2014

Advent Devotional Booklet

Written for

THE SOUTH DISTRICT

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1062 Fairmont Pkwy
Pasadena, Texas 77504
www.southdistrict.org

WELCOME TO ADVENT!
This is the 21st year for my wife, Tammy, and me to put together an
Advent booklet. It has been our labor of love for our church family
wherever we live. Advent is a nightly ritual for our family, which always
begins four Sundays prior to Christmas. Below is how we celebrate. I
hope it will be useful to you.
We turn off all the lights, except for those on the Christmas tree. The
Advent wreath is on the table and the appropriate candles are lit; one
purple candle each night of the first week, two purple candles the second
week, three candles (including the rose colored candle) during the third
week, and four (3 purple/1 rose) candles on the fourth Sunday of Advent.
On Christmas Eve, we light the white middle candle to celebrate the
coming of Christ into our world. While the candles are being lit, we
remind each other of why we light the candles: the first candle is for
hope, the second is for peace, the third is for joy, and the fourth for love.
Then we follow the booklet by reading the scripture and the devotional
aloud. We close with each person around the table offering a brief
prayer. Then someone reads the printed prayer from the booklet.
We then snuff the candles, while singing a verse of a hymn related to
that candle, for example, O Come, O Come Emmanuel for hope,
Silent Night for peace, Joy to the World for joy and Away in the
Manger for love (The songs of Advent are on the next page). We
conclude our Advent time with the entire house dark, except for the
lights of the Christmas tree and proclaim loudly, Happy Advent!
I sincerely hope this booklet helps you prepare your heart this
Advent Season. Advent wreaths and candles may be found at craft stores
and are well worth the small investment.
Thank you to the devotional writers: South District pastors (many of
whom are new to the District), clergy spouses, my children (including
our son-in-law), my brother, sister-in-law, niece, great nephews and great
niece. Thanks as always to Tammy, who has spent much time and energy
proofreading and compiling this booklet.
Happy Advent!
Kip Gilts
South District Superintendent

SONGS OF ADVENT!
HOPE The First Sunday of Advent, November 27
Candle: We light this candle for hope!
Song: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
PEACE The Second Sunday of Advent, December 4
Candle: We light this candle for peace!
Song: Silent Night
Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
JOY The Third Sunday of Advent, December 11
Candle: We light this candle for joy!
Song: Joy to the World
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing.
LOVE The Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 18
Candle: We light this candle for love!
Song: Away in a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
CHRIST CANDLE Christmas Eve, December 24
Candle: We light this candle for Jesus, the Son of God!
Song: O Come All Ye Faithful
O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold him, born the King of angels;
O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Written by: Rachel Richards, Pastors Spouse The Watershed UMC
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:16-17
When my son Nathaniel was born, some family friends sent
him a finger puppet nativity set. Nathaniel was only seven weeks
old on his first Christmas and hadnt yet discovered his fingers,
much less finger puppets. The following year, however, Nathaniel
took a new interest in the finger puppets. These finger puppets
provided a sensory wonderland for my son. The sheep have wooly
textured bodies, one of the wise men has a sparkly crown, and
Mary has a long pink dress that Nathaniel chewed on in lieu of a
teething ring. The smallest figure is, of course, the baby Jesus
wrapped in a blue cloth, sewn into a felt manger.
Perhaps Nathaniel recognized the name Jesus or he heard the
inflection in our voices when we talked about the Jesus puppet.
Maybe, on some level, Nathaniel understood that the Jesus puppet
was a baby just like himself. Nathaniel recognized that there was
something special about the baby Jesus. That little finger puppet
quickly became Nathaniels new favorite toy. Jesus rode with
Nathaniel in the carseat, went to the grocery store, sat on the side
of the tub when Nathaniel took a bath, and rode in the back of a toy
dump truck. He went everywhere Nathaniel went.
I wonder what it would look like for us to carry Jesus with us
everywhere we go. When youre walking out the door to a
meeting or to run an errand, can you imagine saying, Where is
Jesus? I cant leave the house without him! When you are
cooking dinner or relaxing at home, wouldnt it be wonderful to
have Jesus sitting there beside you?
We know that Christ dwell[s] in our hearts through faith. May
we also ask Christ to dwell in our minds, homes, churches, and
communities. This Advent, may we make a conscious decision to
carry Christ with us wherever we go.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the baby Jesus who came to
dwell among us so many years ago. Help us to remember to carry
him with us wherever we go, not only in our heart but also in our
mind and attitude. Amen.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Written By: Andrew Payne, Associate Pastor Baytown St. Marks
Scripture Reading: Revelation 4:8
Advent Hope
How many times in your life do you remember feeling the type
of excitement and hope that a child feels on Christmas Eve? Hope is a
powerful thing. As a child I understood hope, or at least a certain type of
hope. I knew the hope of anticipation, the hope of possibility. When the
preacher would say that Jesus was Gods gift to us, or that Jesus was our
hope, it seemed obvious. After all, for children on Christmas Eve, the
anticipation and hope is nearly overwhelming. To a child everything can
change on Christmas Day.
Perhaps it is the cyclical nature of Advent and Christmas. Every
year it rolls around. Every year the birth of the Savior is proclaimed. At
the same time, however, every year we grow older. Years begin no
longer to feel like spans of time long enough to truly introduce a new
spiritual order. The hope of Christmas and Advent begins to fade. The
dream that things will be different seems almost a childlike fantasy.
Is that it then? As we age are we doomed to trying to hold on to
hope, even as it seems more difficult? I dont think so. In my life, a
subtle but profound Advent hope has slowly unfolded with time. Deep
within the Advent mystery is the realization that while Christ is to come,
Christ has already come.
Advent hope is not only in a world to come, but also in Christs
mysterious presence in our world and lives today. When we look around
and see a broken, exhausted and exhausting world, we see Christ in its
midst. Jesus has come and is alive in this world. My Advent hope is to
know the reign of Christ in my often broken, exhausted and exhausting
life - not only in what possibly will be - but in it as it is, my actual life. It
is knowing the Christ that is, that reveals the Christ to come.
