Advent Devotional, December 25

Titus 2:11-14

 

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all."

                                                                             (Titus 2:11)

 

Paul's words are simple, but powerful.  God has appeared before us as an act of grace.  God has come among us, not because we deserved such a gift, but because God has chosen to redeem.  This is a simple, but profound message.  

 

Amidst the tattered wrapping paper, as friends and family gather around you, or if you are pondering quietly by yourself the meaning of this day, hold fast to this truth...the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to us all."

 

May you know the treasure of this day in the gracious gift of God, given for all.

 

Joy to the world! The Lord has come!

 

Prayer: Almighty and Eternal God, for the gift of grace, the Christ of Christmas, we humbly give thanks. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

 

Thanks for sharing this Advent journey with me.  May the joy of God's treasure, Jesus, the Christ, be known within your heart on this and every day.  Merry Christmas!

 

 

Advent Devotional, December 24

Galatians 3:23-29

 

"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

                                                                  (Galatians 3:28)

 

What does it mean to be one in Christ?  Our contemporary idea of oneness often centers around conformity which stifles individuality and limits creativity.  Paul isn't calling followers of Christ in today's text to suddenly disavow that which makes them who they are, but to recognize that the uniqueness of each person is a gift from the Creator. 

 

The gift of Jesus Christ doesn't erase the person you are. The gift of Jesus Christ transforms who you are and how you view the world. Again, Paul writes in Romans 12:2, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."   I believe that God is honored in the unique way we each live out this great gift of faith.  Oneness doesn't mean I think and act and believe exactly as someone else does.  By God's grace, the transformation is unique and therefore, so is the practice.

 

The Christmas story is full of unique characters. The child in the manger draws them, and us, to a shared expression of wonder and praise...one in the bond of love.

 

Prayer: God of one...God of all, in my own way and in the company of others, may you be honored in the celebration of Christmas. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 23

Titus 3:1-8

 

"But when God our savior’s kindness and love appeared, he saved us because of his mercy, 

not because of righteous things we had done. He did it through the washing of new birth and the renewing 

by the Holy Spirit, which God poured out upon us generously through Jesus Christ our savior."

                                                                                                                                (Titus 3:4-6).

 

 

Quoting a politician these days can be risky, however the words of our 30th president, Calvin Coolidge, are worth noting in the context of mercy; "To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas."  Plenteous in mercy...that's a phrase not always associated with Christmas, but God's redeeming work of salvation through Bethlehem's gift is the ultimate act of mercy.  Paul plainly tells Titus that the work of salvation was accomplished because of mercy.  The gift couldn't be earned, but instead was the free gift of kindness and love.

 

We struggle to receive something we don't believe we have earned.  "You shouldn't have," we sometimes say in protest when someone offers a gift unexpected.  No one could have anticipated the way Almighty God accomplished the work of salvation.  It was a gift of mercy for an undeserving people.  Thanks be to God for the real Spirit of Christmas, the Spirit of mercy.

 

Prayer: For the gift of Christmas so undeserved, yet given so freely, we give you thanks, Lord.  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

 

 

 

Advent Devotional, December 22

Psalm 112:6b-7

"...the righteous will be remembered forever! They won’t be frightened 

at bad news. Their hearts are steady, trusting in the Lord." (CEB)

                                                    

Fear is a powerful weapon.  It is often wielded by bullies in the schoolyard, terrorists in the marketplace, and politicians in debate.  Some use it as a tool to convince others to join their fight or support their cause, and some are paralyzed by its possibilities, real and imagined.

The Psalmist encourages the righteous not to be remembered for being captive to fear, but to be found with hearts made steady by trusting God.  Though bad news is a familiar companion that casts a shadow over our lives in this twenty-first century, the message of Christmas still empowers faith and trust in the One whose coming brings good news..."for today in the city of David, a Savior has been born to you who is Christ, the Lord."

Let us have steady hearts, dear friends...let us trust in the Lord.  

Prayer: May we find courage, Lord, to face our world with steady hearts, trusting you with each step. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 21

 Psalm 62:1-2

 

"For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken."

 

Silence is something we don't always associate with Christmas.  Though we may sing of a silent night, many of us struggle to find quiet moments in an often chaotic time.  

 

The Psalmist speaks of the unique relationship he has with God; "For God alone my soul waits in silence."  Here is recognition of the personal relationship between Creator and creation that blossoms in silence.  Listening for the voice of God is an intentional act done best in stillness.  Jesus encouraged his disciples to seek a quiet place to pray.  He wasn't limiting them to a particular room or time of day, but calling them to quiet, purposeful prayer.  

