Hillsboro Presbyterian Church

Stories of Christmas
2013 Advent Devotional
A daily guide including scripture, reflection and prayer to help lead you to the Christ child during this Advent season.

A letter from Pastor Chris Adams

ts an ancient story about grace. In the midst of empire, God was doing a new thing to save his people and grant them peace. Emperor Caesar Augustus is most known for instituting the Roman imperial mandate of Pax Romana. This Latin phrase meaning Roman peace was achieved by exercising power and dominance over Romes enemies. Peace through power. So at the beginning of Lukes gospel, the Emperor was counting up his assets of people and property in order to know the status of his peace. More people under Roman occupation meant more money. More money and resources meant more soldiers and the defeat of enemies. The defeat of more enemies meant more Pax Romana. Thats how empires work. But in the midst of all of this, God was doing a new thing. Gods peace is countercultural. It is not achieved through money and resources and the counting of people. Instead, Gods peace is delivered in the form of a single tiny child, helpless and vulnerable. That child was the one the world had been waiting for as the answer to the problem of empires and Caesars. That child in many ways is the one the world, and those that struggle and fear, still wait to receive as the answer to the things that dominate and oppress. That single child brings us peace! It is again the season of Advent, and in the name of that child, I invite you to prepare your hearts and minds to receive the grace and the peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Through Christ, God has come to us and set us free. (Luke 1) As you ponder again what this means for you and your family during this season of Advent, this book contains some devotional thoughts from our elders and deacons. Read them, reflect upon them, pray them even, and my hope is that you discover the sense of peace that God has offered through Christ. Then, as a sort of culmination of this season of preparation, I invite you to Stories of Christmas: A Service of Grace with Live Nativity on Wednesday, December 18th at 6:30pm with a Christmas dinner beginning at 5:43pm. Let us again center our hearts and our minds on the ancient story of peace! Peace, Chris Adams

Advent Schedule of Events

Sundays: Combined service at 10am with Sunday School at 9am December 8, 6pm: Sounds of the Season Christmas Concert followed by Cookie Reception December 18, 5:43pm: Stories of Christmas: Service of Grace with Live Nativity, featuring Christmas dinner and music by Alice Peacock. Dont forget to RSVP to Amy! December 24, 5pm: Christmas Eve service (Chapel open for prayer from 4-5pm)

Part 1: Joseph, Mary & Jesus

Luke 2:1-7
1 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

This scripture accompanies the devotionals for December 1-December 6

December 1, 2013

Sunday, The First Week of Advent

A Welcoming Christian, a Welcoming Church
Ron Arildsen
...because there was no place for them in the inn.
As a child, I was told that all the beautiful Christmas lights symbolize being prepared for the Holy Family...that there is room for Jesus and his family in our homes. One of the many things that I love about Hillsboro is that there is room for all of us. That is why it is so important that we do all that we can to remain a welcoming place for all, certainly for those with physical, emotional and mental disabilities, but also for all of us, harboring some rejection and brokenness that needs Christs touch. Visualize our Christ in the Gospelshis healing presence with rich and poor, sick and well, those revered and those outcast by the society of that time. As an usher, I see the Kingdom coming as we come together and each of us comes forward for Communion. We are so different in many ways, but we are bound together as children of God. Some of our homeless visitors dont feel comfortable going forward for Communion, but my fellow ushers and I have the joy of serving them Communion in the pews, and witnessing their grateful smiles. Who would not be moved by seeing the story of the widows mite played out in our midst, when one of our homeless visitors puts a dollar in the collection plate? So let us continue to welcome the Holy Family to our homes and to our church home this Christmas...and let us welcome all of Gods children. In doing this, we will turn on the light of Gods love in our hearts and welcome Christ home there as well.
The King will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40

Prayer

Dear Lord, we pray that each of us individually, and the Christian community as a whole at Hillsboro and throughout the world, should be welcoming to all people. Help us to see them all as children of God.

