“. . . the Dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet unto the way of peace.”

Luke 1:78-79 KJV

Advent Devotions

DayspringUnited Methodist Church

Nov. 27, 2011The First Sunday in Advent

We light the candle of HOPEBe Hopeful!

The first Advent candle urges you to be hopeful - FULL of hope. Hope is not wishful thinking . . . a pipe dream. Hope is more. It bespeaks a confidence that what you yearn for WILL happen . . . is, in fact, happening. God is coming! Really. Be Hopeful!

We light this candle as a symbol of Christ, our Hope.May the light sent from God shine in the darkness

to show us the way of salvation.O come, O come, Emmanuel.

Prayer

Dear God, as we await the celebration of the coming of your Son into our world, remind us always that we are the ones who are given the task of keeping the flame of Hope alive. We keep it burning by stretching out a hand to someone in need, by donating food to charity drives, by attending worship and learning more about You and Your place in our lives. Show us the way, O Lord, to keep our flickering light of Hope alive throughout this season and in every season of the year. Amen.

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Nov. 28, 2011

The Father and the Sonby Dr. Charles Ferrell

Sometime generally during Advent and Christmas I remember an old story about a father and his son. Ultimately I think it helps to understand the meaning of Christmas.

The story begins with the elderly father being driven to a hotel where he was to join men who had graduated from college with him some fifty years before.

The son parked at the hotel, walked with his dad into the lobby and told his father that he would sit in a lounge and read a book until the meeting was over. The old man then shuffled into the room where the men were gathering.

Now an interesting thing happened when each man arrived. The leader of the group did not wear a name tag and told each man not to identify himself because they were going to have fun trying to guess one another’s name when everyone was seated.

Well, when all were gathered round the tables, the leader said something like this: “Fellows, I thought it would be fun to have each man stand and have the rest of us see if anyone of us can identify him. Let’s start with me. Does anybody know my name?” Everyone laughed because everyone knew him. He was the one who had made all the arrangements for the gathering and had signed his name to the invitation to the reunion.

It was, however, a different story with many of the men. Old age had done its damage to their appearance. Some bodies and faces had drastically changed over the years. Even so, it was a fun exercise. Laughter rang out often as each man present was identified. Yet, there was a little drama when one old fellow stood up and no one had a clue as to who he was. Guesses were made but each guess was wrong.

The wrinkled old man was not hurt that no one knew

him. In fact, he chuckled and then said to the group, “Don’t feel badly that you don’t know me. Age and illness and the long years have changed my appearance drastically. But, I think, if you will be patient for five minutes, I have a plan that will enable you to remember who I am.”

He got out of his chair and feebly made his way to the lounge where the son was waiting. He said to him, “Son, come with me for a few minutes. I want the fellows to see you.” The son got up and they walked into the dining room where the dad addressed the crowd: “Fellows,” he said, “this is my son. He looks very much like I did at his age. Does seeing him help anyone know who I am?”

That was all he had to say. Some men, almost at once, yelled out, “You are James Chrystal, aren’t you?”

“Yes I am!,” the father responded happily. “I am James Chrystal and this is James Chrystal, Junior.”

And everyone rejoiced. The mystery was solved. It was because seeing the son they recognized the father.

That, dear reader, is a Christmas story. Now turn to the 14th Chapter of the Gospel of John and you’ll soon see why. Begin reading at verse one and see where the apostle John, the author of that good news, leads us.

Again and again, John is saying to his readers that Jesus is the Son of God the Father. It is Jesus who reveals to the world the nature of God, the message of God, the unlimited love of God. To know Jesus as the Son of God is to know God the Father.

We read in verse 8 that, when the apostle Philip requested Jesus to “show us the Father”, our Lord said to him, “Have I been with you all this time Philip, and you still don not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” (Verse 9).

Christmas has to do with God being revealed in the person of Jesus. And that is cause for the world to be joyous.

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Prayer

Almighty God, you have revealed yourself to us most clearly in your Son, Jesus the Christ. For that glorious and joyous revelation, we offer to you our deepest gratitude and love. Amen.

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Nov. 29, 2011

The Christmas Spruceby Charmione Jones

The spruce being dragged into the room,Cried as it lost needles.

But cheered up when it stood erect.Soon it would be full of riddles.

The tree was not a decorator’s joyFilled with exquisite ornaments.

But ornaments gathered through the yearsGiven with love and compliments

Some are as old as seventy yearsEach year glowing on a tree,

Others are as young as one year oldGiven by children with glee.

