Avon Grove Advent Devotional, Week 3

Avon Grove Church of the Nazarene

Different Voices:

The Advent Journey

to Christmas

A Daily Devotional Guide

Week 3:

December 13 – 19, 2015

Writers:

Kris Guertler is the wife of Jim and mother of Jamie. She serves as director of our women’s ministry, on the Academy board and music ministry. She is a school nurse in the Octorara Public Schools. She lives in Parkesburg.

Heather Hyde is the wife of Jackson and the mother of Hadley. She serves as our Associate Pastor. She lives in Chatham.

Becky McGehean is the wife of Jay and mother of Maddy and Mackenzie. She is an administrator at Avon Grove Nazarene Academy and a member of the church board and youth staff. She lives in West Grove.

Jay McGehean is the husband to Becky and father of Maddy and Mackenzie. He serves as our youth pastor, and is a health and physical education teacher at the Avon Grove Charter School. He lives in West Grove.

Justin Reed is a senior at Avon Grove Charter High School, a leader in our youth group and involved in music ministry. He lives in Cochranville.

Clara Saxton serves as director of Kingdom Kids, our Wednesday evening program for children, and is a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway,  Fox and Roach Realtors. She lives in Kennett Square.

Esther Schutz is the wife of Mike. She serves as our Minister of Worship Arts and Administrative Assistant and teaches music lessons. She lives in Penn Township.

Mike Schutz is the husband of Esther. He serves as our senior pastor. He lives in Penn Township.

Kathy St. John is the wife of Jim. She serves as Director of Avon Grove Nazarene Academy, and is a member of our church board and music ministry. She lives in Lincoln University.

Beckey Williams is a recent graduate of West Chester University and serves as director of the after school program and a teacher at Avon Grove Nazarene Academy, and is a member of our music ministry. She lives in Oxford.

The story of the birth of Christ is over 2,000 years old, and as new as the first time a child hears it. It is a communal story, one that is shared by Christians around the world, and in congregations of every church in every land. And it is an intensely personal story, as our memories of Christmas past are brought to mind with every retelling. This year those of us who share life and faith together as the Avon Grove Church of the Nazarene are once again telling the story through music, drama, symbols, personal recollections and new insights. We have invited members of our fellowship to share their personal devotional thoughts as they read through the traditional scripture passages of Advent and Christmas to Epiphany.

How to use this devotional guide: You may choose to use this for individual use, for small groups, or for use during family time. Each day there are readings from scripture – several psalms, another Old Testament reading, a reading from the Gospels, and from the New Testament epistles. We encourage you to read one or more of the passages and meditate on them. Some of the scripture passages are obviously connected to the season, while for others the connection may not be so obvious. The devotional writing for each day is in response to one or more of the scripture passages. We have left room for your personal notes and reflections.

If you find the devotional writing to be a blessing or help, please let the author know. After all, you will see them in worship – and how often do we get to thank an author in person?

In addition to the printed version available each Sunday for the next week, they are also on the church website, www.avongrovenazarene.org. Click “Worship,” then click “Pastor’s Blog.”

 Sunday, December 13 Third Sunday of Advent   

Scripture Readings: Psalm 63,98, 103; Amos 9:11-15; John 5:30-47; 2Thessalonians 2:1-3, 13-17

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, ² not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come.³ Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness^[a] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. ⁴ He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

Do you remember taking tests in school that asked you to “fill-in-the-blank”? Or the kind of test that had multiple choice answers, which often included “all of the above?” Or what about the essay question that required you to support your thesis and significantly demonstrate that you knew the concept? Each of these types of questions were designed to test your knowledge about a certain subject and then prove that you knew what you were talking about. Now, you would have attended class, taken notes, and studied for the test. You knew the answer to each question, but when it came time to actually “fill-in-the-blank”, your mind went blank.  For multiple-choice questions, all of sudden not just one answer looked correct but so did 2 others.

In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he is admonishing them to not let anything get in the way of the correct answer, and to not add anything to the truth that Christ would return and we would gather together to meet Him. My modern take on this is that we all have been to class, taken notes, studied the truth of God’s word and testify that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior and returning King. But when it comes time for the test, we go blank. When someone on Facebook asks us to “Share this post” and we will receive a blessing, or get healed, or have good fortune, we hit the “Share” button because we panicked and forgot the truth that our Hope is in God and God alone. Or when we say something good is about to happen then we “knock on wood” to be extra sure. And what about when we say “I will pray for you” and then wish our friend “good luck”?

The challenge for all of us is to remember our classes, our notes, our study of God’s Word and not be deceived or beguiled in any way when the Fill-in-the-Blank, True or False, Multiple choice questions of life pop up as we live in anticipation of Christ’s return.

Esther Schutz

Monday, December 14

Scripture Readings: Psalm 41, 44, 52; Zechariah 1:7-17; Matthew 24:15-31; Revelation 3:7-13

Revelation 3:10-11 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.

I’ve heard the words so many times from other people that now play in my head without prompting.  Hold on, hold tight, dig a little deeper, keep the faith, don’t be discouraged.

Can I just tell you how blessed I am today to hear the words from God in Revelation 3:10, “Because you have kept my command to persevere, I will keep you….; and from Rev. 3:11, “Hold fast what you have….” 

That bit about holding on is not just a strategy – it’s a command with a promise securely connected to it!  It’s all about WHO my faith is in – not about how much faith I have. I serve the God who sees me coming and opens the door wide!  (Rev. 3:8)  My strength may feel very small, but it is rooted in the God who overcame death! 

Directions for use of this scripture:  Read it over and over and over.  Repeat – many, many times.