Prayer: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord I praise you for your birth. I praise you
for your life. I praise you for the years you have walked by my side. I
praise you for being there when I could not see you. I praise you for the
tomorrow you will bring. Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Written by: Emily Everett, Associate Pastor of Pasadena FUMC
Scripture Reading: Lamentations 3:21-25
I hate waiting. Patience has never been one of my strengths, and I
would be willing to bet that quite a few people are in this boat with me.
Well (un)fortunately for me, we have just entered a whole season in the
Christian calendar that is all about waiting. Advent is here and we now
spend the next four weeks waiting, anticipating, and looking forward to
Christmas.
I have come to discover that one of the hardest parts about waiting is
being present to the now. Waiting typically makes us look to the moment
of arrival when we will not be waiting any longer. In this day and age,
there are just about a million distractions to make waiting less agonizing,
and being present to the now almost impossible. As I rode home with my
family after a movie recently, I was struck when I realized that every one
of us (besides the driver) was actively engaged in some sort of phone,
tablet, etc. It seems that even a 20-minute car ride home is now too long
for us (all adults) to be present to each other without having something
else to distract our minds and our thumbs.
I have learned over the years that being present is a discipline that
needs to be cultivated over time, so perhaps during this season of Advent
we might deepen our practice of presence in one of the following (or
other) ways.
1. Being Present to God- Cultivating silence and prayer time when
driving (No music or cell phone use in the car).
2. Being Present to Ourselves- No mindless multitasking. (I.e. no
watching TV and eating or surfing the internet at the same time.)
3. Being Present to others- No mindless checking of phone/internet
when in the presence of others.
In this season of anticipation, let us try to practice actively waiting
by being present--to ourselves, to God and to others. I have a hunch that
God just might have some things to say to us, just as Gabriel did to Mary
all those years ago, announcing the coming of the kingdom in our own
lives and stories. And may our response always be the same as hers, Let
it be to me according to your word, Lord. Yes, God. Let it be. Let us
be.present.
Prayer: Gracious God, grant us the peace of your presence that we
might be able to learn to be present to you and to others. Clear our
hearts of anxiety and open our eyes to the beautiful now that you call us
to as we wait. In Christs name, Amen.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Written By: Chelsea Gilts Ratcliff, Ph D Candidate
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:9-13
This year, as I sat down to write my Advent devotional, two
things came to mind. First, this is the 20th time Ive read the
Christmas story in search of an Advent devotional topic. Twenty
times Ive thought about how chaotic and bizarre and joyful the first
Christmas was, and for twenty years Ive sat around our familys
Advent Table and listened to devotions written by church members
of many cities and of many ages. Second, I realized that one aspect of
Advent that I hold so dear has not gotten much of the spotlight in my
previous 20 devotions. For as many churches that I have grown up in
(and wailed over leaving), I have rarely written about the gift of being
a part of a church family during this sacred season. And so, on this
day in Advent, Id like to acknowledge just how beautiful church can
be.
Perhaps it is my old soul, perhaps my P.K. DNA, but I love
liturgy. This has become particularly clear in recent weeks, as my
husband, Collin, and I have begun attending a traditional service at a
Methodist church near our home. I have been overwhelmed by how
beautiful, mysterious and communal being a part of liturgical worship
is. I find it both thrilling and comforting to come before God in much
the same way as communities of faith have for thousands of years.
What a comfort that even on days when we may show up to worship
empty, unable to think of how to approach God, we do not approach
him alone. We get to join with our church family, using words that
have been used to connect with God for centuries. Church enables us
to join a community of faith that extends across time and reaches
around the globe.
Certainly thoughts on church and church traditions vary widely.
In fact, Jesus himself seemed pretty clear that there are many ways to
gather together to worship. This Advent, I encourage you to consider
what you most value about your own community of faith.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for the beautiful, sacred gift of
community worship. Let us honor you this Advent season inside and
outside our church homes. Amen.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Written by: Collin Ratcliff, Kip & Tammys Son-in-law
Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:9-10
This fall I was invited to spend the weekend at a friend's ranch.
It was an opportunity to fully unplug. No internet, cable, and spotty
cell phone service for the entire weekend. It's funny how rare these
times are these days, especially during the fall when I can barely
pull myself away from college football Saturday.
I easily forget how refreshing it is to step away from the daily
distractions of technology, the busyness of every day life and
simply spend a few days present and interacting with others. In the
same way, I often find myself feeling distracted by the busyness of
the Christmas season. The rushing around, the purchasing of last
minute presents and other important errands can sometimes be
so distracting that Christmas flies by before I have taken the time
to fully comprehend and grasp the powerful wonder of Christmas.
This year, it is my hope to actively "unplug" from the season's
distractions and fully appreciate Advent and Christmas. I pray that
we'll be able to step back, push through the static and be
present. That well engage with loved one's, and remember the
birth of Christ. I pray that we'll be still and appreciate the amazing
great gift given to us.
Prayer: Dear God, This Christmas season, a season often filled
with distractions and stress, please help us to be still and know
that you are God. Help us to ponder the glory of Jesus and give
thanks. In your heavily name we pray. Amen.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Written By: Karen Tyler, Associate Pastor Baytown Cedar Bayou Grace
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:10-11; Matthew 25:34-46
First Gift for Jesus
A number of years ago, our family made a commitment to make
sure that the first gift we give each year at Christmas would be to
Jesus. It took us a while to figure out the best way to do that, but over
the years it evolved into a tradition that we very much anticipate.
In November, we select a family that we know has had a rough
year. Sometimes they have faced unemployment, a devastating
diagnosis, a divorce, a death or just a series of events that leave them
in a difficult season in life. Twelve days before Christmas, we begin
either sending or leaving on their doorstep a small gift to help them
remember Christs abiding love. We put a card in each gift with an
inspiring quote, a favorite scripture to encourage and a personal word
that points to Jesus--the reason for the season.
