Reading:  I Peter 4: 7-11

Reflection:
Change is a scary word.  At times we get comfortable with life as we know it; making it a little bit different often comes with anxiety.  But, change can be good.  It can be exciting and put a newness in our lives that gives us a fresh outlook on our surroundings.  We rearrange from what is to what will be.   

Saying goodbye is sometimes tough to do.  Okay, it is almost always tough to do.  Saying goodbye to those who have helped shape your life, been by your side, and helped you through the good and bad is something none of us probably look forward to.  But eventually we all have to say goodbye.  Move on.  Make a change.  But with prayer and faith in God, we know that endings are new beginnings.  We know God will watch over us.   

Today, we say goodbye to this year.  It’s December 31st.  Every time this date rolls around, we mark the end of one year and get set to begin another one.  We look back at what happened in our lives the previous 365 days and we reflect on how far we have come.  We look ahead to the new year, maybe making a resolution that we will try to make a change in our life and start fresh.

You probably could tell me what you did last New Year’s Eve.  Big plans are usually made to celebrate the closing of the year and the coming of a new one.  Great excitement abounds as the big lighted ball is dropped from high atop Times Square, ushering in the first minutes of a new year.

As we begin a new year, let us be thankful for what we have.  Let us not take for granted what has been given to us, especially God’s grace.  We’ve come a long way this year!  Here’s to a great new year.  And so, we end this year with this verse from the last book of the Bible:  “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints.  Amen.”  (Revelation 22: 21)  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

Reading:  Luke 10:  38-41

Reflection:
Are you a Mary or a Martha?  Do you open your door for others, practicing gracious hospitality, making preparations and being busy when company comes to your home.  Or, do you sit with your guests, talking and listening, not worrying about the cleanliness of the bathroom or the amount of food and beverages you have to serve?

Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to him while Martha was out tidying the house and preparing the snacks.  Jesus chastises Martha for worrying too much and says Mary has chosen well!

As we get set to start a new year of serving God, let us not forget both Mary and Martha.  We all should practice good hospitality and emulate Martha’s efforts of servanthood.  But, we also need to take time to do as Mary did, sit at Jesus’ feet, and listen.  We need to be attentive to listening to God’s call, which includes growing in our faith.  We need to take time to sit at the feet of Jesus and practice spending time each day in God’s Word. 

In this coming new year, make it a resolution to make time for prayer and to listen for God.  Gather with others and reflect on your faith lives.  What a joy we have to be able to be like Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet!  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director 
  

Reading:  Phillipians 2: 3-4

Reflection:
A friend of mine once told me that if I learned nothing else from him, I should learn this: “Selfish desires get you nowhere.”  As I think back over the time that has passed since he told me that, I realized that he did give me some valuable advice.  I have remembered what he told me many times and have used it on more than one occasion.

It’s human nature to be selfish.  Sometimes it is hard to realize that we can’t always have what we want.  Most people want more.  They can’t settle for less.

Sometimes we have to remember to share.  It can be tough, but if we remember to share, we can not only enjoy what we have, but we can also allow someone else to enjoy it, too.   --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director 

Reading:  Luke 11: 8

Reflection:
Persistence.  I was reminded of a story over the recent holiday season that dealt with gift-giving and persistence.  Seems a few years ago, my college roommate’s mother wanted to get those collectible Hess Gas Station trucks to give to relatives for Christmas.  She needed almost 20 to give out and called on assistance from her son and me.  The people at the gas station only allowed two trucks per customer so we each took our turns and went in, buying two trucks at a time.  We even changed our appearance by putting glasses on, taking them off, and even going in the store without a coat on.  Needless to say, in a short amount of time, we had all the trucks we needed– and a great story to tell.

I never owned a Hess truck before that Christmas.  And it was during that Christmas that I got my first one– and second one.  My parents thought the story was funny and went out and bought me one.  My roommate also thought I should have one so there they were in my possession:  two Hess trucks to always remind me of that Friday afternoon when I went in and out of the doors of the gas station many, many times.

Persistence.  It can get you much in life.  Besides, if you don’t get anything else, it will get your roommate’s mother nearly 20 Hess trucks, two toy trucks to call your own, and a story to tell every Christmas!  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

Reading:  Luke 23: 33-43

Reflection:
A wise woman once said, “Those you love hurt you the most.”  I’m convinced that this is true.  Friends, family members, and close acquaintances often do things that break your heart.  It’s hard to cope with one so close to you doing something that tears you up inside.

