenly hosts singing. Yet they knew deep in their souls that they must go to Bethlehem immediately – not out of curiosity, but because God’s messenger directed them to do so. When they found Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus, the shepherds told them of their experience in the fields. Mary treasured all their words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds brought comfort and joy to the new parents. Perhaps the shepherds’ purpose in life was to reassure Mary and Joseph that their son was indeed the Son of God and that it was no longer a family secret. Or maybe it was that they were to be role models for mankind to stop the busyness of life on Christmas Day and share the news of Christ’s birth. Let us pray: Dear Heavenly Father, Help us remember that today is about your gift to us – not the gifts we give or receive from others. Amen.
Celebration Activity: Most nativity sets are displayed but rarely used. On Christmas Day try using the figurines to make the news come alive as the story of Christ’s birth is read! Rose Kelley |
Saturday, December 26, 2009ST. STEPHEN, DEACON/MARTYR“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels, praise Him, all His host!” (Verses 1-2 of Psalm 148) Mary: Quite a common name. Pregnant: Quite a common occurrence. Today, many preparations are made for the arrival of the new child. Transportation to the hospital is convenient and fast and the hospital stay comfortable. Family and friends celebrate this joyous occasion. 2,000 years ago, life was very different. Mary had to hide her pregnancy. Mary and Joseph were obliged to flee to Bethlehem alone. Of necessity, supplies were limited and just getting there slow and difficult. The birth of Jesus occurred in the least favorable of conditions with what seemed the least likely to attract any attention or fanfare. Nothing could be farther from the truth! A group of shepherds were guided by a star to His birthplace and spread the word. Wise men came from afar bearing gifts. King Herod felt threatened by the news. This Mary was no ordinary young girl. The angel said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28) This Jesus was no ordinary baby boy: “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High…” (Luke 1:32) This was no ordinary event! History was changed forever! This Savior who was born in humble circumstances brought new life to all mankind by sacrificing his life for the forgiveness of sins for all people and the promise of life everlasting.
Celebration Activity: Each year I send Christmas cards to my special friends and family in Canada as a way of sharing the special joy of this season. Becky Dyck |
Sunday, December 27, 2009FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
“This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them and we know that the testimony is true.” (Verse 24 of John 21:19b—24)
I believe everything in the Bible is true. Do I believe that every item is fact? No. Do I believe that every interpretation I hear is true? No. (Not even Lutheran interpretation.) The basis of my faith is a living God. In the Bible I find the living God, the Savior Jesus Christ, and the help of the Holy Spirit. I find Bible study interesting, challenging, and fun; but most important, it helps me develop my relationship with God. I love John’s Gospel. Every time it tells me something new, adds to my understanding, or deepens my faith. John does not describe the Last Supper, he tells me in Jesus’ words at the feeding of the five thousand the meaning of the living bread I receive in the Eucharist. John tells me of God’s love. John’s explanation for what he wrote in his Gospel is true of every Bible writer. “Jesus (God) did many other signs…these were written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and through believing you may have life is his name.” (John 20:30) I believe everything in the Bible is true
Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, through your Living Word write your will this day on our hearts. AMEN Celebration Activity: I hope Bible study is contagious. This Christmas I gave four Lutheran Study Bibles. |
Monday, December 28, 2009HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” (Verse 10 of Isaiah 54:1-13)
Then came the depression and my father became ill and they lost the farm and their livelihood and home. A church friend let us live in a farm house he owned and my parents worked whenever they could. God blessed us. When my father died at 42, my mother cleaned houses and took in boarders and roomers. My brother and I also found jobs. Even though life was hard for this immigrant family, God blessed us in so many ways with his steadfast love. Let us pray: Thank you, Lord, for your steadfast love and peace you constantly surrounded us with. Lena Woodmansee |
