Site Map
Bethany
Congregational
Church
is part of the
United Church
of Christ
"A Faith Community Under God's Constant Construction"
God is still speaking,
Home About Bethany
Membership Location
Meditations for Advent 2005
All year we journey towards the Holy Babe, born in the manger. Each day, we make a choice to walk towards Jesus and the light of his love. Through prayer, we are able to talk and listen to God. We open our hearts to the love God has bestowed upon us.
We invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts. When we do that, we seek to change our hearts. When God is our guide, we walk in love and mercy.
On our journey, we must choose to walk the path God has laid out for us. Sometimes we stumble and fall, but God is always there with an outstretched hand to help us.
The Kingdom of God is waiting for us. We are children of God. We are loved. To get to the kingdom of God, we must choose to walk in the light of God's love and seek his guidance daily.
The story of Christmas is like a map to guide our steps. God sent his son as a baby to show us how to love. Let us take up our cross, and follow Jesus' example. May we spread God's love to everyone we meet on our path.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Theme: Prayer
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 56:1-8
… for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.
Isaiah 156:7 (RSV)Prayer is the way we speak to God. We thank him for our food which nurtures us, and for the beauty that surrounds us. We thank him for all the many blessings he has bestowed on us.
We pray for good health, for peace in the world, and for healing. God will hear our prayers, but we must leave the answers up to him..
Keep your faith, trust in the Lord, and He will know what is best for all of us.
God bless and keep you all.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Theme: Prayer
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:1-15
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:6 (RSV)Advent has always been a difficult time for me. The season is supposed to be a time of preparation to receive Christ in your life. To receive the word made flesh to dwell with us. But I get so distracted by all the preparation for parties and gatherings that I don't seem to make the quiet time to share with God and focus on the pure joy of receiving God; the child who comes on Christmas morning. Lent has always been much easier. There are few distractions from the world and I seem to find time to focus on my relationship with God and celebrate his grace and forgiveness with the resurrection on Easter morning.
This scripture really hits home as we enter the Advent season. How am I to prepare for Christ? I think as the scripture suggest, by prayer in private. The public acts of worship and giving that the season brings are not sufficient. I need time in prayer to really prepare my heart to fully receive God. I know it is as the scripture says that when you do this you receive the reward of God's presence in your life.
My prayer is that this Advent season, God will be with me to keep me focused on spending my time on what is important: My relationship with Him. I want God to be with me this Advent Season and through the year. Amen.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Theme: Prayer
Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:18-32
And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.
Matthew 21:22 (RSV)Jesus, you know me better than I know myself. Give me the people and material goods in my life that I need to do your will. Help me to understand that some things I want are not good for my spiritual growth and that I need to follow your commandments for my spiritual health. Help me to forgive myself, a sinner, each day when I fall short of your Holy Way.
Our Father, who art in heaven
Hallowed be Thy name Thy kingdom come
Thy Will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
Our daily bread
And forgive us our debts
As we forgive our debtors
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For Thine is the kingdom
And the power and the glory
Forever and ever.
-Amen
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Theme: Prayer
Scripture Reading: Luke 11:1-10
He was praying in a certain place and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his disciples."
Luke 11:1 (RSV)When I read this prayer in verses two through four, it reminds me how simple and uncomplicated prayer can be. it also reminds me that we are to pray without ceasing. We can pray at any time and in any place. God is always there and listening to our prayers. Our heavenly Father knows that we need all things.
We can never make selfish requests when we make our petitions because all our prayers are made in the name of Jesus. Jesus taught all his disciples this wonderful prayer that we read in these scripture verses.
It is a wonderful comfort for me to know that God is always there in all times and in all places when I make my prayer requests. God will be there to answer my prayers.
Thursday, December 1, 2005
Theme: Prayer
Scripture Reading: Luke 18:9-17
Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and one a tax collector.
Luke 18:10 (RSV)I think that we as Christians many times put on airs. We are like the Pharisee. We think that because we are Christians, we are better than everyone else. We feel that we should be blessed more because God is in our life.
God sent me to earth, not to put myself above others, but to serve them. My job is to bring God's message of love to everyone, not just the churchgoers. God sent Jesus to earth to walk with the sinners. We are all sinners.
