The Episcopal Community’s 2012: Advent Devotional Booklet

Come, Lord Jesus

The Episcopal Community’s 2012

Advent Devotional Booklet

PREFACE

These Advent meditations are offered to the glory of God by members of The Episcopal Community and by clergy who support The Community. The authors for each day’s contribution come from varied backgrounds, levels of education, occupations and journeys of faith, but all are bound by a common belief in the depth and breadth of God’s grace and love for us.

It is hoped that this Advent devotional booklet will provide a personalized reflection of the scripture readings found in the Daily Office* and will enrich your spiritual journey during this holy season of expectation and preparation. By using this devotional booklet, we are all united with each other in The Episcopal Community, with others with whom we have shared the meditations and with the body of the Anglican Communion as we read, pray and meditate on the same Bible passages each day.

This booklet would not be possible without the support of the Circle of Leadership nor the help of the Spiritual Formation and Communication Committees. Thanks also go to John Ogden for making the daily devotionals available on the website. The heart of this undertaking, however, is always with those who committed to write the meditations. A complete list of those participating is found at the back of the booklet.**

*Daily Office (Year One) from The Book of Common Prayer

**Information about the season of Advent is found at the end of the booklet.

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Sunday, December 2

Isaiah 1:1-9 2 Peter 3:1-10 Matthew 25:1-13

And when the foolish bridesmaids went to buy more oil, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later, the other bridesmaids came also, saying “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” Matthew 25:10-12

Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation, of course. We’re waiting for the birth of Jesus, with visual reminders like Advent calendars (for the young and young-at-heart) and Advent wreaths with special prayers for each candle. We await the advent of Jesus with joy, and, as today’s readings remind us, we await the advent of Jesus’ second coming. Today’s readings are also full of caution, reminding us that Advent is a time for reflection, repentance, and change. In Matthew’s gospel, we hear the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids. My prayer around this scripture kept returning to the question, what does it mean to “take flasks of oil” with me?

When I was much younger, I heard this story used as “encouragement” for becoming a Christian (or in my situation, a “real Christian”). “You don’t want Jesus to say he doesn’t know you, do you? You don’t want the door to shut on you, right?” This person was interpreting “taking flasks of oil” as having the right sort of conversion experience. It’s true that I have not had the instantaneous conversion experience that some people have had. My conversion has been a longer, slower process that started a long time ago and still continues today.

What does it mean to “take flasks of oil” with me? Perhaps it is simply living as God asks me to live, including continuing in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers; persevering in resisting evil, and, whenever I fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord; proclaiming by word and example the Good News of God in Christ; seeking and serving Christ in all persons, loving my neighbor as myself; and striving for justice and peace among all people, and respecting the dignity of every human being.

This Advent season, consider what it means for you to be prepared. What does “taking flasks of oil” with you look like?

Loving God, you are always with us, even as you send your son Jesus to be with us. Guide us as we begin the journey of Advent and help us to live the lives you invite us to live, in this season and always. Amen.

Monday, December 3

Isaiah 1:10-20 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Luke 20:1-8

Twenty-two more days until Christmas! This announcement brings panic to most of us—what to buy for friends and family as commercials pushing every imaginable product are crowding the airways and newspapers! This is NOT the Christmas our Father intended for us as this is when our Father’s most precious gift, His beloved son, is given to us. Because this is the season for giving, we naturally ask, “What can we give our Father in return?” The prophet, Isaiah, clearly tells us—our God wants no meaningless sacrifices—He wants the sacrifice of ourselves—heart, body and soul. Our Father wants us to do right in His eyes, to seek justice, to be willing and obedient to His word, to practice what we preach, to practice generosity to those less fortunate—those are the gifts our Lord expects from us this season. No easy gift to tie a bow on, right?

In Thessalonians, we find another choice of gifts to Him: our labors prompted by love and our endurance inspired by hope. As we read further in this text, we see another gift from God: the knowledge that we are chosen by our Lord and Savior and that we will always have the Holy Spirit with us. Could we have any more generous gift than this promise?

Moving on to the passage from Luke, we find that we are to cleanse ourselves, our souls and minds. We see Jesus in the temple being questioned by the authorities; we see how He is able to discern their true motives. I see this as another gift from God—that He knows our hearts, and yet He loves us unconditionally.

We can pray to God to bless our Christmas gifts to Him, to our friends and to our families. Gifts of grace and peace are beautifully wrapped for us. We only have to be open to receiving them.

Tuesday, December 4


He went on to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty handed. He sent another servant…He sent a third…Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘I will send my son, whom I love’… But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over… ‘Let us kill him and the inheritance will be ours’… so they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him…(the owner) will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” (King James Bible)

Jesus is a master of the parable teaching method. Some parables tell us about the way of life in the 1st century. Some give a clear picture of truth, but others confused his disciples and us. Parables have a meaning for each of us. As we read the parables, if we are to benefit, we must consider how the words are directed to us. We need to read them with our mind and hearts open to our Lord while asking ourselves: How do I feel? Am I comfortable? Encouraged? What is our Lord saying to me? Does this confuse me?

