Reflections of the Spirit

Have you ever felt that you needed to find a way to learn more about God and how His Word applies to your life? We all do because God has instilled that desire within us. The spirit of knowing God is a gift that He has provided because He wants us to know Him. Establishing a daily time of reflection and study is God’s way of reaching and talking to us. He provides amazing words of wisdom and insight that are intimately appropriate and useful, once we take the time, each day, to look for them.

Reflections of the Spirit, written by Gary Sims, a member of First Church, is a site dedicated to that purpose. Utilizing the Common Lectionary as a source for biblical study, each day we will look at scripture and reflect on how these verses apply to our lives and the world around us.

Each week, Pastors from around the world and from all denominations, use the Common Lectionary as a basis for sermon preparation. It provides a group of scriptures from the Old Testament, Psalms, the Gospels, and from the Epistles (letters) from which weekly worship services are based. Linked by a common theme, these scriptures provide you with an opportunity for a deeper understanding of God’s Word and how it relates to your life.

Beginning each Monday morning, Reflections of the Spirit will provide a study opportunity for one of the Bible verses being suggested from the Common Lectionary for the following Sunday. The study guide will provide you with Highlights of Key Verses, Points to Contemplate, and Promises of the Gospel for each reading.

As the week progresses, emphasis will be placed on additional scriptures, providing you an opportunity to study that week’s entire Lectionary selection. Fridays will be set aside as a day to reflect and analyze how the four scriptures relate to each other. This will be an opportunity for deeper, personal reflection especially focused on how we can bring the Spirit of God’s message into our lives, becoming stronger disciples for His Kingdom.

We pray that this web page meets your needs and provides God an opportunity to transform your life.

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Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008 - The Gospels
Matthew 2:1-12 - Following the Star

Key Verses: (MSG)

1: " After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory-this was during Herod's kingship-a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East." - As astrologers most likely aware of scriptural references to the coming of the Messiah, the wise men followed the signs to Bethlehem where they expected to find a new king.

3: "When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well." - Frightened of change? Frightened of disturbing the status quo? Frightened that his kingship was in jeopardy? Herod was feeling very insecure by the message of these travelers.

10: "Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!" - With their destination finally in sight, the truth of the situation overwhelmed them with tears of joy and happiness.

11: "They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh." - How they knew is unclear but the dedication of their spirit and openness of their hearts were evident in the manner in which they worshipped this young child.

12: "In a dream, they were warned not to report back to Herod. So they worked out another route, left the territory without being seen, and returned to their own country." - Travel plans had become altered. Their lives were changed. Things would never be the same.
Points to Contemplate:
Are you seeking God? The "band of scholars" had traveled thousands of miles in order to find and worship this new king. How different this approach is to what frequently happens today where people wait for God to come to them. What can you do to maintain a "wise man" approach in reaching out and seeking God in your life?

Are you frightened by the changes Jesus has to offer for your life? King Herod was frightened by the news the magi carried with them. Are there situations in your life or in your church where hanging onto the status quo is more important than embracing the winds of change that God is inspiring? Why do we tend to be fearful of change? What can you do to open your heart to God's transforming love and embrace the changes He inspires?

What gifts do you bring to Christ? As you approach the manger and celebrate in the birth of the Christ child this year, what part of your life will you dedicate to Him? In this act of worship will you give to Him your love, joy, and happiness? Can you bring your sadness, grief, and loneliness to His feet? Will you dedicate the blessings that God has provided you; your wealth, health, and positions of influence? What gifts do you bring to Christ?

Are you changed by your loving acceptance of Christ's love for you? Can you say that you have "returned home by another road" now that you have become aware of His love? Is anything truly the same once you have found Christ? Can you see the difference? Are you walking a different path?

Promises of the Gospel:

The specifics of how the wise men knew where to go, if there was a star or an alignment of planets, if they were from all parts of the world or simply from Babylon, or if there were more travelers than indicated by the three gifts mentioned by Matthew are not important facts in this story. This story models for us how we are to search for God in our lives, to what extent we are willing to go, how we respond to Christ's love, and what we do once we find it. We are to follow the light of Christ, forever changed by it, to reflect the power of His love to the world around us.
Please send comments or questions about this devotional to SimsGa21@comcast.net.

Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008 - The Songs
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 - The Perfect King

Key Verses: (NRSV)

1: "Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king’s son." - In this Psalm, God is being asked to help a king rule the nation justly and wisely.

4: "May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor." - A request that the needs of the poor be a primary concern of the king's government.

7: "In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more." - Everything that is said about the king depends on God's justice and righteousness.

11: "May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service." - A call for all nations to revere and follow God.

12-14: "For he delivers the needy when they call; He has pity on the weak and the needy; from oppression and violence He redeems their life; and precious is their blood in His sight." - This psalm, written by Solomon, calls for God to help his son rule the nation perfectly according to God's will. History has proven, however, that Christ is the only king able to fully achieve this perfection.
Points to Contemplate:
Do our "kings" rule with God's justice in mind? How do you think modern governments would differ if they followed the teaching of this psalm? If the main purpose of governments, as suggested in this psalm, were to care for those who cannot care for themselves, "defending the cause of the poor of the people," how would things be different in our modern world? Would we be experiencing such a gulf between the haves and the have-nots? Would terrorism have any purpose or focus? Is prosperity for all an obtainable goal? If so, how? If not, why?

Does God's "righteousness flourish and peace abound?" How, as Christians, are we called to see that this happens? Is it our fight to insure that the needs of the poor are met? In what ways can we make a difference? How can we shine God's light into the darkness that exists? How can we insure that His righteousness flourishes? What steps can be taken to bring peace? Jesus spent most of His ministry defending the rights of the needy. His gospel reiterates the importance of this ministry in our lives and in our governments. Are you ready for this task? What steps can you take to help make the causes of the poor a priority?

Are you a kingdom builder? What does that entail? Jesus continuously taught us how things should be in the kingdom of heaven. Was there are reason for these teachings? When we read that God "delivers the needy when they call" and "He redeems their life," how does this happen? Does He magically touch the lives of those who call upon Him or does He send people like you and me to meet their needs? Are you responding to His call? Are you ready to deliver the oppressed from the darkness of their lives? Can you be their redeemer? Are they precious in your sight? Are you a kingdom builder?
Promise of the Gospel:

This psalm from Solomon calls us to focus our attention on righteousness and justice for the weak and oppressed. Our governments should be a reflection of this same focus. Understanding and visualizing God's plan for all the world does not simply rest on the shoulders of a few but upon the shoulders of all the nations of the world. But most importantly, we are called to realize that building the kingdom of God and changing the world to reflect His love is a task that falls directly on the shoulders of every Christian. If the needs of the poor, needy, oppressed, outcast, and forgotten are to be met, if God's righteousness is to flourish and His peace is to abound, then it will happen through our response to His call. When we take on the role of redeemer, when we look out into the world and see that everyone is precious in His sight, then we are becoming the kingdom builders that God is calling us to be.
Please send comments or questions about this devotional to SimsGa21@comcast.net.

Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008 - The Lettters
Ephesians 3:1-12 - A Mystery Made Known

Key Verses: (NRSV)

1: "This is the reason that I, Paul, am a prisoner for Christ Jesus." - Paul is imprisoned, tortured, and persecuted because of his ministry to reveal the truth about Jesus Christ.

3: "And how the mystery was made known to me by revelation." - Paul is referring to his own conversion while he was on the road to Damascus.

5: "In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind." - God's ultimate plan for humanity was not revealed until He had sent His only Son in human form, to live and die; to become sacrificial lamb for the entire world.

6: "The Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel." - The Mystery: The Messiah was sent, not to simply save one race of people. God created the entire universe and He sent His Son to save all of mankind.

8: "Although I am the very least of all the saints..." - Paul, the humble servant, recognizes his limitations and remembers his past. It is only through the grace he had received from God that he could accomplish his ministry.

10: "So that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known." - The word 'church' comes from the English translation of the Greek word ekklesia, which means to be "called out." Paul is saying that the body of believers in Christ is 'called out' for the special purpose of sharing the universal message the gospel has to offer.

12: "In whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him." - Our belief in Christ gives us full access to God.
Points to Contemplate:
Have you experienced the mystery of God's grace? Paul stated that through his belief in Christ, the truth of God's love was "made known." Do you feel the power of the Holy Spirit working in your life, giving you guidance and the ability to do those things God is calling you to do? In what ways can you become more sensitive and trusting to the Spirit's leading?

