Zechariah's Song

Read Matthew 1:68-79

The conception and birth of a baby to a couple who have struggled with infertility for a long marriage is a BIG deal in itself. But when Zechariah is told of this miracle, he doubts this angel-delivered announcement. So God gives him the whole pregnancy in silence to "think about it," including the time when Mary, pregnant with Jesus, comes for a long visit with her cousin Elizabeth, Zechariah's wife.

When the time comes for John the Baptist's birth, Zechariah is more than ready. He gets his speech back just in time to agree with Elizabeth about John's name. Then "the rest of it" comes pouring out of Zechariah's heart/mouth in a remarkable "awe-hymn" that puts its arms around Zechariah's whole BIG picture of God's mercy and faithfulness.

This is more than a miracle baby. God is very specifically at work in bigger ways than even Zechariah's awe-hymn can describe. This is a prelude to another bigger baby miracle.

Awe is what comes from both stories. Awe also comes from things in our lives as they unfold in the mercy and power of God's grace to us and through us. Awe is our response, our worship, our praise.

QUESTIONS:

1. Can you remember times in your life when things turned out bigger/better/more than you could have imagined and thought at the time?

2. What's happening right now that, in God's mercy, might be more and better? Can you trust God for what's happening? Can you pray for awe?

PRAYER:

God, give us AWE at Your mercy. Help us see Your faithfulness in big and little things. Open our eyes and hearts to Awe. Amen.

Paul Ulring

Praise the LORD

Read Psalm 103:19-22

Praise can be big or small. Praise can be on your knees, face to the floor, through tears and whispers. Praise can be jumping and dancing, reaching your arms as high as they go, trying to touch the heavens. Psalm 103 speaks of praise in this bigness and in this smallness.

The angels, the mighty ones, praise the Lord. All the heavenly hosts praise the Lord. Every work of the Lord in His dominion praises the Lord! This vastness of praise is a massive chorus, a vehement anthem that rains over the heavens and the earth, singing of the glory of the Lord! Then, the Psalmist goes quieter saying, “Praise the Lord, my soul” and we understand that praise is also the gentle, still melody in our heart of hearts—and that God hears and loves it all the same.

When we look at Mary’s song, we don’t know if her praise was a shout or a whisper, a vehement anthem or a still melody. But we do know that she praised the Lord with everything she had that day, for she knew her Savior was coming. And we can do the same, for we know our Savior is here.

QUESTIONS:

1. How does Mary's song help you in your faith and trust of God?

2. When God asks something really outside your comfort zone, how can you be ready to respond with a big YES, with joy?

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, I want to have unflinching faith like Mary, Jesus' mother. Fill me with that desire. Amen.

Kelsey Payne

The Cornerstone

Read 1 Peter 2:4-8

Next door to us they are building a house. It is almost done and they are ready to lay sod. There are two sizable piles of stone the builders have raked off the top of the soil to be hauled to a landfill. The value of common stones has not changed much over the last 2000 years. Most are plain, nondescript and just get in the way.

Once again, as God likes to do, He turns things upside down. In this case, He compares his Son, Jesus, to a stone. He says, "My Son, Jesus, is a living stone rejected by men (v.4), a rejected cornerstone (v. 7)." God points out that, in the eyes of the world, Jesus is simply not of much value, even an offense.

Which is more important—the values of the world or the values of our eternal God? If God says, "I am choosing this precious stone (vs. 4, 6)," could there be anything more precious? Amazingly, God also says that we are living stones He is using to build a special spiritual house to His Glory. Do you see that God has chosen you and the church together for a precious calling?

QUESTIONS:

1. What makes something valuable? What would make something of the highest value?

2. As living stones we are being built into a spiritual house to offer up spiritual sacrifices. What do you think are spiritual sacrifices?

PRAYER:

Lord, help us to see what You value that we could see what is truly precious. May we offer up spiritual sacrifices for Your glory.

Lee Miller

He Chose Us

Read Ephesians 1:3-10

Paul writes this letter as “a prisoner” (3:1; 4:1) yet he exalts that we are “blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing.” Present difficult circumstances do not dissuade Paul from rejoicing in who he is in Christ: blessed, adopted as God’s own, forgiven, and empowered to give God glory. Other people may dismiss Paul as a prisoner but God embraces him as a precious child of His own redeeming. Other people may dismiss Paul as a drifter without regular employment but God selects Paul as a worker in His kingdom. We share with Paul that ancient lavish calling in Christ, a calling that is, literally, older than dirt, made “before the foundation of the world.”