To be honest “The Parable of the Tenants,” confuses me. As I read it I understood this parable in relationship to Israel’s judgment: God is the owner, Israel is the vineyard, and the Jewish people are the tenants, the Prophets are the servants sent by the owner and Jesus is the beloved Son. This parable does not seek to change their behavior, but it announces their condemnation with Jesus being the cornerstone. It is no surprise that the reaction of “the teachers of the law and the chief priests” was to arrest Jesus.

After reflecting on this parable, my first question is what does that have to do with me, today? Maybe you have the same question. Each of us has to ask and answer the following questions when reading this parable:

• How do I hear God’s direction for me in this story?

• How am I following God?

• How am I bearing fruit for God and God’s Son?

• In what areas of my life do I need improvement?

I now believe this parable of the vineyard has an immediate meaning for me: I must bear fruit for God, honor God, love my neighbors as myself, take care of this our earthly home… and await Christ’s coming in glory!

What meaning does the “Parable of the Tenants” have for you?

Lord, may my love for you bear great fruit, in Your Holy Name! Amen.

Wednesday, December 5


The Jews were God’s “chosen people.” He loved and cared for them, led them out of bondage, gave them the Promised Land. He crowned His gifts with the spectacular temple on the highest mountain in Jerusalem. Many nations came to learn of God’s ways. They all believed in God’s words, and they lived in peace.

But what did God’s chosen people do? They became arrogant. They gathered many possessions and followed the customs of the other peoples around them. Worst of all, they worshiped idols made with their own hands. This was strictly forbidden by their God.

The prophet Isaiah warned them that the haughty eyes of the people would be brought low and their pride humbled. He told them only the Lord above should be exalted.

Unlike the Israelites, Paul tells us that the Galatians, when they received God’s word, believed it! They obeyed and became imitators of the churches in Judea even though they suffered persecutions from their own people just as the early churches in Judea were persecuted by the Jews. They tried to keep Paul from taking the gospel to the Gentiles so that the Gentiles might be saved.

Luke tells us that Jesus carefully told stories that let the Scribes and Chief Priests know that he was aware that they rejected Him. However, God made Him the cornerstone of the faith and extended the truth that they rejected to the whole world.

No matter how his own people set clever traps for Him, He was able to give them good answers and cleverly turn the tables on them. He reminded them to give to God what is God’s. God only asks that we love Him with all our hearts and love our neighbors as ourselves.

As we look ahead through this Advent season to the day of our Savior’s birth, we need to thank God for sharing Christ with the whole world. We too are filled with the Spirit. We too can call God our Father. Praise be to God!

Father God, we thank you for your amazing gift of your only Son to save us from our sins. May we be worthy of such an awesome gift. We pray that you will help us to learn the lessons from the Scriptures, remember them and, with your help, spread your love. Amen.

Thursday, December 6


Turn away from mortals, who have only breath in their nostrils, for of what account are they? Isaiah 2:22 (New Revised Standard Version)

This is a somewhat puzzling passage: We are ourselves mortals, and what else should we have in our nostrils but breath? Since it’s quite possible that I am just overlooking the obvious, I sought out two other versions: From The Common English Bible, “Quit admiring the human race, who breathe through their nostrils. Why should they be admired?” Not much help there! From The Message Bible, “Quit scraping and fawning over mere humans, so full of themselves, so full of hot air! Can’t you see there’s nothing to them?” Maybe a whiff of enlightenment…

The earlier verses in this passage are all about the big judgment day God has planned and how fearsome God’s wrath is—not one of the more loving and peaceful bits of Isaiah’s message like the lion-and-the-lamb image we like to deal with in this Advent season. And I get that human actions are puny in comparison to God’s mighty deeds, that we should rely not on ourselves but on our Creator for our values. At the same time, God did create us and “hatest nothing that He has made.” If God values humanity, we are not to be despised. Am I perhaps mixing up the periods human beings went through in the development of their concept of a loving God, trying to apply the views we hold today to an earlier perception? Quite possibly.

Isaiah seems to be saying that we think too much of ourselves and give too little credit to the Source. Well, I can agree with that! I prefer to think of Advent as a time of preparation, discernment, readying our hearts for the intersection of Creator and created. But I also know that an element of humility is appropriate, repentance, a new start—yes, Lent Light! If a Redeemer is coming in a few days, we’d better be ready! (I have a button that says, “Jesus is coming—look busy!” I often wear it for Advent 1, to remind me that I always need oil for my lamp.)

As with so much of Scripture, we need to puzzle out the message it brings us, and that may vary from person to person, from day to day, from era to era. I have trouble with finding wisdom in this passage, but to you it may be perfectly clear. We are indeed a wondrous variety, which is a tribute to the creativity of our Maker and not to be credited to ourselves or our societies. Forget “the breath in our nostrils” and yourself in general; just keep trying.

