2011-12 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.

All Scriptures in this booklet are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible.

The prayers used on the Sundays in Advent and the Antiphons and the Responsive Prayer used on the Wednesdays in Advent
are from “Sundays & Seasons,” copyright © 2011 Augsburg Press.

May these writings bless all of us.

TO THE GLORY OF GOD!

LOVING THANKS TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO
HELPED CREATE THIS DEVOTIONAL BOOKLET:
TO EVERYONE WHO WROTE DEVOTIONALS OR MADE DRAWINGS,
TO DEE MEITH FOR CREATING THE DRAWING FOR THE COVER,
TO BECKY DYCK, DIANNA SNYDER AND SHERI WONDRA
TO JAMIE HOLMES AND SHERRILL HEINZ,
TO CARYL AND JULIO QUINONES.
TO CAROLYN AND BILL KEES

MISSION STATEMENT:

Faith Lutheran is called through the Gospel to:
Let God lead,
Be a loving community,
pass on the faith.

Faith Lutheran Church in Chico has declared its vision statement to be:

More and more people
Encountered by Christ
Empowered for God’s purpose.

Find us on FaceBook @
Faith Lutheran Church of Chico, California (ELCA)
(Group) Faith Lutheran Church of Chico, CA

Welcome to Faith Lutheran’s
2011-2012 Advent – Christmas - The Epiphany Devotional

In her marvelous book, Night Visions, Jan Richardson invites us to tend the holy in Advent:In her marvelous book, Night Visions, Jan Richardson invites us to tend the holy in Advent:

“The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon
the likes of which we have never seen before.
It is not possible to keep it from coming, because it will. 
That’s just how Advent works. 
What is possible is to not see it, to miss it, to turn just as it brushes past you... 
So stay.  Sit.  Linger.  Tarry.  Ponder.  Wait.  Behold.  Wonder…
Something is on the horizon.”

The writings in this devotional have been lovingly prepared to help us do just this – to linger and tarry and ponder over the word as it comes to us in the scriptures and images of this season.  Take time to wait upon the word, to delight that God indeed comes to us.  The promise is sure. 

Advent means “coming.” Christ will and does come, and how good it is when we set aside our worries and rush and instead behold with wonder this coming that brings hope to the very world we inhabit with neighbor, family, friend and stranger.  Because God comes to us, joy is possible, even when the world feels weary.  As Mary Bringle writes in her song for this season, “Light dawns; love grows; hope blooms!” These are promises to wait upon and ponder! 

A new twist in this year’s Devotional is the inclusion of pre-selected celebration activities that aim to be accessible to children of all ages, whether 3 or 103.  We invite you to participate in these hands-on activities as part of your devotional time.  Feel free to adapt them to suit your own setting as a way of enhancing your pondering of Advent’s “promised day of justice, promised feast of plenty, and promised green of Eden” as we sing in our shared song (see back cover).

Savor the gifts of these personally prepared pages as well as the visually artistic expressions.  And as you see the authors or artists among us, let them know what touched you in their gift.  God’s joy and blessings to you as you read and savor these pages that call us to Advent!

In the hope Christ brings, Pastor Peg 

LIGHT DAWNS ON A WEARY WORLD
1) Light dawns on a weary world
when eyes begin to see…all people’s dignity
Light dawns on a weary world:
The promised day of justice comes.

Refrain:
The trees shall clap their hands;
The dry lands, gush with springs;
The hills and mountains shall break forth
with singing!
We shall go out in joy,
and be led forth in peace,
as all the world in wonder echoes shalom.

(See music printed on back of booklet)

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe.
You call all nations to walk in your light
and to seek your ways of justice and peace,
for the night is past, and the dawn of your coming is near.
Bless us as we light the first candle of this wreath.
Rouse us from sleep,
that we may be ready to greet our Lord when he comes
and welcome him into our hearts and homes,
for he is our light and our salvation.
Blessed be God forever.

Light the first candle.

 Ever wonder what it would look like if, say tomorrow, human conflict on our planet ended?  If that comprehensive vision seems unimaginable, what about picturing your own life as a place where compassion, empathy, and love replace discord, anger, and prejudice?  How do we transform the tools of war we see employed globally and locally every day into the implements of peace?  Fr. Henri Nouwen, one of the twentieth century’s most gifted religious thinkers, believed that the power of forgiveness far outweighed the power of vengeance.  Understanding that fundamental fact, he argued, would help us recognize absolution as “love practiced among people who love poorly.” Nouwen suggested that we move one step farther, let go of the hurts we’ve received and inflicted, and experience the liberation that accompanies forgiveness.  None of this is easy, but neither is beating swords into plowshares.

