Prayer: Help us to hear the good news, Lord. Amen.
Reading: Luke 1: 26-38 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: The Angel Gabriel came to Mary to tell her good news. She was going to have a baby. And it was going to be God’s only son. Mary must have been confused, upset, excited, and in shock when she heard that. She undoubtedly had a bunch of emotions all rolled into one event. God was giving her this honor and yet, how could it be? Not to mention that an angel came to see her. This angel that also has a special place in the story because it was that angel that announced that Jesus was on his way. The angel tried to help Mary understand just what was about to happen. Look for the angels in your life. Who is it that brings you good news from God? --Chad Hershberger
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For the Twelve Days of Christmas this year, our devotions focus on several characters of the Christmas story. Today, we look at the shepherds.
Prayer: You come to us often when we least expect it. But, what we forget is that you are always there. May we recognize you and announce to others the wondrous works of your hands, dear God. Amen. Reading: Psalm 148 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: When I was in high school, I was selected to participate in the Pennsylvania All-State Choir. It was an honor to compete through the local, district, and regional rounds, ultimately making it to the state competition held in Hershey that year. I didn’t make it any further, but remember being in awe when we arrived at Founder’s Hall, the site of our concert. It was beautiful. Even the bathrooms were done in marble. I remember having a “wow” moment. The shepherds had a similar experience, I’m sure, when the angels appeared to them in the fields. They were just minding their business when out of nowhere, a heavenly chorus announced a birth. And it wasn’t just any birth. The Messiah was here. Imagine running towards town. I wonder what thoughts must have been doing through the shepherds’ heads. We don’t know how many there were. Maybe it was like a stampede, everyone trying to get there first. Maybe they went with “unpanicked quickness” as I tell my staff to move when there is an emergency situation at camp. “There’s Jesus,” may have been the cries when they got to the manger. I bet there was a radiance around the babe that they had never seen before. I’m sure they stood in awe, just like I did in the middle of a magnificent building when I was at states. Our Psalm today reminded me of a song we sang at All-State Choir. The song, by John Ness Beck, quoted a portion of this Psalm. When I read it preparing to write this devotion, I thought of the shepherds. What was their song of praise as they left the humble cattle stall. Did they “Go Tell It on the Mountain” over the fields and everyone? Did they announce to others the wondrous works of their Creator? I bet they did. How will you be a like those shepherds, having witnessed once again the coming of the Christ child? What will be your canticle of praise? --Chad Hershberger Prayer: As we practice Christian hospitality, help us to do everything in your name, O Lord. Amen.
Reading: Colossians 3: 12-17 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: The door was closed. There may well have been a “no vacancy” sign outside the door. Rooms were filled in the inn. The parents of the expected child were looking for a place to lay down. They were weary and tired. The baby was soon to come. And a man, an innkeeper, showed compassion. He showed kindness, humility, meekness and patience with the young couple. He gave them peace by finding a place for them to stay. They were thankful. And then the blessed event happened in that cattle stall. And they sang, and shepherds sang, and wisemen brought gifts. The innkeeper is our model. Whatever we do in word or deed, do it in God’s name. Where will you show hospitality this day? --Chad Hershberger Prayer: As our great parent, teach us, God. Help lift us up when we fall down. Love us always and forevermore. Amen.
Reading: 1 Samuel 2: 18-20, 26 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: The story we read today is designated for the first Sunday after Christmas. We read about Samuel when he was a little boy. And we are reminded that Samuel grew up, both in physical stature and in favor with God. Remember yesterday we heard those same words about Jesus. So today, let’s think about Jesus’ parents. They are characters in the Christmas story. Can you imagine what it would be like to be Mary or Joseph? To be blessed to be the earthly parents of our Lord. Can you image what it was like to get the news that Jesus would be born to you? Just thinking about it boggles my mind. In Sunday School the other week, the teacher asked us, as parents, what we said to our children when they were born. We were looking at a passage from Isaiah, but I remarked that I was not as elegant as he was when he spoke to a young child. I remember saying to my kids that “we’re going to have a lot of fun.” Being a parent is a big responsibility. I know I often think about what I’m teaching my children that will serve them well in their lives. God gave the gift of the Christ Child to Mary and Joseph. And God gave the gift to us, too. In this beautiful season, how will we teach others about Jesus, just like Mary and Joseph had to teach the newborn king? --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Help us to look at the baby in the manger and see one who not only comes to save us, Lord, but also to experience humanity. Amen.
