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“The Promise of Great Joy for All People”

t was the Saturday before Christmas and the contrast could not have been greater. As busy holiday shoppers rushed in and out of the crowded department store on San Francisco’s Union Square, a homeless beggar sat at the entrance with her hands stretched out for help. Whether shoppers acknowledged her or not, the desperate woman repeatedly looked up and uttered the same quiet, but joy-filled greeting: “Merry Christmas!”

Her festive joy betrayed her apparent poverty as several shoppers stopped with embarrassment to offer a coin or dollar in reciprocal kindness. Years later, I am still moved by this woman’s contagious joy. I suspect she understood something most of the last minute shoppers had forgotten: Christmas is reason to rejoice – no matter one’s circumstances – because it is a message of hope for all people.

Two thousand years ago, the angel of the Lord greeted the shepherds in the hill country of Bethlehem with these words of hope: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Jesus – God’s Messiah – came to do what we could never do for ourselves. He came to “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

Like the woman in front of the department store, the shepherds were some of the most marginalized members of society. But they were not afraid to approach the Christ-child of Bethlehem in wonder and awe. They bowed before the manger because they acknowledged their need for a Savior. The Scriptures do not tell us what – if any – kinds of gifts the shepherds presented to the Holy Child. However, we have every reason to believe they opened their hearts to God’s gift of love and peace because we are told they returned to the hill country, “glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). Today, all of us can rejoice because we know the message of Christmas is Good News for all people.

Dear Lord, as we enter this season of Advent, prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of the Savior. Fill us with hope because we know that Jesus came to do what we could never do for ourselves. Like the Shepherds of Bethlehem, may we find ourselves overcome with joy because we know that His birth is Good News for all people. Amen.

Rev. Adrian N. Doll

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First Sunday in Advent

11/29/2020

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Psalm 29:11

The Lord will give strength to his people, The Lord will bless his people with peace.

Where do I start?? It was a little overwhelming. I thought of a verse my father taught us as kids, which I thought was appropriate

for the times we are in. Then the above verse came across my app—Daily Inspirations. This, I thought, was a better choice. The dramas that have been going on in our country have caused such a divide. I know the Lord’s strength will help us face the

future and what it brings. We need to find peace in our country. We are taught to love each other. When did that stop??? Just because your views are different doesn’t mean you can’t respect each other and their respective opinion.

I have family and dear friends that have different views than me. I don’t disrespect them or like them less. I respect them even though their opinion is different than mine. Why has this gotten lost???? I know strength from our Lord will help us get through this strange time in our lives. Hopefully bring some level of peace in our lives and the country.

Dear Jesus, I pray for strength and the peace we are in desperate need of. Hopefully it can help bring us together. In your name I pray. Amen

Trish Henshaw. Deacon

First Week in Advent

Monday, 11/30/2020

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Isaiah 1:21-31

he gentle and loving God that we spend most of our time devotionally loving in church and in art and prose, is offset by the God of brutal strength and determination as witnessed in these verses. God had had enough of the

sins and sinning that had overtaken Judah and Jerusalem and was putting a stop to these problems once and for ever. Yes, there was damage done to physical structures, but the real damages were done to the people who had so heartily participated in the sinning in these cities. It was if the people that God had specifically blessed, had forgotten their duties to God and He was not going to have it that way anymore..

The purpose of these verses at this time during Advent might not be well understood by Christians as they busy themselves with the decorations, music and storytelling that has little to do with the coming of the Messiah, but I found them to be profound in assuring us that God is watching over us and will punish us as appropriate for our wayward ways. Over all this, though, our God is steadfast and strong in His love for us for whom he gave his only son, Jesus Christ. .

Lord, please lead us to a more perfect life that glorifies you and your kingdom through your son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

Al Pierce, Elder

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First Week in Advent

Tuesday 12/1/2020

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FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN

Ephesians 3:13-17 (KJV)

13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love.

hat child has not been afraid of the dark. While growing up I lived on a big farm with many buildings. A chore I didn’t like was after dark if my grandmother would ask me to take the kettle of soup out to the walk-in cooler.

For a kid this trip seemed long and fraught with untold dangers. You would carry the big kettle down the steps, follow the sidewalk to the end, cross over to the gravel into a dark building going about twenty feet more in total darkness to finally reach the walk-in cooler. My heart raced afraid that a rat or a cat might cross my path and scare me. Finally I pulled open the cooler door and the light would come on and I felt great relief. After going in and placing the kettle in a safe spot I would shut the door and run back to the house as fast as I could go.

This year has been filled with fear and tribulations. Many have lost loved ones to this once a century illness that has infected millions here and around the world. We have been afraid to leave our houses out of fear of catching the virus. God tells us in this text that He doesn’t want us to faint but find strength in His Holy Spirit. He wants Christ to dwell in our hearts because of love.

As we approach this Advent season may we set aside our fears and let God fill us with strength and love.