 

In some respects, the busiest days of the Christmas season may be the next few as final preparations are made.  Take seriously the words of the Psalmist and wait in silence for God.  In the midst of a chaotic world, you will not be shaken.

 

Prayer: I wait in silence for your voice, Lord. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy 

Advent Devotional, December 20

I Peter 3:8-12

 

 ^"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing,

because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."

                                                                                     (I Peter 3:9)

 

Peter's words in our text have often been ignored in the heat of anger and retribution.  It is much easier to respond in kind to those who hurt you than it is to offer blessing. Peter's words are a reflection of what he learned from Jesus, and though he struggled with them during Jesus' earthly ministry, the passing years and experiences seem to have tempered his previously rash responses.  

 

Experience is a great teacher.  As we mark certain stages of life, we look back to see how differently we view life at that moment as compared to years gone by. In the months following the Allied victory in World War II, American General, Dwight D Eisenhower said, "I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity."  The glory of war had given way to the painful reality of its cost in human terms.

 

We too easily allow ourselves to react in kind to those who hurt us.  Peter's words are not an invitation to abuse or weakness. On the contrary, it takes great courage to offer blessing in the midst of evil.  

 

Christmas comes to us in the form of a child who would be called, Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Let us be grateful that God answered the evil of human sin with the blessing we inherit by faith and are called to share by love.

 

Prayer: Prince of Peace, work within my heart that I may repay evil with blessing.  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

 

 

Advent Devotional, December 19

Psalm 139

 

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

                                                                                    (Psalm 139:23-24)

 

 

 

In the first third of Psalm 139, the writer seems frustrated at his inability to avoid God. "You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;it is so high that I cannot attain it. Where can I go from your spirit?" Perhaps his words do not necessarily depict an attitude of avoidance, but rather that awkward uneasiness when one is confronted with his or her unworthiness in the presence of greatness. 

 

We witness the desire of the Creator to be at work in the lives of human creation throughout the stories of the Old Testament.  From walking in the Garden in the cool of the day with Adam and Eve, to the establishment of the covenant with Abraham which would find its ultimate fulfillment in Bethlehem, God continually positioned God's self in the presence of human experience, pursuing within the human heart that great work of redemption that was uniquely divine.  The Psalmist's progression in this text marks his understanding that the presence of God which at times seems overwhelming, is truly what leads him toward righteousness.  Having previously sought to distance himself from God, he now invites the Almighty to search him, his heart and his thoughts, and lead him in right paths.

 

His struggle is our human struggle of self-sufficiency. His deliverance is the eternal hope he finds in the presence of Almighty God...You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.

 

Prayer: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Amen.

   

Jim Abernathy

Tis the Season!

A blessed Friday before Christmas to you! Here's a few things to note for the weekend.  1) The annual Springfield Gardens Christmas party is tomorrow(Saturday) at First Baptist, Springfield. You can still volunteer to help or bring a dessert. 2) Sunday's worship will feature several wonderful expressions of the season. We will observe our Global Missions  Ingathering. We will see a brief video highlighting CBF literacy missions and have an opportunity to bring our mission offerings forward to place on the communion table. Mission banks have been available for children over the last several weeks and may still be picked up in the narthex this Sunday.  GMO envelopes are in your packet of envelopes or in pews. The handbell ringers will be sharing special music and our preschoolers will be singing as well. 

Invite someone to join you for our Christmas Eve Candlelight service at 5 pm. We will focus on five very special characters of the Christmas story, sing and share in the wonderful music of the season, and close our service with lighted candles as we sing "Silent Night." I hope you will join us for this very special service.

Finally, your Advent Tree gifts were delivered earlier in the week to the delight of several Springfield Gardens families. 50 large bags were delivered for 31 families, including 66 children. Oh, and one final, final note, over $1,300 was raised for summer missions during the youth desert auction last Sunday.  Your generosity continues to make such  difference. Glory to God!

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 18

Isaiah 40:28-31

 

"Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator

of the ends of the earth.  He does not faint or grow

weary; his understanding is unsearchable."

                                (Isaiah 40:28)

 

There was a time, not so long ago when conversation was our main source for news...one person telling another.  Today, more and more of us have access to smart devices that give moment by moment updates on things happening in the next room or around the world.  In that context, there are fewer surprises in conversation...fewer of those kinds of questions that imply incredulity toward the uninformed.