Reading: Luke 2: 41-52 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: In these next twelve days, we are going to look at some Characters of Christmas, as we celebrate the church season of Christmas. For many, tomorrow they will start to undecorated. The radio stations that have been playing holiday tunes for six weeks now will stop and go back to normal programming. But in the church year, we have twelve days to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is my hope that in these days you will reflect on those who were witnesses to the first nativity. Today, we look at the baby Jesus. A few weeks ago, I was getting very stressed out about all that had to be done for Christmas. The “to do” list seemed never-ending. I was ready to throw my hands up in the air. And, I did. I prayed. And then I came to a realization. I was focused more on the “how” to celebrate than the “who” we were going to celebrate. I had to change my thinking and remember that it was more important to celebrate Jesus’ coming than the presents and the cards and other ways we celebrate. In our passage today, we read that Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor. I like to remember that as Jesus grew up, he grew physically, intellectually, spiritually, and socially. He was just like you and me. And taking time out of today, this most holiest of days, to remember that the baby that came to this world to save us also knew human pain, rejection, and other things I go through, makes this just an even better and merrier Christmas. Merry Christmas to you and yours! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Tonight and always, Lord Jesus, help us to make room in our hearts for others and for you. Amen
Reading: Luke 2: 1-14 (15-20) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Every Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember, my family has read this text together before we go to Christmas Eve service. When my sister and I were young, we read it in a book version with beautiful illustrations. As we grew older, we transitioned to reading it out of the bible. We split the twenty verses between the four of us, so we each get to read five verses. This is always the last thing we do before we drive off to church. Everyone wears their Christmas Eve best and is ready to go. We all squeeze onto the couch and pass the bible between us. As we have grown older, it becomes harder and harder for all four of us to fit on the couch. In fact, this Christmas Eve reading is probably the only time that all four of us in my family sit on the couch at the same time. It’s a tight squeeze. Each of my parents have a nice comfy chair they normally sit in, with my sister or I on the couch and the other on the floor in a nest of blankets. But for this night? As we prepare to welcome baby Jesus? We give up our individual spots, which may be more roomy, to squeeze together on the couch and share the wonder of the Christmas story. In this text everyone is called to their respective hometowns. This quickly becomes problematic-the couch fills up fast. By the time Mary and Joseph arrive, the couch is full. There are no more rooms, there are no more beds. The owners of the inn could easily turn them away, but they do not. They give them their manger. They make room on their couch for everyone. Elbows might jab each other, but what is Christmas for, if not for making room for others? It might have been easier to turn Mary and Joseph away, these strangers from far away. It’s not comfortable to share. But on Christmas, and throughout the rest of the year, God calls us to make room. We are to make room on our couches and in our hearts. Room for Jesus, room for family, room for the stranger. Make room, Jesus is coming! --Tara Barnard Prayer: We await your coming, Lord, and are anxious to hear the heavenly sounds of trumpets. Amen.
Reading: I Corinthians 15: 53-54 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: When Jesus comes again, the dead shall be raised and everyone will be changed. We will get new bodies, so to speak, ones that cannot die or decay. Death lost its battle when Christ arose from the dead. It lost its sting and will never be victorious. Christ was victorious. Have you ever wondered about the second coming? How great it will be to see Jesus in person. So many artists have depicted Him in so many ways, but we will actually be able to see Him face-to-face. The trumpet will sound on that day to mark the arrival of a king, who is actually reigning over us all right now, too. --Chad Hershberger We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on December 15, 2016.