If we approach God in prayer with humble heart, God will welcome us with open arms. We are to come to God like little children. Children are trusting and loving, and open to love. That's how God wants us to be.
Dear God,
Thank you for accepting us as we are. Help us to come to you in prayer with humbleness. May we serve others and spread your word to everyone we meet.
- Amen
Friday, December 2, 2005
Theme: Prayer
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20
Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
Ephesians 6:18a (RSV)Prayer is my lifeline. I find that when I am actively seeking God's presence in my life, I feel him close to me. I am at peace and better able to face the world. When I don't pray, I feel disconnected from God and everything else.
Prayer is my time of talking with God. I open my heart and soul to God. I listen for his voice. When I pray, God is able to guide my steps. The Holy Spirit is able to change my heart so that I am more loving and Christ-like.
I see myself as I am. God sees me as I can be. I must trust his plan for my life. Only God can put me where I need to be. I am a child of God. Where God leads me, I will follow. I open my heart to his love and mercy. I will spread his love to everyone I meet.
Dear Loving Father,
Thank you for listening to my prayers and using me to spread your love. May I show others of your loving mercy.
- Amen
Saturday, December 3, 2005
Theme: Prayer
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5
Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (RSV)God has a Divine Plan for each of our lives. For many years I followed the wrong path. I had tried to enter by the wide gate and easy way that leads to destruction. However, God still showed His love for me. I had to experience heartbreak, failure, addiction and health problems before I finally let go and let God. It was the best decision I have ever made. I praise God, pray and give thanks for all the blessings in my life for I have faith that God will always be there. Amen.
Sunday, December 4, 2005
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:11-17
"And Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water and behold the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him…"
Matthew 3:16 (RSV)The Holy Spirit that alighted on Jesus after he was baptized has been promised to each of us. When I was in the 5th grade I accept Jesus as my Savior and was baptized. Soon I learned that the Holy Spirit was now living in me!
One day at school I chose to read my Bible during free reading time. My teacher told me to choose something else. It made me angry inside! Then a Bible verse about praying for your "enemies" kept coming to mind. I reluctantly ob3eyed and my heart softened toward my teacher.
As I continued to "listen" and obey, often God would give me just the right words to say in tough situations. Years later I learned this was the Holy Spirit working in me.
"Lord, give me an obedient heart that I might hear your Spirit!"
Monday, December 5, 2005
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-21
"And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them deliverance."
Acts 2:4 (RSV)It must have been awe-inspiring to be part of that first Pentecost. God came near. He poured his spirit onto every person there. What must it have been like to feel God working in and through them!
God is a part of us. He walks with us and takes a personal interest in our lives. We were created by God to be his messengers of love. When the Holy Spirit is active in our lives, we can achieve great things for God.
We are given the tools to be what and who God wants us to be. we are never alone. God is always with us. All we need to do is to ask God for guidance, and he will be there. Daily, we must seek to know God and his presence in our lives. When we open our hearts to God's love, the Holy Spirit can guide us to God's path.
Dear loving God,
Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to be our guide to your love. May we be open to you and your love.
- Amen
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-14
"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
1 Corinthians 12:7 (RSV)One of the wonderful things about the Christian church is that there is a place for everyone to make a contribution. Everyone's talents can be used as the Church carries out Christ's work in the world.
We must remember that these talents are a gift of the Holy Spirit. They are not just a human ability. It is very important that the Church permit and encourage these gifts of the Spirit to be used. Bethany Church is fortunate to have many workers who have gifts of the Holy Spirit. We rejoice in the new members who have joined, and who bring their special Spirit-given gifts for the common good.
Let us each take time in this Advent season to think of the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given us. May we use these gifts for the glory of God and the ministry of Christ in a world that so needs the Good News of Peace and Love.
Dear Lord,
Help us this day to recognize the talents that the Holy Spirit has given us, and to use them to further Christ's work in this world. - Amen
Wednesday, December 7, 2005
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1
"…in him, you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit …"
Ephesians 1:13 (RSV)God loves you. Hallelujah! God sent Jesus as a baby, so we could be shown how to love others. Jesus loved everyone, even those who did not love him. We are to love everyone. That is not always easy.