December 2, 2013

Monday, The First Week of Advent

The Importance of Firsts
Alice Barnes

Firsts are such an important part of our lives. The Emperor Augustus called for the first registration in all the world. Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem for this first enrollment. Mary is expecting her firstborn. These firsts for Mary must have been exciting, yet frightening at the same time. As a mother, I look back to the December before our first child was expected in January. Marys story with the birth of Jesus brought added meaning and questions as we awaited parenthood. I knew our world would change with this first child, but the change was so much more than I had envisioned; and Mary, how could she even imagine the scope of her importance with the birth of Jesus and what it would mean to the world?

Prayer Dear Lord, thank you for Mary and the role she had with her firstborn, Jesus Christ. May we learn and grow by her example.

December 3, 2013

Tuesday, The First Week of Advent

No Room in the Inn
Beth Baxter

During my medical school training, I was able to work with some midwives at General Hospital here in Nashville. Part of my job involved working with pregnant women who had been admitted to have their babies. My job was to teach these women how to bathe their babies. I was a bit awkward doing this, but I felt very moved by this task. There was no room in the inn for these women, and their babies were going to be born into mangers. It was an experience I will always remember and yet another way that Gods word and his stories are new in our world, even 2000 years later.

Prayer

God, in this Advent season, help us to hear the story of the coming of your Son as new in our world.

December 4, 2013

Wednesday, The First Week of Advent

Rejoice in the Child
Rod Bellomy

I remember so clearly when my first son was born how my wife, my mother and I prepared for the coming. We knew his doctor. We knew where he was to be born, where he would be living and the bed where he would be sleeping. Everything was prepared for the birth. My mother had contacted all of the family and friends so the buzz was loud. We had prepared for a truly joyous occasion. Mary and Joseph had a slightly different situation. They were forced to travel miles, Mary on the back of a donkey pregnant and traveling into the unknown. They were not sure of where they would stay, or if the baby would be born on the road to Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph had no time to prepare for the upcoming birth, and there wasnt any family to assist them. The one constant was that they believed that God was taking care of his Son. The Lord sent angels to proclaim the birth of his Son to shepherds in the fields, and he placed a star in the sky so all would know that someone great was born. The gifts to Jesus were brought by wise men guided by the star. The message from God is clear: have faith in the Lord and his promises. God was a proud father as he sent his Son to save the world.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for delivering your Son to the world to forgive us of our sins.

December 5, 2013

Thursday, The First Week of Advent

A Vulable Opportunity
Scott Brunette

I have many thoughts as I read Luke 2:1-7. My mind goes back to the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. In order to be a prophet inspired by God you have to be right 100% of the time. The prophecies say that the Messiah will come from the lineage of King David and be born in Bethlehem. I know of no one who fits this requirement but Jesus. I also think of the meaning of Bethlehem, The House of Bread. Jesus refers to himself as the Bread of Life. Holy Communion reminds us to remember Jesus sacrifice for us until he comes again. But I keep thinking about verse seven, which describes the Holy Family as struggling for lodging and living in poverty. In Matthew 25, Jesus describes how we will be judged when we meet God. We will be judged by how we care for the homeless, the sick, the hungry, the stranger and anyone who is in need. We have a valuable opportunity in this church to honor and serve Jesus by participating in the Room in the Inn ministry. What could be more in line with following Jesus example of how to live?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, may you be proud of the way we live by how we serve others in your name.

December 6, 2013

Friday, The First Week of Advent

Young Boy and a Grown Man
Ben Cannon
because there was no place for them in the inn. Out of all the story of Jesus Christs arrival, it is this line that strikes me the most. I remember as a child feeling so angered by the thought of such an injusticeJesus, the Son of God, born in a stable??? Laid on a bed of straw??? Surrounded by farm animals??? Strangely, as Ive grown older, I seem to have found great comfort in the thoughtthe still of night, the smell of hay, the only sounds arising come from Gods creatures in the stable surrounding them. Mary, away from all of the chaos and the people, with only Joseph at her side...knowing in her heart that she was bearing a great light into the world. And the Christ child entering his Fathers world in a peaceful place, surrounded only by those who truly loved him on this Holy Silent Night. When I reflect on this sacred night and take myself back to that placethere beside the mangerI thank God for making his Sons arrival so simply beautiful and so telling that lessons were learned by a young boy and, in that same scripture, comfort is found by a grown man.