Almighty God, your world is so full of wonders, we can scarcely comprehend them. Thank you for allowing us even this glimpse and keep us ever mindful that we will never approach full knowledge of you. We pray, however, that we may ever have open minds and hearts, that we may never cease to search for you in every aspect of our lives and become ever more like your son Jesus. Amen.

Friday, December 7

Isaiah 3:8-15 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 Luke 20:41-21:4

He said, “truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.” Luke 21:3-4 (New Oxford Annotated Bible)

The widow who gave her coins gave all that she had. She did not give because she knew that someone was watching her, but because she desired to give. She wanted to contribute to the work of the Lord. Jesus saw the sacrifice that she made. He knew that what she gave was more precious to her than what others who had more gave. He made sure that the disciples knew what she was doing. It was a lesson to all of us. The giving of the widow was the stuff of which the kingdom of God is made.

How do we determine what is important for us to give? It is not only the monetary giving that is important, but also the time and talent that we give. As we work to grow The Episcopal Community, it is important to keep in mind the importance of giving of money, time, and talent. As we journey through this season of Advent, it is important to consider what we are able to give.

Dear Lord, help me to know myself, to give of myself and to work for your kingdom.

Saturday, December 8


We are in the first week of Advent, the beginning of the Church year and a season of waiting and anticipation.

All three of the Scripture readings begin with waiting and continue until, in the end, we have the second coming of Christ, who conquers all and gives to all Christians what we are waiting and anticipating—the Kingdom of God forever.

In Isaiah, we learn about the Branch of the Lord, about the survivors after judgment. In Thessalonians, we learn about living with hope until the coming of Christ. In Luke, we learn of calamities of nature and warring among nations until the end and Christ coming.

All three readings apply to today, December 8th. We are anticipating and waiting for Christmas, hoping as Christians for our Savior to come. We are worried about being survivors, worried about nature’s calamities, worried about wars among nations. And in all of this, we are hoping and looking for Christ to come and bring to all the Kingdom of God—waiting and anticipating as foretold in the Scriptures, knowing that in the end, it will be beautiful.

Peace to you this Advent Season.

Sunday, December 9

Isaiah 5:1-7 2 Peter 3:11-18 Luke 7:28-35

“You therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, beware that you are not carried away with the error of the lawless and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:17-18 (NSRV Harper Study Bible, New Revised Standard Version)

When I first read today’s scriptures, I thought how will I ever find a common thread and positive thoughts? First, Isaiah describes destroying the vineyard, then in Luke people are described as being children that cannot be satisfied and in 2 Peter we have the instruction—how do we live while we wait for the Lord to return?

An election year seems to bring out a lot of conjecture, misinformation, and projection of what may or may not happen if so and so is elected, and after it is over, everyone is supposed to pretend it never happened. Is it a demon or a savior? Years ago a person’s beliefs were not mentioned, and yet today they are used as major arguments pro and con like the example Jesus gave us in Luke. “… John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say ‘he has a demon’; the Son of Man has come eating and drinking and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’”

Isn’t it amazing how we keep repeating the same mistakes over and over expecting different results?

I can catch myself rejecting God’s offer of eternal life daily in what I say or do or think. It is especially hard for me to hold my tongue, but I have the willingness for God to change me. Our women’s group is studying Unglued by Lisa TerKeurst to learn new ways of managing emotions instead of being “unglued” and causing more drama in our lives.

I love Peter’s instructions “while you wait for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish.”

I will with God’s help.

To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Monday, December 10


But you are not in darkness…for you all are sons of light…1 Thessalonians 5:4-5a (NRSV)

Johann Wolfgang Goethe has been described as “the last genuinely universal human being.” This is because he achieved in his lifetime a mastery of all the great Renaissance disciplines. He was at once a noted critic, journalist, painter, theater manager, statesman, novelist, education theorist, playwright, poet, scientist, and natural philosopher. He is listed as “the last European to attempt the many-sidedness of the great Renaissance personalities.” As this giant person lay dying in 1812, one of his biographers reported that he sat stark upright in bed and cried out with great intensity: “Light, light, more light!” These turned out to be his very last words, and were, in the estimate of his biographer, a fitting epitaph to this particular one’s life saga.

All of Goethe’s existence had been focused on gathering more light on the task of extending perennially the scope of his knowledge and driving back farther and farther the dark parameters of ignorance. To this remarkable human being, knowing and learning were more important than anything else in life.

Over a century after Goethe’s death, the great Spanish scholar Migel Unamuno was reading an account of Goethe’s life, and when he came to the section describing his deathbed utterance, Unamuno allegedly closed the book and said to his wife: “For all his brilliance, Goethe was finally mistaken. Instead of crying out for ‘Light, light! More light!’—He ought to have cried for ‘Warmth! Warmth! More Warmth!’ For we humans do not die of darkness, we die of the cold!”

