Dear United Presbyterian Family,

Advent is here! Advent is that in-between time, when we look back of the first Advent, the birth

of Christ, and the future Advent, when Christ returns. As we sit in this time, we are called to

prepare and wait. Preparing is easy. We like to get ready for guests so we prepare our homes

and our hearts for the Christmas Joy! It’s the waiting that most of us do not like. I honestly do

not know anyone who likes to wait.

As we sit in the middle ground this Advent Season, may I suggest that we practice active

waiting. Waiting isn’t necessarily sitting around and doing nothing. Waiting can be active by

living out our callings from God. God wants us active in the world, being God’s hands, God’s

feet, and God’s heart to our hurting world.

Once again, members of our church family have written meditations on different passages to

help us prepare and wait actively for this Advent Season. They invite us to look back with

gratitude to Christ’s first Advent and help us look forward with expectation to our Lord’s

promised return. It is my hope that you will be blessed in reading through these meditations.

Let these devotions guide you in your daily private time or family prayer time with God

throughout this season.

Advent Blessings,

Pastor Wendy The Rev. Wendy L. Keys

Advent and Christmas Events at

The United Presbyterian Church of New Kensington

December 2 The First Sunday of Advent 9:30 a.m. Sunday School – “Watchful Expectancy” (Adult) 11:00 a.m. Lighting of the Advent Wreath – the Candle of Hope 12:00 p.m. Women’s Christmas Tea – “Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice” December 4 5:30 p.m. Christian Education Meeting December 6 9:00 a.m. Food Truck December 7 6:30 p.m. Women’s Christmas Movie Night – Mr. St. Nick December 8 7:30 a.m. Food Packing 9:00 a.m. Food Bank Distribution December 9 The Second Sunday of Advent 9:30 a.m. Sunday School – “The Fulfillment of All Promises” 11:00 a.m. Lighting of the Advent Wreath – the Candle of Peace December 10 5:00 p.m. II Kings – at Denny’s 7:00 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting December 11 6:30 p.m. Deacon Meeting 7:00 p.m. Joint Session and Deacon Meeting 7:30 p.m. Session Meeting December 14 7:00 p.m. Movie Night – The Nativity

December 16 The Third Sunday of Advent 9:30 a.m. Sunday School – “The Dawning of Day” 11:00 a.m. Lighting of the Advent Wreath – the Candle of Joy December 19 6:00 p.m. Dress Rehearsal for Pageant/Pizza Party December 20 10:00 a.m. Coffee with Wendy – David’s Diner December 21 7:00 p.m. Adult MeeTUP - Somma December 23 The Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:30 a.m. Christmas Breakfast – Potluck 11:00 a.m. Lighting of the Advent Wreath – the Candle of Love Christmas Pageant December 24 Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m. Special Music 7:30 p.m. Lighting of the Advent Wreath – the Christ Candle

December 2 Jeremiah 33:14-16 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."

God is reaffirming the promise that was made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah, that at the right time, God will rise up a righteous Branch from the lineage of David. This is a promise of God long before Jeremiah and is confirming that it will happen not now, but in the future. Sometimes it is difficult to wait for a promise to come true. After all, those that God made the original promise to are all long gone. God is reaffirming that the promise is not forgotten, it will happen. But as we know, it doesn’t happen in Jeremiah’s lifetime. This new leader is, of course, Jesus Christ, born into the house and family of David. He is the one who teaches us righteousness, a word which is best defined as “right relationship.” Jesus wants us to show justice and righteousness in our relationships with each other and in our relationship with God. Righteousness is all about right relationship. To be in right relationship with the people around us, we search for the image of God in each and every person. We act as though Jesus is hidden inside the least of our brothers and sisters, because we remember that Jesus said that we are really serving him when we give food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, welcome to the stranger, and clothing to the naked. Maybe one of the reasons that Jesus came into the world as a weak and vulnerable baby was to remind us of the importance of caring for the least of our brothers and sisters.

Pastor Wendy

Prayer: Dear God, as we enter into this Advent Season, help us to be mindful that you are present everywhere

and in everyone. May we see Jesus is all our brothers and sisters. Amen.

December 3 Psalm 25:1-10 1To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

2O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my

enemies exult over me. 3Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are

wantonly treacherous. 4Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.

5Lead me in your

truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. 6Be mindful of your

mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. 7Do not remember the sins of

my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness' sake,

O Lord! 8Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.

