Running in Faith 2000 December

"Running in Faith" is an electronic devotional guide written by members of Abiding Presence Lutheran Church. Each week, writers use their personal interpretation of scripture to write an inspirational message they hope will help readers take their Sunday faith into weekday lives. Your comments are appreciated and, when related to a particular devotion, passed to the writer. We hope you will share these devotions with friends and coworkers. We are always happy to add new names to our e-mail list. Please contact us if you wish your name to be added.
Devotion for the week of December 4, 2000 Submitted by Lois P. "...we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him." 2 Corinthians 3:18 As we begin this wonderful Advent season of preparation, I glance at a decoration in my kitchen of a girl with a frazzled face and frazzled hair holding presents and it says..."Tis the season to lose reason!" Sometimes this can be a season to lose reason; whether "experiencing" the mall, balancing the many activities on the calendar, or baking (or burning) the Christmas cookies. But thankfully, we frequently get the "reality check" that we so desperately need. We walk by and look at the nativity scene that is set up at home or we start humming "Away in the Manger" as the kids sing. And the true meaning of this Advent season comes pouring into our hearts....the most wonderful present of all...God's only son, Jesus. Margaret Payne wrote an article in the October 1998 issue of Lutheran Woman Today entitled "What does it feel like to be a present?" In the article, she explains that one December morning, she found her four-year-old son, John, lying underneath the Christmas tree staring upward. When questioned, he responded that he was "finding out what it feels like to be a present." In the article, she asks, "Do we know what it feels like to be a present? How can we help one another realize that our baptism calls us to be God's gifts to the world?" She challenges us to live as a gift. "As we mature spiritually and share our faith with others in conversation and ministry to the world, we feel the excitement grow. It is the excitement that surrounds gift-giving....and WE are the gifts!" Indeed, we are the gifts! As we invite the Holy Spirit to work within us, we become more and more like Jesus. This has become a daily prayer for me: To live as I was designed to live, as a branch attached to the vine of God's eternal love. And when my life is filled to overflowing, may the Holy Spirit branch out into the lives of those around me. As Max Lucado says in one of his books, Just Like Jesus, " Can you think of a greater gift than to be like Jesus?" Heavenly Father, thank you for your gift of your son, Jesus Christ. Help us to be mirrors of your love so that we may reflect out to those around us. Let us be gifts to each other, packages of grace, love, and peace. In your name we pray, Amen.
Devotion for the week of December 11, 2000 Submitted by Pastor Dan W. Beholding Life from the Underside Visit a real barn Visit a live nativity scene (e.g. Bethany Lutheran Church on Parkside Ave., Ewing) Take a brisk walk in an unfamiliar area Visit a prison, nursing home, or homeless shelter When you visit a friend or family member in the hospital, enter through the "bowels" where the medical wastes are carried out and the orderlies take their cigarette breaks Sharpen your interest and reading about an imperiled region of the world Giving Alms in Secret Deliver food baskets incognito Give an anonymous gift to a local charity Pick out one friend or neighbor and do something special for him or her incognito Prayerfully plan your charitable giving for the entire year so it becomes more than just a sentimental part of the pressured Christmas and IRS rush Stuff brief notes of kindness and compliments in special places for family members and significant others Praying in the Flow of Life Drive around your neighborhood or another neighborhood of your choice. Enjoy the lights while praying for all those living inside the houses In congested traffic, sing the quiet words of Advent waiting: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" or stick the serenity prayer on your car dashboard Enjoy the simple Advent wreath lights and table prayer at home Come to worship a few minutes earlier for quiet prayer Caring for Yourself as a Disciple Get ample rest Moderate the eating and drinking Step out for fresh air during the day Throw out the impossible idealism of Martha Stewart On the shortest day of the year, acknowledge your pain, your memories, and your disappointments before God in that time of prolonged darkness. Utilize the church's gift of private confession and absolution. Call the pastor for a confidential appointment Purchase one new inspirational tape/CD or book that tells the Christmas story in a fresh way and give it to a significant other Write down all your intense resentments, wrap them in a box, and burn or dispose of the package in prayer Select one character of the Christmas story with whom you personally identify this year. Imagine life in communion and conversation with that person. O God, you know us well and truly love us well. Your Word comes to us anew in this Advent season. Make level our pathway when we try to do too much or attempt to be more than human. Lift us upon the pathway when we fall into the shoulders and ditches of downtroddenness and loneliness and see ourselves as less than human. We praise you for coming to draw us into the joys of discipleship in this glorious season. Grant us peace, Lord Jesus. In your name we pray, Amen.