It occurs to me that both of these men are correct. We all need both light and warmth if we are to come to our highest fulfillment. Both light and warmth are ground level necessities of our humanity, and this realization gives enlightened significance to the true wonder of the event that lies before us—the Christmas event. Our wonderful God wanted us to know God’s love first hand, so God shattered the darkness of the world and came into the light as a tiny babe, so that in that humanness, we would know what God is like. We need only to see this as a declaration that God’s fullness and joy and generosity and hope are expressed to us, coming to us in the birth of Jesus. We come face to face with the idea that, there in the crib amid the straw, God is present—revealed to God’s creation. We look down at the baby, and my goodness, …God is looking back at us. God is revealing that the Creator of all that is—is Alive!—and has become one of us—in the flesh!

The joy of being loved—of having been chosen in some mysterious fashion—gives light and warmth to our lives—as well as courage for what lies ahead. It is this abundant love that calls for each of us to simply become who we are. This light and this warmth enables us to say with Christina Rosetti: “What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would give a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part. Yet, what I can, I give him-give my heart.”

In him there is no darkness at all. The day and the night are both alike. The lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus. The Hymnal 1982, p. 491

Tuesday, December 11

Isaiah 5:13-17, 24-25 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 Luke 21:29-38

We, as Christians, are called to forgive and forget. A key word there is forget. If you hang on to it, whatever the experience, you are reliving “the situation” and not forgiving and forgetting the incident. . . word. . . or result of a hurtful experience. It takes up space where our love should rest and clutters it with lost time and lost peace of mind. It takes up space where love could be flowing free. Don’t carry that extra baggage.

Dear Lord, help us to let go and forgive any memories that wound us. Help us to be able to hand those hurts to you and accept your healing of our mind and soul. Amen.


Isaiah 6:1-13 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 John 7:53-8:11

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here I am. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8 (New American Standard Bible)

"For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus Christ shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire..." "To this end also we pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling..." 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7, 11 (New American Standard Bible)

"...he who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7 (New American Standard Bible)

We are called by God as He deems necessary...in His time, to do His work. Although many of us are quick to raise our hands to be selected by God, we may not be so willing to do the work He calls us to do. It may not be what we want to do or under the conditions we prefer. Paul tells us that we are being prayed for always that God may count us worthy of our calling. Our calling is to be a Christian to all whom we encounter: Christ-like in our actions and attitudes. We are commanded to leave our judgments, our need for retribution, and our pettiness aside. With those qualifiers in place, do we still want to raise our hands and answer His call?

During this time of Advent, as we prepare for the coming of the Christ Child, we should also spend some time preparing ourselves to be worthy to answer Him in the affirmative. Seeking to do His will...and His work in all things, daily prayer could include the chorus to one of my favorite songs, "Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart."

Gracious God, fill us with renewed vigor for you. Bring us so closely into communion with you that your will is our only focus as we seek to serve you by serving others. Strengthen us to fulfill our Baptismal Covenant as you see fit. Use us for your purposes and always to your great glory. Present us with opportunities to say "Here I am. Send me!" Amen.



“Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” Luke 22:7

We enjoy entertaining in our home and live in a great neighborhood where our friends can simply walk over for supper and a fun time together. And while the evening itself is memorable, it’s worth focusing today on the “time of preparation” leading up to the big event.

You know the routine. Rooms are cleaned that haven’t been in weeks. Windows are washed; floors are scrubbed; shelves are dusted; food is prepared; the table is exquisitely set; and fine wine is uncorked. As the time approaches for our guests to show up, anticipation builds. Did I forget anything? Let me check the bathrooms to be sure they are in order. Do we have enough for everyone?

And why all the fuss? Because we want the evening to be special. We care about our friends and want them to enjoy themselves as we open our home to share a wonderful meal together.

Then, after the last guest finally leaves and we’ve put everything away, we drop into the recliner exhausted, but happy. We took the time to “get our house in order;” our guests felt special; the food was fantastic; and the fellowship, fun and laughter were priceless.

This season of Advent is all about preparation. There’s a BIG event about to happen: the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Are there “rooms in our heart” that haven’t been cleaned in weeks? Are the “windows of our soul” so dirty that we aren’t able to see the needs of others? Are the “floors on which we walk daily” so cluttered and filthy that we’re tracking a mess everywhere we go?

In the days ahead, take the time to prepare. A very special guest is coming into the world and wants to dwell in our hearts. Make Him feel special. Make Him see that you care and want “your house in order” as you anticipate His arrival.

May this Advent and Christmas Season be a blessing to you and all in your life.

Friday, December 14

Isaiah 7:10-25 2 Thessalonians 2:13—3:5 Luke 22:14-30

For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Luke 22:27 (New Revised Standard Version)

Advent begins the New Year for the Church. It reminds us that we are being called to start anew and be open to what God in Christ is calling us to become. It is more than just Getting Ready; it is about Being Ready to greet the messiah, the Lord, the Son of God, the Child born of Mary, the Prince of Peace, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, the King of Kings, the Good Shepherd of our souls, the Christ, the Lord of Lords; it is about Jesus the Christ! Advent is about that and the coming of the Kingdom of God and the Reign of God. It is a lot, and I sometimes miss the simplicity amidst complexity of the message.