Prayer: Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. Reading: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: About a month ago I gathered with my colleagues in the Juniata Valley Conference to study the Advent and Christmas texts. Preparing to write this devotion, I looked at my notes for Psalm 80 and found these words circled: “Stir up your might, and come to save us!” The prayer of the day for the Fourth Sunday of Advent reflects Psalm 80. Let this be our prayer today, this Sunday and each day of the week leading up to the Nativity of Our Lord. Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that hinders our faith, that eagerly we may receive your promises. Amen. --Jim Bricker Prayer: God of all creation. We praise you and glorify your name. Thank you for sending Jesus to earth to be a living sacrifice for us. Thank you for forgiving our sins. Help us to spread your love and the message of Jesus to others. AMEN
Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: What have you given up or sacrificed for a love one? What have you given up to help a neighbor? Why do you give up something in the first place? Even a little sacrifice of time or money makes us think about why we do what we do. A huge sacrifice takes more love and generosity. At Christmas time we usually think about Jesus birth, but these verses have us looking to his death. Jesus was sent to earth to give his all for our sake. God’s love is truly apparent in the sacrifice of his Son. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: As we remember Jesus born in Bethlehem long ago, may we know he is in our hearts today. Peace on earth. Amen
Reading: Micah 5: 2-5a (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: I was born in Bethlehem. In a hospital called St. Luke's, no less. Well, actually, the hospital is in Fountain Hill, a small suburb of Bethlehem but close enough. It felt kind of special. On top of South Mountain, there is even a huge star that shines over the city during the Christmas season. I could also add I grew up in the town of Nazareth about 10 miles to the north but that would border on bragging. There are Bethlehems and Nazareths in other places, the most important being in the Holy Land. But it sure gave my childhood mind something real to grasp when I saw the star and stood at manger scenes. The message of a savior to be born in Bethlehem, as foretold by the prophet Micah and later told in the nativity stories of the Gospels, truly resonated with me. I never doubted it happened. Albeit on the other side of the world but, whatever, I was very young. However, for the people of Micah's time, the idea probably seemed unlikely. The shepherd David came from Bethlehem and became a great ruler but Micah is talking much bigger. Feeding his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; the one of peace. (v. 4,5) Maybe it is easy for us to believe Jesus was born in Bethlehem but even more we need to believe is He is in our hearts. Peace in our hearts. Peace on earth. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Thank you for those who share our joys and understand our struggles. Together there is faith, hope and love as you, Lord, are with us, too. We sing your praise. Amen
Reading: Luke 1: 39-55 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: On the last Wednesday of the month, I gather with a few women friends for dinner. We arrive with haste and stories to tell, particularly from the past month. This recent gathering was just after Thanksgiving where I shared the joys of seeing almost all my closest family members (missed a sister-in-law, nephew and his wife) and also the struggles of a flat tire and furnace breakdown (neither of which left us in a total lurch and both got fixed without a hitch so it was only more to be thankful for at Thanksgiving). We also exchanged Christmas gifts and one I received was a decorative pillow embroidered with the lyrics, Soon it will be Christmas day! The giver told me she chose it because I sing a lot. So I began singing Silver Bells. Reminds me of Mary and Elizabeth. Mary went with haste to Elizabeth to share the news the Messiah, the Savior of the Jews, was on the way. Elizabeth, before she even heard, felt that joy within her. Surely there was also a caring understanding of the position Mary was in with what seemed to be an untimely pregnancy. And with that, Mary sang a song of praise - the Magnificat. Mary and Elizabeth. Last Wednesday Women. Faith, hope and love. Emmanual - God with us. -- Ruth Gates We often reprint prior devotions. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on November 3, 2013.
