The Aftermath of Christmas

So, in the aftermath of Christmas, what's next?  Today will be a big day of returning gifts that were the wrong size, color, or just not what was really wanted or needed.  Some will hit the big sales that are always promoted after Christmas, while others will begin or continue their travels to visit family or friends.  Perhaps the shepherd's response is worthy of noting in the aftermath of Christmas.  Luke tells us that as the shepherds left the Christmas scene, they "returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen..."   As we return to our schedules and routines in the aftermath of Christmas, following their example is good advice for us.  Like the shepherds, let us return, glorifying and praising God for all that we have heard and seen!

 

This Sunday, I hope you will join us for Bible study and worship.  The Sunday after Christmas is usually less formal as many of our folks are out of town and others will have folks visiting during the holidays.  Dress is more casual, the service less formal, but it will be an opportunity, in the aftermath of Christmas, to glorify and praise the Lord, just as the shepherds did.  We'll have special music and I will bring a two-part message entitled, "Making Sense of It All." Invite a friend or bring along your out of town guests.

 

Please note, the church office is closed through January 1.  As has been noted in all of our recent publications, if you want to make a donation to be credited for 2014, it must be postmarked by December 31.  Thank you for your faithfulness in giving and in sharing in our continuing Westwood story.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 25

I John 4:7-12

 

“God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him.”

(I John 4:9)

 

The contents of Christmas gifts are revealed in many ways.  Pretty paper is unwrapped, gift bags and the tissue paper than fills them are sifted through, envelopes are opened to reveal gift cards or money, and if you watch many car commercials during the holidays, big red bows adorn the roofs of expensive automobiles that magically appear in the driveway.  Holiday treasures are revealed in many different ways.

 

In Bethlehem, God’s great gift of Christmas was revealed in a small child, wrapped in cloths, lying in a manger.  Mary and Joseph were beside him when the shepherds wandered in, having been invited by the angels to come and see this great joy given for all people.  God’s love was revealed among us in this way.

 

Many Christmas packages are opened and soon forgotten.  God’s love is revealed in the Christ-child who becomes for all who will receive him, the One through whom we live.  Open your heart anew this Christmas to find God’s love revealed in the Christ of Bethlehem. 

 

Prayer: We receive anew the gift of Christmas, dear God.  May others see this love revealed in us today, and every day. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

 

Thanks for joining me on this Advent journey.  God’s richest blessings to you on this very special day.  May you know the joy of Christmas, and the assurance of God’s gracious hand to guide your steps in the coming year.  

Advent Devotional, December 24

Philippians 2:5-11

 

“Let this mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.”

(Philippians 2:5-7)

 

In O. Henry’s classic Christmas short story, “The Gift of the Magi,” Jim and Della Young are faced with a dilemma.  They have little money, yet each want to do something special for the other for Christmas.  They each have something in mind for the other, but no way to pay for it.  Della decides she will sell her prized possession, her beautiful, long hair, and Jim decides to sell his handsome, gold watch.  Quietly they sacrifice these treasures for something far greater…love.  As Jim comes home on Christmas Eve, he opens the door and is immediately greeted by Della, but there is something different…her hair.  He seems nearly speechless as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out the present he has bought for Della.  She excitedly opens the package to find a set of combs to adorn her beautiful hair.  She hands Jim his package and he opens the box to find a fob for his handsome gold watch.  There are tears and laughter as each one recognizes what they have lost, but much more, what they have gained.  The sacrifice of love is a powerful.

 

The apostle Paul speaks to us on this Christmas Eve of the sacrifice of love in the gift of Bethlehem.  Christ was willing to disregard equality with God and take on the form of a servant, a human being like you and me.  Not only was he willing to become one of us, but he was also willing to take upon himself our sin and suffer the humiliation of the cross, all because of love.  It would seem that he gave up too much, yet love made the sacrifice worthwhile.

 

Jim and Della willingly gave up what they each treasured, because of love.  God gave up his Son, because of love.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…”   Sacrifice is a central theme of the Christmas story.  It is a central theme of the Christ-like life.  It is an important way in which we proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

 

Prayer: Gracious God, you have given everything in the gift of your Son.  In the story of Christmas, teach me once more the joy of sacrifice. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 23

Psalm 66

 

“Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds among mortals.”

