The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:5
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Each evening, my family gathers in darkness around the wreath. We recite John 1:1-5. At the first mention of light, we strike a match like a flare. Amid trembling shadows, we share the dramatic fire from candle to candle. So the light grows, shining in the darkness.
This picture of a snow-covered street lamp by Trinity reminds me of my family’s ritual. Both hold a warm light we’d like to overcome the darkness in this world.
Yet something is off. Something in this picture unsettles even the ritual I hold so dear. I know: the light is outside the church. The church itself is dark.
This is hard truth. Even though Jesus told us, “You are the light of the world,” Advent reminds us that the light comes from God. It doesn’t come from us. Ouch.
John presses the point: “The world came into being through the light, but the world didn’t recognize the light. The light came to his own people, and his own people didn’t welcome him.”
For all our dramatic show, we religious Christians have a humbling season before us. We celebrate this story of how, by and large, religious people miss the coming of their Savior. We’re busy with the census. We can’t make him room. Still.
We’re still in the darkness.
And still the light comes to us. Full of grace and hard truth. Exposing our dark deceit. Our blind devotion to Caesar and all that is Caesar’s. Our dramatic theatrics, barely covering our naked need for a light we can never strike up ourselves.
God from God, Light from Light:
come into our darkness
and save us now.
Amen.
“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
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During this season of Advent, as I look at Trinity Church with just a dusting of snow, I am reminded of two of God’s wonderful gifts.
The first is the quiet, calm beauty of a freshly falling snow. For me, snowfall is God’s way of saying, “Slow down, and appreciate my creation.” Certainly, as Christmas approaches, we get busier and our schedules become more chaotic. In Richmond we don’t often get snow before Christmas, but focusing on the scripture, “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth” gives me that same comforting message. I need to be reminded, and sometimes I hear God whispering those very words to me.
The second gift is the physical structure where we meet, support, and nurture each other as we gather to worship God and celebrate the birth of his son. As Christmas approaches, there is a heightened sense of community as we remember the story of Jesus’ birth. I love the Christmas pageant with the children eagerly participating to tell the story of how this celebration had its beginnings. The service of lessons and carols is equally beautiful each year, even though it’s never exactly the same as the year before. I anticipate the arrival of the Chrismon tree with its sparkling symbols of Christianity. The sanctuary is festive with the addition of poinsettias and seasonal greens. There is a sense of warmth and generosity, and there are opportunities to share what we have with others.
We have been blessed abundantly! Let us remember to serve and be mindful of the needs of our brothers and sisters as we continue this season of Advent.
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
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This very familiar verse of scripture from Isaiah foretells the birth of Christ. It is through the gift of music, however, that these words were magnified in Handel’s majestic oratorio Messiah. If you pause a moment you can hear the music playing in your heart and mind. Handel’s music helps us to remember the scripture, but what type of messiah was Isaiah trying to describe? He said a male child will be born and given all authority to rule, not as a warrior, but more benevolently as a peaceful leader and coequal to God the Father. This image differed substantially from the powerful king and military leader once envisioned by the Jewish people to restore their land to national greatness. Are we often guilty of misinterpreting God’s intentions? God’s plan doesn’t always fit into our timetable.
We are so blessed to have an outstanding music program at Trinity for all to enjoy. Each week throughout the year special music is performed during all services by talented musicians and singers to enhance the worship experience. This photograph illustrates the final preparations before a service of lessons and carols. The handbells are arranged, the piano and pipe organ are tuned, the Chrismon tree and Advent candles are placed. All is in readiness, but where are the performers and worshipers? Trinity United Methodist Church is not the brick building on Forest Avenue; it is the people within and our level of commitment as ambassadors for Christ. The stained glass window in the chancel illustrates Christ as the Good Shepherd always inviting us to follow him.
Advent is a season in celebration of Christ’s coming as God’s gift to the world and preparation for his expected return. Now is the time to reset your heart and mind back toward God’s will and way. Thanks be to God!
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” Psalm 122:1
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“Joy to the World, the Lord is come!”
It is our favorite time of the year! The tree is trimmed. Wreaths have ribbons. Candles glow. A traditional carol is heard over the voices as people fill the room and hallways.
