Merry Christmas!

Read: Matthew 2: 19-23

Key verse: “Then Joseph got up and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. …And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee.” Matthew 2: 21, 22b

Safe at last, the Holy family returned to Israel, settling in the town of Nazareth in the district of Galilee. There Joseph and Mary would fulfill their responsibility to God, raising God’s son. Scripture tells us little about these formative years, but we can imagine the parents’ wonder at the events that occurred at his birth, and the magnitude of their responsibility. Luke tells us that “Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in divine and human favor.” (Luke 2:52)  This implies they did their job well.

Prayer: Lord God, may we endeavor to bring up our children in homes that honor you. Help us to be examples of Christian living, providing our children the strength that comes from a close relationship with you. Amen

GOD SAVES THE CHILD

Read Matthew 2:12 - 3:18

Key verse: Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.”  Matthew 2:13

Herod’s plot was foiled when the wise men were warned in a dream to ignore his request; they took another route back to their home, leaving King Herod in a frenzy, determined to find the baby who threatened his power. Joseph was also warned to flee from the king’s wrath, and followed the instructions he was given in a dream, escaping to Egypt until the danger was past.

Herod’s vengeance brought death to all the innocent children two years old and under, in and around Bethlehem in an effort to eliminate the new king.  This is the tragic side of the Christmas story.

But the Christ child was saved.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, our hearts ache for innocent lives that are lost – in Biblical times and today. We pray for your love to comfort those who suffer and we pray for the day peace will reign. Amen.

VISITORS FROM THE EAST

Read Matthew 2:1-11

Key verse: In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” Matthew 2:1-2.

The visit of the wise men from the East establishes the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. Also referred to as the Magi, these men were astrologers and interpreted the star’s rising as evidence of the new king’s birth. They assumed the royal city Jerusalem was the proper place to seek the new king. When they learned that prophecy indicated the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, they set out to follow the star to that town. We can imagine the fear that gripped King Herod when he heard this threat to his power; he played it cool and asked for them to return and tell him where the child was so he too could worship him.

Tradition lists the wise men as three in number, probably because of the three gifts they brought to the new king: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Each of these gifts was symbolic of the future of this child. Gold symbolizes the kingship of Jesus. Frankincense, an aromatic gum-resin from trees in southern Arabia, produces a sweet fragrance when burned. It was used with other aromatics to produce incense for offerings to Yahweh in ancient Israel’s worship. Myrrh, another aromatic gum-resin, was mixed with aloes and used to anoint the body before burial.

Prayer: Dear Lord, may we be wise people, and seek Christ, hailing him as King, offering ourselves as gifts to his service. Amen.

Home

Read Luke 2: 39-40
Key Verse: And the child grew

Mary and Joseph showed their love for God as they fulfilled His law in Jerusalem before they took their precious baby home to Nazareth.  Don’t you wonder at their thoughts as they prepared to raise God’s son?  Who were they?  No one special...and that may be why God chose them: their only recommendation for this magnificent responsibility was their love and obedience to His will.   And that was what God wanted.

And still wants today.

Prayer: Lord, may I, too, love and obey You.

Women

Read Luke 2: 36-38
Key Verse: 36: There was also a prophetess, Anna...

Anna, a devout woman, lived in the temple, worshipping and praising God daily.  Here we find God giving her special honor as she, along with Simeon, welcomed the infant Jesus.  In a day and time when women were considered second class citizens, God is telling us that women and men are equal in His sight.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that You love and honor ALL of us.

God Fulfills

Read Luke 2:25-35
Key Verse: 20: Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.

Again we see Jesus’ parents fulfilling the laws and customs of their people, and also by God’s great good pleasure also fulfilling His promise to Simeon, an elderly and devout Jew.  God’s promise – that Simeon would see the Lord’s Christ before he died – has come to pass.

Prayer: Lord, May we always remember that You keep your promises.  Thank you.

Tradition

Read Luke 2:22-24
Key Verse:  As it is written in the Law of the Lord...

Jesus’ early years are glossed over in our Scripture, but we are assured that from His birth, He was raised according to Jewish law and in the traditions of his people.  He, God’s Future, was also steeped in God’s Past.

Prayer: Lord, May we gain wisdom and guidance from an understanding of our Past.

What’s In a Name?

Read Luke 2:21  On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceive.

Jesus’ name, given to Mary by the angel who first came to her, is the Greek form of the name Joshua, and it means “The Lord Saves.”  From the moment of his conception Jesus’ name foretold His future.

Prayer: Lord, You have known us from the womb, and destined us for Your purposes.

Now Act!

Read Luke 2:15-20
Key Verse: So they hurried off and found....

Being practical men, the shepherds’ reaction was also practical: Let’s go and check this story out!  And amazingly enough, it was true!  They hurried to spread this great and good word, and then returned to their flocks, rejoicing and praising God.

Prayer: Lord, May we not only hear and understand your Word, but act on it, following your will for our lives.

Now Hear This!

Read Luke 2: 8-14
Key Verse: An angel of the Lord appeared to them....

Being a shepherd can be a rough, tough job, and the men who do it are rough, tough men.  They are practical men, not given to visions or fancies, and perhaps this is why God chose to send his angels to them to announce His great gift.

Prayer: Lord, may I be open to any announcements You may have for me.

Mary and Joseph, Part VII

Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Once when my children were very young, I remember on Christmas Eve reading this story to them…and then we talked about the miracle that happened in Bethlehem that night.  And, as I was tucking her in, the five-year-old asked, “But did Mary and Joseph ever pay their taxes?”

Yes, let’s demand that they show those tax returns!

How easy it is to fix on something insignificant and miss the real point of the story.

Indeed, the whole matter of the census taking and the date and who was governing the Roman province have vexed scholars for two millennia as they try to “fix” the date of Jesus birth, and the reason his Galilean parents would have been in Bethlehem to satisfy yet another Old Testament Prophecy.

And they miss the point.  It is not where…nor why they were there…nor whether there really were shepherds in the fields or wise men from the east…that is the stuff of which Christmas pageants are made, but it is not the “true” meaning of Christmas.

The “true” meaning is found in the Gospel of John, the one that doesn’t have any mangers or shepherds in it at all: In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

It was not a tax that was collected, but a gift that was given…the gift of light and life eternal…the most tax-free gift of all…LOVE.

It is a gift that cannot be truly given nor truly accepted, it can only be shared.

Prayer:  Lord, who so loved us that you gave us the perfect example of Love in Jesus, help us to accept that love and to share it will all your children everywhere.