Life sometimes can deal you a bad hand and it may be a while before problems get resolved.  Waiting for a resolution can be painful.  Every day you are reminded of what ails you.  Coping is almost impossible.

In this Christmas season, let us not forget about another man who endured pain and suffering.  It’s the man whose birthday we celebrate on December 25.  Jesus is the reason for the season.  Born in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes, the Messiah came to earth destined to be hung on a cross, enduring pain greater than any of us will ever deal with.

It’s Christmas time once again.  May the one whose birth we celebrate during this season come into your life and give you peace.  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

Reading:  Acts 20: 35

Reflection:
It is that time of year again when the glitter of tinsel and lights and red and green bombards us as the Christian community celebrates the birth of Christ.  And once again, people ask, “Why can’t the spirit of Christmas last all year long?”  

One of the most thought-provoking statements I ever saw on TV was on the program “Doogie Houser, M.D.” At the end of each show, Doogie would enter thought-provoking statements into his weekly computer journal.  On this particular episode, Doogie typed, “Getting is good.  Giving is better.  One you know that, it’s always Christmas.”

As the Christmas season comes and goes and we make our new year’s resolutions, let us not forget the wise words of that child prodigy.  May you have a very happy Christmas year!  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

Reading:  Luke 2: 1-20

Reflection:
M any years have come and gone since Angels loudly sang
E mannuel was here on earth and church bells loudly rang
R ising up were shepherds who heard the heavenly noise
R esting in their fields that night were shepherd men and boys
Y oung children everywhere tell of the birth that night

C oming down from heaven, God was here to make things right
H igh above the town was a star which was shining bright
R eady to lead the wisemen there as they followed the star’s light
I n our own special ways, we celebrate this birth each year
S alvation was why this child came down- that message is so clear
T o free us from our sinful ways and make us clean again
M ay we not forget that message as we wish peace to our fellow human
A nd so as you celebrate this year, the birth of Christ, our Lord
S ay little prayer of thankfulness to God above, adored.

Written by Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director  

Prayer:  Lord of Light, lying in a manger this night, smiling and cooing, we humbly ask you to shine in our lives!  Illuminate our days when darkness feels scary and burdens feel heavy.  Wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, we call out to you to be our guest and light our paths.  Blanket us with your love, this day and forevermore.  Amen.  

Reading:  Matthew 1: 18-25

As you celebrate this holiest of nights, I share with you the poem my dad wrote when I was a child.  To me, it is a Christmas classic and I am very proud to share it here.  To you and yours, Merry Christmas.  –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

‘Twas the night before Christmas
When all through the stable,
Not a creature was stirring
Although they were able.

The stars were all hung
In the sky with great care,
In the hope that the Christ Child
Soon would be there.

The shepherds were nestled
All snug in their beds,
While visions of salvation
Danced in their heads.

And Mary in her kerchief
And Joseph in his cap,
Settled down in the stable
For a long winter’s nap.

When out on the hill
There arose such a clatter,
Shepherds sprang to their feet
To see what was the matter.

Angels they heard
Singing on high,
For the birth of a savior
Surely was night.

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly
When they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky,
So too did the news of this birth spread afar
And there came three wisemen guided by a star.

As the earth continued its turning around
Down to our world, God came with a bound.
He was dressed in swaddling clothes
From his feet to his head,
With only a manger to call his bed.

Yet His eyes how they twinkled,
His dimples how merry,
His cheeks were like roses
His nose like a cherry. 

A wink of His eye and a twist of His head,
Gave the wisemen to know they had nothing to dread.
For Emmanuel came to dwell with us below,
God in the flesh as you all know.

A bundle of love God brought to us all,
Correcting at last Adam and Eve’s fall.
This baby whose side would be pierced with a spear
To assure us from death we have nothing to fear.

From Bethlehem and a baby’s lullaby
To Calvary’s Hill and a blackened sky,
This child’s birth did prophecy fulfill
And brought to mankind peace and goodwill.