“Let earth receive her King!” Where are we—a shopping center? He is everywhere, but we find “Splendor and majesty are before him; strength, joy are in his dwelling place.” (1 Chronicles 16:27). Surrounding ourselves with other believers of God’s great love for us is a joy! There is a bounce, a lightness in our steps. When we enter Trinity at Christmas, a deep joy is in our hearts. It is our Lord’s home.
Methodists are quiet, but Psalm 66:1 says, “Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name, make his praise glorious. Say to God, How awesome are your deeds!” Even though our voices are not choir quality, our hearts still make us want to sing. “Come; let us sing for joy to the Lord; Let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song” (Psalm 95:1).
A closer look at this photograph shows Trinity’s Advent wreath, not a common sight at a shopping center! “When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place!” This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:16).
Advent prepares our hearts. Jesus is coming. Heaven and nature sing. “Burst into the songs together, shout for joy!” (Isaiah 52:9/54:1) Is your favorite hymn humming in your mind? “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night,” or “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel?” Yes, it’s Christmas with all its trimmings. But it’s the joy of the birth of Jesus and knowing he is always with us!
This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. Luke 2:12
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As I reflect on this picture, I’m reminded of how much I love Christmas Eve services at Trinity. They are warm, welcoming, and beautiful. We have glorious music, lovely decorations, sacred communion, and time-honored traditions. We come dressed in our finest holiday garb. What a magnificent way to celebrate the birth of our Lord!
Yet, what a study in contrasts to Christ’s humble entry into this world. We read this scripture verse, and we can’t find any glorious music or beautiful decorations. We don’t read about lovely clothing; instead we read about “bands of cloth.” We read about a “manger,” not a setting we’d think appropriate for our Lord.
There are messages for all of us in this contrast. We should look for the Divine in the ordinary. Can we see the face of God in a small child, whether in our home or church—or in our community or Honduras? Can we serve those who are in need, are from humble beginnings, or are poor in spirit?
The entry of Christ into our world is surely the beginning of our saving grace. Such an unassuming event – a humble birth in a humble place. No fanfare, no great celebrations. Yet, so important to all of us. We should remember our Savior’s humble birth and be humbled by God’s power and plan for us. As we celebrate this night, let us not forget God’s salvation for the world in his son, Jesus.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” Luke 2:14
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Merry Christmas! First off, props to you for getting out your devotion book on what is likely a busy day with family, church, presents, cooking, etc. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, happy, sad, blessed, thankful, lonely, stressed or anything in between, Christmas of 2018 is here.
Growing up, I remember starting my countdown for the next year’s Christmas right around 12/26. Sure, I was thankful for the presents, but as my parents were busy tracking down obscure batteries for our new toys, my brother and I would already be talking about what we wanted for next year.
Anticipation. It never really leaves us as we get older, does it? What are you anticipating in your own life? Vacations? College? The end of the workweek? Retirement? Graduation? Your kids growing up? Being debt free? Finally becoming a grandparent?
In other words, how do you fill in the blank: I’ll be happier once…
It’s easy to live life in a constant state of anticipation without ever being fully present in the moment and grateful for all of the ways God favors us.
Today we celebrate the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus’ birth is a gift that none of us deserve and a gift that the rest of the world deserves to hear about. But how many other days of the year do we thank God for the gift of his son? Cultivating a sense of gratitude can begin today by simply closing your eyes and telling God three things you are thankful for.
Merry Christmas!
Jeb Helms
Acknowledgements
Projects like this depend upon people, people who are willing to commit their time, energy, and creativity to pull all of the pieces together. We took a different approach this year with the photographs. Luckily for us Dianne Moore and Dennis King led the way. Both Dianne and Dennis via their vision took some really neat shots. Last December, an early snowstorm allowed Dennis to capture Trinity’s exterior with the snow altering the landscape.
We sincerely appreciate the writers who committed to meeting the guidelines and deadlines. We are thankful for the support of our Senior Pastor, Larry Lenow, in allowing us to develop the project for a second year. Thanks to Judy Oguich for working with the scripture selections and the framework for the book. Kim Tingler coordinated all of the logistics from the start until the end. Our editor, Shea Tuttle, worked to carefully proof each piece. And just a few miles to the north, Kim Johnson helped us to connect the distribution via hard copy and social media. Thanks!! Merry Christmas!!!