Mary and Joseph, Part VI

Matthew 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

There are many kinds of baptism, and one I remember vividly came to me on this date, December 7, in 1941.  I was 11 years old. I had lived a simple life with few problems or pains, I knew that people died (old people, like my great grandfather who had fought in the Civil War) and I knew that there was a war going on somewhere else in the world…but it wasn’t where I was.  And then something happened and the next day at school they gathered us together in the hall to listen to President Roosevelt, and told us we needed to know how to get under our desks or under the stairs in case there were bombs.   Christmas was coming, but suddenly, it took on a new meaning, especially since my mother worked at the hospital at Army Air Base.  She said all the young men who worked with her had their Christmas leaves cancelled and wouldn’t get to go home for the holidays.

So we invited them to our place and we had some snacks and things and tried to pretend it was Christmas eve, and then one of the boys (for that is what they were, just boys, although I thought they were men) said, “Do you think there is a midnight service at the church down the street?”  And without a word we all went to church and prayed for peace.

And what does all that have to do with the baptism of Jesus?  Perhaps because Jesus sought out John for baptism…in keeping with His becoming one of us…this is no aloof God sitting on a cloud watching with disinterest what goes on down here. This is a God who involves himself with the rest of us.  He shows us love and expects us to do the same.

Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love…

Mary and Joseph, Part V

Matthew 1:18  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold , the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying , Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done , that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child , and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

They were engaged, this carpenter in Nazareth and this young woman he had loved for years.  And now, all of a sudden, there are nasty stories going around, people pointing and whispering behind their hands.  Poor Joseph, everybody in Nazareth knows but him…well, he’ll find out soon enough…

Oh, he knew, all right, but he loved her and he wasn’t going to make an example of her, although, under the law there were lots of things he could do…even stoning was an option.

Are dreams only our own wishful thinking, or do they really bring us answers?  Joseph put a lot of stock in the dreams he was having…enough to think maybe, just maybe, God was telling him something very important.

And he decided to trust God.  Because he loved God and because he loved Mary, he insisted on going ahead with the wedding.  And taking full responsibility for Mary and her child, the boy to whom he became role model and teacher and nurturer…setting an example of what a father should be like, so that when, in later years, the adult Jesus chose the metaphor of “father” to express the relationship of God to his people, when he taught his disciples to pray “Our Father,” he surely had in his mind a picture of one who was loving and just and fair.

Prayer:  Thank you for Joseph, the humble carpenter, who understood that God works in mysterious ways and uses each of us to further his plans.

Mary and Joseph, Part IV

Scripture Luke 1:46-56
Luke 46: And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold , from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed .  49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. 51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.  54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed forever. 56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

I spent several years in Roman Catholic parochial schools.  My all-time favorite teacher was a nun who somehow acquired a stray cat and managed to keep it as a pet.  The cat was called Maggie, which, Sister Mary Clare explained, was short for Magnificat.

That was the first time I’d heard of this incredible piece of poetry. The Old Testament is full of psalms attributed to David and others.  Unlike these, so many of which are pleas for help, Mary sings of her joy at being able to render the greatest of all services to God…that of being His mother (or so the nuns told me.)

The concept of God having a mother was a little hard for me to grasp … when you are eight the concept of the Trinity is kind of hard to handle.

And Mary isn’t praising God for the privilege of changing diapers and wiping divine noses…she is in fact praising God for his love of and care for what her Son would later call “the least of these.”

What is so “magnificent” about God and the gift He gives at Christmas is that it is an ongoing gift of love and concern for all His creatures.

Prayer:  Thank You, Lord, for Love, the one great gift you have bestowed upon us…Your love poured out that also enables us to love one another.

Mary and Joseph, Part III

Luke 39-45
39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah; 40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. 41And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42And she spake out with a loud voice, and said , Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

Blessed is she that believed…ok, I believe…I think I believe…I’ve been told all this stuff since I was little…too little to understand that virgins don’t have babies and …

But there is another interesting point to be made here.  Revelations about the coming of the Messiah are being made to women, who were not held in very high esteem in those days.

Indeed, Elisabeth’s husband Zechariah has been so skeptical that he, the man, had been stuck dumb for not believing.  It’s the girls in this case that are doing the leading.

Women have been taking the rap for all that is wrong in the word ever since Genesis and that business with the serpent…and now, hey, these two women are suddenly in the spotlight and the man of the house is struck dumb.

Maybe, although it took centuries for it to come to pass, this is another special Christmas surprise… Paul spelled it out in Galatians 3:28:  There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Centuries later, Abigail Adams, wife of an American president, would admonish her husband to “remember the ladies.” God, it appears, has never forgotten them.

Maybe we’re not quite there yet, in every branch of the church or every culture, but we are getting there.

Prayer:  Thank you, Lord, that all people are equal in your sight and your salvation is for everyone.

Mary and Joseph, Part II

Luke 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 35And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 36For with God nothing shall be impossible. 37And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Second Verse, same as the first…another telling of essentially the same story, because, scholars tell us that the writers of Matthew and Luke drew on the same source, something called “Q” which is short for the German word for “source.”

But it doesn’t hurt to look at it again from a slightly different perspective.  This one goes into a little more detail and tells us absolutely, positively, that Mary was “troubled” by this angelic appearance.

Far from Cupid-like cherubs, the angels that appear to people in the Bible seem to be rather more frightening (remember, the shepherds were “sore afraid,” or as some translations put it bluntly, “terrified.”)

Well, I mean really, here you are, barely in your teens, about to be married to a very nice man and suddenly this…this….CREATURE is telling you that you’re pregnant and…ouch, ooh, it’s time to wake up…

And then, fully awake and aware, Mary realizes exactly what the angel is telling her…she knows the ancient prophecies and she knows it is past time for that Deliverer to show up.

And so she bows her head and accepts what she is being given to do…little knowing that down the road she will again be bowing her head, this time over the broken body of her crucified son…

As we light candles and exchange gifts we tend to forget what an old time radio commentator used to call “the rest of the story.”

Prayer: Stand with us, Lord, and guide us even when we don’t know exactly where this road is taking us.

Mary and Joseph, Part I

Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying , 23 Behold , a virgin shall be with child , and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is , God with us.

Isaiah 7:14  therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign: a maiden is with child and she will bear a son, and will call his name Immanuel.

Most scholars today believe the Hebrew word 'almah’, used in Isaiah, would more accurately be translated as young woman rather than virgin, but this is not about chastity and has nothing to do with 21st Century politicians’ rhetoric.

It is about the conviction of the residents of what is now Palestine that God, their God, the one whose name was too sacred to be spoken aloud, had promised centuries earlier that when they needed it most God would send a deliverer.