 

The prophet asks, to no one in particular, but perhaps everyone in general, "Haven't you heard?"  There is a sense of expectancy in his words that assumes the listener is aware of the wonder of God's action.  He wants to make sure that those who hear his words know that God, the Creator, is unlike any other god.  This God is eternal, does not grow weary or weak, whose thoughts are far beyond our human thoughts.  It is reassurance in the midst of uncertainty that there is good news.

 

 

The angel told the shepherds, "I bring you good news of great joy for all the people."  After the shepherds witnessed this good news for themselves, they told others what they experienced.  Maybe we can hear them saying, "Have you heard?" "Do you know that God has sent a child...a Savior for us all." 

 

Perhaps you and I should be having such conversations with those who haven't heard...who haven't known about Jesus.

 

Prayer: Eternal God, I have known, I have heard the good news.  May I, with the angels, proclaim good news of great joy for all the people. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

 

 

Advent Devotional, December 17

I John 3:1

 

"See what love the Father has given us, that we should be 

called children of God; and that is what we are."

 

"Surely there's more to be gleaned from John's epistle than just this one small verse," someone might argue of today's text, and they would be right.  John's larger emphasis on light, forgiveness, and intentional discipleship speaks powerfully to the Christian walk.  But for the follower of Jesus Christ, in the midst of an often daunting world, relationship means everything.  To know that we are children of God is life-giving news that reminds us of why we celebrate Advent and Christmas;  "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son..."  

 

John's rather emphatic statement today reaffirms the connection we have with the One who created us in the image of the Divine, and the One who redeemed us in the image of love. Children of God...yes, brothers and sisters, that is what we are!

 

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for loving us as children.  May we live joyously in that assurance. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

 

Advent Devotional, December 16

Hebrews 9:23-28

 

"...so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, 

not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him."

 

The writer of Hebrews speaks of Jesus as the great high priest, but it is obvious in his description that he views Jesus differently than those men who have served in earthly temples.  These who have followed a family lineage of religious ritual had to enter the temple again and again to make sacrifice and seek forgiveness for the people.  Jesus, however, came once for all.   "...he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself."  (vs.26)

 

We celebrate his coming in human form as the baby of Bethlehem, but we also anticipate his return, not as one to be feared, but welcomed.  Webster defines anticipation as "a prior action that takes into account a later action."  The prior action...Christ has come!  The later action...Christ will return!  Let him find us eagerly waiting for Him!

 

Prayer: Eternal God, with gratitude for the Word that has become flesh, let us live in great hope and anticipation of his return. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 15

Isaiah 55

 

"Just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."

                                                     (Isaiah 55:9)

 

I asked one of our preschoolers what she told Santa she wanted for Christmas just after she jumped down from his knee last week at our Church Family Night Christmas celebration.  With a smile on her face, she said, "I told him he could bring me whatever he wanted to."  That, my friends, is one of the best examples of trust you will ever find.  I'm sure that if pressed, she could have come up with specifics to give the jolly old elf some guidance, but from her perspective, it simply wasn't necessary.  He knew best what she needed and she would simply trust him with the results!

 

The prophet gives us a glimpse of kingdom living today in our text.  It isn't something you can buy your way into, nor is it something you can earn or demand.  It is a free gift from God that is truly all you need.  We are reminded here that the thoughts and ways of God are greater than our own, and as a result, we find that God can be trusted.  Our "wish lists," aren't really necessary. What is necessary, however, is that we trust God and discover that which he desires to bring to our lives.

 

Prayer: Help me Lord, in my need, to trust in you.  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 14

Psalm 44:1-3

 

"We have heard with our ears, O God, our ancestors have told us,
what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old...":

                                                                    (Psalm 44:1)

 

You learn a great deal about people from the stories they tell. Sometimes these stories are about family members, co-workers, neighbors or classmates.  And sometimes people tell the best stories about themselves.  The Psalmist celebrates the storytelling of his ancestors which has become a bridge that has spanned the centuries of God's continuing faithfulness. His words would not have been mass produced in written form but would become part of the oral tradition as stories were told from one person to another, one generation to another.

 

We have little appreciation for this oral tradition today.  Stories are written in many forms from newspapers to books to email, text, and twitter.  We view these stories on the nightly news, Internet, and on our own personal smart devices.  Maybe I am a little old-fashioned, but I still prefer to hear stories told from person to person...to know the source and see how his or her life has been changed as a result.

