Saturday December 13
1 Samuel 2: 1-8

The Gift

As the wise men of old brought gifts
guided by a star to the humble birthplace
of the god of love,
the devils as an old print shows
retreated in confusion.
What could a baby know of gold ornaments
or frankincense and myrrh, of priestly robes
and devout genuflections?
But the imagination knows all stories
before they are told
and knows the truth of this on past all defection
The rich gifts so unsuitable for a child
though devoutly proffered,
stood for all that love can bring.
The men were old
how could they know of a mother's needs
or a child's appetite?
But as they kneeled the child was fed.
They saw it and gave praise!
A miracle had taken place, hard gold to love,
a mother's milk! before their wondering eyes.
The ass brayed the cattle lowed.
It was their nature.
All men by their nature give praise.
It is all they can do.
The very devils by their flight give praise.
What is death, beside this?
Nothing. The wise men came with gifts
and bowed down to worship
this perfection.

William Carlos Williams

Sunday December 14
Isaiah 35: 1-10

“…in your presence is fullness of JOY…” Psalm 16: 11

The body language of this little girl is a picture of JOY! We can assume a long list of things that could bring out this emotion from her. We want JOY to be deep, long-lasting, and from a source that influences others when they are in our presence. Embrace God’s presence.

Ford Mastin

Tuesday December 16
Ezekiel 47: 1-12

As a working mom of three, the advent season is always a blend of chaos and excitement. It seems like every year the closer we get to Christmas the to-do lists grow: gifts to buy, school programs and recitals to attend, and parties to host. The coordination of calendars and the fear of forgetting something or someone all add up to a sense of anxiousness.

One of the traditions we have in our family is to gather around the advent wreath and light the candles week by week. It’s a tradition that could be easily lost in the holiday hustle and bustle. Every year as we light the pink candle—the joy candle—it’s a moment to pause and reflect on the joy that is ours in Christ. It’s a reminder that amid the busyness and anxiousness of the season, He is there. The joy candle lets us know that his gift is present even if the cookies don’t get frosted or the wrapping isn’t done. It’s all going to be okay.

When the angels announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, they were startled, but excited by this good news. They left for Bethlehem in search of the child. It may be beside the point, but I’ve always wondered who watched after the sheep once the shepherds left. Were there shepherd substitutes? I like to think that God relieved them of this burden of worry, and calmed their spirits, letting them know everything would be okay.

Every year as we set out on our journey to Bethlehem, we’re tempted to fret about all the things we’re forgetting, but may God remind us that through the gift of his son, his joy is already ours. It’s a present of infinite worth for all of time and for all people.

Kara Fuller

Wednesday December 17
Zechariah 8: 1-17

With Advent, we find ourselves preparing for something to come. This can be the anticipation of waking up Christmas morning to a couple of extremely excited little kids, time with family, overindulging in all the yummy foods, looking at the beautiful lights and decorations, the much-anticipated sweet treats, or even being able to tell the true story and meaning of Christmas. We know of Jesus’ birth but to know he is coming once again is the true Joy and what we anticipate the most of all this season.

Some would read Psalm 42 and think it a verse of despair, of longing in a hopeless place, but I think that we can flip the narrative on this and think of this longing as being hopeful, feeling encouraged that “the water” (physical for the deer and spiritually <Jesus> for us) is coming! It may not be at the timing our earthly bodies desire, but it is approaching.

It is anguish to sit and wait for what we hope for in the brokenness of the world, in the hardships of what we or someone we love are going through, but the goodness of God is knowing that those feelings won’t last forever because our Jesus will come again. The Psalmist made no mistake in write 2 different times (vs. 5 and 11) that “Hope in God, for I shall again praise him”. This is the promise, yet again, he is coming again! Oh, what Joy!

I encourage you to reread Psalm 42 but this time with a hopeful pep in your step, revisit the scripture with a tone of joy as we prepare for the second coming of Jesus.

Channing Seikel

Thursday December 18
2 Samuel 7: 1-17

One of the most watched Christmas movies is still the 1946 It’s a Wonderful Life. In it, the character of George Bailey has dreams of traveling the world and making a huge impact on it. Due to circumstances, George is forced to stay in his little burg and manage his life the best he can, hoping to at least leave a better life for his family and his small community. But, until George realizes that all of his dreams have - and will - come true, he is angry, depressed, and fights against all of those around him. It takes the threat of losing what he has to make him realize he is, indeed, the ‘luckiest man in town.’

Samuel records the story of how the great, but flawed, King David desired to build a temple for the Ark of the Covenant, which after many years and after elaborate dwellings built for his people still resided in a tent. But Nathan, David’s in-house prophet, had a vision from God that thwarted David’s plans and instead gave permission for David’s offspring to build the temple.

This story is one known by everyone who has heard the Old Testament Bible stories - how David, because of his sins against his Lord has to die knowing that he failed in his dream to bring a temple to Jerusalem. Less known, however, is David’s reaction to Nathan’s revelation from God - one of gratitude, relief, and joy. Although he initially is disappointed, David soon realizes that it does not matter who builds the temple, only that it is built. 2 Samuel 7: 18-29 is almost Psalm-like in its praise of God and optimism for the future.

How do we respond to disappointment? Many respond by blaming someone else, or anger at circumstances, or complaining to God that He may have abandoned them. It is human nature to feel disappointment - but it is Divine to feel elation at the promise of a better future, even one we ourselves cannot experience.

During this Advent season, consider how you might dream and plan for the future of others, not just yourselves. The anticipation of the Christ Child coming in splendor and glory gives us hope not just for today, and not just for tomorrow, but forever. Our time is limited - how will what you do today and tomorrow affect generations to come?

Anonymous

Friday December 19
2 Samuel 7: 18-22

Frequently, I see the phrase, “find joy in the little things.” It makes a great little wooden sign to display on a desk! I find this easy to do in nature–the thrill of a four leaf clover, the satisfaction of a pink sunset, the pleasure of how sunlight streams through leaves on a tree–and in conversation–when a friend tells an inside joke, when criticism is handled constructively, when someone shares an insight that makes you think. Yes, joy is everywhere–but the hardest place for me to find it is in the busyness of everyday life.

Often in the mornings, I am working to make use of every minute I have at the house before leaving for work. My daughter is at the age where she likes to help–but not quite at the age where her help is…helpful. This morning, for instance, she wanted to pick out her own clothes. I presented her with about six options before I lost my patience. She finally agreed to the first outfit I had pulled out, and I dressed her hurriedly. I almost missed it–I was in such a hurry to get her to the door, to get her in the car–but she ran her hands over her dress appreciatively and said “thank you!” She wasn’t in a hurry. She didn’t understand our time table. She just wanted to spend time with me, in her room, looking at her clothes, enjoying a simple task.

In 2 Samuel 7:18-22, David praises God in a humble, awe-struck way–that he, of all people, should be blessed with the Lord’s favor, with the knowledge of the Lord’s plan for himself and for his household. We’re reminded to count our many blessings, and in the hustle of the holiday season, what a humbling experience to pause and count our many joys–even when we’re stressed, or feeling inadequate, or heart-broken, the joy of the Lord is in every breath and aspect of life. If being lost from God is darkness, and being close to him is light, then what a joyful time to find light in the world, to be light in our world–through the big truths of a baby being born in a manger, sent to Earth to save us, and the little truths of slowing down to say thank you and show your gratitude.

Linsey Brown