They were exiles in Babylon when the promise was made.  They were under the heel of the Roman emperor centuries later, when the young woman in Nazareth, about to be married to the woodworker Joseph, had an encounter with an angel who told her she would be the mother of their deliverer.

She did not understand it then, and too many of us do not understand it now. Gabriel wasn’t talking about freedom from Roman oppression. His message was not just for Mary, not just for Israel, but for generations to come: that God believed all people should be free from the bonds of human frailty – selfishness, greed, prejudice – that kept them separated one from another.

The “miracle” is not a virgin’s pregnancy.  The “miracle” is the message of God’s continuing presence in our lives…Immanuel…God with us then, now and always.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for being there, a buffer between us and our human frailties, our Savior.

OUT OF BETHLEHEM

Read Micah 5:2-5a

Key verse: But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Micah 5:2

The chief priests and scribes during the time of King Herod were well aware of this prophecy. When the wise men from the East came seeking the child who was born king of the Jews, and King Herod asked them where the Messiah was to be born, they replied, “in Bethlehem of Judea,” and quoted Micah’s prophecy. Bethlehem was a small town southwest of Jerusalem, in sheep grazing country. It was the home of Jesse, father of the shepherd boy David who became the mighty king of Israel. God’s covenant with King David assured him his throne would be established forever. Isaiah prophesied “A shoot shall come from the stump of Jesse; a branch shall grow out of his roots.” (Isa. 11:1) The Messiah would come from David’s royal line. In the New Testament, Matthew’s genealogy (Matt.1:1-17) traces the line of the baby born in a stable in Bethlehem back to King David.

Prayer: Dear Lord, We are touched by the humble beginning of our savior’s life – the stable in the small town of Bethlehem. How appropriate that the Good Shepherd should come to this quiet town in sheep herding country! May we humbly bow to worship the king, the Messiah, Jesus, Son of David.  Amen

PEACE AMONG THE NATIONS

Read Micah 4:1-5

Key verse: He shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more; …Micah 4:3

This prophecy of Micah, like that of Isaiah, chapter 9, promises a time when war will no longer exist. For a long time Israel had been under siege by the Assyrians and the people were weary of warfare. His vision of instruments of war transformed to tools that provide sustenance for the people gives hope in a time of despair. Obviously this prophecy has not yet been fulfilled. Today instead of swords and spears, bombs and rockets destroy life and hope for their transformation to peaceful ends seems improbable. But the day will come when the lord shall judge among the nations and peace shall come at last.

Prayer: Lord, we in the 21st century long for the day when war will no longer exist. Give us the desire and will to make peace wherever we are and to trust that in your own time the whole world will know peace.  Amen

A NEW COVENANT

Read Jeremiah 31:31-34

Key verse: No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord,; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.  Jere.31:34

In the midst of the anguish of the people of Israel, carried away into captivity, Jeremiah sees hope for the future. The covenant written on stone and in books was broken by the disobedience of the people and the relationship between God and the people destroyed. The day will come when God will make a new covenant with his people. God’s new covenant will be written on their hearts – they will be transformed by his creative power to desire and have the power to do his will. “I will put my law within them and write it upon their hearts,” says the Lord. He will “forgive their iniquity and remember their sins no more.” Once more the fellowship between God and his people will be restored.

On the night he was betrayed, Jesus Christ remembered this prophecy. He took the cup, gave thanks to God and said, “This cup is the new covenant, sealed in my blood.” All the blessings Jeremiah saw – obedience from the heart, restoration of fellowship with God through forgiveness, personal knowledge of God – are made available to the people of God through “the offering of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all.” (Hebrews 10:8-18)

The birth of Jesus Christ, his ministry, death and resurrection ushered in the Kingdom of God on earth known in part by those who choose to follow him. Jeremiah’s prophecy will be completely fulfilled in the future – when Christ returns and all will know the Lord.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you for the new covenant through Jesus Christ that grants us forgiveness and restores our fellowship with you. Write your law on our hearts and enable us to love and serve you in response to your amazing love.  Amen

PROMISE OF RESTORATION AND PROTECTION

Read Isaiah 43: 11, 18-20

Key verse: I am about to do a new thing;  Isa. 43:18a

The “old thing” was the Covenant of Works. In Exodus 19, God tells his people, “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be a priestly kingdom and a holy nation.”

God kept his part – the people failed. Time and again they turned away and worshiped idols. God saw the Old Covenant would not bring his people to him, so he planned a “new thing”—a New Covenant, through which he would redeem the world.

Through the Incarnation, he would come to earth and live the human life, beginning as a weak, helpless babe who would grow up to live a life demonstrating the life God intends for each of us. Ultimately, he would give his life on the cross – a cursed death - bearing the sins of all mankind – redeeming them. He defeated death when God raised him from the grave, giving eternal life to all who choose to follow him. What a wonderful New Thing!

Prayer: Lord, we praise your name for “doing a new thing!” No longer are we bound to legalism, striving to keep your law perfectly, knowing we are unable to succeed. We still strive to live according to your commandments through our love for you and our gratitude for your Son’s sacrifice to redeem our sins. We know when we fail and repent, he is gracious and forgives. Thank you for the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, our savior. Amen

ALL NATIONS WILL COME

Read Isaiah 60:1-7

Key Verse: Arise, shine for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.  Isaiah 60:1

Arise! You have been downcast, but the light of the Lord will shine upon you. Through the Incarnation, Jesus, the Light of the World, came to be Emmanuel, God with us. He ushered in the Kingdom of God, his life of love and service revealing the life that God would give to those who follow him as Lord and Master.

Isaiah prophesied that “nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”  The Magi came to worship the Christ Child, having seen and followed the star that announced his birth. “They shall bring gold and frankincense, and proclaim the praise of the Lord. They are often referred to as The Wise Men, an appropriate name, since wise men (and women) of all ages choose to find the Christ and offer their lives in his service.

But Isaiah’s prophecy extends beyond the birth of the Christ Child. He prophesies the time, (the Second Coming of Christ,) when all nations will gather and honor Israel (the people of God) and nations that will not serve you will shall perish..(See Isa.60:11-12). As we celebrate the season of Christ’s birth, we also anticipate his second coming – the second “Christmas.” Are you ready for Christmas?”

Prayer:  Dear Lord, help- us to be “wise men and women” who dedicate our lives to you and seek to do your will each day. Give us wisdom to discern your will and courage to do it.  Amen

WAR AND CORRUPTION

Read Isaiah 9:5-7

Key Verse: For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.  Isaiah 9:5

War, then as now, is horrible. Since Cain murdered Abel, the tragedy of war and corruption has permeated society through every age. Each new invention or discovery, created to improve life, is soon adapted to become an instrument of destruction. Innocent people are victims of war’s atrocities and prime young men and women are sacrificed on the battlefield, whether the conflict strives to combat evil or is the source of evil.