It is easy to love those who agree with us. It is much harder to love those who hold different ideals or live in ways that we do not agree with. God loves everyone, no matter what. We are charged with loving our neighbor.
When you pray, ask God to send the Holy Spirit to change your heart. We can do anything if God walks with us. The Holy Spirit can do anything, but we must be open to his presence in our daily life and working in our hearts. Open your hearts and let the light of God's love shine through your actions and words.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for showing us how to love others. May we bring your love to those who need to feel it. Help us to spread your love to everyone we meet.
- Amen
Thursday, December 8, 2005
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16
"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call…
Ephesians 4:4 (RSV)We are one body. As Christians we are one family of God. God is our Father and we are his children. As the song says, "we are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord."
There are many denominations, but one gospel is preached. We are all unique, and so is the way the Holy Spirit works for us. God has a plan for each of our lives.
We all know that God is love. We are loved and cherished by God. We are his beloved children. As God's loved ones, we are charged with spreading the good news of his love to one and all. The Holy Spirit shows us the way, and spurs us on. When we seek God's guidance, He sends the Holy Spirit to work in us by changing our hearts.
Dear Loving Father,
Thank you for sending us to be your ambassadors. Help the Holy Spirit to change my heart and make me more loving. May I help to change the world, one heart at a time.
- Amen
Friday, December 9, 2005
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Scripture Reading: James 2:14-26
"For as the body apart from the Spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead."
James 2:26 (RSV)Just have faith...
Things will get better if you have faith...
If you don't have faith you don't have anything...
How many times have I heard these phrases from friends??? A bunch!!! Especially when things are not exactly looking up. In the middle of a crisis come the well meaning words of encouragement..."Just have faith Judi and all will be well." My personnel experience with faith is much more than a "fox hole" solution for tough times. Faith is a verb...an action...a way of life.
For a long time I believed that faith was something you just "got" when you accepted Jesus has your Savior. I have now come to believe that faith is not a gift, but something I have to work for. Faith...the belief in things not seen...is something that I have actively searched for...prayed for the willingness to have...and now feel in my everyday life.
For me faith is not just believing in God, but actually living the life that I believe He would want me to...doing the next right thing...and leaving the results up to Him. Stepping out on faith for me is to not to have to worry about all the little details of my life. Today I make plans, but do not plan the outcomes. I feel less and less like trying to control everything and more and more like giving the control over to God. Today I have faith that if I ask myself "What can I do for God today?" and not "What can I do to make things go my way?" that God will provide for me beyond my expectations. It feels so good to know that I am NOT in charge, and that God has my back.
My faith is the foundation for an ever evolving relationship with God and His Son. My faith is not the same today as it was yesterday, and will not be the same tomorrow. My faith is alive...how cool is that? My spiritual life is not a destination, but a journey.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:7-21
By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his own Spirit.
1 John 4:13 (RSV)In uncertain times, when it seems like the world is against itself, I take a step back and take stock of what I believe. At the core of my being is this: that God is love and to love is to know God. Reading the news I see hate all around us, hate for the neighbors whom we should love, all for the color of their skin or the way that they believe. In the end, all that matters is that we love our fellow man, wholly and without strings attached. God, in his love for humanity, sent his only Son so we might know that the path to heaven is paved with love. The path of love is not the easiest road to take, but in the end, it leads to a wonderful place.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Theme: Walking God's Path
Scripture Reading: Psalm 16
"Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence there is fullness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore."
Psalm 16:11 (RSV)This fall in the middle-high school Sunday School class, the course of study has been the Ten Commandments and their application in their individual lives. As they looked at the Bible verse selected for their contribution to the Advent book this year, they thought the Ten Commandments represented "the path of life."
As teens go through life, we are faced with so many chances to apply the teachings of God. It may not always be the easiest path, but the end result is well worth the effort. God's teachings provide us with the ingredients for such full lives.
As we teens follow God's teachings through life, we are assured we will be at God's right hand in heaven when the time comes.