 

Luke tells us that after the shepherds traveled to Bethlehem in response to the angels good news, "they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them."  The good news of God's persistent love, told through the voices of countless generations, still makes a difference today.  That was true for the Psalmist.  It was true for the shepherds.  It is also true for you and me.

 

As the old gospel hymn says, "Keep telling the story, be faithful and true. Let others see Jesus in you."

 

Prayer: The story of your love has been told from generation to generation, Lord.  Help me be a faithful storyteller of the good news of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 13

Philippians 4:4-7

 

^"Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near."

                                                                                            (Philippians 4:5)

 

Writing to the church in Phillipi, Paul encouraged these new believers to embrace a standard of faith that would mark their uniqueness in Christ.  Certainly there were those within the Jerusalem church that wanted Paul to lead these converts to conform to ancient practice and tradition, but that is not what he asked them to do.  Perhaps there were some who believed that threats of persecution should be rebuffed and the faith vigorously defended, but that is not what Paul encouraged. Surely there were those who thought theological and ideological uniformity were key to the survival of the church, but no, Paul had something different in mind. "Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people."   Paul shared something that twenty-first century Christians would do well to remember, and better still, practice; the way you treat others goes a long way toward communicating the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

 

A skeptical world has grown weary of the church's blind adherence to listless traditions. They tune out the constant complaints of Christians who claim to be threatened by mochas and lattes offered in undecorated cups by servers who offer non-specific holiday greetings. They shake their heads in disbelief at the qualities of Christ-like character held forth that speak less of grace and mercy and more of isolation and blatant prejudice.  In the midst of such skepticism, Paul's words offer challenge to the church and hope to the world.  "Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near."   

 

Show them Jesus, for he is near...in you.

 

Prayer: Be near, Lord Jesus, in my words and actions, that your gentleness will be heard and seen. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy    

Advent Devotional, December 12

Psalm 32:1-5

 

"Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
    whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the Lord

imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit."

                                                                     (Psalm 32:1-2)

 

Guilt is a heavy burden we humans carry.  The late American humorist, Erma Bombeck spoke of guilt as the gift that keeps on giving.  We are wounded by guilt, not just in the moment or immediate aftermath of some failure on our part, but we can also become captive to its destruction months, even years down the road.  Perhaps that is why the Psalmist speaks of happiness in response to the act of forgiveness...to be set free by grace in any form is truly a liberating experience.

 

Of all the things that Christmas has become in this twenty-first century, nothing rivals the great good news that the Creator of the world has offered the gift of forgiveness through the birth of Jesus.  While we chase after and are distracted by the sights and sounds and smells and tastes of our various celebrations, let us not forget that true joy is found in the blessing of forgiveness...the covering of sin...release from the heavy burden of guilt.

 

Prayer: God of grace, who covers our sin through the gift of the Christ child, we rejoice in sins forgiven and burdens released. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy 

 

 

Advent Devotional, December 11

Proverbs 3:31-32

 

"Do not envy the violent and do not choose any of their ways;
for the perverse are an abomination to the Lord,
    but the upright are in his confidence."

                                (Proverbs 3:31-32)

 

Anger and fear have the potential to transform otherwise decent people into the monsters that threaten them.  The wise writer of Proverbs understands this and encourages his listeners to consider a better path. The Amplified Bible challenges the reader, in its translation of this text, to resist choosing the ways of the wicked, and instead, live with spiritual integrity and moral courage.  In the heat of the moment, retaliation seems to vindicate, but in the end, it satisfies little.

 

Spiritual integrity and moral courage may not satisfy the angry in the midst of life's cruel realities, but they position one to be taken into the confidence of God, or as the Common English Bible says, to become a close friend of God.  Given the choice of a momentary rush of retaliation or the eternal hope of friendship with the Almighty, we would do well to choose the latter. That is perhaps a good thing to keep in mind as the angry rhetoric ebbs and flows in our nation these days.

 

Prayer: Gracious God, may your wisdom rule within our hearts, that we may value friendship with you more than angry words and actions. This we pray in the name of Him who is known to us as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace...Jesus, the Christ. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy  

 

 

Advent Devotional, December 10

Philippians 2:1-11

 

.""Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 

  Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others."

                                                                                                (Philippians 2:3-4)

 

One can easily become self-absorbed in a culture that constantly touts the rights and privileges of the individual.  To view another with contempt because he or she is different in some way is to reject Paul's call to Christlikeness.  In embracing the mind of Christ, we embrace others as they are, not as we want them to be.  Nationality, race, gender, sexuality, religion...these are not litmus test issues to be used in making judgments about who is worthy or not, who is acceptable or not, or who is welcome or not. "...in humility regard others as better than yourselves." 