Corrupt leaders seeking power run over their own people and their countries are laid waste in devastation. Each generation since ancient times has known has known the the heartbreak and misery of War.

What comfort and hope these words of Isaiah must give  to all of us , wearied by years of warfare.

“All the boots of tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire,” when Christ comes to judge the world and usher in the Peaceable Kingdom when war shall be no more! The messiah will be a righteous ruler and justice will prevail in the kingdom of God. “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.”

Prayer: Help us to strive for peace on earth – in our families, our churches, our communities, and the world, as we await that day, O Lord, when all signs of warfare and destruction are destroyed.  Amen.

LIGHT AND HOPE

Read Isaiah 9:1-4

Key verse: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.  Isa. 9:2

High atop a mountain in Haiti, I experienced total darkness for the first time in my life. I must admit I felt a tremor of fear –what might be lurking among the  grapefruit trees as we approached the Guest House? Suddenly, the bright light of a gasoline lantern, which Pere Albert held aloft, illuminated the area , and we walked confidently the rest of the way.

Darkness symbolizes fear, uncertainty, hopelessness… Taken into captivity to a strange land, the people of Israel walked in darkness. Isaiah’s words of prophecy that God’s Light would shine, gave hope in their darkness. His prophecy was partially fulfilled by the Incarnation. God sent his Son, Jesus Christ to live among the people. Jesus, the Light of the World, would reveal the Father through his ministry of love and service. His victory over death removed the fear of deat and gave hope to those who chosed to follow Christ.

The complete fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy will come with Christ’s Second Coming to judge the nations and establish for eternity the Kingdom of God.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your promise to be our Light and guide through this life. Give us hope as we seek to follow your Light.  Amen

Haiti Update

Just a quick Haiti Update from Deacon Rob Crittenden who is in Haiti this week.  He made it there safely on Tuesday and was able to meet with the Episcopal Bishop.  They had a good meeting.  

Rob was able to make it to the mountains and the new guest house in Cheridan, which is good.  Storm Sandy wiped out what were considered many roads in Haiti.

Rob was able to make it to Bainet from Cheridan which after the storm was NOT passable.  Hopefully today he will be able to, or be able to confirm, that the road and river from Bainet to Larevoir (where our Allison school is located), is passable. 

Work, especially in the third would, is 80% about just getting there. 

Cheers - Elder Andy Travers

2012 Advent Devotional

The Writers Guild is proud to announce the 2012 Advent Devotional will be available on our church “blog” this year.  A “blog” (short for “web log”) is an online journaling tool used by many writers and commentators.

The Writers Guild offers this blog as another resource for members to journey through the Advent season.  To “Follow By Email,” go to: thisweekrcpc.blogspot.com and enter your email address.  You will be sent a devotional email every day throughout the season of Advent, and then each time thereafter the blog is updated.

2nd Grade Bible Presentation

We are so proud of our 2nd graders, Holden Blanton and Bradley Caldwell, who had great fun studying the Bible in our "God's Gift of the Word" class. Holden and Bradley have reached a wonderful stepping stone in their faith and have received their Bibles from our church! We pray that the Holy Word will be a comfort and guide to them throughout their lives.

A Seminarians Update: Richard Aylor

I just wanted to give you an update on Seminary.  It is going great so far.  It was tough adjusting back to the academic work, but now that I have made it through my first week, things are going smoothly.  I am taking Hebrew, which is going to be my toughest course, but I am beginning to see the reward in all the studying.  I am also taking Old Testament, Early Church History, Systematic Theology, Speech, and Choir.  This afternoon, I found out that I have secured a job in the Seminary Relations office working about 10 hours a week, which is great because they are very flexable with hours, and I have my weekend to catch up on my work, and of course to explore different churches on Sundays. 

I have met some wonderful people here so far from all over the country.  I have never experienced that type of diversity before being from and going to college in Southwest Virgina. 

I certainly miss Raleigh Court and I hope the year has started off well.  I really missed being at Rally Day this year.  If you get the chance, tell everyone at Youth Group that I miss them and I am thinking about them. 

I cannot tell you enough how much I appreciated this last year at Raleigh Court.  It truly was a blessing.  I cannot thank you enough for giving me this opportunity.  My thinking is so much different at Seminary than it would have been 1 year ago without that experience. 

Yours in Christ,

Richard

With Great Joy and Excitement...

It is with great joy and excitement to announce to you that Leigh Sackett and Anne Travers have been called to serve as our next co-Directors of Christian Education!  Leigh’s primary responsibilities will be for all things infant through middle school, and Anne’s will be high school through adult.  The DCE Search Committee is confident in Leigh and Anne’s unique qualifications, experience and innovative thinking, and the committee looks forward to their gifts shared with the Christian education department at our church.  We celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit and the faithful discernment process of the DCE Transition and Search Teams. 

If you would like to send them a welcome note, you may reach them at:

• Leigh – leigh@rcpres.org
• Anne – anne@rcpres.org

Kate Garden, Getting Set to Serve Christ

The Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program offers opportunities in Christian service and learning for young adults between the ages of 19 and 30.  YAVs serve in eleven sites within the United States and five sites around the world.  The job descriptions for the volunteers depend both on the needs of the partner and the skills of the YAV In each placement, the volunteer works with a church or organization, develops Christian community, and meets for prayer and Bible study with other YAVs.

Kate has been selected to be a YAV in Guatemala for the 2012-2013 year!  Her Guatemala group is a small group of all women, who will be living with host families in nearby towns, and will be able to do service ranging from hunger programs, to teaching English, to working for international non-profit CEDEPCA, which benefits Central America.  She departs on August 27th from orientation in New York, and will return in July/August 2013.  Kate is excited about the coming YAV year and is excited to share her ministry with Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church (RCPC). 

International YAV years can cost between $20,000 and $30,000, but the Presbyterian Church (USA) shares a large part of the cost, and she is responsible for raising $8,000.  If you would like to support her mission and this ministry, contributions are being collected through the “Kate Garden Guatemala Fund” at RCPC.  Regardless of whether you can give financial support or not, your prayers for her endeavor would be invaluable!  Thank you for your support!

!! MOVIE NIGHT !!  The RCPC Board of Deacons are having a special, free showing of the “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” on Thursday, July 12 at 7 pm as an effort to help raise funds for Kate.  They will be selling popcorn and soda, and collecting contributions for her ministry, and KATE will be on hand to give free hugs!!!