Devotion for the week of December 18, 2000 Submitted by Rosemary S. "And it came to pass in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judah, unto the city of David, that was called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son." Luke 2:1-7 How many times have we heard those same words - the beginning of perhaps the most familiar story ever told! And yet, each time we hear it, it's just a little different. I was working a jigsaw puzzle very late one night while I was staying with my parents, helping my mother as my father recovered from heart surgery. Every once in awhile, I would give the small table a quarter turn to change the viewing angle, to give a different perspective to the tiny bits of color that would make up the finished picture. As I worked, I thought about Christmas, and how, every once in awhile, your view of Christmas gets turned, giving you a different perspective on the story as you hear it year after year. Perhaps it was the year that you, too, were almost nine months into a pregnancy. The 15 minute ride in your old Chevrolet was uncomfortable. You couldn't even imagine what it must have been like to ride for 70 miles on a small donkey, or even worse, walk that far (actually, there is no mention of the donkey in the scriptures). That year, you gained a new respect for the young woman who gave birth to the holy child. For someone else, it might have been the year that you held your own tiny child at that late night service. As you sang the familiar carol, "What child is this?", you thought about Joseph, watching the new born babe and the child's mother as she sang and rocked the little one to sleep. What would be the future of that child, of your child, of the thousands of others born that year? What a tremendous responsibility it is for all parents to "raise up a child in the way he should go". Maybe the year you gained a new point of view on Christmas was the year that you, too, found yourself alone in a strange town. At least you had a place to stay, a warm room or house, even if there was no one with whom to share it. Or the Christmas when you didn't expect any of your children to be home, but your son, in his Navy uniform, slipped in next to you just as the midnight service was about to begin. Or the year that you were one of the magi in the Sunday School pageant, and knelt to offer your gift to the newborn King? Do you remember the year that you looked up and saw all the candles reflected in the sanctuary skylight -- just like all the angels in the sky? Was it the year that your finances were so low that there were few gifts for your children, and you realized that the true spirit of Christmas came with love and caring despite your circumstances? Possibly the year that you did not get to worship on Christmas Eve, the year of the big snow or illness in your family, was when you saw the holy day in a new light. For a different perspective on the Christmas story, read "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever", by Barbara Robinson. Find out how the "worst kids in town" are transformed by their participation in the pageant, and how they, in turn, transformed the event. Read this book by yourself, or to your family. I guarantee it will change your view of Christmas pageants forever. (I have several copies which I would be happy to loan you.) Think about new ways to celebrate -- see Alternative's "Whose Birthday is it Anyway?" for new ideas and new traditions. Each year, we hear the same story at Christmas. But each year, the events of the past year give that story a new angle, a new perspective on the retelling. How will you view the wonderful story this year? May you hear the old story with new ears and an open heart this year, may you be filled with the wonder of the shepherds, the glory of the angels and the peace of God, which passes all understanding. (Martin Luther, Vom Himmel Hoch) O Lord, you have created all! How did you come to be so small, To sweetly sleep in manger-bed Where lowing cattle lately fed? O dearest Jesus, holy child, Prepare a bed, soft, undefiled, A holy shrine, within my heart That you and I need never part Amen.
Devotion for the week of December 25 2000 Submitted by Lynn W. "He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were not born, not of blood or of the will of man, but of God." John 1: 10-13 During advent, our preparation and readiness can be stressful for the expectations of what is about to come on Christmas Day. Today, Christ is born to all of us and we share with each other the gift of being children of God. The world did not recognize him during the shopping rush nor the cookie baking until you heard someone laughing, humming a familiar tune or embracing each other with love. If the cards didn't get done or the baking not complete, let it go for next year because it is more important to recognize what God's will is for each of us by being a member of His family. Family traditions vary by nationality, our upbringing and our life situation. When my children were younger we sang "Happy Birthday Jesus" and listen to this song to keep Christ in Christmas: Christ child is born Herald angels sing Our Redeemer Israel Star that shone Three wise men Manger All that he stands for! Savior! This year we gathered earlier in December with my family to share family heritage. Not all the cousins were present nor my Dad and his wife. But what my brothers and sister shared was my research from a few years ago about the family history. My plan was to have the completed books under the tree. But my brother did not make the copies in time so we spent our Christmas putting together the books discussing our treasures. We all decided for next year that everyone in the family will write an autobiography and make copies to share with each family. I realized I did not only share my autobiography but how I am a part of God's family. This Christmas, I experienced the awe of our Christian traditions. God's love is passed down to each generation through the richness of our Christian family at Abiding Presence or wherever you worship God. The gift of being a child of God is free for all those who believe in Jesus. How important for all of us to take the time to share God's love this holiday season. Celebrate Jesus' birthday by receiving Him in your heart, sharing Him with others and discover the will of God in your life. God's gift is free and it is for all, to become children of God in Jesus name. PrayerMost Gracious Triune God,We are grateful for your love to send Jesus into this world to die for our sins. Our world still rejects Him by putting aside the meaning of Christmas. Help us share the true meaning of Christmas with others so that they see we belong to You. We are in awe to know that Your will for us is to be Your children because of Your son Jesus, now and forever. Amen.
Year 2000 Index