 The Lord God does indeed do great and amazing deeds. In our almost 12 years in Chico, moving here from Buffalo, NY and now returning to Rochester, NY we have had quite the journey but we could feel God's presence the entire time. At times we questioned the purpose of our lives in Chico but in the end God's ways were so very just and true and the next phase of our lives was clearly revealed to us. We were so blessed with the time we had at Faith Lutheran and we will always treasure the friendship and support we have received. It is a very special church with very special people! We wish God's blessings on all of you.

Drawing by Savannah Gosselin

SECOND ANTIPHON
O Adonai and ruler of the house of Israel,
who appeared to Moses in the burning bush
and gave him the Law on Sinai:
     Come with an outstretched arm and redeem us.

“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.’” 
(Verse 6b of Exodus 6:2-7a)

Drawing by Jane McKenzie    

How often do we witness God’s grace?  Barnabas was sent on a mission from the Church in Jerusalem to investigate reports of Gentiles (non-Jewish people who did not worship God) being converted into believers!  Barnabas saw the founding of the first Gentile Church and this is where believers (just like us) were first called Christians.  Barnabas witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit working through people practicing and sharing their belief with non-believers and God’s grace changed them into believers!  An exciting experience for Barnabas as he shared his faith and encouraged the new believers.  True grace from God through ordinary people (like us) spreading the message of Jesus’ love and forgiveness.  An amazing experience for Barnabas I am sure!

As Christians we have the opportunity to experience or witness God’s grace in our lives by how we live and respond to different situations, by how we share our own Christian experiences, by how we listen, encourage, or comfort those in need,  and by showing God’s love to someone who is hurting.  I am sure you can add many more to this list!

As we enter into Advent and the Christmas season let’s look at the grace we have been given:  the gift of Jesus on Christmas morning—God’s wonderful gift of grace that did encounter people through Jesus’ life and how we today continue to be empowered through the Holy Spirit in our lives today.  What a wonderful gift.

The leaders of the church at that time were questioning the authority of the actions Jesus had previously taken.  Recently Jesus had cleansed the temple of money changers.

Allowing His Word, His actions and His directions to permeate my life are the best part of my life.  Please let me share a story.  When I moved to Chico I had an elderly aunt with me.  Now this is a woman who had been in church her entire life and she was now 99 ½ years old.  I’m sitting by her bed one day and she asks, “How is it you can be so sure of heaven?”  I WAS STARTLED!  I said, Let’s look in your Bible and let God tell us.”  I picked up her Bible and it OPENED TO JOHN 14.  (Open your Bible and read this:  John 14:1-3.  You will be AMAZED.)  Now I reread these verses to her frequently and about two weeks later, while napping, she fell asleep in Jesus.

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT

   Drawing by Rebecca Henderson

2) Love grows in a weary world
when hungry hearts find bread
and children’s dreams are fed.
Love grows in a weary world:
the promised feast of plenty comes.

Repeat the above refrain:

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe.
John the Baptist calls all people to prepare the Lord’s way
for the kingdom of heaven is near.
Bless us as we light the candles on this wreath.
Baptize us with the fire of your Spirit,
that we may be a light shining in the darkness
welcoming others as Christ has welcomed us,
for he is our light and our salvation.
Blessed be God forever.

Light two candles.

Although much of Isaiah 26:7-15 seems to be about God’s people waiting for vindication, the words that stand out for me are “your name and your renown are the soul’s desire.  My soul yearns for you in the night.”  Don’t we all yearn for those times when we feel truly connected to the presence of God?  Don’t we all sometimes feel like we’re waiting for God to connect with us? 

Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, said “Life is this simple. We are living in a world that is absolutely transparent, and God is shining through it all the time. This is not just a fable or a nice story.  It is true.  If we abandon ourselves to God and forget ourselves, we see it sometimes and we see it maybe frequently.  God shows Himself everywhere, in everything--in people and in things and in nature and in events.  It becomes very obvious that God is everywhere and in everything and we cannot be without God.  It’s impossible.  The only thing is that we don’t see it.” From an audiotape of Merton in 1965.

God is here and we don’t have to wait.

We just have to notice and listen.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

FESTIVAL OF ST. NICHOLAS

The Gift of All Gifts

Today is St. Nicholas Day.  There are less than twenty shopping days until Christmas.  Have you found the perfect gifts for everyone on your list?