(Psalm 66:5)

 

Invitations are a blessing of community.  To be welcomed into relationship with another is a treasure of life.  The good news of Christmas is that the Creator has welcomed us into relationship, not as a distant outsider, but as One who has come among us and invited us to join the celebration.  Angels share good news with shepherds in the Judean hills that a Savior has been born in the city of Bethlehem, telling them where they can find the baby. The invitation is accepted by the shepherds who say to each other, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”  There, they found him, just as the invitation said.

 

The Psalmist reminds us that God has been inviting his human creation to join in the blessing of relationship throughout human history.  Here, he calls all who will come to see what God has done.  It is an invitation to praise the One who is awesome in his deeds among mortals.

 

Christmas offers us an invitation to praise, to come and see what God has done.  Like the shepherds, let us go and see what the Lord has done.

 

Prayer: Gracious God, for the invitation to grace and mercy through Jesus, the Christ, we give you thanks. 

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 22

Psalm 118:1-14

 

“Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. With the Lord on my side I do not fear.  What can mortals do to me?
(Psalm 118:5-6)

 

Wouldn’t it be great to live without fear?  The Psalmist reminds us that in that moment of trust when we truly place ourselves in the hands of God, fear does not consume us.  I don’t think the writer is claiming here that he is never afraid, but in those moments, those glimpses of faith when he acknowledges that God really is who He says He is, there is a level of trust that empowers him to stand in a broad place to face, and even overcome the challenges before him.

 

This truth played out again and again in the characters of scripture that faced overwhelming threats and yet, found the courage to overcome.  Mary would be a good example of this.  Called by God to a task that surely must have been frightening, she was willing to trust God and in the process, risk herself.  Mary’s response to the angel’s message is a simple, but determined declaration; “I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according to your word.”  Sounds as if she is echoing the essence of the Psalmist’s words…”With the Lord on my side I do not fear.”

 

Prayer: Lord, with you by my side, I will not be afraid. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 21

Isaiah 42:1-9

 

“See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.”

(Isaiah 42:9)

 

Movie trailers have become a significant part of the movie-going experience.  In fact, special productions are now made just for television that offer extended-play introductions of feature films.   Studios use them to promote future projects while fans see them as enticements for future trips to the movies, or perhaps as evidence for why they should stay away.  Truth be told, we like to know what’s coming…to have inside information to inform our thoughts and actions.

 

Speaking through the prophet, the Eternal One offers a preview of what is to come.  For a people in exile, this is the good news of deliverance, something new that will ultimately bring transformation.  From Abraham to Isaiah, Moses to Zechariah, God‘s promises find fulfillment, and men and women of faith find encouragement in the faithfulness of God.

 

Gospel writer, Matthew, in celebrating Joseph’s decision to take Mary as his wife, confirms the preview the prophet Isaiah foretold as he writes, “All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means, ‘God is with us.’”  Preview fulfilled…Amen.

 

Prayer: Dear Lord, you are ever faithful.  Continue to do something new in me. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 20

James 1:19-21

 

“…everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry.”

(James 1:19b)

 

We would all like to believe that the Christmas season brings out our best.  Certainly there seems to be an emphasis on peace and good will throughout the holidays, and there are all kinds of stories, even movies made that reinforce this theme.  Truth is, however, the rush and pressures of these days sometimes sharpen our tongues and shorten our tempers. 

 

James’ words are appropriate in every season, but perhaps no more appropriate than in the rush and hurry of Christmas.  Quick to listen…slow to speak…slow to grow angry; that’s a formula we would do well to embrace when standing in a long check-out line at the mall, trying to find a parking place at the grocery store, or when out of town guests overstay their welcome.  These are opportunities to let the light of Christ shine. 

 

Jesus words are helpful here as he says in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine so that others can see your good works and glorify your father who in in heaven.”  That may well be the best gift you offer this Christmas season.

 

Prayer:  Lord, help me be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry. Help me, Lord, to be more like Christ. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

The Gift of Christmas

Blessings on this Friday before Christmas! 

 

How will you spend these last six days before Christmas?  Many of us will be frantically traveling from store to store or website to website to find that special gift for a friend or family member.  Some will be attending or hosting parties, and record numbers of Americans, according to AAA, will be traveling more than fifty miles to a destination over the holidays...99 million of us!  Makes me weary just thinking about it!