Prayer
God our Father, thank you for sending your Son to walk among us and for doing so in such a way that lessons are learned by both young and old through the telling of his birth.

Part 2: The Shepherds

Luke 2:8-12
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for seeI am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.

This scripture accompanies the devotionals for December 7-December 12

December 7, 2013

Saturday, The Second Week of Advent

The Blessed Babe
Lucy Carroll

Running out the front door to get into the car with deep snow on the ground, Everette reminded me we probably needed to take a blanket. The agency had just called telling us the newborn we were planning to foster was ready to leave the hospital. I grabbed one of the baby blankets neighbors had provided, and we drove through a snowstorm to the hospital, snuggled Lee (the name which we had chosen for her) in the blanket and held her close, received some instructions and formula from the nurses and joyfully brought her homea beautiful baby with her birth mothers red hair. As Jesus was the firstborn in his family, Lee was our first foster baby with many more to follow. Shepherds, helpful neighbors, came to see her, bringing their kids and petsall fascinated by her infant sounds. Wise Men, our ministers, cameall bringing gifts. Lee was an especially beloved baby and was adopted at five months of age by loving parents who had prayed many years for her arrival. Guess what! The name they had chosen for their first child was Lee, and this was Gods special confirmation that he had been guiding each of us all the way. To him be the glory with thanksgiving!

Prayer
May Jesus, the babe of Bethlehem, bless Lee and all in foster care all their lives and draw them to himself.

December 8, 2013

Sunday, The Second Week of Advent

In the Eyes of God
Jim Cozart
The shepherds were working, doing their jobs. The shepherds were not sophisticated or educated and not the ones a person would think would be the first recipients of news of the birth of a messiah, savior or king. Of course, they were scared and uncertain. No one of class talks with shepherds. They are servants. What do they know? In addition, what kind of gifts could they bring? Yet, these are the first to receive the announcement that the Messiah was born. This is a great example of Gods love for all. It calls for understanding that no one is greater or better than another. This should cause all of us to treat everyone, even or especially those who are different from us in appearance and beliefs, equally. All are equal in the eyes of God.

Prayer

Jesus, open our eyes, our hearts and our minds to know we are all Gods children.

December 9, 2013

Monday, The Second Week of Advent

And, lo...
Linda Diguette
You will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. On the night Jesus was born, no one thought God would be interested in shepherds, or that shepherds would be interested in God. Shepherds were notoriously irreligious, ranked with prostitutes and other habitual sinners. They were outcasts, barred from the synagogue and polite society. God would never accept them. But God led the heralding angel to bypass Jerusalem, the religious center of Israel. He didnt go to Herodium, Herods villa near Bethlehem. He appeared instead to a band of shepherds tending their flocks. God knew that these shepherds, like so many who appear indifferent to spiritual things, were quietly longing for God. All of us have a longing in our spirit. No matter how hard we try to appear self-sufficient, sooner or later we run out of something essentiallove, money, time or life. And the resulting loneliness and fear lead us to acknowledge our need for a Savior. The angels words to the shepherds were simple and direct: There is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. You and I are the you in the angels announcement. Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Prayer

Thank you Father, for your gift of a life-giving Savior to our dying world.

December 10, 2013

Tuesday, The Second Week of Advent

May Love Speak Through Our Fear
Juliana Ericson
Weve heard this story so many times that we may not stop to think about how amazing it actually was. Can you imagine sitting in a field on a quiet evening with some friends and all of a sudden you see a huge, bright light appear out of nowhere?! Then it begins speaking to you. How could you even think straight? Would you be afraid, or would you be curiously amazed? I imagine I would be so terrified that I might not even be able to hear the angels words. You and I have read the story, so we know what happens next. But those shepherds didnt know. They were understandably afraid but thankfully came to their senses and listened. They allowed their hearts to hear the angels message. Why do you think those particular shepherds were chosen to hear such a fantastic message of love? Do you think they were special or ordinary people, as you and me?

Prayer

Father, help me hear your words of love even when I am afraid.