Prayer: Be like a refiner’s fire in our life, God, and purify us. We await your coming. Amen. Reading: Malachi 3: 1-4 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: One of my favorite selections in Handel's Messiah is "But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming?" It is based on this scripture verse, which is from the last book in the Old Testament. This is the book right before Christ comes in Matthew's gospel. And while there is a great amount of time between when Malachi and Matthew took place, it is interesting that such a passage would be placed in God's Word right before Jesus comes to earth. "Who shall stand when he appeareth? For He is like a refiner's fire and he shall purify..." Just as Christ came to earth as a child and purified the chosen people, so will He come again. And then, who shall stand when he appeareth? --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Lord God, we sing praises to you especially during this season of celebrating the birth of your son, Jesus. Let you salvation be known in all the earth. Amen
Reading: Isaiah 12: 2-6 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: As we prepare for Christmas, consider what Christmas would be like without music? Ever wonder how many songs, carols, cantatas have been composed over the centuries for this wondrous season? Think about it. If we did not celebrate Christ's birth, there would be such a void...a silence. Instead we have: Advent hymns, Christmas carols, Rudolph and Frosty, Messiah sing-alongs, bells jingling, Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular (I am going this year!), holiday parties where all end up singing. Perhaps I could do without carols becoming integral parts of tv commercials. Still, bring on all the music of the season, I say. Every time we sing or hear a Christmas song, it is an ageless reminder God has sent His Son to bring salvation to all. How wonderful to proclaim that message through music and song. Gloria in excelsis Deo! -- Alice Yeakel Prayer: Dear God, may we find joy by loving. Amen.
Reading: Philippians 4: 4-7 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Joy is a small word with big impact. Let's look at JOY like this: Love Jesus Love Others Love Yourself We find our joy by loving. In our text today we... Love Jesus by rejoicing in the Lord always. Love Others by being gentle with everyone. Love Yourselves by not worrying, by praying and by being thankful. Find joy by loving. -- Alice Yeakel Prayer: A song of joy is in our hearts when know we are made new in you, saving LORD. Amen
Reading: Zephaniah 3: 14-20 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: The book of Zephaniah, like several books of the prophets, begins angrily and contains strong words of judgement against the evil doings of the people. But it ends with singing because of the promise God will restore and save. What would you rejoice about if you had the chance to be made over by God? He can and he will, you know. What changes would you like to see in yourself, your church or your community? Be renewed and keep at it. Do not let your hands grow weak. (v. 16) -- Ruth Gates We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on December 7, 2015.
Prayer: Lord God, teach us how to live to our neighbors and to you. Amen Reading: Luke 3:7-18 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: I just love John the Baptist’s reproach of the crowds in our reading! As a pastor, sometimes I want to say those same lines to individuals or church council when discussions turn towards an earthly focus of money, church building, Christian education curriculum, collecting visitors, or any other well-meaning church related subject that keeps us from being focused on Jesus. “You brood of vipers!” And the crowd is so shaken that they ask a question. “What then should we do?” And John’s reply is one of kind action. He says, you know all that stuff that you have that you save for yourself? Yea, that stuff, give it away. Do you really need two coats or all this extra food that is probably past its expiration date? Oh and tax collectors and soldiers be fair and happy with your job and wages. Don’t use your position of power for personal gain but for the good of all people. It basically comes down to think of the wellbeing of others as well as, if not before, yourself. Even in Jesus and John’s day, this was counter cultural, just as it is in ours. We live in a “take care of yourself first” and a “first come, first serve, too bad for all the rest” society. But as Christians we are called to more. We give of our excess, and yes we have excess. We give to the holiday charities that do toy and food and clothing drives. We give to social service agencies locally and in the church to further the mission that John puts us on and Jesus affirms, that we are to love and serve our neighbors. How are you doing that as we get closer to Christmas? --Peter Horn We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on November 2, 2013.
Prayer: Comfort your people, God. Speak tenderly to us when we cry out to you. Amen Reading: Isaiah 40: 1-5 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: When I was in college, I caught a broadcast on television right after Thanksgiving called "Handel's Young Messiah." Basically, it was a modern version of Handel's great oratorio complete with drums and keyboard synthesizers. I enjoyed the show and went out and bought the record album a few weeks later. Since then, I have greatly enjoyed Handel's Messiah in any form. I have several recordings of the work, including more modern renditions. How can one not enjoy a rousing chorus of the "Hallelujah Chorus!" Two years after I watched that show on television, I had the opportunity to participate in a "Messiah Sing-A-Long." The audience got to sing the choruses of Handel's great work and soloists provided some of the singing. It was a great event. Handel based his "Messiah" on several biblical passages. In this first one, Isaiah is telling us what God has said: Comfort my people and make way for the Lord's coming. He is foretelling of Jesus Christ's birth. The glory of the Lord will appear for all to see, just as God has promised. --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Gracious and Loving God may the words from my mouth be from my heart. May they be clean and acceptable in your sight. May they be helpful and uplifting for those who hear them. Amen.
