2021 Advent Devotions

Sunday, Nov 28

Jeremiah 33:14-16

The Righteous Branch

14 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”

Written by Susan Craig

11 years ago, after hearing the Sunday morning bells, Susan Craig followed her 4-yr old son to Samuel UCC. They never left.

I chose this verse because the words “execute justice” struck me as I read it. It sounds so, well, strict. Authoritarian. Easy.

But this notion that justice can be “executed”, that someone powerful can make it happen, really irks me. I’ve been attending a leadership training the past few months where we’re grappling with the many challenges our region faces, much of which derives from systemic racism. Most recently, we talked about how our country is built on injustice, enshrining blacks as less than human into our Constitution, and building our country on their backs. We talked about how to overcome these pervasive and imbedded injustices and get to restorative justice – a justice that ensures true equality of opportunity for all.

Well, spoiler alert: it’s not easy. No one person, however powerful, will be able to “execute” it. In fact, those who hold power will actually need to give something up in order to get there. We can’t correct systemic injustice without causing more in the short term.

This is not exactly the hopeful message the season is supposed to bring. But I do find hope in the fact that we’re finally coming to terms with the injustice that is baked into our democracy. System racism is the opposite of equality of opportunity and if we are going to strive for a more perfect union, we must seek to dismantle the wrongs. Our country may lack righteousness and justice, just as the city of Judah did. But Our Savior promises them both. Let’s hope that together we can “execute” them.

Devotional Written by Jim Craig

Jim Craig prefers to sit in the front of the Church on Sunday morning. His kids used to be fine with that, but now they are embarrassed.

I have been thinking a lot about prayer lately. I even read a book about it. *

I am not sure why prayer has become interesting now. Maybe it is because my son is going through confirmation. Maybe it is because I am slowly turning into my dad – who also thought a lot about prayer. Most likely it is because I’ve started to wonder if I have been doing it right.

Because of the book, I realized that I tend to limit my prayers to 3 types: prayers as petitions, prayers of gratitude, and prayers that I just recite (Our Father or Hail Mary, for example). Today’s reading is a prayer that did not fall neatly into one of my buckets; that’s why I chose it.

Psalm 25 is a petition, a prayer asking for God to do something, but there is more to it. I sense urgency and concern. It feels more like an imploration. The struggle, the uncertainty, and the humanity of the psalmist are exposed right away in verse 2.

O my God, in you I trust;
do not let me be put to shame;

The author wants to trust God and is probably making a good show of trusting God, but deep down there is concern, maybe even fear. The author is worried about being wrong.

Prayer is odd. We learn it in community, but we do it in the privacy of our heads and our hearts. For this reason, I share the worry of the psalmist. I want to pray right. When I sit in church, I feel like I am praying the same as everyone else. I think I am doing it right, but how do I know? Could I be wrong?

Thanks to the book, I have started to think of prayer more like a running conversation with someone who knows me well - almost like a text chain. I don’t schedule my chats with God, and I don’t structure them. They just happen when they happen, in a form that works for each moment. Sometimes we engage in flurries of communication and sometimes there are gaps of time between our sharing. But the relationship never goes cold.

I might be wrong, but I am confident I am not alone.

*The book is Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone by James Martin, S.J.

Tuesday, Nov 30

O Come O Come Emanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou Root of Jesse’s tree an ensign of thy people be;

Before thee rulers silent fall; all people on thy mercy call.

O Come thou wisdom from on high and order all things far and nigh

To us the path of knowledge show and cause us in her ways to go

O come O come great Lord of might, who to they tribes on Sinai’s height

In ancient times once gave the law in cloud and majesty and awe

O come, thou Root of Jesse’s tree, an ensign of they people be;

before thee rules silent fall, all peoples on thy mercy call.

Devotional Written by

Doni Driemeier-Showers

Doni loves movies, the congregation known as Samuel UCC; singing, reading and hanging with her family—especially those kids with four legs.

There is something about O Come, O Come Emmanuel. The haunting melody and the prayerful pleading refrain “Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel, shall come to you O Israel.” It is a hymn that traces its origins to the 8th Century when it was used as a chant. There is no doubt this hymn has staying power, having survived fifteen hundred years. The longevity might suggest it tells us something about our faith and the now and not yet, kin-dom of God.

This is the kind of information a hymn geek loves; but I didn’t know any of this in 1989, my first Christmas away from home in “far off” Indianapolis. I was working as a social worker in a neighborhood that had seen better days—but there was a spirit of work and cooperation between sister agencies, or as I thought of us ‘sister ministries’. Each agency’s executive director lived, worked, and worshiped in the neighborhood. Half of the board of directors for each of our sister ministries was made up of consumers of those ministries.

There was the Near Eastside Community Organization that boasted the leadership which worked to start many of the other sister agencies. There was the Near Eastside Community Federal Credit Union that gave higher risk loans to those the ‘regular banks’ red-lined. There was People’s Health Center—a federally qualified health center—offering the highest level of medical and dental care to people without insurance. There was Mid-Town Mental Health that shared space with People’s Health Center. There was Eastside Community Investments, working on job creation and stable housing in the neighborhood. There was Shepherd’s Center—a day center for homeless folks—with washers and driers, barbers, and doctors; where neighbors could use the center’s phone number and address as their ‘home’. The John H. Boner Community Center offered a wide range of resources for our neighbors. And, finally, around 10 congregations that joined to work on larger neighborhood issues. It was my ‘Camelot’ experience.

Scholars tell us that the original text created the reverse acrostic "ero cras," which means "I shall be with you tomorrow." In 1851 the verses were translated into English by J.M. Neale. Of note, each of the verses is rooted in scripture and use another name for God or Jesus:

"Emmanuel" (Isaiah 7:14, Mt 1:23) means "God with us"
"Adonai" (Exodus 19:16) is a name for God, the giver of the law
"Branch of Jesse" (Isaiah 11:1) refers to Jesus' lineage
"Oriens" (Malachi 4:2, Luke 1:78-79) is the morning star or daystar
"Key of David" (Isaiah 22:22) again refers to Jesus' lineage

On this particular night, during Advent, the neighborhood congregations and sister ministries joined in an Advent processional. There were nearly 30 of us in the bitter cold. We walked through the neighborhood—stopping at each of the ministries, local bars, dilapidated vacant houses, and the like.