Each year a new spruce glows with prideOver the love in its branches.

It’s a time for family gatheringsReminiscing, hugging, whatever it fancies.

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Nov. 30, 2011

Advent Devotionby Ed Bawolek

“But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.”

Luke 2:19 (NRSV)

Shortly after the birth of Jesus, Luke tells us that shepherds visited Mary and Joseph, and relayed the extraordinary story of seeing angels who told of Jesus’ birth as the long awaited Messiah. Luke makes it clear that there was a lot of excitement and discussion about the angelic visitation. But Mary, it seems, was a bit more reserved. Instead of joining overtly in the festivity, she “pondered.”

The Advent season is one of hope and waiting, but do we take the time to ponder what we are waiting for? Do we treasure the promise of a Messiah? In some sense, Advent should be obsolete - after all, Christ the Messiah hascome, and he has already given us a blueprint for bringing God’s kingdom to earth. That is certainly something to treasure! But when we look at the Advent season from our modern vantage point we don’t seem to be living on God’s kingdom. The approach of Christmas is heralded by stress, commercials, traffic at the mall, and overindulgence. It doesn’t feel like the Kingdom is here; in fact it is pretty far away. So, we are back to waiting - for our deliverance from whatever separates us from God’s Kingdom. We still need the Messiah.

Let’s take the time to treasure and ponder this Advent season - instead of seeking fulfillment in the material, treasure the blessings of family and friends, the abundance on our tables, our ability to sleep safely in

freedom thanks to the sacrifices of others. If life is not going well, treasure the promise in God’s Word. Remember our Messiah was born into poverty and died in disgrace before His Resurrection. Take the time to ponder - can we experience the Kingdom in this life, if only occasionally? Can you bring a bit of the Kingdom to others this season? To yourself? Ponder the adage: “Wise Men Still Seek Him.”

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Dec. 1, 2011

Advent Devotionby Lori Rand

Advent directs us spiritually to the coming of Jesus’ birth. Christmas also makes us think of shopping, music, lights, and the joy of togetherness.

I don’t know about you, but the thought of Christmas shopping often blurs my focus about the true meaning of Christmas. Instead of beating myself up this year, I would instead focus on shopping for Jesus. Know that a store-bought Christmas gift would not put a smile on baby Jesus’ face, I gave some serious thought to other things I could give. Remembering how in the song “The Little Drummer Boy” played his drum, I searched my mind for other ways to bring joy and, and came up with my gift of presence as a present. Each day of Advent, I will set aside time to just hang out with Jesus, sharing my joys, concerns, admiration and thanksgiving for all He gives me. Yesterday, I added a new item to my shopping list for Jesus, my daily music practice of Bach’s Magnificat, which is our choir’s gift to Jesus and the congregation in December.

Would you join me in making a shopping list for Jesus during this Advent season?

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Dec. 2, 2011

Advent Devotionby Dorothy Young

For 30 years, Dayspring Preschool and Kindergarten has been providing a happy, nurturing environment for young children and their families. I was a teacher of four year olds when classroom doors first opened in 1981. I continued on for twenty years, retiring in 2001 with wonderful memories and fond feelings for the young families I had come to know.

All days at preschool were busy, but I recall the days leading up to Christmas as being especially action packed. There were special projects, of course - cards and gifts for parents, classroom decorations, and a piñata to make for the class party. I knew the children along with their parents were busy at home too.

It was during one of those busy advent seasons that I found the following poem in a stack of old ideals magazines that my mother-in-law had given me. The poem, I felt, spoke to all of us who value the lives of children. I sent it home with the children in their tote bags that year and got such a positive response that I decided to continue the practice every year thereafter. I am thankful for the opportunity to share it again with you this advent season.

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Gifts

What shall we give the children?Christmas is almost here...

Toys and games and playthings,As we do every year?

Yes, for the magic of toylandIs part of the Yuletide lore

To gladden the heart of childhood,But I shall give something more.

I shall give them more patience,A more sympathetic ear,

A little more time for laughter,Or tenderly dry a tear.

I shall take time to teach themThe joy of doing some task.I’ll try to find time to answer

More of the questions they ask.

Time to read books together,And to take long walks in the sun...

Time for a bedtime storyAfter the day is done.

I shall give these to my children,Weaving a closer tie...

Knitting our lives togetherWith gifts that money can’t buy.