Jesus has no desire from us but a fully devoted heart and to love
our neighbors above ourselves. What better way to give to Jesus than
to give to those He loves? Jesus tells us in the 25th chapter of
Matthew that when we feed the hungry we feed Him (think gift card
to your favorite restaurant, a grocery gift card or a basket of nonperishables). Whenever we give a drink or refreshment to the thirsty
we refresh Him (think ice cream shop gift card, fast food gift card).
Whenever we give shelter to someone who is without, we shelter Him
(think household items). Whenever we give clothes to the shivering
we clothe Him (think clothing, coats, gift cards)--you get the idea.
Our family has fun with creative ideas, and most of all, we enjoy
keeping our identity a secret until Christmas Eve. Typically, at that
time, we will reveal that it was our family that was the giver of the
gifts, but that is was Gods love for them through Jesus that prompted
us to celebrate the joy of Christ with them.
What better way to celebrate a season dedicated to Christ than to
be Christ in the world and Christ to the world at Christmas?
Prayer: Gracious God, You have so generously blessed us. This
Advent season cultivate within me a renewed spirit to give generously
to others, so that Your love will overflow into the world. May our first
gifts be our greatest gifts simply because they are given in Your name.
Amen.

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Written by: James Littleton, Jr. Associate Pastor Dickinson FUMC
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 12:2-6
The holidays can be a difficult time for many people on a
number of different levels for a slew of reasons. Whether those
reasons are related to stress, fatigue, family issues, loneliness,
unrealistic expectations, or something else, the truth is this: we
have either experienced for ourselves or have known somebody
that has found the holiday season to be a time of great struggle.
It is so easy to get caught up in the rawness of the pain and
sorrow that the holiday season elicits for some people that it at
times becomes a hard, sometimes futile, attempt to see past the
haziness that becomes their reality. If you find yourself or know of
someone struggling with the holiday season, there is hopea hope
that leads to indescribable joy.
One of Gods most beautiful promises to us is that he will turn
our sorrow into joy. We see this promise being made and fulfilled
throughout both the Old and New Testaments. In John 16:20, Jesus
assures us when he said: I can guarantee this truth: You will cry
because you are sad, but the world will be happy. You will feel
pain, but your pain will turn to happiness.
What Jesus guarantees in John is what Isaiah believesthat the
Lord God will be his strength and might, that God has become his
salvation. God will not abandon you this holiday season, nor will
he abandon you any other holiday season! What God will do is
help quench your difficulties, your pain, your sorrow, your
loneliness, or whatever it may be you are struggling through with
water from the wells of salvation!
That, my sisters and brothers, is a gift so good it has to be
shared with others this Advent and Christmas!
Prayer: God of grace, mercy, and love, thank you for your
presence with us, your promise to turn our sorrow into joy, and
your promise of life, that comes to us through the gift of your
salvation. Help us to remember that we are not alone, that you
surround us with a great cloud of witnesses, and that you will
never forsake us. In you, our pain and sorrow is replaced with
indescribable joy. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Written by: Janine Gilts, Kips Sister-in-law
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:6
For 29 years I lived in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona surrounded
by family and friends. I married young, had two precious daughters
and was divorced nine years later. It was a scary time--my mother
had died two years before, and my life was a mess. I just wanted
peace. Fortunately for the girls and me, I met and married Kips
brother, Kemp, in 1984, and our lives changed forever. Within the
year we moved 2,000 miles away to a place called Fostoria, Ohio,
where I didnt know a soul. And, I still cried out for peace.
Shortly before our move to Ohio, our youngest daughter became
ill, and as a consequence, deaf. It was a chaotic time and again, my
heart cried out for peace. How could I help my girls? Within the
year, we decided that I was to go to Bowling Green State University
to learn how to help our family. I didnt know anyone, I was afraid,
and where was that peace?
I would study when the kids went to sleep, then I would pray. One
night while reading the Bible, I found a promise: Peace I leave with
you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do
not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27
I wrote that verse down, carried it in my pocket, repeated it over
and over, as I was walking in the dark through campus, held it in my
hand when I was afraid--it became a part of me--I owned it. I came to
realize that the peace I so desired was at my fingertips all the time. I
just had to accept it, believe it, and hold on to the promise.
Its hard to believe, but 29 years have gone by since we moved to
Ohio. I have been a teacher for 23 years now. Our daughters have
grown up and are independent and successful. The youngest lives in
Arizona. She is happy, has a good job, and can do anything she puts
her mind to. Our oldest daughter worked hard to become a teacher.
She married a wonderful man. He is a police officer and they both
work in Fostoria. They have blessed us with three precious
grandchildren, who are the light of our lives. Advent peace to you!
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for coming to us as a baby
to be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and
Prince of Peace. Help us to accept, believe and hold on to your
promise. In Your name we pray. Amen.

Monday, December 8, 2014

Written by: Kemp Gilts, Kips brother
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:8-20
Christmas at the Gilts household growing up was a joyous time! For
one thing, we had three Christmas celebrations. The first was on Christmas
Eve at our house with my Moms side of the family; Grandma Vee, Aunt
Anna, Aunt Peg and Uncle Bill. The second was on Christmas morning
when we woke up and found what Santa had brought us during the night.
And the third was at Grandma and Grandpa Gilts and my Dads side of the
family, usually the Sunday after Christmas.
I can remember the excitement building as the time grew ever near. The
time we spent together decorating the house and trimming the tree. Then
would come the presents as they began to appear under our tree. When
Christmas Eve arrived, the presents would swell until they no longer fit
under the tree, but would be spilling out into the room.
My parents were wise enough to know five little boys would not last
through an entire meal with all those presents waiting to be opened, so we
would snack throughout the evening rather than endure a sit down dinner.