At each stop we would sing a verse of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”, building upon it verse by verse until at the last stop where we sang the hymn in its entirety.

Standing in the stinging cold, shoulder to shoulder with my neighborhood friends I heard this hymn as if for the first time. Everything was new. The haunting melody took on the despair that so many of our neighbors felt—and I sometimes felt too. The lyrics moved me from that despair to hope. Not a pie-in-the-sky hope, but the kind of hope that surrounds us in the middle of the night, in the midst of the world in which we live.

We sang, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” as a protest to all that was wrong in our city and neighborhood. We sang, “O Come thou Day Spring come and cheer” for those who were suffering. We sang, “Rejoice, Rejoice Emmanuel shall come to you O Israel” as a prayer.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel does not often play on the Christmas station on our radios. To be sure, I need “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Joy to the World!”—but those fall flat without O Come, O Come Emmanuel.

May Emmanuel be known to us this Advent, and may we take comfort in the promise that this ancient hymn lays claim: "I shall be with you tomorrow." Amen.

Devotional Written by

Scott Driemeier-Showers

Scott is a member of Samuel Church who has provided tech support throughout the pandemic and participates in various ministries throughout the year.

Love is Love

I have many wonderful memories of my uncle Don: dressing up as Santa and surprising us kids during Christmas celebrations at grandma and grandpa’s house, sitting at the organ playing the family’s favorite hymns on a Sunday afternoon, taking me and my siblings to the circus, and hanging out at his house brushing the show horses that lived in the stables behind his house.

Unfortunately, two of my most painful family memories also revolve around my uncle.

The first happened during the summer between my seventh and eighth grade years at a church softball game where I overheard a conversation between my mother and another lady on her team as she explained that my uncle (her brother) was “that way”, making an insensitive gesture with her wrist to emphasize exactly what she meant. Up to that point it had never occurred to me that there was anything “different” about my uncle; but, suddenly, my family’s hushed talk about his “friend” made a lot more sense.

The second happened eleven years later, after my uncle died in an automobile accident. At his funeral Wes, his partner of twenty-five years, wasn’t invited to sit with our family at the funeral home or during the memorial service at church. Wes, who had been part of my uncle’s life longer than I had, was not given space to grieve with people he had shared table and broken bread with. I can point to those events as the time when my relationship with my family changed forever.

Today’s scripture passage doesn’t say that God’s love was only revealed among some, or that God only sent Jesus so some might live through him. It doesn’t place conditions or barriers; it simply says that everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. As we prepare for the coming of Christ this Advent season, I am grateful for this church family – whose understanding of love makes a place for everyone God loves.

We use blessing words for ordinary leave-taking too. “Good-bye” is a short form of “God be with you”; farewell means “fare thee well” (be safe); “adieu,” and “adios” invoke the protection of God.

In eighty years, I’ve racked up a lot of good-byes, farewells, and adieux to people, places, and best-ever dogs. Some with joy and relief; others with sorrow and regret. Benediction is a way of absorbing the loss, of putting a good face – or God’s face – on it.

But Advent deserves an invocation, a “hello,” rather than a “good-bye,” doesn’t it? Someone is arriving, not leaving. How does a benediction fit? Well, December is the year’s wrap-up, like the wrapping paper on a present, discarded (recycle, please) so that the present – in both senses of the word – can be enjoyed.

Good-bye 2021, with all your difficulties, nuisances, and complications. Sure, there were good times, even great times, but I’m not sad to see you go. Bless you 365 times! Now: fade into history.

Devotional Written by Anna Muhm

Anna is a daughter, wife, and mother, with a deep love of music and the written word. She also pops into the office as the Office Administrator for Samuel Church.

I love snow. I love the way it sounds when it hisses down from the sky. I love the crunch it makes when you step into it. I love the way it muffles the sounds of our busy world, and makes everything quiet. There is nothing quite like standing in the snow – especially after the sun has set – and just being there and listening. I’ve always felt like the snowflakes are kisses from heaven.

This carol first appeared in print in 1599, and the melody we know was harmonized ten years later by German composer Michael Praetorius. As with any work centuries old, there are numerous translations and extra verses.

When I listen to this carol, I prefer versions without accompaniment so I can hear the harmonization and how the music moves more clearly. It reminds me of a snowfall. The moving harmony of the alto line are like little puffs of wind blowing snow around. The base line is the snow already on the ground, while the soprano and tenor lines are the flakes as they cascade from the sky. The slightly minor key and frequent dissonance make the resolutions more powerful. Like a snowflake pushed and buffeted by the wind into buildings and trees before finally settling on the ground softly like a feather.

It’s not the words that move me as much as the music. And having grown up in a German part of St. Louis City, with grandparents who spoke German at school, this song was one I heard often. If you are not familiar with this carol, I encourage you to search for it online and listen. Can you hear the snowfall I hear?

Saturday, Dec 4

Isaiah 11:6-9

The Wolf and the Lamb

6 The wolf shall live with the lamb,
    the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
    and a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze,
    their young shall lie down together;
    and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
    and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
9 They will not hurt or destroy
    on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
    as the waters cover the sea.

Devotional Written by Hugh Chou

Hugh manages research computing systems at Washington University during the work week, but he (along with Mr. Punkers the cat) prefers to spend time tasting gourmet delicacies from local eateries including whatever Penny is creating in the kitchen.

Can you believe it has been 50 years since a TV commercial appeared with a diverse group of people from all around the world singing how by purchasing a soft drink for one another we could make the world a better place? Yes, the Coca Cola commercial with “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” aired half a century ago, but despite all the Cokes that have been sold in the past decades, the world, our country or even our local communities are still not living in perfect harmony.

