Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on December 31, 2013.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for endings and beginnings. Amen. Reading: I Peter 4: 7-11 (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: 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. On December 31, we say goodbye to the year that was. 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
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Prayer: Praise the Lord! Praise him for his universal glory! 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: Verses 3-6 of Psalm 148 speak of the whole universe praising God. Sun, moon, stars, highest heavens and waters above the heavens. Reminds me of the last verse of one of our favorite camps songs, Psalm 150, "Praise the Lord with ALL creation!" (emphasis added along with large arm motions). Verse 6 ends with, "He fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed." We recently mourned the loss of John Glenn, the first man to orbit the earth. I am sure the Psalmist never thought that would happen! The bounds of the heavens were fixed and could not be passed. But man did. To the moon after that and maybe someday to Mars. A footnote in my Bible has an alternate translation of cannot be passed. *Or he set a law that cannot pass away. God commanded creation, established it forever and that law cannot pass away. Praise the Lord! --Ruth Gates Prayer: Help us to see the cross at the same time as we stare at the manger. Amen.
Reading: Hebrews 2: 10-18 (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: In this week of Christmas festivities and celebrations, this passage is a good reminder for us to not just stare at the manger and be in wonder of the newborn king. While we celebrate Christ’s birth, it’s also important to look toward the cross and the redeeming work that Jesus came to do. It’s easy to get caught up in the celebrations of the happiness of the birth and not focus on the ultimate sacrifice that will take place at the end of Jesus’ lifetime. May we not forget the work that will be done on the cross and glorious resurrection to follow. –Chad Hershberger Prayer: Lord, thank you for (fill in the blank and continue). Amen
Reading: Isaiah 63: 7-9 (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 will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord...according to the abundance of his steadfast love." Isaiah 63: 7 The end of December is a time of reflection as we reminisce about the past year. I must admit, there were some difficult times for my family in 2016. Yet, in the midst of each challenge, there were more gracious deeds than reasons to be discouraged. Not only at the end of the year, but at the end of each day, we can recount the gracious deeds of the Lord. Where did you see God this past year? Where did you see God today? Recount and know His love abounds. --Ruth Gates Prayer: Be with me, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Reading: Matthew 2: 13-23 (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 can’t imagine what Joseph was thinking when the angel came to him in a dream and told him to flee. I try to put myself in Joseph’s shoes, as a new father, and how I would react. I’m sure I would say something like, “Are you kidding me?” And then to hear about what Herod was doing to infants. I’d probably be scared to death! For my daughter’s baptism, I accidentally typed the wrong scripture reading into the bulletin. We were supposed to read a great passage about baptism, but instead this was what I printed. So, the pastor that preached gave a sermon, on my daughter’s big day, tying baptism into this story. I honestly can’t remember what his words were (I’ll have to go back and look at the video tape) but I thought he did a great job considering the circumstances. On this day after Christmas, we may have a bit of a holiday hangover, but I’m glad that I have been reminded of my baptism. There’s a reason Jesus came to this earth as a little baby. Through the power of water and word, I’ve been claimed and live a life better than I could have without Jesus in my life. In these days of Christmas, may we be reminded that in the darkest of times, like the killing of babies so long ago by Herod, Jesus is in our midst. –Chad Hershberger Prayer: We sing praises to you on this special day, God, and thank you for sending your son, Jesus. Amen.
Reading: Luke 2: 1-20 (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: Every year, Christmas is special to me. Spending time with family and friends, seeing the smiles on my kids’ faces, being part of a church community as we light candles and sing carols all contribute to the great feeling this time of year. But seven years ago, I saw Advent and Christmas in a whole new light as my wife and I were expecting our first child in less than a month from Christmas Day. It turned out our daughter was only four days from being born (she came three and a half weeks before the due date). That year, for the first time in my life, I truly knew the anticipation that Mary and Joseph felt over two thousand years ago. I knew how it felt to be expecting a big life change that can’t really be described until you experience it. I knew how it must have felt for Mary and Joseph to get the house ready for a newborn and have to plan schedules around an event that is so unpredictable. I thought about our child’s life and what he or she might grow up to be. I truly knew how it is to put all your efforts into one human being whose arrival we’d anticipated for nine months. As you pause today to reflect on the birth of the baby Jesus so many years ago, may you be filled with the wonder of a newborn child. May you look up with hope and trust to our God above, in thanksgiving for all God does for you each and every day. And may you sing with the chorus of angels, announcing the birth of our savior, confident in God’s love for us. Merry Christmas! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace be with us on this the holiest of nights. Thank you for the gift you have given us. May we share the light of Christ with all we meet, not just during this season of Christmas, but every day of our lives. Amen.
Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7 (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: Christmas Eve is a night of great joy. The light of Christ has come to the earth for all and it is shining bright. I just love all the lights around during Christmas; the twinkling lights on the Christmas trees, the candles that burn bright in the windows, and all the lights on the bushes and houses. (as long as they do not over-do it and make it gaudy) My favorite lights are the candles that are lit while we sing Silent Night at church on Christmas Eve. We are all a part of the light of Christ and God is truly present in our midst. May Jesus shine bright for you and through you this Christmas and beyond. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: In the quiet still night and busy hours of the day, we sing our praises to you, dear God. Amen.
Reading: Psalm 97 (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 don’t know the context to which this Psalm was written, but because we are near Christmas, when I read this to write this devotional writing, I imagined this being sung by the angels in the fields where the shepherds were keeping watch over the flocks by night. I know this was not the case, but it was interesting to think about the praises to God being sung by those angels. I know this is a busy time of the year, especially this week. But I think I might take a few minutes and sit down and write my own psalm of praise to God. If I were an angel in that field what would I say or sing? How would I tell the shepherds about Jesus’ birth? Maybe you’ll take a few minutes to do the same as we get ready for our savior’s birth! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Let us look to you, Jesus, and see your goodness and loving kindness always. Amen.
Reading: Titus 3:4-7 (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: The words “When the goodness and loving kindness of our Savior appeared” open this passage for three days before Christmas. I’m sure you are very busy right now, doing last minute preparations for gatherings with family and friends in the next few days. But remember, we are still in the Advent season, getting ready for Christ’s birth. Don’t let the final preparations for your celebrations this year hinder you from taking some time to reflect and prepare for Jesus. Today, may you think about that goodness and loving kindness that we are shown from Jesus. It is that goodness and kindness that we should celebrate this season and every day of our life. –Chad Hershberger December 21, 2016: Sing! Sing! Sing!
Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on December 23, 2015. Prayer: Help me to sing your praises, O Lord. Reading: Psalm 96 (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: King David, I think, would have enjoyed Christmas services. We sing Christmas hymns with the greatest gusto. And for the psalmist, the whole world rejoices: heavens, earth, sea, field, forests—be glad, rejoice, roar, exult, sing for joy. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord; for he is coming, We gather for Christmas worship, The Nativity of Our Lord, later this week, and the next few Sundays. Sing, sing, sing! Join all of creation in praising the God who chooses to live among us. --Jim Bricker Prayer: For Your grace, O God, which appears among us, we give You thanks.
Reading: Titus 2:11-14 (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 Grace of God has appeared… (to) purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.” What more could a person want? By God’s grace we are made pure. We are God’s own people who want to do good deeds. --Jim Bricker Prayer: Watchful God, thank you for guarding us in all our ways. Amen
Reading: Isaiah 62: 6-12 (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: There was a time when I could not get enough of The Lord of the Rings. There was just something about the story that held me and gave me great courage and comfort. Maybe it was the small and unassuming Hobbit who had the biggest and most important task to do. Maybe it was the wise and wonderful wizard who guided and encouraged him. Maybe it was the Fellowship of those who pledged to help the Hobbit and successfully did their part even though nothing went as expected. Or maybe it was the Sentinels. All through the story there are signs of those watching and guarding all who purpose was good and true. Our text today speaks of Sentinels - Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted sentinels, all day and all night they shall never be silent. You who remind the Lord take no rest. Isaiah 62: 6 In this world, we may feel small and hardly able to handle the tasks we have. But we have a wise God who guides us. We have the fellowship of each other for support. And we have Sentinels. Not saying bad things won't happen. As in the story, things went from bad to worse to even worse and beyond before it got better. But all is being watched; day and night and never silent. Listen, especially during this time of Advent, to hear God who is never silent. Know we are watched with a Love that never takes a rest. --Ruth Gates Prayer: Thanks for thinking of everything, God. Amen.
Reading: 1 Corinthians 11: 23-29 (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 that this is the most wonderful time of the year. But for many, it is difficult because they have lost loved ones who will not be with them as they celebrate Christ’s birth. Having been the son of a funeral director, I know how difficult it can be for some families when we hit this time of year. Last year was the first Christmas season without my wife’s father or grandmother. He died last summer and she died in November. As we were approaching the holiday season, I received an e-mail from a friend of mine, reminding me that while we would miss them, they would be with us in spirit. He wrote, “I know it will be a bit different for your family with the loss of loved ones this year. Celebrate and trust that on Christmas Eve as you approach God’s table - you eat the Christmas feast with God and all your loved ones. The holy table extends all the way to heaven. Amazing that God would love us so much that God would think of everything. May the love of family inspire you to feel and know God’s love for you.” They were very comforting words and I share them today for those who might be going through a difficult time this holiday season. –Chad Hershberger 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: Thank you, God, for creating me. Amen.