Who is being excluded? Are there groups of people today that your church excludes from God's message of grace? Have you, in some way created an exclusive club similar to the way Jews excluded Gentiles? In your church are you sending messages that people have to be "like us" before they are welcome to attend? Must they wear a certain type of clothing or behave in certain manner in order to be included? Do you exclude the young because of your choice of music or worship style? Do you create barriers to families because of inadequate nurseries, changing tables, or children-oriented activities? Who are the 'gentiles' in your church community that are being kept from the gospel?

What are you 'called out' to do? Paul's gospel says, as the church, we are 'called out' to expand our horizons and to make our fellowship more inclusive. Today, make a special effort to expand your horizons. Who is God sending to you today? Where have your inherent biases, interests, and life-style choices created situations where you exclude others from your life? Do these exclusions limit your ability to fulfill God's call for you into discipleship, stewardship, and ministry?
Promises of the Gospel:

God created the entire universe. The story of that creation was completed with the gift of Christ. Through our acceptance of Christ, all of God's wisdom and love becomes available. We have become unified. There are no exclusions. The Great Commandments have become our beacon: Love God with our heart, mind, and soul; and love our neighbors as ourselves. As we are called to spread the good news of the gospel, the "mystery made known" we are to do so with the knowledge and the boldness that we are all heirs to the same body, the body of Christ.
Please send comments or questions about this devotional to SimsGa21@comcast.net.

Monday, Dec. 31, 2007 - The Scriptures
Isaiah 60:1-6 - Arise and Shine!

Key Verses: (NIV)

1: "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you." - In the midst of dark despair, Isaiah begins to reveal a new promise of glory yet to come.

2: "See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and His glory appears over you." - Removing the darkness can only be done by God. His light will shine on you and reflect to the surrounding world.

4: "Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm." - When you allow God’s light to shine, people will come. Look up and be ready for them.

5a: "Then you will look and be radiant; your heart will throb and swell with joy." - As you fulfill your calling as a radiant disciple of God, your heart explodes with excitement.
Points to Contemplate:
Has your light come? These verses are written about Jerusalem, a city with a future. Even in its destroyed state, it is a city blessed by God and because of this it will attract the entire world to Him. Even though the comments were written about a city, do you see how the metaphor also applies to you when you allow God’s reflection to shine? Have you been blessed so that you can be a light to shine in the lives around you? Has the glory of the Lord risen upon you?

Have you allowed God to remove your darkness? Can you see that no matter what darkness exists in your life, the glory of God is the only source of light that will be able to shine through and give you hope? Imagine the despair the Israelites must have felt as they returned to their destroyed homes with the realization their family members were gone forever. When there is hopelessness and when there is no reason to expect a better tomorrow, can you turn to God and let His light shine through?

Will you "Arise and Shine?" What does this mean to you? Are you allowing your love for God to radiate from you for other people to see? Do you see from these verses the importance of sharing your faith story with others, witnessing to them about your transformed heart, and telling people how it has changed your life? When you do this, Isaiah says the result will be very contagious. Are you ready to be a light for those God sends your way?
Promises of the Gospel:

The story of the Israelite’s return from exile can be a personal reflection of our own lives when we experience pain and suffering. From the darkness of loneliness, despair, heartbreak, death, disease, and temptation comes hope. This hope is the powerful love of God. He provides light into our darkness to help rebuild our broken lives. The light that God instills in our hearts reflects outward, radiating to the world, attracting everyone to its source of hope and redeeming love. "Arise and shine!" Be ready for those God sends your way.
Please send comments or questions about this devotional to SimsGa21@comcast.net.

Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007 - The Gospels
Matthew 2:13-23 - Faithful Obedience

Key Verses: (MSG)

13: "After the scholars were gone, God's angel showed up again in Joseph's dream and commanded, 'Get up. Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay until further notice. Herod is on the hunt for this child, and wants to kill him.'" - In the midst of heavenly celebrations and important visitors, the reality of a dangerous world is brought to Joseph's attention.

14: "Joseph obeyed. He got up, took the child and his mother under cover of darkness. They were out of town and well on their way by daylight." - Without question or doubt, Joseph simply gets up and obeys.

16: "Herod, when he realized that the scholars had tricked him, flew into a rage. He commanded the murder of every little boy two years old and under who lived in Bethlehem and its surrounding hills." - The stakes were high and everyone paid a price.

19-21: "Later, when Herod died, God's angel appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt: "Up, take the child and his mother and return to Israel. All those out to murder the child are dead. Joseph obeyed. He got up, took the child and his mother, and reentered Israel." - Once again, Joseph obeys without question.
Points to Contemplate:
Does reality sometimes break into your life? On Christmas Eve, with everyone dressed up in their best clothes and with the choir sounding glorious, were there moments when the realities of life tried to interrupt? Did you, perhaps, hear about the death of a friend? Or did one of your children misbehave? Or was a spouse or family member overly cranky or angry? Perhaps there was an illness or accident? A flat tire? How did you respond to these interruptions? Did they affect your mood? Were you upset that things were not perfect and the celebration ruined? Or did you simply take them in stride - recognizing that the struggles of life are always with us and are simply there to be dealt with? Are you aware that you do not have to handle these challenges alone? Are you listening for God's angels or Holy Spirit for guidance and inspiration?

Do you obey? Assuming you have been listening, do you obey God's guiding Spirit when He arrives? When inspiration strikes, especially following prayer, do you tend to shrug it off and forget it or do you grasp hold and let it take you wherever God wants? Do you second-guess God and look to others for advice? Or do you boldly take the steps you need to take without question, doubt, or fear? Can you be like Joseph in the details of your life - first listening and then acting as God leads?

How high are the stakes? What is at stake if you choose not to follow through with God's guidance? Are you simply going to miss out on a blessing or two? Or could it be much more serious than this? In the busyness of your day as you choose to ignore God, are you overlooking for those in need of comfort? Are you oblivious to instances of pain or hurting? Do you know what to say to those with questions or doubts? Are you living your life as Christ for others or are you simply going through the motions? Doesn't the world need Christ? Aren't you the one God is counting on to make this happen? Do you accept that you are an important component of God's plans?
Promises of the Gospel:

Joseph's story of faithful obedience is an important model for discipleship living. No matter how complex our lives become, regardless how high our celebrations, or how serious our fears, focusing on God and living the life He wants us to live is the only way to live as a disciple for Christ. Without allowing God's presence to live in our hearts, we will never know which path to take. We will be clueless when challenges and threats appear out of no where. We will be lost and our worst fears realized. Living Christ-like is not a goal. We are not simply destined for glory and some later date. We are called to live as Christ, now! God is living within us, guiding, leading, and yes, talking to us at all times. He wants us to hear Him. He wants us to follow. He has plans for us - plans that are good. What are we to do? Listen, as Joseph listened; trust as Joseph trusted; and act as God would have us act.
Please send comments or questions about this devotional to SimsGa21@comcast.net.

Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007 - The Songs
Psalm 148 - Unceasing Praise

Key Verses: (MSG)

1-5: "Hallelujah! Praise God from heaven, praise Him from the mountaintops; praise Him, all you His angels, praise Him, all you His warriors, praise Him, sun and moon, praise Him, you morning stars; praise Him, high heaven, praise Him, heavenly rain clouds; praise, oh let them praise the name of God - He spoke the word, and there they were!" - Picture the Psalmist gazing into the heavens, in awe of God's creativity and amazing presence. He calls all heavenly and spiritual bodies to raise their voices in praise.

6: "He set them in place from all time to eternity; He gave His orders, and that's it!" - Out of chaos God has created order.

7-12: "Praise God from earth, you sea dragons, you fathomless ocean deeps; fire and hail, snow and ice, hurricanes obeying his orders; mountains and all hills, apple orchards and cedar forests; wild beasts and herds of cattle, snakes, and birds in flight; earth's kings and all races, leaders and important people, robust men and women in their prime, and yes, graybeards and little children." - All creatures of earth are called to praise their creator.

13-14: "Let them praise the name of God - it's the only Name worth praising. His radiance exceeds anything in earth and sky; He's built a monument - His very own people! Praise from all who love God! Israel's children, intimate friends of God. Hallelujah!" - We are not simply some passing fancy created by a self-centered deity - we have been created to be His friends. It is the source of His sovereignty.
Points to Contemplate:
Are you praising the Lord? This Psalm develops an image that the entirety of God's creation is like a majestic symphony, created distinctly unique, yet coming together in harmonious song to praise the Lord. As you lift up your portion of praise as a member of this universal choir, are you fulfilling your part, blending harmoniously with all creation? Have you been created for this purpose; His purpose?

What stops you from praising God? When you read Psalms like this one can you put yourself in the psalmist place, looking up into the heavens and rejoicing in everything God has done for you? Or do you allow your worries and anxieties to get in the way? Are you concerned about where the money is going to come from while you look for a new job? Is an illness of a loved one weighing down your heart with hopelessness? Are you embattled with a defiant child or obnoxious boss? Do the world's economic, political, sociologic, or environmental problems overwhelm your ability to hope and dream? Does the news of death and destruction from a world at war cause you to give up and fill you with hate? In the midst of all your problems and worries, when nothing makes sense and your battles are great, can you try praising God? Are you willing to ponder His wonder and sing His praises no matter what your situation? What is stopping you from praising God right now - this very moment?
Promise of the Gospel:

The entire universe is a masterpiece of creation. Our individuality, the life we lead, the sorrows we face, the joys we encounter, our pain and suffering, our accomplishments, failures, love, and heartaches are all components of God's creation. In all that we are and experience, we find ourselves as members of a majestic choir, lifting up a song of praise. It is why we have been created and from our praise, hope springs eternal. John Wesley tells us to "sing lustily and with fervor." To do so, especially when nothing else makes sense, brings Heaven into our hearts and our friendship with God comes alive.
Please send comments or questions about this devotional to SimsGa21@comcast.net.

Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2007 - The Lettters
Hebrews 2:10-18 - Brothers and Sisters of Christ

Key Verses: (NCV)

10: "God is the One who made all things, and all things are for His glory." - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" and His creative powers are still at work today.

11: "Jesus, who makes people holy, and those who are made holy are from the same family. So He is not ashamed to call them His brothers and sisters." - "And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth." (John 17:19 NLT)

14: "Since these children are people with physical bodies, Jesus himself became like them." - "The Word became a human and lived among us. We saw His glory-the glory that belongs to the only Son of the Father-and He was full of grace and truth." (John 1:14 NCV)

17: "For this reason Jesus had to be made like His brothers and sisters in every way so He could be their merciful and faithful high priest in service to God." - "Don't fear: I am First, I am Last, I'm Alive. I died, but I came to life, and my life is now forever. See these keys in my hand? They open and lock Death's doors, they open and lock Hell's gates." (Revelation 1:17 MSG)

18: "And now He can help those who are tempted, because He himself suffered and was tempted." - "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil." (Matthew 4:1 NIV)
Points to Contemplate:
Have you experienced God's creativity in your life? Has He reached down and touched a feeling of bleakness or despondency within you to reveal a new glimmer of hope? Have you been overwhelmed by a sense of joy when only sadness and despair had existed earlier? Has an inner calm settled into your heart and a sense of unexplainable peace into your life where mayhem and chaos once ruled? Has love melted your uncaring heart and do tears flow when you are faced with issues of injustice or poverty? Can you see that these are all examples of God's powers of creativity still at work? Does it provide you with hope to realize that God is not yet finished with His creation?

Does God understand? Or do you feel alone in your pain and suffering? Do you think you've been forgotten? Are you wondering why God would bother with you? Are you in some way unworthy of His love and attention? Think again. Jesus became flesh to experience life-your life-so He would understand everything you face. He has tasted the sultry lure of temptation. He has felt the pain of loss and the hurt of disease. He supped on a steady diet of loneliness, despair, and hopelessness. How does it feel to know the Physician is standing beside you ready to lift your sorrow and erase your doubts and sense of faithlessness?

Is Christ your High Priest? Have you turned your life over into His capable hands? Will you allow Him to be your Advocate before God - your Friend and Counsel? Are you ready to give up control and your efforts to fix everything? Can you see the advantage of having Jesus work in your behalf with God? Will you repent and ask for His help? He is waiting to serve you and God.
Promises of the Gospel:

Jesus became flesh, not to have a Disney-like walk through, staged for the cameras and photo ops, but to become intimately aware of the issues we face each and every day. The Word became flesh in order to live among us in our homes, work places, and playgrounds. He rolled up His sleeves and became a personal God - a personal God who is still creative, faithful, forgiving, merciful, and loving. In this way, when our tainted lives filled with short-comings and failures are presented to God, we will be accepted into the kingdom as one of the family - Christ's family. We are His brothers and sisters and He has paved the way to glory.
Please send comments or questions about this devotional to SimsGa21@comcast.net.

Monday, Dec. 24, 2007 - The Scriptures
Isaiah 63:7-9 - A Celebration Like No Other

Key Verses: (NLT)

7: "I will tell of the Lord’s unfailing love. I will praise the Lord for all He has done. I will rejoice in His great goodness to Israel, which He has granted according to His mercy and love." - When we make a list of all the things God has done for us, our only reaction can be praise.

8: "He said, 'They are my very own people. Surely they will not betray me again.' And He became their Savior." - "God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him may not be lost, but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NCV)

9: "In all their suffering He also suffered, and He personally rescued them. In His love and mercy He redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years." - "Everyone the LORD has rescued from trouble should praise Him." (Psalm 107:2 CEV)
Points to Contemplate:
Are you telling the world? Has God entered your life - made His presence known to you? Are you telling the world? Have you experienced the fullness of His grace and mercy? Are you telling the world? Have you been blessed beyond measure? Are you telling the world? Have you been healed and set free from your afflictions? Are you telling the world? Have you been forgiven and saved from your sins? Are you telling the world? Have you been loved in spite of your short comings? Are you telling the world? Is Christmas Day a day of celebration and rejoicing? Are you telling the world?

Have you been saved? Has anger boiled inside and have you allowed your temper to rage? Have you been saved? Did lust once again enter your heart? Have you been saved? Were you critical of a loved one and sharp with your tongue? Have you been saved? Did you spread rumor and innuendo that caused pain and suffering? Have you been saved? Did you ignore the hunger in the world all around you? Have you been saved? Have you shattered peace and destroyed hope in the lives of those you've touched? Have you been saved? Were you gluttonous and selfish? Have you been saved? Are you thinking only of yourself this Christmas day? Have you been saved?

Are you redeemed? Have you taken all your baggage, your list of shortcomings, failings, and flaws, to the Cross of Christ? Has He given you a new start; a new beginning? Has He rescued you from pain, hopelessness, and grief? Did He erase your darkest sin? Has He restored hope; rekindled joy; reestablished peace; and revealed love? Are you redeemed? Are you celebrating? Are you rejoicing? Are you telling the world? Why not?
Promises of the Gospel:

Christmas Day is certainly a day of celebration like no other, but why? Is it simply because of a baby in manger? Maybe it's the stories of angels, shepherds, and wise men. It could be the songs we sing and the traditions we follow. Christmas breads; Christmas trees; Christmas cookies; Christmas presents; or Christmas pageants...? Are any of these the source of our joy and celebration? Or, is it because God has become a personal God - a God to whom we all can turn to for mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love? Is it because His presence can be felt and His voice heard? Is it because He has reached into our lives in a personal way to lift, redeem, and carry us forward with hope and peace? We are His first love. We are everything to Him. In response of His redeeming love we are to rejoice and tell the world of His glory.
Please send comments or questions about this devotional to SimsGa21@comcast.net.

Monday, Dec. 24, 2007 - Christmas Eve
Lighting the Candle of Light

READER #1: "Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord. For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with His truth." (PSALM 96:11-13)

READER #2: The Child has come and lives within our hearts. With this childlike spirit and with His guiding love, we can lift songs of praise and join the heavenly choirs in rejoicing at the Good News that His righteousness and truth have filled the earth with His glory.

READER #1: "But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!." (LUKE 2:10-14)

READER #2: "Do not be afraid." These words of blessed assurance ring as true today as they did on that hillside so many years ago. We do not need to fear for our lives. We do not need to be filled with worry or anxiety. God is with us and with His love in our hearts we will come to know a peace that surpasses all understanding. "Do not be afraid."

READER #1: "His authority shall grow continually, for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this." (ISAIAH 9:7)

READER #2: God is in control and His kingdom reigns forevermore. When we look at the world around us, we can see His Light permeating the darkness in amazing ways. This light we carry from this room tonight will show the world that His authority has been established and with it He rules with justice and righteousness for all.