A group of women were sharing Christmas gift memories.  Some described gifts of riches, surprise, or sacrifice; gifts given out of love and often out of poverty.

Then one woman said,  “When I was a child we only received one gift each Christmas.”  One gift?  Why only one?  The tone of her reply indicated she thought it was obvious.  “God gave only one Jesus on the first Christmas, so we should receive only one gift.”

Isaiah is telling the people of Israel that God will in the future give them one beautiful and glorious gift, the Messiah. A gift so perfect and long lasting that it will serve as a shelter, a shade by day from the heat, and a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain.(v6)  A gift that is with us, regardless of whatever personal storm we are enduring.

Celebration Activity:  St. Nicholas was born in the 3rd century in what was then Greece.  His parents died while he was still young.  He dedicated his life to God.  He gave all his inheritance to help the sick and needy.  He became Bishop of Myra.  He was known for his love of children and his generosity to those in need. 

Have a conversation about why St. Nicholas is a symbol for giving.

Drawing by Olivia Blee

FOURTH ANTIPHON
O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel,
you open and no one can close,
you close and no one can open:
     Come and rescue the prisoners
     who are in darkness and the shadow of death  

A resumé might be given in response to  someone wanting to know us. What type of education, work experience, and volunteerism or hobbies have we accomplished in our life.

When Paul writes about wanting to "know" Christ, it is not by some
intellectual meaning or description found on a resumé.  To know Christ is to love and serve him and to identify our lives with his.  Being encountered by Christ: such truth can be uttered only by living it, and can be known only as it is resurrected again in us—a resurrection that moves us from a desire of materialistic self-preservation to an unconditional love for him. 

 “May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.”
(Verse 5 of Psalm 126)

Our family is always eagerly anticipating the coming of Christmas Day.  The kids love the time they get to spend with the whole family in the morning, with the Faith Lutheran community in their slippers, and dinner with grandparents.  It is a joy-filled day as we celebrate the birth of Jesus surrounded by the love of God and family.

I find I experience this same type of joy while worshiping with others.  It is always amazing to me how the rhythm of the liturgy combined with music can create an atmosphere filled with God’s love.  Even after a difficult week, praising and worshipping God causes me to be filled with a joyful heart.

As Lutheran youth, we think of God as being merciful, not angry and furious.  It is scary to think God has the ultimate power to do anything.  When evil nations are ruling, God has the power to overrule them. This passage made us feel that in the worst of times, God is still with us, and helps us through them.  For this we must praise and celebrate all changes that happen in our lives!

Let us pray: Serenity Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Amen.

Sunday, December 11, 2011  

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT

2) Love grows in a weary world
when hungry hearts find bread
and children’s dreams are fed.
Love grows in a weary world:
the promised feast of plenty comes.

Repeat the above refrain:

Drawing by Priscilla Ward

3) Hope blooms in a weary world
when creatures, once forlorn,
find wilderness reborn.
Hope blooms in a weary world:

The promised green of Eden comes.

Repeat the above refrain.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe.
Your prophets spoke of a day
when the desert would blossom
and the waters would break forth in the wilderness.
Bless us as we light the candles on this wreath.
Strengthen our hearts
as we prepare for the coming of the Lord.
May he give water to all who thirst,
for he is our light and our salvation.
Blessed be God forever.

Light three candles.

Ephesians is a letter written by Paul while in prison in Rome.  This letter is to the Church at Ephesus and to all believers everywhere.

When we read this scripture, it brings to mind the strength of a rock.  A rock seems everlasting and permanently grounded.  I recently read about a project in Southern California.  The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is trying to get a 340 ton boulder from a quarry in Riverside to its campus west of downtown LA.  It will take a specially built transport vehicle with 196 wheels on 44 axles to be able to carry the load at a cost between 5 and 10 million dollars.  The rock is strong as in “Rock of Ages” and “Jesus is the rock in a weary land.”

This scripture also reminds me that we live in troubled times with uncertain futures for our economy, our government and our lives.  Many people are hungry for not just food but also for guidance on how to better help others in need.  Communication systems are ever improving and expanding, yet we seem to become more isolated from face-to-face conversations.  The Church is not just a structure; it is the people, the family of God, here to help us.  “Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”  May we all keep Faith in our future.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

SANTA LUCIA:FEAST OF LIGHTS

Do you like "double dips?”  I have to admit, I do!  And how about all those cookies tempting us with "double chocolate chips?"  Sometime stores have "double coupons" or "BOGO" - buy one, get one.  So I have to admit I chuckled when Elisha tells Elijah that he wants a "double share of your spirit.”  Of course he does!

