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(Friday, 12.25.09 - Merry Christmas!)
 Each year, HBC members compile an devotional for the Advent season. A new entry will be added every day. Read on for today's devotion .
December 25, 2009 -Luke 2:1-20 - By Rev. Henry Green
Today I want to ask you to completely suspend reason and discover the joy of Christmas Day. Yes, suspend reason, just let it go and discover the real meaning of this day for a believer. After Santa has completed his important work today (in our home Santa does not come for those who do not believe), get alone with your Bible and reflect on the meaning of this day. Let the words land on your ear as if you might be hearing the story of Christmas for the very first time.
Karl Barth, a great theologian of the past century wrote, "If we wish to understand the meaning of 'conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary,' above all we must try to see that these two remarkable pronouncements assert that God of free grace became man, a real man. The eternal Word became flesh. This is the miracle of Jesus Christ's existence, this decent of God from above downwards - the Holy Ghost and the Virgin Mary. This is the mystery of Christmas, of the Incarnation. The true Godhead and the true humanity of Jesus Christ in their unity do not depend on the fact that Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. All that we can say is that it pleased God to let the mystery be real and become manifest in this shape and form."
Do we believe? Yes! Do we suspend reason to believe? Yes, that is the whole idea, to believe!
There is real joy in finding this belief. Another great theologian of last century, Emil Brunner, said, "We dare not let the joy of Christmas be corrupted by thoughts about the horrors of the present time and by anxiety about still greater ones that may yet come. Then the devil would have gained what he wants. With a Christianity that has no more joy in its heart he has an easy game. The only thing that he really fears are men who carry the real joy of Christmas in their hearts for against them he is powerless. All evil thrives only in joylessness."
Allow your faith in Christ to center your life in the reality of a God that brings to us the Good News of the gift of real joy in our hearts. The world around us may change every day, but the joy we find in Christ will remain the same and alter the world through our actions if we chose to believe and discover the joy again.
The open secret in our home is that in order to receive you must first believe. So, go ahead and suspend reason - BELIEVE! Let the joy of Christmas fill your soul today.
Merry Christmas,
Rev. Henry Green, Pastor
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December 24, 2009 - Psalm 45; Isaiah 59:15b-21; Galatians 3:23-4:7; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 1:18-25
After many years as a Christian, a pastor, college and seminary student and State Sunday School Director, I learned about Christmas.
It was at Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly in North Carolina where I was studying children's Sunday School work with a Baptist Sunday School Board Children's Specialist. She said to me, "you are a little shepherd boy. You are with your father that night watching over his sheep just outside the small town of Bethlehem. Tell me what you saw, heard and felt that night and what you told your friends the next day."
I heard and saw a choir of angels telling us to not be afraid because they were bringing good news, "today the Savior has been born and He is Christ the Lord. Go and see for yourselves." We hurried and found Him lying in a manger just as they said. Then we went home glorifying and praising God for what we had seen and heard.
The next day we began to spread the word "the Savior has been born and we have seen him." From that time on we told everyone the good news about our new born Savior.
Charles Barnes
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December 23, 2009
Psalm 72; 2 Samuel 7:1-17; Titus 2:11-3:8a; Luke 1:39-56
Every year since I was in preschool, I have been involved in the Living Nativity, or, most recently, the Drive-Thru Nativity. As a shepherd, an angel, a traffic director, and a spotlight operator, I have always been overly enthusiastic for the nativity to come around. Whether drive-thru or not, the show always ends with the Hallelujah Chorus, from Handel's remarkable oratorio, Messiah. The entire score of Messiah was written in only 24 days, and the Hallelujah Chorus is probably the most recognizable piece in the oratorio. In my opinion, the most powerful part of this piece is the repetition of the word "forever." As the piece goes on, the word "forever" is repeated several times among the different singing parts. To word paint, Handel composed these parts of the song to seemingly last forever. This portion of Hallelujah Chorus was based off of Revelation 11:15, which says, "The kingdoms of this world has become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign for ever and ever."
This promise of a Messiah that lasts forever is the main theme in today's passages. Psalm 72 speaks of the crushing of the oppressor and enduring reign that deserves all praise, and 2 Samuel 7 is an even older account of this eternal throne. Mary recounts the Father's everlasting covenant with Abraham in her song of praise in Luke. These passages show that the eternity and infinity of Christ is never something to be overlooked. The worshipful natures of the verses depict the total admiration we need to have for our Eternal Father. Handel, a prisoner in debtors' prison, knew that the rest of his life depended on the success or failure of Messiah. Not only was the oratorio loved by all, but, during the premiere of Hallelujah Chorus, legend has it that King George I rose from his seat and stood for the entire song, as he was in total awe of the performance. This is how we must be with God's message of eternity. It is definitely worthy of a standing ovation.
May the Lord Bless You Forever,
Adam Cogliano
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December 22, 2009 - Psalm 66; 1 Samuel 2:1b-10; Titus 2:1-10; Luke 1:26-38 - Erin Busch
These passages remind me of every Christmas I can remember. In Psalm 66:3-6 it says, "Come and see the marvelous miracles happened to his people!" One miracle He gave me was life and a blessed family. I'm lucky to have such a gracious family. I get to have Christmas in my own home and wake up seeing presents under the Christmas tree; waiting to tear the wrapping paper to shreds, and looking at the beautiful and shiny new gift that I can call my own.
I remember when I was about 10 or 11 and I really wanted a Game Boy Advanced. I asked my mom, dad, and Santa to give it to me. Of course, I received it, but that is not the point; I did not even know it was being given to me for Christmas. So when I woke up that morning, I opened a package and I did not know what it was. There were a bunch of different objects all in a plastic pouch. Then right on the corner in small printing it said, "Electronic Devices Only." I thought to myself, "What am I going to do with this?" Right next to the pouch was a heavy square package and I knew it had to be the Game Boy Advanced for which I wanted and waited so long.