READER #1: "That is the way we should live, because God's grace that can save everyone has come. It teaches us not to live against God nor to do the evil things the world wants to do. Instead, that grace teaches us to live now in a wise and right way and in a way that shows we serve God." (TITUS 2:11-12)

READER #2: As we light the final candle in the Advent wreath (light candle), The Christ Candle - The Candle of Light, we rejoice in the good news that the Messiah has come. God's promises for us have been fulfilled. We have been transformed by His love. And now, we turn and go out into the world. We carry with us a light into the darkness. The manner in which we chose to live our lives, avoiding evil and choosing right, will show the world God's love and will reveal a pathway to His righteousness.

Closing Prayer:

"Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace:" We sing praises to your glory. Your promises have been fulfilled. We no longer need to be afraid. The Messiah has come and you live within our hearts. Thank you for your love. On this Christmas Eve as we celebrate your birth, we pray that you calm our fears and open our eyes to your blessings. Give us the ability to see your glory in the world around us. When all we see is darkness, we pray for your Light to lead the way. When evil threatens, we pray for your protecting love. When doubt creeps into our hearts, we pray for your amazing peace. But most importantly, as we go back into the world, we pray for your guidance and strength so that we can carry your Light wherever we go. We pray this so we can live our lives in ways that will serve you and bring your love to all we meet. Thank you for this blessed night and may your kingdom reign forevermore. Through, the blessed Child, Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Please send comments or questions about this devotional to SimsGa21@comcast.net.

Friday, Dec. 21, 2007 - Week's End Meditation
Lighting the Candle of Love

READER #1: "With your hand, strengthen the one you have chosen for yourself. Then we will not turn away from you. Give us life again, and we will call to you for help. Lord God All-Powerful, take us back. Show us your kindness so we can be saved." (PSALM 80:17-19)

READER #2: "When we recognize God as Creator, we will admire Him. When we recognize His wisdom, we will learn from Him. When we discover His strength, we will rely on Him. But only when He saves us will we worship Him."1

READER #1: "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel." (ISAIAH 7:14)

READER #2: And God is with us. He has come into our lives in the most common and un-glorious way. God is with us in the every day moments of our lives. God is with us at home, school, and church. God is with us when we work and when we play. God is with us. God is with us. Immanuel! God IS with us.

READER #1: "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. His mother Mary was engaged to marry Joseph, but before they married, she learned she was pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit. While Joseph thought about these things, an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream. When Joseph woke up, he did what the Lord's angel had told him to do." (MATTHEW 1:18-19, 24)

READER #2: Each Christmas we listen to the story of how the birth of Jesus came about. It is a miraculous story. But the true miracle lies deep within our hearts. Like Joseph, once we hear the Good News of Jesus birth, we are to wake up, go out into the world, and do the things the Lord would have us do.

READER #1: "This Good News was promised long ago by God through His prophets in the holy Scriptures. It is the Good News about His Son, Jesus, who came as a man, born into King David's royal family line. And Jesus Christ our Lord was shown to be the Son of God when God powerfully raised Him from the dead by means of the Holy Spirit." (ROMANS 1:2-4)

READER #2: In the bustle of life, especially during Christmas, a time filled with extra projects and overly full to-do lists, it is easy to forget the basics of Christian life. Today, as we light the Candle of Love, (Light the fourth Candle) we take time from our busy days to reflect on God's amazing gesture of love. His love for each of us is so intense that He brought His son into the world so that we can gaze upon His perfection and come to know, first hand, what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.

Closing Prayer:

Loving Father: Everything you have done for us reveals just how much you truly love us. We can gaze upon wonderful sunsets and experience you grandeur first hand. We can listen to beautiful music and hear your glory resounding from the rafters. We can embrace friends and family and feel your love coursing through their veins. The more we come to know you, the more we realize that, above all else, you are a God of love. But today, the concept of love takes new meaning. Today we have taken time from our busy lives to reflect on that glorious story of a baby born in Bethlehem. We have gazed into the manger and have seen perfection. Of all the acts of love we will ever experience in our lives there is none greater than this. Help us remember this greatest gift of all. Help us to take this gift deep into our hearts so that with this blessing we can, in turn, go out into the world and be the blessing you are calling us to be. Above all, we thank you for your love. Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

1Life Lessons - Psalms 79:1-80:19, Excerpt from "In the Eye of the Storm" by Max Lucado, "The Devotional Bible - Experiencing the Heart of Jesus," New Century Version, Thomas Nelson Bibles, ©2003 Thomas Nelson, Inc., pp 691.

Please send comments or questions about this devotional to SimsGa21@comcast.net.

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