Our prayer for all of you is that through God's guidance we will find the right path to take us successfully through life.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Theme: Walking God's Path
Scripture Reading: Psalm 23
"He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Psalm 23:3b (RSV)I was working out at home when I felt a sharp pain in my right leg. I thought that I had pulled a muscle. I thought that the muscle would heal up. Instead, the pain became much worse. I was in terrible agony making the long walk from the parking lot to my doctor's office. My doctor sent me for an X-ray. The X-ray revealed that I had a fractured hip. My doctor sent me to a bone specialist along with the X-ray. The bone specialist sent me right over to the hospital in a wheel chair.
The next day I was lying flat on my back in my bed outside of the operating room all hooked up to IV tubes. I never felt so helpless in my whole life. But, I felt that God was on my side. I felt that God was in control of my situation.
Lord, thank-you for letting me heal completely, to set my cane aside, and to walk again without a limp. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Theme: Walking God's Path
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 2:1-11
"O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord."
Isaiah 2:5 (RSV)To walk in the Light of the Lord is to learn and do what the Lord requires of us. Our Lord Jesus the Christ is our guiding light. His way is the ethics, values, and morals of honorable behavior, especially in our relationship with one another.
This behavior cannot be imposed on anybody by laws or any others means. It can only be learned and impose on yourself by yourself.
In a world where anything goes and it is never clear what is right, we need guidance. This is if we want to walk in God's light. The study of the Bible is our guide and it teaches us that our relationship with others is our walk with our Lord.
Learn his way, be instructed by the Word, read and study the Bible. This applies to us today as when it was written and it will guide your walk with the Lord and you always will be in his Light.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Theme: Walking God's Path
Scripture Reading: John 8:12-30
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world: he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 8:12 (RSV)God calls us to follow Him. As we seek his presence in our daily walk, we are learning to be more like Christ wants us to be.
The call to follow God is not always easy. The world distracts us from listening to his voice. When we do not stop and spend time with God, the Holy Spirit cannot work through us. How can we be more Christ-like if we do not allow God into our hearts and into our lives?
We must trust God's plan for our lives. As we walk daily with God, there are times that we may stumble and fall. God will always be there for us, welcoming us back with open arms. We are children of God, loved and cherished by our loving Father. Let us walk the path God wants us to walk.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for always walking with us, in good times and bad. May we always turn our hearts and our eyes towards the light of your love, Help me to spread your love to everyone I meet. - Amen
Thursday, December 15, 2004
Theme: Walking God's Path
Scripture Reading: John 12:27-50
Jesus said to them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, lest the darkness overtake you: he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes."
John 12:35 (RSV)Friends in Christ. What a glorious feeling I have, knowing that Christ is my friend. He walks where I walk and is always by my side whether I am happy or sad.
I can't see him like I can see you, but I know he is there. I talk to him every day and tell him how I feel about things that are happening to me or around me. He guides and helps me understand what I need to do. It may seem strange to someone that has not received the hand of friendship of our Lord Jesus Christ, but once you have, you will know what I am talking about.
God bless,
Merry Christmas
Friday, December 16, 2005
Theme: Walking God's Path
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
"… for we walk by faith, not by sight…"
2 Corinthians 5:7 (RSV)Walking God's path becomes very difficult because of where we are. In this passage the apostle Paul is thinking of how pleasant it would be to be with Jesus now. Unfortunately we are not in Paradise. We are in a world filled with obstacles to our religious faith. There are temptations to sin, everyday worries about making a living, coping with illnesses and standing up under the tensions of a highly competitive modern society.
When Paul says, "for we walk by faith, not by sight," he means that even though we don't see Jesus, we have faith that he is with us, guiding us on every step of life's journey. We are not afraid, for he is with us. We know that he hears our prayers and answers them.
The apostle Paul gives us an additional reason to walk God's path on this earth. There is so much work to be done for his kingdom. The Good News has to be spread. Each one of us must be a faithful messenger.
O Lord,
We thank you for the faith we can have in the living Jesus, even though we don't see him. Help us to walk on your path and carry out your will.
- Amen
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Theme: Walking God's Path
Scripture Reading: 1 John 1
"…but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."
1 John 1:7 (RSV)Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction; but small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life. Matthew 7:13-14.