Dear Heavenly Father we are but frail human beings filled with fear of the times we are living in. We ask that your Spirit dwell in us filling our hearts with strength and love. Amen

William Ruby

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First Week of Advent

Wednesday, 12/2/2020

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Isaiah 2

t’s surprising how extensive the Old Testament’s vocabulary of “arrogance” is. There are three Hebrew words, zid, pictures a self-important pride which leads to rebellion. Another is garah, which implies overwhelming self-

confidence with insensitivity to others. The third, gabah, suggests a sense of self-importance. There is nothing wrong with being proud; as long as our pride is simple satisfaction in our accomplishments, which is

to say our strengths and abilities. But pride becomes arrogance when it grows beyond simple satisfaction to become a self-important disdain for others,

or a bloated self-confidence that makes us feel we can step outside the moral rules that govern others and get away with it.

In fact, the feeling that we can “get away with” something that “other people” can’t, lies at the heart of arrogance. For example, a stockbroker who makes money with insider information, the adult takes one more drink before driving, the teen who thinks that just some drugs or sex can’t hurt, all fall into the category of the arrogant. And, in Isaiah’s words, “The eyes of the arrogant man will be humbled and the pride of men brought low” by God. What’s the antidote to arrogance? The same verses have the answer. “The Lord alone will be exalted in that day.” We exalt the Lord when we accept our place as creatures who are totally dependent on His goodness and His grace. We exalt the Lord when we keep His commands, not just out of love but out of a conviction that God is wiser than we are. We exalt the Lord when we honor others as persons of worth and value because they too are His creatures and objects of His love. We exalt the Lord when we find joy in our accomplishments, and thank Him for the gifts that made them possible. When you and I live humbly, exalting God rather than ourselves, we avoid the judgment earned by the arrogant.

O God, it is said that in your will is our peace. Yet we have to confess that this is much easier to believe than to experience, for like sheep we continually go astray. Father, give us hearts that are eager to let what we do catch up to what we believe. Amen.

Ralph Gaede, Elder

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First Week in Advent

Saturday, 12/3/2020

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remember about 10 years ago, after suffering pain in my knee for about a year and finally agreeing to a knee replacement, how much I looked forward to everyday life without this pain. And it was nice for a short while until

the other knee started aching, and I had it also replaced about 4 years later. Now that I’ve had both knees replaced, I’m like Lee Majors who became the Bionic Man with new parts. I’m good to go, right? As I continue aging, I find new aches and pains waiting to challenge me. The latest involves the sciatic nerve.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 5, Paul explains that we will have new bodies when we reach Heaven, bodies free from the daily aches and pains we now face. I’m not ready to go yet, but these new bodies are something to look forward to.

This past spring before the virus shut things down, Pastor Adrian was teaching the youth the 23rd Psalm. I realized it had been quite a while since I could recite it from memory, so I also took up the challenge. I don’t remember what the reward is, I’m hoping it is a cupcake or chocolate chip cookie.

The final verse states our ultimate goal: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever”. And I look forward to my new body without pain.

I hope you and yours have a wonderful and joyful Christmas!

Our heavenly father, thank you for loving us and offering a plan of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. With a heart full of joy, Amen.

Jerry Cooper

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First Week in Advent

Friday 12/4/2020

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hose who know me, know my love of all things Christmas. Even when I have visited my US families early in November, I have already put up our Christmas tree and lovingly placed all my decorations. Lovely though they are, they are just a reminder of

the coming of Christmas Day. This year, I have made a special tableau with a Menorah, figures of the Wise Men and a Nativity. These remind me of the promised coming of the Saviour, that He came and that He dwells in my heart today.

We make many preparations for Christmas, but they are superficial and inadequate when we look at God’s preparations, made before time began. In the Book of Genesis, man’s first sin is recorded and even then God had prepared the perfect rescue from the consequence of sin. God had already prepared for Jesus to be the means for forgiveness and restoration to a right relationship with God.

God’s people of old could only gain His forgiveness by being obedient to the ritual of the sacrifices. This foreshadowed His great plan to send the One who would be the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin. What an honour, and so humbling, that God has revealed to us His plan in Christ and prepared the Way to our Eternal future.

For God so LOVED the world

(despite our sins) That He GAVE His one and only Son

(a free gift) That whoever believes in Him shall not perish but HAVE Eternal Life

(certain assurance). Jesus came but He has not gone. He is with us who have welcomed Him, forever.

That I am preparing an Advent message for the GVPC booklet from my home in Australia really speaks to the unity of the people

of God worldwide. To be involved is a privilege. I share the joy of faith with my beautiful family, Andrea, Mike and Isabel Tierney.

Blessings, Lynne Pope

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First Week in Advent

Saturday, 12/5/2020

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A Magic Christmas

little boy named Timmy got sick right before Thanksgiving. The doctor said he had a virus and sent him to the hospital. He texted friend and family on Facebook so they wouldn’t worry about him.

He got sicker and sicker, but the doctor said he could go home for Thanksgiving dinner and to come right back. He had dinner but didn’t eat much.

He still didn’t get well but his doctor agreed to let him go on Christmas Eve. So his mom took him home. Even the present didn’t excite him. Before he went to bed he left Santa Claus a letter. “Just heal me please,” it said. He put it under the plate with milk and cookie and went to bed.