Tuesday, December 29, 2009“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (Verse 16 of 1 Corinthians 3:10-17) Growing up, I always understood “you are God’s temple” to mean “your body is God’s temple.” However, in 1 Cor. 3:16, Paul (who wrote this letter to the newly-founded church in Ephesus, Greece) uses the word “temple” to specifically refer to the Christian church, not the human body. You can almost hear the exasperation in Paul’s voice when he admonishes, “Don’t you know that you are God’s temple [i.e., church] and that God’s spirit dwells in you [the church]?” Apparently those Ephesians – who were still “baby Christians” at this time – didn’t understand that they needed to stop living in terms of their individual identities but in terms of their shared identity as God’s church. So Paul challenges us to envision ourselves not as individuals, but as the collective body of Jesus’ followers. During this season, what are you doing – or what might you do differently -- to show you understand that you are part of the world-wide body of “the people in whom God dwells”? Let us pray: God, give me opportunities to share my awe and gratefulness that your Spirit lives within your Temple during these Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons. Amen. Celebration Activity: Pick someone important to you, preferably someone who is not a Christian, and tell them about today’s devotion and suggested activity. You might want to take them to coffee to talk one-on-one, or write them a letter or email. Express your awe that God’s Spirit lives in you despite your unworthiness as a sinner. Express your gratefulness that you are part of a church congregation where you can grow in faith and serve those inside and outside its membership. Invite your “someone important” to come to church with you or to find a church so they can also appreciate God’s Spirit dwelling among a group of believers. |
Wednesday, December 30, 2009"And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake." (Verse 37 of Mark 13:32-37)
All too often I can go through life in a sort of spiritual somnambulance, sleepwalking unaware of both God’s grace and the call of the Kingdom. This problem is one that St. Benedict of Nursia (b. 580) addresses in his Rule to his Christian community. For him, what wakes us from our spiritual slumber is the Word of God, alerting us to Christ alive in our lives and making us attentive to the Lord’s call before us. Thus Benedict formed a community of scriptural prayer to instill a spirit of wakefulness among his community. We celebrate this time of the year as the presence of the Word made flesh. As we attend to his presence, may we through him become roused. First awakened to God’s grace in which we live and move and have our being. Then, second, we are roused to the call of the Kingdom before us, alert to the needs of a hurting world. Immersion in the scriptures is a wake-up call from God. As we prayerfully read the Bible day in and day out, what sorts of things is God awakening us to notice in our own lives and the lives of others? Let us pray: Awaken us, O God, through your Word, that we might be alive to you and alert to share Christ’s work in the world, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Celebration Activity: I have often associated the music of Bach’s cantata “Wachet auf” with this time of year, with its call “Sleepers awake, a voice astounds us.” Usually at least once this time of year I not only listen to the cantata, but spend time prayerfully reflecting upon the message as a type of meditation. Or pick another favorite seasonal piece as a type of spiritual reading (and listening). |
Thursday, December 31, 2009NEW YEAR’S EVE“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world.
This verse has such glory. It tells me the darkness of evil will not be able to extinguish the light of God in my life. It is my greatest joy that I am His and He is mine. This light for the world, brought to us through Jesus, is the greatest gift of life! When I allow this light to direct me, everything in life is better. It is so easy to be distracted by the self-indulgent light that the world displays -- especially this time of year. Thus, I am so thankful for His Word, His church and His music. These are the lights for my path. Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we offer thanks and praise for the light you brought into our lives through the gift of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Celebration Activity: Our family likes to enjoy the celebration of this day together. We start with a big pot of chili and we spend the evening playing board games that we enjoy. At midnight we have eggnog. Mary Wolf |
Friday, January 1, 2010NAME OF JESUS/ NEW YEAR’S DAY
"After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb."