 

Every year there are calls from people like me to find peace in the midst of the hurry, and purpose in the true meaning of the season.  Those are worthy aspirations in an often harried reality, but actually observing them can be quite a challenge.  Most of us are not going to stop participating in these and other aspects of our Christmas traditions and celebrations, but while all of this busyness is swirling around you, keep in mind that this is a season of joy.  In your shopping, consider the joy of giving.  In your partying, give thanks for good friends and valued coworkers.  In your traveling, yes, even in traffic on 95, consider the hard work of those who maintain the roads or the airplane or train upon which you are traveling and the freedom you have to join those 98,999,999 other people who are traveling with you. Most of all, consider the immeasurable love of the Creator, who into this busy, warring, self-absorbed world, entered our chaos to bring hope, peace, joy, and love through the gift of Christmas, Jesus, the Christ.  Keep that wonderful truth before you in all you do and wherever you go over the next six-plus days.

 

Sunday morning's worship will feature our annual global missions ingathering as well as special music by our handbell choir.  You will find special global missions offering envelopes in your packet and in the pews and banks for the children are still available in the narthex.  Our Christmas Eve candlelight service will begin at 5 p.m. Wednesday and will also feature wonderful music and storytelling as we gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus. 

 

I look forward to sharing these special services with you.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 19

Matthew 11:2-15

 

“Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?”

(Matthew 11:3b)

 

John’s question in today’s text is a bit surprising given his powerful affirmation of Jesus in John 1:29 as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”  Just a few days ago we looked at John’s words as he said of Jesus, “He must increase, and I must decrease.”  Yet, in today’s text he seems to be having second thoughts.    

 

Faith, by its very definition, seems to invite doubt.  The writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews says, “Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.” (Hebrews 11:1 NCV)  Not exactly the tangible definition that gives one sure and certain confidence. 

 

Perhaps John, whose question came to Jesus from his prison cell, was experiencing one of those moments most of us have when things don’t turn out like we thought they would. Doubt, held at bay in better times, suddenly becomes a persistent partner that poses the kind of nagging questions that breed uncertainty.  Are you the one…or do we wait for another?

 

Jesus sent word to John through John’s disciples that change had come…the blind see, the deaf hear, even the dead are raised to new life.  Evidence then, as now, was seen in changed lives.

 

By faith, Mary trusted the word of the Lord and the impossible became possible.  By faith, Joseph trusted the word of the Lord and he embraced Mary and her child, who became the Savior of the world.  By faith, you and I must trust than indeed Jesus, the Christ, is the One…we wait, not for another, but for His return.

 

Prayer: In our doubts, Lord, remind us that Jesus Christ has already come, and is coming again. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 18

Psalm 27

 

“I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.”

(Psalm 27:13-14)

 

Faith has little impact apart from hope.  To believe is to trust beyond yourself, to look for and have expectation of a better outcome.  That sounds great in church on Sunday morning, but what about when breaking news rocks your world as extremists storm a school in Pakistan and kill 148 people, mostly children, or when a plane on final approach to the airport suddenly crashes into a neighborhood, killing three on the plane and a mother and two young children in a house caught up in the burning wreckage?  These are but two stories that shook our world and region this week.

Though the specific circumstances of the Psalmist’s plight are unknown in our text today, he seems intent on making hope his focus.  Disappointment, most likely didn’t vanish as a result, but he chose hope in the midst of his circumstances.  Martin Luther King expressed this truth when he wrote, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”   The circumstances of our lives and world often seem beyond our control, but the words of the Psalmist speak hope to an often hope-less world...let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.

 

Prayer:  In the chaotic, sometimes out of control world around me, Lord, may I take courage in the infinite hope found in the manger of Bethlehem. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 17

Mark 1:1-8

 

“Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.”

(Mark 1:6)

 

John the Baptist had a singular calling.  The prophet Isaiah spoke of it hundreds of years before John’s birth.  “I am sending my messenger ahead of you who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord.”  That was John’s mission: prepare the way of the Lord.

 

From what we know of John, he was a man who took this calling seriously.  He cared little for the kinds of things you and I appreciate, like a roof overhead, warm clothing, and a varied menu.  Scripture tells us that he lived in the desert, wore a camel hair suit, and ate locusts and honey.  This was a man whose passion allowed him little room for anything else. Some would view this picture as too extreme and cite it as further evidence of the difficulty in answering God’s call.  (You know, I’m not so sure I would have lasted too long in his shoes, or should I say, his sandals.) 