For a number of years while driving to my office and driving home, I would pass this lone figure on Three Mile Bridge who would dress in a white robe, carry a huge wooden cross and wear a placard with the words, “Get Ready, the Kingdom of God is at hand.” Not the best way to be taken seriously, but he got the message correct. The Kingdom of God is at hand. We called him the Get Ready Man. One year he was not there and people from all over our area called about him. He had died. For him the Kingdom of God had come.

Not long before my mother died, she said to me, “I’m ready!” “Ready for what Mom?” “To go home, to die.” She had been the one serving as long as I could remember. I remember now when it came time for her to be served she was ready to Go home, to die. May God bless each of us as we find ways to continue our ministry and serve in the Name of our Lord. We are in the midst of Advent, Get Ready!

Lord Jesus Christ, help us to prepare for your coming that we may seek your presence in others and be at the table with all the saints. May the image of your birth and resurrection empower us to embrace your people and your kingdom when our time draws near knowing that we are drawing nearer to you and all who have gone before us in faith. We ask this in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen!



But the Lord of Hosts, him you shall regard as holy; let him be your fear. . .He will become a sanctuary, a stone one strikes against; for both houses of Israel he will become a rock one stumbles over—a trap and a snare for the residents of Jerusalem. Isaiah 8:13-14

Take note of those who do not obey what we [Paul] say in this letter; have nothing to do with them, so that they may be ashamed. Do not regard them as enemies, but warn them as believers. 2 Thess. 3:15

But I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. . . I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, “And he was counted among the lawless,” and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled. Luke 22: 32, 37 (NRSV)

“Traps,” “snares,” “ashamed,” “have nothing to do with them”—the words sound heavy, harsh and judgmental. How do we reconcile these words with what we know of God’s essence? God is Love. That is the plumb line and cornerstone of my faith. A plumb line is a cord with a heavy weight at the end, possibly a stone, used to determine absolute verticality (uprightness) when constructing a building. If the foundation does not conform to the plumb line, the parts of the building will not fit together correctly and the structure will not endure. A cornerstone, the first stone set in the foundation of a building, is set according to the plumb line. Jesus is often referred to in the Bible as the cornerstone of our faith and the plumb line by which we live our lives. When I read difficult verses like these today that seem to be full of judgment and punishment, I remember the rock and the plumb line on which my faith is constructed.

With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and looking more closely at the passages and the verses before and after them, I find that plumb line within the passages. Though we may stumble in trying to live an upright life, “a stone one strikes against,” God is our “sanctuary.” All of us fall short (“stumble”) sometimes. Isaiah speaks of Israel stumbling. Thessalonians speaks of early Christians who, anticipating Jesus’ imminent return, neglected their work. Peter denies Christ. Jesus says that even He, in fulfillment of scripture, will be called a criminal. However, Paul stresses that the idlers are to be treated as believers/as brothers. Jesus asks Peter “when once you have turned back” to become an encourager of his fellow believers. And God reminds Israel that He is with us–Immanuel.

Holy and Mighty One, Immanuel, keep me true to your plumb line. Help me to feel your presence when I stumble. Help me to see the mote in my eye rather than the speck in my sister’s. Help me to strengthen and encourage others, to love as you have loved me. Amen.

Sunday, December 16

Isaiah 13:6-13 Hebrews 12:18-29 John 3:22-30

A very dear friend of mine passed away recently. As I was reading though the scriptures assigned for this day, one of her many wisdom sayings came into my mind: "It is amazing what you can get done when nobody cares who gets the credit." This kind of thinking, in my experience, is very rare. My friend was an extraordinary person. She labored long and passionately for the Red Cross and for our church. She never sought the temporary rewards of her contemporaries and was the first one to make sure that everyone else got proper recognition for every little thing that they had done. I often felt "sheepish" as she went out of her way to present me in a good light. She lived doing for many what John the Baptist did for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus was not his competition; He was his purpose. How blessed are those who have matured past the need to push others aside. They have found their true place and embraced it.

Monday, December 17

Isaiah 8:16-9:1 2 Peter 1:1-11 Luke 22:39-53

As we have been given all the tools we need through our Lord Jesus Christ, including the ability to resist the temptations of this world, it is within our ability to lead a good and productive life by trusting in Him to lead us in knowledge, perseverance, self-control, patience, kindness and love. By seeking to increase our knowledge of God’s divine nature through Bible studies and daily readings from Forward Day by Day, and by participating in activities designed to increase our service to the community and the world, we show the Community and the world, by our example, what Christ did during His brief life on earth, and thus help make the world a better place.

We have seen miracles in our lives: many cures which could not be explained; people quietly going about God’s work with no expectation of anything in return, just because it’s the right thing to do.