Isla Paschal Richardson 1886-1971

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Dec. 3, 2011

A prediction you’ll really want to come true...by Beth Cadman

May 21, 2011, October 21, 2011 and December 21, 2012 - what do all these dates have in common? Philosophers and theologians through the ages (back to 30 AD) have tried to put together clues that will pinpoint the destruction of the world or the 2nd coming of Christ. These dates are just a short list in a long history of our inability to predict what God’s got planned.

Isaiah 7:14 The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

The world didn’t come to an end because of Isaiah’s prediction. People continue to celebrate the day that Jesus came into the world. What more wonderful gift can be given than Immanuel, God is with us.

Let’s celebrate by living like God is with us...help someone in need, welcome family and friends and maybe even someone you don’t know into your home, forgive and let live and love your neighbor as yourself.

My prediction for this Christmas is that love will be shared because God is with us.

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Dec. 4, 2011The Second Sunday in Advent

We light the candle of PEACEBe Peaceful

The second candle flickers and our souls tremble with the Good News that peace on earth will come to pass through the birth of Jesus, our Prince of Peace. Let us brighten the world with a spirit of unity and live in peace with one another. Be Peaceful!

We light this candle as a symbol of the Prince of Peace.May the visitation of your Holy Spirit, O God,

make us ready for the coming of Jesus, our hope and joy.O come, O come, Emmanuel.

Prayer

Most holy and loving God, even in the hustle and bustle of this season, you call us to walk in Your Peace. Show us the way, O God. Show us how in the midst of shopping and wrapping and baking and cleaning to find a moment of calm to acknowledge Your presence with us. Show us how to extend that peace like a warm blanket around our family and friends, around our co-workers, around those in need and around our world. Help us to wrap the world in Your Peace as the perfect gift to you. Amen.

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Dec. 5, 2011

The Giverby Marianne Lopez

We come to the season of giving. This is a story of giving from one selfless giver. I am still learning the lesson she started. My mother was diagnosed with leukemia the summer before my 7th grade. The doctors told her she would have 5 good years to live. Mom interpreted that to mean 5 good years to “give,” so she proceeded to live and give like there was no tomorrow - literally.

As is true today, the Salvation Army provided basic needs for some of the poorest residents in our small southern town. Mom had worked with the Salvation Army on various occasions and then became active as a bell ringer, raising money during the Advent season. It was during this period, the five years of giving, that she became the organizer of the bell ringers for our Methodist Church. Soon thereafter, she networked with the entire ecumenical community to fill every day in Advent with a church group whose volunteers could ring bells at Salvation Army kettles all around town. The logistics of such an operation astound me. (May I remind readers that there were no computers back then, nor spread sheets, nor cell phones.)

During high school, Mom helped our youth group discover the gift of giving. About five days before Christmas, several carloads of youth would gather at the Salvation Army for the Christmas packing. On that morning, I worked on an assembly line that loaded canned food, dry good, turkeys and hams into large grocery bags. Then, in the afternoon, scores of needy families would arrive to receive the bounty. I remember escorting moms and dads around the fellowship hall to select a suitable toy for each of their children for Christmas. The personal contact with those families was

endearing. We helped to provide a Christmas for those who would otherwise be without.

I will never forget those Christmases in high school when I learned about giving on a deeper level. This Christmas, let us seek ways to give that reflect the light of the Christ child we celebrate.

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Dec. 6, 2011

The Heartfelt Christmas Treeby Peggy Ferrell

There is a special Christmas treeThat lives within the heart.

It isn’t pine, and can’t be boughtAt any store or mart.

Each brand holds some fond memoryOf joyful Christmas cheer,

Reminding us of those we loveAnd always will hold dear.

The gifts beneath this Christmas treeAre stacked up very high

With kindly deeds of thoughtfulnessThat one could never buy.

The heartfelt Christmas tree expandsThrough every passing year

With lovely gifts and blessingsHaving come from far and near.

Atop this tree a star shines bright,While angels sing God’s praise;

Rejoice! The Christ-child’s love is shared,And blesses ALL our days.

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Dec. 7, 2011

Emmanuel (God is with us)by Jim Coffman

“...Behold a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel.” ~ Isaiah 7:14 KJV

It is astounding that the same God that masterminded all of creation chose to confine Himself to a mortal body and to human abilities.

When I was diagnosed with terminal cancer, God was with me; He gave me peace in knowing that I was not alone. His timing has been awesome. As I look back at the many times when I felt tired and discouraged, no matter what life events arose, no matter what ordeals I faced, no matter what assistance I required, I was amazed that He always sent kind and caring people to help me at exactly the moment when I needed it the most.

Emmanuel (God is with us)

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Dec. 8, 2011

Peace

May today there be peace within.