Isaiah’s ideal visual of the wolf and the lamb living peacefully together is getting harder to imagine in the world we have today. It seems politically and ideologically people are becoming more polarized and extreme, and I believe the people from 1971 could not have imagined how fractured and unequal the world would still remain 50 years later. But what can any of us do to try to bring the wolves and lambs together to live in harmony? Isaiah would argue the “knowledge of the Lord” will bring peace and harmony to all, but these days it seems more people use the "Word of the Lord" to separate us instead of uniting us.

All anyone can do is try to reach out to others perhaps not with a Coke, but simply with love. That is easy to do amongst the like-minded lambs or the wolves, but much more difficult to do between differing groups. We must learn to cross the borders that separate us and demonstrate love with those who would not expect it from us. Only love is the "Real Thing".

You can add the YouTube link to the Coke commercial in the electronic version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eQhtAh-SJM

Sunday, Dec 5

Malachi 3:1-4

The Coming Messenger

3 See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; 3 he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness.[a] 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

Devotional Written by Hugh Chou

Chapter 3 of Malachi starts out by telling us God is sending a messenger who will prepare the way, and then a second messenger, the main event, to follow. These days we can consider it like a trailer before the blockbuster movie. Weeks or months before the latest superhero flick will hit the big screen, we can expect a 2- or 3-minute YouTube video to whet our appetites for the excitement that is coming soon. But wait there’s more! This dazzling attraction comes packed with special effects, “refiner’s fire” and “fuller’s soap” to clean and purify us, so this is no simple Hollywood release. This is a main event like nobody had ever seen.

The first messenger was John, of course, and he acted well as the opening act for Jesus, hyping Him as the one and only spectacle for all to behold. Of course, that meant everyone had to wait. At least with a movie trailer they let us know the exact release date so we can purchase tickets in advance (or know when to stream it on demand.) The people thousands of years ago just had to wait and hope. It is never easy to wait for something, especially now when we live in a world where everyone expects things to happen precisely on schedule. Advent is defined as the time of waiting for Christ, so even though we know something spectacular is coming, we must be able to take a few breaths and simply hold back and allow Christ to come to us at His own pace.

Devotional Written by Joshua Champion

Joshua moved to St. Louis in the midst of the pandemic and connected with Samuel online. He runs the online service.

Words interplay with each other in specific ways to cast an aesthetic. In Isiah 40:3-5, I see a collection of difficult terrain and pathways: the treacherous terrain of "wilderness, desert, valley, uneven, rough" are transformed by "straight, highway, lifted, level, plain" into a path for the message of God to be delivered by John the Baptist.

What this all means is that in order for God’s message to travel, there has to be a route planned out for it to be successful. And, just as the Magi looked for the Star of Bethlehem as a guide to Christ, there will be signs to help direct us on this way.

This also reminds me of something I heard a while ago I have taken a hold of: “Brick walls are there for a reason - not to keep us out, but to show how badly we want something”. Wildernesses and deserts and rough traveling certainly sound like brick walls, but it allows us to showcase our love and trust in God who has a plan for us.

Tuesday, Dec 7

Luke 3:2-6

John Preaches Isaiah

2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,

“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
    make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
    and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
    and the rough ways made smooth;
6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

Devotional Written by Kerry Cissell

Kerry Cissell (he/him) is the husband of Melissa Harlow and father of Cora and Nico. He has attended Samuel for 2 1/2 years. He is ready for his son Nico to outgrow his obsession with the church elevator.

Epiphanies are a funny thing. They can come on so sudden, like a blurry picture that snaps into focus so fast our minds can’t handle the speed that the information is coming in at. Sometimes they make us feel like we’ve finally been able to peel back the curtain and reveal a truth that was previously hidden to us. Then we might say to ourselves, “why did it take you this long to figure that out, you dummy!” Or we may actually (not actually) experience our IQ levels soar to new heights, as if we’ve cracked a code that has been stumping people for all of human history. We are the smartest version of the human race in that moment.

I have had a few epiphanies over the last year that have significantly changed my worldview. From how I eat and take care of my mind, to how I view my role in society and community, and to how I understand this thing we call god. Now, with these sharp moments of clarity comes an instant and insatiable desire to talk to someone, anyone, right away, about the new understanding I’ve just stumbled on. My wife can vouch for this. And my friends. My sister. Co-workers. Pastor Jeff. Maybe you soon!

I can’t help it. I want to talk about this new knowledge that I’ve come across. I want to make others aware of it if they aren’t already. Selfishly, I want it to be as important to them as it is to me. I want to know if my new understanding matches up to reality. If it is knowledge really worth keeping, or if it is incomplete in its grasp of the truth (it usually is), which may lead to more epiphanies. I want it to drive my spirit forward, with love and empathy towards humanity, in hopes to be a contributor to a better world for the future.

In the story of John the Baptist in Luke 3:2-6, I feel like I’m reading about a person who, like me, is wandering around the wilderness of their mind, exploring the outer edges of their own understanding and trying to push further to the far reaches of the territory, hoping to find a truth that hopefully is out there to discover.

Then, BAM! An epiphany.

“The word of god came to John, son of Zechariah, in the wilderness” (vs. 2). After several years of wandering in the wildness, something suddenly snapped in to focus for John, and he had the unsatiable desire to emerge from the wilderness and tell everyone about his new understanding of god that has revealed itself to him. John’s worldview was changed. He had found his truth. He was convinced that his truth needed to be heard, that people needed to see god’s salvation in the heavenly king he was heralding for. I believe John’s spirit was driven forward with love and empathy for his community. He was pointing towards an ideal that represents the best of humanity. Jesus was his epiphany, and we’re all fortunate that John wouldn’t shut up about it!