Today is New Year's Day in our contemporary society, but it also commemorates the 8th day after Jesus was born which was a very significant day in Jesus' earthly life. Infant Jewish boys were taken to the Temple on that day to be named and to be circumcised, in accordance with God's command, as a sign of the covenant between Abraham and God (Genesis 17). From that day on, the infant Jesus would be recognized as a Jew for the rest of his life. Let us pray: O God, please let us be clear vessels to show Your Light and Love in this world, and to draw others to Christ. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Celebration Activity: Have each member of the family think of a way that she or he could be a better Christian at home. Then write down a promise to another family member on a sheet of paper, fold it, decorate the outside, and hang it on the Christmas tree. After the tree is taken down, move the reminder to another place in the house where it will help to remind that person of his or her Christian New Year's resolution. |
Saturday, January 2, 2010“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;”
According to our new Lutheran Study Bible, the phrase “fear of the Lord” means respecting & honoring God and living according to God’s command. In our copy of the Learning Bible (CEV) “fear of the Lord” means to respect & obey. Let us pray: Gracious Lord, inspire us in our journey for “the beginning of knowledge.” Amen.
Penny Melvin |
Sunday, January 3, 2010SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS"No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lamp stand, so that those who enter may see the light." This verse seems refreshingly simple and easy to understand, but what it asks of us as Christians is profoundly difficult. I see our lamps as the "fruits" of the Holy Spirit made visible. Our lamps may not be spotlight size, but even the feeblest candle sends enough light into the darkness to reveal some of what is around it. Difficult, yes, often, but that is why we were sent the Holy Spirit to guide us. Let us pray: Gracious God, give us the boldness to hold our brightly lit lamps high so that others might be drawn closer to the warmth of your love. Amen. Celebration Activity: Each year our German "pyramid" makes its appearance. When our sons were young, it served as our nativity scene, placed in the center of the dining table. Made of wood, it is carousel-like with small carved figures of the Holy Family, animals and angels. The scene is made to turn by the heat rising from candles at the base onto wooden paddles above. Its distinctly non-modern action adds to its charm. Children, especially, are entranced by its movement, all begun when four small candles are lit. Our pyramid teaches many lessons. Dee Meith |
Monday, January 4, 2010
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
The Scripture for the day speaks of God in praise, because he is worthy to be praised, for only he, the Lord God, can do wondrous things. (In the Bible, verses 18 and 19 are considered a doxology.) They are a liturgical expression of praise to God at the conclusion of Book II of the Psalter. These two verses are basically saying “Amen” to the contents of Book II of the Psalter. We can incorporate this Scripture into our daily lives by closing each day with a similar “Amen,” remembering to thank God for the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the freedom we enjoy; by appreciating God’s loving kindness as reflected in the beauty that surrounds us and the love of others. Let us pray: Praised be the Lord God, who reigns above the earth, for you alone are worthy to be praised. Thank you for providing for us this day and for your constant staying grace. Amen.
Celebration Activity: During the day when the family gathers together have each person tell of something the Lord has done for them and/or have them offer a praise to the Lord. By doing this simple activity, hopefully, our love for the Lord will increase daily and our relationship with him will become more personal. Greta S. Moreno |
Tuesday, January 5, 2010“No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.” (Verse 18 of John 1:10-18)
The loud noise of the war arouses me from my mother’s womb two months prematurely. After living for two years of my life, I was at the verge of death with a poison from our neighbor causing my permanent deafness. Yes, God wants me to live again. To learn a new dialect that differs from my native tongue at the age of six, I enrolled in Kindergarten twice. In retrospect, Jesus has become my daily companion since then until now at the age of 65. All through the journey I met many men, women and children from all walks of life; listening and seeing their experiences unfolded, one by one I encountered them all. In every story I heard, “What a friend we have in Jesus” echoes in my mind. Let us pray: Almighty God, your words, and your Son Jesus Christ have sustained me until this day. Your mercy is great. Amen.