December 11, 2013

Wednesday, The Second Week of Advent

Bringing the Good News
Don Fiete
During the joy of the Christmas season, it sometimes seems difficult to remind ourselves the great blessing that was given to us. And certainly all the good works that our church does, not only during this season but all year long, are a true testament to the Christmas virtue. But I am also constantly reminded of the Christmas story and the meaning it has for me and my family. For one thing I am always amazed that despite the number of times I have heard, or read, the biblical story of the birth of the Christ child, it speaks new every time. As I reflected on the story this year, it reminded me of the delivery of the message to the shepherds. In this age when we see all the publicity given to the newly born of the rich, famous, celebrities, etc., the simple story of the birth of the Savior is even more notable. For it was plainly announced to humble shepherds by an angel. And even equally significant is that it was shepherds, for which the Bible has many allegorical meanings. For me this reflects that God intended his Son first for the less fortunate among us. And his love and grace are not bound to any hierarchal structure.

Prayer
Dear God, we thank you for the blessing of your son Jesus Christ. His presence and ministry have provided us with the true meaning of love for all humanity. May this Christmas spirit of giving and sharing with the less fortunate be a continuing one. And a special thanks for the presence of the Hillsboro Church for personifying this spirit throughout the year.

December 12, 2013

Thursday, The Second Week of Advent

Big New Things
Jody Grantham
This passage from Luke chapter 2:8-12 tells of the angels annunciation of Jesus birth to the shepherds. Scholars find the major meaning here in that it is not the kings and rulers who are chosen to receive the news, but rather it is the lowly shepherds living in the fields to whom God has sent an angel giving the first news of Jesus birth. This begins turning things upside-down and is meant to be taken as sign of the new order in which the first are last and the humble are lifted up. Amen to that. Reading this passage as a layman, I am drawn to the shepherds fear, which Luke tells us about when he says they were terrified upon the appearance of the angel. The angel told the shepherds not to fear and gave them the best news ever, but the shepherds had to act on what they had been told. Big new things can be scary for sure. The trick is what we do when these kinds of things come to us in our everyday lives. Do we hear the angels reassurance and choose to move ahead with faith?

Prayer Lord, help us to hear your voice and to move ahead faithfully through whatever big new things come our way.

Part 3: The Angels

Luke 2:13-20
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! 15 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. 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

This scripture accompanies the devotionals for December 13-December 18

December 13, 2013

Friday, The Second Week of Advent

Did You Really Mean that for Me, Lord?
David Gregory

An encounter with the Divine comes as a stunning surprise, and human responses are often ambivalent. One is tempted to ask, Is this real? Maybe I just had too much Starbucks, and not enough sleep. Or, with some measure of belief, I might say, Yes, but why should I respond now? If I wait, it might go away. There is no need to rush into this, especially since I do not know what is going on. Another response might be, OK, I need to do something, but I want to finish this other project first. I cant just drop everything and take off chasing something that was probably an illusion. How much is this going to cost me? If I leave my job behind, I will lose money, and maybe get fired. What about my family? The shepherds had no doubt that the announcement meant something really big was happening. They had been looking for the Messiah for a long time. Oppression from Rome made life hard. There was no hesitation, no reservation, no quibbling and no excuses. There was no fear that the sheep would suffer, and no concerns about the cost of answering the call from God.

Prayer

Lord, give us the courage and conviction to answer your call quickly, selflessly and boldly.

December 14, 2013

Saturday, The Second Week of Advent

Modern Angels
Ben Hall
In our busy and broken world the notion of angels can seem quaint at best. But when I slow down and look around me, I feel the presence of God through modern angels. My mom always loved red birds. She grew up on a farm in Missouri, and cardinals lived all around her. Whenever she saw one, she would stop and count to ten and say, Cardinals never stay still for more than ten seconds. There is now a family of cardinals that lives near our back porch. When I see one, I stop, think of my mom, and I count. Im amazed how often our red birds sit longer than ten seconds. I smile and think that somehow it is my mom watching our familyseeing her grandkids and telling us fear not. A peace comes over me. Christmas is a season of symbols. Let us stop and take in what God is telling us. He sends us messages every daythat we can overlook or embrace. Let us remember the bottom line of the Bible. God wins. He loves us. And let it give us peace.