Kathy St. John

 Tuesday, December 15

Scripture Readings: Psalm 45, 47, 48; Zechariah 2:1-13; Matthew 24:32-44; Revelation 3:14-22

Psalm 47 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth. He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved. God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. The nobles of the nations assemble  as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings^[c] of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.

Let's get one thing straight, the Lord is King!  Psalm 47 is like a personal spiritual pep rally!  With the darkness of the world and all of our issues it’s easy to forget who is in control.  This time of year we spend far too much time focusing on Fox News, MSNBC, our bank accounts, and our calendars.  The world is heavy and we thrust ourselves into a state of being overwhelmed with everything that is wrong in this world.  That is not how we celebrate this season!  God cannot and will not be beat!  Clap your hands, sing to him a psalm, the trumpets are sounding, Our God is the King over ALL the earth!  Experience joy today!  Live out joy today knowing that Our God reigns over all the nations yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Jay McGehean

 Wednesday, December 16                                                           

Scripture Readings: Psalm 49, 53, 119:49-72; Zechariah 3:1-10; Matthew 24: 45-51; Revelation 4:1-8

People who think they are living out the wishes or commands of a higher authority have long banded together to do battle against God and his children.  Perhaps they just cannot understand that our heavenly Father loves us so much that he forgives us.  He tells us that under His will we can have peace among each other and ultimately all mankind.  In the time of God's glory, mercy and truth will kiss each other.  Doesn’t this sound like our images of Christmas? 

Each of us works through the Advent season, preparing a tabernacle in each heart where our Lord will be comfortable and recognize the décor.  He likes to see the new plowshare that we fashioned out of our old swords.  Maybe our swords are the dual-edged instruments that live inside our mouths and today they are plowshares grooming the furrows with loving greetings. 

We have formed around our Christmas season, many images which convey love.  This is entirely appropriate, since God is love!  And as we embrace those around us and remember with love those who are not near, we abide in God and He abides in us.  His great and wonderful love, debuting in human form as a precious newborn, provides the image we hold dearest in this magical event which is Christmas – the remembrance of the love of God made so very real through the nativity of Jesus Christ.

Clara Saxton

 Thursday, December 17                                                                                         

Scripture Readings: Psalm 50, 53, 59, 60; Zechariah 4:1-14; Matthew 25:1-13; Revelation 4:9-5:5

Matthew 25:1-13 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of them were foolish and five were wise. ³ The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. ⁴ The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. ⁵ The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.⁶ “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’⁷ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’⁹ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ ¹⁰ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. ¹¹ “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ ¹² “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ ¹³ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Matthew 25:1-13 is a parable about the ten virgins waiting patiently for their future husband. Five of the women were wise enough to have enough oil to last until the man came, while the others had to run to buy more oil. By the time the women returned the party for the man and his brides had started, and they had lost out on the man they had been waiting for.

While waiting through the night with oil for a man is no longer relevant, much of this story still applies to today. Much like the wise woman were waiting with extra oil at the ready for their future husband we must be waiting for God. God has not told us when He will return, so we cannot wait around until he shows up and expect to go to heaven. We need to make sure we are prepared by doing His work every day so that we can spend eternity with Him!

I’ve noticed through my senior year in high school that it is all too easy to spend each day going through the motions. I know that I’m only going to be in high school for a few more months, and then I will be on to bigger and better things. This is just like waiting on earth for heaven! We could idly sit by and watch life go on without us, or we can do everything we can to make a difference in the lives of those around us.

Justin Reed

Friday, December 18                                                                                              

 Scripture Readings: Psalm 40, 51, 54; Zechariah 7:8-8:8; Matthew 25:14-30; Revelation 5:6-14

Psalm 40 I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. Sacrifice and offering you did not desire— but my ears you have opened burnt offerings and sin offerings^[d] you did not require. Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll.  I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, Lord, as you know.  I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly. Do not withhold your mercy from me Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Be pleased to save me, Lord; come quickly, Lord, to help me. May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled at their own shame. But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer;  you are my God, do not delay.

Although we anticipate the holiday season to be “the most wonderful time of the year,” for some, the holidays tend to bring about a time of loss, grieving, stress, and/or anxiety. This passage of scripture is a wonderful reminder for us to lean on God and trust in him even in times when we are faced with distress. “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord;” allow your trust to be fully in him and he will bring blessings into your life. We have so much to be thankful for, more than we even realize at times. Pray for complete confidence in trust that you may allow yourself to fully rely on God. Let these words be a reminder of his faithfulness: “You are my help and my deliverer, you are my God." As Christmas day quickly approaches, fill your heart with the joy and happiness that makes this time of year exceedingly special. 

Beckey Williams

Saturday, December 19             

Scripture Readings: Psalm 55, 138, 139; Zechariah 8:9-17; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 6:1-17

Matthew 25:31-46“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. ³² All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³ He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. ³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ ³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ ⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ ⁴¹ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ ⁴⁴ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ ⁵ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ ⁴⁶ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Many Sundays, during our congregational prayer, these words are said: “We have sinned. We have done things we should not have done, and we have not done things we should have.” The first phrase refers to sins of commission, the second to sins of omission. It is this second category that strikes us so strongly in Matthew 25. Christ tells us that it is not enough to avoid causing pain. We also must look around, see the pain of others, and do whatever we can to alleviate it. We must notice, we must care, we must act. We must be the good Samaritan, and not the bad Levite.

Over the years you have learned to be too busy, too consumed with your own life, your own stuff. You have some unlearning to do; we all do. Let the Holy Spirit be your guide, and you will soon find yourself looking around, seeing the pain of others, and partnering with God to change it.

Mike Schutz