Wednesday, Dec 8

Isaiah 35:5-7

The Lame Leap

Then the eyes of the blind will be opened,
    and the ears of the deaf will be cleared.
6 Then the lame will leap like the deer,
    and the tongue of the speechless will sing.
Waters will spring up in the desert,
    and streams in the wilderness.
7 The burning sand will become a pool,
    and the thirsty ground, fountains of water.
The jackals’ habitat, a pasture;[a]
    grass will become reeds and rushes.

Common English Bible Translation

Devotional Written by

Doni Driemeier-Showers

Doni loves movies, the congregation known as Samuel UCC; singing, reading and hanging with her family—especially those kids with four legs.

Life Skills Center in the late 80’s was unlike any place I had known. It was really something! Monday through Friday, from 7am-3pm it hummed with activity as men and women learned work skills through job coaching or shadowing. Some worked on fulfilling contracts in the sheltered workshop. Sometimes coaches would help someone learn how to ride the bus. Life Skills was the kind of place that helped individuals to be as independent as possible in both work and life. In addition to job training, coaches were also available to meet with individuals or roommates on all kinds of skills for their new apartment living.

But, come Friday nights? Oh my goodness! On Friday night the quiet hum of the week turned to excited controlled (ok, sometimes not so controlled) chaos. Friday nights, Saturday afternoons, and Saturday nights were set aside for “Club Activities”. Individuals from around the St. Louis area could participate in Clubs—even if they did not use other Life Skills programs. Clubs were just that, social clubs. Groups of 15-20, depending on skill level, would spend these evenings and days planning their calendars and enjoying a myriad of activities including: shopping at the mall, catching a movie, throwing a party, eating dinner at a new restaurant, or watching a Cardinals or Blues game. When an individual was a member of the Clubs, they earned the privilege of signing up for weekend and weeklong trips to far off places such as Branson, Florida, California, Disney World, and Myrtle Beach. Yet, there was one event that stood out among all the rest. So important was THE single event, that all the others paled in comparison—the Life Skills Banquet.

The Life Skills Banquet was a swanky affair. There were fancy dresses and suits. There was the primping of hair and makeup. There were corsages and boutonnieres. There were festive, beautiful decorations, tablecloths, linen napkins folded just so, and candles on the tables. There was a fancy dinner served and amazing desserts. Most important of all—there was dancing. The ginormous dance floor accommodated everyone—lots of joyful, uninhibited dancing. No one left the Life Skills Banquet early.

When I hear these verses from Isaiah, I cannot help but see that Life Skills Banquet. Excitement and uninhibited joy – where there was room for everyone at the table. Those physical barriers or speech hurdles – those ‘problems’ which seem to hold some back – disappeared.

It was as if all that the prophet Isaiah had spoken came to fruition in that ballroom. The words of the prayer Jesus taught us “on earth as it is in heaven” took root. God’s Kin-dom was real.

We pray in this advent season for the in breaking of God’s kin-dom to be at hand. Lord, let Your light shine into the dark places, and let there be dancing and joy. Amen.

Thursday, Dec 9

People Look East

People look east the time is near of the crowning of the year

Make your house fair you are able, trim the hearth and set the table

People look east and sing today; Love the Guest is on the way

Furrow be glad though earth is bare, one more seed is planted there,

Give up your strength the seed to nourish that in course the flower may flourish

People look east and sing today; Love the Rose is on the way

Stars keep the watch. When night is dim, one more light the bowl shall brim

Shining beyond the frosty weather, bright as sun and moon together

People look east and sing today; Love the Star is on the way

Angels announce with shouts of mirth him who brings new life to earth

Set every peak and valley humming with the word the Lord is coming.

People look east and sing today; Love the Lord is on the way

Devotional Written by

Samuel Youth Group

The Samuel Youth spent time listening and talking about this song and in the spirit of continuing our faith’s stories, added two more verses.

People look in church for Jesus each year.

Anticipating his birth, the season is here.

Air filled with snow and smell of cookies.

Families watching favorite movies with Wookiee’s.

Filled with joy making food for Christmas,

every moment not one we’ll miss.

People look south and feel at home,

they decorate the tree with Christmas gnomes.

People look north and God is near,

they look to the west and have no fear.

People look east and love is found,

it is not one direction, but all around.

Our prayer for you this season is that wherever you look for love, it will be found. Amen

Additional lyrics by Isaac Groene, Claire Linnenbringer, Kylie Nesvig, and Sophia Spencer.

Friday, Dec 10

Isaiah 2:2-3

The Mountain of the Lord

2 In days to come
    the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
    and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
3     Many peoples shall come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
    and that we may walk in his paths.”
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
    and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

Devotional Written by John van de Laar

John is a songwriter liturgist from South Africa. You can find more of his work at www.sacredise.com

An Open Space

The calls are always there, God,

to be more, have more, do more,

Every corner of our lives

needs to be filled with something,

Every step, every word, every thought

must be pregnant with meaning and purpose,

We need to prevail, triumph,

win the race!

Except no one ever wins. Not really.

We run as fast as we can to stand still,

and so many get left behind,

broken, poor, depleted.

Perhaps, in this Advent waiting time,

we can learn to let go,

slow down,

open up;

Perhaps we can begin to clear away

some of the clutter,

and open up a space within us

for silence,

for stillness,

for hope,

for the Holy.

And maybe, just maybe,

as we create this open space

we will find more room in our lives

for generosity,

for laughter,

for connection,

for caring,

for love,

for life!

Saturday, Dec 11

Psalm 96:1-6

Praise to God

1 O sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
    tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples.
4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
    he is to be revered above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
    but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Honor and majesty are before him;
    strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

Devotional Written by Pastor Jeff

Pastor Jeff has been at Samuel Church for 20 years, with his family and love of the Green Bay Packers.

Sing to the Lord a new song!” Oh, how we have longed to sing during this season of pandemic – and not spread apart with masks – but side by side belting it out! Allowing God’s Spirit to flow in through our nostrils, swirl through our lungs, and finally rush back out again across our vocal cords “declaring to all the nations God’s marvelous works among the people!”

