Sunday December 13
Matthew 11:2-11

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing,
he sent word by his disciples and said to him,
“Are you the one who is to come or are we to wait for another?"
Matthew 2:2-3

With everything happening in the world, in the lives of people and communities, the frustrations, the hurts, the challenges in day to day living, is John's question to Jesus relevant today? Jesus' answer to John told of his ministry to the blind, the lame, the ill, the deaf and the poor. But how are we to respond to that question?

I had lunch one day with a catholic friend of mine. In the course of the conversation he said to me: "Rev., here's some money, find someone in need." I was surprised at the gift, not sure how it would be used.

Later in that day I attended a board meeting of a group that I was involved with whose purpose was to provide ways to make good families even better. Our director came into the meeting and immediately told us of a family that came into the center from the south, just started work in the area with limited income except for food. A major snow storm had hit the area that day and they had no warmer clothes or boots for the children to wear. She asked what could we do? It was easy to take the money given to me at lunch time and gave it to her who in turn helped that family get warmer clothing and boots.

It is truly amazing how God works. God's work is truly our hands. And that is a part of the way we today can answer the question of John as to who Jesus is.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to be attentive to the needs of others. Help us to be willing to reach out to others in your name, bring your love in whatever way is needed so that others may know who you are. Amen.

Monday December 14
Matthew 5:14-16

"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."

During this Advent-Christmas Season lights abound in decorations along streets, outside many homes, on Christmas Trees giving a special setting for Christmons and ornaments hanging on the various branches. There are also the candles that are lit each week on our Advent Wreaths, reminding us of the Christ and his approaching birthday.

Many holiday times are fondly remembered but one stands out in a particular way for me. I had just begun a call to serve another congregation. They were in the midst of having a new worship room constructed and hoped it would be completed in time for the Christmas Eve worship services. Unfortunately it wasn't. There weren't any lights, chairs, organ, carpet, altar in the worship room. Worship would be held in the old worship room.

But I thought, why couldn't we process into the unfinished worship room after communion with our individual lighted candles. And so we did, with only a song sheet and candles to guide us.
As we entered the unfinished worship room, one by one, what was once darkness suddenly became filled with light. With no instrumental help, the people began to sing "Silent Night." It truly sounded like an angel chorus. After a prayer and blessing, all left that room experiencing a special light that only the Christ could give.

Prayer: Dear God, as we journey in this season of the church year, help us to be a light to others as you have shone your light in Christ to each of us. Amen.

Tuesday December 15
Acts 28:23-31

"He (Paul) lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomes all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance." Acts 28:30-31

The Christian Church, the Lutheran Church, is meant to be a welcoming church in the Name of our Lord Jesus the Christ.

While this is true at all times to those who come through our doors or seek help in other ways, it is especially true during the Advent-Christmas seasons. Some would say that we will get a lot of people who only come at Christmas and Easter times.

All are welcome when they come. We do not know what people bring with them when they come to worship. This was evident one Christmas Eve. It's hard to greet everyone when they come through the doors for worship at those services because there are usually so many. One lady came to worship at one of those services alone and sat by herself. One of our church members came and sat by her for the service. I didn't find out until after the service when our member related to me that this lady didn't have any friends in the area and had recently lost her spouse. She was so happy that she had sat by her, welcomed her and could talk with her. That story couldn't have meant more to me.

What one person did made a difference that night. What we can do, even in a small way, reflects our Lord Jesus. See what you can do, not only at this time of the year, but always. Your presence can be a light to those who have those times of darkness.

Prayer: Gracious God, please help us to welcome those we do not know and those that we do know. Help us to realize that God's work is our hands. Amen.

Wednesday, December 16
Matthew 19:13-15

"Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciple spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.' And he laid his hands on them and went on his way."

Are children welcome in your congregation? At worship? In service opportunities? Children of all ages have marvelous gifts to share. At this time of the year the excitement of children abounds. In that excitement we see the glow of the Advent-Christmas season that warms our hearts.