Once everyone had arrived, the mayhem began. Paper, ribbons, boxes and
cards began to fly around us kids from the center of the room, while the
adults were content to observe from the outer edges of the room. Then it
was off to bed to await the coming day--Christmas!
The day would begin when one of us boys would wander out into the
living room to discover that Santa had arrived and alert the rest of us, usually
around 4-6 AM. Santa didnt wrap gifts at our house, but rather arranged
them in piles for each one of us. The rest of the day was spent playing with
everything and spending time with one another.
Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Gilts would last most of the day
following Church. We would arrive to smells of a delicious meal being
prepared for us by Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Mary. Following the meal
we would all gather around the tree and commence opening the gifts. Then
we would sit back, play games, watch some football and enjoy homemade
candies that had been made for the season.
Of all the Christmas I enjoyed growing up, I only remember one or two
gifts. But what I will treasure for the rest of my life are the memories of my
family and the special times we spent together during those times and the
love we shared. Like Mary in the Scripture, I didnt fully understand all that
was happening, but rather treasured these things and pondered them in my
heart.
Prayer: Father, thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus and the love You
have for each and every one of Your children.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Written by: Kate Walker, Associate Pastor Lake Jackson Chapelwood
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-7
One of my most vivid memories of Advent was the winter I worked at a
small Episcopal church in Park Ridge, IL. Once, Park Ridge was an isolated
town, but Chicago had long since surrounded it; now it was an idealic
commuter enclave. It was most idealic in early winter, just before Christmas.
Hundreds of lights twinkled around town square. The black iron street lights
were draped in ribbon and garlands. All was covered in puffy white snow
that glowed and twinkled under the lights. It seemed so perfect.
The less idealic side of Park Ridge was the growing population of
people living on the street. Technically most of them didnt live on the
street; they camped just inside the national park. They stayed out of town
square so they wouldnt be cited for loitering. Now and then youd see
someone spending a lot of time in the library, or hanging around the bus
station, but in general they were easy to ignore.
The city did an excellent job of ignoring those living on its streets, but
the churches wanted more. They worked together and started setting up a
shared shelter to offer services through winter. Resistance was immediate.
First grumbling, then mailers, and finally petitions for injunctions against the
churches efforts. The shelter did not open for winter. By December it
seemed it might never open. Park Ridge was just too idealic a place to have
poverty, and many went out of their way to say there is no room for those
people here.
The churches responded with worship. They came together and led a
service based on the tradition of Las Posadasa Spanish/Mexican ritual
honoring Mary and Joseph searching for lodging. We gathered and walked
the town square area. At each church we knocked and knocked, we sang
and read scripture, and at each we were told, there is no room.
I thought a lot about Mary and Joseph. I saw them in my mind, young
and poor and tired. A displaced couple living under the idealic peace of
Rome, but having little share in it. It was so easy to see them walking with
us that night and being told, there is no room for you here either.
That service colors how I think about Advent. It is a time to celebrate
and to tell the Christmas story. It is also a time to yearn toward the coming
kingdom. It is a time to want more, not just for ourselves, but for all our
neighbors. It is a challenge: will we make room for the Christ child in our
heart and for Gods children in our lives?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for all the people and places that have
embraced us. As we celebrate this Advent, may we remember those around
us who still need a loving embrace.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Written By: Zachary Gilts, Junior High Youth Director Austin
Tarrytown UMC
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:810
For many of us who read this devotional booklet, we know all about
the Advent season--the story of Christs birth, his death, and most of his
life. We know these things like we know most things--through books,
sermons, conversations, lectures, or the Internet. The beautiful thing
that makes this season worth all of the celebration is the intimate belief
that is born out of this knowledge.
As a middle school youth director and confirmation teacher, I get to
see some of the most amazing aha moments when this separation of
knowledge and belief clicks. One of the best parts however, is that I am
continually reminded of the difference. For me it is so easy to forget the
gift of grace, the one gift I could never earn, because its a gift given not
on merit or knowledge, but simply out of love. Grace is a gift I cant brag
about to my friends, but its a gift that I want deeply to share.
Of course, I cant be the source of grace myself, but I can be a
vessel, and thats exactly what I--what we are called to be! On impact,
this passage can sound like a call to be reactive. It could be said, There
isnt anything we can do to earn grace, Ive got it, and Im set My
conviction, however, is that this is a call to be proactive! We have
received grace through the birth, death, and life of Christ and when we
believe this, we are inspired. Maybe this is the first time you have read
this passage, or maybe its the hundredth, but the feeling, in spite of a
possible knowledge gap, is the same when we believe, We are Gods
masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the
good things he planned for us long ago.
Im not going to get on a high horse and say that grace is the only
gift you need this Advent season, but I will encourage you to see the
metaphor in this act. Just as we are the vessels of material gifts, we are
the vessels of spiritual gifts. Share Gods grace this season, whatever that
looks like to you, because you are Gods masterpiece. He has created you
anew in Christ Jesus, so you can do the good things he planned for you
long ago.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for creating us to be more than just
creatures of this world. Thank you for life beyond this world with you in
Heaven. This Advent, please help us be vessels of your gifts to others.
Amen.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Written by: Kip Gilts, South District Superintendent
Scripture Reading: John 17:22-24
Have you ever held a newborn in your arms, looked into the face of
that child, and tried to imagine what life will be like for that little one? I
have, sometimes at baptism. I wonder, What kind of childhood will this
one have? Will he be happy, will she be funny? Will she stay in the
church through confirmation, graduation, and adulthood? Will it be this
church? What kind of job will he get when he gets older? What will she
look like as a young adult? What kind of a parent will he be? All that
potential resides in a 7- pound bundle who fits between my elbow and
wrist.
I wonder if Mary pondered any of these things in her heart as
shepherds told her about their angelic visitation. We know the rest of the
story. We know that he grew up to embrace his identity as the long
awaited Messiah. He taught those things that are most important for the
kingdom of God. He reflected the wonderful reality that in the kingdom
of God life overcomes death, health overcomes disease, and grace
overcomes sin along with the guilt and shame that it produces.