Reading: Luke 1: 68-79 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: After being mute for nine months Zechariah sure did have wise words to say. As I read his words I am truly thankful for the leading of the Holy Spirit and the prophecy that was shared. There is a lot to take in from what he said. What really impacted me the most this time when I read through it was from the beginning and the end. In verse 68 I appreciate how He looks favorably upon us to redeem us. God’s grace and love for us to send us a savior is truly spectacular. We are not at all worthy but God saves us anyway. The other part that I found particularly impactful this time was in verse 79 where we are to be guided into the way of peace. The USA and other parts of the world are struggling with peace. It is sad to see how people treat each other. For Christians it should be easy because true peace for us comes through Jesus. I hope we all find peace at this time of year and carry it with us into the future. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Thank you, heavenly Father, for sending Jesus. May we remember at Christmas Christ was with us and Christ is still with us. Amen
Reading: Philippians 1: 3-11 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Let's do a word play: 1. Invert the M in CHRISTMAS and it becomes CHRIST WAS. 2. Now remove the W and A and replace with I. Now we have CHRIST IS! Every day Christ IS here with us: in our hearts, watching over us, caring about us. Advent is a time of waiting for Christ who WAS born so we can know Christ IS always with us to finish the good works He has begun in us. -- Alice Yeakel Prayer: Dear God, your message of love comes to us always. May we notice how and hear it. Amen
Reading: Malachi 3: 1-4 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Some say snail mail may become a thing of the past. I say a handwrtitten card or letter sent through the US Postal Service will be special always. Therefore, I happen to frequent the post office and particularly enjoy buying stamps. So many varieties to choose from and I use certain ones for certain correspondences. Right now I have on hand celebration stamps for birthday cards, flower stamps for sympathy and get well wishes, Mr. Rogers stamps for friendly notes, Hot Wheels stamps for a particular car buff I know, etc. Recently I sent thank you cards using stamps honoring First Responders to friends who helped in a time of need. I sometimes wonder if the recipients notice my purposeful use of stamps. More importantly though, my stash of stamps is of Forever Stamps so they will enough postage to get the message there always. The message of God's love comes to us in many ways. The prophet Malachi announced a messenger is coming who will prepare the people for the LORD's return. Perhaps the message of God's love comes to you through celebrations, remembrances of loved ones or healing wishes, a kind word of friendship, an understanding of a particular interest or a helpful hand in time of need. Most importantly though, God's love is Forever and his message comes to us always. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gracious gift of your Son and for the forgiveness offered to us through a baptism of repentance. Remind us to always make room for you in our hearts. In your Holy name we pray, Amen.
Reading: Luke 3:1-6 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Today is the first Monday of the Advent season, and in this passage Luke tells of John the Baptist. John calls for repentance and comes before the Messiah, in this way he is very similar to the Old Testament prophets who were foretellers- they presented the Word of God to God’s people and called on them to respond. John is specifically calling for the people of God to respond with a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John the Baptist is also very similar to a herald, who in ancient times would arrive in a city ahead of a king to announce his arrival and to call for the citizens to prepare the city for the King. This preparation was often extreme and could involve things such as excavation of mountains and roads so that the King’s path of travel would be optimal. John says to ‘prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ In a way he is also saying ‘grab your shovels and clean all the junk out of your heart- repent of your sins and you will be forgiven!’ This Advent season, we are reminded of the same message. And although it seems like we are just excavating our homes as we begin to display all the Christmas decorations, we should also be excavating our hearts to make room for the gift that keeps on giving- the precious baby Jesus! --Anne Harshbarger |
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