9He leads the humble

in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 10

All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and

faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

In Psalm 25, David is asking God to guide him. David trusts God, and that HE will direct David. David asks God to forgive his indiscretions (who doesn’t have those!), and to only remember the man he is according to God’s love. This is something we must do each and every day. We must remember while we have wants and desires, we must live according to the covenant of God and trust He will guide us to live this way.

Kelli Williams-Sloskey

Prayer: Dear Lord, allow us to be humble in your presence so we may be guided in your ways. Teach use how to

follow your paths so we may keep the demands of your covenant. In your name we pray, Amen.

December 4 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

9How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of

you? 10

Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is

lacking in your faith. 11

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. 12

And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we

abound in love for you. 13

And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless

before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

The Apostle Paul is writing to his friends, the Thessalonians. He rejoices in this friendship and wants to make sure they know how to grow, learn more, and mature in their faith. Paul wants to be with them to help them do this. He wants them to increase in love for one another and for all. He wants their hearts to be strong in holiness to be ready as they wait for Jesus to come again. As we now wait to celebrate the birth of Jesus, God wants the same for us – that we would grow in our faith, that we would pray for each other, that we would find our way to Him, and that we would increase and abound in love for one another and for all. Jesus’ birth is a great joy and the news of it is to be shared with everyone. So, just as Paul helped guide his friends, God will help us know and share the good news of Jesus.

Julia Yockey

Prayer: We thank you for Jesus and this time of celebration of his birth. May we abound in love for you and one

another. Help us to share this love and good news with everyone. Amen.

December 5 Luke 21:25-36

25"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations

confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26

People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is

coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27

Then they will see "the Son of

Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. 28

Now when these things begin to take place, stand

up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." 29

Then he told them a parable:

"Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30

as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and

know that summer is already near. 31

So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the

kingdom of God is near. 32

Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken

place. 33

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 34

"Be on guard so that your

hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day

does not catch you unexpectedly, 35

like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the

whole earth. 36

Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things

that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

We see signs frequently – we’ve had the recent solar eclipse along with recent lunar eclipses – one of which was a “blood moon.” Also, considering the sun, scientists are watching for solar flares which can have devastating effects on anything electronic. We hear talk of close calls from comets and asteroids. Many are anxiously watching the rising sea levels. Jesus tells us that all these things must happen, but do not give into fear and despair, because they are indicators that our redemption is coming soon in the return of our Lord and Savior.

Mark Bondra

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we see your word unfolding before us. Help us remain faithful and see these events

not with despair, but with anticipation of the long-awaited coming of our Lord Jesus. Amen.

December 6 Malachi 3:1-3 1The Lord of heaven’s armies says, “I will send my messenger. He will prepare the way for me to come.

Suddenly, the Lord you are looking for will come to his Temple. The messenger of the agreement, whom

you want, will come.” 2No one can live through that time. No one can survive when he comes. He will be

like a purifying fire. He will be like laundry soap. 3He will be like someone who heats and purifies silver.

He will purify the Levites. He will make them pure like gold and silver. Then they will bring offerings to

the Lord in the right way. (ICB)

I struggled with this passage I chose for the Advent devotional. At first, I was confused – laundry soap? Then I thought I was looking up the wrong verses. But the more I thought about it, I think I figured it out. God is coming. God is coming as a baby in Bethlehem. But, God is also coming again. Advent is all about the waiting. Advent is not only waiting to celebrate the remembrance of the birth of baby Jesus, but also for Christ's second coming, in power and glory. When Jesus was born, there was much rejoicing as he was to be our King of Kings, our Savior. Then Jesus was crucified so our sins would be forgiven. And now we wait for Him to return. What will you do? Will you wait? How will you live each day? What is your “best” that you can give to Jesus? Will you celebrate Jesus at Christmas, when it seems like everything is all about the gifts? Will you celebrate Jesus all year? Every year? Until he returns? Some people say Christmas “sneaks up on them” and they are out shopping on Christmas Eve, while others have gifts wrapped by the end of October. Jesus said, "Keep alert at all times. Pray that you will be strong. Don't let that day catch you by surprise." These are God’s gifts of Christmas: Jesus in the manger, Jesus on the cross, Jesus to return.

Stacey Oden

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for this special time of year and what it means to us. We thank you for

sending us Your Son -- and we thank You for the promise that He will come again. Amen.

