December 17, 2022 – Devotions to Prepare Us For Christ’s Coming

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

The Third Candle (The Candle of JOY)

The third candle, the only candle that can be either purple or pink (usually pink), indicates that the only lasting Joy to be found in life on earth is through Christ. All other joy is fleeting and does not last.

In 1620, the Mayflower Pilgrims arrive in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Pilgrims sailed on the Mayflower which embarked from England to America in September 1620. Most of the Pilgrims on the ship were originally from the Netherlands. The exploring party first went ashore in America on Dec. 21, 1620. The Pilgrims had originally intended to continue sailing south but made the decision to remain at Cape Cod after they encountered rough seas and were nearly shipwrecked. We can only imagine that the people on that ship were overjoyed to finally see land, yet feelings of dread would not be far behind.  Not only were they coming to a new land, but they were landing during winter. 

The birth of Jesus is always celebrated in the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere since this is when December 25 comes along on the calendar. Winter is not always a time of joy with the lower temperatures, the snow, the cost of fuel oil and electricity, and the lack of daylight. But the birth of Jesus is the announcement of the “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” (John 1:9)  This is the joy of the season, a joy that can lift our spirits, bring light into our lives, and keep us moving forward like the Pilgrims of 1620.  And this joy is not fleeting, it is the love, joy, and peace that sustains us through and for all time.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, in this Advent season fill me with your love and your light each and every day. Amen.

Pastor Dave

December 16, 2022 – Devotions to Prepare Us For Christ’s Coming

 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 5:43-48

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”            John 3:16-17

The Second Candle (The Candle of LOVE)

The angels announced the good news of a Savior!  “…I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10b-11)  The second candle on the Advent Wreath symbolizes G-d sending the Son to earth to save us, because G-d loves us so much.

In 1946 Frank Capra’s movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered in New York. Set in a small town named Bedford Falls, it is a story of a man named George Bailey, a man who loves people more than he loves money. His antagonist is Mr. Potter whose hands are clenched around his money so tightly he probably suffered from arthritis at an early age. In one of his encounters with old Mr. Potter George is defending the Building and Loan business that was started by his father, and is in Mr. Potter’s line of sight to close: “Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you’re talking about… they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn’t think so. People were human beings to him. But to you, a warped, frustrated old man, they’re cattle. Well in my book, my father died a much richer man than you’ll ever be!” 

Harry Bailey will go on to toast his brother George by calling him the “Richest man in town”. He is rich because he is rich in love for people. This Christmas season and beyond, let the love of Christ ring in your heart and in your deeds the whole year through.

Let us pray: Dear Lord, you love us beyond all measure. Let your love so shine in our hearts that others may see our good works given to the glory of G-d and the love of Christ. Amen.

Pastor Dave