In tragic situations and in wars, many people have sacrificed their lives so that others could live. We live in a world where it seems morality is not important and violence is becoming acceptable, a world where the reasons for doing things are often foreign to morality and “It’s okay, everybody does it.” For some it becomes very difficult to go against the flow, but we need to stay steadfast and loyal in our conviction to stay devoted to our beliefs and values in Jesus. We need to be examples to the world that kindness and love are the way to live. We are called to be servants to one another. If we do that for the right reasons, this world will be a better place for all of us.

Tuesday, December 18

Isaiah 9:1-7 2 Peter 1:12-21 Luke 22:54-69

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. Isaiah 9:6 (The NIV Study Bible)

As I write this devotional, I am waiting with joyful anticipation the arrival of my first grandchild. Since my oldest daughter is adopting and has not been matched with an expectant mother, a baby or a young child yet, I do not even know if the child has been born. Still I watch and listen to my daughter as she prepares and makes plans, sometimes calmly and sometimes with anxiety and sadness as nothing happens. I also am making changes in my life as I will be the caregiver of this new person-to-be in our lives for the first year after my daughter goes back to work.

How appropriate this passage from Isaiah has been for me as I have read and thought about the words before writing this meditation. I have always associated the birth of Christ with this reading, especially when the words “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” are added, but that is probably because I have seen this scripture on many Christmas cards throughout the years. My New Oxford Annotated Bible states in a footnote that the baby referred to in Isaiah was possibly Hezekiah who was also of the Davidic lineage (Matthew 1:9-10) and a ruler during the prophet Isaiah’s time, which is especially important if one agrees that Biblical prophets were concerned with what happened while they were alive. My Education for Ministry information notes that the baby could be one already born (Hezekiah), one to be born soon, or one to be born in the distant future (Christ) with no way to definitely know. Interestingly my Bible Commentary and another Bible I checked only stated that this passage referred to the foretelling of the birth of the Messiah as found in the gospels. Regardless of the interpretation, we can all appreciate the beauty of the poem found in this Old Testament reading and can understand that lives would be transformed by the birth of the child referenced here, whomever he was.

I do not know if I will still be waiting for my grandchild to arrive during the season of Advent or will already be holding him or her in my arms, but I know I will be preparing for and waiting with joyful anticipation the celebration of Christ’s birth and His second coming throughout the month of December.

Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Hymn #66 (Prayer Book and Hymnal)


Isaiah 9:8-17 2 Peter 2:1-10a Mark 1:1-8

“The one who is stronger than I is coming after me;” Mark 1:7 (RSV)

My life in the Episcopal Church spans more then seventy years. My adult years have been spent in active ministry at all levels. Thus, I have been blessed with the gift of personal time with some of our modern day saints. What I have learned are those who were effective in their ministries bore a common thread, a common trait: that of humbleness in their faith and a personal witness of Jesus in their lives.

Most of us have read the powerful messages of Billy Graham and his crusades, gatherings that changed millions of lives. We might ask what is their secret in capturing the essence of “the story of the life of Jesus and His ministry.” I believe they learned the simple message, not unlike John’s in today’s gospel reading. Those prophets and teachers learned the story of Jesus. They took his life story and tested it, tried it and reached the important point of owning it. When we own something, in a very real way, it becomes a part of us; it becomes our story too. Only when we reach that knowingness are we able to share His story with the power to transform the lives of others. Learning, owning and sharing are the jobs given to all those who call themselves Christians. Advent is the time we are asked if we are one of that group. What will your answer be?

Lord Jesus, as we await your birth in our hearts and lives this Christmas season, may we be empowered by your presence to renew our commitment for ministry in your Name. Amen.


Isaiah 9:18—10:4 2 Peter 2:10b-16 Matthew 3:1-12

Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and who write oppressive decrees...What will you do on the day of punishment when ruin comes from afar? To whom will you flee for help? Where will you leave your wealth… Isaiah 9:18-10:4 (The New American Bible)

The thought of social injustice at this time of year is in direct contrast to most of our thoughts of happiness and joy anticipating the celebration of Christmas with the birth of the Christ child—not to mention the distractions of card writing, making or shopping for gifts, planning special meals, family get-togethers, travel destinations, penciling in party invitations—not to mention the press of work and daily routine. But social injustice surrounds us in the news both locally, nationally, and internationally, affecting young and old, rich and poor, educated and uneducated. Can we suspend the thought….?

Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to revile glori0us beings…revile things that they do not understand and in their destruction they will also be destroyed, suffering wrong as payment for wrong doing. 2 Peter 2:10b-16 (The New American Bible)

Does the rush of everything push us away from remembering those who are forgotten or standing up for what is right which takes time and patience at a time when we run short on both? What brings us to our senses at this busy time?

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”...”’Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths’” “Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance..,” (preached John the Baptist) “I am baptizing you with water….He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11-12 (The New American Bible)

Above all we need to remember how loved we are by God, the blessing of the Holy Spirit and the grace we are given daily to share. Sharing is our gift, our fruit. Take the time.