 

It would seem to me that if the mind of Christ centers around humility and servanthood, and we who claim to follow him are challenged to have that same mind, then our world view must be different.  The Message translation powerfully states this in verse 8 as it says of Jesus, "He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life..."  We see this in the circumstances of his birth and the manner in which he later lived and taught. As he said in Matthew 21, "whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve..."

 

Perhaps, in this Advent season, we would do well to rediscover the mind of Christ, and in doing so, consider anew how we are then to view the world.

 

Prayer:  Dear Jesus, love of God, Incarnate, please forgive my arrogant, self-centered ways, and teach me once more the way of the servant, from the stable of Bethlehem to the cross of Calvary. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy 

 

 

Advent Devotional, December 9

Luke 1:5-20

“Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard.

Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John.

You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth…”

                                                                                   (Luke 1:13b-14)

I’m not sure that starting a conversation with “Don’t be afraid,” is such a good idea. I suppose it’s a great way to get someone’s attention, but if you have to say it, chances are the person you’re trying to reassure is already hanging on the edge.   

The New Revised Standard Version says that Zechariah was “terrified…fear overwhelmed him.”  How does one recover from overwhelming fear?  The angel doesn’t really give Zechariah much opportunity to do so as he immediately follows his greeting with news that may have frightened Zechariah even more.  The news that his wife, Elizabeth, would conceive and bear a son, filled with the Holy Spirit who would lead a sinful people back to the Lord, would certainly have made me shake in my sandals. It’s no wonder Zechariah questioned the angel’s news.

I have always appreciated Zechariah for his vulnerability and his honesty. Fear and doubt at times accompany the call of God.  We may not be struck dumb like Zechariah, but responding to the call of God can easily leave one humbled and amazed…perhaps even speechless.  But God equips those God calls…even the uncertain, reluctant ones…like me, and perhaps, you.

Prayer: Use me, Lord, even in my doubt and fear. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

 

Advent Devotional, December 8

Psalm 37:23-24

 

"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."

 

Presence is vital to relationship.  One can stay connected by email or text, even see the face of a friend or loved one by Skype, but all are poor substitutes for presence.  

 

The story of Christmas is a story of presence; God becoming one of us in Jesus. Before the incarnation, however, the Spirit of God was at work in ways that often spoke of presence.  The imagery of today's text illustrates this as the Psalmist's steps are made secure in knowing that even if he stumbles, God will be with him, holding his hand.

 

We walk in places that are uneven, places where disappointment, worry, and fear can easily cause us to stumble.  Yet, there is the calm assurance that God walks with us, holding us by the hand.  Skinned knees, sore ankles, stubbed toes...yes, but falling headlong into the abyss of hopelessness; no, the Lord holds us by the hand.      

 

Prayer: When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near; when my life is almost gone. Hear my cry, hear my call, hold my hand lest I fall. Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home. (Precious Lord, Take My Hand...Thomas Dorsey)

Advent Devotional, December 7

I John 4:7-11

 

"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. 

 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins."

                                                                                                                                                             (I John 4:9-10)

 

In his classic work, "Mere Christianity," twentieth century British author C.S. Lewis wrote, "On the whole, God's love for us is a much safer subject to think about than our love for him."  John offers evidence of Lewis' declaration in today's text, that God's love, not ours, brought about salvation. It is the simple reminder that we can't achieve salvation on our own, it is a gift of love from God. 

 

Paul put it this way in Romans 5:8, "God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us."  That while we were still sinners part is the tipping point in the gospel story.  We didn't deserve such love; we could never earn it, but God's great love paid the price for our sin anyway.

 

On the whole, I'd say Lewis' assessment is right on target.

 

Prayer: Creator God, for the gift of Christmas, the gift of your love, we give you thanks. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy 

Advent Devotional, December 6

Isaiah 40:1-11

 

"He takes care of his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms.
He carries them close to his heart.  He gently leads those that have little ones."

                                                                                                     (Isaiah 40:11)

 

We often speak of the heart in the context of relationship...a place where human emotion is centered.  The New International Readers Version translation paints a picture of God as a shepherd who gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart.  It's an amazing image of creator and creation.  The focus here is on the intentional action of God, not only to interact with creation, but to do so in a way that communicates genuine care and compassion.