 

That’s part of our message, however, for today.  The calling of God is unique to every one of us.  We are still called to prepare the way, to tell others of Jesus’s coming, but God uses each of our gifts in the one-of-a-kind manner in which we each have been created.  The season of Advent offers opportunity to give witness to God’s great gift of love in the child of Bethlehem, but there is no one way to do it.

 

Most likely, you won’t find me wandering the dessert in a hairy camel hide, and even with lots of cheese on top, I don’t think I could stomach those locusts.  The good news is, I don’t have to.  I simply need to be who God called me to be…that will be challenging enough!

 

Prayer: You create us each in your image, dear God, yet you fashion us as unique beings.  Use that uniqueness to help spread the good news and prepare the way of the Lord. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 16

Isaiah 9:1-7

 

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.”

(Isaiah 9:2)

 

A few years back, a February blizzard left us buried under nearly two feet of snow and without power for nearly 48 hours. The first night was an adventure, pitching in to light candles, find flashlights, and pile on the blankets.  By the second night, it was a different story.  Clayton deserted us for friends who had power, and 24 hours of freezing temperatures with no heat made the house a chilly place indeed.  Cindy and I went out to dinner and then to a local bookstore where we sat and read for an hour or so before heading home.   Houses on both sides of Braddock Road were lit as we neared home, but hopes were dashed when we turned onto our dark street, feeling as if we were being sucked into a black hole.  There was a deep, cold darkness that lasted until power was restored at five o’clock the next morning. 

 

Isaiah speaks to a more devastating darkness that threatens to drain joy and hope from life.  Human sin brought on this darkness that could only be overcome by the great gift of light which would eventually come in the Christ of Bethlehem, the one Isaiah called, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Gospel writer John would follow this theme of illumination in describing hope in the living Christ as he wrote, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”  The ancient words of both writers still remind us today of the power of light to dispel darkness

 

Prayer: Light of the world, come into the shadowy corners of our sin and despair.  Illuminate these dark places with your glorious light. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 15

Isaiah 40:1-9

“The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.”

                                                               (Isaiah 40:8)

Our live Christmas tree has been up in our family room since the end of November.  Initially, Cindy was filling the stand with water every day and the thirsty tree was drinking every drop. Now, two weeks into our holiday cheer, the tree is drinking less and we are hoping that it hangs in there until Christmas day!  The ornaments and lights will keep it sparkling until the holidays are over, but when the tree is taken down, its dry branches will leave little reminders on the carpet that it’s time has come and gone.

Isaiah reminds us today that we are like the grass or the flowers that are beautiful in their season, but soon wither and fade.  That may not be much of an encouraging Advent thought for today, but hope isn’t found in the reality of our human frailty, but in the eternal Godwhose word will stand forever.  To a people in exile, the prophet seeks to give a perspective for living that doesn’t count on the temporary, but rather the eternal. 

When the angel came to Mary with news that God had chosen her to bear the Savior of the world, he declared that the child would “reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”  Amidst the temporary, God was sending a gift of eternal hope that would not wither or fade.  Thanks be to God!

Prayer:  Eternal God, for the living hope we know through the gift of Christmas, Jesus, the Christ, we give you thanks. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 14

John 3:22-30

 

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

(John 3:30)

 

Tempted by his own disciples to think more highly of himself and his calling, John strongly refutes their arguments with a statement that cannot be misunderstood…”He must increase, but I must decrease.”  His mission was to pave the way for the Savior, nothing more.  He knew it, embraced it, and was trying to fulfill it.

 

We are often tempted by others, even those closest to us, to be distracted from what we know to be right.  Even Jesus’s closest friends tempted him to turn away from the path he had to walk.  John and Jesus were resolute in faithfully following what God had called them to be and to do.

 

All around us in this Advent season, there is the temptation to be distracted from the real joy of the season, to listen to the voices around us and focus on things other than the gift of Bethlehem.  John’s words have meaning in helping us focus once more on the true meaning of Christmas; He must increase and I must decrease.