Pertaining to the passages, we are God's people. We must respect the marvelous miracles He gives us. Whether God presents them to us in good or bad ways, the gifts He gives will always support us in the future. By: Erin Busch
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December 21, 2009 -Psalm 61; Zephaniah 3:14-20; Titus 1:1-16; Luke 1:1-25 - Marina Dias
Psalm 61
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.
I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Selah
For you have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
Increase the days of the king's life, his years for many generations
May he be enthroned in God's presence forever;
appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.
Then will I ever sing praise to your name
and fulfill my vows day after day.
Here we are at the end of one more year! It is Christmas; let's celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Let's celebrate with love and happiness.
God wants to see us speaking words of courage, love and faith. We are believers of an Almighty God! Through our faith we are able to believe in things that we can't even see! How great it is! How powerful is our God!!
I remember when I came to Heritage Baptist Church about 1 year and 8 months ago. I was new in town and new in the country as well. The only thing that I knew when I arrived here was that I must look for a church where I could continue feeding my spiritual needs. I found Mr. Ralph Manuel on the first day that I came. He asked me where I was from, and when I told him that I was from Brazil he started to speak Portuguese! I was so surprised. I smiled really big and thought "Oh, God, You are wonderful! I was so scared, but you, Lord, knew where I needed to go before I did!" Since then, I not only found a Baptist Church, I found a family which I am so happy and grateful to be a part of!
It is Christmas, and I want to remind you how blessed we are and how beautiful our Christian family is. We are about to start one more year, so let's be grateful and speak about God's words, let's pray for those who don't know about Jesus Christ, and let's help one another. Let's open our hearts to God's will for our lives because I know that HE has wonderful things for each one of us! "There is nothing in our lives to compare to the greatness of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord."
Merry Christmas!!
To the Honor and Glory of Lord,
Marina Dias :o)
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December 20, 2009 - Genesis 3:8-15; Psalm 24; John 3:16-21; Revelation 12:1-10 - Patricia Welker
"So the Lord God said to the serpent, 'Because you have done this, cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel'...For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life...This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does devil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." - Gen. 3:14-15, John 3:16, 19-21 (NIV)
Every year, we enter the Christmas season the same way. Children start making their wish lists for Santa; department stores are decorated with ribbons and bows; sale ads trickle with discounts; Black Friday is legendary; and, television channels play traditional holiday movies while radio stations play holiday tunes. We tend to become so absorbed in the sights and sounds of Christmas that we can easily forget what this season and holiday truly represent.
Genesis demonstrates God's love for us from the very beginning. Later, John 3:16 directly tells us the extent of God's love. He molds, guides and comforts His children preparing us for His Kingdom. From before time, God had plans for His Son to save us from our sins. He knew His children well enough to understand their flaws and shortcomings. With the foretelling and birth of Christ Jesus', the greatest gift from God arrives-saving grace.
Let us celebrate Christmas this year with grace and love filling and overflowing our hearts. This is the way in which God intended us: to be loved and to love others as He showed His love to us with His Son.
Patricia Welker
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December 19, 2009 - Psalm 56; Zechariah 8:9-17; Revelation 6:1-17; Matthew 25:31-46 - Ida Russell
Christmas Memories
Listening to Christmas music: Away in a Manger; Oh Come, All Ye Faithful; Sweet Little Jesus Boy and Silent Night make this season of celebration important to me.
Reading about the birth of Jesus, the praise of the angels, worship by the shepherds and the king's bringing their gifts never grows old.
God protected them from King Herod. The obedience of the parents of God's instructions to flee into Egypt made this possible.
We have gifts through the scriptures. I taught first and second graders here at Heritage for many years. We learned Psalm 56:11 "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." Another gift, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." These gifts last all year.
Merry Christmas and blessings to you our Heritage family.
Ida Russell
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December 18, 2009- Psalm 40; Zechariah 7:8-8:8; Revelation 5:6-14; Matthew 25:14-30 -Jane Willingham
Our small Texas church had no real "wave his hands" music director, just a man who announced and started the songs. But this year the choir yearned to learn a REAL cantata to celebrate Christmas, a huge undertaking for sixteen singers, only three of whom could read notes. Who would conduct them? "Jane could do it if we had a taped accompaniment," they believed. I resisted stoutly at first, but finally realized if I took the musical talent I already had, stretched it a little (well maybe a LOT) I could learn to do this. But I would need lots of help from my Lord.
Scared and worried, comfortable with just being a good accompanist, this would force me out of my comfort zone and be very embarrassing if it didn't work out well. I knew I could not expect perfection but they were all willing, and finally, so was I. I embarked on a plan to woo, tease, and brag them into a good performance. For the least good thing they did, I beamed, bragged inordinately, clapped my hands, smiled, and complimented. Soon it became contagious. Everyone bragged on each other and smiled with delight. It became hard for them not to do their very best.
When notes were wrong I never complained, just practiced it again three times. Sometimes I laughingly said such things as, "that note wasn't exactly SOUR, but it sure was BLINKY," a term I knew these people understood completely. I always grinned as I said it, and they smiled back. At the close of every practice we had prayer that we all would do a good job, not for ourselves, but to honor the Lord. Often in despair at home, not really sure we could do it, I kept those doubts to myself and prayed a lot.