Then in his last days, Jesus sat at Passover with those to whom he
would entrust the next chapter of this kingdom work and he prayed for
them. The entire 17th chapter of John is that prayer. This past October I
attended Prayer Explosion 2014 at Windsor Village UMC. One of the
unique things about this prayer conference over others that I have
attended is that we prayed a lot. At lunch on the last day, we were
instructed to pray for the unity of the church. Tears began to form in my
eyes as I prayed. Energy began to churn in my heart. This prayer had
touched a raw desire in my soul. I prayed with fervency and sensed that
the Lord was speaking to my stirred up soul. The message was clear and
brief, Do you think that you long for unity in the church more than I do?
Do you think that you could, at any point in time, love the church more
deeply than I do at even the most ordinary moment? She is my bride! It
was clear to me at that moment that I was praying the will of God.
So this Advent season as we peer into the eyes of the Christ-child,
may we see His longing for the unity of his followers and his deep, deep,
love for the one who was to become his bride.
Prayer: Dear Lord, this Advent season, as we turn our attention and
rearrange our calendars to spend more time with you, may we see all the
way into your heart, seek those things that you seek, and work toward
those kingdom goals that you have for us. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Written By: Tammy Gilts, South District Superintendent Spouse
Scripture Reading: Leviticus 4:32-35 & I Peter 1:18-21
For a week in November I went with Kip to seven South District
Hub Charge Conferences. I baked seven batches of chocolate chip
cookies for the meetings. On the sixth night, I met Mrs. Betty--shes 84
and has sparkling eyes. While nibbling a cookie, she asked if I had time
to hear her story. I would like you to hear her storyits that good!
She went to Israel when she was 60 years old. Her tour group visited
Shepherds Field and was told about baby Jesus coming as the Lamb of
God. She was skeptical and said she couldnt understand why Jewish
people thought a lamb could wash away their sins. Someone on the tour
bus told her to read the book of Leviticus. She did and still felt confused.
When she got home from what she said was a fabulous trip, she
decided to join a Bible study to try to figure out what others seemed to
already understand. Through this Bible study she came to understand that
the lambs that were sacrificed before Jesus came were to be perfect
without spot or blemish. This clicked in her mind and heart and she fell
face down in her kitchen and asked Jesus, our sinless, perfect sacrificial
lamb, into her heart. Wow!
Mrs. Betty said even as a young girl she longed to feel the Holy
Spirit and Jesus, but never knew how. She attended church all of her life,
yet never got that information or any encouragement to read the Bible.
She felt sad that her eyes werent opened to salvation until she was 60.
But, I could tell by her smile and twinkling eyes that she had experienced
an excellent 24 years and counting!
Her story led me to look up Bible passages that refer to the Lamb of
God. The one I found below is especially meaningful, as I am currently
sadly (and rather helplessly) watching my parents grieve the loss of my
brother:
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
He will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:17
I am so thankful for the hope of Heaven, and that Jesus came to earth
as a tiny innocent willing to suffer and die as a sacrifice for our sins. I am
thankful God intervened in Mrs. Bettys life, my brothers life, my
parents lives, my life and hopefully your life, so that we can all have our
tears wiped away by none other than God himself!
Prayer: Precious, sinless Lamb of God, this Advent we give thanks for
your sacrifice on our behalf. We love and praise you! Amen.

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Written By: Lindsay Childers Kirkpatrick, Pastor Pasadena Asbury
Scripture Reading: Romans 1:20a Ever since the creation of the
world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they
are, have been understood and seen through the things he has
made.
Candy Canes and Christ
For over 350 years, people have enjoyed some version of a
particular Christmas treat, the Candy Cane. Originally all white and
straight as a pole, their identity changed over time. In 1670, the
choirmaster of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany bent them into the
cane shape and handed them to church kids, telling them the cane
shape was to remind them that Jesus is their shepherd. The red stripes
were added in the early 1900s, supposedly to symbolize Christs
taking on human flesh, epitomized through his blood. Many candy
canes have 3 small stripes that wrap around the candy together, to
denote the Trinity. Peppermint is similar in taste to hyssop, a plant
used in sacrifices in the Old Testament for being made pure before
God. Interestingly, it was a Catholic priest in the 1950s who first
created a machine to automate the making of candy canes.
I love how this little, random Christmas tradition can be imbued
with spiritual significance. We can look at a candy cane and think,
Yum! Or we can look at a candy cane and think, Yum! And wow
God, thanks for washing us clean, making us pure, saving us through
your blood, and being our shepherd!
I cant tell you how many times Ive gone through the Christmas
season and thought, You just didnt show up, Lord. Ive been
preparing, and its just not happening. But now, I realize that
everything around me can be a symbol and reminder of Gods
presence; driving alone in my car, and thinking about Mary and
Joseph on their journey; lights in the darkness, and Jesus being the
light of the world; a conversation with a friend, and remembering that
Jesus is the Word of God, spoken into being. And if I dont see God,
its not Gods fault. Its mine.
Prayer: Jesus, help each one of us to not spend so much time asking
you why you havent revealed yourself, and instead, see the child in
the manger revealed all around us. Amen.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Written by: Brandi Tevebaugh Horton, Associate Pastor Deer Park
Scripture Reading: John 1:1-14
The Word became flesh and lived among us. Much of the
miraculous story of salvation the story of a savior with skin on, of a
God who dwells with us is summed up in this verse. It is not the
traditional Christmas story, but it is a powerful reminder of the living
God in our midst.
David and I were married last December 14, and in good clergy
couple fashion, we lit Advent candles, had a call to worship, read the
Gospel, and served communion in the ceremony. It was beautiful, but
perhaps the most beautiful part was the gathering at the table. As I stood
there watching our family and friends from all over the country, from all
walks of life gathering at the table, I looked down at the bread clutched
in my hands. God in our midst.