But then, as I thought about it, I began to understand what a remarkable man of faith Elisha must have been.  Not only did he trust his experience with Elijah, reveling in His presence, but he also had the faith to ask for exactly what he needed - an overflowing, expansive inheritance of God's spirit.  Elisha reminds us that God wants us to ask, and to be bold in our asking - even if it is for a double dip!

Do you like "double dips?”  I have to admit, I do!  And how about all those cookies tempting us with "double chocolate chips?"  Sometime stores have "double coupons" or "BOGO" - buy one, get one.  So I have to admit I chuckled when Elisha tells Elijah that he wants a "double share of your spirit.”  Of course he does!

But then, as I thought about it, I began to understand what a remarkable man of faith Elisha must have been.  Not only did he trust his experience with Elijah, reveling in His presence, but he also had the faith to ask for exactly what he needed - an overflowing, expansive inheritance of God's spirit.  Elisha reminds us that God wants us to ask, and to be bold in our asking - even if it is for a double dip!

 “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)

Drawing by Olivia Blee  

Have you ever listened to the TV commentators after a State of the Union Address or a political debate?  Do their comments satisfy you, or would you have preferred to hear the President, or the debaters themselves?  What about a sporting event?  If you are a fan of a particular team are you satisfied with a brief recap, or would you rather see the actual game itself?

That is what the passage from Hebrews is addressing.  Certainly, hearing the Word of God through the writings of the prophets is wonderful; but how much more wonderful it is to hear God’s Word through his Son, Jesus, himself.  John 1:1 plainly states: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  John also says that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”  Though the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

The transition from the Old Testament of laws to the New Testament of grace and truth can best be understood through the teachings of the Word himself.

The odd thing about choosing this verse is I don’t sing well.  Yet, it called to me.  I then realized I do love to sing, well or not, especially when I am filled with the joy of God’s presence within me.  I want to sing out.  The essence of joy for me is love.  Then, recognizing that this joy welling up inside is unending, I am overwhelmed.  I simply cry.  Words fail me, yet I hear the song and singing from my heart, sharing God’s love with others while worshipping and praising him.  I am so grateful for the songs we sing each Sunday.  The words enable me to sink into God’s steadfast love and be refreshed by the love I am given to share.

Each Christmas I am reminded of the gift of Jesus through which we are able to access God’s faithful and eternal love.  Again, I am overwhelmed and sing out in joy with each carol, hymn and word of praise.

Celebration Activity:  Today we are going to be poets.  Choose a Christmas word, like HOPE or JESUS or LOVE or MAGI and write it down vertically on a piece of paper.  Then list a series of words, each one beginning with the appropriate letter, that relate to the word you have chosen for your poem.

Here is an example:                      
Long: God’s love never ends
Open: God’s love is for everyone.
Victorious: God’s love always wins.
Everywhere: God’s love is all around us.

“He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation!’”
(Verse 26 of Psalm 89:19-26)

Rocks sometimes speak to my heart.  Rocks tell me about God’s faithfulness, his steadfast love, of his constancy in my life.  They remind me that God gives me the strength and courage to move through the difficult times in my life.  That he is the solid foundation of my faith. He is always there. When I find a precious heart rock it reminds me how much he loves me and I am filled with joy.  I am awed by giant rock formations that speak of God my creator.  The rocks that rise up along the coast, battered by the sea, yet standing tall, unmoved, ever steadfast.

Margaret Silf in Compass Points: Meeting God Every Day at Every Turn says, “Read the sermons in the stones along your path.”  She is suggesting that we listen for “sermons,” messages from God, in things like rocks, trees, birds along the way when we are taking a walk. 

This part of Psalm 89 talks about the covenant God made with David…all the blessings God poured out on him.  David’s part was to rely solely on God…his creator and his Lord, his Abba, and the rock of his salvation.  That is his part of the “conversation,” as it is ours.  We are to live lives that cry out: God is my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation as we surrender those lives to Him.

Sunday, December 18, 2011 

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

LIGHT DAWNS ON A WEARY WORLD
1) Light dawns on a weary world
when eyes begin to see…all people’s dignity.
Light dawns on a weary world:
The promised day of justice comes.

Refrain:
The trees shall clap their hands;
The dry lands, gush with springs;
The hills and mountains shall break forth
with singing!
We shall go out in joy,
and be led forth in peace,
as all the world in wonder echoes shalom.