One year it was the children's Christmas program. There were the costumes for the shepherds, the angels, wisemen, Mary and Joseph. There were parts taken and lines to be spoken. We had two challenged little girls, cousins, who were in the program. I was seated in the front row watching the program when one of these little girls decided the best seat in the house was to sit on my lap where she remained for the entire program. The other little girl, dressed in her costume came to the microphone ready to say her line. She stood there and stood there looking out at everyone trying to say her line. I am sure everyone in the congregation was getting anxious at the moment. Suddenly she said, "AMEN" and then went to her place to sit down. That wasn't her line but who cared. These special children touched the lives of all of us.

One other incident I remember was when our church went caroling by bus. All could come, children and adults. A member who worked for the bus company brought the bus and drove and we probably had 30 or more on it. Our last stop each year was to visit a retirement home of Roman Catholic Nuns, 14 of them ranging in age from 75 to 92 years. When we arrived all of the Nuns were gathered in a large room with comfortable chairs. Together we sang Christmas Carols- even the alternate version of "Rudolph" which some of you may know. It wasn't long before our youngest children found their way to the laps of the nuns. Oh what smiles!! We all liked to go there, not only to bring the message of Christmas in that setting(we were one of the very few groups that came there), but also to break bread (kringle and hot chocolate which they made) together as we worshiped the Christ in that setting.

Children, young and old alike, have a special way about them. Jesus said "Let the little children come to me." I hope you have the same feeling, not only for those children but for all the children in the greater family that we call the church.

Prayer: As the birthday of the Christ will soon be here, may that baby born of long ago, come into your lives anew this year. Amen.

Thursday, December 17
Psalm 9:1-2

"I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O most high."

The following song was written a number of years ago by my mother-in-law. The title of this song is "Take Time" and the melody is to LBW hymn #453, "If You But Trust in God to Guide You."

Verse 1
Take time to live, as God intended,
Take time to find, His road ahead.
Take time to ask, God for His mercy,
Take time to thank, for daily bread.
Take time to reach, his loving hands.
Take time to know, He understands.

Verse 2
Take time to grow, in grace and knowledge,
Take time to see, another's needs.
Take time to use, your talents wisely,
Take time to help, with some good deeds.
Take time to sing, a glorious song,
Take time to pray, all the day long.

Verse 3
Take time to love, Jesus your Savior,
Take time to read, what He has said.
Take time to heed, the Holy Spirit,
Take time to go, where you are led.
Take time to put, your burdens down.
Take time with God, when day is done.

Agnes Peterson, 2/7/93

May this song in some way touch your life this season and become a prayer to guide you. Amen.

Friday, December 18
John 3:16-17

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him."

At this time of the year we receive in our homes many Christmas cards, some containing notes, others come by e-mails with letters included. We in turn send out to family and friends our greetings in similar ways.

As one reads through these cards and letters, we learn how the lives of others have been during the past year. There is good news – a child has been born, a marriage has taken place, an anniversary celebrated, trips have been taken, blessings have been received. There is also news shared that has not been so good - illness and disease, loss of a job, death of a family member, spouse or child, sister or brother, parents, or other situations. For these folks there is a note of sadness among the joy of Christmas.

As you receive both of these kinds of news, maybe it is time for you to send another note to them or a phone call, rejoicing in the good news, expressing your love to them over the not so good happenings. The holidays can be a mixture of many things to many people but in all that happens God's presence is there to bring his love and support to the lives of people.

Prayer: Gracious God, we are reminded in Scripture that you said we are to love God and to love others. Help us to live those words in many ways now and always. Amen.

Saturday, December 19
Luke 1:46-55

And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name." Luke 1:46-49

So often we are in such a hurry and do not take time for reflection. Take some time to think about Mary's song now.

How has God blessed your life? Take some time to think about this.

What are you thankful for? Take some time to reflect on this.

How can you give praise to God this Advent-Christmas Season? List some ways- share some ways with others

Prayer: Almighty God, you have come to us in many ways for which we offer thanks and praise to you. Help us to be faithful to you and your teachings and to be a blessing to others. Amen