Billy Ray is an ornery old man, and a dearly loved member of
Davids family. Billy Ray is not the church-going type, and to our
knowledge, he had never received communion before. When we saw
him get out of his seat and stand in line, I was shocked to say the least. It
was a gift to us for him to willingly walk forward, to watch as others
cupped their hands, and to follow suit. The body of Christ broken for
you, I said as I placed the bread in his outstretched hands. The blood
of Christ shed for you, I heard David say. I glanced over to smile at
David and acknowledge this holy moment of serving Billy Ray. He
caught my eye and said, Brandi, Jesus showed up at our wedding.
Jesus had indeed shown up. God was in our midst.
Im sure I will never forget the experience of putting grace into those
worn and wrinkled hands, but I am reminded that every set of cupped
hands coming forward to receive are hungry for that same grace, that
same bread of life. It is a grace that I will never tire of giving and a
grace that I will never tire of receiving. The Word indeed became flesh,
but this Advent season, be reminded that the Word is still coming to us in
tangible, touchable, taste-able ways. The Word dwelt among us, but the
Word also dwells among us. This Advent season allow the Word to
become flesh in your present, to dwell in your midst on a daily basis.
Prayer: God of all grace, we give you thanks for giving yourself to us,
for dwelling among us. Grant that we may experience your presence
with us this Advent season, as we wait for the coming Christ. In the
name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Written By: Laurinda Kwiatkowski, Associate Pastor San Antonio
University UMC
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:10-11
In October of 2011, my family and I moved to San Antonio. We
needed a new washing machine and dryer, so we headed to Sears. It
was early November and so, of course, all the Christmas decorations
were out and the sales were on; they were on! Sears had banners
hanging up all over the store, and one slogan in particular caught my
eye: "Real Joy Guaranteed". The implication/strong suggestion was
that if you wanted joy, you needed to buy, and you needed to buy
big. Real Joy Guaranteed is a licensed trademark of Sears (I looked
it up). I couldn't stop thinking about how far this idea is from real
joy. With Joy to the World playing over the speakers in many
department stores, we seek to find real joy in our lives. But this joy
that we call real cannot be found in our compulsion to over buy and
over spend.
Real joy, true joy, pure joy is found in the birth of the Savior of
the world. Our hearts are not created to leap for joy when the credit
card is swiped and the word "Approved" appears on the screen. Our
hearts are created to leap for joy in response to God's gracious act of
immeasurable love--Jesus.
Joy to the world, The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King.
Let every heart prepare him room. Let heaven and nature sing.
Real Joy Guaranteed comes from knowing Jesus and celebrating the
deep love of God that is found in Jesus.
Joy to the world the Savior reigns. Let all their songs employ.
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy.
Real Joy Guaranteed is found in Jesus!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving us, and thank you for
the gift of your son, Jesus. Restore to us the joy of our salvation and
renew in each of us a new and right spirit this Christmas. Amen.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Written by: Mark Davis, Pastor Baytown St. Johns
Scripture Reading: Luke 2
My fondest memories of Christmas as a child are ones of faith
learning the stories of The Birth of Jesus found in Luke 2, and marveling
over the unknown wrapped up with love from family and friends.
One year I recall praying for an electric train set. However, it was the
tradition in our home, as well as others, that Christmas gifts consisted of
clothes and shoes needed for school. This was back when Christmas was
about spending time with family rather than about gifts.
During this time I learned what blind faith was about. My dad would
pray over an empty table, giving God thanks for the blessings of family,
health, home, and faith. I remember asking Dad, How can you give God
thanks when we barely have anything to eat? Dad said, Son, we give God
thanks for everything and cry out for our greatest need or weakness with
faith believing God will provide for our needs. Learning blind faith is when
we walk placing one foot after another, trusting in God to provide todays
blessings and to take care of our needs.
Isnt this how God works in our lives? He certainly has in mine. After
all of the presents were opened that Christmas, my prayers had not been
answered; there wasnt a train set. I wonder how many people were seeking
the Messiah and missed Gods greatest gift that morning in Bethlehem.
However, there is good news now as there was then. A knock at our door
revealed a package with my name on it. Yes, it was a train set; my prayers
had been answered just like my fathers prayers had been answered. We also
received two bags of groceries, and our needs continued to be met.

Prayer: Dear God, through the faith and countless prayers of many over
the years, youve provided for our needs by sending your Son that
Christmas morning long ago fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiahs
birth. However, through the teachings and gifts of healing, love, death
and resurrection of your son Jesus came the greatest gift we can receive
by faithone that keeps on giving throughout eternity. God, help us to be
filled with the wisdom to carry the love of our Savior to one another and
to the world. Let us always remember the spirit of Christmas, letting
every day be filled with the joy of Advent as we continue to unwrap the
splendor of your gift to us as we grow in faith as followers of Jesus
Christ, rejoicing with gladness and thanksgiving. Amen.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Written By: Johnnie Simpson, Pastor Haven Chapel
Scripture Reading: Mark 1:7-8
I love a good introduction; I pay attention to the
introductions of movies, books, and how MCs introduce the
people on a particular program. The introduction sets the tone for
the rest of the event. My mother always tells me, The way you
start something is the way you finish. My mother often uses that
phrase to explain how she gauges the professionalism of a
particular client. How they conduct themselves in the beginning is
an indication of how they will conduct themselves throughout.
Because I like introductions, I also find joy in the season of
Advent. Through Advent we celebrate, we wait, we expect, we
prepare for the coming of Christ. We prepare for an introduction of
sorts to the soon coming King. John the Baptist is telling us that
someone wonderful is coming, and that is great news! John is
providing an introduction to Jesus for us, as we should provide an
introduction to Jesus for others.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the love you have shown us by
introducing us to your Son. We seek to take that love and show it to
others, so that they may know you. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Written by: Lataya Simpson, Pastors Spouse Haven Chapel
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 6:5
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all
your soul, and with all your might.
About twenty years ago I found a lovely set of crystal
candleholders that I knew my mother would love. On December
24th, I wrapped them with satin ribbons and bows and proudly
presented the gift to her the next day. When she opened it, she
marveled at how lovely the candlesticks were and asked how I
could afford such an extravagant gift, since I was still in high
school at the time. My answer surprised and delighted her. I told
her I didnt have to buy them, I found them; these Waterford
crystal candleholders were in her closet for the last couple of years,
still in the original box, never used she had bought them herself
and never used them or given them away. Talk about a new spin on
re-gifting!
Christmas is a great reminder that we have the opportunity to
re-gift the most precious gift we have or will ever receive the
love of Jesus Christ. It is a gift that we have in abundance and will
never be too old or worn out to give to others. This Advent,
remember that love, the most remarkable of gifts, is not one that
can be purchased; Jesus already paid the price. The gift of love is
one that we should give, not only to humankind, but also to the one
who bought it in the first place. Love the Lord with all your heart,
love your neighbor as yourself.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your unending,
incomprehensible, unconditional gift of love. By your grace may
we participate in divine re-gifting this season and every day of
our lives. Help us Lord to remember to not only have love or show
love but give love, in all circumstances to all people in every way.
Amen.

Friday, December 19, 2014

Written By: Jackie, Joshua, Ella, & Parker Nelson (Kips Family)
Scripture Reading: Matthew 19:14
So after being tasked, I mean asked, to write an Advent devotional
by my dear Uncle Kip and Aunt Tammy I decided to talk with my
children, Parker-5, Ella-8, and Joshua-10, and write down all the wisdom
and insight my sweet children had about Advent.
I sat down with them and asked what they thought of Advent and
Christmas, eagerly waiting for them to retell the story of Christs
miraculous birth. Instead, Parker yells out immediately TOYS!! Then
they all start fighting (loudly) over a toy Parker was playing with.
Parenting Fail. Before the punches started flying, I decided that I needed
to change my approach AND that I needed to separate them, quickly.
After a brief cool down period, I called them over one by one to hear
their honest opinions-whatever they may be-about their favorite parts of
the Advent season.
Joshua: The most special thing about Advent to me is when we count
down all the days to Christmas, because you get more excited about the
holiday. I like it because it builds up, then on Christmas Day, the
excitement erupts! I also really like singing the Advent songs; they all
have a really nice tune. Oh, and when we read about other peoples
stories in the Advent book. I liked it when Uncle Kip sent us a video of
all the Advent books he made.
Ella: I like it when we light the candles up and talk about Jesus and
stuff (parenting win!). I also like when we go over to Grandma Zackies
house when everybody comes to spend time together. I like to make
presents that come from the heart that mean a lot to somebody. (Like
which ones Ella?) I cant think of any, but I do like them. Its important
that we do Advent because it means a lot to Jesus, since its His birthday.
And it means a lot to people who have passed away because they like to
know were all together and they get to see our happy faces.
Parker: Ok, I like when Santa brings us presents. Advent is the perfect
thing! I like when we open up our Advent calendars. I like it when we
sing Holy Night. And I like it when Uncle Kip sings us I wish I had a
Piggy Pudding. And thats all! Then he ran off singing a few verses of
Piggy Pudding that only he could understand
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you so much for these little children. Thank
you for their excitement and honesty. Please let us enter into this season
with their wide-eyed joy and abandon. Amen.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Written by: Karen Tyler, Associate Pastor Baytown Cedar Bayou Grace
Scripture Reading: John 3:16
The Greatest Gift
In 1976, I got a piano for my birthday, which is in October. No one
in my family had ever gotten a gift so extravagant. In fact, I cant recall
a single other gift that my parents gave me for any of my birthdays,
although I am sure that I must have received gifts from them. As
Christmas approached, I was fore-warned that the piano was both my
birthday and Christmas present. So, when Christmas arrived, true to
their word, my parents placed no presents under the tree for me. Santa
had left a recipe box and some blank recipe cards under the tree for me, I
presume so my younger sister wouldnt figure out the mystery of Santa.
In spite of the fact that I had received a favored gift for my
birthday and that the expense of the piano (which I would like to go on
record as noting I shared with my sister) was probably more than both of
my siblings birthday and Christmas presents combined, I still felt
slighted. By December, the piano seemed like old news. My ten year
old self couldnt understand what a huge sacrifice my parents had made
to be able to purchase the piano.
As I ponder Gods gift of Jesus, I am so taken that God would send
his most treasured One to us. That He would send One who could show
us the way back to our Father. How deep the Fathers love for us that
He would sacrifice so much for us! There are times when my 49 year
old self fails to understand what a huge sacrifice my Heavenly Father
made to purchase me.
I am embarrassed to say that at times I feel forgotten when I see
people who are more gifted in ministry than I am. There are times that I
feel like God forgot me when He was passing out talent. There are
times when I wish I had gotten different gifts or that I think the gifts that
I have seem old and no longer exciting. This Advent season, may the
gift of Jesus be fresh to us again. May we look at the sacrifice that was
made over 2000 years ago with the wide-eyed excitement of a child who
is opening a priceless gift for the first time ever.
Prayer: Loving God, Your extravagant gift of Jesus overwhelms me at
times. Cause me to be mindful that the grace you offered through Jesus
came as a sacrifice, even though it was offered so willingly and lovingly.
Help me to remember to give generously and sacrificially in response to
Your love. Amen.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Written by: Tabitha Rankin, Pastor of Galveston St. Paul UMC
Scripture Reading: John 13: 34-35
Over the past year my family and I have endured several
transitions. Although many were frightening, we remained faithful
to the Lord and never doubted that the He would be there to protect
us, provide for us and see us through. I am truly grateful for the
amount of encouragement, support and love demonstrated toward
us by our closest family, friends and colleagues.