2) Love grows in a weary world
when hungry hearts find bread
and children’s dreams are fed.
Love grows in a weary world:
the promised feast of plenty comes.

Repeat the above refrain

3) Hope blooms in a weary world
when creatures, once forlorn,
find wilderness reborn.
Hope blooms in a weary world:

The promised green of Eden comes.

Repeat the above refrain:

4) Repeat the first verse and the refrain.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe.
In your Son, Emmanuel,
you have shown us your light
and saved us from the power of sin.
Bless us as we light the candles on this wreath.
Increase our longing for your presence,
that at the celebration of your Son’s birth
his Spirit might dwell anew in our midst,
for he is our light and our salvation.
Blessed be God forever.                                               

Light four candles.   

“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the
lowliness of his servant.’”
(Verses 46-48a of Luke 1:46-55)

Drawing by Byrd Jensen-Thackery

Most of us won't experience as dramatic a call as Mary did.  Imagine the privilege of receiving an angel’s proclamation announcing exciting news, a message directly from God, news that reveals a great mission. Mary's was to bear and mother Christ, our Savior. "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." Though most of us will not be visited by an angel directly, we can still joyfully respond, as Mary did, to the opportunities all around to us to bear Christ’s love to the world.

Blessed are you, YHWH, King of the Universe, who let the earth open, that salvation may sprout forth, and let it cause righteousness to spring up also.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011   

COMMEMORATION OF
KATHERINE VON BORA
WIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER

Advent is a time of anticipation and patience.  Hannah had patience for the Lord to answer her prayer for a son.  We are on the brink of the Christmas celebration with the colorful services, and children asking, “When is Christmas?  How soon?”

In our home when someone was impatient for something “right now,” the other family members gave the refrain, “Patience is a virtue, possess it if you can.  Seldom in a woman, never in a man.”

Today is the commemoration of Katherine von Bora, wife of Martin Luther.  In Wittenberg after the start of the Reformation, the cloisters were closed and the men and women entered normal life.  The sisters married, except for Katherine who waited patiently for a husband.  She was rewarded when Martin Luther married her in 1525.  They lived in the former monastery which often became home for student boarders.  They had six children so there were many meals to prepare.  Luther became so dependent on Katherine that he called her, “Katy, my rib.”

Hannah’s patience was rewarded with the birth of her son Samuel who she gave to the service of God.  He served first Eli the priest, and then God used him to found the nation of Israel.  He chose Saul, then David, as king.  Hannah said, “For this child I prayed, and the Lord granted me my petition which I made to him.  Therefore, I lent him to the Lord as long as he lives.”  (verses 27-28)

Advent has two meanings—waiting, as did Israel for the Messiah, and also waiting with hope for Christ to return in power.   Be patient—Christmas is coming!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011 

 WINTER SOLSTICE

SEVENTH ANTIPHON
O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver,
the anointed of the nations and their Savior:
     Come and save us, Lord our God.

“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.”   
(Isaiah 7:14)

Drawing by Dora McKenzie

RESPONSIVE PRAYER:                              

Our world stumbles blindly toward chaos—
come, source of wisdom, and reveal yourself to us.
What we imagine to be strength is really weakness—
come, mighty Lord, and fill us with your true strength.
We long for a standard to look up to—
come, Root of Jesse, claim us as your own.
We languish in prisons of mind and spirit—
come, Key of David, and set us free.
The darkness grows thick around us—
come, Light of light, and dawn upon us.
We are scattered, lacking a sure leader—
come, Prince of peace, and lead us.
We need to know that God is with us—
come, Emmanuel, and dwell in our hearts.
Amen.

What a marvelous vision statement you have at Faith:  “More and more people, encountered by Christ, empowered for God’s purposes!”  In Romans Paul laid the foundation for this:  “There’s no distinction among us; the same Lord is Lord of all, generous to all who call on him.”

More and more people, regardless of distinguishing characteristics, need to hear the Good News:  that God loves and cares for all who call on him.  And our God comes in such an accessible way!  Tiny, humble, just like any other human child.  Love itself born in a manger, connecting with more and more people, with all people, in the most basic, vulnerable way.

All people:  addicts and alcoholics, abusers and victims, shamed and arrogant, imprisoned and free, genius and slow learner, athletic and klutzy—All people can call on the all-powerful, all-forgiving love of our Lord.

