2018 Advent Devotional

[As] it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ Luke 3:4 What a great (and appropriate) picture. The first candle of Advent is reflected at the...

And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40 These words of Jesus seem so simple. We are instructed to care for the “least” of people—the hungry,...

As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease. Genesis 8:22 When I look at this picture of our sanctuary, it is empty of people, but not empty of God. The seasons change, hot to cold, seeds to...

Praise him with clanging cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Psalm 150:5 The cymbals in our worship service symbolize a joyful voice and the idea that we should praise God and celebrate with the highest expression of joy and triumph in our church. In Old...

Friday, December 7, 2018 For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 On this date in 1941 many gave their lives in service to our country. In a 6-month period around December 1969, the three young Trinity...

Saturday, December 8, 2018 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 Being on the Advent Book committee has its advantages – you get to pick what picture...

Sunday, December 9, 2018 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. Luke 24:31 God reveals himself to Christians in many ways. For me, I call them “God moments,” times when I feel a heightened sense of God’s presence, or...

Tuesday, December 11, 2018 For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. Matthew 18:20 I am honored to be asked to participate in this year’s Advent devotional booklet. For our December 2017 Pub Theology, it was a special night with Dr....

Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray. Proverbs 22:6 My husband and I often struggle with the sheer weight of being a parent in today’s society. We have many conversations in our home about the pressures of...

Thursday, December 13, 2018 In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can...

Saturday, December 15, 2018 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 In the picture I was given, the Church vans are out in the back parking lot,...

Sunday, December 16, 2018 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 This tree in our sanctuary is artificial, but if we set that thought aside for a moment, we can...

Monday, December 17, 2018 Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. Psalm 47:6 A friend of mine looks forward to his late November birthday each year. There’s little excitement about becoming one year older; rather, his birthdate is...

Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands—O prosper the work of our hands! Psalm 90:17 Service Day is one of the highlights of the year for the Trinity UMW (United Methodist Women). It is a...

Thursday, December 20, 2018 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:5 Each evening, my family gathers in darkness around the wreath. We recite John 1:1-5. At the first mention of light, we strike a match like a flare. Amid...

Friday, December 21, 2018 “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 During this season of Advent, as I look at Trinity Church with just a dusting of snow, I am reminded of two of God’s wonderful gifts....

Saturday, December 22, 2018 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 This very familiar verse of scripture from Isaiah...

Sunday, December 23, 2018 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” Psalm 122:1 “Joy to the World, the Lord is come!” It is our favorite time of the year! The tree is trimmed. Wreaths have ribbons. Candles glow. A traditional carol is...

Monday, December 24, 2018 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. Luke 2:12 As I reflect on this picture, I’m reminded of how much I love Christmas Eve services at Trinity. They are warm, welcoming, and...

Friday, December 14, 2018 The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold, his gaze examines humankind. Psalm 11:4 End of week two of Advent. Christmas preparations are well underway. For a child, excitement builds, and waiting gets...