"Running in Faith" is an electronic devotional guide written by members of Abiding Presence Lutheran Church. Each week, writers use their personal interpretation of scripture to write an inspirational message they hope will help readers take their Sunday faith into weekday lives. Your comments are appreciated and, when related to a particular devotion, passed to the writer. We hope you will share these devotions with friends and coworkers. We are always happy to add new names to our e-mail list. Please contact us if you wish your name to be added.

Devotion for the week of December 4, 2000
Submitted by Lois P.

"...we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him."
2 Corinthians 3:18

As we begin this wonderful Advent season of preparation, I glance at a decoration in my kitchen of a girl with a frazzled face and frazzled hair holding presents and it says..."Tis the season to lose reason!" Sometimes this can be a season to lose reason; whether "experiencing" the mall, balancing the many activities on the calendar, or baking (or burning) the Christmas cookies. But thankfully, we frequently get the "reality check" that we so desperately need. We walk by and look at the nativity scene that is set up at home or we start humming "Away in the Manger" as the kids sing. And the true meaning of this Advent season comes pouring into our hearts....the most wonderful present of all...God's only son, Jesus.

Margaret Payne wrote an article in the October 1998 issue of Lutheran Woman Today entitled "What does it feel like to be a present?" In the article, she explains that one December morning, she found her four-year-old son, John, lying underneath the Christmas tree staring upward. When questioned, he responded that he was "finding out what it feels like to be a present." In the article, she asks, "Do we know what it feels like to be a present? How can we help one another realize that our baptism calls us to be God's gifts to the world?" She challenges us to live as a gift. "As we mature spiritually and share our faith with others in conversation and ministry to the world, we feel the excitement grow. It is the excitement that surrounds gift-giving....and WE are the gifts!"

Indeed, we are the gifts! As we invite the Holy Spirit to work within us, we become more and more like Jesus. This has become a daily prayer for me: To live as I was designed to live, as a branch attached to the vine of God's eternal love. And when my life is filled to overflowing, may the Holy Spirit branch out into the lives of those around me. As Max Lucado says in one of his books, Just Like Jesus, " Can you think of a greater gift than to be like Jesus?"