What a wonderful gift we have in this passage.  It gives vivid insight into God's complex character and affirms the abiding relationship that He holds with his people.  On the one hand God is the warrior:  strong, active, decisive.  But this powerful image is tempered with other important descriptions:  He is also partisan—on our side—and always present and among us!  The God of the tribes of YHWH is an enduring—and endearing—presence.  Here we see a God with a real personality who is happy for His people; intimately and unconditionally in love with them; who seeks their well-being; and who wants to celebrate with them their good fortune at being granted salvation.  The best news, of course, is that His people are not just those from a past time, but the chosen people with whom He is connected even now in the Christmas and Easter stories. 

Joel Zimbelman

The Prophet Ezekiel by Michelangelo

Saturday, December 24, 2011

NATIVITY OF OUR LORD/CHRISTMAS EVE

Christmas Eve!  The height of expectation.  We’ve been preparing our hearts, planning, waiting for this promised one!  We know from “Mary’s song” how she accepted this journey from God. What was on Joseph’s mind? Luke does not give us much of Joseph’s perspective. We know from Matthew’s story (Mt. 1:19-21, 24) that an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”. How will Joseph proceed??  On his blog titled Unfolding Light Pastor Steve Garnass-Holmes writes this beautiful poem exploring Joseph‘s thoughts:

“Joseph. 
Wake from your sleep of knowing everything, your dream of not having to look.
Instead, look anew. I have hidden blessing in your life, wonder concealed in what you reject, glory waiting on the path you resist. 

I know, you want to understand, and to control things, and this is beyond those.
You are afraid of what others will think.  But that is not real.  This is real: I am asking you to be faithful without proof, loving without assurance, humble without protection.  I am asking you to trust. 

Learn to listen in a way that the world can't teach you.  Learn to know in a way that is not how the world knows.  Learn to follow a path the world can't see.

Mary is on a quest, discovering the blessing and wonder that I have created in her.  Do the same for yourself.  Look within.  Listen to your dreams.  Give your heart a voice.  Trust the magnificence of what I desire for you.  Never mind people's expectations.  Follow my delight.  Do not be afraid to change your plans, to risk, to sacrifice, to commit. 

Joseph, never mind being right.  Commit to love.  Marry blessing and faithfulness.  Marry your doubts.  Marry wonder.  Marry unknowing.  Marry not being afraid.

Joseph, awake.  I have hidden blessing in your life.  Take it as your own, and know my joy. 

‘When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.’” (Mt. 1.21)  (Unfolding Light, 12/16/10)

Sunday, December 25, 2011

NATIVITY OF OUR LORD/CHRISTMAS DAY

The “Word” of course is Jesus Christ.  However, in the first verse of John it says, “The Word was God.”  So really God came into the world as Jesus Christ to live with his creation and with his people.  It would be like President Obama putting on a disguise and living among the people in the poorest parts of Chicago or the Appalachian Mountains.

We need to note and remember Jesus was not born into a privileged family of the Middle East but to a poor carpenter and his unwed girlfriend.  Disgraceful in those days and in many places today. So what does that tell us about Christmas?  Helping and working for the poor and disgraceful in our society may just be one of the meanings of Christmas!

As for the Word, it continues to live among us and in our hearts as the Holy Spirit!  See if you can feel and hear the Holy Spirit this Christmas season.

Monday, December 26, 2011 

ST. STEPHEN, DEACON & MARTYR

Stephen’s dying words are an awesome (and frightening) example of the amount of strength the Lord can give to his people.  Stephen believed Jesus’ word so fully and knew that speaking the truth would be his death sentence.  And yet, he did so knowing that God would receive him.  Through Jesus he met his death courageously and with forgiveness in his heart.  He is so much like Jesus in this moment.  Stephen reminds us that to be more like Jesus is the most worthy goal and reassures us to not be afraid for God will not let us suffer.

 Let us pray:  Lord, help us to remember that You are always with us, and with You we are always stronger than when we try to meet our most difficult challenges on our own.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

ST. JOHN,  APOSTLE & EVANGELIST

How many things do we declare in a single minute?  And how much more in a day?  In our yawning and sighs we declare exhaustion.  In our eating, we declare hunger.  In our attentiveness to others we declare value.  Declaration, public announcement, is made in much more than words.

I’ve recently been meditating on a quote that a friend shared with me by St. Francis of Assisi; he said “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our preaching is in our walking.”

Working in an alternative school with marginalized youth, I am constantly reminded of how much trust is communicated in consistency.  I am called to fellowship with them.  I want to ask you all, my extended family of faith, the questions I ask myself daily: Is your preaching in your walking?  And in your actions as well as your words, are you inviting those around you into fellowship?