God chooses us today with new mercy to join Him in His work, just as He chose us “before the foundation of the world.” He blesses us today that we might be empowered to obey Him, regardless of today’s circumstances. We have a divine appointment today to live in Christ, fueled by heaven’s resources. Other people may dismiss us, or even curse us, but God blesses us that we might bless others and glorify Him.

QUESTIONS:

1. What nay-saying from others or your own mind, keep you from embracing your blessed identity in Christ?

2. Where and with whom today can you praise God’s glorious grace?

PRAYER:

Lord, soak Your grace so deep into my soul today that my mouth and hands can’t keep from glorifying You.

Pam Mann

The Redeemer

December 25                                                                                             

Scripture Reading
Read Galatians 4:4-7 and reflect on the passage.

Merry Christmas! As you greet others or look around today, you are likely to hear and see greetings that include “peace,” “joy,” “hope,” or “love.” What you are unlikely to have mentioned in word or print are “adoption,” “redemption,” or “freedom.” No, these words are not popular greeting card sentiments or trending Christmas hashtags.

In today’s Scripture reading, Paul reminds us that through the birth of Christ our full adoption and freedom as believers was initiated. In God’s perfect timing, Jesus was born to be our Redeemer! Now, as children of God, we are no longer orphans, but full heirs with a rich inheritance.

Over the last two years, some extended family members of ours have fostered two children. These sweet children clearly sought to please their foster parents…not a bad thing, but also quite exhausting. This fall they found their forever home. I imagine their endless striving may be replaced by a blessed sense of freedom, acceptance and family.

As believers we are no longer orphans, but redeemed by Jesus! May we rest in our being Children of God and rejoice in the freedom of our Abba Father’s rich love and inheritance.

Questions

What does it mean to you to be an heir of God?

Are you living more as an orphan (endless striving and works) or as a Child of God (resting and obeying out of love)?

Prayer

Lord, thanks for the birth of Jesus this Christmas and His redeeming power and freedom for us. Glory to the newborn King! Amen.

                                                                                                                                    Jessica Efird

King of Kings

December 21                                                                                             

Scripture Reading
Read Revelation 19:11-16 and reflect on the passage.

A tiny, little baby born, entering the world without much fanfare, in a simple stable. No waiting room filled with excited grandparents and friends – only Mary, Joseph, and some animals were present. No balloons, banners, nor perfectly decorated nursery. The Son of Mary, no ordinary baby, He was born King of Kings! The song says:

“Mary, did you know that your baby Boy would one day walk on water? Would save our sons and daughters? Has come to make you new? This Child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know that your baby Boy will give sight to a blind man? Will calm the storm with his hand? Has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the Lamb!

Mary, did you know that your baby Boy is Lord of all creation? Would one day rule the nations? Is heaven's perfect Lamb? That sleeping Child you're holding is the great I AM.”

The King of Kings arrived…the world, and we, would never be the same!

Questions

“King of Kings” – no higher authority; His reign over all things is absolute. What in your life currently competes for that place of authority?

How does the text imagery make you feel? What difference does the promise of the King of Kings coming make in your everyday life?

Prayer

In this Advent season may we watch and wait with anticipation and hope to the promised and glorious coming of the King of Kings! Amen.

                                                                                                                                    Becki Bork

Good Shepherd

December 15                                                                                             

Scripture Reading
Read John 10:1-5 and reflect on the passage.

Sometimes the holidays are full of worry. Travel plans must be made. Food must be prepared. We want to give our friends and family the perfect presents. And, my goodness, what will we ever do with the junk they think is perfect for us!

We have so many parties and events to attend, we’re busy the whole month long – "But that’s not the reason for the season!" we think. "We must make time for Christ!" And pretty soon we’re worried we’re not being good Christians, we’re not celebrating Christmas the way God intends.

I’ve spent much of the year reflecting upon my worries, and God has answered me time and again with the instruction of Matthew 6:33, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Why? Because that kingdom and righteousness we seek is that of the Good Shepherd who cares for His flock. He makes us to lie down in green pastures, He leads us beside quiet waters, He refreshes our souls (Psalm 23).

I hear His voice. And in His presence I have rest from all worries of this season and this world.