So at Christmas Eve, we look from the virgin’s womb
To Easter morning and an empty tomb.
And because of this fact with joy and delight,
Christians say, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”

--Charles L. Hershberger

Closing:  Pray this Prayer For Christmas Eve:

Come, Lord Jesus, be our friend
Stay with us until the end
Meet us in our times of strife
And when good describes our life
Greet us in our neighbor’s face
Make us look past color, race
Come to us in wine and bread
In the Word, our spirits fed
As we hear your baby cries
We remember dying sighs
Hanging on the cross in pain
For our sins, to be our gain
On this Christmas Eve we sing
Happy Birthday to our King!

 

Reading:  Micah 5: 2-5

Reflection:
The excitement of Christmas is once again upon us.  That time of year when goodwill and cheer are spread throughout the land as we proclaim the birth of Jesus.  It was on a quiet night, in a stable that Mary and Joseph stood over a manger singing their Emmanuel to sleep.

Christmas Eve.  What a wondrous day of the year.  Some of my fondest memories have been on the evening before Christmas.  Spending time with family, anticipating the “big day” and going to candlelight services filled with beautiful carols have been a part of my Christmas Eve celebrations.  But one of the greatest traditions in my family when I was a kid was having my dad read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to me and my sister before we laid down for our “long winter’s nap!”

I always looked forward to the annual recitation of Clement Moore’s classic.  Somehow, sitting on my dad’s lap listening to that story, eating Christmas cookies with mom close by, symbolized all that Christmas is about:  being close to your family and friends, rejoicing with Christians everywhere that Jesus Christ is born.  In fact one year my dad changed the words of the famous poem to tell the story of the Christ child’s birth.  (You’ll read that here tomorrow).

Hopefully, now that I have a family of my own, I will provide them with Christmas traditions and memories like the ones my mom and dad have given me.  Christmas has become one of my favorite times of the year because of those traditions.  There is nothing like that feeling of love and peace that surrounds you during the holiday season.

Maybe this year, for old time’s sake, my dad will read the Christmas classic on December 24 and I will be transported to the days of old; days that have played an important part in my life thus far.  Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director   

Reading:  Isaiah 7: 10-17

Reflection:
What do you do during Christmas to symbolize Jesus’ birth?  Often it seems that Christ is taken out of Christmas, as some forget what this season is all about.

Growing up, my parents saw to it that my sister and I were reminded time and time again about what we celebrating.  Two things stand out in my mind particularly.  First, my mom always bakes a birthday cake for the baby Jesus.  As is tradition, we usually had angel food cake (we wouldn’t want to have devil’s food cake, after all).  On Christmas we cut the cake and remember that it is Christ’s birthday.  Second, each one of us gets three gifts in our stockings to represent the three gifts the wisemen brought to the Christ child.

My parents made sure their children did not forget why we celebrate Christmas.  My hope is that you don’t let your family forget either.  –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director 

Reading:  Luke 2: 21-40

Reflection:
Close your eyes.  Around you the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree is only overpowered by the aroma of a turkey dinner cooking in the kitchen.  This morning, the sounds of children opening gifts from Santa overpowered the beautiful strains of familiar carols playing on the radio.  As you look at your surroundings, your heart is warmed by the sight of family and friends gathered to celebrate the holiday with you.  It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas is when we all once again learn that it is truly in the giving we receive; when the cold outdoors is forgotten as we feel the warmth of those around us who are truly in a spirit that unfortunately usually only lasts a month or so.

Often, I am transported back to the days of old when I see, hear, or smell something familiar.  When I see old friends, I remember the times that we spent, doing wild and crazy things, sharing our lives.  When I hear a certain song on the radio, I remember those old high school days when my biggest worry was what I got on my calculus test.  And, when I smell a home-cooked turkey dinner, I remember Christmases of old, sitting on dad’s lap listening to “The Night Before Christmas,” not being able to sleep early Christmas morning, and tearing open packages that were magically placed under the tree.

May you make some memories this holiday season.  –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director  

Reading:  Jeremiah 10- 3-4

Reflection:
One Christmas, my parents bought a set of wooden Christmas tree ornaments.  To me, it seemed like hundreds that we had to paint.  In the weeks preceding Christmas, my parents, my sister, our babysitter, and I painted and decorated our tree with those ornaments. 

In years to come, we put some of those ornaments on our tree each year, reminding us of that Christmas when we painted them.  It became even more special after my babysitter’s death.  Then, we also remembered her and what she meant to my family.