This Advent Season, we are invited to think about how we can become a house where the Holy will be born anew. Where a new song can be born. Below is a breath prayer adapted from the “Housing the Holy” resources we have been using for worship this Advent/Christmas Season

Find yourself a comfortable place to sit, placing your feet firmly on the ground. Pray, either silently to yourself, our quietly out loud…

Open my heart, loving God,

make me a house for the holy,

a warm and sturdy place for hope to live and grow.

In this moment we open the doors of our hearts, letting go of all we do not need.

Take a deep breath IN…

and then breathe OUT regret…

and breathe IN forgiveness…

and OUT again, inviting peace.

In this moment we open the doors of our hearts to the Spirit, inviting us to become more than we can ask or imagine.

Take a deep breath IN…

and then breathe OUT fear…

and breathe IN courage…

and OUT again, inviting joy

In this moment we open the doors of our hearts, continue gently breathing IN and OUT filling your heart with thought of compassion for all those who are struggling.

We remember and pray…

For those who are suffering economic hardship, and insecurity in basic needs…

may abundance be shared.

For those who are suffering mentally, finding it difficult to cope…

may paths open and hope return.

For those who are suffering illness or injury…

may healing abound.

For those who are suffering loneliness and isolation…

may companionship and solace arrive.

For those who are suffering discrimination, fear, and violence…

may they know respect, respite, and safety.

Let God’s door of welcome sing open just a little bit more. Let your lungs fill with the spirit of God’s new song. Fill your lungs full with hope

Take a deep breath IN…

and then breathe OUT all that limits you…

and breathe IN the feeling of hospitality and welcome…

and OUT possibility and hope. Amen.

Devotional Written by Keith Karau

Coming to Samuel as student pastor in 1969, Samuel has shared its light and hope with us in many ministries nurtured in the Samuel family.

Life can get a little (or a lot) dark at times. The news of the world around… of politics, of Covid, of family, of health. It is pretty easy to feel darkness closing into our lives. It is really easy to begin to wonder if anything at all will ever change. The hope we have felt in a bright moment is often fleeting when we speak to a friend or turn on the news or go to a doctor.

I’ve been reading author Ken Follet’s trilogy (and the new prequel) about life in England beginning during the dark ages. When historians call it the dark ages, the novelist paints an almost unbelievable picture. The poverty and corruption is hard to imagine. Life that most of us take for granted in almost every part of our existence is so totally absent. The reader cannot help but be grateful for changes that have happened in the world in which we live.

Throughout Follet’s writing, often of a corrupt church, the light of Christ shows through in often only a few followers. And the reader catches glimpses of Christ, of the light he brings into our world — hope that God’s love might really change the world.

Isaiah says that…

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

on them has light shown…

for to us a child is born,

to us a son is given…

It’s a gift in the darkness we experience, a reminder of who we are and what we can be when we welcome the very presence of God in the darkness sharing love in word and most important in deed being present for those caught in fear and sorrow feeding, clothing, enabling, crying, praying, loving!

The light of Christ does indeed break into deep darkness…

a son is given again and again.

Devotional Written by

Samuel Youth Group

Created by Kylie Nesvig, Isaac Groene, Claire Linnenbringer, Sophia Spencer, Betty Burnett, Melissa Harlow, and Alex Miller.

Let Earth Be Glad

a poem of response created by the Samuel Youth and Betty Burnett.

Shhhh. Settle in your seat now. It’s opening night…

The overture begins – a cacophony of bird song, the sound of a waterfall pounding into a river, the deep bass of tectonic plates shifting, and somewhere a lone dog barks.

Slowly the curtains open. The audience gasps as sunlight brightens the stage. The fragrance of gardenias wafts through the theater – pink-blossomed apple trees, loblolly pine, weeping willows appear. Is that a sequoia? The sight of marigolds, iris, azaleas, and tiny strawberry blossoms stirs applause.

Four beagles and a collie enter followed by an orangutan with a koala riding on his shoulders. The play begins. A beagle steps forward. “All animals,” she says, “on this planet Earth are cared for and loved.” One by one animals appear – a camel, a porcupine, two elephants, a jaguar – and tell stories of kindness and care from each other and from humans.

The curtains close. The houselights light up – it’s intermission.

Attention: Hershey kisses, Doritos, and blue Gatorade are available at the snack bar in the lobby. Or, if you’d prefer, take a pillow from an usher and snuggle down for a nap…

The overture reprises. It’s time now for Act 2.

A chorus line of small quokkas and penguins dance to “Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow” and “The Best of Times.” Their new shoes sparkle and glow with good vibrations. A huge screen descends, showing scenes of joy: float trips, lock-ins, the Escape Room, a progressive dinner, the Zoom prom, Room at the Inn, and Tuesday nights. Music swells, laughter follows, the cast bows to cheers.

Love reaches out and touches each of us with warmth. Happiness spreads throughout the land. The Earth is glad!

Bravo!

Wednesday, Dec 15

O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see you lie!
Above your deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;
Yet in your dark streets shines forth the everlasting light;,
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in you tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing, and voices ring with peace to all on earth.

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts the glorious love of heaven.
No one discerns God's coming, but in this world of sin,
Where yearning souls long to be whole, the dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

Devotional Written by Allen Grothe

Allen is a member of Samuel and a retired UCC pastor.

In the great wall which forms the back of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem (the church built over the cave where tradition tells us Jesus was born), there is an entrance so small that only a child can go through it without stooping. During the Middle Ages, the Crusaders reduced the size of the entrance to prevent Arab horsemen from galloping into the interior of the church, and no one has ever replaced the original arched doorway. One wonders if the Crusaders realized the deep symbolism of their act of protection, for how fitting it is that this church marking Jesus’ birthplace has a door so low that all adults must enter it on bended knee.