May you trust that you are exactly whereyou are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilitiesthat are born of faith in yourself and others.

May you use the gifts that you have received,and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content with yourselfjust the way you are.

Let this knowledge settle in your bones,and allow your soul the freedomto sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

Author Unknown

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Dec. 9, 2011

Advent Meditationby Charmione Jones

Some years ago, my husband and I were traveling in Europe. We were overwhelmed by the cathedrals, the sculptures and art work. But to this day, one sight remains etched in my mind.

The iron door of a cathedral is covered with three-dimensional sculptures of the life of Christ. The birthing scene is unique. There is Mary laying on a pallet on the floor with a single cloth covering her nude body. High over her head, with outstretched arms she is holding her new baby, Jesus. Joseph is looking on with hand under his chin, wondering what his part in the life of this child will be.

Yes, Jesus was physically born and every woman who has given birth to a child can empathize with Mary.

The words which come to mind at this Christmas time are from the adult Jesus. “Peace I give you. My peace I give to you.” May we receive this peace and give peace to others at this Christmas time.

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Dec. 10, 2011

Advent Devotionby Dr. Charles Ferrell

When Peggy, my wonderful wife, gave birth to twin girls, we were both stunned and amazed. The doctor had not told her she would have twins and I had no clue either.

So when the physician emerged from the delivery room, he walked by the chair in which I was sitting and said, “Rev. Ferrell. Twin girls.” He had no smile. He did not linger. He just left me sitting there dazzled, dumb-founded, and totally stunned.

Someone told me that I could go see Peggy. I walked hurriedly to her room. She had not been told yet, so I got to bear the glorious news. “Honey,” I said, “we have twin girls.” “Twins!,” she almost shrieked. We were both overwhelmed with surprise and ecstasy.

I won’t go into all the other details. Their weight, their length, their features, etc. I will just say this, “I could not wait to tell it.” Whoever walked by heard the news. Soon, I was on my way to our home to tell her mother who was visiting us. I think she was more than stunned. She was older and must have thought she was not up to handling the situation. She did not stay long after the stunning news. We understood.

On the following Sunday, I told the congregation about the twins. Several women offered to help us. And they did! The Lord does work wonders. We began to call our out-of-town relatives and friends. We eagerly wanted to share the good news with anyone who would listen. It was a glorious time.

During Advent, we are likely to read about the good news of our Lord’s birth. We will read about the shepherds learning of the birth of the Messiah. (Luke 2:8-20) They were so enthralled by the wonderful news that they 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.” So they went, they saw, and the glorified and praised the Lord.

You can be sure that from then on they told the story to anyone who would listen. It was too phenomenal not to share. Had they kept the matter among themselves, how would their story have passed down through the centuries?

And that leads us to a problem we modern Christians have. On Sunday, October 23, newscasters announced that, officially there are now seven billion people on earth. There are only 2.1 billion Christians recorded. That leaves 4.9 billion who do not know Christ. There will be no Christmas for them.

So we have masses all over the world who haven’t a clue about Christ and Christianity. We are laden with the enormous responsibility to tell them.

Why? Because our Lord gave us the following mandate: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19) We are to teach new Christians to obey everything the Lord taught us to obey.

And especially remember that Christ’s last recorded words are these: “Remember, I am with you always to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) How long? Always!!!

Prayer

Stir us up, Lord. Help us to remember the promise of your steadfast companionship now and forever as we proclaim your message throughout our lives. Amen.

“Remember, I am with you alwaysto the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20

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Dec. 11, 2011The Third Sunday in Advent

We Light the Candle of JOYBe Joyful

The third Advent Candle urges you to be joyful - FULL of joy. It is an overflowing feeling, much like the “glory of the Lord” which spilled out of heaven that ancient midnight. It spread from angel to shepherd . . . and finally to YOU! Be joyful!

We light this candle as a symbol of Christ, our Joy.May the joyful promise of your Holy Spirit, O God,

make us ready for the coming of Jesus, our hope and joy.O come, O come, Emmanuel.

Prayer

O God, such joy this season brings to us! Such wonderful memories and moments! And yet, there are those who find only pain in the images and music that others find so thrilling. Help us, God, to spread our joy gently - less like stick butter and more like melted butter on the bread of human hearts - that each person might find a gentle reminder of Your love in the season. Amen.

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Dec. 12, 2011

From the Dark of Night Our Gift of SplendorLuke 2:8-14

by Jim Stoeckmann

It was a dark night. As usually happens at the time of the new moon, it was a very dark night. But the stars were a different story. They shone like polished jewels throughout the heavens!