Something woke him in the night, Santa Claus was on his knees by his bed with Jesus standing right beside Santa. Jesus held Timmy’s hand and put the other on top of his hand. He smiled and said, “I heal you; now go to sleep and rest.” Timmy rested without coughing and woke up at daylight.

He sat by the tree to see what Santa had brought. Santa brought a dog, a bike, and sport stuff that a six year old loved. His mom came out and saw that Timmy was healthy. He named his dog Magic, because of his miracle. He never went back to the hospital.

I pray for GOD’s special touch for each and every one this Christmas and New Year Blessings

Sabra Adams

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Second Sunday in Advent

12/6/2020

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Proverbs 3: 1-35 3:29-30 “Do not plan harm against your neighbor who lives trustingly beside you. Do not quarrel with anyone without cause, when no harm has been done to you.”

n our world today, it seems there is no compassion for the other person or what they may be going through. We don’t have to agree all the time, but we can at least be courteous and kind. Proverbs 3 speaks to me of trusting in the Lord, but not blindly.

We need to earn our place with love, loyalty and faithfulness. It seems to me there is much distrust and lack of faith in our world today. We need to remember that God has blessed us with wisdom, love and forgiveness. And, especially in these days, we need to use these gifts to keep His commandments and trust Him with our whole heart. And remember, God continues to be in charge.

Heavenly Father, we pray that you will guide us on the straight path to take care of ourselves and our families; to be patient and caring with everyone. Help us to keep your commandments all the days of our lives. Amen.

Dorothy K. Henshaw Ashlock

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Second Week in Advent

Monday, 12/7/2020

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What Lasts?

t was the Christmas when I was nine years old. We had just returned to Manila after our “home leave” in the United States. While in the States, my grandfather had asked what I wanted for Christmas; I instantly said, “Electric trains! Yes, Lionel “O”

gauge! ” That gift (along with many others and household items) had arrived by cargo ship in two large wooden crates. I knew that those crates contained my grandfather’s Christmas present. I was excited to see it all assembled. And it was wonderful! My father (a pretty good carpenter) used wood from the crates to build two tables for the track, connected by bridges high and low. My father even used wood from a cigar box to build a miniature outhouse (I still have it as a remembrance). A real labor of love. And I loved it! My friends came over and we made up stories and played games with the trains as the focus. But then something happened. No, the trains didn’t break. They got old. And the weekly task of meticulously cleaning the tracks became a drudgery. I wasn’t old enough to think through what was happening, but I think it was the first time when I realized things don’t give lasting satisfaction. Material possessions will eventually wear out, or they’ll break, or they’ll become obsolete, or they’ll just get old. Only God’s love in Jesus Christ will last, and satisfy, forever.

O God, the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, your servant Augustine truly said, “You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.” Help us to know whose we are, for only then will we know who we are—Your children and Jesus’ disciples. And only then will our lives become conduits of Your satisfying love and grace. For thy name’s sake. Amen.

Kenneth C. Harper, Pastor Emeritus

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Second Week in Advent

Tuesday, 12/8/2020

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y Grandfather, Rocco Roncone, was one of the most influential people in my life. He taught me so many things. He taught me patience, unconditional love, work ethic, faith, art and acceptance. Of course, I learned all these things from my parents but it was all reinforced by my grandparents, my Grampa especially. He was the life of the party. Everyone was drawn to him. He would sing when he was happy and dance us around. He was full of

wisdom and knowledge. He had an answer for everything, even if he didn’t actually know he had a way of making you believe it. I was the quintessential why kid, always why this and why that. He told me it was good to question everything and everyone if I wanted to know. I remember asking him if the sun is yellow and sky is blue why isn’t the air green? Well, Genie, it is green but it’s so small you can’t see it. At 5 years old this answer made me very happy.

Of all the things my Grampa Rocco taught me love and acceptance are the most important. Although a good work ethic has been a cornerstone in life.

When I was senior in high school, I had an opportunity to go to Italy and study art. My Grandparents were supposed to chaperone. A couple weeks before the big trip my Grama Rose suffered a detached retina. She was unable to go on a transatlantic flight because of the altitude.

It had been my Grandpa’s dream to go to Italy. He was first generation American. He loved my Grama Rose so much he could not leave her. He accepted that he would not see the old country and bought me a camera to take a million photos! I was disappointed but understood. Seeing him take care of her and the love and support for each other was and is inspiring.

Happy birthday in heaven Gramps! I miss you every day. Rocco Roncone

December 9. 1923 – January !8, 2003

Dear Lord, please help remember to love and care for who and what we have and not focus on what we want. Help us to cherish the people in our lives because they will not be here forever, they are on loan and You will call them Home. Amen

Regina Golenkov

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Second Week in Advent

Wednesday, 12/9/2020

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Come, Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art;

Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.

he words of this Advent hymn express the deep longing we feel as we come weary and worn to Advent 2020. How our world needs the good news of Emmanuel – God with us! Journeying through this season of preparation, awaiting the coming

of our Savior, we are more eager than ever for the light Jesus shines in our darkness, for the peace He brings to our conflicted world and for the hope He gives when our own hope is lost.