A Seminarian's Update: Dirk Labuschagne

Dear Members of Raleigh Court Presbyterian:

Greetings and blessings to you from sunny Chicago!  That’s right – sunny, not windy, as the city is usually known.  My first year at McCormick Theological Seminary has been during an especially mild and non-Chicago-like winter, and, I have to say, I am very glad.  I was able to adjust to studying, familiarize myself with the libraries, neighborhood, and my fellow classmates, and find my footing with my professors all without frostbite-inducing temperatures and mountains of snow.

I have just concluded a wonderful first year at McCormick.  My wife, Amy, and I live in student housing, and we have enjoyed the community and fellowship of McCormick greatly.  Hyde Park is a beautiful neighborhood, and I have taken advantage of the University of Chicago library as I have researched papers and prepared for exams.  At this point, Hebrew is behind me and Greek is before me, I have examined theological issues I studied in South Africa from an American perspective, and I have hammered out a “faith statement.”  I can say with a certain amount of confidence that, though it would seem easy, a “faith statement” is relatively difficult for a theology student to compose.  Imagine a law student having to write a “law statement!”  Next year I will be starting my field placement at Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church, which will give me invaluable experience working in a congregational setting as a student intern.

For the summer, Amy and I will be staying in Chicago, where she will continue to work until she, too, begins graduate school in the fall, and I will be involved in a summer program through a local congregation.  We look forward to the slower pace of the season, where evenings can involve a little more ‘calm’ and a little less ‘classwork.’  Toward the end of the summer we are fortunate to be able to make a trip to South Africa for a couple of weeks to visit our family and friends, as well.

Overall, I have worked hard and I have learned a lot.  I am thankful every day for the opportunity I have to study at McCormick and prepare for ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).  With my first year behind me, I know not what the next two years hold, but I am certain I am in the right place.  Thank you all for your support and kindness as I have prepared for and begun this seminary journey.  I value Raleigh Court, and look forward to returning for a visit soon!

Grace and peace,

Dirk Labuschagne

A Seminarian's Update: Rachel Erb

Dear Friends,

My first year at Union Presbyterian Seminary is drawing to a close.  I have been genuinely challenged, both personally and academically, but on the whole it is a rewarding and affirming experience by far.  It is a marvelous realization that through it all I truly feel that I am doing what God has called me to do.  I made it through Hebrew school this summer, fall semester, a January term, and spring semester.  The classes I took ranged from two semesters of Old Testament to Pastoral Care to The Teaching Ministry of the Church, and though their topics varied widely, they all gave me pieces of the puzzle that have started to make up my practice of ministry.  I have experienced the cancellation due to a blizzard of an in-progress inter-seminary flag football tournament in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, worked as a hostess at a gala dinner and auction celebrating Union’s bicentennial, coordinated all the volunteers for a weekend-long Ultimate Frisbee tournament, and eaten about half my weight in Sweet Frog frozen yogurt while taking study breaks, even running into Tupper there while he was in town.  I have also worshipped at over a dozen different churches and venues in Richmond, had truly meaningful conversations with friends and strangers alike, bought my first set of biblical commentaries, and felt the Spirit at work in my life in too many ways to name.  I have been blessed with remarkable and inspiring professors and fellow students who come together to create a community that faithfully engages, supports, and challenges its members as we all seek to discern and follow God’s call in our lives.

The seminal event in my year was without a doubt my trip to Haiti over spring break.  A group of ten from Union, drawn from both the Richmond and Charlotte campuses, were hosted by an organization called the Comprehensive Development Project (CODEP) in L’Acul, a seaside town about thirty miles to the west of Port au Prince.  It sounds cliché, but it was truly a life-changing experience.  CODEP is a development organization, active for over twenty years, that mainly addresses reforestation, along with related components like education, agriculture, and housing, and seeks to solve Haitian problems with Haitian solutions by employing Haitian people.  While it would be impossible for me to sum up what I learned and my experiences there in what is meant to be a short update, suffice it to say that I was sincerely struck by the amount of wonderful work CODEP does and the results they achieve, a large consequence being the hoping and planning for the future that is engendered in the 600 or so Haitians that they employ, something that is typically hard to find in the Haitian culture and its people.  It is a truly magnificent project, one that I plan to continue working with in the future.

My summer plans take me on a small tour of the Southeast.  After a May term class in Richmond and a short stop in Roanoke, I'm heading to Montreat, North Carolina, for two weeks as a small group leader at the Youth Conferences, and a week as a participant in the Worship & Music Conference.  At the beginning of July I'm moving to Decatur, Georgia, for two months to attend Greek school at Columbia Theological Seminary.  Like Hebrew school last summer, I will (try to) learn two semesters worth of a language in eight short but very full weeks.  I'm excited about connecting with new people in my field, taking advantage of the "big city" opportunities Atlanta has to offer while not being there long enough to get fed up with the traffic, and, of course, learning Greek!

I'll be back in Richmond in time to help with new student orientation at the beginning of September, as I was recently elected Fellowship Committee Chair for next year.  I have accepted a year-long internship at a Presbyterian church near the school which will start in the fall as a hands-on addition to my continuing coursework, and I'm really looking forward to putting the things I'm learning in an academic setting into practice in a congregation.  (A curious aside: We are, of course, RCPC; the church I attended when my family lived in North Carolina was Davidson College Presbyterian Church, DCPC; and my internship is with Three Chopt Presbyterian Church - you guessed it, TCPC!)  Things don’t seem to slow down, but I am definitely enjoying myself through the crazy ride!

On a more personal front, I really cannot express to you how much your prayers, notes of encouragement, and interest in my first year experience have meant to me.  I truly appreciate your support, and miss my Raleigh Court family.  You are in my prayers.  I’ll be back at RCPC for a few Sundays this summer, and would love to catch up, answer questions, or just generally chat, so please say hello!  I’ll see y’all soon, but for now, as always, God bless.

Yours in Christ,

Rachel

SOLILOQUY

SOLILOQUY

Alone I stand

Alone-- alone.

The barren sand

stretched far and wide

on either hand

to where gray heaven

touches grayer land.

One tree alone remains

to break the sad monotony

of barren plains.

Alone as I

its jagged silhouette

imprinted on the sky

bare limbs

that reach for heaven

roots that cling

to cold gray shifting sand.

I listen to its silent cry --

Tired of this weary life

and yet, afraid to die.

-Mary Jo Shannon

Are You a “Check-the-Box-Christian”?

Are You a “Check-the-Box-Christian”?

In these challenging overscheduled times it can be difficult to make time for Christ and our spiritual growth.  Maybe you made it to church and Sunday school on time and even got your hubby there in a tie.  Possibly, you attended your committee meeting and you were able to advance a new program for youth.  Somehow, you were able to find time in the morning to pray for your mission group or folks in your bible study.  You convinced the kids to get to youth group.  You opened your bible and it is not even Sunday.  Good for you.  Check the box.