Resting on the grassy hillsides outside the tiny town of Bethlehem, a group of shepherds were on duty protecting their sheep as was their custom. As they lay in the grass they were amazed at the splendor of the starry night sky. Suddenly, there it was. A star. Hanging there so low - suspended between heaven and earth. Hanging there so heavily - as though pregnant with all the expectations that had been wished upon it for so many years. A star that shown so brightly that it was absolutely dazzling. With lighted finger, it seemed to be pointing to someplace that was very special.

God continued to reveal His Son, but not to those we might expect. Luke records that Jesus’ birth was announced to shepherds in the field. What a birth announcement! The shepherds were terrified, but their fear turned to joy as the angel announced the birth of the Messiah.

The angels now invited the shepherds to greet the Lamb of God (John 1:36), who would take away the sins of the whole world forever. Off the shepherds ran to see this precious baby; then they spread the word.

The greatest event in history had just happened! The Lord Jesus was born! This even had been awaited for centuries, and when it finally happened, the announcement came first to humble shepherds.

The best news about Jesus is that He comes to all, including the plain and ordinary. He comes to anyone with a heart humble enough to accept Him. Whoever you are, whatever you do, you can have Jesus in your life.

Don’t think you need extraordinary qualifications - He accepts you just as you are!

Prayer

Blessed Lord God. There are no words to give you thanks for this gift of truth and splendor. Bless you, Father, for sending us a savior who is Christ the Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Dec. 13, 2011

Only One Yousubmitted by Dylon Adams

The world only gets one you.You with your gifts.You with your smile.

You with those things you do.So take your place,take your chances,

take this moment to know...You’ve got something to offer.

Something good and right and true.Something God-given,

Heart-of-Heaven created.And the rest of us need it, need you.

Oh, you think it’s no big deal.Anyone could be that way.

Anyone could do it.Nope.

Not true.There’s just one irreplaceable you.

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Dec. 14, 2011

The Gift of Jesusby Carolyn Olson

This is the time of the year we all want to take some time to look back and reflect on what has taken place during our lives in the previous year and in past years. For some reason, the things that weren’t so good seem to come to mind first, such as, losing a job, the passing of a loved one, health problems, conflicts with family or friends, and financial struggles, just to name a few. These are the easy things to remember because we face them every day. We often forget the wonders of ordinary days that we take for granted like the beautiful Arizona sun that rises each day, the stars at night, and the small miracles that happen each day that we often do not recognize.

God did not promise that we would always have good times and that life would be easy if we love him and believe in him, but he has promised to always be with us during the hardest of days. That promise is ours. No matter what trials we face, God never leaves us. He is with us every step of the way.

At Christmas time and throughout the year, I continue to focus on the nativity scene and the Christ child, who is our constant promise and hope for each new day and for our future.

“I am with you always even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

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Dec. 15, 2011

Advent Devotionby Barbara Hall

We have arrived once more to the beautiful time of preparation, the season of Advent. In our busyness help me to take time to focus on this Advent season and the birth of our Lord. Memories of the Baby in the stable, Christmas times of the past and memories of friends far and near help us to realize the real meaning of this season. My uncle wrote this little sonnet in 1978 that I would like to share with you.

Christmas SonnetThe tinkling of the music box,

the smell of fragrant cedar sprays,The candle wax and candle flames,

Thus Christmas comes from childhood days.

The smells of varnish, then the burstOf carol sounds ‘cross fields of snow

Date loaf and fudge, dad’s bearskin coatAnd houses filled with friends we know.

Thus Christmas comes from childhood days,But time, since those blest childhood years,

Took up his scythe and cut and mowedAnd mingled Christmas joys with tears.

And yet the tinkling music boxSings out its song of joy and light,

And we sing, too, ‘neath undimmed starsThat song this blessed Christmas night,

Sing “Silent Night” and “Holy Night”,“All is calm, All is bright.” ~ Peter Hilty

As we prepare our hearts and minds for Christmas, may we reflect on the memories of the past but also look

forward to what we can do this season for others. Giving and doing for others is the true blessing we receive in our hearts. Keep our hearts open to see the beauty of the Savior’s birth.

Prayer

Dear Father, We rejoice in this season of preparation of our hearts, our mind and the preparations of our homes. Give us a Christmas where love abounds and Christ is the honored guest. For the friends who are afar, keep our memories alive and all the time that we must be apart keep the candle of love burning brightly in my heart. Amen.