December 7 Luke 1:68-79 68

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. 69

He has raised up a mighty savior g for us in the house of his servant David,

70as he spoke through the

mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 71

that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of

all who hate us. 72

Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy

covenant, 73

the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us 74

that we, being rescued from

the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75

in holiness and righteousness before him all

our days. 76

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord

to prepare his ways, 77

to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. 78

By

the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, 79

to give light to those who sit

in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

As God was setting the stage for the coming of Jesus into the world, previous to this passage, Zechariah

questioned the angel when he was told that he and his wife, Elizabeth, would have a son whom they

would name John. John would be a great man, filled with the Holy Spirit, who would help to return the

people of Israel to God.

Because of his doubt, he was unable to speak until the day the child was born. When the child was born

and he and Elizabeth named him John, Zechariah was able to speak. He was filled with the Holy Spirit

and began to praise God, telling his son of his important role in the future of his people.

How many of us would have the same fears and doubts when facing an angel of the Lord? When what

we believe to be impossible is promised … a child to an elderly couple? Zechariah didn’t think about

when the same promise had been made and fulfilled with Abraham until John was born. This is another

reminder of God doing the impossible.

Karen Grillo

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help us to see the possibilities you place before us. Show us what you want us

to do, and give us the power and courage to do it. Amen.

December 8 Luke 3:1-6 1In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and

Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and

Lysanias ruler of Abilene, 2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to

John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a

baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4as 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. 5Every 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; 6and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

This wandering preacher began to confront sin energetically. He probably wouldn't have attracted too much attention if he hadn't publicly rebuked King Herod Antipas, who ruled Galilee and Peraea from 4 BC to AD 39, for divorcing his first wife and marrying Herodias, his niece and his brother Philip's former wife. Soon John's bold preaching drew a tremendous crowd from Jerusalem and the other towns of Judea. His message was this: the kingdom of God is at hand, the Messiah is coming soon, and you're not ready. You are sinful and corrupt. You must repent of your sins and be forgiven. John “the Baptist” preached to Jews not Gentiles. When John called on people to be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins, he called them to submit to the same kind of cleansing bath required of Gentile converts. What Jew, what son of Abraham, would so humble himself to do something that only unclean Gentiles must do? The common people repented and were baptized gladly, but the Pharisees and the Sadducees rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John. Spiritual pride prevented the religious select from experiencing God's plan for their lives. What blessing from God might your spiritual stiffness and pride be blocking this Christmas season?

Dave Keys

Prayer: Lord, I'm humbled to think that you might be able to use my strangeness for your own purposes. But

you've made me the way I am, and you've got a plan. I repent of my willful, self-directed ways. I

desperately need your cutting and filling, straightening and smoothing in my life. Please forgive my sins

and cleanse me for your service. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

December 9 Isaiah 9:2-7

2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep

darkness— on them light has shined. 3You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they

rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4For the yoke of

their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the

day of Midian. 5For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be

burned as fuel for the fire. 6For 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. 7His 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.

The prophets were messengers of God’s judgments. They were those who read the signs of the times, knew the nature of God, and were caught up in concentration upon God and His will. God, through his prophet Isaiah, announces fulfillment of His promise to raise up the new king. The birth of a child is the sign of a new mighty act of God in the salvation of his people. Just as the people in the time of Isaiah were anticipating the coming of a new king, each Christmas season I also look forward to the birth of my Messiah - my Savior. The Christmas season can be so hectic, busy, and rushed. So I really look forward to all the quiet times during the season to reflect on the birth of the Prince of Peace and to open my heart to the light that Jesus’ birth gives me.

Diane Swetof

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to us. May we be filled with His great

light this Christmas season. May we continually know your love for us. Amen.

December 10 Zephaniah 3:14-20 14

Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter

Jerusalem! 15

The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies.

The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. 16

On that day it shall be

said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. 17

The Lord, your God, is in

your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his

love; he will exult over you with loud singing 18

as on a day of festival. I will remove disaster from you,

so that you will not bear reproach for it. 19

I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will

save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the

earth. 20

At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned

and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the

Lord.

Lord, we often reach out to you with concerns about our day-to-day earthly concerns. We pray for good health when we or our loved ones are sick, financial help when things are looking bleak and solutions to family conflicts. We seek refuge in you for these day-to-day concerns. However, this view is shortsighted. These problems are temporary. The real refuge you provide to those who follow and believe in you is not in this world, but the next. This Song of Joy celebrates the opportunity for everlasting peace and harmony you provide to those that believe and follow you.