May this holy season not rush by in a blur of activity without a chance for you to kneel at the manger and worship the Christ who created you, redeemed you by His grace and made you His own precious child. Offer Him the gift of sacred time – time to simply be in His presence; wondering at His love, amazed by His grace, worshiping at His feet, and receiving anew the true joy that only He can give – the joy of knowing you are chosen, you are loved, you are His!

As you worship in His presence and bask in His love, He will strengthen you and renew your spirit. He will restore your hope and fill you with His perfect peace. May you receive and share these precious gifts of God’s grace!

Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a King,

Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring. Lord Jesus, you are our long-awaited Messiah. You are our hope and our salvation. Be born anew in our hearts this Advent season and may the light of your love shine through us. Amen.

Rev. Hilda Pecoraro

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Second Week in Advent

Thursday, 12/10/2020

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o Carr and Donna Cash tell the story of a very entertaining children’s Christmas drama. Finally all the songs had been sung and the candles lit. The shepherds had come to peek at the baby, and angels had given their message. The wise men had brought their gifts. The audience gave their applause. Then all the cast in the story of the first Christmas began to leave the stage...wise men, shepherds,

and angels. Only Mary and Joseph and the child remained. Then Joseph turned to go. May, glancing back at the crib, began to follow. But

suddenly she turned back, snatched up the baby doll by the foot, clutched it under her arm and left. The final scene— the almost omission — said more to us than anything else. For we do tend to forget. We do get so involved in

the activities of getting ready for Christmas that we leave Jesus out of our Christmas. And then, like Mary in the pageant, suddenly remembering, we fiercely clutch the simple truth, Christmas is all about Jesus’ coming, “For to us a child is born,,,”

Pastor Al Moreau

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Second Week in Advent

Friday, 12/11/2020

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s I was growing up, our Sunday School program at Henderson Presbyterian Church (then called First Presbyterian Church of Henderson) included memorizing Bible verses. I remember learning a lot of verses. To this day, many of those verses pop into my head at random times. Well, not really random as I am sure God actually causes them to move into my consciousness at

specific times! As we make our way through the end of 2020 and get closer to celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, most of us are worried about our health, our homes, our lives, our families, our economy, our government, our country, our world. There are so many crazy things happening in our world right now. Will we ever get “back to normal?” Will we always live in fear? What can we do to fix things? What should I do in my own life and in the life of my family to keep us all safe and sane? One of those memorized Sunday School verses keeps popping into my mind as I ask these questions of myself. I specifically remember learning Proverbs 3:5-6 when I was in early Junior High School. That was a very challenging, uncertain time in my life, just like today is! This verse continually kept me sane and calm back then, and it still does today. I cannot fix everything. I do not have answers to everything. I do not know how often and how close I should be around people today. What can I do? Does this sound like you? Memorize this verse if you have not already. Believe in it, and it will bring you peace: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

Dear Lord, may your word continue to help us grow and bring us peace. Help us to remember to trust in you always. We know you will direct our paths even when we do not know the way. We thank you for your love and grace. In the name of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, AMEN.

Cheryl Wagner

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Second Week in Advent

Saturday, 12/12/2020

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"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5

he Moravian Star symbolizes the light of Christ shining in the world's darkness. As a couple, we have a history with the Moravian Star that goes back to our early courtship. We spent part of our first Christmas vacation from college together at

Bob's aunt and uncle's house in Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania. Auntie and Uncle always had a large Moravian Star prominently displayed on the high balcony of their house facing the street. We would see the star lighting our way back into the house after our nightly walk. The original 3-dimensional Moravian Star had an incredible 110 points. Most renditions now have about 25 points going out in all directions. Still, they are an eye-catching witness to the Light who is Christ.

Since those nightly walks during Christmas vacation 1973 we have kept looking to that Light for our steps along the way. Bob's dad, aunt, and uncle all grew up in Lititiz, PA, and are buried there, along with Bob's mother and other Crall and Hornberger

ancestors. Lititz, along with Bethlehem, PA, are two of the towns in Pennsylvania where the Moravian Church has been especially strong. The motto of the Moravian Church is, "In essentials, unity, in non-essentials, liberty, and in all things, love." That motto itself is light for today's world.

One of our daughter's neighbors in Duluth, Minnesota, has kept her Moravian Star alight throughout the year for many years now, and it's an inspiration for the neighborhood. First designed in 1820 by a student in Germany, the Moravian Star in this country reaches far beyond eastern Pennsylvania. Let's remember that the light of Christ made flesh in Bethlehem reaches to all places for all times.

Rev. Bob and Marsha Crall

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Third Sunday in Advent

12/13/2020

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“We are saturated with names of the dead, no longer shocked by callous leaders, or the collective amnesia that refuses

responsibility for ongoing forms of repression.” (Josina Guess, Sojourners, Dec. 2020)

How do we summon hope for this Advent Season - hope as an active verb - the days are lonely, we have not hugged friends or family in months, the virus rages unabated all around us??

By every smile with our eyes behind our masks,

With every “thank you” to our essential workers,

Calling family and friends to check in,

Sending positive e-mails, FB posts,

Scheduling Zoom calls.

Because: “We are one in the Spirit, We are one in the Lord

We are one in the Spirit, We are one in the Lord,

And we pray that all Unity may one day be restored.