The Sunday night before Christmas our production surpassed all our expectations and amazed me. They sang their hearts out; no one forgot where to come in, everyone watched my shaking hands for signals, and really tried to get loud or soft as I indicated. We had a full house, even had to put chairs in the aisles for the audience that obviously appreciated our efforts with lots of clapping. We had used our talents and the Lord had multiplied them, tenfold! Yes, our Lord does bless us when we do our best to use those talents for His glory and not for ourselves.
For twelve more years I led the same group in a cantata every Christmas. The original bunch stayed with me and singers from other denominations joined with us to sing and praise the Lord together. And all of them still laughed at my corny jokes, still smiled at one another with love, understanding and affection, and SOME of them even learned to read notes.
The idea for this was taken from Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus' parable of the talents.
Jane Willingham
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December 17, 2009 -Psalm 50; Zechariah 4:1-14; Revelation 4:9-5:5- Evelyn Wolfe
Vanity of Riches
David had music leaders and one was Asaph. He wants us to know that the word of God is unchanging. God the owner of the earth and all that is in it is His.
In giving to God we simply return all which He owns. The heavens shall declare His righteousness. He will judge all of our actions in fairness. We can call Him in the day of trouble.
Matthew 25:1-13 - We must be prepared for the Lord's return. Matthew warns us to keep watch. We don't know when He will return, but I know that when the bridegroom comes I want to be ready to escort Him to the marriage and all the virgins and holy angels with Him. To those who were not ready their answer was, "I know you not."
The bridal party would have their lamps ready after sundown, ready to parade from the groom's house to the designated place.
From 1925-1943, our church had a bell. When the second bell rang I had to hurry or be late. Nearly all the churches in Dundalk had bells and I miss hearing them because I moved to Kansas City, Missouri.
God is our righteous judge.
Evelyn Wolfe
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December 16, 2009 -Psalm 119; Zechariah 3:1-10; Revelation 4:1-8; Matthew 24:45-51 -by Clem Gimbert
Anthem of Angels
"And suddenly there was with the angels a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying ...."
I don't know exactly what "multitude of heavenly host" means, but somehow I get the idea it was big--a
Giant production of opening night of heaven's greatest drama; a drama set to music; music that demanded heaven's best efforts to announce heaven's best message; music to match the message!
The anthem of angels: "Glory to God in the highest," they sang, and then, "peace on earth, good will to men." I have a feeling these dozen plus words were repeated over and over, like in an arrangement by a master composer, crafted and created in the style of Handel, with sopranos taking the high notes supported by altos, with tenors climbing as high as possible and basses dragging the low notes. And all of them intermingling, moving and pulsating until the very heavens were aflame with passion on that night-of-nights.
This angel anthem has two stanzas, offering two different but logical thoughts in tandem, making them interdependent on each other. Thought one: "Glory to God in the highest..."; thought two: "peace on earth ..."
Note the order of the two thoughts: First, God, Second, peace: peace to people; or peace in people on earth. Or peace in people on earth brings peace on earth. However you say it, peace begins with "praise of God; worship of God"
Praise precedes peace. The beginning point of peace is adoration of God. Our peace, our betterment, cannot come from human schemes but only from God. Why? Because he made us and in "adoring" him (worship) we discover who he is and in some measure who we are. That's why worship, both personal and corporate worship, is so important.
God is the source of who I am. If I were not a believer, I would still want to know about God, the one who made me. What's he like? What are his purposes? What has he done? How are things put together?
Praise precedes peace and produces peace in us. The logical result of praise is peace because when we exalt God it becomes easier to exalt and respect God's creation: humanity. And that is all of us all the time.
What an anthem! What a gospel!!
Dr. R. F. Smith Jr.
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December 15, 2009 -Psalm 45; Zechariah 2:1-13; Revelation 3:14-22; Matthew 24:32-44 - Faye Mager
The celebration of Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, although I don't like the use of the word "holiday" to refer to the birth of Christ. I like to remember Christmas time when I was growing up. The music of Christmas was always playing on the radio and the TV programs were beautiful presentations of religious and secular Yuletide music. The department store windows in downtown Baltimore were decorated elaborately with Santa and also religious themes. My aunt took me at night every year to see these sights. One store had a choir made up of the employees who sang Christmas carols on a set stairs daily.
In my home the birth of Jesus was emphasized therefore the coming of Santa on the 24th did not detract from my knowing the true reason for which we celebrate Christmas. When I was a teen, my father and I attended the annual presentation of the Baltimore Handel Choir's Messiah sung on the intricate black ironwork balconies of the Peabody Conservatory of Music. At the time, I did not appreciate the music as much as I enjoyed just being there and feeling the reverence of the audience in this grand place. However, attending a Handel's Messiah now is one of the highlights of my Christmas.
Of course, being with family and friends, giving of gifts, church programs, and merry feelings are all significant parts of Christmas. However, none of these pleasures of Christmas would be nearly as meaningful if it were not for knowing the indescribable gift of love we were given by our Heavenly Father that first Christmas: the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, whom God brought into the world to take the punishment for our sins by suffering and dying for us. His resurrection of the 3rd day, as was prophesied, proved that Jesus was God's Son, our Lord and Savior. All we have to do is to believe that He died for our justification, accept Him as our Savior, and walk in His ways.
How great a gift!!
Faye Mager
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December 14, 2009 -Psalm 41; Zechariah 1:7-17; Revelation 3:7-13; Matthew 24:15-31 - By Florence Haney
CHRISTMAS IS A TIME OF SINGING
Do you have a favorite Christmas Carol? Or 2 or 3? When you're working alone, or spending some quiet time with God, does a joyous melody come into your mind? Perhaps you're enjoying the holiday season somewhere, looking over a snowy pine-covered mountain or up into a clear nighttime sky with its myriad of stars shining in celestial grandeur. The beauty of God's creation calls to your mind something like "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night" or Silent Night, Holy Night."