Friday, December 21

Isaiah 10:5-19 2 Peter 2:17-22 Matthew 11:2-15

What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” Matthew 11:8-10 (New Revised Standard Version)

Great expectations. We all have them, especially when meeting someone for the first time. Our hopes are pinned on whatever image we’ve built up in our minds based on a picture or story or letter. In anticipation, we’ve sorted through all the information and have come up with a preconceived notion of who this person is, what the person looks like, how the person behaves.

And we’re never wrong, are we? Well, of course, we are! All the time. Whatever we’ve been told or chosen to believe before the initial meeting may be all wrong. Or a little wrong and a lot right. Or some twisted combination.

So here’s Jesus, confronted with the question (and I paraphrase), “Are you the one we’ve been looking for all these years, or should we just, you know, wait for another guy?” We don’t know the tone in which the question was asked. Sincere? Sneering? Incredulous? We do tend to assume that, “You sure don’t look like a Messiah!” is implied. Jesus responds, “Yep, it’s me all right,” and goes on to support his answer with examples of what he’s been up to—giving sight to the blind, healing to the lame and lepers, hearing to the deaf, good news to the poor.

Then he asks the crowd, “What on earth were you expecting? Fine clothes and a palace? A couple of new cars in the driveway? My own reality show Prophesying to the Stars?” Obviously, he did not stack up to the Messiah image folks had been building up over time. Managing other people’s expectations is a tough job, even for Jesus, but he did just that, plus gave credit to John for preparing the way, to boot. I picture folks dispersing, nodding their heads and saying, “OK, yeah, I get it now.” I’m sure they did not walk away disappointed.

During this season of preparation and waiting, try to keep a check on your expectations—of the people you love, of colleagues, of strangers, of the holiday, of the Christ Child. Keep your heart and mind open to glories you cannot even expect or imagine. You will not walk away disappointed.

Praise and honor to you living God for John the Baptist, and for all those voices crying in the wilderness who prepare your way. May we listen when a prophet speaks your word, and obey. Amen. (from A New Zealand Prayer Book)


Isaiah 10:20-27 Jude 17-25 Luke 3:1-9

When crowds of people came out for baptism because it was the popular thing to do, John exploded: "Brood of snakes! What do you think you're doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snake skins is going to deflect God's judgment? It's your life that must change, not your skin. Luke 3:9

I have been a congregant for many baptisms in the Christian tradition. I have attended dunking in the river as well as fancy giant pool baptisms high up behind the pulpit, not to mention, altar calls where a strong movement of faith is witnessed, Confirmations, and first Holy Communions. Yet, nothing is as remarkable to me as the Episcopal Baptismal service. While it’s true a Baptism is often celebrated as a social occasion in the life of the immediate family, it is the life of the church family that is affected in powerful, yet unremarkable ways. They simply propel us forward in faith with gratitude. Baptism in the life of the congregation is manna. Jude reminds us that there will be people who don’t take matters of faith seriously, and Isaiah warns against losing faith in the face of severe adversity. Luke is pretty adamant that doing things because they are popular is not the way of faith.

All three give us pause: the metaphors are powerful, the messages are clear—hold fast to not only your faith but help those who will be helped! God of the angel armies, He will keep you standing tall in His glorious presence. If your life must change, then do so! Fill in the ditches that cause you (and me) to stumble! Prune away the deadwood of the past year, and blossom! Hear the thundering of God’s arrival in your heart.

Sunday, December 23

Isaiah 42:1-12 Ephesians 6:10-20 John 3:16-21

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”

The readings for today are powerful ones, familiar ones, yet gut wrenching ones. They speak to justice and truth, knowing where one stands in the choices of life—on the side of God and the light or on the side of evil and darkness. Furthermore, it is not enough knowing where one stands—for if the choice is holding up the light in this cosmic world, he or she better be willing to put on the armor of God as protection against the attacks, the arrows, the schemes of the spiritual forces of evil. Paul ends this caution with these words, “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”

Does this mean that by vowing to pray daily, we are strengthening our armor of God? Does this mean that by requesting needed action for our self, family or friends, sending prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving, asking for forgiveness of wrongs committed, listening and carrying on two way conversations with God, we are filling the space around ourselves with positive energy, an armor that can thwart the spiritual forces of evil? Furthermore, by practicing centering prayer, Lectio Divina and other spiritual exercise, are we sharpening the tools that can fill that space continuously?

If this is true, do the prayers of a Community of women or men have added importance? By pooling together massive prayer between ourselves and others that might join in, are we not throwing out blankets of protection for acts of justice and truth and for the light of the world? Paul tells us that there is a spiritual battle ensuing even as we ponder this thought. As we move toward the birth of our Lord, may the Community take heed, knowing that the strength and power of our prayer life actively contributes to the Revelation of Christ in the world.