Whil Biblical scholars debate whether Jesus was actually born in Bethlehem or in Nazareth, one truth remains clear: humility is the appropriate response to the birth in either city. Indeed, “Glory to God in the Lowest,” declares the English theologian G. K. Chesterton in his wonderful Christmas poem “Gloria in Profundis,” using his favorite upside-down imagery. In effect, Mr. Chesterton asks us these questions: Who dares to be proud when God is so humble? Who dares to measure human worth in terms of privilege or possessions when God is so poor? Who dares to worship the love of power when the power of love becomes flesh in a lowly manger? And who dares to celebrate Christmas except “on bended knee” as we are surprised again and anew by the unexpected gift we are given.

Thursday, Dec 16

Luke 3:15-18

John foretells Messiah

15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah,[a] 16 John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with[b] the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

18 So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

Devotional Written by Melissa Harlow

Melissa Harlow loves being the Children, Youth, and Family Outreach Minister at Samuel. She is always grateful and amazed at the lessons the Samuel children teach each week.

Baptized in fire?! I thought water was the main baptismal ingredient! Water that cleanses. Water that refreshes. Water that symbolizes grace. A baptism without water is like a Christmas tree without ornaments or a sugar cookie without sugar! But John tells us Jesus is going to baptize with fire! And this takes baptism to a whole new level.

The first thing that came to my mind when I read this passage was a short video I watched recently. A young boy, maybe 6 or 7, stands in the baptistry pool next to the pastor waiting to be baptized. The pastor is saying the traditional words of their faith, talking about the importance of this moment and the boy cannot contain himself any longer. He leaps out of the pastor’s arms, shouts “I’ll do it!” and dunks himself. This young boy held within him so much joy and so much exuberance, he could not contain himself any longer.

He abandoned the rules of the order. Disrupted the stillness of the water. He was on fire! He didn’t need permission to celebrate God’s extravagant love, he was ready! I think this boy embodied some of what this holy spirit and baptism by fire that John was talking about. The holy water cleanses, but the fire brings about a change. Whatever that fire means for you this holiday season, my prayer is that you are baptized in it. Baptized in a spirit of joy and light. Baptized in a renewed hope. Baptized in a celebratory anticipation of new life. Baptized by fire.

Watch the video here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQaOKau5eaY

Friday, Dec 17

Luke 1:34-38

Mary and the Angel

34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Devotional Written by Anna Muhm

Anna is a daughter, wife, and mother, with a deep love of music and the written word. She also pops into the office as the Office Administrator for Samuel Church.

Last year, I told you about our journey and struggles with infertility and how I understood Samuel’s mother, Hannah, and her pain at being barren. We waited 8 very long years for Ben to come to us. And then, we waited until after the first trimester to tell anyone. We knew we wanted to make the announcement to our parents in a unique way, so we wrote up a Christmas list of stuff for related to a baby but without saying I was expecting. So, I jotted down a list and we just handed them the note, sat back, and watched the surprise. Those were beautiful moments of a child wanted very much.

Often, I have heard or read translations indicating Mary’s pregnancy would have been the equivalent of a young unmarried woman in the world 200 years ago or 60 years ago; a person of scorn who needed to be hidden away from the rest of the family so she wouldn’t spread her shame – a pregnancy that was not truly wanted because of the associated shame and ridicule coming her way. But the reality is far different.

When we read the bible, we need to remember not to apply today’s cultural norms, definitions, and rules to the characters. Their world was dramatically different than ours, and I think we need to remember that when reading any ancient text.

In ancient Jewish culture, there were two parts to a marriage: the betrothal and the wedding. Woman at this time were treated more as property and a betrothal wasn’t just a diamond ring on a finger signaling a verbal promise. A betrothal was a legally binding marriage, not an engagement - and it was considered more important than the wedding. The betrothal was where the groom received the dowery, and the bride then lived with her father’s family for another a year. The wedding was the act of the bride moving into the home of her groom – in essence the actual transfer of property from the father to the groom. This means that far from being ostracized and shamed for becoming pregnant, Mary’s situation was likely very common.

The real issue with the announcement was Joseph knowing he wasn’t the father. Since the betrothal had occurred and they were legally married, Joseph could have chosen divorce since Mary’s pregnancy was a sign of her unfaithfulness. This is what Mary was worried about here – not about the pregnancy itself, but about Joseph thinking she was unfaithful.

Knowing this puts a different perspective on the nativity story: Mary is afraid of losing the man she was married to, while Joseph is afraid of Mary unfaithfulness. It does not take away their courage in staying the course – but knowing the cultural norms changes things and I think it makes this story even more beautiful.

Saturday, Dec 18

Luke 1:39-45

Mary Visits Elizabeth

39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be[a] a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

Devotional Written by Chris Trousdale

Chris is a native of Arnold, MO, is a second-year student at Eden Theological Seminary who previously studied and worked in the realm of academic biological research at both WashU Med School and Missouri State University.

Whenever advent season comes around, I am reminded of the strength of Mary throughout the story. I think it’s easy for us to label her as the lucky one, then not think about her and what she went through as we shift our focus to the coming Christ. But in reality, Mary is the rock on which the blessing of Jesus is built. Here she is a young woman, yet to be married, bestowed with the most important pregnancy in the history of the world. She didn’t choose this, but she steps up to the challenge when all of society has reason to cast her out. To me, Mary is the real hero of the advent, carrying all that weight of responsibility on her shoulders and never once relenting.

So, if Mary is the MVP of the advent, then I say Elizabeth must be the second most important. She has every right to take the side of society and ambush Mary with questions and accusations, but she doesn’t. She welcomes Mary with prophetic blessing and wholehearted reassurance. Elizabeth sees Mary in her worry and burden and comforts her for the road ahead. Without the motherly love of Elizabeth, Mary might not have had the strength to see the whole thing through. What’s also lost in our reading of this is the importance of motherhood is Jewish society. At the time, familial life was very matriarchal, so to have Elizabeth meet Mary with such wisdom was the ultimate blessing for her life and for the birth of Jesus. Elizabeth blesses Mary so that Mary can bless the world through the birth of Christ.