I'm a great one for singing around the house, or humming, or just "la-la-ing." I've even been known to whistle, and was told a whistling woman will come to no good end.
Although I no longer sing in the choir, I remember rehearsing Christmas cantatas and musicals before Thanksgiving. How wonderful to begin the Christmas celebration in such a special way. It seemed to bring a most glorious blessing.
"Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!" Phil.4:4. This is one of my favorite verses from my favorite book of the Bible. Rejoicing and singing just seem to go together at this time of year. "Joy to the World, the Lord has come."
Carols and hymns help us praise God. They're like shafts of light when the sun shines through clouds. They unite us in our church to the heavenly harmony of the angels. Don't you love "Hark the Herald Angels Sing."?
Carols and hymns enable us to pray. Sometimes when we're weary or worried, their blessed words will strength our souls. In California years ago, I was asked to sing at the Rescue Mission downtown. I chose "Under His Wings." Lovely music, wonderful words. When the program was over a man came up to me, unshaven, red-eyed, torn clothes, graying hair. Thank you. Thank you. You helped me remember my daughter. I haven't seen her in many, many years, but she used to sing that song in our church. You've made me a happy man tonight." We both wiped away tears from our eyes.
When you sing these carols, do you feel connected to past generations, or family you haven't seen in awhile? Every week, through the year, millions of Christians in local settings around the world sing words and music composed by believers from every era and branch of Christendom. Our voices join in united bursts of praise, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord. Do you ever feel you can hear a parent or grandparent who has gone to be with the Lord? Do you hear them singing beside you? I know I've heard my mother's voice singing right along with me.
She had a lovely soprano voice. I loved to hear her sing. One of her special hymns was "Trust and Obey." At Christmas, I've listened to her sing "O Holy Night," clear and trusting, eyes shining as she praised Her Lord. When she became too ill and frail to sing, I would stand by her bedside and sing as many of the old hymns and carols as I could remember. I'd hold her hand and feel her spirit grow calmer as the rhythms and words entered her brain. She would breathe better and she'd smile even when she could no longer talk.
These wonderful songs of faith strengthen us and steady us when we're weary and worn. And think how the hymns and carols of Christmas and Easter lift us even higher into the Lord's presence. Our excitement and joy overflow as we express ourselves together in our worship service.
Christmas is very near. Aren't you looking forward to singing "How Great Our Joy" and Angels from the Realms of Glory"?
Praise God the King of Creation for sending us His Son to bring us salvation!
O sing of God's great gift of love.
Jesus, His Son, brought heaven to earth.
O sing with angels high above!
O sing of His wondrous holy birth!
O sing of God's great gift of peace.
Savior of our sinful world is born.
His holy kingdom shall not cease.
O sing of your joy! It's Christmas morn!
Florence Haney
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December 13, 2009 - Psalm 63; Amos 9:11-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 13-17; John 5:30-47 - Everett Golihew
Most of know that Christmas is about Jesus - or at least it should be about Jesus. Sometimes it's hard to find Jesus in or Christmas celebration. Jesus wants to be in our life not only at Christmas, but throughout the year.
God knows us and wants us to acknowledge Him as our God. We must give praise to God not to man. He will punish those that do not praise Him or seek to know Him. We must go through Jesus to have eternal life.
In John chapter 5, Jesus gives a testimony about who He is and why He came to earth. He mentions John the Baptist as a lamp to light the way for His coming to earth. Jesus is the light for our life. Remember "Jesus is the reason for the season."
Merry Christmas!
Everett Golihew
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December 12, 2009 -Psalm 30; Haggai 2:1-19; Revelation 3:1-6; Matthew 24:1-14 - Joyce Harai
 Growing up in Oregon, I was surrounded by extended family. I was fortunate to have a close and loving relationship with my great grandparents. My great grandmother's family was from Norway and after their initial immigration to the Midwest; they packed their belongings into a wagon and followed the Oregon Trail to their destination in the Willamette Valley.
It was my great grandmother who kept our heritage alive and vibrant during my childhood. She would regale my family with stories of growing up on the farm as one of twelve children. Our request of her was always, "Please tell us a story about the 'olden' days." My great grandmother was also the one to make sure there were Norwegian Christmas treats. Cookies such as fattigmand, berlinerkranse and krumkake were always lovingly prepared by her. I truly did not appreciate how special these memories and experiences were as they were shared. I now realize the profound effect they have had on the life of my family. I wish she were still alive so that I could thank her.
During this spectacular season of Christmas may we truly appreciate our heritage in Jesus Christ. May we pause and reflect on the gifts and blessings He gives us each day. Jesus is alive and may we thank Him for His forgiveness, His grace and His love.
Gledelig Jul (Merry Christmas in Norwegian).
Joyce Harai
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December 11, 2009 - Psalm 31; Haggai 1:1-15; Revelation 2:18-29; Matthew 23:27-39 - Bill Darnell
When we think about Christmas, we immediately think of presents, decorations, tempting food and family.
 But, as I think back to an early age, my family, Mom, Dad, a sister, and two brothers, we're wondering how we could have Christmas at all. My Dad had been laid off from his job and we had little income.
Being the oldest child I became really concerned about what Christmas morning would be like.
But, my ever resourceful Mom let our local fire department know that their Christmas project would be appreciated at our house because she couldn't shop for us kids and she couldn't bear thinking about our disappointment on Christmas morning.
We woke up to find a bike (my first), a scooter for my brothers, a doll for my sister and other toys.
Yes, the birth of Jesus is the greatest gift and I prayed for God's help so that my brothers and sister would not be disappointed on Christmas day.
A little thing maybe, but to me a memory I shall never forget - a prayer answered on the birthday of Jesus our Lord and Savior.
Bill Darnell
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December 10, 2009
Psalm 37:1-18; Amos 9:1-10; Revelation 2:8-17; Matthew 23:13-26 - by Don Briggs
 My early memories of Christmas, as a kid, were not rooted in receiving a lot of presents. As I look at some of our old Christmas pictures we sat around the tree with two maybe if we were lucky three, wrapped gifts to be open. Even so, I never felt poor. My dad had a good job. My mom was a stay at home mom, we owned our own home, we had food to eat, and we had clothes to wear. We just never had a lot left over after all the necessities were paid for. I never thought much about it, not have a lot of presents to open. I don't think a lot of our friends did either.
Yes, there was Santa, Rudolph, and visions of sugar plums and all that, but my early memories of Christmas were about our church and musicals. I can't even tell you what all the parts were that I played a shepherd or Joseph. (I don't think I ever played an angel or a wise man, ha, ha). Seriously, I looked forward more to all the church activities surrounding the telling of the story of the birth of our Savior than I did about presents to be opened. However, I do remember one year waking up because I thought I heard some hoof beats on the roof.
Seriously though, as a wide eyed child, it was so exciting to me to hear all the stories about the grand entrance of our Lord and Savior. The innocence of a child's belief. To be a part of the reenactment of all those special events surrounding His birth and singing our little parts in the play. That was to me the highlight of Christmas. I still cry today when I see the little children dressed up as angels and shepherds playing out their parts. They don't always get the words out right or stand where they're supposed to but it reminds me of my special moments as a child at the season of Christmas.
My wish for all of you this Advent Season is to go back to that time when we all were first introduced to this incredible story of the birth of a Savior in a far away place with all the characters in place. Mary being the willing host of a virgin birth and Joseph being willing to except his difficult role in all of this. The Shepherds, who saw those beautiful sights on the hillside and came to worship the baby Jesus. The wise men who followed a star for so long to deliver their gifts to the King. All the side bar stories that accompany this event makes for the greatest story ever told.
Let's enjoy the reason for the season as the story is reenacted through plays and songs all throughout this great land of America.
Don Briggs
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December 9, 2009 -Psalm 38; Amos 8:1-14; Revelation 1:17-2:7; Matthew 23:1-12 - by Thad Jackson
 Christmas is always a time of remembering. For over eighty years I have most often celebrated Christmas with my family and friends. The few times I haven't been with family at Christmas are more easily brought into focus than those when we were together.
For the 23 years I served in the Army, I spent either eight or nine Christmases outside the U.S. Of these, two were spent in a combat zone. The one I recall most vividly was in AnKhe, South Vietnam in 1965.
I was an Assistant Operations Officer for 1st Air Calvary Division Artillery. Most of my duty hours were spent in a bunker built of sandbags. Just outside the door to the bunker stood a small tree. It had been decorated with various faux ornaments which moved in any breeze that blew by. At the top of the tree was a star made of foil. I don't recall the source of the star material, but I do recall it glittered. By day it sparkled in the sun and by night from the light coming out of the bunker doorway.
You may ask "what is the significance of this story?" The answer is this. Even in a war zone, God was remembered and the birth of His Son was recalled with the story of the star which marked this remarkable event.
As you go about your preparations for this year's Christmas season, look for evidence of His coming in places that at first may seem strange. When you find this evidence, rejoice in the knowledge that He not only came to earth once, but is coming again!
Thank you Father for the very best Gift of all!
Thad Jackson
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Tuesday, December 8 - Psalm 26; Amos 7:10-17; Revelation 1:9-16; Matthew 22:34-46 - Jim Gottwald
Praise, condemnation, wonder, confusion are all part of our daily lives or at least they are of mine and have always been. Today's four verses illustrate these four characteristics.
As a child I never wanted anything more than the praise of my mother and father, particularly my father. As a child I always seemed to be getting my share of condemnation from both my parents for many of the things I did. On occasion I received both in quick succession like the time I sat down on an open space heater and burned my bottom. First my mother showed deep concern and then expressed praise because I was not seriously burned. Second I received a big dose of condemnation for having done such a dumb thing in the first place. Go figure! As I grew to manhood, more and more the condemnation vanished and the praise was ever present.
As a child I was in wonder and confusion at the world around me. I was in awe of my parents because they could do anything and I was confused when they seemed not to want to do the things I wanted them to do. I was in awe of the tall trees around me and immediately set out to see what was at the top of as many as I could get up and that was most of them. That generally lead immediately to the condemnation situation again, particularly when mom gently coaxed me down from the top of a really tall pecan tree and then immediately sent me off to the crepe myrtle to obtain a fresh switch. I never did find a switch that had less than fifty little knobs on it.
As a parent I proceeded through the same praise/condemnation routine with my own children until they became grown and then mostly switched to praise. I am still somewhat in wonder and confusion when they come to me for advice. Grandchildren are another thing altogether, the word condemnation almost never comes to mind but the words praise, wonder, and confusion are ever present when they are around.
All of these relationships lead us to an ever growing understanding of our relationship with our Father. He wants to praise us in all things and not to condemn. And this is just the thing that leaves us in wonder and confusion in our relationship with Him. He does everything He can to lift us up and praise us and he has already taken care of the condemnation part of things with His sacrifice.
In this Advent Season we need to accept His praise with wonder and confusion. We need to praise him with all our being knowing that the wonder of our God is beyond all comprehension. We shall only cease being confused when we stand before Him and know as we are known.
Psalms 26
Of David. Judge me, O Lord, for I have walked with sincerity, and I trusted in the Lord; I shall not falter.