Celebration Activity: To sing in my mind: “What a Friend We have in Jesus.” |
Wednesday, January 6, 2010THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
Let us recall that the great celebration of Epiphany (light made manifest) has been in the Christian calendar since the 4th Century. Over these hundreds of years, three distinct gospel stories have been told about this day. One is the coming of the Magi. Another is Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River. And the third is the Wedding Feast at Cana. What binds together each of these is a celebration of “the light made manifest before all peoples.” In our verse, we meditate on the gifts we may bring to “the light.” In the days of Jesus, gold, frankincense and myrrh were each priceless elements used only in the most solemn rituals of the Temple atop Jerusalem. Recall the gifts (outer and especially inner) you have received during this Christmastide. And now, what is “the one” priceless gift you have received that you want to freely give so that The Light may be made manifest before others? Let us pray: O Radiant Light, poured out on all creation since the beginning of time, grant to us/me a heart of wonder – that I may freely offer priceless gifts to others from the bounty you have given us/me.
Celebration Activity: Each European country has a variation of a “king” or “queen’s” cake today. Essentially, this is a sweet roll or pastry that has hidden within it a golden baby, or a coin with a king/queen’s face, etc. At the end of the meal – the cake is served. Each person chooses his/her own piece. The one who has the piece of cake with the gift hidden inside … then provides the next week’s king/queen cake. The tradition continues week by week until the beginning of Lent. The celebration reminds that to receive a gift is to be invited to royal action – sharing it and serving others. Alexander J. Shaia |
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
667 East First Avenue
Chico, CA 95926
530-895-3754
Loving thanks to all the people who helped create this devotional booklet:
to everyone who wrote devotionals or made drawings,
to Kelsey Wade for creating the drawing for the cover,
to Ron and Pat Snyder, Carolyn and Bill Kees,
to Sherrill Heinz and Jamie Holmes,
to Caryl and Julio Quinones.
All Scriptures in this booklet are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible.
faithlutheranchico@sbcglobal.net
FIRST ANTIPHON
HE CAME DOWN
Drawing by Leahana Mishelof
he came down that we may have love;
Celebration Activity: For me, a great Christmas memory is decorating sugar cookies. My mother would make the dough for my brothers and me to press out with the cookie cutter. Soon Santas, angels, and stars flowed from the oven in great profusion. Brightly colored frosting and sprinkles awaited our eager hands as we gave life to the figures. Santas with red frosting hats and white sugar pearls on the tip. Angels sparkled in blue crystals on a bed of white. We frosted and festooned our figures until our mountain of cookies glowed with Christmas promise. We packed them into tin cans for the 300 mile drive from Baltimore to Cleveland and Grandma’s house. Can there be any better way to celebrate Christmas when you are ten years old? All it takes is cookie dough, fixings, a few young friends, and you can be ten again making Christmas. Share the love.
Let us pray: Dear Lord, help us to use the actions of Paul to encourage our community to grow in your Word. Amen
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 
SIXTH ANTIPHON
he came down that we may have love;
Our son Pancho was sitting on the floor of the playroom talking across the room to Gabriel, his 14-month-old son. Gabriel…single-mindedly focused on his daddy…ran across the room, threw his little arms around Pancho’s neck and gave him the most powerful, enthusiastic hug. Pancho’s response was a wide-eyed “Wow! Did you see that!! What a hug!” 
Let us pray: Thank you, God, for the Wonderful Child who came to show us your love and your care for us. And we would share this happy news with others as did the shepherds as they left the manger crib. Amen.
Let us pray: Gracious God, help us to rejoice in this miracle of the birth of your son Jesus not only today but everyday. 
After a stormy two-week ocean voyage followed by a long train ride to California, my parents and I finally arrived in Orland May 1923. Even though we lived on a farm with relatives it was hard for my parents as the relatives spoke no German and my parents no English. However, God blessed my parents, and in about 5 years they were able to buy a small farm, raise livestock and fowl. Mother gardened, canned, and churned butter. My father butchered and smoked some of the meat. God blessed us.
“When they (wise men from the east) saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”