 

Jesus identifies himself in the tenth chapter of John's gospel as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep.  This is the good news of the Word becoming flesh.  Jesus embodies the love and compassion of the Shepherd Isaiah spoke of in today's text.  God has come among us to draw us to himself...to carry us close to his heart.  

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

Prayer: Gentle Shepherd, gather me in your loving arms. Keep me close to your heart. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 5

Luke 1:39-45

 

"You are blessed because you believed that what

 the Lord said to you would really happen.”

                                             (Luke 1:45)

 

Trust is a wonderful characteristic of relationship.  To believe with confidence in another person is to find a place of comfort in the midst of challenge.  

 

The angel of the Lord had just shared with Mary the unbelievable news that she would bear the Son of God.  Wondering if God had the right person for so awesome a task, Mary voiced her questions and concerns to the messenger of God, but the angel responded with words of wisdom that would serve Mary well in the days to come as he said, "Nothing is impossible for God."

 

When Mary sought encouragement from her cousin Elizabeth in the aftermath of this encounter with the angel of the Lord, Elizabeth affirmed Mary's faith as she said, "You are blessed because you believed that what the Lord said to you would really happen.”   

 

This encounter is a very good Advent reminder for us all. Trust brings blessing, not in the materialistic grab that is too often seen at this time of year, but in the assurance of God's presence that enables one to take a step...the next step of faith.  

 

Prayer: Lord, help me trust that your word is true...that nothing is impossible for God. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 4

Psalm 86:11-13

 

"Teach me your way, O LORD that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name."

(Psalm 86:11)

 

I remember Miss Lovinggood saying to our eighth grade class, "Now childring," (only person I ever knew who had an alternate pronunciation for children) "let me have your undivided attention."  This was a call to compliance, a call to focus...a call to leave your neighbor alone and sit still. All eyes were to be on her and all ears were to be listening for her next word.  This was not a moment for distraction, but instead, an expectation of unity.

 

The Psalmist understands the need for oneness, unity in his own heart and mind as he comes before the Lord in praise.  There are lessons to learn, truth to be embraced, and this cannot happen in a divided heart.  

 

Advent is a call to unity of heart and mind, to singular focus. The Savior of the world is coming, the pathway is being prepared.  There can be no division of heart and mind on this journey, but simple faith and rapt attention...all eyes, all ears, all hearts listening for the next Word.

 

Prayer: May I have an undivided heart, O Lord...watching, waiting, listening for the next Word from you. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy  

Advent Devotional, December 3

Psalm 80:1-3

 

"Restore us, O God; let

 your face shine, that we may be saved."

                                         (Psalm 80:3)

 

What does one say when the unthinkable becomes the norm?  How does one respond when the value of human life is discharged like the clip of an automatic weapon?   Mass shootings have become commonplace in our nation and we seem powerless to stop them.  The most recent event in San Bernardino, California, the second on December 2 and 355th of 2015, according to the Washington Post, is but another reminder of the senseless violence that no longer shocks or stirs us.  Outrage seems to have been replaced by resignation as more and more Americans buy guns to "protect themselves."  USA Today notes that a record 185,000 gun background checks were done this past Black Friday.  It would seem that our answer to escalating gun violence is to buy more guns.  Heaven help us!

 

The Psalmist seems to understand that his only hope, and that of his people, is to be found in the salvation of God.  "Let your face shine, that we may be saved."  Perhaps as we ponder the Savior coming among us during this Advent season, we would do well to embrace the Psalmist's words and those of John from Revelation 22:20, as he says of the Christ, "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus!"

 

Prayer: Even so, come Lord Jesus! Let your face shine, that we may be saved. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advent Devotional, December 2

Psalm 79:8-9

"...let your compassion come speedily to meet us."

                                                         (Psalm 79:8b)

Every parent who has ever taken a child on a road trip of most any length has endured the inquiries that are often repeated again and again throughout the trip, "Are we there yet?"  Along with its companion, "How much further?" these questions make both parties long for arrival, and with it, deliverance!  

The Psalmist, burdened by his and the sins of others, cries out for deliverance, for arrival at that place where God will bring mercy and forgiveness.  "Deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name’s sake," he pleads in verse nine.  Christmas is that sacred moment of arrival when God becomes one of us...when God's compassion comes speedily to meet us.

Glory to God!

Prayer: Gracious God, may your mercy and compassion come quickly to meet us. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, we pray. Amen.

Jim Abernathy