Questions

         What worries do you have this holiday season?

      If you traded your worries for rest would the Good Shepherd meet your needs?

Prayer

Lord, fill my heart with trust in You that I may know Your perfect peace.

                                                                                                                                    Star Bradley

The LORD Established His Throne

December 14                                                        

Scripture Reading
Read Psalm 103:15-19 and reflect on the passage.

Take a deep breath and inhale God’s hope for you for whatever you face in this moment called today.  Exhale all your worries and heartaches.  Let the love of Jesus sink down deep into your heart today.  Let the closeness of God, Emmanuel, God with us, rest on you. As you do this, He will establish His rule and reign in you this day.

Let’s remember that scandalous night when God kept His promise and reestablished His rule and reign once again in the world. He entered the world to reign as a needy, dependent, impoverished baby. He showed His bias towards outsiders and nobodies, by being welcomed into the world by his poor parents, along with shepherds and animals. His bed was a manger.

The upside-down kingdom arrived and the whole earth exhaled in relief and for the first time inhaled a breath of hope – hope that things could be different. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel. God with us. In our mess, in our despair, God comes to us in Jesus. He comes to heal the world with love and grace.

Questions

1       What does inhaling hope look like for you today?

2    How might God be nudging you in your heart to reestablish His rule and reign in your heart today?

Prayer

Thanks, Lord, for your upside-down kingdom. As I breathe in Your hope, may Your power and reign be firmly established in my heart today.

                                                                                                                        Andrea Taphorn

Mary is Encouraged

December 13 

                                                                                

Scripture Reading
Read Luke 1:39-45 and reflect on the passage.

An Angel of the Lord appeared to Mary and told her she was to be the mother of God-Incarnate. Wow, that's a lot for such a young woman to take in. She did what many young girls might do when confronted with startling news; she went to visit a favorite aunt. She needed some time to process and to prepare her heart for the future.

Mary needed the wisdom of an older woman, and probably just wanted to go off by herself to think and see if she could understand all this. It turned out, the visit became just what Mary needed. Her Aunt Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting and the baby in Elizabeth's womb moved; scripture says the baby leaped. At that moment, Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!"

Elizabeth turned out to be the perfect woman for Mary to reach out to. We don't know all the conversations they shared, but probably lots of advice was given and prayers raised up. Elizabeth affirmed Mary and her blessed condition. No doubt, Mary and Elizabeth probably retold this story many time over the years.

Questions

1. Do you think the wisdom of an older woman, who was also expecting, was helpful to Mary?

2. Do you ever seek the wise counsel of others when faced with difficult situations? Have you considered finding a mentor, someone older and wiser?

Prayer

Father, thank you for telling us the amazing story behind the birth of Your Son. Give us a true sense of joy this season. Amen

                                                                                                                                                            Judy Webb

Walk in the Light

December 12                                                                                             

Scripture Reading
Read Isaiah 2:1-5 and reflect on the passage.

“He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths…let us walk in the light of the Lord.” As I read this passage from Isaiah, I am humbled and filled with hope. We will never, no matter how much we pray and study, truly know the Lord’s ways and paths—not until we are fully restored in heaven. We talk about walking in the light of the Lord here on Earth—following and imitating Jesus as best we can.

But I dream of heaven, where I will actually walk in the real, present, tangible light of Jesus. On earth, we have light inside us given by Jesus, but in heaven, as we walk upon the mountain of the Lord, further up and further in, we will walk not only with light inside us, but with the light of Jesus all around us. This is God’s beautiful promise that I rejoice in. This is hope when I feel burdened by the darkness in the world—that, just like Isaiah says, someday God will settle all disputes and everyone will put down their weapons. All nations will stream together and walk in the light of the Lord.

Questions
1. Until we walk in heaven's light, how can we better carry and demonstrate the light of Jesus inside us?
2. How can we better give thanks and praise to God for the light that He gives us and the paths He guides us along?

Prayer
Jesus, thank you for the light I carry in me today, and that someday I will walk in it upon the mountain of my Father.

                                                                                                                            Kelsey Payne

Seek the Lost

December 11

Scripture Reading
Read Ezekiel 34:11-16 and reflect on the passage.

The story of the first Christmas is like a cozy blanket, warm and familiar, bringing smiles to our faces whenever we hear it. If prompted, some of us could even do our best Linus impression and start reciting, “Some shepherds were watching over their flocks at night…” Shepherds and Christmas pretty much go hand-in-hand.