I would, however, venture to think that our God wants us to color outside the lines a little.  If he wanted us to just check the boxes of our faith he would have spared us those things like:  tears, joy, passion, courage, love and those butterflies we get in our gut, if we are lucky from time to time.  Surely you are not a check-the-box sports fan, seeking to watch games that have already been won.  No, you love the joy of sport and like a good competitive contest of skill and endurance.  Do you seek out average movies and concerts or hope the next $8 or $80 you spend you will see something special?  Do you add those extra calories on a dessert that is just ok?

Yes, our time is valuable and the 1-2 hours you have this week is what is there to meet your personal-church-stuff-quota.  If it is then I would suggest you make it worth your time.

• Help someone out of the car this Sunday.  Better yet help them into the car and give them a ride to church. 
• Pour an extra cup of coffee for a new friend. 
• Stand up for another person in need and seek a new way to serve them. 
• Tell a friend you love them and they make a difference, and skip the handshake and give them a hug.  
• Skip the routine prayer at dinner and instead, that night, fall to your knees, for a true minute of thanks and praise.  

It is quite possible that if you try to make your time with Christ “worth it”, then I think you will find how your other priorities will better fall into their rightful place.  Try leading with your heart, rather than your calendar.  Do something selfless that is not on your checklist and does not fit into your neat little Christian routine.

Some of those new things you are moved to try to grow your faith will take root and provide new fruit in your life.  You may even find yourself coloring outside the box of your faith and you just might experience the adventure of life, the life He planned for you.    

- Elder Andy Travers

CANDLE ON THE WATER

CANDLE ON THE WATER

“Oh send out your light and your truth;

  let them lead me…” Ps. 43:3a

O Lord,

Ignite my soul with your love,

Then launch me into the darkness.

Keep me afloat.

When I drift away on my own

Blow me gently back on course,

Until my feeble flame unites

With others like my own.

Then in the darkness

One light will shine

And here on the water,

Infinite reflections

Dance with joy!

Lord, keep me aflame!

(This poem was written after a communion service at The Synod of the Virginias Conference, 1977, at Massanetta Springs, Harrisonburg, Virginia. Attendees launched burning candles on the lake, symbolizing the Light going out into the world.)

Mental Health America Roanoke Valley (MHARV)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

The Board of Deacons has again this year approved mission work in support of the Mental Health America Roanoke Valley (MHARV).  The MHARV with the volunteer help of therapists, nurses and psychiatrists provide free psychiatry, counseling and pharmacy services to the working and non-working poor without health insurance.  The beneficiaries of these services are carefully screened to ensure eligibility and are asked to diligently participate and comply with their treatment.

1.  The MHARV runs a free mental health clinic for adults, provides advocacy for mental illness and runs support programs for children and adults impacted by mental illness.
2.  Mental illness is real, common and treatable.  It does not discriminate and impacts children and adults across all races and both genders.
3.  The MHARV holds an annual Walk for Mental Health (our 8th annual walk this year will be held on Tuesday May 15th at 6:00 pm) as our major fundraiser to enable us to continue providing the local free clinic and children’s programs.
4.  Our goal is to raise $56,000 to support these services.
5.  For every $1 we receive, we deliver $5 in care

There are three ways that RCPC members can be involved in our annual walk.  First, if you would like to join us in the walk, please see any of us and we will give you details (RCPC members Andy Agee, Chris Bryant Hugh Wellons and I all serve on the board of MHARV).  Second, please pray for the success of this walk and the many recipients of these services.  Lastly, if you feel lead to support this walk with a tax deductible donation, please make your check to MHARV and pass onto any of the members above or mail to: 2850 Fairway Forest Circle., Salem, VA, 24153.

Please contact me if I can answer any questions about this cause.

Yours in Christ,
Mark Derbyshire

GLIMPSES OF CHRIST

GLIMPSES OF CHRIST

Like disciples on the road to Emmaus,

we discuss the Scriptures

with limited understanding.

But you, unseen among us,

guide us to see the Truth.

As we break bread

together

at your table

suddenly

we see you --

momentary

glimpses

of your

Presence.

--Mary Jo Shannon

MANNAthon Challenge: RCPC vs Salem PC

MANNAthon Challenge – Saturday, May 12 @ 9 am, Fallon Park

3 mile walk, 5K and 8K run

Last year over 400 people joined for the first ever MANNAthon to benefit Manna Ministries. Manna serves the working poor of Roanoke Valley. Each month over 1,000 families wait in lines that wrap around the building to receive a box of food. In addition to food boxes, the families at Manna are offered clothing, toys/books, toiletry items and snacks along with acceptance and love from over 60 volunteers.  Our church has entered into a friendly competition with Salem Presbyterian Church to see which church can enter the largest team of church member, and who has the fastest male and female in the 5K.

• Watch the promotional video here:  CLICK HERE
• Join the RCPC team by:
• Email: Pastor Josh (josh@rcpres.org)
• Text:  “I’m in!” plus your name to 540-491-8001
• Register for the race here:  CLICK HERE

Josh Robinson - Statement of Faith

I believe in God who is the creator of heaven and earth.  God crafted us in God’s image to glorify and enjoy God forever.  I belong to God and will never lose God’s love even when my choice is to turn away and reject God.  I am sinner.  I defame what God has declared good, but I believe God is full of grace and mercy. When I think about God’s almighty nature, I am so overwhelmed by God’s power, that I get only a glimpse and long for more.  I can barely grasp the power of a God who saved me from death for abundant life.  I believe in God who is beyond my understanding, and who has been intimately revealed and made known to me in Jesus Christ.

I believe in Jesus Christ.  For our sake, God became flesh and encountered all of the human experience.  Jesus lived a life without sin so that our God would be made known.  Jesus offers us this perfection in a way that we are made whole.  Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice was to atone for the sins of humankind because we are unable to achieve this perfection.  For our salvation, Jesus died on the cross, and his sacrifice bridged the gap between us and God.  Christ descended into hell to demonstrate that there isn’t any place, thing or action that God will not do for our sake; Christ resurrected after three days to demonstrate God’s power over sin and death; and he ascended into heaven to demonstrate that Jesus Christ reigns victorious as our Lord and Savior.  In scripture, we learn that Jesus is the only way to be in union with God.  In Christ, we are promised eternal life.  We proclaim Christ’s name until he comes again ushering in a new age in God’s eternal kingdom.