Tim Beckes Prayer: Lord, help us remember the real goal of our earthly lives: to be kind and helpful to one another, forgive

those that do not treat us in the same manner, and life a life in a manner that is good. In doing this, we

will be regarded with the eternity of peace and happiness that you will provide.

December 11 Isaiah 12:2-6 2Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my

might; he has become my salvation. 3With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

4And you

will say in that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known his deeds among the

nations; proclaim that his name is exalted. 5Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this

be known in all the earth. 6Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy

One of Israel.

Some days it’s harder to trust the Lord than others. Things didn’t go especially well, and you can’t see how things will be better tomorrow or even the next week. When that happens, I turn to verse 2: “… I will trust and not be afraid ….” The Lord is always with us, and he gives us strength to face difficulties. We need to sing his praises and be joyful of this certainty.

Donna McLaughlin Prayer: Dear Lord, let me remember that you are always at my side and to share the joy I feel when you have

given me courage and strength to face the difficulties of life. Amen.

December 12 Philippians 1:3-11 3I thank my God every time I remember you,

4constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for

all of you, 5because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.

6I am confident of this,

that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. 7It

is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share

in God's grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus.

9And this is my

prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10

to help you to

determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11

having produced

the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

_________________________________________________________________________ This is like a Christmas greeting from Paul to his well-loved friends at Philippi. The theme of his letter is joy. In our grim Presbyterian determination to finish tasks to prepare for Christmas, we sometimes forget the joy of being loved and saved by Jesus. Paul tells us to expect the day of Jesus Christ, that is, the day of Christ's return. For us, each Christmas is a day of Christ's return. Jesus returns to us each year, not as the risen Lord with an avenging army. He returns to us as a tiny baby, whose birth is told by an angel to shepherds. "Do not be afraid," says the angel, and a multitude sings, "Glory to God in the highest heaven." Paul wrote this letter from prison because the government feared him as a trouble-maker. He taught and preached a new religion, in which people remember the teachings, the horrible murder, and the return to life of a man called Jesus Christ. We are to be joyful in this religion, not afraid. Paul was put in prison unjustly for saying what he knew to be true. In our present time, too many are held in prison unjustly. Even in prison, Paul overflows with love, and he wants his friends to overflow with love that gives knowledge and insight. He wants us to enjoy the full richness of life in Christ. He wants us to be righteous, pure, blameless, and filled with joy.

Pete Schilling

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to find the joy of Jesus Christ as Christmas approaches. Help us to overflow with

love. Amen.

December 13 Luke 3:7-18 7John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to

flee from the wrath to come? 8Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We

have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to

Abraham. 9Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good

fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." 10

And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" 11

In

reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has

food must do likewise." 12

Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what

should we do?" 13

He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." 14

Soldiers also

asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats

or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages." 15

As the people were filled with expectation, and

all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 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 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.

John’s words show that he views poverty neither as an accident nor as the fault of the poor. In his time as in ours, the earth produced more than enough goods to feed and clothe everyone. The problem then and now is that the resources have been grabbed up by a very small percentage of the population. John called not only the wealthiest but also the merely comfortable to treat their accumulation of goods as directly related to the seriousness of their repentance. How we get money and how we use money reveals what we value. Economic issues are spiritual issues. If we ignore God’s commands to practice social and economic justice, how can we claim that we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength? If we prioritize our pleasures above our neighbors’ basic necessities, how can we claim to love our neighbors as we love ourselves? Though John’s message seems radical to his hearers, he is quick to remind them that he is merely a messenger preparing the way for Jesus Christ. Jesus is the one that will baptize in the Holy Spirit and in fire. But what will this fire consume? Is John saying that some people will be destroyed, and others will be saved? “The line that divides good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being.” Which one of us can claim truthfully to be all wheat and no chaff? When the stronger one winnows the wheat and burns the chaff, he will sift out and destroy the impurities within every person. Like the water of baptism, the promised fire is a gift that cleanses our sins for our eternal life.

Dave Keys

Prayer: God, our strength and our hope, grant us the courage of John the Baptist, constantly to speak the truth,

boldly to rebuke vice and patiently to suffer for the truth's sake; in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit - one God - now and forever. Amen.

December 14 Isaiah 11:1-10 1A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.