Reading: Romans 1:1-7 (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: When I read this passage today, it reminded me of genealogy. Paul reminds us that Jesus is a descendant of David. In the gospel of Matthew, before we hear the birth story, we read of Jesus’ lineage. Do you know where you come from? I remember as a child when my dad did considerable work tracing our family roots back to when our ancestors came over to America. Years later, my parents made me a notebook with some of that information in and they scanned photos of some of those people who are a part of my lineage. It’s fascinating stuff! When I think about my family roots, I’m proud to be a Hershberger but more importantly, I’m pleased to be a child of God. If you continue to trace my family history, ultimately it will show that we were created from God. That’s something to celebrate as we look at the baby Jesus’ heritage and celebrate His birth. –Chad Hershberger Prayer: Dear God, may we not put you to the test by asking for signs but to look for the sign of your love in the birth of Jesus - Immanuel, God with us. Amen
Reading: Isaiah 7: 10-16 (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 must admit, I am not good at understanding, let alone writing about, prophecy. Best I can say is it seems Ahaz had a chance to ask the Lord for a sign but Ahaz would not put the Lord to the test like that. Then as the verses go along we hear prophecy of the best sign of all, Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name, Immanuel. (v. 14) When I am looking for an explanation, some confirmation or even direction, my first thought is that a sign from God would be nice. But perhaps I should not test God in that way. Perhaps the best I can do is to look for "Immanuel, God with us" already. Recently, I saw God's love in someone on the bus. Where have you seen God lately? Tell your story to someone. Maybe they need a sign, too. Maybe we all just need to know where to look. --Ruth Gates Prayer: Your message of love is short and sweet. Simply love God; love others. May we hear and share that message only and always. Amen
Reading: Matthew 1: 18-25 (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: Though we didn't read them today, the first 17 verses of Matthew Chapter 1 detail the genealogy of Jesus. Verse after verse of name after name from Abraham to Jesus. Then, in just 7 verses, Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus. Short and sweet. No Mary visiting Elizabeth or words now known as the Magnificat. No census taking, donkey ride or stable. The shepherds don't show up and the Wise Men aren't mentioned until Matthew Chapter 2. Matthew kept the story of the birth of Jesus short and sweet and moved right along to his life and ministry. Yet the week's of preparation before Christmas and drawn out stories of the birth of Jesus go on and on and on. Which is great as long as in the midst of it all, we remember the short and sweet message of Love God; Love Others. That's what it's all about really. --Ruth Gates Prayer: My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great.
Reading: Luke 1:46b-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: How can one reflect on a reflection? It’s tough (especially for a male) to reflect on the meaning of being pregnant with the Messiah. Mary does it, beautifully, in this text we call The Magnificat. Today, my reflection is a reference—I refer you to the hymn “Canticle of the Turning.” (ELW 723 or http://www.guitaretab.com/m/misc-praise-songs/208650.html) I just love this hymn. Today two phrases jump off the page. “Though I am small, my God, my all, you work great things in me.” And in verse 4: “Til the spear and rod can be crushed by God, who is turning the world around.” Which jumped off the page for you? --Jim Bricker Prayer: May I always look to you, Lord, for my help and my hope.