Prayer
Dear God, may you open our eyes to the symbols of your love you place all around us. May we take time in this season to remember the love you have for us and the promise you made through Jesus. And may we experience the peace you intend for us.

December 15, 2013

Sunday, The Third Week of Advent

Angels We Have Heard on High
Nancy Hartmann

As the days grow shorter and morning frost appears on the rooftop, thoughts of Christmas and decorating our home for the holidays come right behind. Part of our family tradition, even before the crche is unpacked and placed on the mantle, is to gather the angels I have collected over the years from travels to different parts of the U.S. and Europe. They are all sizes and shapes, made of china, glass, pottery and wood. As I place them around in different rooms of the house, I find myself humming the hymn Angels We Have Heard on High. Angels are proclaimers of Christs birth, beings full of light and song, lighting up the night sky. They are truly bringers of good news. Setting up my angel collection helps to bring the Christmas story to life and set the mood for the season. Our treetop angel was my grandmothers and as such is one of my favorites. Each year the kids would alternate in the placing of Nanas angel on the treetop. Along with joyous sounds of Christmas, and the joyous news of the birth of our Savior that the angels delivered, let us add a few beautiful sounds of our own: God bless you! May I help? Thank you! Praise God! Welcome home! I forgive you. I love you.

Prayer

Loving Lord, may we, like the angels, be bringers of good news to others.

December 16, 2013

Monday, The Third Week of Advent

Christmas is a Time...
Rod Hitt
Christmas is a time when we all remember our childhood and are reminded of the blessings of being a child. Christmas is also a time to remember the joys we experienced raising our children. Christmas is a time for looking back with loving memories of loved ones who are now with the Lord. For many of us who have lost loved ones, we rejoice in knowing they are with the Lord and that our time on earth is a fleeting moment, and that we will be united with our loved ones one day. Christmas is a time for all the beautiful remembrances of family. No wise men will visit our homes this Christmas, but nevertheless they will be there in spirit, reminding us that Christmas is not just a time for presents and family dinners but a time when Gods promise became a reality. Too many of us forget Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Savior who came to earth for the salvation of mankind. The birth of the Christ child is the Alpha and Omega of our Christian faith. There is an old Pennsylvanian Dutch saying which sums up what Christmas is all about. It reads, God said it. Christ did it. And that settles it!

Prayer
God, help us remember that Christmas is not just a time for presents and family dinners, but a time when Gods promise became a reality in the birth of Jesus.

December 17, 2013

Tuesday, The Third Week of Advent

Can You Imagine?
John Howard

Can you imagine? Who heard the news first? Not the kings or the priests but the lowly shepherds. Why was this? And why not just one angel but a throng of angels appearing to the shepherds singing glory to God in the highest? Can you imagine? The greatest event in history had just happened!

Jesus is with all of usthe plain and the ordinary, the rich and the poor. Jesus set aside his glory so he could identify with all of mankind and show mankind how to live.

Prayer
Jesus, you are the gift that continuously gives. The best Christmas present ever! Amen! Amen! Amen!

December 18, 2013

Wednesday, The Third Week of Advent

Things to Ponder: The First Christmas...A Last Christmas?
Jen James
She already knew her child was special. She had been told privately, quietly, by an angel months earlier. Now on this first Christmas, the sky was full of angels, and this time they were dramatic and public and LOUD! Then the shepherds came andwell! Mary must have been so amazed. There is no way she could have imagined everything he would mean to the world. She just knew that her child was special. And she pondered what it all meant, that first Christmas. Rewind back to the Advent season of 1996. My younger daughter had been gravely ill earlier and almost died. She was out of the hospital, but her health was still very fragile, and her medication was dangerous. As I prepared for Christmas that year, my soul was overwhelmed by the fear that this could be her last Christmasher last tree, her last gifts. I could hardly bear it. And of course I prayed. And of course, I also had things to ponder. What happened? Why to her? Thanks be to God, that Christmas was not her last. Over the following months, she slowly gained strength and health, but I still ponder those same questions. I have no answers, but it clearly helped shape her and us into the people we are.