Monday, December 24

Isaiah 35:1-10 Revelation 22:12-17, 21 Luke 1:67-80

Over two thousand years ago the birth and life of a Messiah was proclaimed by two of God’s chosen prophets, Isaiah and Zechariah. Isaiah’s words to the people of Israel were strong and at first declared God’s anger but then told of God’s mercy and love—a gift that would set them free. They would be free from spiritual blindness and deafness, free to speak of God’s love and walk in God’s light with joy. They would have a freedom that would provide the way—The Way of Holiness—for those who were clean, the redeemed and ransomed, who desired and chose to follow God who created them. What was this way? Zechariah’s words open the door to how this would begin.

Zechariah was a priest God chose to bring into the world the one who would clear the way for the Messiah. This son, John, (later called John The Baptist), would dress funny, eat the strangest foods, live in the desert, never taste wine or cut his hair, yet he would declare and clear the way for the one who would cover all our sins with His blood and grant us righteousness—The Messiah. Who was this strange person? Didn’t Isaiah say that only the clean would and could walk the Way of Holiness? So, what does unclean mean to God? As we later read in Isaiah 55:8-9, God declares that His thoughts and ways are not the same as man’s thoughts and ways.

How do you see John the Baptist? Do you see him through literal eyes or holy eyes as God sees?

Two thousand years ago there were prophets who spoke to the Jewish people and were too often rejected if their words were bold and events did not happen immediately. How do we interpret the scriptures today? Do we see more clearly? Hear the truth of God’s word more clearly? Do our words honor the truth that God has given over the centuries? John the Baptist was feared by the ruler of the day for the truth spoken, and yet John’s words were not influenced by man but continued to speak what God placed in his heart and mind. The inner spirit of John is an example for us. Never fear to put God first. Never fear to speak God’s word. John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as the one who would lead us out of darkness into light and freedom. Jesus gave us His word in Revelation 22 that He was the one true Savior—the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. These are strong words from The One who was proclaimed over two thousand years ago by two different prophets, Isaiah and Zechariah. God confirms what He professes, and we are given a choice—accept or deny.

Lord God, Father Almighty, place your truth in our hearts and minds and help us accept them, for no secrets are hidden from you and you know us intimately.

ADVENT

Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches and is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas. It is the beginning of the Western liturgical or church year and starts in the Anglican Church on the fourth Sunday before December 25 (November 27 to December 3, inclusive).

The Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used in the reference to the second coming of Christ. For Christians, the season of Advent serves as a reminder both of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting of Christians for Christ’s final return.

The usual liturgical color in Western Christianity (Roman Catholicism or Protestantism) for Advent is either purple or blue. The purple color is often used for hangings around the church, on the vestments (garments) of the clergy and often on the veil covering the tabernacle when the reserved sacrament is present. On the third Sunday of Advent, a rose color may be used instead, referencing the rose color used on the fourth Sunday in Lent. In some Christian denominations, blue, a color representing hopefulness, is an alternative liturgical color for Advent, a custom traced to usage in the Church of Sweden (Lutheran) and the medieval Sarum Rite in England. In addition, the color blue was also used in the Mozarabic Rite (Catholic and Anglican), which dates to the eighth century.

From the fourth century the Advent season was kept as a period of fasting as strict as that of Lent. In the Anglican and Lutheran churches this fasting rule was later relaxed with the Roman Catholic Church doing likewise later but still keeping Advent as a season of penitence.

In recent times the most common observance of Advent outside church circles has been the keeping of an advent calendar or advent candle with one door being opened in the calendar or one section of the candle being burned on each day in December leading up to Christmas Eve. The keeping of an advent wreath is also a common practice in the church and in homes, with four or five candles extending from the wreath and each candle being lit on the appropriate Sundays and weekdays while scriptures and prayers are read.

Contributors

First Week in Advent

December 2.......................................................................................................AnonymousDecember 3.................................................................................................Martha MaysonDecember 4......................................................................................................Sally NicholsDecember 5...................................................................................................Lamona LucasDecember 6......................................................................................Florence Fisher KrejciDecember 7...................................................................................................Teddie BrewerDecember 8........................................................................................................Julia Willis

Second Week in Advent

December 9.....................................................................................................Betty WymanDecember 10.....................................................................The Rev. Dr. Margaret ShepardDecember 11.........................................................................................................Iva WalterDecember 12..............................................................................................Debbie WaldropDecember 13......................................................................................................AnonymousDecember 14..........................................The Rt. Rev. Philip M. Duncan, II, D. Min., D.D.December 15....................................................................................................Nancy Young

Third Week in Advent

December 16....................................................................................The Rev. Becky LepleyDecember 17......................................................................................................AnonymousDecember 18...........................................................................................Stephi McDonnellDecember 19..............................................................................................Sue SchlanbuschDecember 20...................................................................................................Dana HerazoDecember 21.................................................................................................Mary BrennanDecember 22................................................................................................Jamie Peabody

Fourth Week in Advent

December 23.................................................................................................Elizabeth HartDecember 24.........................................................................................................Pat Tilley

Documents

The Episcopal Community’s 2012: Advent Devotional Booklet