 

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, you must increase and I must decrease.  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 13

Psalm 32

 

“Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”

(Psalm 32:1)

 

When carrying a burden of wrong, there is nothing more freeing than the gift of forgiveness…to know that the one you have hurt reaches out to extend grace.  I appreciate the words of South African bishop, Desmond Tutu, who writes, “Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.” Who among us has not wished for that new beginning in the aftermath of something we have done to hurt another?

 

Christmas brings to the world an opportunity to make a new beginning.  I’m not talking about the seasonal changes in behavior that are packed away with the ornaments and lights once the holidays are over.  No, I am talking about genuine, life-altering transformation that comes because God has cared enough for a sinful human creation to give the gift of mercy and forgiveness through Jesus, the Christ. The Psalmist was writing before the incarnation of Christ, but he had caught a glimpse of God’s forgiveness and was changed by it.

 

In this season of lights, pretty packages, and short-term good will, receive anew the forgiveness of God through the gift of Bethlehem, then, perhaps share that gift with someone around you whose burden could be made lighter by your gift of forgiveness.  That may be the best gift you give this Christmas.

 

Prayer:  Gracious God, I confess before you and ask that your forgiveness cover my sin.  Give me courage to share this grace and mercy with another. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Selfless Giving

A blessed Friday to all.  We received a beautiful basket of flowers at home yesterday, sent anonymously by someone whose simple desire was to express gratitude.  The thoughtful gesture was much appreciated, and though the sender remains unknown to us, the blessing received has indeed been a treasure. 

 

Much of life's greatest work is done quietly, without fanfare or acknowledgement. Such generosity serves to remind us, particularly as followers of Christ, that we are to be servants to the world about us.  Jesus condemned the kind of religious expression that always seeks recognition, calling instead for selfless giving that seeks nothing in return.  That is a lesson most appropriate for this season of the year. 

 

Tomorrow, you have an opportunity to share a simple gift with our church and community.  The Hope Class is sponsoring the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup at 8:30 at the church.  They will be cleaning our section of Old Keene Mill Road of litter and debris.  There will also be leaf cleanup around the church, beginning at 9 a.m. Bring a leaf blower, rake, or other tools to help move the million or so leaves that have fallen.  The annual Springfield Gardens Christmas Party will be held at First Baptist Church of Springfield and volunteers are still needed to assist.  If you would like to participate, please join DIck Marvin and others at FBC around 10:30.  Our own Rob Robertson will appear as Santa Claus...Ho! Ho! Ho!

 

Sunday will feature the youth dessert auction as well as the presentation of "Once Upon a Night" by the sanctuary choir and orchestra.  You will miss a blessing if you aren't present!!!

 

Thanks for the many wonderful ways you continue to generously give and serve through Westwood Baptist Church.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 12

Luke 22:24-27

“…rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves.” (Luke 22:26b)

Jesus spoke of children in terms that made his listeners a bit uncomfortable.  In Matthew’s gospel he called a child to himself in the midst of a crowd and told his followers that unless they became like a child, they could not enter the kingdom of heaven.  Children often have little rights, little standing in community and were certainly not seen as models of faith in the first century, and yet, Jesus embraced them as examples of kingdom living.

His followers evidently needed to learn and relearn this lesson again and again.  In today’s text, just hours before Jesus would be crucified, his closest followers were arguing over which one of them was the greatest.  He called them to humility in telling them that they must become like the youngest…a servant to one another and the world about them.

Christmas is said to be a time when we focus on the youngest among us.  There is a joy and wonder in this season that is perhaps best captured through the eyes of child.  Jesus still calls us to the faith of a child, the wonder of trust and hope and belief. 

The greatest ever to walk among us came as a lowly child.  Perhaps we all need to view the Christ of Christmas and all that is a part of this Advent season through the eyes of a child.  Greatness, you see, isn’t about power and influence, but rather, about humility and service.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to experience this season with fresh eyes and open hearts…to become like the youngest among us. Amen.

Jim Abernathy   

Advent Devotional, December 11

Psalm 37:23-34

 

“Our steps are made firm by the Lord, when he delights in our way;
though we stumble we shall not fall headlong, for the Lord holds us by the hand.”