Heavenly Father, thank you for your gift of your son, Jesus Christ. Help us to be mirrors of your love so that we may reflect out to those around us. Let us be gifts to each other, packages of grace, love, and peace. In your name we pray, Amen.

Devotion for the week of December 11, 2000
Submitted by Pastor Dan W.

Beholding Life from the Underside

Visit a real barn
Visit a live nativity scene (e.g. Bethany Lutheran Church on Parkside Ave., Ewing)
Take a brisk walk in an unfamiliar area
Visit a prison, nursing home, or homeless shelter
When you visit a friend or family member in the hospital, enter through the "bowels" where the medical wastes are carried out and the orderlies take their cigarette breaks
Sharpen your interest and reading about an imperiled region of the world

Giving Alms in Secret

Deliver food baskets incognito
Give an anonymous gift to a local charity
Pick out one friend or neighbor and do something special for him or her incognito
Prayerfully plan your charitable giving for the entire year so it becomes more than just a sentimental part of the pressured Christmas and IRS rush
Stuff brief notes of kindness and compliments in special places for family members and significant others

Praying in the Flow of Life

Drive around your neighborhood or another neighborhood of your choice. Enjoy the lights while praying for all those living inside the houses
In congested traffic, sing the quiet words of Advent waiting: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" or stick the serenity prayer on your car dashboard
Enjoy the simple Advent wreath lights and table prayer at home
Come to worship a few minutes earlier for quiet prayer

Caring for Yourself as a Disciple

Get ample rest
Moderate the eating and drinking
Step out for fresh air during the day
Throw out the impossible idealism of Martha Stewart
On the shortest day of the year, acknowledge your pain, your memories, and your disappointments before God in that time of prolonged darkness. Utilize the church's gift of private confession and absolution. Call the pastor for a confidential appointment
Purchase one new inspirational tape/CD or book that tells the Christmas story in a fresh way and give it to a significant other
Write down all your intense resentments, wrap them in a box, and burn or dispose of the package in prayer
Select one character of the Christmas story with whom you personally identify this year. Imagine life in communion and conversation with that person.

O God, you know us well and truly love us well. Your Word comes to us anew in this Advent season. Make level our pathway when we try to do too much or attempt to be more than human. Lift us upon the pathway when we fall into the shoulders and ditches of downtroddenness and loneliness and see ourselves as less than human. We praise you for coming to draw us into the joys of discipleship in this glorious season. Grant us peace, Lord Jesus. In your name we pray, Amen.

Devotion for the week of December 18, 2000
Submitted by Rosemary S.

"And it came to pass in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judah, unto the city of David, that was called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son."
Luke 2:1-7

How many times have we heard those same words - the beginning of perhaps the most familiar story ever told! And yet, each time we hear it, it's just a little different.

I was working a jigsaw puzzle very late one night while I was staying with my parents, helping my mother as my father recovered from heart surgery. Every once in awhile, I would give the small table a quarter turn to change the viewing angle, to give a different perspective to the tiny bits of color that would make up the finished picture. As I worked, I thought about Christmas, and how, every once in awhile, your view of Christmas gets turned, giving you a different perspective on the story as you hear it year after year.

Perhaps it was the year that you, too, were almost nine months into a pregnancy. The 15 minute ride in your old Chevrolet was uncomfortable. You couldn't even imagine what it must have been like to ride for 70 miles on a small donkey, or even worse, walk that far (actually, there is no mention of the donkey in the scriptures). That year, you gained a new respect for the young woman who gave birth to the holy child.

For someone else, it might have been the year that you held your own tiny child at that late night service. As you sang the familiar carol, "What child is this?", you thought about Joseph, watching the new born babe and the child's mother as she sang and rocked the little one to sleep. What would be the future of that child, of your child, of the thousands of others born that year? What a tremendous responsibility it is for all parents to "raise up a child in the way he should go".