2The spirit of

the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the

spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 3His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not

judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; 4but with righteousness he shall judge the

poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his

mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. 5Righteousness shall be the belt around

his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. 6The 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. 7The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like

the ox. 8The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on

the adder's den. 9They 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. 10

On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal

to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

This passage might well be the heart of the Advent message. It moves from the branch of the root of Jesse to the prophesy in Isaiah 6:6 “…a little child shall lead them.” Isaiah confirms that the spirit of the Lord will bring about the peaceful kingdom when unlikely relationships unite on earth as it is in heaven.

Ruth Milz 2016

Prayer: We give you thanks, Heavenly Father, for the scriptures that are testimony of your guidance and

unconditional love. Open our eyes, ears, and hearts so that we may be a part of your kingdom on

earth. Amen.

December 15 Philippians 4:4-7 4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The

Lord is near. 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with

thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all

understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

In the first verse of this passage, Paul is telling us that we need to rejoice in the Lord always. That means even when we don’t feel like it, when life throws us curve balls and we don’t know what to do. Even when we are faced with the most horrible things in life. Paul goes on to say that we should be so outrageously gentle (at least for today’s culture) that we become known for it. Paul then talks about not worrying about anything, but in everything we are to give thanks through prayer and supplication. The online dictionary defines supplication as the “action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly.” As we do these things, God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds in Jesus. There was a time a few years ago when I was going through divorce, our home was on the market for sale with almost no prospective buyers, and I had no extra funds and didn’t know how or where I was going to move with my children. I initially remember mulling it over in my mind and getting stressed about how I was going to provide a home for us. I didn’t have the funds to rent an apartment, nor to even move back across state to where my family live. We were established here and didn’t want to leave the area. I realized that the only way out of this gargantuan situation I was being forced into – possible homelessness with two children – was to leave it in God’s hands. I poured my heart out to God over and over again about what I was going to do – where the children and I were going to go. He would have to provide. All I needed to do was trust him and not worry. And I did. And though fear of the unknown future would occasionally rear its ugly head, I was still able to sleep at night. God chose a means to provide that I would not have – through the death of my mother. I realized while sitting in her hospital room with my siblings as we awaited her final breaths that this was going to be God’s answer. And wouldn’t you know, when I received enough of my inheritance money to finally go looking for a house was when God provided a buyer for the marital home which in and of itself was amazing! By giving my worries over to God, I had an amazing peace throughout the year-long wait. People kept asking me what I was going to do and my answer was always that I didn’t know, but God would provide. And even in the sorrow of losing my mother, I rejoiced to finally be able to provide for my children. You can know his peace, too. It isn’t an easy thing not to worry – it’s in every one of us to do so. It’s human nature. But seeing how God takes you through to the other side is amazing!

Kris Cullinan

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray your peace upon all as we look forward to celebrating the birth of your son,

Jesus, who came to redeem the world.

December 16 Micah 5:2-5a 2But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth

for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. 3Therefore he shall

give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall

return to the people of Israel. 4And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the

majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends

of the earth; 5and he shall be the one of peace.

Micah lived 750 years prior to Jesus being born in Bethlehem. People of God had turned away from Him; they were worshiping false gods and living in sin. Bethlehem was the smallest town in the tribe of Judah. I wonder why God picked Bethlehem? To find some good news from Micah’s prophecies of judgments that were to come could be difficult, yet he does tell us this will be the birthplace of a Messiah who is coming, who will make us right with God. Jesus is our source of peace. God offered HOPE, for PEACE, through Micah’s prophecy roughly 700 hundred years before Jesus was even born. HOPE was always there. PEACE was on its way. So, again, why Bethlehem? Yes, out of insignificant Bethlehem is born hope and peace in the form of God’s son, Jesus, but also King David. Jesus became the savior for ALL people: the poor, rich, educated, or the plagued. Micah’s prophecy reminds us of how, not only while in waiting for God’s promise the length of time was not a mistake, it was a lesson in conviction. He wanted His people to want Him. He is on His way back, but on His time. Also, Bethlehem was not a wonderful, gorgeous city. Nothing about Christ’s birth was glamorous. God chose it because it wasn’t important. The town will always remind us of Christmas and where Jesus was born, in extremely humble beginnings, the Ruler of all Israel. Oh, that little town, Bethlehem, the smallest of all the towns of Judah…where BIG things happened. I think He choose Bethlehem just as He chose young, unimportant Mary, or little David as king. This passage is a reminder that Micah delivered this message in a broken society. He brought the word of Hope and WANTING and WAITING for the Grace of Jesus. Jesus is the PIECE that offers Peace in any season, not just waiting on a particular month of advent or Christmas Day. You can enjoy the peace Jesus offers regardless of your level of stress OR busyness. A busy life can be full of emptiness. You do not have to be from some “great big place.” God will elevate you, just as Bethlehem, even though insignificant and undeserving. Micah reminds us there is HOPE waiting for you in the dark. Remind yourself to HOPE, and to look to Jesus for a little JOY to save you from your daily personal meltdowns and family spirals, or those at work who drive you crazy. Have FAITH in them too. Try to LOVE as Jesus did.