Reading: Psalm 146:5-10 (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: “Well, I hope you’re happy now.” I’ve heard those words a time or two in my life. They were usually a response to something dumb or destructive that I did. They are parental, scolding words. The Psalmist, in a sense, could use the same words in a wonderful way. “I hope you’re happy now since your help and hope is in the Lord, your God.” That’s different, isn’t it? We can be happy because this God of ours meets all the needs of humanity, even our individual, daily needs no matter how small. The Psalmist points to our God who creates everything, lifts the oppressed, feeds the hungry, frees prisoners, gives sight, lifts up the bowed down, loves the righteous, welcomes strangers, upholds the orphan and the widow. Somehow, each of us fits somewhere in that list of blessings. God is our help. God is our hope. Be happy! --Jim Bricker Prayer: In this advent season, O Lord, give the persistent expectation that you come to me every moment of life. Amen
Reading: James 5:7-10 (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: Patience! Be patient! One person who sends me emails has a signature line that says, “I need patience, Lord, and I need it now!” Some days I really resonate with that. How about you? James tells the first century folks to be patient waiting for the coming of the Lord. He also says that the coming of the Lord is near. Hmmmmmm. We’re still waiting! We wait and we wait and we wait. Perhaps we can find another meaning in this passage and in this Advent season. In reality, our Lord is with us. Every day, every moment. Often we just aren’t aware. We’re too busy, perhaps, trying to figure things out on our own. Or maybe what Jesus shares with us is not what we want. Often, we just aren’t expecting Jesus in our daily lives. Too often we are far too busy to even being close to the idea of patience. I suggest that today “be patient” might just mean, “be persistent” in our expectation that Jesus is here. Jesus does come, every day. Perhaps as we look for Jesus more carefully and expectantly, we’ll discover that, indeed, Jesus’ coming is near. That is, he is always very near to us. Come Lord, Jesus. --Jim Bricker Prayer: Loving God, you are the source of our joy and peace. We believe because of your gift of Jesus Christ and your gift of faith through the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah! Amen (from the Moravian Daily Text, December 4, 2016)
Reading: Isaiah 35: 1-10 (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: I like verse 10 of Isaiah 35 as it is in the New International Version: (The redeemed will walk there, and) the ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them. To be overtaken by joy! Think of your most joyful moments or times in life. Maybe you didn't burst into singing (as I just might), but perhaps you did feel gladness like a crown on your head. That is how the prophet Isaiah describes the redeemed in Christ - overtaken by gladness and joy. Just reading that line makes my mouth begin to turn upwards into a smile. Let that feeling grow. We are redeemed in Christ. Rejoice greatly and shout for joy! --Ruth Gates Prayer: When we are down, some good news can make a world of difference. Help us to know who to ask and what to listen for. Amen
Reading: Matthew 11: 2-11 (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: Even while in prison, John the Baptist was hearing about what Jesus was doing and that gave him hope. He asked his followers to find out if Jesus is the Messiah. Surely they came back with some good news. How kind of them to connect him to something better than his present situation. When we are down, what do we listen to? Despairing thoughts of the discouraging situation we are in? Or do we listen for or seek out some good news? When we know someone who is down, do we bring a message of good news and hope? This Advent season I have been purposefully inviting friends and co-workers to worship and events at my church that would bring them some good news. At the same time, I have received more invitations to Advent concerts, evenings of fellowship and even extra sessions of Divine Yoga (scripture based meditation and exercise). We all need some Good News. --Ruth Gates Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on December 2, 2013.
Reading: Psalm 24: 7-10 (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: Prayers for this holiday season: Dear God, In the hustle and bustle of the coming weeks, let us not forget what this season is all about: the birthday of a savior, in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger—Emmanuel, God with us. And in this holiday season and the coming year, may you guide us like you guided the three wisemen who followed a star so long ago. In the newborn King’s name we pray. Amen. Lord, Help us in this holiday season to have Christmas spirit—the spirit of giving, the spirit of friendship and family, and the spirit of believing in your son, Christ Jesus, who came to us. In the coming days, help us to prepare with anticipation for the babe who came to earth to rescue us from sin; the babe who would die on a cross for us; the babe who would give us eternal life. In His name we pray, Amen. Christmas Prayer (Author Unknown) In a manger Jesus lies; Angels praise Him in the skies. Shepherds kneel before Him Low, To the stable let us go. Light of Heaven and Morning Star Little Jesus, thine we are. Lead us as thy very own To the Father’s shining throne. --Chad Hershberger Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on January 7, 2016.
Prayer: Help us to pray more this year, Lord, and be in touch with you as we serve you each day. Amen. Reading: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 (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: Note: This reflection was posted during the first week of this year. When I was looking to see if we had done any devotions on this particular text, I found this and thought it would be interesting to read this today, as we have one month left in 2016. If there are things you have not done yet this year that you wanted to accomplish, you have a month left to go! --Chad Hershberger Did you make any New Year’s resolutions this year? I joked with my family that since we are on vacation the first week of the new year, that none of our resolutions start until we go back to work! There are many statistics about how many people make resolutions and don’t stick to them. Most don’t comply with their own wishes by the end of this first month of the year. I guess people just don’t have “stick-to-it-ness.” When I read our Psalm for today, I thought that these verses would make a good list of resolutions. And then I read the last verse of this Psalm (which was not appointed in the lectionary) and it says that these verses were the prayers of David. Which made me think: what if my resolution for this new year was to pray more. Be more in tune with making my joys, sorrows, and requests known to God. I bet this year (and my life) would be better. I bet I’d be more in-tune with God and doing God’s work. And what a great resolution that would be! --Chad Hershberger |
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