                                                                                                                                (Psalm 37:23-24)

 

As one who has recently stumbled and fallen headlong, I have an appreciation for the Psalmist’s words of encouragement in our text today.  It would be great to assume that if one is in right relationship with the Creator God, no physical harm would come, but I don’t believe that is the intent of these words.  The Psalmist acknowledges that stumbling is part of our human experience.  More significant here, however, is not the physical act of stumbling, but the spiritual step of faith that recognizes God’s presence in the midst of life’s challenges…physical, emotional, and spiritual.  The assurance that the Lord holds us by the hand is our hope against falling headlong into the abyss of isolation and helplessness when we stumble.

 

In the first weeks after I fell and fractured my foot, leaving the house required negotiating the very steps that were associated with my fall.  Not being able to put weight on the broken foot made this challenge seem overwhelming.  The firm hand of Cindy and other friends who came alongside to help bear part of my burden enabled me to accomplish what I could never have achieved on my own.   

The story of Christmas reminds us that in our stumbling, God has come alongside us to hold us by the hand, and therefore, our steps are made firm.  As one who has stumbled, I am grateful for such strength.

 

Prayer:  (The prayer today is the first verse of the great spiritual, “I Want Jesus to Walk With Me)

I want Jesus to walk with me. I want Jesus to walk with me.  All along my pilgrim journey, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 10

Psalm 119:41-48

 

“Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
    your salvation according to your promise.”

                                                                                                                       (Psalm 119:41)

 

Promises are at the heart of the story of Christmas.  The Old Testament again and again tells of the faithfulness of God to keep promises.  The prophets speak of One who will come to be Savior of the world, who will be called “…Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  That promise has been fulfilled through the incarnation of Christ.  Bethlehem’s baby is reminder to the world that God is ever-faithful.

 

As you think about the challenges and opportunities you face today, let the Psalmist’s words of faith and expectation remind you of the faithfulness of God.

 

Prayer: Faithful God, let your steadfast love come to me, your salvation according to your promise. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 9

I Thessalonians 5:12-18

 

“See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always

seek to do good to one another and to all.”

                                                                (I Thessalonians 5:16

 

The Christmas season can bring out the best in people, unless, of course, your name is Ebenezer Scrooge.  Charles Dickens familiar character from his classic story, “A Christmas Carol,” despises everything and everyone associated with Christmas.  When confronted by do-gooders seeking to raise money for the less fortunate and the unreasonable demands of his clerk, Bob Cratchit, for Christmas day off so he can spend it with family, Scrooge responds, “Christmas is a poor excuse every 25th of December to pick a man's pockets.”    Of course we know the story of transformation that comes to Mr. Scrooge as he is visited by the spirits of Christmas past, present, and future.  He awakens on Christmas morning a changed man and proclaims, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!”

 

We love these stories of transformation, particularly at Christmas.  The apostle Paul reminds us, however, that meaningful change which comes by faith in the living Christ, is not seasonal change.  “…always seek to do good to one another and to all,” he writes.  The true meaning of Christmas is not found in treating others more kindly for a week or a month, but in embracing the Christ child as Savior, one is transformed eternally.  Thus, Christmas doesn’t temporarily make us something we aren’t the rest of the year.

 

Because of what God has done through the gift of Christmas, Jesus, the Christ, let us agree with Mr. Scrooge and say, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year!”

 

Prayer: Gracious God, continue the work of transformation within our hearts that in every season, every day, we will keep and share the joy of Christmas. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 8

I Thessalonians 5:1-11

 

“Therefore, encourage one another and build

up each other, as indeed you are doing.”

                                (I Thessalonians 5:11)

 

Paul is writing to first-century Christians who believe that Christ will return at any moment. They are to live in readiness. Part of that readiness was a growing relationship with their brothers and sisters in Christ.  The hardships they faced demanded a dependency on one another.  To remain faithful to the end, they needed each other.

 

In pondering Christ’s return, twenty-first century Christians are to live in readiness as well.  Like our first century brothers and sisters, encouragement is key to growing relationships.  In building one another up, we grow in our understanding of community and the shared calling we have to bring Christ to the world about us. We are children of the light and as such, are called to exemplary, anticipatory living, ready in our words, thoughts, and actions to welcome Christ among us.

 

Take a moment today to ponder how you can encourage and build up a brother or sister in Christ. That is an Advent gift that will make a difference.

 

Prayer: May we be found faithful, Lord, encouraging and building one another up as we wait anxiously for your return. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy