Optional Scripture: Isaiah 60:19 (theme selected text)

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Mathew 14a, 16a

Light is such a big part of the advent season. From Christmas lights, advent candles, to the star over Bethlehem, we are surrounded by light during this season. In the book of Matthew we see that we are the light of the world and are called to let our light shine before others. During this season this verse takes on a new meaning for me. As I ride around and see the many Christmas lights and as I look at the lights that cover every Christmas tree, I can’t help but to think of how beautiful these illuminations are. I find great symbolism in these lights. Like the lights on a tree, we are called to wrap our communities with the light that shines from within each of us. And as beautiful as Christmas is, nothing could be more beautiful than the love of Christ shinning in the darkest parts of our world. As the advent season fades and the Christmas lights slowly are taken down in the community let us focus on and remember that light is still needed in the world. The love of Christ must continue to shine through the darkness of poverty, injustice, and oppression that is prevalent in our world. As darkness enters the lives of our family and friends let us remember that we are the light of the world and we need to find ways to bring the hope of Christ. As darkness creeps into our communities, let us string together our light to bring joy and peace to God’s creation.

Optional Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11 (Lectionary text)

In Matthew 11: 2 – 11, John the Baptist, while in prison, sends word by his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?” Jesus replied, “Go and tell John what you hear and see.”

Jesus’ response to John’s question is one which still applies today. What do we see and hear that assures us that Jesus is the promised Messiah? During the holiday season we can look and see, listen and hear how Jesus is healing, restoring, raising, preaching and teaching the good news to us and through us.

There are many examples including preparing, serving or delivering meals to different groups, filling boxes for children, ditty bags for seamen and homeless people, collecting food for those in need, just to mention a few.

Recently John and I experienced people sharing Jesus’ love. John’s vertigo attack sent us to the ER one Sunday morning. While there we received calls, texts, our deacon visited, and were told that people were praying for us. Dr. Lewis walked by, saw John, and stopped to give encouraging words. At home there were calls, emails, and later cards with expressions of concern and love. What a joy to be a part of this loving Christian fellowship.

The Dorcas group has given me opportunities to share Jesus’ love with many. It is remarkable how God made needs known and provided the means to accomplish the tasks. Giving items we’ve made to others brings joy to the recipients, and greater joy to those sharing and telling others that God loves them.

Observations assure us that Jesus is the promised Messiah. We must continue His work by going, doing and sharing God’s love. This brings true joy.

Optional Scripture: James 5:7-10 (lectionary text)

During November our Sunday School class has been studying the book of James. I like to think of it as God’s Little Instruction Book for Christians. James is short and blunt on our need to be doers of the word and not hearers only.

One of my most memorable Christmases was in the eighties when my two grown daughters were still in elementary school. Fran and I were in Earl Swicord’s class, and we were given the opportunity to help a family in need that Christmas. Our assigned family was a single mom with two young daughters about the same ages as ours. We were given clothing sizes and ages to help in our gift selection. We took our girls along shopping, letting them select just what they thought would make another little girl happy on Christmas morning. We then let the girls wrap their gifts and we all piled into the car to personally deliver them. We knocked on the door of the apartment in their modest neighborhood, and were greeted with very little furniture, and a small Christmas tree with nothing underneath. Our girls helped carry in all the gifts that they had selected, and we filled the space under that tree to the obvious delight of two other wide eyed little girls.

It was a great Christmas lesson for my family. The girls saw that there are many less fortunate, and that they could do something, no matter how small, to help. As you and your family celebrate this Christmas, be alert to ways you can be the hands and feet of Jesus by helping others in need. In this way, you will experience the joy of being a doer of the Word.

Optional Scripture: Psalm 146:5-10 or Luke 1:46b-55 (lectionary text)

Mary’s song. While the news of her pregnancy was glorious, it must have been frightening, yet Mary bursts forth in song. I wish I could say that was my response when I got frightening news this year, but it wasn’t.

I love music. My father’s sweet tenor voice filled the church, as he directed the music, index finger keeping the beat of the music, and I played the piano. Those hymns comforted me on the long ride home as I knew my mother was dying. As Daddy died, my siblings and I sang to him the songs about heaven he had sung to us. I cannot remember not singing.

But not this time. in January my song was silenced. Cancer. How could this be happening? And if I was okay with it happening to me, I was not okay that it was happening to my daughters. I knew what it felt like to watch your mother battle cancer. I railed against God. Sing? You have got to be kidding me.

While you respected my request for privacy, you quietly expressed love through cards, meals, text messages, phone calls, visits, and even Georgette, my wig, which was a gift from my beloved choir.

And I love my precious four-year-old Sunday School class. My refrigerator is plastered with their artwork, cards, get-well wishes. I cried when I found a mason jar with flowers on my doorstep, when I was given my prayer shawl, donated by Donnie Jordan after his battle with cancer, which had been prayed over by my current and former four-year-olds, and even last Sunday when I was told a child prayed for me as they packed shoeboxes.

Through the love you have shown me, I sing again. Right now, my song goes like this: “Jesus loves me, this I know.”

Optional Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10 (lectionary text)

Luke 1:14 “You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.”

Nine years ago I picked up a Compassion child sponsorship packet from a table that was set up in the hallway of our church. Little did I know at that time, the joy that this decision would bring into my life.

The child that I selected to sponsor was a little five year old boy named Esvin from Guatemala. We began our correspondence with me writing letters and him drawing pictures. As he grew older he began writing his own letters. Over the years we have shared photos and prayer request through our correspondence.

This past July I had the opportunity to go to Guatemala. I traveled with fifty other Compassion International sponsors that had children in Guatemala. We visited five child development centers that were housed in local churches. In these centers we led Vacation Bible School-type activities. We were also able to make home visits and help out with chores which allowed us to enter into their world.

On the last day of our trip we were able to meet and spend half the day with our sponsored children at a “Fun Center”. Esvin, (now 14) as well as many other sponsored children traveled a long way on school buses to meet us. This was a very special and emotional time for all of us.

The people in Guatemala live very simple lifestyles. Most of their meals consisted of nothing but flour tortillas and their houses were only a small room that served as the kitchen and bedroom for the whole family. Even though their lifestyles are simple, these people were filled with much gratitude and joy. Many people think joy is external, based on their circumstances. This trip was a great reminder that joy is not external, but internal and that we can make a choice to praise God in all things. Scripture calls us to be joyful, not because of what we have in our possessions, but what we have in Christ. During the next few days may we have joy and gladness, and rejoice because of the birth and life of Jesus!

Optional Scripture: Matthew 4:16 (theme selected text)

Isaiah 9:2

The people living in darkness
Have seen a great light,
On those living in the land of death
A light has dawned.
NIV

We are the people living in the darkness; the darkness of fear, disbelief, and distance from God that takes us into the shadows of doubt and despair. The light of Jesus can open the doors of healing and restoration.

Christmas is a door thrown open, a season like no other. Christ is the first part of the word Christmas- a syllable of joy on everyone’s tongue. Are our eyes and hearts open to the Light of Jesus? Are our hearts alive with the hope of pointing others to a Gift like none other? We must make a promise that we will be watching, listening and sharing this Light. This Christmas, keep your Light turned on.

Prayer:
Lord, I want people around me to know that I believe You are the Light of the world. I want to love You so much others can see in my life – even if they never listen to the words- that I believe that You are the “Light of the World”.

We have been born to bear witness to that Light. Each time we approach the Advent season, we become joyously occupied with celebrating what the Light has done in our lives. This is the true calling of the season. To let others see that You, Jesus, are the Light of my life- of all life.

Optional Scripture: Psalm 43:3 (theme selected text)

Acts 13:47 “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Almost anyone who knows me knows how much I love the ministry of Operation Christmas Child. It’s such a meaningful way to follow the Lord’s commandment. As we fill each box, we are shining our lights for God and sending salvation literally to the ends of the earth.

For the past 20 years, more than 100 million children in 130 countries around the world have been introduced to God’s love through the shoebox ministry. These are children not only in need of gifts, toiletries, and school supplies, but in need of God. Children receiving shoeboxes are offered booklets in their own language about God’s greatest gift – Jesus. Like the Gentiles, they often have no knowledge of God and that he is the one true God. And they certainly know nothing about Jesus Christ.

This year, I had a chance to participate in shoebox packing parties with our youth and children. To see their faces, full of joy in their acts of giving, has made this a most special Christmas season. Our youth and children, along with the Boys and Girls Club, filled more than 60 boxes collectively! And our church family did a total of 191.