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS

“A voice was heard in Ramah,
wailing and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be consoled,
because they are no more.”

(Verse 18 of Matthew 2:13-18)

The Scream by Edward Munch

It is difficult to imagine anything more heart-wrenching than the loss of a child.  It was just as true 2,000 years ago as it is today, and yet it still happens.  As the Christmas season begins to wane, remain mindful that even in the most joyful seasons of the year not everyone is free from pain and suffering.

Today is my 71st Birthday. As I do every day my first thought is “Praise the Lord.” On this day I am aware more keenly of the blessings (gifts) that the Lord is so extravagantly generous in bestowing on me. In the times of Jesus life expectancy was little less than half the years I have lived. Life was hard; retirement was not even a concept, let alone some stage in one’s life. I have been blessed with over 10 years of retirement, which has allowed me time for family, photography, travel and time to be with God. The gifts do not stop with time; there are also the gifts of health and resources to enjoy this time. 

In Psalm 148 after the initial praise, there is a call for all creation (including angels, sun, moon, stars, the heavens, and so forth) to Praise the Lord. We are also told that the lord will raise a horn for his people (us). As God celebrates and praises us so out of thankfulness we will PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Drawing by Brandon Lavis

Advent in 2004 began soon after I became pregnant with our first child. It was the first time in my life that I glimpsed how ecstatic yet terrified Mary must have been to be the mother of the Son of God.  I was scared half to death of raising a regular human being; I can’t imagine the excruciating mixture of joyful anticipation and trepidation she must have felt.  Advent always brings back these feelings for me. I reflect on the responsibilities, which come infused with these same emotions that come with choosing a life with Christ.

When we acknowledge what we fear, though, wisdom follows.  In fearing the Lord, I concede my loose grasp of the expansiveness of divine love and mercy. When I desire to know the Holy One, I come to know the Holy in me, in each one of us.  Together, we create the Holy Oneness of God’s humanity. 

Saturday, December 31, 2011

NEW YEAR’S EVE

If Jesus had come in this century, I wonder if His favorite childhood song would be “This Little Light of Mine.”  What a joy to have Jesus as our Light in this often dark and dreary world!  Tonight is the last night of 2011, a year of struggles for many. What are your prayers for the coming new year?  Financial stability, comfort, boldness to share the Gospel, that God’s will be done in our lives and the lives of others? Whatever our prayers, today’s verse is an answer!  Jesus assures us, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”  When we follow Jesus, it doesn’t mean we have all our needs met or never face struggles; it does mean we have the promise of the eternal, not temporal, Light.  We follow so many things these days: Twitter, Facebook, football, the latest TV episode.  Let us take time each day to set aside such distractions, to talk with God, to follow Him, and to truly acknowledge Him as our Lord and our Light.

Let us pray:  Dearest Jesus, Light of the World, thank You for shining bright; help us to share Your Light with those in the dark and to carry Your Light into the new year.  Amen.

Sunday, January 1, 2012 

FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
NAME OF JESUS/NEW YEAR’S DAY

Considering ALL that Mary had to ponder from the angel’s visitation until this point, don’t you suppose the words she treasured and pondered made her more keenly aware of God’s presence?

As I grow older I value pondering and reflecting more and more. This may take the form of journaling, sharing with another or pondering in my heart. This reflection often reveals the deeper meaning of how that event impacted or changed me and God’s presence in and through it.

Take time to ponder this Christmas Season as an individual, with a friend or as a family. What did I experience? What did I think or feel? What surprised or moved me? As a family, each member may have different memories of the same event.

“We had the experience but missed the meaning.” -- T.S.Eliot
“Life can only be understood backwards but must be lived forwards” --  Soren Kirkegaard

Today we continue our celebration of the dawning of a new year with all its hopes, dreams and promises of a bright future.  This is a time of reflection and gratitude for the wondrous blessings bestowed upon us.  We celebrate our blessings with those we love and share our abundance with those less fortunate.  Time is reserved for internal reflection on the grace we have received. This verse reminds us that our good life is not born of a single season, but rather from wisdom gained throughout the year.   Our Lord Jesus Christ guides us through the easy and the difficult times to be kind in our thoughts and actions. Through the wisdom and grace granted us from the Lord, we are better able to handle life’s successes and challenges in a gentle manner and through that grace we are prepared to take action to help ourselves and one another.  Thus, as we look towards the wonder of a new year, we can give thanks and praise for the wisdom to do the works for a good life.