Sunday, Dec 19

Psalm 98:4-9

A Joyful Noise

4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
    break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
    with the lyre and the sound of melody.
6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn
    make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.

7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
    the world and those who live in it.
8 Let the floods clap their hands;
    let the hills sing together for joy
9 at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming
    to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
    and the peoples with equity.

Devotional Written by Anne Grothe

Anne Grothe is a member of Samuel who is active in choir, recycling, and delivery of food to Centennial Christian Church.

I believe God created us for joy. Life is a gift we are given and expressing and sharing joy in how we live our lives, through music, through our appreciation of nature, and through service to others are all ways of praising God and showing our gratitude for this gift of life.

We each express our joy differently. For me, singing has become an important way to show my love for God and to share that love with others. For some, joy is expressed by dancing or sharing time with children or doing community service or helping to build a Habitat for Humanity home.

The natural world sings a joyful noise to God in so many ways if we slow down long enough to notice. The leaves put on a breathtaking display of brilliant golds, oranges, and reds as they let go and fall to the ground in preparation for winter. Each morning the sky awakens with pinks and purples as the sun peeks over the horizon to warm us for another day. Even in the midst of winter, snowflakes gracefully fall in their lacy beauty as they moisten the earth to prepare for the new life of spring. And spring brings warmer days and the gentle rebirth of color and vibrancy to the world.

Joy is all around us if we take the time to see and feel it both in nature and in each other. Don’t be afraid to express your joy and to share it with others.

Monday, Dec 20

Isaiah 9:6-7

A Son is Given

6 For a child has been born for us,
    a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
    and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His authority shall grow continually,
    and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
    He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Devotional Written by Anna Muhm

I cannot read these verses and not think of Messiah. A few years ago, the church I belonged to performed the first part of this epic work as their Christmas Cantata. I felt honored to be a part of it. What I didn’t know at the time was just how special this work is.

First, it is a collaboration between Charles Jennens and George Frideric Handel. I always thought it to be translation – but it isn’t. Jennens used the King James bible and the Coverdale Psalter as his text and the text we hear today is the original. The music was written in just 24 days. An oratorio in style, Messiah was Handel’s response to a decline in the popularity of fully staged operas. He had written several oratorios, but Messiah is by far the most well-known. There are no roles as in a traditional opera, and no single narrative voice, although soloists abound.

Second, it premiered in Dublin, Ireland, not London. It was charity concert to benefit three causes: prisoner’s debt relief, Mercer’s Hospital, and the Charitable Infirmary. It raised four hundred pounds. In today’s dollars that would be about $125,596.45. Each charity received one third or just over $40,000.

Let that sink in for a moment. In 1742, Handel used his work to free to 142 people from prison. Their crime? Debts they could not pay, averaging about $285 per person today. These weren’t murderers or rapists or burglars. They owed someone money and because they could not pay, they were imprisoned. How full would our prisons be today if everyone who owed money to someone, or a company was imprisoned?

I cannot think of a more fitting moment of housing the holy than to pay the debts so people could go free.

(Information about Messiah condensed from the Wikipedia page on Messiah)

Tuesday, Dec 21

It Came upon a Midnight Clear

It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,

From angels bending near the earth, to touch their harps of gold:

“Peace on the earth, good will to men, from heaven’s all gracious King.”

The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled,

And still their heavenly music floats o’er all the weary world;

Above its sad and lowly plains, they bend on hovering wing,

And ever o’er its Babel sounds, the blessed angels sing.

And ye, beneath life’s crushing load, whose forms are bending low,

Who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slows,

Look now! For glad and golden hours come, swiftly on the wing.

O rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing!

For lo! The days are hastening on, by prophet seen of old,

When with the ever-circling years shall come the time foretold

When peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling,

And the whole world send back the song to hear to the angels sing.

Devotional Written by Nic Valdez

Nic is a music loving transplant from California who has put down deep roots in the St Louis music scene working for various professional theatre companies, local high schools, as well as being an adjunct professor at Webster University.

This classic and well-known Christmas carol speaks to us this year – especially the third verse.

And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,

whose forms are bending low,

Who toil along the climbing way

with painful steps and slows,

This time of the year is particularly difficult for me. Between the high school shows I music direct, the students I teach, Samuel's Christmas Cantata, and all of the crazy stuff happening around Christmas time, I feel like I can't catch my breath. Sometimes it feels like climbing a mountain with painfully slow steps and it happens every year during the holiday season. The press of Christmas means so much is happening – especially for musicians - I often don’t even have time to stop and listen or rest to hear the angels sing.

We are too often caught up in the holiday hustle and bustle to remember the holidays are not just about getting together or finding the perfect gift for that special someone.

It’s about the magic that is new life, the sudden cry of a child born into a cold and scary world. It's about a family huddled in a place where there was no room, but eventually someone found them a space for privacy. And maybe, just maybe if that long ago an inn keeper could find space for a family, I can find space to slow down, listen, and find a moment to hear the joy, promise, and hope of the season. Maybe even unload some of the things weighing me down. To rest – and send back the joyful song of the angels.

Wednesday, Dec 22

Mark 1:4-8

John Baptizes in Water

4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with[c] the Holy Spirit.”

Devotional Written by Chris Trousdale

Chris a native of Arnold, MO, is a second-year student at Eden Theological Seminary who previously studied and worked in the realm of academic biological research at both WashU Med School and Missouri State University.

For this devotional, I decided to use a (slightly modified) excerpt from my sermon on John the Baptist from earlier this year:

What this passage presents that is relatively new to scripture is an emphasis of the importance of baptism. Think about it this way: if Jesus was to come and baptize the people in a more powerful, everlasting way, why would John bother baptizing them with water at all? Seems awful redundant, doesn’t it? However, I ask you to consider this: Baptism is the most important thing one can undergo to tie their life to their creator.