May I tell you about a man who has his whole life through, walked God's path? In early childhood, he was dedicated to God. Since then, at different ages and in many capacities, he has served God with his ministries to his church and to his fellow man. It now seems that he is getting very close to the face of God. He has walked through the small gate and down the narrow road. So be his servants in the service of man.
Well done, thou good and faithful servant. John 10:9.
O Heavenly Father, hold our hands as we walk the narrow path to thee. Amen.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Theme: The Kingdom of God
Scripture Reading: Psalm 24
"Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up O ancient doors! That the King of glory may come in."
Psalm 24:7 (RSV)In Psalm 24, the psalmist is thinking of the city of Jerusalem. The gate keeper sees the glorious king coming in the distance. He opens the gates so that the king can enter his kingdom.
We are like the gate keeper. We have to allow Jesus to come into our hearts and dwell there. We can never forget the love that he showed for us when he died on the cross for our sins.
We live in a time of terrible hatreds between religions, countries, and peoples. As followers of Jesus we must try to be peace makers. We must show his love every day as we come into contact with others.
O God, in this Christmas season we can only thank you that you gave us your Son Jesus Christ so that we might have eternal life. Help us to love others like Jesus loved us.
- Amen
Monday, December 19, 2004
Theme: The Kingdom of God
Scripture Reading: Psalm 145
Thy Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and thy dominion endures throughout all generations. …
Psalm 145:13 (RSV)As a child I can clearly remember the excitement I experienced each Christmas morning. With great anticipation, I would tear off the wrap0ping some one had so laboriously created and rip the sealed package open as quickly as I could. This action would be repeated, present after present, until the floor was littered with spent ribbon and ripped wrapping paper. My next task, as my mother directed, was to find a waste paper basket and clean up all the used decorations and opened boes. Christmas felt like it was now over.
During the afternoon, I might spend a few moments playing with one or more of the presents I received, but by the time school began once again, I hardly touched the presents that seemed so important and so exciting just a week ago. In Psalm 145 we are reminded that some things last forever. How important it becomes to us, particularly as we grow older and wiser, to recognize that the essence of life does not change; that the faith we place in God will endure, despite the "passing thorugh" that our own lives represent. Even more important, we KNOW that this God will be there for our children and our children's children as well. Christmas is that time when we take time to welcome into our lives that which will endure forever. Take that time for yourself right now.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Theme: The Kingdom of God
Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:18-32
Another parable he put before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field …"
Matthew 13:31 (RSV)Can you remember when the concept of the kingdom of heaven was planted into your heart's soil? Did it flourish right away or did it lie dormant for awhile? I would venture to say that most of us have had periods of our lives where both circumstances have happened. I have always been drawn to the concept that we never know where seeds that we sow will land. One never knows when that gesture of kindness to a stranger in need or gentle words to a co-worker in distress will plant a seed that will significantly impact their lives. Granted, some seeds will fall on rocky places or fall among thorns. Others may lie dormant for years, but that should never keep us from continuing to sow and let God find the opportunities to help it grow.
Father, help us to see opportunities where we can reflect the kingdom of heaven to others, in our daily lives.
- Amen.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Theme: The Kingdom of God
Scripture Reading: Mark 12:28-34
And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And after that no one dared to ask him any question.
Mark 12:34 (RSV)God loves us so much that he lets us choose. We are free to choose to follow him. This scripture gives us two commands - love God and love your neighbor. Following God is as simple as choosing to follow him.
It sounds like a simple choice. We know that when we allow God to lead us, we will walk in the light of his love. Unfortunately, life rarely is that simple. Distractions hit us from all sides. We turn our focus from the face of God to the world.
If we seek the kingdom of God, we will feel God's love working through us. The more we focus on God the more love we feel. When we have God's love in our hearts, we can't help but spread it to others in our path. I charge each one of you to follow God and spread his love to everyone you meet.
Dear God,
Thank you for loving us with all of your heart. May we be shining examples of your love and spread it to everyone.