I’m thankful for this passage in Ezekiel this Christmas season because it reminds me that God will always seek me out. Especially at Christmas, it can be easy to feel lost in the hubbub of shopping, choir concerts, and family gatherings. Or maybe it is hard to find joy this season because things are not how they used to be. No matter how lost we may feel, we will never be too lost for God to stop seeking us. No matter how weary we may feel, God will never stop strengthening our souls.

Take comfort in Him, dear friends, because He is holding so tightly to you. What a thrill it is to be sought by the Good Shepherd.

Questions

1. What is threatening to pull me astray from the true focus of this Advent season?

2. How can I find daily rest in the comfort of my Shepherd?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for seeking me. Open my eyes to those who are feeling lost, and make me a light that guides them toward You.
                                                                                                                                    Alissa Heveron

Jesus’ humility shown through His baptism

26 December 

Scripture Reading

Read Matthew 3:13-17 and reflect on the passage.

Why in the world is Jesus standing in a long line of people waiting to be baptized by a crazy man shouting repent? Believe it or not, this was the very time He had been waiting for, the time when people were more aware of their sin and their need for God than ever before. In being willing to be baptized, He would come to identify with the very ones He came to save.

Many thought John was the one, but he clearly understood his role and knew there was One coming after him who would be greater. He allowed himself to be surpassed. Jesus who was washed clean in the Jordan was the greater One, the Messiah, yet He was willing to assume a position of subservience as He submitted himself to a baptism of repentance by John. He humbled himself and appeared lesser.

Humility in this day and age—when the focus seems more on self—appears all but non-existent. John and Jesus were able to humbly step aside to let God accomplish His call in them. When the cry is to get our own way, we would do well to seek first God’s purpose and plan.

Questions

1.      How is Jesus revealing Himself to you in ways that ask you to step back so that He may be exalted in your life?

2.      Recalling your own baptism, how is the Glory of God being revealed through humble acts of word and deed in and through you?

Prayer

Humble our hearts Oh Lord, that we may be set free from all that keeps us from Your plan and purpose for our lives. Amen.

—Patti Morlock

God’s nature is clearly evident

23 December 

Scripture Reading

Read Romans 1:18-25 and reflect on the passage.

As a missionary who has lived among rural African peoples, I struggle with these verses of Scripture. They have been used to say that Africans are “idol worshipers” in order to justify conquering “godless” African peoples for the purpose of selling their bodies into slavery! It is tempting to use Scripture only to point out others’ sin and then to justify my own self-serving actions.

But as grace-loving Christians, we love the Apostle Paul, and the precious gospel which he so eloquently expresses. So maybe we can take another look at these verses and apply them to ourselves.

What are idols and gods for people like us in suburban Columbus? Martin Luther famously wrote, “Anything on which your heart relies and depends, I say, that is really your God.”

So on what is your heart relying as you approach Christmas? To whom or what are you planning to sacrifice today? Will that make it a “good Christmas?” Will that make God somehow feel closer? The real Christmas truth is that God’s presence came as close as humanly possible in the form of a little baby. Divine power in ordinary and vulnerable human presence.

Questions

1.      How can you be dependent on God today?

2.      How can you draw close to God by being truly present with ordinary and vulnerable people in your life?

  

Prayer

God, help me to depend on You and recognize in ordinary and vulnerable people, Your unstoppable love.

—Nathan Esala 

God is near us

 December 22

Scripture Reading

Read Deuteronomy 4:5-8 and reflect on the passage.

Where are you, God? Have you ever felt as though He wasn’t there? I think most everyone, at one time or another, has felt as though God wasn’t particularly near. Each of us seems to experience that season in life when we’re walking with the Lord, but for a variety of reasons, just can’t seem to hear from Him or sense His presence. We talk to Him, pray, sing, even try to quiet ourselves and simply listen—not an easy thing, especially for extroverts! But nothing. And we wonder where He is.

One Sunday morning, we sang the following words and I was reminded of where He is:

“As I rise…go before, lift me up; As I wake…look upon, be my sight; As I wait…satisfy and sustain; As I hear…lead me on, be my guide; As I go, hand of God…by my side; As I rest, breath of God…bring me peace; Above and below me, before and behind me, in every eye that sees me Christ be all around me.”