After my husbands heart attack, I cannot recall a time when I
was alone or that members of our community and congregation
did not stop by, offer dinner, offer to bring the girls home from
school or showed up to help me ensure that our lives remained as
normal as possible. When we later learned of the complications
that I would endure during our pregnancy, again, we were
surrounded and showered with genuine love.
As I reflect upon this season of our lives, I am reminded of
John 13:34-35. Shortly before Jesus predicts Peters denial he
shared with his disciples a new commandment. This
commandment was simple, Love one another as I have loved
you. It is my prayer, this Advent season, that you and your family
would experience the love of Christ among your family, friends
and all who are dear to you. When we are loved by others in all the
ways in which Christ loved us, we are reassured and reminded that
the love of Christ exists in the world today, and that love truly
conquers all.
Prayer: Gracious God, this Advent season we pause to thank you
for your love. We pray for strength and courage to live out your
new commandment each day in hopes that others would also
experience your love. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Monday, December 22, 2014

Written by: Cynthia Hullum Kethley, Pastors Spouse Deer Park
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:25
Fall of 1990 was an eventful time for Paul and me. On November
21, at the Wesley Foundation Chapel at Tyler Jr. College we were
married. We took Communion as a couple for the first time in the
beautiful chapel in the round with our families present.
I was working a full time job at the University and some part time
jobs as well. Being on a budget, I made most of the decorations for
the wedding late at night or early mornings. Paul was a student pastor
at a small Methodist Church on Bascom Road in Tyler. The next
month we were going to Christmas parties and having an open house
at our little parsonage. I got sick on Sunday night and for three days
stayed home. One month after our marriage I was in the hospital
having major surgery. My gallbladder was double in size and I had
100 plus stones. My skin and eyes were yellow--I was very sick. This
was our first Christmas as a married couple, and I was in the hospital
for ten days.
To top it off, I only had about 4 visitors, because there was an ice
storm and snow in Tyler. The amount of pain was almost unbearable.
My two surgeons were Methodist and were very kind and caring. To
keep my mind off the pain I would pray for other people. Paul stayed
every night with me in the hospital, but he had to leave to go do a
wedding Christmas morning. Paul and I had Communion in my
hospital room Christmas night. The apostle Paul wrote, Husbands,
love your wives as Christ loved the church Ephesians 5:25. What a
difference one month made!
Joseph also had a rocky start to his marriage to Mary. But, an
angel told Joseph to marry her anyway and call the baby Jesus. Joseph
had to trust God. Paul and I trusted God to get us through my illness.
Thanks be to God! God is good. Lets welcome our Baby Jesus this
Advent and trust God.
Prayer: Dear God, We praise you for all of your many blessings and
know you are good. We thank you for your strength and patience. We
know you will deliver us from our trouble in your perfect time. We are
yours, Lord, may we always be thankful for the gift of health during
this Advent season. Amen.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Written by: Raegan Seaton, Associate Pastor Texas City St. Johns
Scripture Reading: Mark 13:24-37
When we were pregnant with our first child, my husband
graduated from seminary and took his first appointment. So at 34
weeks pregnant, we moved to a new state where we were two
hours away from the hospital where I would deliver. Being so
close to the end and so far away from the hospital, my husband had
color levels, not unlike those used by Homeland Security, to
emphasize the urgency of our situation. We started at Yellow for
our first visit and quickly moved to Orange when the due date was
pushed up. There was a great expectancy in our house. We needed
to do all that we could to be prepared for this child. It was exciting
and nerve racking all at the same time. We didnt want to be
caught off guard.
Im always reminded of that time when we celebrate
Advent. The Israelites were waiting for the Messiah and they
didnt want to be caught off guard. It was a time of expectancy for
them. They had been waiting for a long time. But they were not
passive in their waiting. As we prepared our house for our new
baby, so the Israelites prepared their hearts for the coming of the
Messiah. There was much work to do.
We, in many ways, are like those Israelites, but instead of
waiting for the Messiah to come, we are waiting for Him to return.
We live in an already not yet time when it comes to the kingdom
of God. We are actively waiting on Jesus, and at the same time
actively carrying out the mission of Jesus in the world we have
already been given.
Advent is a reminder that God came in the flesh and dwelt
among us and that He is returning to finish what He started. Lets
be ready by keeping true to His ministry in the already not yet
time. Lets keep preparing and be ready for His return.
Prayer: Gracious Father, thank you for sending your Son to us so
that we might begin to grasp how much you love us. And thank you
that He will come again and we will all be united with you forever.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Written by: Kevin Johnson, Associate Pastor of Clear Lake UMC
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:6-7
I did not grow up in a church going family and came to faith
late in my teens. When I was still in high school, my sister was
pregnant and due during Christmas. She, like Mary, was a
pregnant teen. There was a great deal of talk about my sister and
the scandal of her upcoming baby. Even my parents were
embarrassed about the shame of having a teenage pregnant
daughter. This was long before MTV and the glorification of 16
& Pregnant.
That Advent season I was confronted with the similarities
between my sister and Mary. It hit me like a ton of bricks just how
hard it must have been for Mary and Joseph. The talk around our
school was bad enough; I wondered what they went through. I
found myself wondering how my sister and Mary could deal with
it. I entered that Advent season with great sadness.
It wasnt until after her daughter was born that I realized the
power that little baby had--the love in my sisters eyes for her
daughter, and the softening of my parents hearts. The smiles and
affection our neighbors showed with the showering of gifts--the
same neighbors who days and weeks before were gossiping. I saw
how this little baby had the power to bring reconciliation into a
hurting family.
It was that Advent that I first started to get it. I first started to
understand the power of the incarnation. If a little tiny baby, who
was completely powerless had the power to bring reconciliation
into my family, how much more could Christ? Jesus birth brought
with it the power to reconcile all of creation to God. That year, I
understood the real power of Christ in our lives. Christ came to
reconcile us.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your act of stepping down to
reconcile us with you. May we this season work to bring
reconciliation between your children. Amen