- Amen
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Theme: The Kingdom of God
Scripture Reading: Luke 19:29-47
… saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
Luke 19:38 (RSV)Sometimes I feel that we are like the people who followed Jesus at his triumphant entry. We are eager to catch sight of him and listen to his words. When we are asked to sacrifice for him and follow obediently, we balk. We want to be known as Christians, without working towards that goal.
Seeking the Kingdom of God is like that. We want the blessings of being children of the King, without the work. We are asked to love our neighbors. We are asked to follow God in his plan for our lives.
Daily, we must decide to walk God's path. When we put God first, he will always walk with us. God loves us. He wants us to be ambassadors for him and his love. We are to bring more people into his kingdom of love by spreading the good news of the gospel to others.
Dear God,
Thank you for loving us, even when we stray. Help us to be more loving to everyone we meet. May we work to be more like you.
- Amen
Friday, December 23, 2005
Theme: The Kingdom of God
Scripture Reading: John 1:35-51
Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel! …
John 1:49 (RSV)We must all seek the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is as elusive as a butterfly. The first step is to follow God. He has a plan for my life. I must trust God to show me the path I belong on. My feet and my heart are God's.
As I read the Bible, God talks to me. I am shown the right path. I must be strong enough to follow where God will lead me. Sometimes, I stumble and fall. I forget to seek his daily presence in my life.
When I sit down and listen for God's voice, I find my way back into his loving embrace. I want to walk in the light of his love and away from the darkness. I am a child of light. I am a child of God.
Dear God,
Thank you for sending Jesus to earth so he can bring us into your Kingdom. May I have the strength to follow him into your light. Help me to spread your love to all I meet on my path.
- Amen
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Theme: The Kingdom of God
Scripture Reading: John 3:1-21
Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God."
John 3:5 (RSV)Tomorrow we celebrate Christmas. The passage that we have read today reminds us that Christmas is about a birth - the birth of Jesus Christ who was sent into this world so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.
John 3:5 is a difficult verse to understand. "No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit." Jesus spoke these words to help Nicodemus understand that to be a follower of Jesus and enter the Kingdom of God requires being born again in Spirit, and this can only come from God himself.
As we approach Christmas day we want to remember that the birth of Jesus is not just another event. It is special because it brings us the promise of new life, unlike anything that we experience on this earth. If we are born again in Spirit, then we also enter into the Kingdom, a radically new experience.
Dear Lord,
Help us to receive the gift of the Spirit so that we can truly enter into your kingdom. - Amen.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Theme: The Story of Christmas
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-20
And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7 (RSV)
It is astonishing how simple the coming of Jesus to this world was. You might have expected him to be born to a royal family, surrounded by the advantages of great wealth and power. Instead he was born to a poor family and laid in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
The first announcement of this incredible event comes to shepherds who are living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood before them and brings them good news of great joy for all people, not just a fortunate few.
What a challenge we face in this holiday time to remember the true meaning of Christmas while being bombarded by the ads of those who would transform it into the most important shopping event of the year.
Dear Lord,
On this Christmas day, help us to understand your wonderful love that gave us a Savior, Jesus Christ. On this day and throughout the coming year help us to faithfully treat others with the love that Jesus showed even to those who hated him. - Amen
Acknowledgments
We wish to acknowledge and thank all of the people who contributed their time, talent and insight to the making of this booklet. Special thanks foes to the Sunday School class for making the beautiful covers. As you read the writings contained within, may the Lord speak to your heart. May God bless you and your loved ones this holiday season. The following people contributed time, talent and insight making this the best Advent Booklet yet.
Jan Anderson Amanda Lonas Rev. Bill Burns Heather MacAllister Dorothy Dobbs Jason Martinez Kay Dunn Tony Masucci Barbara Lee Rev. Peter Olsen Norman Griffin Diane Stribley Dave Gustafson Kathryn Stribley Jenny Gustafson Ben Schwartz Linda Hayes Nick Schwartz Marilyn Ibey Phillip Vann, Jr Judi Jenkins Art Von Gruenigen Charlie Jones Heidi Von Gruenigen LeLynn Koch John Von Gruenigen
| Home | News | Mission |Ministries | Calendar | Membership | Location | History | |
| Picture of the Week | Pilgrim School | Weihnachtsfeier | |
 |
|
 |