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Dec. 16, 2011

Christmas Magicby Heather Coleman

As a child, Christmas can be a very materialistic thing. The anticipation of Santa Claus coming down the chimney and the excitement of opening presents seems to be the definition of Christmas for a vast majority of kids. Sure, they know about the birth of Jesus, but the magic always seems to come from the cultural implications of the holiday season, not the true meaning of what we’re celebrating.

As we get older, that magic starts to fade. The holidays seem to transform into a blur of ornaments and decorative Santas, and we find that Christmas just isn’t as special as it was back when we were growing up. That can be a pretty hard thing to let go of, but it doesn’t have to be. We try to find ways to put magic back into our holiday lives, but it’s not about rediscovering that same magic. It’s about celebrating the real meaning of Christmas - how our Savior was born as an infant in a stable and brought peace and joy to an otherwise despairing world. There couldn’t be a better thing to celebrate.

As Christmas wish lists are starting to come together and boxes are starting to go under the tree, could it be possible that spreading the joy of Jesus’ birth surpasses the need for that new sweater from the mall? Of course there’s no need to give up holiday traditions, but it’s important to keep in mind what the most valuable present of all is - the gift from God that we call Emmanuel. The unconditional love we receive from Jesus will last far longer than any turkey or decoration could. I think that’s pretty magical.

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Dec. 17, 2011

Advent Devotion from Charlottetyped by Katie Cathcart

I know what “Faith” is. Pastors Jane and George and my Sunday School teachers talk about it plenty. Whenever some kid asks what God looks like or wonders why we believe in Jesus if we can’t see him, a grown-up starts blabbing about “Faith”. Faith is something you can have without knowing where you got it. Sometimes you find it, and sometimes you lose it. I don’t remember when I first got faith but I know EXACTLY when I lost it. Christmas day, last year.

I was always a person of faith. From the first time my brain started understanding stuff I believed in God and Jesus and Santa Claus. I had no reason to doubt my faith for the first four and one half years of my life. Everything was pretty good in my life (if you don’t count my brother, Joe, and believe me, I don’t.) My mother was planning to do something cool last December. She was planning to have a baby. After some big thinking I decided that a new baby was a good idea. So, I started some planning of my own.

Wouldn’t it be great if we had another Baby Jesus? YES! So I planned for my mommy to have her baby on December 25. (That is Christmas). I planned for the baby to be a boy, and I planned for his name to be Jesus. I told everybody about my plans and they either laughed of their eyebrows went way up on their forehead. I emptied out the plastic box that held our dog’s food and I filled it with grass cuttings from Dad’s mulch pile. (We don’t have any hay at our house). I was all ready.

I knew my faith and my plans were good, because

Mommy went to the hospital on Christmas Eve. Grandma took Joe and me to church and then she slept at our house while Mommy and Daddy waited for Baby Jesus at the hospital. I wanted to stay up all night, but anyone who knows about Santa Claus knows you HAVE to go to sleep. So I did. And in the morning there was a pink bike with training wheels under the tree! I wanted to ride it to the hospital to see Baby Jesus, but Grandma thought my legs would get tired. So we drove.

Mommy was sitting in a bed with bars and she was holding something in a blanket. I knew what and who was in that blanket! Daddy told us to come over and meet our new sister. WHAT?! Joe and Grandma went and looked at the baby. I was so surprised I forgot how to walk. That is when my faith got lost. Daddy saw how sad I looked and he took me to the hospital chapel so we could talk.

There was a picture of Jesus on the wall. He looked really nice and I cried some tears because I had wanted so much for him to be my brother. Daddy held me on his lap and explained that Mommy had no control over what sort of baby she would have. God gave her a little girl, just like he gave the Virgin Mary a boy. The world only needs one Jesus, even if he lived a long time ago. Our faith keeps him alive. Jesus has ALWAYS been my brother, and he always will.

We went back to Mommy’s room and I met my baby sister. Her name is Grace. She is our Grace of God. I found my faith on Christmas Day.

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Dec. 18, 2011The Fourth Sunday in Advent

We light the candle of LOVEBe Love

The Advent Wreath is now fully alight with the warm glow of love. It urges you not to be loving . . . not to be beloved . . . but to BE LOVE. Love itself came to earth on Christmas Day. Emmanuel was born. God, who IS love, dwelt among us, giving us the ability to be love in this world. Be Love!

We light this candle as a symbol of Christ,and in remembrance of his example of love -

the true love of God for all of us.O come, O come, Emmanuel.