While shopping for some toys and other goodies for the children’s packing party, I overheard a young mother on the next aisle telling another woman how Operation Christmas Child has become an annual tradition for her family. Her young boys give up receiving one gift from their lists and, instead, each fills a shoebox. As a reward, they get a family popcorn, pajama and movie night. That made my day!

Thank you for your participation and support in this important life-changing, life-saving ministry. Truly our lights will shine brightly as our gifts travel to young boys and girls, and their families, in need of God’s love this year.

Optional Scripture: Isaiah 50:10 (theme selected text)

As the holiday season approaches, there is much anticipation of family and office get togethers, but there is the stress of time constraints which seems to be intensified by the shortening of daylight hours plus the “fallback” of the clocks. In the past, this negatively affected my running schedule, since it is dark by the time I get home this time of year. I would try to run in the dark, but would occasionally veer off the running path or almost get hit by bicycles. My brilliant wife had the perfect solution. She bought me a headband nightlight. I was reluctant to try it at first, but it has revolutionized my running schedule. Recently, I ran with a friend and was able to illuminate his path as well. This made me feel good to be able to share my light so we could both run safely. However, this is physical light and was useful for a brief and finite period of time. My spiritual light is more important and its benefits are much longer lasting. I was made aware of this at one of those holiday gatherings. My work group of about 50 was having our Thanksgiving potluck lunch. Not wanting to be first in line, I was still in my office when the phone rang. They were waiting and wanted me to say the blessing. I was extremely honored to be asked to shine my light in what is normally a secular setting.

Optional Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12 (lectionary text)

At this time of year, I think back to when, “The Dorcas Group” began. A Holy Spirit inspired idea came to one of our members late in the year of 2011. When she called me about it, we talked at length, both excited to start a sewing mission to help others in need. Needless to say, two years later The Dorcas ladies have touched many locally and in other countries.

We are always busy with ten to twelve ongoing projects, mostly sewn in our homes. We come together twice a month, bringing the items made for all to see. What a fun time of sharing!

Our group has been Blessed by so many, with monetary gifts, closets cleaned out and items no longer used, given to us and our sister sewing group in Rock Hill, SC have supplied most of our materials that are sewn. We have been encouraged, helped, and cheered by many, but the ladies know where their strength, courage, and insight comes from. God has used each one of us for His Glory, to share our love and talents with others in need. We thank all that have been a part of this mission that is:

Our Hearts to Seek Him and
Hands to Serve Him.

Optional Scripture: Romans 15:4-13 (lectionary text)

Most of you know that I am a Biker and a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA). We are an organization formed to ‘Save the world one heart at a time.’ We do it through Evangelism of many kinds. The theme for this Advent season is:

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Mathew 14a, 16a

I spend most of my free time doing just that – letting my light shine – by being present at events where I can share the Gospel to a lost and dying world. As it says in Romans 15:9b ‘As it is written, “Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name.”‘ CMA has organized efforts at the large rallies like Daytona Bike Week, Myrtle Beach, Laconia and Sturges Bike Weeks. We have Store Front Ministry Centers, Tents scattered throughout the venue and individuals walking through the grounds looking for ways to minister. We also go to the local events that are put on by the Motorcycle Clubs here at home and in the neighboring towns that raise money for worthy causes.

Every spring and fall we have a Coffee Break at the Georgia Welcome Center at Exit 1 on I-95 North during the weekend that the Daytona Rallies are over. As the Bikers are going home from the rally, we are there to meet their needs as they stop at the rest area. We have a trailer and a tent to give out coffee, donuts, water, hot dogs, Bibles, tracts & smiles. We greet them as they park and invite them to our tent for refreshment. They ask how much it costs and we tell them ‘it is free like salvation!’

One day while working the stop, a man stopped by just for a bottle of water. After talking to him I gave a Bible to him before he headed away to his home in New York State. A couple of years later, he stopped back to tell me that he had gone back home and had some troubles catch up with him. He remembered the Bible and started reading it. He called the number on the back to our CMA National headquarters in Hatfield, Arkansas, and talked to one of the staff there. He was lead to the Lord and accepted Jesus as his Savior! He told me, “Don’t ever stop what you do!” That makes the effort I put forth worthwhile! Hallelujah!

Remember that you can witness as you go and people will be saved!

Romans15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.