AND THEY’LL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS BY OUR LOVE, BY OUR LOVE,

AND THEY’LL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS BY OUR LOVE.”

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!

Alice S Hoelzer, Resting Elder, Deacon

Third Week in Advent

Monday, 12/14/2020

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A 2009 Remembrance

Read: Zechariah 2:1-13 uring the days leading up to December 25th, my family enjoys watching old Christmas movies. My personal favorite is The Bishop’s Wife staring Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven. Henry, an Episcopal Bishop is focused on building an elaborate new cathedral. He has lost

sight of his family, friends and why he became a minister. In an answer to prayer, in walks Dudley an angel sent to help him. Dudley does help, but certainly not in the way Henry would have preferred.

What an entertaining reminder, that even in times of discouragement, God is working out His plan. God protects and guides us, if we trust and follow Him. Today’s scripture reading is Zechariah 2:1-13. The people are to finish building the temple, but their work has stalled. Those who believe in God can complete His work, with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Zechariah’s visions gave the message of hope. He told the people of a future king who would one day establish an eternal kingdom.

We are in the middle of the advent season. Have you lost sight of the joys of the season? Are you so intent on shopping and decorating that you have forgotten family, friends and the “Reason for the Season”? Like Henry and the people of Jerusalem, it’s time to let God take control. Ask His help to focus on advent being a joyful time of waiting, preparing, and celebrating the birth of Christ.

The Bishop’s Wife ends with a sermon that I’d like to share with each of you. Let us use this sermon as our prayer for today. God bless each of you.

“Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking.

“Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child's cry, a blazing star hung over a stable, and wise men came with birthday gifts. We haven't forgotten that night down the centuries. We celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees, with the sound of bells, and with gifts. “But especially with gifts. You give me a book, I give you a tie. Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer and Uncle Henry can do with a new pipe. For we forget nobody, adult or child. All the stockings are filled, all that is, except one. And we have even forgotten to hang it up. The stocking for the child born in a manger. It’s His birthday we're celebrating. Don't let us ever forget that. “Let us ask ourselves what He would wish for most. And then, let each put in his share, loving kindness, warm hearts, and a stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make peace on earth.”

Julie Chapin—Elder

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Third Week in Advent

Tuesday 12/15/2020

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A 2010 Remembrance Mark 1:1- 8

his passage discusses the theme of preparing for the coming of Christ. It tells us that God chose a man named John who He called My Messenger to prepare the way for His Son. John, who became known as John the Baptist was truly dedicated to

God. He lived in the wilderness, was clothed in camel’s hair and ate locust and wild honey. Many people of Judea came to hear him preach, and the they confessed their sins. He baptized them in the River Jordan. He told his follower that One would come who was mightier than him. John the Baptist preached that he had baptized them with water, but this might One would baptize them with the Holy Spirit.

Dear Lord, help me t quiet my mind and heart during this busy time of year, so I may follow the example of John the Baptist by focusing on what is really important—the joyous upcoming celebration of Jesus’ birth on Earth. I ask this in Your Hole Name. Amen

Lynn McCue

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Third Week in Advent

Wednesday 12/16/2020

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A 2012 Remembrance Luke 1:5-25

Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to great places! You’re off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose

. n the Gospel According to Luke, Elizabeth wanted a child, but was barren. She waited on the Lord and was finally blessed in her old age with a son. Not just any son, but John the Baptist. Later, the same angel, Gabriel, that foretold the birth of John, also

foretold the birth of Jesus. In this time of Advent, we are waiting upon the birth of Christ, our Savior. This is an exciting time of year for us all, but can you imagine the excitement and anticipation that both Elizabeth and Mary must have felt? To have an angel announce that they had found favor with God and they would each bear a son!

So, as Dr. Seuss continued in his book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” Everyone is just waiting. Waiting for the fish to bite, or waiting for wind to fly a kite, or waiting around for Friday night…

Waiting often has a bad connotation, but most often waiting always pays off. When I wanted to be a mother, it took me 19

months to get pregnant. It is not easy to wait so long for something you want so much. Now my husband and I are parents to two beautiful children. I am sure there is something important in your life that was worth the wait!

So know that ..Somehow you will escape all that waiting and staying. You’ll find the bright places where boom bands are playing. Oh, the places you’ll go! And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:7) “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)

Heavenly Father, I pray for patience. Grant us, O Lord, with the intelligence and understanding to know that all things work through you and are always worth the wait. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Candace Cox, Deacon

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Third Week in Advent

Thursday, 12/17/2020

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A 2011 Remembrance John 3:16-21

was watching golf on TV in the 1970’s when this man wearing a puffy multi-colored wig held up a placard that read “John 3:16.” My first thought was, why is this strange guy doing this at, of all places, a golf tournament. What’s his motive? So I pulled out

my bible, read the verse and thought about its message. Then I tried to imagine what events in this guy’s life lead him to do this. I started thinking more and more about the guy holding the placard and less and less about the verse. Then I realized I was getting it backwards. It’s not the messenger that’s important, it’s the message.