I believe in the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit gives us strength to repent from our sins and equips us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit supports us in overcoming our sinful nature and sets us afire to proclaim the good news of the Gospel and Christ’s saving grace.  In our weakness, the Holy Spirit intercedes to help us overcome adversity.  We come to learn the truth of God’s message in the scriptures through the Holy Spirit who aided in their development.

I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.  The Holy Spirit calls people into community to worship God.  The Church actively seeks to be a voice for justice, to love the act of loving the poor and oppressed, and to do all things humbly in the name of Jesus Christ.  The Church is not an institution or a building on Main street, but rather the collective body of Christ coming together to give glory to God through worship, prayer, and service to others.  We are called to live in response to God’s grace and to celebrate the promise of eternal life.

In worship, we are united together as one body of Christ to sing praise, pray for others and offer thanksgiving, publicly commit our lives to following Christ, experience the living Word through the reading of scripture and its exposition through sermon, and partake in the Sacraments.  The Sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist serve as a visible sign of the God’s presence and action in the world.  Baptism demonstrates the death of our separation from God and the birth of our new life in Christ and incorporates us into the body of Christ.  Eucharist reminds us of the Covenant of Grace we received, and we nourished and sustained to live our lives in service to Christ in the world.  At the table, we are reconciled with God and others, renewed in the presence of Christ, and sustained by the Holy Spirit to live a life that reflects God’s great and wondrous work.

Susan Kessler - Statement of Faith

I believe in God the creator of the heavens and the earth and all that is in it.   I belong to God and God knows me and loves me though I am a sinner.  I fall short of what God desires of me and for me, but I know that through God’s grace I am forgiven and loved.  God’s grace and love is never ending. God loved us so much that Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sins and that we would have eternal life with him.

I believe that Jesus Christ is God’s son and my Lord and Savior.  God reveled himself to us through his son.  Jesus was truly human and although he was sinless bore our sins so that we might know the reality of God’s love and how we are to love one another. Jesus became our bridge to right our relationship with God. God raised Jesus from the dead to show that his love is more powerful than evil.  Jesus was an amazing teacher and showed us over and over again how much God loves us, and how we are to share that love with others.  Jesus lived a life of compassion and forgiveness.

I believe in the Holy Spirit send by Jesus to be with us, guiding us and calling us to serve God.  The Holy Spirit empowers us to be bold for Jesus and to testify to his love through our actions and words.  I believe that the Bible is an inspired Book and the Holy Spirit worked through those who wrote the Bible.  The Bible is our love letter from God as he yearns to be in relationship with us.  I choose to follow a God who loves me unconditionally and provides an advocate through the Spirit to give me strength to be his follower when I fall short, deny, or stumble.  The Spirit reminds me of God’s grace and forgiveness.

I believe God made us to be in community with one another and that we are called to be his hands and feet.  I believe that we are all gifted to serve our Lord and we should share these gifts in as many ways as we can.  Jesus Christ is the head of the church and it is in this community that we worship, serve, and study.  As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am to bear witness to God’s love for the world by living a life that professes the love Jesus Christ taught us.

EYES OF FAITH

EYES OF FAITH

Mark 10: 46—52

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

My frantic cry pierced the noisy chatter of the curious

Who crowded the narrow streets of Jericho,

Gathered to see this wandering prophet

on his way to the Holy City.

Tales of his mighty works preceded him –

Perhaps, if they were lucky, they could watch him cast out demons,

Or listen to one of the strange stories he was said to tell.

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” I cried again.

“Shut up, beggar!” someone shouted.

 “How can we hear with your continual banter?”

Undaunted, I shouted even more loudly,

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

My eyes were blind, but my hearing was acute.

From far distant I heard compelling words,

In a voice like none other I had ever heard:

 “Call him.”

The tone of the crowd changed.

“Take heart,” someone said. “He’s calling for you.”

“Move aside; let the man pass!” a loud voice cried.

 I heard the rustle of movement as the crowd parted,

forming a path to the Master.

I tossed off my mantle to move more quickly,

spread my arms wide,

feeling my way to this itinerant preacher –

this Son of David, my only hope.

“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

I thought of years sitting by the roadside,

Begging for coins …food…  sustenance,

Dependent… humiliated… scorned …

I used to earn my living, working long hours in the heat of the day,

Planting … harvesting … threshing grain for my daily bread.

Then came the accident.

My life turned upside-down.

            Blind.

What did I want Him to do for me? Only one thing:

“Master, let me receive my sight!”

“Go your way;” he replied, “your faith has made you well.”

Suddenly the darkness was lifted.

I looked into his loving eyes.

Go my way?

“My way is your way, Lord,” I whispered.

I followed him to Jerusalem.

I watched as the crowd hailed him “King.”

My heart swelled with hope and pride.

I watched as they cried, “Crucify him!”

I felt despair.

I watched from afar as they nailed him to the cross,

Carried his broken body to the grave.

I wept.

O, that my eyesight had not been restored!

Those awful images imprinted on my mind.

Later, I heard rumors -- 

“God raised him from the dead.”

With five hundred others I stood on a hill.

I saw him with my own eyes –

 with the eyes of faith Jesus gave me!

“Go your way,” he says. 

“Your Way is my way, Lord,” I reply.

                        -- Mary Jo Shannon

Richard Aylor - Faith Statement

Richard Aylor - Faith Statement

I believe that God is the creator of all things and God created humans in God’s own image.  Because of the sinfulness of humans, God gave his only son Jesus Christ, as the ultimate sacrifice so that our sins can be forgiven.

I believe that Jesus is the ultimate role model for Christians.  He was compassionate and humble and lived a life serving others.  I believe that Jesus was both human and divine.  Because he was human, his teachings can relate to us on a personal level.  Even though we can never be perfect like Jesus was, we can always aspire to be like Jesus in every aspect of our lives.

I believe that the Holy Spirit is my guide that continues to keep me on Christ’s path.  Anytime I pull away from Christ and stray from that path, the Holy Spirit pulls me back.  The Holy Spirit makes me realize that without Christ, I am nothing, and with Christ, there are endless possibilities.    

I believe that evil exists in this world in many forms.  We are tempted by evil every day.  In order to resist evil, we must accept that Christ is the light that overcomes the darkness.

Because I am human, I am a sinner.  No matter how much I aspire to become more like Jesus in my everyday life, I will always sin.  I will always be tempted by sin, and because of this, I need God’s grace and forgiveness.  I believe that God is a loving God, and God showed his love for us by sacrificing his only son.  We need God to survive in this world.  We need God for protection from worldly distractions.  I believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all with me in every decision I make.