My family also had a tradition that when we went on vacation in the summer, we would find an ornament from that destination to put on our tree.  When we decorated it each year, we would be reminded of the places we had visited.  Since my sister and I have left the nest, my parents continue to buy ornaments on their vacations.  I have started that tradition with my own tree, buying an ornament on my summer vacations.

Some people say we should not decorate trees for Christmas because of the verse we read today from Jeremiah.  I’ve heard that it is legend that the tradition of putting up Christmas trees came from Martin Luther.  He wanted to show his children the beauty of the night Christ was born.  So, he put a nativity scene up in their home and put an evergreen tree behind it.  In the darkness the candles (yes, real candles back then) which he placed on the tree looked like the stars which shone down on the manger.  Soon, other Germans began to do the same and the rest, as they say, is history.

I think a tree at Christmas time is a perfect way to remind us of Christ.  An evergreen is always green– unlike other trees, it does not lose its leaves in winter and look “dead.”  Christ is alive always, just like evergreens are always green.  Let our Christmas trees remind us of that!  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

Reading:  Isaiah 12

Reflection:
I’m a big fan of Christmas music.  I own a whole collection of holiday albums which I listen to from Thanksgiving to Epiphany.  There is such beauty in those carols. 

As we begin to sing Christmas hymns in church each December, I am always amazed at how long many of these carols have been in existence.  Many were written in the 13th, 14th, or 15th centuries.  They have been handed down for generations.

Why did these hymns survive the test of time?  I think it is because they were written to the Glory of God.  They were written to praise God and spread the news of the birth of Jesus.  Songs which are not written for God often fall by the wayside.  But those written to honor God survive for a long time.  –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director   

Reading:  Isaiah 11: 10-16

Reflection:
Imagine how it would have felt to be an Israelite in the days of the Exodus.  You are hungry, thirsty, and tired of waiting for freedom since you have been a slave for hundreds of years.  The Israelites did not know what was going to happen to them.  They were taking risks when they decided to leave Egypt. 

We, too, take many risks in our lives.  Sometimes while taking these risks, we are hungry, thirsty, and tired.  We look to the future and hope that things will turn out the way we want them to.

There are many high points and low points in our lives.  We enjoy the mountaintop experiences but hope things will get better during the valleys of our existence. 

Throughout good times and bad, we must look to the future with hope and optimism.  This is seen quite frequently during Advent when we are looking forward to Christmas with hope and celebration.  But anytime is a good time to be optimistic. 

Look to the future with hope.  You may be surprised with the outcome.  The Israelites were!  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

Closing Prayer:
 Lord of our life and God of our Salvation,
 You are the star of our night and the hope of every nation.
 You can and will preserve us and help us when our earthly armor fails.
 Grant us peace, Lord, and give us future hope.
 (LBW Hymn #366, “Lord of our Life”)

Reading:  Luke 3: 7-18

Reflection:
When Jesus came to John the Baptist to be baptized, John told Him that he should be getting baptized by Christ, not the other way around. But Jesus insisted and John baptized Him.

Many times, we may feel unworthy of the love that God has given us. We may feel that we do not deserve the blessings He has bestowed on us. We may feel like worthless sinners who should not be honored by God.

Look to the manger. God sent Jesus Christ to live as a human. Look at how humble He was and how He was just like us. He was born of a woman and endured life on earth. We may feel unworthy, but as it says in scripture, we all fall short of the Glory of God. Despite that, He loves us as His children. For this, we should be thankful.  –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

Reading:  Matthew 11: 2-15

Reflection:
Being on a camp staff is a rewarding experience.  I’ve had the opportunity to work with hundreds of campers, who have stories to tell, examples to illustrate, and humor to add in tough times.

But some of the campers I remember most were not the ones who always had something to say. Many of the campers who truly touched me were ones who sat and absorbed what we had to say. They had no remarks to make but looking into their eyes, I could tell that they understood what we were trying to get across.

Campers came in many different shapes and sizes. All are unique and have something to share. Many of the campers will be from good families, have nice clothes, and expensive equipment. But a lot of the campers come from bad home lives and other depressing situations.