This taught me that I have to be ready to receive and accept Gods message at odd times and under odd circumstances. I can’t judge the message based on the way or who delivered it. Most importantly, I have to believe there is a reason for the message; Even if it is a painful message. The belief in the spirit of God gives birth to spirit.

Dear Lord, We are weak, human, and suffering, yet you love us the same. You have put us on Your heart, and spilled Your blood to save us. We, who are finite, flawed, and caught in boundaries, have been saved by You–the infinite, perfect, and boundless. Let us put your spirit and message of hope and love on our hearts and in our minds. That we may suffer with You, rejoice in You, and strive for You. Amen.

Doug McNamara

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Third Week in Advent

Friday, 12/18/2020

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2 Peter 1:1-11 Verse 2

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.”

s there confusion about Advent? If you asked someone, maybe someone random, but ask anyone “what is Advent?” and what do you think their answer will be? I haven’t done the research or have statistics, but I think you’ll more than likely get a puzzled

look. Even when I’m asked, I have to take to time explain it. In comparison to Christmas every year I’m sure you’ll hear the cliché saying, “The true meaning of Christmas.” How often does a conversation strike up talk “the true meaning of Advent?”

Well, I did a little research and advent comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming.” Interesting enough, it initially didn’t link to Christmas about His first coming but really to his 2nd coming. (There were other things early Christians celebrated in the season of Advent if you care to do some history research as well.)

I’ll stick to the modern tradition because that’s what I was used to growing up and I’ll focus on “my true meaning of Advent.” For me it’s a time for reflection and preparation. During this hard time especially, we have to take extra precaution for any preparations we do. It goes without saying but like Advent, are we losing or forgetting the meaning of it and why the churches celebrate it.

If the world didn’t rush Christmas on us enough with songs and decorations all around us maybe we’d have more time, or not feel rushed. How are we preparing our lives with Christ? I challenge you to “MY TRUE MEANING OF ADVENT” which is prepare your lives to be closer to Christ. Have things in order, find a way to celebrate Advent besides a calendar where you get a piece of candy a day, and search up Advent songs. You might surprise yourself.

Dear Lord, we know knowledge and wisdom are powerful tools to have so help us to become more well versed this year in our advent season. May we find new ways to celebrate this season and come closer to your words, heart and soul. In this we pray Amen.

Kaymen Carter

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Third Week in Advent

Saturday, 12/19/2020

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A 2015 Remembrance Luke 1:26-38

t is always interesting to see a very familiar Bible passage interpreted in a new way. This summer in Minneapolis, while attending the 2015 Worldwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women, our evening worship included our reading for today. It was then interpreted through liturgical

dance to Amy Grant’s beautiful song, “Breath of Heaven”. On one side of the stage was Elizabeth, pondering over her good fortune at being pregnant at a very advanced age. On the other side was Mary,

struggling with the fact that even though the Angel Gabriel had told her she was to bring the Savior into the world, to her village she was in a very precarious social situation. She needed to get away to process this. A visit to her older cousin, Elizabeth, seemed like the best solution. (Remember, this is not the time of Facebook and instant communication.)

As the figures move center stage, the door opens, the two women look at each other – a wonderful moment of instant realization occurs – Mary is happily surprised that Elizabeth is very visibly pregnant and Elizabeth tells of how she knows Mary’s secret and that the baby in her womb has jumped for joy. Elizabeth comforts Mary and reassures her that all will be well. Mary has found the human solace she needs to face the future and Elizabeth knows her child will be part of God’s special plan.

May we also rest assured that as we prepare to welcome the Christ Child again into our hearts and homes in the midst of a troubled world, God does have a plan and we can trust in his love and care.

“Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song)”

I have traveled many moonless nights, cold and weary with a babe inside, and I wonder what I’ve done. Holy Father you have come and chosen me now to carry your son.

I am waiting in a silent prayer, I am frightened by the load I bear,

In a world as cold as stone, Must I walk this path alone? Be with me now, Be with me now. Breath of Heaven, hold me together, be forever near me, Breath of Heaven.

Breath of Heaven, lighten my Darkness, Pour over me your holiness, for you are holy, Breath of Heaven.

Do you wonder as you watch my face, if a wiser one should have had my place? But I offer all I am, for the mercy of your plan – Help me be strong, Help me be, help me.

Amy Grant/Chris Eaton Copyright: AZ Lyrics. Reprinted for educational use only.

Alice Hoelzer

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Fourth Sunday in Advent

12/20/2020

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A 2014 Remembrance Revelation 21:22-22:5

Coming Light

Fourth Week in Advent

Monday, 12/21/2020

During Advent We wait, anticipate The coming Light The Lord God-

The All Powerful

Had a plan

A plan to give us unfailing Light

As we anticipate

The coming Light

Let us remember the

Shepherds and Wise Men

Both followed the light

To find the Light

Dear Lord, As we anticipate the coming of Your Light, let us be mindful of the signs that You have given us. Let us follow Your light to discover Your Light. In the Name of the Babe, Amen

Emily Root

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Fourth Week in Advent

Tuesday, 12/22/2020

A 2011 Remembrance Galatians 3:1-1

Keep It Simple, Stupid” began as a principle that simple systems operate more reliably and are easier to adjust or repair than more complex systems that serve the same purpose. We may marvel at the ingenuity of someone who designs a “complicated invention, laboriously contrived to perform a simple operation.” Indeed, the annual Rube Goldberg Machine Contest honors such inventiveness. But the awards are tongue-in-cheek and the reality of complex systems is the more steps or moving parts, the greater the chance that one misstep or one small breakdown will cause the entire system to fail.

“Keep It Simple, Stupid” has become a mantra for explaining complex or technical concepts. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the book DOS for Dummies. Now in its third edition, DOS for Dummies spawned a line of books – including, you guessed it, Christianity for Dummies – that have sold more the 250 million copies worldwide. The common theme of the Dummies books is that readers can follow and understand simple instructions and explanations more easily than complicated ones.

The New English Bible’s translation of Galatians 3:1 begins “You stupid Galatians!” Other translations use the somewhat less caustic “fools” or “foolish.” If Bill Cosby had written his own translation, I feel sure he would have used “dummies.” The early Galatian church was regressing from faith in Jesus Christ to observance of Mosaic Law – with all its rituals and restrictions. Paul confronted the Galatian church and reminded it that the key to salvation is simple: have faith. Rituals don’t save; Jesus saves.

My father, who would have turned 83 today, was fond of his “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” lapel pin. As Christmas approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the seasonal rituals – hanging lights, decorating the tree, shopping, singing Messiah, sending Christmas cards, making too much food – and to lose sight of what and why we are celebrating. Without Christ, Christmas is just a winter holiday; without faith in Christ’s message of salvation, all ours celebrations will yield no more than a moment’s pleasure.

Loving God, as we prepare to celebrate the greatest gift of all time – your son, Jesus Christ, and his message of salvation – inspire us to do all that we do out of faith, rather than ritual. Amen.

Keith A. Rowley, Elder

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A 2016 Remembrance Luke 1:26-38

selected the verse from Luke, which describes Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel. During this meeting Mary is told that she has been selected to be the Mother of the Christ. The verse tells us that when Gabriel told her she enjoyed “God’s favor”,

“she was deeply disturbed by these words.” I know exactly how she felt. Not that I have ever talked with Gabriel. I do recall an occasion when my Company Commander called me in and told me how I was doing a great job, and how he considered me to be his best Platoon Sergeant. Then he advised me that he had selected me to take a platoon into, what we called the “Arizona Territory”, in Vietnam. They always butter you up before they give you the hard jobs.

Mary stood tall, gave a “Yes Sir, Aye-Aye Sir, and the rest is why we are celebrating Christmas in a few days. You and I, we have it easy, the hardest thing most of us do is drag our…….selves out of bed on Sunday and show up for church. So how about this, when you are making your shopping list, add GVPC. You got a pledge form in the mail, FILL IT OUT! Turn it in!

Father, we ask that you be with us during this wonderful, but hectic season and keep us safe. Make us ever mindful of the blessings that we have, and that those blessings are given to us from your bounty. We ask this in the name of our Risen Lord Jesus The Christ!

Ron Sharetts, Elder, Jarhead for Jesus

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Fourth Week in Advent

Wednesday 12/23/2020

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Simple Gifts Often Mean the Most And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth,

and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7 very December as we take out our Christmas decorations, there is one ornament that always causes us to remember the beginning of a story whose ending Janel and I could not know. To most people, it looks like nothing more than a well-handled,

acrylic “Drummer Boy.” To us, however, it is an ornament that says, “Christmas is worth celebrating no matter what each year brings.” What a much-needed reminder in a year that has been filled with unexpected change and hardship.

When I was seven years old, I wrapped this small ornament in a box, carried it to the post office, and mailed it to my childhood friend, Janel, who lived in Tokyo, Japan. Her father had just died unexpectedly from a brain tumor. I could not have known that a simple, inexpensive ornament would cause a grieving child to understand that Jesus would surely walk with her in her tears. And never could I have imagined that I would see that same ornament hanging on my own Christmas tree in Henderson, Nevada many years later.

Each year as we hang our “Drummer Boy” on our tree, we remember the promise of Christmas: In Jesus Christ, God has walked among us and promises to be with us. It was the very reason the Angel would sing out the glorious message of joy on that first Christmas Eve: “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” No matter what each year brings, we have reason to hope because of Christ’s birth.

It seems ironic that we wear ourselves out trying to buy the perfect Christmas gift for family and friends each year when most often the simple gifts end up meaning the most. When I mailed my gift to Janel, I had absolutely no idea that we would one day be married. But I have to believe that her ornament would be just

as meaningful to her today even if God had not brought our lives together. The gift’s worth was born out of a simple expression of kindness from one child to another which said, “I want you to know that God cares and I promise to be your friend.”

This Christmas Eve as you busy yourself trying to get everything crossed off your “to do” list, take a moment to ask yourself if there might be a better way to share the hope of Christmas. One small gesture of kindness may mean more to someone than you’ll ever know. What matters most isn’t how much we spend or how perfect the gift, but whether the gift is truly an expression of kindness rooted in love. In the Christmas story, it was an unnamed Inn Keeper who gave the simplest of gifts, a stable with a manger, which would become the cradle for a newborn king. Little did the man know the worth of his gift, but we do. May we follow his example by giving out of what we have – not what we wish we had – in order to share Christ’s love this Christmas.

A Prayer from “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

O Holy Child of Bethlehem, descend on us we pray;

cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell;

O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel.

Rev. Adrian N. Doll

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Nativity of the Lord

Christmas Eve

12/24/2020

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Christmas at Aunt Florence and Uncle Dode (short for Durward)

met Virginia on a blind date in 1966. We went to a jazz club called Shelly’s Manhole; everyone had to be at least 18. Virginia was not quite 18 (say What?) and luckily, she was not carded. This was the first time that I was allowed into her life; what a

grand entrance! For Christmas of 1966, I was invited to her family’s Christmas Eve extravaganza, where I was introduced to more people than I

had ever seen in one place. There had to have been 40-50 kids each with numerous presents from cousins, etc. that the stacking of presents all around the Christmas tree had to have been at least 4 feet high. What a glorious mess!

Aunt Florence and Uncle Dode had been hosting this remembrance celebration since the late 40’s. Everybody brought presents, food, or desserts to feed roughly 70-80 people. Trying to remember names, being cordial and not dumb/overwhelmed created mayhem, conversation, and joy!!

That first Christmas was a mind blower (remember this was the 60’s). They changed the rules for buying presents for all the kids and started drawing names for gift exchanges. Saved a pocket full of money but the kids were never cheated. The housing of these joyous events changed from time to time especially after Uncle Dode died. Then 3 years later Aunt Florence left us to plan heavenly festivities. Joy, happiness, solving problems, saying prayers for folks was/is still the norm.

Over 80 years and still going strong, nobody talks about who is running for President or other issues; just soccer games, college tuition, and high school proms; everyday stuff. Still trying to remember names, sharing joys, surviving Covid 19, and being friends and family. Just tipping a glass of wine, sharing life, and wondering what God has in store for us next! Gracious God! We love You. In your presence we seek Your Will, Your Sustenance, and Your Grace. We thank you for family and friends and the ability to share the good and the bad with You and these friends who help sustain our lives. We give you all the honor and glory for our lived lives. In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.

Dave Cornell

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Nativity of the Lord

First Day of Christmas

12/25/2020

31

n this year of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are presented with choices and challenges – choices of what type of mindset to bring to the challenges we face. With the positive mind-set engendered by our faith that God is with us always, we strive to make our

challenges and opportunities into positives. One positive for GVPC is that, as a result of the pandemic, we have been called to develop our live stream capability. The people

with the needed skills and knowhow were available when they were needed. Live streaming has expanded our reach and met the needs of our congregants who do not feel comfortable or able to attend in person services.

Another positive is that in this time of the “evolving normal” we can experiment or test ideas. As a result of live streaming our services, the Advent/Christmas decorations needed to be adapted. Through the years, there has been much discussion about where to place the Christmas tree on the Chancel and how to make the nativity set more visible than being hidden under the tree. This year the tree is more visible on the chancel and the nativity will be on the communion table in place of flowers where the live stream camera can focus on the characters.

Over the years, potential participants in creating the Advent/Christmas devotional calendar have asked if they could choose their favorite scripture about which they would write or a memory/story from the past which they could share rather than the date-based lectionary scriptures. Since we did not have the person to person opportunity to “beg” or “twist arms” as we recruited contributors to fill all the dates this year, an email was distributed asking for volunteers to take advantage of the new format. Since all the dates were not filled, I went through past issues and created remembrances from the past. The next challenge was to determine how to distribute the finished product. This year the booklet will be distributed via e-mail as an E-Book with a few being printed and available for pick up in the church office.

Dear God, help us retain from this period in time the understanding that You are with us to help us turn challenges and opportunities into positives by looking for the good in any situation and trusting in You that there is ultimately good in every situation. Amen.

Donna Rorer, Elder

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Finding the Positives in Covid-19

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Artist Notes

I found the close-up of the cross in my collection, I think it was from Doug Small. I found an infinity mirror technique for Photoshop online and modified it a bit. People may recognize it, but find it hard to match to the real thing because I flipped (reflected) it first. I think it reflects my own faith path, reflections back to many points in my life. I don’t recall my baptism, of course, but I do know it was in a Catholic church in Burlington, Iowa. I do recall being a shepherd in a living Nativity scene in our little church in Macomb, Illinois when I was 5. I also remember my confirmation classes in the Episcopal church in Shady Cove, Oregon when I was around 9 or 10. I joined the Presbyterian church in Longmont, Colorado in my late teens, and even courted Linda when we were camp counselors one summer. The faith I found held me up to survive basic training in the US Army when I was 25. GVPC has been my faith home since we moved here in 1997. All in all, my reflections in faith have formed what I am today, and I thank the Lord for that.

Ted Rauenbuehler

Art: & Cover Design Ted Rauenbuehler Editor: Donna Rorer

Publisher: Carol Johnson Contributors: GVPC Faith Community Members

Green Valley Presbyterian Church 1798 Wigwam Parkway Henderson, NV 890174

702-454-8484 www.greenvalleypres.com

December 2020