Elaine Cousino (1997) The Christmas Star Some stories tell of the Christmas Star, How it guided the shepherds from afar. Its brightness sent a powerful light glowing, Illuminating the darkest night. That Purest Light that shone so bright Did come from heaven; yes that’s right, And laid its radiance in a manger Where cold and pain is not a stranger. That Star from heaven knows our needs, Our each temptation and flaw revealed Yet loves us still and continues to shine, Giving us Light for life Divine. Shiloh Canale (M&M Kid 1997) Psalm 89:9 “O Lord God of hosts, who is as mighty as you, O Lord? Your faithfulness surrounds you.” This verse is special to me because it says his faithfulness takes care of me. Helen Edwards (2002) Advent Time is a time for me to review the year that has just passed and prepare for the birth, once again, of our Lord Jesus. It is a time to reflect on what I have done to serve Our Lord and a time of Joy brought by the knowledge that He is always there and always will be. Having Jesus in my life gives meaning and deep feeling to everything I set out to do.
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Judy H. (1997) Psalms 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God!” I have never associated this scripture with the Advent Season! Life is so hectic when preparing for the holidays. Then last year, after more that 40 years of hectic Christmases, the Lord “stilled” me because of illness. I was not physically able to do any of the necessary (or so I thought) preparations. All I had was time to “be still and know that I am God.” Christmas was a very different and WONDERFUL experience. My prayer is that you and I will set apart some QUIET TIME during Advent, even when we are healthy and so busy. GOD BLESS! Wilma B. (1997) Every year it seems the stores and ads are promoting Christmas earlier. There are so many lovely, beautiful gifts, some even useful – all tempting us to overdo and overbuy. Most of our gift giving goes to those who have too much already, not to those who have nothing. No gift can surpass our happy memories of simpler gifts; or the gift of joy in sharing with those in need. I well remember the church MYF caroling us Birds via telephone one Christmas when Scarlet Fever had us in quarantine! The best gifts are of ourselves (and you don’t have to gift wrap them). Prayer: Dear Lord. Help us to keep the Christ in Christmas, and so to live our lives all year long. Amen It was a moonless night. The only reflections on the waves ahead of us were those of the running lights. The green starboard light and red port light seemed especially bright when contrasted against the dark starless sky. Then out where the dark sky and gray black water met, a light shown so instantaneously bright that its aura could not be avoided. Rev. King Wm. H. (2002)
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Greetings! This year's Advent devotions combine contributions from past years, interlaced with current contributions.
Introduction by the late Irma Ward, Pastor Emeritus: "It is the prayer of those who have shared their Advent thoughts with you that this Holy Season will bring you a deepening sense of His presence. The One whose name is Emmanuel, God with Us! Every page is personal witness of this fact, that in Christ we are encouraged, supported, comforted, challenged, forgiven, redeemed, blessed. Here are Scriptures of special meaning to persons in our fellowship; an intimate opening of hearts, a sharing of joy and pain, of promise and fulfillment. Some meditations are written by young children, others by youth and young adults, still others by mature and senior members of our fellowship. Each one reminds us we are one body, bound together in His love. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth, we have beheld His Glory. (John 1:14)" Archives |