Test me, O Lord, and try me; refine my reins and my heart.
For Your kindness is before my eyes, and I walked in Your truth.
I did not sit with dishonest men, neither did I go with hypocrites.
I hated the congregation of the evildoers, and I did not sit with the wicked.
I washed my hands with cleanliness, and I encompassed Your altar, O Lord.
To proclaim thanksgiving with a loud voice and to recite all Your wonders.
O Lord, I love the dwelling of Your house and the place of the residence of Your glory.
Gather not my soul with sinners nor my life with men of blood, in whose hands are plots and whose right hand is full of bribery.
But I walk with sincerity; redeem me and be gracious to me.
My foot stood on a straight path; I will bless the Lord in assemblies.
AMOS 7:10-17
And Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, "Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land will be unable to endure all his words. For so said Amos; Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall be exiled off its land."
And Amaziah said to Amos, "Seer, go, run away to the land of Judah and eat bread there; and prophesy there. But do not continue to prophesy in Bethel for it is the sanctuary of a king and the capital of the kingdom.
And Amos replied and said to Amaziah, "I am neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I am a cattle herder and an inspector of sycamores. And the Lord took me from following the flock, and He said to me; Go, prophesy to My people Israel.
And now, hearken to the word of the Lord. You say, "Do not prophesy concerning Israel and do not prophesy concerning the house of Isaac." Therefore, so said the Lord: Your wife shall play the harlot in the city, and your sons and daughters shall fall by the sword, and your land shall be divided by lot, and you shall die on unclean soil, and Israel shall be exiled from its land.
REVELATIONS 1:9-16
I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea."
I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
Matthew 22:34-46
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" "The son of David," they replied. He said to them, "How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him 'Lord'? For he says, "'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet."' If then David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?" No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more
Jim Gottwald
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Monday, December 7, 2009
Psalm 25; Amos 7:1-9; Revelation 1:1-8; Matthew 22:23-33 - By Linda Garverick
I am writing about my "feeling" of Christmas. This is the feeling I got and still get when I think about Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa Zalewski's house. Christmas Eve dinner was always the traditional Polish dinner, all home made by Grandma which I'm sure she worked for days preparing. Some of those dishes still remain on my Christmas menu and I'm proud to have been taught by the best, (in my opinion).
Before dinner, my sisters and I, along with my three cousins, played games or watched a Christmas show on the television. The excitement started after dinner. During this time as we all helped clean up according to our age ability we also had to remember not to start running around the house because we didn't know when Santa would be coming.
Santa did come to Grandma and Grandpa's house and how he got upstairs was magical, since the house did not have a chimney. When we all were called into the kitchen to watch outside, Grandpa would tell us that he was going to see if Santa was somewhere in the neighborhood, so he left out the back door. Within a minute or two, Grandma reported that, sure enough, Grandpa did see Santa down the street and we were to go into the living room and wait until we heard the reindeer on the roof.
Well, this is when the "feeling" started. I still remember sitting together and getting that bubbly feeling in my stomach. The smile on my face was just the beginning of the giggles and squeals of excitement that became very contagious to all of us kids. Then we heard the ringing of Santa's bell as he came down the stairs with a sack of gifts on his back. "Ho, Ho, Ho... Merry Christmas," bellowed Santa, as he rested in Grandpa's big chair. One by one we were called to sit upon his lap and receive our gift. I know I never stopped smiling or looking up at Santa until he left back up the stairs, waving and wishing us a good night.
We all became preoccupied with the toys and other gifts we received, until Grandma called us back into the kitchen for some hot chocolate. A minute later, Grandpa came into the kitchen and asked us if we saw Santa outside. Almost in unison, we shouted, "Grandpa you just missed Santa. He was here and brought us gifts".
That happened for many years. I am so thankful to have that memory of Christmas. That "feeling" is something I will always cherish and I believe is the same "feeling" I get when I think of knowing the salvation given to me through our Lord Jesus.
Our lives should include that "bubbly" feeling when we speak of Jesus. Reflecting on the scriptures above, through prayer, God's power can provide great gifts.
In His love,
Linda Garverick
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December 6, 2009 -Psalm 148; Amos 6:1-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12; Luke 1:57-68 - by Tom Antonelli
Webster's New Compact Dictionary defines Christmas as "a holiday on December 25 celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ."
Our scripture readings for today speak of praise to God, oppression and desolation (a prediction), endurance by Christians, and praise to God for the redemption of His people.
What does Christmas mean to us, today? It means that a Babe born of a virgin came into this world to redeem us from our sins and to give us eternal life. In addition, acceptance of Christ means that love, peace, and harmony can be felt and given to others in this life.
I fondly remember going to Mass on Christmas Eve, leaving the house at 10 p.m. and arriving back home around 2 a.m. The time was in the forties and early fifties and the transportation was the trolley. Beautiful hymns of adoration, trees and poinsettias galore, and a feeling of closeness with my Savior were present. Christmas brings comfort, solace, and hope that the world cannot give. Christmas is a time for sharing and caring for everyone regardless of his/her station in life as Christ did for us at Calvary.
Tom Antonielli
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December 5, 2009 - Psalm 20; Amos 5:18-27; Jude 17-25; Matthew 22:15-22
Russell's Song By Ruth Anne Shiplette
When I was a freshman in high school, my Dad came to me a few days before Christmas told me Russell Serfas wanted to sing "O Holy Night" at the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with me as his accompanist. No one had ever heard Russell sing and I do not know why he picked me to play for him. He was not in the choir and had just recently started accompanying his wife and children to church. I though Dad had lost it but there was no way he was going to let me out of doing it. Russell and I met to practice at 5 pm Christmas Eve and things did not go well. Russell could not read music and though he knew the tune he did not know when to come in when I played the accompaniment. Dad just told me to improvise as best I could. I had butterflies in my stomach when I started the introductions. It was by no means a perfect performance. Russell had a very good bass voice. Somehow we got through it and the congregation seemed to enjoy it. We became a Christmas Eve tradition for the next eight years. Russell would only sing on Christmas Eve. Each year found our performances improving. Russell was learning to count through interludes and was coming in at the right time. Christmas 1966 found me a senior in college and that Christmas Eve Russell announced it would be our final performance. After the final verse of Silent Night outside the church, people came to us and told us how much they had enjoyed our performances over the years.
After college, I moved away to start my teaching career. Two years later, a few weeks before Christmas, I got a call from Dad. He said that Russell wanted to sing that Christmas Eve and wanted to know if I would be home to play. Russell's health had deteriorated badly. He was diabetic and had lost both legs below the knee. He had experienced severe bouts of depression. How could I refuse? There was not a dry eye in the church when he finished singing that night. Everyone knew Russell has given his final gift to them and to his Lord.
Our girls say it is not Christmas until they hear "O Holy Night" and I agree. When you hear your favorite version this year remember Russell and the gift he gave to the Lord each Christmas Eve.
"What can I give him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man,
I would do my part;
Yet what can I give him -
Give my heart."
Christina Rossetti
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Had you asked the nine year old girl if her grandmother knew how to celebrate Christmas, she would have told you no. Everyone knew that on Christmas morning you were to get up as early as you could, and when you were too excited to sleep, that was very early. Then you rushed into the room with the beautiful Christmas tree and tore open the brightly wrapped presents to discover all the things you had been dreaming about ever since the Sears and Roebuck catalog had arrived. After this ritual, then the rest of Christmas day could continue.
This year was different. The small family of three was traveling from Oklahoma to Wisconsin to spend Christmas with the girl's grandparents and other extended family. It was a form of torture, as all the presents were neatly packed into the back of the station wagon, and visible the whole time as they made the long journey. When the family arrived at the farm house, everything was unpacked, including the presents.
Christmas morning came and the girl was so excited as usual. She came downstairs early, and her grandmother was already up fixing breakfast. When she asked if they were going to get everyone else up to open the presents, she was told that first they must eat breakfast and then get ready to go to church. She then discovered that, not only were they going to church services, but they were going to Sunday School too!!! How long must she wait to open the presents!?!
Upon returning from church, the girl felt the excitement growing. Surely now they were going to open the presents. But, no, now they had to eat lunch.
After lunch, the family finally opened the presents. The girl got everything she has asked for, including some wonderful homemade presents from her grandmother. She vowed, however, that if it were up to her, she would not spend Christmas at her grandmother's house again.
Years passed, and the girl grew, not only physically but spiritually as well. She came to understand that it is truly more fun to give than to receive. She learned that putting God first is the best way to spend Christmas, and she would love to spend it at her grandmother's house, if only she could.
-- Donna Manuel
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December 4, 2009 - Psalm 16; Amos 5:1-17; Jude 1-16; Matthew 22:1-14 - By Donna Manuel
December 3, 2009 - Psalm 18:1-50; Amos 4:6-13; 2 Peter 3:11-18; Matthew 21:33-46 - by Honey Kimball
Christmas Music
Music has always been an important part in my life.
 Christmas Music takes me back to my childhood in my small Southern town in Louisiana. A few days before Christmas, my brother and I would go on our search for a Christmas tree. We would find a little pine tree by the side of the road near our house. Andy now had the perfect opportunity to chop it down using his new axe he bought with money earned from his paper route. We happily trimmed it with our homemade paper chains and ornaments. That red and green roping was beautiful. The little package of silver tinsel was strategically placed on the tree. (Don't you know it looked pitiful?) You don't miss what you've never had.
Christmas Music always fills my heart and soul with peace and joy and love. The music seems to be everlasting. We still sing Silent Night, the same song we sang when I was a child in the Sunbeam Band. And, O Little Town of Bethlehem, which my sister Opal and I sang as the "special music" at our little Baptist Church on Christmas Eve. Then at night, our "B.Y.P.U." (Baptist Young People's Union) would walk through our neighborhood singing the same Christmas Carols to "shut-ins", or anyone else who would listen.
And now, after all these years of enjoying singing in church choirs, I am so blessed to be a member of our Heritage Baptist Church - with an outstanding Minister of Music and dedicated and talented choir members. Our beautiful organ music is awesome Sunday after Sunday thanks to our professional organists. Also, we have a great handbell group, youth group, orchestra and choir. And, what is more precious than the children's choirs?
My hope and prayer is that each of you receives as many blessings as I do from our music especially our Christmas Music.
With Love and Devotion,
Honey Kimball
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December 2, 2009- Psalm 119:1-24; Amos 3:12-4:5; 2 Peter 3:1-10; Matthew 21:23-32 - By Rick Harai
My Christmas Story
This is from the prospective of a very young boy who first believed in Christmas as a season. It was the 1960's and I had believed in Santa Claus. I also believed in the magic of the Christmas season. But most of all I believed in the accumulation of toys at Christmas time.
My belief in Christmas was altered by the following story. It was Christmas Eve supposedly about 1836. A man named Jacob Marley died in London England. I had learned that Mr. Marley was as real as Santa Claus at a young age in my life owing to the magic of the Christmas season and television. Mr. Marley stated the following sentences which have stayed with me and acted as a guide through all the Christmas seasons that have followed.
Mr. Marley was engaged in talking with a former business partner about his life and his work..."You were always a good man of business, Jacob." Mr. Marley responded "Business! Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence were all my business. The dealings of my trade were just a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!"