In a culture that values self-esteem to the extent we do, the many biblical references for the need to be humble can seem to be rather heavy handed. Are we to think less of ourselves?  But I found that Thomas Merton’s insights on humility give a life and a greatness that self-esteem itself cannot give.  For Merton humility is not grounded in self-abasement, but in faith: openness and receptivity toward the gift of God’s grace which redeems and transforms.  Humility is mere honesty before God.  Humility is the opposite of despair that says “I am so worthless, not even God can save me.” This sort of despair may sound like humility, but is actually a strange sort of pride, in Merton’s thinking. The truly humble person lives instead in continuing praise and is one in whom the light of Christ might shine in and through. (See Merton’s “Humility Against Despair” in New Seeds of Contemplation.)

This Proverb was made into a beautiful song I used to listen to at church when I was young.  I remember it making me incredibly emotional which in part was due to the setting and the guitar.  The warm powerful words impacted me as well.  

Seeing this verse now I can see how that new understanding then left an standing invitation to open my heart to God when I am struggling.  

My father, a Methodist minister, had a talent for expressing himself.   Every year he wrote a message to each of his parishioners on their birthday on a “penny” postcard.  People told me how much this meant to them. 

Just as my father cared for and treated everyone equally so our heavenly father created and loves each of us no matter who we are or what we do. 

Drawing by Alexandria Gilbert

Friday, January 6, 2012  

THE EPIPHANY

“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. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.”  (verses 11-12 of Matthew 2: 1-12). 
You are invited to read the entire text.

When you hold the story of Jesus’ birth in Matthew, it is quite amazing to read that a group from far away were the only ones who come to the house where Jesus was. That is the only story of Jesus’ birth we get in Matthew, nothing more.  And when the three find Jesus the Christ they are filled with joy and offer gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh—outsiders giving amazing gifts. As we wonder about our ministry here at Faith Lutheran, what a reminder to notice that outsiders have gifts to give.  In these days when it is not easy to enter into a community that is long established, may our eyes, ears, and our hearts be ready to receive what God is wanting to give to us. Epiphany is the traditional time of giving and receiving gifts.  May we be ready in this new year to receive all that God desires us to receive.

This devotional booklet is

written by members of and printed by

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
667 East First Avenue
Chico, CA  95926
530-895-3754

TO THE GLORY OF GOD

   
  

1. ADVENT
                              Introduction
                              1st Week (27 Nov-3 Dec)
                                                            27 Nov: Sunday 
                                                            28 Nov: Monday 
                                                            29 Nov: Tuesday
                                                            30 Nov: Wednesday
                                                            1 Dec: Thursday
                                                            2 Dec: Friday
                                                            3 Dec: Saturday
                              2nd Week 4-10 Dec)
                                                            4 Dec: Sunday
                                                            5 Dec: Monday
                                                            6 Dec: Tuesday
                                                            7 Dec: Wednesday
                                                            8 Dec: Thursday
                                                            9 Dec: Friday
                                                            10 Dec: Saturday
                              3rd Week (11-17 Dec)
                                                            11 Dec: Sunday
                                                            12 Dec: Monday
                                                            13 Dec: Tuesday
                                                            14 Dec: Wednesday
                                                            15 Dec: Thursday
                                                            16 Dec: Friday
                                                            17 Dec: Saturday
                              4th Week (18-24 Dec)
                                                            18 Dec: Sunday
                                                            19 Dec: Monday
                                                            20 Dec: Tuesday
                                                            21 Dec: Wednesday
                                                            22 Dec: Thursday
                                                            23 Dec: Friday
                                                            24 Dec : Saturday
                              5th Week (25 Dec-31 Dec)
                                                            25 Dec Christmas: Sunday
                                                            26 Dec: Monday
                                                            27 Dec: Tuesday
                                                            28 Dec: Wednesday
                                                            29 Dec: Thursday
                                                            30 Dec: Friday
                                                            31 Dec: Saturday
                              6th Week (1-6 Jan)
                                                            1 Jan: Sunday
                                                            2 Jan: Monday
                                                            3 Jan: Tuesday
                                                            4 Jan Wednesday
                                                            5 Jan Thursday
                                                            Epiphany: 6 Jan Friday
                              Music & Words)
2. PAGE MAP
3. .INDEX

Broken Links:

November 9, 2011

External Links:

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flchico.org/groups/nurture/advent.htm mailto:faithlutheranchico@sbcglobal.net
flchico.org/groups/nurture/advent.htm mailto:faithlutheranchico@sbcglobal.net
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