Kendra Wilson

Prayer: Forgive us (me), for not remembering to bend a knee to you in our (my) daily lives. Help us (me) to be

unselfish, and please refresh our (my) spirit with your presence.

December 17 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You, who are enthroned upon the

cherubim, shine forth 2before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. Stir up your might, and come to

save us! 3Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

4O Lord God of hosts, how long

will you be angry with your people's prayers? 5You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given

them tears to drink in full measure. 6You make us the scorn of our neighbors; our enemies laugh among

themselves. 7Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

17But let your hand

be upon the one at your right hand, the one whom you made strong for yourself. 18

Then we will never

turn back from you; give us life, and we will call on your name. 19

Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; let

your face shine, that we may be saved.

The person that sits by God is the good Shepherd of his people. But we cannot expect the comfort of his love unless we partake of his converting grace. If He is really angry at the prayers of his people, it is because their ends are not right, or there is some secret sin indulged in them. There is no salvation but from God's favor and no conversion to God but by his own grace. There is a beautiful piece by Handel called Messiah. By word and music, it gives powerful meaning to the fear, conversion, and joy as people “saw a great light” when God became flesh and dwelt and ministered among them. As we wait for the celebration of Christmas again, let us do so knowing the God of love and our risen Savior will calm our own fears in this time of uncertainty.

H. Preston Showman

Prayer: God of all things, give us comfort in uncertain times. Grant us courage and strength to hear and feel the

real meaning of another Christmas! Amen!

December 18 Psalm 96 1O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.

2Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of

his salvation from day to day. 3Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the

peoples. 4For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods.

5For all

the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 6Honor and majesty are before him;

strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the

Lord glory and strength. 8Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into

his courts. 9Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth.

10Say among the

nations, "The Lord is king! The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. He will judge the

peoples with equity." 11

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that

fills it; 12

let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy 13

before

the Lord; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with

righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.

We worship what we believe is worthy. The song commands us to sing. It is not a question – it is more natural than speaking. No skills are required to sing to the Lord, the object of the song. We are created to worship the power and celebrate the victory of the greatest warrior, Jesus Christ, who defeats our biggest battle. For our sins he died for what we can now receive: grace. We know how good it feels to sing a song, especially one that invites and unites everyone to feel that same depth and connection to really understand the purpose of God. Give God the glory. Glorify the Lord.

Karenda Wilson

Prayer: Gracious God, as we sing our praises this Advent season, may we be reminded of how the angels

rejoiced and heavenly hosts joined in the song. Let heaven and nature sing. Amen.

December 19 Matthew 1:18-25 18

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah i 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." 22

All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord

through the prophet: 23

"Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him

Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." 24

When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the

Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25

but had no marital relations with her until she had

borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

This passage shows me how devoted Joseph was in his faith in God. After an angel appeared to him in a dream, he didn’t just dismiss it all as just a “crazy dream.” He knew in his heart that this really was a message from God – that his wife to be was going to give birth to our Lord and Savior, God’s only son. And his faith kept him with Mary, and along with her, to raise this holy child, How many of us would be able to do the same?

Randy Schultz

Prayer: Lord, please give me the strength and the wisdom to understand and follow your guidance down the

path you have laid out for me.

December 20 Romans 16:25-27 25

Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus

Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26

but is now

disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the

command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27

to the only wise God, through

Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

One of the easiest things to do today is to find fault with our community, our government, our coworkers, our families, our spiritual leaders, and our God. Protest groups are very popular in the world and get a lot of attention. We are encouraged to have an opinion and to voice that opinion on every subject. We hear the word tolerance but have become totally intolerant of anything that doesn't serve our own purposes. We are becoming more and more divided. For me, I just want Jesus. So I have started a club, and I am inviting you to join me. It is called the WANNA B CLUB. This is what it is about:

I WANNA B better. I WANNA B kind. I WANNA B friendly. I WANNA B gentle. I WANNA B helpful. I WANNA B loving. I WANNA B generous. I WANNA B available. I WANNA B like Jesus.