Prayer Dear God, help us to see your presence in all things as we ponder questions that have no answers.

Part 4: The Wise Men

Matthew 2:1-12
1 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage. 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6 And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel. 7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage. 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 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. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

This scripture accompanies the devotionals for December 19-December 25

December 19, 2013

Thursday, The Third Week of Advent

Saved by Serendipity...Or is it by the Hand of God?
Lee Limbird

How often have our plans been interrupted by an unforeseen turn of events, a word of advice from a trusted loved one, or a visceral warning, and we lived in gratitude that our plans were indeed turned upside down? How often do we forget that Gods hand is always in our lives, whether we push it away and charge on with our own agenda or, by some act of grace, respond in the full embrace of Gods love? I am reminded of the dream that warned the wise men not to report on the whereabouts of this new child, the purported Messiah, to Herodand of the providence of God to intervenenot always by radiant light of angels, but sometimes through the voices and concerns and wisdom of others among Gods children.

Prayer
Loving God, give me the ears to hear, the patience to listen and the courage to move in response to your will, made apparent via the loving words of your earthly children when they reach out to me with grace and concern.

December 20, 2013

Friday, The Third Week of Advent

Go and Search Dilligently
Lynne McCalla
Go and search diligently for the child I have always loved the story of the wise men. As a child I wondered, from where in the East had they come? Was it from the eastern part of King Herods kingdom, or was it from the Far East? Were they from different countries? What did they look like? What color was their skin? How had they heard about King Herod, or did they know about Bethlehem of Judah? Lots of questions but no real answers! What has always caught my attention was the sending of the wise men to Bethlehem! They were told to Go and search diligently. Sounds a lot like a command from God, doesnt it? But no, this was from King Herod, a frightened King who feared he was to be overthrown by this baby who, according to the wise men, is the king of the Jews. I believe that God was in fact speaking these words through King Herod for a different purpose than Herod intended. After all, only because the wise men and the shepherds left the Christ child and spread the word of what they had witnessed, did the world really learn of the baby Jesus birth! So, thanks be to the angels and the shepherds and to Herod and the wise men! We now know that the Christ child had indeed come! When I am in a quandary about what I should be doing in my life or this year or this month or even today, I often think these words Go and search diligently. So I try to use my brain and gather information and get organized to go about doing. However, I always get bogged down! So I start praying and listening for God to guide me. Then I hear him say, Go and search diligently for the child, my son Jesus the Christ. He will show you the way! Dont leave him out of your life! He wants to be in every thought, question, decision you have. This Advent season is leading us to the birth of the Christ child. Please join me as we go together to search diligently for the child! It makes all the difference in the world. You and I, HPC, our own communities, our state, our country and the world will see the Kingdom of God if we will but seek the gift of God, the child called Jesus.

Prayer
Dear God, help us to remember to always search diligently for the child who came to change our lives. We give thanks and praise for your gift of the Christ child!

December 21, 2013

Saturday, The Third Week of Advent

Seeking Jesus
Carol Nations

Driving home late one evening amidst the traffic lights and busyness of the town streets, its difficult to fathom what it must have been like so many years ago for three persevering men to travel by faith on animals guided by a bright star in search of the Messiah. I envision the scintillating stars Al and I observed on the dark abandoned beach in late October. We were mesmerized by the magnificent beauty of Venus and its indescribably brilliant reflection across the vast waters of the gulf, as we have only seen by the moon before. In rereading Matthew 2:1-12, my focus went to two phrases: they were overwhelmed with joy and opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When we seek Jesus, our lives are filled with his light. We see his light in others, in the details of his wondrous creation and in our circumstances. Awareness of his constant presence, praising him and worshipping him brings joy into our lives. We reflect that joy to others. I can open myself and give him my heart, my mind and my trust. In spending quiet time with him, talking with him, nurturing a personal relationship with him and putting him first in my life, my life becomes overwhelmed with joy. Praise be to God!

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for giving us Jesus. Open our hearts and minds to see, hear and know him.