Prayer

Sometimes, God, it is impossible for us to imagine how well you know us. How well you understand what motivates us and what moves us! But you know - and you knew when you sent Jesus to us as a small baby. As someone who would need love, but also as the greatest gift of Your love ever sent to us. And we still marvel at the perfect gift of Your love that he showed to us with his life. Thank You, God, for loving us so much that you sent us this precious gift. Amen.

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Dec. 19, 2011

Dec. 20, 2011

When a Child is BornLuke 2:7

by Chuck and Elizabeth Winkler

It’s a simple announcement in Luke. “She gave birth to her first son, ...” Imagine the hopes and dreams for this child, and every child. When we delivered donations to UMOM’s Domestic Violence Shelter, we learned that a resident there had recently given birth to a baby. Because of her situation, are that mother’s hopes and dreams for her child any different that those of any other mother?

I love the words to the song, “When a Child Is Born,” sung by Judy Collins. As we anticipate Jesus’ birth, carefully consider the words of this song with the Jesus we know.

“A ray of hope flickers in the sky.A tiny star lights up way up high.

All across the land dawns a brand new morn.This comes to pass when a child is born.

“A silent wish sails the seven seas.The winds of change whisper in the trees

And the walls of doubt crumble, tossed and torn.This comes to pass when a child is born.

“And all of this happens because the world is waiting, waiting for one child,

Black, white, yellow, no one knows.But a child that will grow up and turn tears to laughter,Hate to love, war to peace, and everyone to everyone’s

neighbor,And misery and suffering will be words forgotten forever.

“It’s all a dream, an illusion now,It must come to pass sometime soon, somehow.

All across the land dawns a brand new morn.This comes to pass when a child is born.”

Jesus was/is this child. As we move through Advent, may we keep the hopes and dreams alive that come with his birth.

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Dec. 21, 2011

The Perfect Giftby Lou Eppelsheimer

Advent is the time of preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. The passage in John clearly and succinctly puts this gift from God into perspective.

John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Certainly without a doubt this is the greatest gift ever given. God gave of himself, his son, in order to enter a relationship with us.

When I remember the times of Advent and Christmas, I remember my parents stressing to me and my other 5 siblings, the importance of giving of one’s self. They were great role models when it came to giving. It seemed like we were always involved in some kind of mission project at church. I saw my parents take the time to listen to a neighbor or a friend in distress. My mother was always writing a note to someone that needed a kind word. They took the time to connect with people whether they knew them or not.

My wife and I tried to instill the same idea of giving to our children. I believe some of their best childhood memories stem from church related youth mission work camps to help those less fortunate. They still tell stories of us as a family delivering food to shut-ins over the Thanksgiving holidays.

If we look at how Jesus lived his life, he was always giving of himself. He sought out the poor and fed them. He sought out the sick and diseased and healed them. He instructed his disciples to let the children come to him.

He sought out the lost and offered them hope and salvation. All these gifts were personal in nature. This was a blueprint on how to live our lives. Jesus gives us direction in telling us about the greatest commandments.

Mark 12:30-31“Love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than this.”

My hope is that while we prepare for the coming of Christ in Advent, we also reflect on what he tired to teach us. In addition to writing that check to your favorite charity, think about how you can connect to someone personally, not just over the holidays but throughout the coming year. Maybe it’s a neighbor, a co-worker, a stranger, or getting involved in the many mission opportunities available at Dayspring.

Listen to where God may be calling you to do His work. Often we end up receiving much more than we give!

“There is no commandment greater than this.”Mark 12:31b

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Dec. 22, 2011

Advent Devotionby Jane Baker

Fear and Anxiety seem to be the watchwords of the day. Since the events of September 11, 2001, everyone has been living on the edge of a precipice, or as the famous Danish theologian, Soren Kierkegaard put it in his famous masterpiece, Fear and Trembling, “on the edge of the abyss.” Be Careful! Watch for anything unusual! America will never be the same again! Watch what you put in your luggage! We are afraid of anyone or anything which appears out of the ordinary. Human rights have taken second place to protecting ourselves.

