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Advent devotions 2007

December 28 - The Decade of Discovery
By Melissa MacGregor, a junior from Glen Ellyn, Ill.

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete Scripture.

Devotional:
My father has always referred to the age window of 20 to 29 years as "The Decade of Discovery." Since my 20th birthday in August, I feel as though I've hit the ground running. I've found myself expanding my once resistant and bland food palate through trying new foods: Thai, Ethopian, Icelandic, Cajun, anything with spice. The girl once content with ordering the simple and cheap grilled cheese - thank you very much - now willingly tries wasabi. This may seem a simple and small act, but it is definitely noteworthy for my discovery decade records.

In addition to trying new meals, I've been developing a taste for travel. For me, it is the epitome of discovery. Both the journey and destination are brimming with challenges and opportunities. I find joy finally figuring out the quickest "L" trains to take to visit my brother in downtown Chicago. I find joy when GPS successfully works or a worthwhile challenge to my sense of direction when it doesn't. Although I hate driving during rush hour, I feel joy once I reach my destination of visiting my grandpa for our traditional coffee.

In a few weeks, I will be heading to Peru for the spring semester through the college's study abroad program, Study-Service Term. Come April, I will be in the Amazon and then in May, I will be studying in Spain and backpacking in Europe. And I am so excited. I am excited to explore not only to learn and experience these countries, but to use this time to better understand my own country, community, beliefs and assumptions. This travel will most likely result in great personal reflection, new friendships and diverse experiences. This discovery decade appears to be starting off well.

But of course, the importance of travel is not just for those in "The Decade of Discovery"; it is for everyone. Especially during this time of celebration, family and community, reuniting refreshes and delights us. Sometimes the trek itself leaves something to be desired. Fortunately, roads are paved, buses are usually on time and if we cannot physically be there, our ideas and words can instantly be obtained through the internet. We are so fortunate to live in a time and a place that uses travel as a tool – business, education, vacation — rather than a mandate or a survival tactic.

In this Matthew passage, Herod had just been outsmarted by the stargazing Magi. At this point, Herod - so consumed and paranoid with power - has already had killed several of his own heirs. As he made attempts to control and squelch any sort of uprising, Herod had become fixated on maintaining perfect power. He called for immediate death of every boy under two in Bethlehem, or the Massacre of the Innocents, to ensure his authority. Warned by angels, Joseph, Jesus and Mary successfully escaped to Egypt in order to evade Herod's paranoia. They were willing to trust God as well as venture to a foreign land despite the hardships and uncertainties of the unpaved desert roads. Travel was clearly used to survive. God provided guidance and safety. Joseph and Mary were willing to listen, leave their home and brave a new culture. Praise the Lord!

Whether you find your way through the coming year by using donkeys, paper maps, GPS navigational systems, savvy noses or starlight, I wish you happy and safe journeying in your 2008 travels. May you continue to discover God's wonder and directives in whatever decade you find yourself traveling!

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23 (NRSV)
Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.' Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, 'Out of Egypt I have called my son.'

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:
'A voice was heard in Ramah,
   wailing and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
   she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.'
The Return from Egypt

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 'Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead.' Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, 'He will be called a Nazorean.'

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Thank you for joining the students, faculty and staff of Goshen College during Advent and Christmas for devotions. We pray they have met a spiritual need for you each day as you have taken time to ponder what Christ's birth and life mean for you. Join us again for Lenten devotions, when they begin on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008.
Posted at 18:16 #

December 27 - A host of contradictions
By Sami Fulton, a senior molecular biology/biochemistry and chemistry double major from Shreve, Ohio

Scripture: Hebrews 2:10-18 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
After Christmas most people hurriedly take down the tree, put presents in their proper location and basically forget that Christmas even happened. Sure, they might use something new they got, but the entire season is gone from their hearts.

This passage is talking about the whole reason we celebrate Christmas: Christ came to earth. He was willing to leave his heavenly throne to come to earth with the sole intent of dying. Through that death we are able to live. Jesus came to us as a host of contradictions. He was born a baby, and yet a king. He was born to a carpenter's family, but also came straight from God. Because of him coming as a human being, he is far more able to relate to us.

I encourage you, as this holy season closes, to make the relationship of Jesus such an important part of your life that the Christmas mindset — the idea that Christ came as a baby to save us — will be integrated in everything you do. Have a blessed rest of the holiday season!

Scripture: Hebrews 2:10-18 (NRSV)
It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying,

'I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.'
And again,
'I will put my trust in him.'
And again,
'Here am I and the children whom God has given me.'

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Posted at 10:14 #

December 26 - Just the beginning
By Kaleem Kheshgi, a junior music major from Evanston, Ill.

Scripture: Psalm 148 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
I get to sleep in today, the day after Christmas. I get to look out the window at the usually gloomy weather and smile. I probably won't even go outside today.

Usually on the day after Christmas, I spend the day talking and eating with my family and playing with my new toys. Now that Christmas is over, I can relax until New Year's, and then get ready for school again, right? Not exactly. Instead, I remember that Christmas is not the end, but rather just the beginning.

I imagine one-day-old Baby Jesus: vulnerable, tiny. He lay in his mother's arms, cooing and crying off and on while awake; resting peacefully while asleep. But Mary and Joseph were certainly praising God for their child, and the world is echoing their praises now. Mary and Joseph praised the Lord for their amazing gift their whole lives long. So while his birthday celebration may be over, we should let the praises continue.