Baptism is a covenant of understanding. An understanding that we intend to walk hand in hand with God along the often-treacherous path called life. It’s a promise that God will always renew us if we meet God with honesty and openness. It’s an agreement with God that we carry hope for the future in our faith in God. The later baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist is the triumphant declaration of the divinity and authority of Christ. It may very well be the most important action taken in the gospel outside of the crucifixion narrative. It’s the very real recognition of Jesus as the son of God, a fact that propels forward His authority throughout the rest of his ministry.

Thursday, Dec 23

Matthew 1:18-21

The Birth of Jesus

18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah[a] took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Devotional Written by Doni Driemeier-Showers

Doni loves movies, the congregation known as Samuel UCC; singing, reading and hanging with her family—especially those kids with four legs.

Confession: this piece of the Christmas story has caused me a fair share of confusion over the years. As I child I simply didn’t understand and, quite frankly, found it a little scary that “she was found to be with Child from the Holy Spirit.” Ummm—could that possibly happen to ME? Then I heard it as a ‘story’—told over and over, long before it was written down. And, like the game of operator, perhaps some of the details were left out in the retelling. Next, I came to appreciate it for the good news it was. It was irrelevant if I thought it ‘as truth’ because I could take it into my heart as true. This was the faithful people of God making sense of their world. It didn’t detract from my understanding of God’s love for God’s people. God sent Jesus so that we might know God better, and God would know us better. Through Jesus, God knows what it means to love, to worry, to laugh aloud, to be afraid, to be depressed, to grieve, to have joy.

Recently the phrase “do not be afraid” has stood out and been helpful to my faith journey. “Do not be afraid” the angels told Mary. “Do not be afraid” the angels said to Joseph. “Do not be afraid” the angels sang to the shepherds.

Do not be afraid. Powerful words. Words that I need to hear in our world that raises a goodly dose of worry. A friend who I trust with such Bible trivia shared with me that the phrase “do not be afraid” is found in scripture 365 times. One for every day of the year! I have decided I need not count for myself. I like that idea. Do not be afraid, for God is with us. Do not be afraid, for we are comforted. Do not be afraid, for we belong to God. Do not be afraid as we step out in faith to be the people of God.

Rev. Susan King-Forbes shared this benediction with us while we worshiped on Zoom:

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am.

Be still and know.

Be still.

Be.

Do not be afraid. This is indeed Good News.

Friday, Dec 24

Still, Still, Still

Still, still, still

One can hear the falling snow
For all is hushed

The world is sleeping
Holy Star its vigil keeping
Still, still, still

One can hear the falling snow

Sleep, sleep, sleep

'Tis the eve of our Savior’s birth
The night is peaceful

All around you
Close your eyes

Let sleep surround you
Sleep, sleep, sleep

'Tis the eve of our Savior’s birth

Dream, dream, dream

Of the joyous day to come
While guardian angels without number

Watch you as you sweetly slumber
Dream, dream, dream

Of the joyous day to come

Devotional Written by Jenny Jones

Hi, my name is Jenny and I've been a member at Samuel for a few years now. The church has been inspirational to me and allowed me to live my life more authentically in the gender of my choice. I am thankful for that. I have two children and four beautiful grandchildren, whom I spoil mercilessly! My son responded to my reflection. I thought I'd include what he said about stillness:

"That definitely captures the moment. I remember those Christmas eves from the other side. Some of my favorite times were after dinner and the rest of the family left. We all had some time to spend together on those old yellow couches in the living room with the fire going, before we got shuttled off to bed. Couldn’t stay up too late or Santa might miss us! Doesn’t get much better than that."

With a glass of Christmas cheer in hand,
We headed for the couch to view our handiwork.
Presents, wrapped with love,

snuggled beneath our tinseled tree,
As Christmas carols played

softly in the background.

A manger, in its shadow, awaited the baby Jesus,
While plaster Shepherds tended to their flocks.
Wisemen awaited, too,

after following a star to Bethlehem.
The Son of Man, the Son of God

would soon be born.

Silently, we snuggled closer together,
Exchanging smiles, knowing in that moment,
The Spirit of Christmas

had found its way back into our home.
Its rooms were glowing, now,

Illuminated by the Light of Love.

Outside, the snow fell gently,

silhouetted by a lonely street light.
The morning awaited,

but the Now became sufficient unto itself.
As we looked into each other’s eyes,

there was a sense of Peace,
A longing for nothing more than

that moment out of time.

The next morning,

as wrapping paper lay in tatters,
We came together for a family hug.
Four young, imperfect souls

joined in Love that Christmas morn,
The feelings live on in my mind,

through time, space and loss.

May your family
Find the Spirit of Christmas this holiday season.
May it nurture and guide you,

in moments of stillness,
To become an Instrument of Her Peace

throughout the year.

Saturday, Dec 25

Luke 2:15-20

The Shepherds

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Devotional Written by John van de Laar

John is a songwriter liturgist from South Africa. You can find more of his work at www.sacredise.com

Homes for the Holy

It’s a radical thing to claim

if you really think about it:

that God inhabits humanity;

that the Eternal Divine would dwell

in temporal human hearts, minds, and bodies;

But that is the unavoidable truth that Christmas dares to proclaim.

The great mystery is that this indwelling

is not a once-off, never-to-be-repeated event;

Yes, Christ is God incarnate,

but so is the cosmos!

And since the Divine Spirit lives in us too,

so are we!

We are homes for the Holy!

As this truly awesome reality sinks into our souls,

we hear the Spirit’s whisper:

that we can live in the power of this truth;

that we can host God’s holy presence

not just in this season, but always!

And we can carry the Divine presence,

grace, and compassion

to all who need to find a home

within the Divine Life.

Thank you God, for giving us the dignity

of allowing us to be your Divine dwelling,

And for giving us the chance

to help the homeless ones

—whether physically or spiritually—

find their place within your Divine hospitality. Amen.