That’s where He is: always near us—even when we aren’t able to feel or hear Him; all around us—nearer than we can imagine.

Questions

1.      Have you experienced a time when God felt far away? If so, how did you respond? How did you draw closer to Him?

2.      Have you had an experience when you could feel God’s presence closely and powerfully? What was that like for you and those around you?

  

Prayer

Lord, as we wait and watch for God with us, let our prayer be Christ be all around us, trusting in Your nearness always. Amen.

—Becki Bork

The Lord saves David from his sin

19 December 

Scripture Reading

Read 2 Samuel 12:1-13 and reflect on the passage.

This is a tough story of confrontation and salvation. God sends Nathan to help King David face what he has done. It’s a terrible thing, and Nathan uses a parable/story to draw David into the reality of his sin. David is appalled and angry. Then Nathan points to him: “this is you; this is what you’ve done; this is your sin.” David’s response is the right one—David could have tried to avoid the truth and reality of what he has done. David is drawn to confession by this confrontation. And in this confession, David finds his release and the mercy of God for such a horrible set of crimes.

God is willing; God is standing ready; God may even send a messenger or circumstance to point us to the truth of our need for mercy and forgiveness. Faced with our sins, we always have the choice: to avoid/deny, or to seek the only remedy that matters. We need the forgiveness we don’t deserve but God is offering in Jesus, and there is no sin beyond this mercy. David is proof of that.

Questions

1.      Is there something in your life that needs a Nathan to point to on God’s behalf?

2.      Do you think this sin is beyond God’s mercy? Pray that God will help you see it differently?

Prayer

Lord, thank You that You don’t leave us alone in our sins. Help us to admit and surrender to a mercy that dies for us. In Jesus, Amen.

—Paul Ulring

Ordinary

Week 4 Advent Devotions

December 18

1 Kings 19:9-12

Write out the 1 Kings passage.

What images came to mind when you heard these words? 

How does this passage stretch your understanding of God?

Have someone close in a simple prayer.

Conclude together by saying “We go now in peace, ending this time in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.” Blow out the candle.

36 37

The light of the candles pierces through the darkness and reminds us of the “Light of Christ” that we anticipate during this season.

Here are some other ways you can put your faith into practice with this week’s focus of “Ordinary.”

For Adults

Keep a small notebook by your bed. Before going to sleep each night, take a moment to look back on your day. Begin by writing the small and simple things that you are thankful for, then press a little deeper by looking for where God might have been in those moments. See if you notice God at work in the ordinary during your week.

For Teens

Create a photo-journal this week of things, people or special moments that help you see God at work. Take a picture from nature of something God created, take a picture of some of the people you see God through and take a picture to record any moment where it seemed like God was especially present. #ualcgodwithus

For Kids

Each day, take a little time with your child to write or draw about a time in their life that God was there for them. As you do this, have them remember that God is there with them, even as you remember past times that they’ve seen Him. See if during this week they notice God in the ordinary parts of life—like at school, at home, or when they are playing with friends. He is everywhere!

—Aaron Thompson & David White

God guides the Israelites

16 December 

Scripture Reading

Read Exodus 13:20-22 and reflect on the passage.

I sometimes leave God out of the picture, forget He’s right there with me, guiding me. It’s easy to forget this time of year. At least I have an excuse compared to the Israelites, I don’t have a visible pillar of “cloud by day” or a “fire by night.” But, if I keep God a part of my daily life, I can’t deny it’s His presence that meets me in big and small ways and gives me guidance.

I’ve had some hard times in my life when I needed God’s presence and guidance desperately. Things were falling apart in my eyes. For one thing, I didn’t have money to pay my bills, let alone buy Christmas presents. Honestly, if I didn’t experience these hard times, I know I wouldn’t be blessed with the faith I enjoy today, or know deeply how much Jesus loves and cares for me.

That Christmas, and through the entire next year, God provided in ways I couldn’t have imagined. He even gave me specific Bible verses that I knew was a vision of His future for me and my family. He was giving me a “pillar” of clear, visible guidance in the most personal way.

Questions

1.      Have you experienced God guiding you? Maybe through a Bible passage, a song, a friend’s words, or a sermon. How did it impact you?

2.      How has your faith grown during times of hardship compared to times of peace?

Prayer

Thank You God that You are always with us, guiding us, loving us, and caring for us in every circumstance of our lives. Amen.

—Kirsten Svendsen