December 22, 2013

Sunday, The Fourth Week of Advent

What Happens Next?
Jill Reddig
We often talk about the lavish gifts the wise men gave to the Christ child. But what did they receive? They were wealthy, highly-regarded astrologers (scientists of their day), and well-connected. King Herod called them in for a consult!

Foreigners, they were the only ones who saw the Bethlehem starand they saw it twice. They arrived late to the party but in time to see Jesus. And they recognized him; they knew they were in the presence of the Messiah. They offered their gifts and knelt in worship. In that moment, I think the men were fully aware that God was present in this infant, that the prophecies had been fulfilled, that something entirely unique had happened. Avoiding Herod, they left for their own country... So? And? What did they do next?

They have seen God. Did they just go home and play with the kids? Do some more astrological work? Did they at least tell the story? Did they realize what a privilege they had been given? Of course, they did not have our good fortune. They did not know how Jesus would live and what he would teach and the sacrifice he would make for us. You and I know. So? And? What will we do next?

Prayer God, help us to respond to the birth of Christ as though it makes a world-changing difference to and through each of us.

December 23, 2013

Monday, The Fourth Week of Advent

A Different Path
David Warren

The story of the wise men is so ingrained in our Christmas heritage that we dont even notice that it is bursting with the drama, politics and violence of the time when Jesus was born. The wise men came from a foreign place bringing the good news of the birth of the King, good news to the world but not to a paranoid, violent earthly king, Herod. He sought them out to help him locate the King, but they suspected his motives and traveled home a different way. This set the stage for the deaths of an untold number of baby boys, as Herod tried to kill his competition. Yet the baby Jesus survived with an exodus back to Egypt with his family. This Christmas, as I thought about these verses, I was struck by the allegorical nature of the story. Every person has a Herod inside. It is almost inevitable that power corrupts the soul. The wise men are indeed wise, in that they travel home in a different way. This is the season that inspires us to put our faith in innocence and truth and travel a different path.

Prayer

God, help us to put our faith in you and to be wise enough to travel the path you make for us.

December 24, 2013

Christmas Eve
Getting to Know Jesus
Paula Yelverton
The Magithey studied, they persevered on their long journey. Herods and Jerusalems unrest in hearing about the Messiah did not stop the magi. They listened to Herod but were not swayed by him. They were overjoyed when they found Jesus and shared their treasures. They listened to God and took a different path home. They found a better way. How are we like the magi? What gifts do we share with ourselves and others? Do we listen to God and find better ways?

The Starthe magi not only saw the star but recognized it as a sign to lead them to Jesus. Do we keep our awareness open for signs outside of us and within us that lead us to Jesus? Herodhe was fearful and threatened by the Messiah, that his power, position and control would be usurped. He tried to put obstacles in the way of the Messiah. How are we like Herod? Maryopen to what God asked of her, present for Jesus. How are we like Mary?

Jesus, his birthour hope, our renewal through grace and forgiveness, that we may begin (be reborn) each day new and ready to try again to live with our hearts and our minds as he taught us by his example. How are we like Jesus?

Prayer
Loving God, help us to be aware of our darkness (our Herod) so that we may be open to your light. Help us to be like the magi and like Mary. Help us to recognize and to follow the many stars outside us and within us so we may more fully follow Jesus and know you.

December 25, 2013

Christmas Day
Follow the Star
Sharon Yokley
At the beginning of Jesus life, we are given the example of the wise men following the light of the star. All through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, we hear about light. David tells us in Psalm 27:1, The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear. However, Isaiah says in 59:9, We wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness. We are constantly encouraged to follow and trust in the light, but being humans, we fall back into the dark.

When I was much younger, there were two instances in my life where I was overcome with fear, indecision and worry. Both times this lasted for daysespecially in those dark hours in the middle of the night. Finally, I remembered my mothers reminder that Jesus tells us not to worry and to bring all our prayers to God. As soon as I turned my burdens over to God in prayer, I physically felt the burden being lifted. I felt lighter! My hope is that we all remember the wise men following the light of the star and keep the light in our lives from being overcome by the darkness.

Prayer
Dear Lord, we praise and thank you for Jesus coming to us and bringing hope and light. Help us to follow the lighted path that you have chosen for us.