There are no meetings and no dues. Anyone who loves Jesus can join. There is only one responsibility and that is to tell others about the club and ask them to join you. God's message came to life in the form of a man, Jesus Christ. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, we need to remember that many people who participate in the celebration don't really know Him. God has commanded that we continue to help reveal His plan and His message to everyone. It is our life work. We can't do that if we concentrate on ourselves and on division. Will you pray this with me?

Ed Ferguson 2017

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your desire to have all people come to You through the birth, sacrifice,

death, and resurrection of your son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for making a way when there seemed to be

no way. Help me to want to tell Your story to others. Help me to pass on hope instead of adding to

disillusionment. Help me to fight division and promote unity. Help me to want to be more like Jesus.

Help me to WANNA B. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

December 21 John 1:1-14 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2He was in the

beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into

being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.

5The light

shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 6There was a man sent from God, whose

name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.

8He

himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9The true light, which enlightens everyone,

was coming into the world. 10

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the

world did not know him. 11

He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12

But

to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13

who

were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14

And the Word

became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of

grace and truth.

Last year, I was asked to read this scripture verse during the Christmas Eve worship service at our church. As is my habit when I prepare to read scripture during worship, I practice. I read the passage, and then read it again, and then again. I read it in different translations. And I read it aloud. I have the need to feel prepared. Not only do I want to do a good job for those worshipping at that service, but also for God. For the glory of God. So when I was reading and rereading this passage – even the last minute reading in the pew bible before worship started – it gave me such comfort. It gave me hope. It gave me the Christmas story. Jesus Christ came into the world as our light. The light that brings salvation to all of us who accept him as our Lord and Savior. When we celebrate Christmas, we are celebrating this light. The light that has come as a little baby, the Christ child. The divine Son of God has become flesh. And at Christmas we celebrate the eternal life that he brings. When the worship service was over, my nephew Dean said, “Aunt Cathy, when you were reading the scripture, I got tears in my eyes.” I’d like to think that my rendition of this passage was that moving. But I know better. I know that Dean got it. The Light of the World has come to save mankind.

Cathy Brady Prayer: Father God, let your light shine into the dark places of our lives, and lead us this day into the awesome

mystery of your presence, as we celebrate the Light that has come to give us eternal life. In the name of

Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

December 22 Luke 1:39-55 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 fulfillment of

what was spoken to her by the Lord." 46

And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, 47

and my spirit

rejoices in God my Savior, 48

for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from

now on all generations will call me blessed; 49

for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy

is his name. 50

His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51

He has shown

strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 52

He has brought down

the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; 53

he has filled the hungry with good things, and

sent the rich away empty. 54

He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55

according

to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

This Advent devotional discussion took place at youth group, around the island in the kitchen, while we were baking bread as part of our world communion activity. The youth discussed the word MAGNIFY and how it relates to God:

Magnify can mean make bigger, so Jesus was born on earth to make God’s love bigger.

Kindness magnifies God.

Spreading God’s word can magnify the number of people who love and know God.

God can help you if you are lonely and depressed and his love will magnify in your heart.

God fills us with love and caring and then keeps making his love bigger.

God is accepting of our faults; God’s personality is loving - magnified to lift us up. We talked about Mary and Elizabeth, and how they were so excited about Jesus’ birth in this scripture – because of what baby Jesus was going to grow up and do. The youth talked about being excited for Christmas, and how God’s love is a gift.

Youth Group

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending us Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, for teaching us about love and joy

and healing. Amen.

December 23 Luke 2:1-7 2In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman

world. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3And

everyone went to their own town to register. 4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in

Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of

David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a

child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,

7and she gave birth to her firstborn,

a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room

available for them.

When the teens at the open youth room read this passage, they came up with a lot of questions. “They had to walk how far?” “No hospitals?” “No doctors?” “Was there no baby shower with games or bingo?” “Miss Stacey, who is going to have a baby where they keep animals?” Then we worked on re-reading the passage and discussing it until they found their own answers. As a group, they wondered “why didn’t anyone make room for Jesus?” And then they came up with ways that they could make room. Some of their answers included prayer, celebrate Jesus often, move the dark bad stuff out of your heart to make room for Jesus - the Good Stuff. Everyone agreed that gathering to talk about Jesus and share His love was probably one of the best ways that Jesus could be honored and celebrated as the Lord, even as a baby. When Christmas comes around, this group of teens wants to remember the birth of Jesus. Remember the happiness that Mary must have felt. Remember to care for loved ones. Remember the visitors…. Remember to make room.