While I had always heard the bible since I was very young and had an understanding of the real reason for the Christmas season, I had emblazoned in my mind this passage of the book "A Christmas Carol." I have always felt that this is the most direct Christmas message there is in the secular world. It is an answer to the Gospel of John about Jesus and his new commandment in 15:17 to "Love one Another." While Jesus is the reason for the season, I have come to believe that I need to step outside of my comfort zone and make mankind my business at Christmas time more than any other time of the year.
Rick Harai
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December 1, 2009 - Melvin Howard III
Psalm 5; Amos 3:1-11; 2 Peter 1:12-21; Matthew 21:12-22
 My earliest memories of Christmas were when I was two or three years old. I can remember walking down the stairs on Christmas day at my grandparent's house on Chesapeake Avenue here in Annapolis. I hadn't quite fully woken yet but I'm sure I was anxious to see what gifts Santa Claus had placed under the Christmas tree. I can't remember what I received for Christmas that year but it was a special moment for me.
Over sixty Christmas's have come and gone since then and many things have changed in my life. I became a husband when I married my lovely wife Dona. In time I became a father with the birth of our son Ryan and daughter Amanda. I have been blessed with parents who raised me in a Christian home. Many gifts have been given and many gifts received these many years.
The gift that is always with us and the reason we celebrate Christmas is the gift that God gave us. God allowed his son Jesus to be born on the earth so that he could give his life for our sins so believers in him could have everlasting life with our Father in heaven.
May God bless you richly this Christmas Season.
Melvin Howard III
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November 30, 2009 by Donna Pool
Psalm 1; Amos 2:6-16; 2 Peter 1:1-11; Matthew 21:1-11
A Chain of Christmas Memories
Here's an idea my family has enjoyed for almost 30 years now that has kept us from getting too distracted by the little stresses of the holidays and reminded us of what's most important....
 When Dub and I were first married and about to join my parents, sister, brother-in-law and two nephews and my brother and sister-in-law for a Christmas Eve dinner, I was anticipating all the little stresses that might accompany such an event. Which serving dish was appropriate for what... did the napkins match and did somebody remember to iron them... do you want me to wash that for you, no, I just did that, Mother, etc. Not to mention the ever-present commentary on my haircut and my outfit! Maybe your family isn't like that, but mine was back then, or so it seemed to me at the time.
I was determined to find a way to deflect all the tension and remind everybody to have fun and enjoy this opportunity to be together. So I came up with a Christmas Memory Chain.
I cut strips of construction paper to make a paper chain. On each link I wrote a Christmas memory, the kind of things you think of when you say "It's just not Christmas until..." or "You know it's really Christmas when...." And then branched out to funny or sweet things I remembered from Christmases past. I had no trouble coming up with things to write! Here are a few examples:
A Charlie Brown Christmas on TV
Steve and Eydie on the radio
Aunt Becky's Christmas Toffee
A bowl of mixed nuts with nutcracker at the ready
The church choir's Christmas Cantata
Red and Green Hershey's Kisses in a silver candy dish (My mom put that out every year!)
Candles burning in every room of the house
"What size does your mother wear?!" (My dad could never remember!)
Christmas Ideals magazines sent every year from Aunt Fiesty (yes, I really did have an "Aunt Fiesty!" That wasn't her real name...we just called her that because she was!)
"You can't come in here!" (something my mother always yelled from behind a closed door when she was wrapping presents!)
The weatherman's radar showing Santa's getting close!
So many more, but I won't bore you with them all here!
I gathered my paper chain and we took it with us to my sister's house. At some point in the evening I got up and I hung this paper chain around the bookshelves in the living room. Right away everybody started asking what it was. I said, "God read it." They did.
They'd read one and smile. They'd read another and grin even bigger. By the time they read a third they'd be laughing and reading them to each other out loud! We had a wonderful time reliving some great Christmas memories. Fortunately, I'd brought along more blank links for the chain because we thought of many more memories to add to it.
Now, each year, whether we're together or not, we all notice things that should be added to our Christmas Memory chains, whether figuratively or literally. It doesn't matter if we have an actual paper chain now or not, something happens every year that makes u say "Oh, there's a good one for the Memory Chain.
So whether you're looking for something to get your extended family laughing or just an excuse to tell stories to your kids, you might want to give this a try. Maybe it will become a tradition for your family, too! (You can keep the kids busy decorating the links of the chain, too!) Let me know how it works for you!
Donna Pool
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Sunday, November 29, 2009 - Rev. Ralph Manuel
 Today begins the Advent season, when we prepare ourselves for the promised coming of the Messiah. We look forward expectantly to when Christ shall come. Advent helps us get ready for Christmas, but is not strictly speaking Christmas yet.
Growing up, I never heard of Advent. In the churches I attended we sang regular Christmas hymns the entire month of December. It was not until I went away to college that I became aware that some churches actually observed this mysterious season called "Advent."
But even without my knowing what Advent was, there was certainly a spirit of expectancy in the air in the churches of my youth as Christmas was approaching. For one thing, the neccessity to rehearse our Christmas musical ahead of time contributed to this expectancy- we were preparing ourselves for the appointed time. Other "Christmas-y" activities, such as caroling excursions and Sunday School class parties, helped us get ready.
When the day finally came we were more than ready (especially to receive all our presents!) but because of the prepraration within our church environment it was a day that meant something more than just receiving gifts; it was a celebration of the time when "God-with-us" actually appeared among us in human form. The rest of the story is that Jesus would grow up and, taking our sins upon himself, offer himself as a sacrifice on our behalf.
And this was the greatest Christmas present of all.
So encourage each other to build each other up, just as you are already doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
--Ralph Manuel
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