I won’t forget what it felt like to get on a plane a week after 9/11 five years ago and fly to New Jersey for the annual lecture series at my alma mater, Drew University Theological School. On the last day of the conference, a group of 60 theological grads of different ages, races, and classes gathered together for communion in the university field house. The preacher was a young, black PhD student who is also the minister of the First Baptist Church in nearby Morristown. The scripture for the day was Philippians 4:6-7. “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

As this young, self-confident man stepped to the podium, a hush fell over the auditorium. As soon as he began to speak he had the audience in the palm of his hand. He explained how anxiety results from one being pulled in two different directions at the same time. We want to hope for the best, but we are faced with the facts! And then he began to outline the solutions to the problem of

anxiety as Paul sees it. But first, he read our minds - those of us in the audience who think Paul’s answer is too simplistic. “Don’t be anxious about anything? Do you really mean that Paul? Why these are Drew grads I am speaking to! Paul, this is too simple for us!” Is it possible that the anxiety of ANYTHING is covered by the EVERYTHING of prayer? Yes, when we put ourselves in God’s presence, we are surrounded, even guarded by God’s peace.

As I ponder Rev. Carter’s message and this scripture passage, I am reminded once again of the angel’s visit to the shepherds the night Jesus was born. The circumstances were very different from today. It was a calm, peaceful night. There was no mass destruction, only an angel surrounded by heavenly glow. And the shepherds were afraid. “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news!” “For to you - for you - a Savior is born!” God knows we are anxious. His advent message, whether told to shepherds abiding in the field centuries ago, or reiterated by the apostle Paul is still true. Because of Christ, we need not be anxious - about anything!

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Dec. 23, 2011

“Thy Kingdom come, thy will be doneon earth as it is in heaven.”

by Carol Coleman

The Lord’s Prayer has always been one of my favorite prayers. This year, I discovered one line in particular very appropriate for Advent. When we pray, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” we are declaring how we believe God’s Kingdom comes. It comes by doing God’s will now on earth as we will someday do in heaven. During this time of Advent, it is especially appropriate to focus on these powerful words.

Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of the Christ child, of God’s son, of the One who will show us the more excellent way. So many of the things we do during this time of preparation help us focus on God, on doing God’s will. We are doing God’s will on earth when we donate gifts for those who have none, when we give food to feed the hungry, when we invite the stranger into our home to share a meal, when we focus our attention on spending time with our loved ones. During this time of preparation, of waiting in expectation, of focusing on others instead of ourselves, I hope we sense God’s presence. God’s Kingdom is here on earth when we choose to open our hearts to the needs of others. When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we can remember those things we do during Advent as we bring God’s Kingdom to earth.

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Dec. 24, 2011

A Story of the Candy Caneby Peggy Ferrell

Here’s a story of the candy caneTo share on Christmas Eve.

The cane’s shaped like a shepherd’s crookAnd has a peppermint weave.

As pungent as a Wise Man’s giftIt brings a regal spice.

Its broad red strips remind usOf Jesus’ sacrifice.

The narrow stripes mean friendship,The nearness of His Love,

Compassion, and forgiveness,All grace from God above.

This candy cane’s a way to sayHow thankful we are too,

For another special gift from God -That special gift is YOU!

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Dec. 25, 2011Christmas Day

We light the CHRIST CANDLE

Celebrating his coming into our lives, we light the white candle in the Advent Wreath:

We light this candle as a reminder of the gift of Christmas -

the Savior who came to us as a small child.The one who showed us the truth of God’s love for us

and who, even now, points us toward the pathwayof Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.

Truly this love that comes to us at Christmasis the greatest of all gifts,

and we accept it with an open heart.

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. . . the Dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet unto the way of peace.

Luke 1:78-79 KJV

The ministers of this church are its members.Those who assist them are:

Bishop Minerva CarcañoRev. Robert Burns, District Superintendent

Rev. Dr. Jane A. Tews, Senior PastorRev. George Smoot, Associate Pastor

Rev. L. Michael Kelley, Minister of MusicCarol Coleman, Minister of Spiritual Formation

Jill Moyer, Church SecretaryKris Kroeger, Program SecretarySusie Seckel, Financial Secretary

Mary Sievert, Music AssociateJulie Hackmann, Director of Bell Choirs

JulieAnne Weissberg, Director of Children's MusicJackie Miller, Director of Cherub Choir

Kris Kroeger, Youth Ministries CoordinatorKay Luzaich, Children’s Coordinator

Linda Falk, Preschool DirectorMarilyn Bunte, Nursery Coordinator. Ron Venturini, Facilities Maintenance

Frankie Vasquez, CustodianJeanie Carr, Bookkeeper*

*Independent Contractor

Dayspring United Methodist Church is a welcoming congregation. We welcome all people, regardless of age, sex, race, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, economic status, or ability into the full life of this congregation.

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Dayspring United Methodist Church1365 East Elliot Road • Tempe, Arizona 85284-1608

(480) 838-1446churchoffice@dayspring-umc.org

www.dayspring-umc.org