I believe that, as Christians, we must serve God in everything we do, meaning that we should not just think of God on Sunday, but in every aspect of our lives.  When we think of everything we have as not our own, but God’s, our mindset changes.  We should try and do as Jesus did and humble ourselves by helping others that are less fortunate than us.  I believe that the many blessings we have received are not just for us to keep for ourselves, but to share with others.  By sharing our many gifts, we glorify God and make the world a better place.

Lenten Devotional Book: Thank You!

(Thank you for the many, many contributions to the Lenten Devotional Book.  You have made this Lenten season memorable and spiritual.  - Pastors Tupper and Josh)

Members of Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church who wrote the meditations for Prepare the Way are listed below. Scripture references for the meditations are the Gospel selections from the Daily Lectionary. We are grateful to Emily Earls for the original art work. ~ Mary Jo Shannon, Editor 

• Gini Agee
• Lillian Alexander
• Richard Aylor
• John Blanton
• Joan Bowers
• Jimmy Butler
• Lib Carico
• Linda DeVogt
• Lori Earls
• Rachel Erb
• Glenna Fisher
• Lisa Goad
• Judy Hensley
• Susan Honeycutt
• Carolyn Hornick
• Elizabeth Jones
• Lois Jones
• Kay Koehler
• Eric Lawson
• Sarah Martin
• Jenny McKinsey
• Joe McCrobie
• John Moorefield
• Louis Newton
• Stephanie Poe-Thomas
• Laurie Powell-Ward
• Jeanne Pritchard
• Van Renick
• Stuart Revercomb
• Kim Richards
• Wendy Robinson
• Leigh Sackett
• Mary Jo Shannon
• Linda Tartisio
• Alec Travers
• Deanne Vance
• Pat Wade
• Hannah Ruth Wellons
• Hugh Wellons
• Rebecca Wellons

The Raleigh Court Writers’ Guild 

• Mary Jo Shannon, Convener
• Jeanne Pritchard, Shepherd
• Kay Koehler, Publicist
• Lori Earls, Marie Hodge, Elizabeth Jones, Joe McCrobie, Lynn Mays, Dinah Morris, Stephanie-Poe Thomas, Van Renick, and other writers listed above.

JESUS IS LAID IN THE SEPULCHER

JOHN 19:38-42

JESUS IS LAID IN THE SEPULCHER

“Joseph of Arimethea being a disciple of Jesus besought Pilate ~ and took the body of Jesus.”  John 19:38    KJV

Joseph of Arimethea and Nicodemus were shy, fearing association with Jesus. His death showed these men to be bold and unashamed to know Him. The same was true of Peter, who denied Him quickly without hesitation prior to the crucifixion.When Jesus departed alive, the Holy Spirit came, and these admirers became bold witnesses to Jesus. He asks us all who believe to bear witness to his life and resurrection.

There was a season of about 22 years between Jesus being my Savior and Jesus being my Lord. What a difference ~ like Joseph before Jesus’ death and after Jesus’ death. Boldness! Peter experienced such boldness that 3000 souls were saved!

What a difference when Jesus is your Savior than when He is truly your Lord. From the age of 10, going to church on Sunday was my main evidence of being a believer. When I surrendered to Him as my Lord, life was different. He placed a call in my life to teach the Bible. My focus as a believer is to teach and explain truth through leading Bible Studies and Christian Counseling, where the word of God is expounded upon for insight and direction.

Once shy ~ now bold. He wants no less from all who believe, like Joseph, Nicodemus and Peter. Our boldness will be a witness to Him who loves, forgives, and offers His Lordship to all.

Dear Father, Thank you that Jesus rose from that borrowed grave to be our mighty King forevermore.  Amen

~ Joan Bowers

Lucy Travers – Faith Statement

I believe in God, the creator of the heavens and the Earth. I believe God is the Alpha and the Omega. He created every person differently. He created me to be a special and unique person. God gave me talents that I can and should use for the good of others and the church. Also, I know that I have flaws and that everyone sins. No one is perfect. I believe that God will forgive me of my sins and give me a fresh start in life. God will always give me a new chance. When, my time is up on this Earth, God is eternal life.

I believe in Jesus Christ son of God the father. I believe that Jesus was sent to this Earth by God as a living example. I believe that God and Jesus are one in the same. I know that I need to try to be like Jesus and follow in his footsteps every day. Jesus has laid down a path and I choose to follow it. I am a disciple of Jesus. I believe that Jesus suffered on the cross and died to save the people from their sins.  I believe that Jesus will reign again and judge the living and the dead. Jesus Christ is the way to eternal life.

I believe in the Holy Spirit. I believe that I am a branch on the vine of Jesus and that the Holy Spirit travels through Jesus and into me. The Holy Spirit helps me grow. I live my life as a branch empowered by the Holy Spirit to do God’s work and to bear much fruit. I know that sin strangles me but that the Holy Spirit is there. As long as I continue to grow with the Holy Spirit I can overcome sin and be with Jesus and God. I am a living advocate of the Holy Spirit.

I believe that I am part of the Body of Christ. I was given a special talent and I need to use it for the good of the Church. I am a ligament of the body and if I do not carry out my function the Church will suffer. As an active member of Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church,  “I need to be an advocate and help others and not be selfish but be self-less. “I need to seek, serve, and show Christ and I need to get to know God through Christ.”

Lastly, I believe that I am a saint. I am called to belong to Christ and I am holy and sanctified. I am a faithful disciple of God. Even when times are tough and I lose my way I know God will help me through. I stand up and then reach my hand out to help others in their journey. My life is through the Holy Trinity father, son, and Holy Spirit forever.

LIFE LESSONS

JOHN 18:1-19:42

LIFE LESSONS

“Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, ‘Who is it you want?’ ⁵ ‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied.  ‘I am he,’ Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) ⁶ When Jesus said, ‘I am he,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.  ⁷Again he asked them, ‘Who is it you want?’  And they said, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ ⁸’I told you that I am he,; Jesus answered. ;If you are looking for me, then let these men go.;’ “  New International Version

Could we do it?  Could we survive on one income so my husband could pursue his dream to become a writer?  Would we be able to keep doing things we enjoyed or would we be confined to our house, eating only boxed macaroni and cheese for dinner?  Faced with this monumental decision, we crunched numbers, we talked and took our angst to bed.  After sleepless nights, I realized that we never took our issue directly to God. 

As soon as we did, the answer was clear, He would ensure our true needs would be met.  Why do we always believe that we are in charge and not God?  John shows us that even though we may perceive Jesus to be the victim in his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus was in control of the situation.  He saved his disciples from persecution and controlled the timing of everything involved with the proceedings.  He was in charge then and he is in charge of our lives now.

Dear Lord, thank you for guiding us through our difficult decisions in life when we take the time to truly listen to you. Amen.

~ Linda DeVogt