Members of Teen Open Youth Room

Prayer: God in Heaven, thank you for sending us Jesus, your Son. Help us make room for Him in our hearts, at

Christmas, and always. Amen.

December 24 Luke 2:8-20 8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9Then

an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were

terrified. 10

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great

joy for all the people: 11

to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the

Lord. 12

This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a

manger." 13

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and

saying, 14

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" 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.

This whole unfolding drama is God’s story, and God is the one who should be praised and worshiped

because of it.

The blessed event of Christ’s birth was not announced to important people in positions of power, but to

lowly shepherds working the night shift. This is in keeping with what Mary says in Luke 1:52, that God

"has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble." I cannot imagine what the

shepherds must have thought when the angel appeared to them and the glory of God surrounded them.

In the Bible, God’s presence is often symbolized by intense light, fire, or lightning. It had to be an

amazing sight.

When the glory of the Lord shines around the shepherds, they find themselves surrounded by the

power and presence of the God who delivers God’s people from enemies and evil, who calls God’s

people to life set apart as the people of God, and who promises to establish an eternal kingdom and

throne. They are terrified, but the angel goes on to proclaim “good news” that is accompanied by joy for

everyone. The shepherds are told that they will find a Savior, the chosen of God, in Bethlehem. The

promise will be known through a sign: the sign of a baby lying wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger

(Ruth Anne Reese).

After the angel appeared with the announcement of Jesus’ birth, heavenly hosts lit up the Judean skies

and filled the air with their praise. What further need is there for a sign? One is tempted to see God’s

sense of humor here: an infant who was supposed to be the Messiah born in a feeding trough (Jirair

Tashjian)!

After the angels return to heaven, the shepherds, literally abandoning the sheep, hurried off to

Bethlehem to see with their own eyes the sign that was promised to them. And they find the Child just

as the angel described and immediately begin to share with those around them the “good news”. The

people were amazed. Just like the angels, the shepherds also depart, and like the angels the

shepherds also praise God and, more than that, they glorify Him.

In contrast to the Bethlehem people, Mary represents another response to divine revelation. She treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Mary had already heard the words of the angel Gabriel about the Baby she was to bear. And now she heard the report of the shepherds. But apparently, she was still puzzled. She needed time to fathom the meaning of it all (Jirair Tashjian).

Marie Davis

Prayer: Infant holy, we praise God for this day when we celebrate your miraculous birth! Transform us as you

were transformed so that we may perfectly love you with our whole being, for the sake of the one who

came humble and powerless, and became glory and power, Jesus Christ. Amen.

December 25 Titus 2:11-14 11

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12

training us to renounce impiety and

worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13

while

we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus

Christ. 14

He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself

a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

Blessed Hope

It is clear that this passage speaks of the second coming of Christ. This is difficult for us to imagine, especially today as we celebrate the birth of Christ - the incarnation, God entering our world in the form of a human. And yet it is this that assures us of the Blessed Hope to come. God promised to send the Messiah, the one to save His people. They did not recognize the Christ child as such a leader. Our tunnel vision does not limit God’s purpose. Our savior was born a baby and walked the earth, just as we do. And yet, dying on the cross, he has taken all our sin upon him so that we may be presented blameless before Almighty God, with rejoicing. It is in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ that we find all meaning for living as God’s children. It is in Christ’s resurrection that we proclaim life eternal until he comes again. The second coming has been the source of much speculation and popular books. The big question is: What will happen at the rapture? No one knows for sure, but as Christians we share in the Blessed Hope of Christ’s return. Let us today share in and be thankful for the birth of our savior. That all might be able to sing:

Joy to the World The Lord is Come

Let earth receive Her King. Let every heart

Prepare Him Room And Heaven and Nature Sing!

Pastor Wendy

Prayer: Gracious and loving God, thank you for your precious gift of Jesus Christ. May we truly live into the

Blessed Hope you have prepared for us. In the name of our Lord and our Savior, Jesus Christ, all praise

and glory are yours. Amen.

The United Presbyterian Church

of New Kensington

Advent Devotional

2018