Maybe the year you gained a new point of view on Christmas was the year that you, too, found yourself alone in a strange town. At least you had a place to stay, a warm room or house, even if there was no one with whom to share it. Or the Christmas when you didn't expect any of your children to be home, but your son, in his Navy uniform, slipped in next to you just as the midnight service was about to begin. Or the year that you were one of the magi in the Sunday School pageant, and knelt to offer your gift to the newborn King? Do you remember the year that you looked up and saw all the candles reflected in the sanctuary skylight -- just like all the angels in the sky? Was it the year that your finances were so low that there were few gifts for your children, and you realized that the true spirit of Christmas came with love and caring despite your circumstances? Possibly the year that you did not get to worship on Christmas Eve, the year of the big snow or illness in your family, was when you saw the holy day in a new light.

For a different perspective on the Christmas story, read "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever", by Barbara Robinson. Find out how the "worst kids in town" are transformed by their participation in the pageant, and how they, in turn, transformed the event. Read this book by yourself, or to your family. I guarantee it will change your view of Christmas pageants forever. (I have several copies which I would be happy to loan you.) Think about new ways to celebrate -- see Alternative's "Whose Birthday is it Anyway?" for new ideas and new traditions.

Each year, we hear the same story at Christmas. But each year, the events of the past year give that story a new angle, a new perspective on the retelling. How will you view the wonderful story this year? May you hear the old story with new ears and an open heart this year, may you be filled with the wonder of the shepherds, the glory of the angels and the peace of God, which passes all understanding.

(Martin Luther, Vom Himmel Hoch)
   O Lord, you have created all!
   How did you come to be so small,
   To sweetly sleep in manger-bed
   Where lowing cattle lately fed?

   O dearest Jesus, holy child,
   Prepare a bed, soft, undefiled,
   A holy shrine, within my heart
   That you and I need never part
   Amen.

Devotion for the week of December 25 2000
Submitted by Lynn W.

"He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were not born, not of blood or of the will of man, but of God."
John 1: 10-13

During advent, our preparation and readiness can be stressful for the expectations of what is about to come on Christmas Day. Today, Christ is born to all of us and we share with each other the gift of being children of God. The world did not recognize him during the shopping rush nor the cookie baking until you heard someone laughing, humming a familiar tune or embracing each other with love. If the cards didn't get done or the baking not complete, let it go for next year because it is more important to recognize what God's will is for each of us by being a member of His family.

Family traditions vary by nationality, our upbringing and our life situation. When my children were younger we sang "Happy Birthday Jesus" and listen to this song to keep Christ in Christmas:

Christ child is born
Herald angels sing Our
Redeemer
Israel
Star that shone
Three wise men
Manger
All that he stands for!
Savior!

This year we gathered earlier in December with my family to share family heritage. Not all the cousins were present nor my Dad and his wife. But what my brothers and sister shared was my research from a few years ago about the family history. My plan was to have the completed books under the tree. But my brother did not make the copies in time so we spent our Christmas putting together the books discussing our treasures. We all decided for next year that everyone in the family will write an autobiography and make copies to share with each family. I realized I did not only share my autobiography but how I am a part of God's family.

This Christmas, I experienced the awe of our Christian traditions. God's love is passed down to each generation through the richness of our Christian family at Abiding Presence or wherever you worship God. The gift of being a child of God is free for all those who believe in Jesus. How important for all of us to take the time to share God's love this holiday season.

Celebrate Jesus' birthday by receiving Him in your heart, sharing Him with others and discover the will of God in your life. God's gift is free and it is for all, to become children of God in Jesus name.

PrayerMost Gracious Triune God,We are grateful for your love to send Jesus into this world to die for our sins. Our world still rejects Him by putting aside the meaning of Christmas. Help us share the true meaning of Christmas with others so that they see we belong to You. We are in awe to know that Your will for us is to be Your children because of Your son Jesus, now and forever. Amen.

Year 2000 Index