In this passage, Jesus was speaking to the people about John, the Baptist.  He was a simple, everyday, ordinary kind of guy. He didn't have fancy clothes, or flaunt his possessions. Not everyone appreciated him or understood the deep significance of his ministry.  The campers who you may really touch are those who have rocky pasts but great hope for the future. Hopefully, they listen and our teachings help them in some small way.

Jesus reminded the people about John.  He told them to pay attention and not to miss the significance of what they were hearing.  If you keep your ears open, you may hear stories about how you have affected a child.  And it may the child that didn’t say much, but got the message.  

Listen then, if you have ears. You'll be surprised at the things you can hear.  –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

Reading:  Jeremiah 31: 17

Reflection:
There are many mysteries of this world that I truly don’t understand.  For instance, if they can make an indestructible black box in an airplane, why can’t they make the whole plane out of that material?  Or, why are there locks on stores that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year?  But the question that mystifies me the most is why I am who I am and why am I where I am today?

I was thinking about that at a wedding I attended in 1997.  A college friend was getting married and I began thinking how it must have been fate that I had ever met him.  Something in the cosmos made me decide to go to Penn State, and then be housed in an adjacent dorm room with my now-married friend.  If I hadn’t made the decision to go to Penn State, and they hadn’t put me in 319 Watts Hall, I would never have met him.

Realizing that blew my mind.  So often we take the simple things for granted—like our friends, our family, and our being.  But, the decisions we make today will undoubtedly affect future events in our lives.  We seal our fate with the choices we make!

I’ve decided not to think about those big mysterious questions of our being—it takes too much out of you.  There are things that I guess I’ll just have to accept and be thankful for.  –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director 

Reading:  Joel 3: 14

Reflection:
It was this time of year when I made my decision as to what college I would attend.  After months of mail, research, and pondering, I decided to go to Penn State University.  Deciding what college to go to is a big life decision.  I based my decision on the program they offered in my field, on its proximity to home, and on the cost.  I made my decision early in December, but did not tell my parents until Christmas Day.

It was then that my family exchanged gifts.  When all the gifts were opened, I announced that I had one more present for my mother.  I went and got the gift and told her there was more significance to the gift than just what it was.  She opened it, looked at the Penn State sweatshirt, and said aloud, “You are going to Penn State.” 

I enjoyed my days in State College and have no regrets about going there.  Sure, there are some things I would change if I had to do it over again (I now know what classes not to take) but I feel I got a very good education there.  And, it was there that I grew a bit in my faith.

I participated in activities and was an officer in the University Lutheran Parish at Penn State.  I wrote for the parish newsletter (some of those articles have been used in these devotional writings).  I learned more about being a Christian.  And, I faced some challenges that made me turn toward God and strengthen my trust in our Creator.

When making decisions in your life, be sure to look toward God for help and find insights in God’s Word.  After you finally decide what to do, I’m sure you’ll have no regrets whatever your decision.  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

Reading:  Acts 26: 13

Reflection:

“It isn’t a trip without a problem.”  Often, those that I am traveling with remind of that when something out of the ordinary happens on a journey.  When you take a road trip, you often have to deal with unusual circumstance; things that you did not plan for.

I took a trip once with a bunch of people.  We were going to visit a photography studio.  Our van only held 12 people and we had 13 on the trip.  So, I sat on a small cooler between the two front seats.  It wasn’t a bad ride, but every time we saw a police car, I ducked so we wouldn’t get in trouble. 

We had a good time on that trip, and to my recollection, nothing really went wrong.  The memorable thing about it was sitting on the cooler.  We even managed to sing along with the radio to pass the time on our travel.

Mary and Joseph took a trip to Bethlehem and they did have a problem.  They did not have a place to stay.  But God provided for them and showed them to a stable where Mary delivered the Christ Child.  Just as God helped Mary and Joseph, God helps us on our trip sin life, too.  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director 

Reading:  Revelation 11: 15; Revelation 19: 6, 16

Reflection:
In this season of celebration, we should each look ahead to the end of Christ’s life.  We should remind ourselves the “end of the story.”  The birth is important, but it was in death and resurrection that Christ triumphed for us.  We can be reminded of that through words from Handel’s Messiah:

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by His blood,
To receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor , and glory, and blessing.
Blessing and honor, glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne and unto the Lamb, forever and ever.
Hallelujah!  For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.  The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and for His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever.  King of Kinds and Lord of Lords, Hallelujah!

--Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

Reading:  Phillipians 4: 1

Reflection:
The magi came with gifts to give to the Christ Child.  They traveled from afar, following a star.  They were to go and see the child and give a report to Herod.  But they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod.

The magi were servants of Herod.  But they stood their ground and listened to their dream not to go back to Herod.  Being ruler, Herod most likely could have punished the magi for their disobedience. 

We, too, need to stand our ground for God.  If we don’t, we could be punished for disobedience.  –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

Reading:  Malachi 3:1; Luke 1: 5-17

Reflection:
Think of this:  John the Baptist is to Jesus as the secret service advance team is to the president.  Or, John the Baptist is to Jesus as the opening act of a concert is to the headliner.  In both cases, someone comes before the main attraction, either laying the groundwork for the arrival of the important head of state or warming up the crowd for the main act they really want to see. 

One year I had the opportunity to see former President Bill Clinton when he campaigned for his wife at my alma mater.  I decided to go because it’s not often you get to see a former president in person!  Even though he was late, the people were excited when he finally appeared. 

I found out prior to his arrival, his advance team visited my high school, making preparations, going through the heating ducts making sure there were no threats and visiting the local hospital to set up emergency plans.  Those of us in the crowd didn’t see all that work.  But it was an important job!

John the Baptist had an important job.  He is there, warming up the crowd, getting them ready for Jesus.  The angel who comes to Zechariah says John will “make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”  John knows he is not the headliner but takes his job seriously as he gets the people ready for the Messiah’s coming.  Through preaching, he attracts followers who eventually come to see Jesus as the one John cries out about in the wilderness. 

Do you see yourself as a John the Baptist type?  We should be preparing the way for Jesus’ second arrival to this earth.  That’s the focus of this season of Advent.  We are Christ’s advance team, getting others ready for the grand entrance of the main attraction that so many have been waiting on for so long. 

When the trumpets sound “Hail to the Chief” will you have done your part to “make for the Lord a people prepared?”  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

Reading:  Matthew 9: 27-31

Reflection:
It is our duty as servants of God to minister.  Just as the first disciples spread the Word of the Lord, so should we.  Jesus commanded us to go out in the world and preach the Gospel. 

What a better time than the Christmas season to spread the Gospel.  Through our actions at Christmastime, we can teach others about Jesus Christ.  Share with someone today!  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director  

Discussion:

1. Describe a secret you once kept.
   
2. How long did you keep that secret?
   
3. Was it ever revealed?
   

Reading:  Amos 3: 7

Reflection:
There are so many secrets during this season of the year.  Packages that are bought and cannot be revealed, projects that are coming to a close that soon be shown, and mysteries surrounding where gifts come from are all secrets we keep during the holidays.  Then, on December 25, those secrets are no more.

I have a secret that I have been keeping for many years.  When I was a camper one summer, we had a contest between my cabin and another cabin.  The contest was to see who could clean their cabin the best.  The winners would receive a Hershey bar.

We worked to get our abode cleaned, but we had some help.  The kitchen staff came and helped us to make our cabin bright.  They helped us without the knowledge of our counselors and we were told not to tell them.

We won and got our Hershey bars.  And to this day, I never told my counselor what the kitchen girls did for us.  To remind me of the event, I have the wrapper to my Hershey bar in my Bible.  It also reminds me that we have no secrets from God.  Secret things belong to God, but those that are revealed belong to us and our children forever!  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

Closing:  Discuss with others or meditate on this quote by Napoleon Hill, “Effort only fully releases its reward after a person refuses to quit.”  

Reading:  II Timothy 2: 4

Reflection:
So often we can get bogged down on projects or happenings in our lives that we forget exactly what our purpose was in the first place.  Such is the case this time of year.  We can get so entangled with all the details of Christmas that we lose sight of the true meaning and reason for the season:  Jesus.  It’s sad that so often during the holidays the phrase “the true meaning of Christmas” is said.  All that we do in preparation for His birth should center around Him.  Too often we try to get things done to please our earthly intentions and forget why we are celebrating to begin with.  This holiday season, set your sights on the birth of Christ and prepare for His coming.  Don’t get so entangled that you forget what this holiday is all about.  –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director