This year my family has been spread around the world. I live in Goshen, a sister lives in Washington, another sister is in Europe, and ma, dad and my brother live in Chicago. But for Christmas, we were all together. And while we are spending the few days after Christmas visiting other relatives, we will inevitably say goodbye to one another again. But we will continue to celebrate, as we praise God in our interactions, our caroling, our giving to others in various ways and our love for one another.

This Christmas we are thankful to have been brought together again, but we also praise God for the opportunities we have to grow and learn, even as we are separated by physical distance.

Scripture: Psalm 148 (NRSV)
Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord from the heavens;
   praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
   praise him, all his host!
Praise him, sun and moon;
   praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
   and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
   for he commanded and they were created.
He established them for ever and ever;
   he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.

Praise the Lord from the earth,
   you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost,
   stormy wind fulfilling his command!
Mountains and all hills,
   fruit trees and all cedars!
Wild animals and all cattle,
   creeping things and flying birds!
Kings of the earth and all peoples,
   princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike,
   old and young together!

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
   for his name alone is exalted;
   his glory is above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people,
   praise for all his faithful,
   for the people of Israel who are close to him.

Praise the Lord!

Posted at 12:43 #

December 25 - In all our distress, Christ became our Savior!
By Jim Brenneman, president

Scripture: Isaiah 63:7-9 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
When the world turned on its axis from evening to that first Christmas morning, something so stupendous, so miraculous, so divine happened that life as we know it forever changed. Isaiah, the prophet, foretold it this way, "in all their distress, he became their savior . . . his presence saved them."

In a few verses further, Isaiah would recount the old, old story of another time when Israel was deeply distressed, enslaved by Pharaoh. But then, God rescued them "according to God's mercy and according to the abundance of God's steadfast love." The story of Christmas is that old, old story of God's divine presence coming to earth, though "now in flesh appearing," to save us from our deepest distress.

What has stressed out you and me this past month? In what ways over our lifetimes have we felt distressed by loss, by wrong choices, by sins, by failed promises, by hurts, by sorrows, sickness or death? How have we caused hurt or pain or distress in others?

The Advent season was much about anticipating the turning of the world toward some future time when God would come to save us from countless experiences of distress. By contrast, Christmas shouts, "The world has now turned! Christ the Savior is born! From sin and death he saves us, and lightens every load." The world has now turned toward Christ, by whose divine presence God forgives us, shows us mercy, loves us steadfastly, lifts us up and carries us through our times of deepest distress. "Oh come, let us adore him. Christ, the Lord!"

Scripture: Isaiah 63:7-9 (NRSV)
I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord,
the praiseworthy acts of the Lord,
because of all that the Lord has done for us,
and the great favor to the house of Israel
that he has shown them according to his mercy,
according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
For he said, "Surely they are my people,
children who will not deal falsely";
and he became their savior
in all their distress.
It was no messenger or angel
but his presence that saved them;
in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;
he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Posted at 00:24 #

December 24 - Like us in every respect
By Steve Nolt, professor of history

Week's theme: Praise the Lord!

Devotional:
By today – Christmas Eve – the atmosphere of anticipation in our household is palpable. For our daughters, ages five and seven, the excitement generated by the expectation of tomorrow – expectation of seeing grandparents, playing with cousins and eating Christmas cookies, not to mention the allure of packages under the Christmas tree – makes today a time of high energy. Something exciting is about to happen!

Similarly, this season of Advent has called us to anticipate the drama of incarnation. We have prepared, taken heart and rejoiced in the promised restoration that accompanies Christ's coming into our world and into our lives. The world is about to turn!

Yet here we are, about to arrive at this place we long for, and our Scriptures for the week confront us with a decidedly mixed picture of what this turning actually entails. On the one hand, Isaiah and the Psalmist suggest that turning is merciful redemption for all of creation. But turning can also be threatening and unsettling, as we see in Herod, who turns on others in rage and murder when he finds his familiar world challenged.

If this is the sort of sobering reality that all our anticipation and preparation are going to deliver, why praise the Lord with abandon? Why is Advent unreservedly good news? Perhaps because the Jesus who comes to us is "like us in every respect," familiar with the pain and the promise, the celebration and the suffering of our world – a world that Advent also calls us to anticipate and the very world in which Christ promises to join us at Christmas.

As Advent ends but our anticipation continues, let us greet Christ who promises to turn and re-turn us by going with us into this world. Indeed, praise the Lord!
Posted at 16:13 #

December 21 - Called to a higher righteousness
By Lisa Guedea Carreño, library director

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
According to Jewish practice in Joseph's time, engagement, or betrothal, was more than just a commitment between two parties that would eventually (if all went well) result in marriage. Rather, in those days engagement was a binding contract between two families, and from that point on the couple was considered legally married, even though they likely would not live together for another year. Severing the relationship during this period of engagement required a certificate of divorce. Further, sexual misconduct was not just a personal betrayal but also a breach of Jewish law that called for a public trial and harsh punishment.

Joseph had some difficult decisions to make when he discovered Mary's pregnancy, and he probably didn't care much for his options. Matthew tells us that Joseph was both righteous and compassionate, and so he decided to dissolve the engagement (i.e. divorce Mary) but not to expose her to public penalties for her apparent infidelity.

Then along came an angel, who told Joseph of the Holy Spirit's involvement and instructed him to take Mary as his wife and accept the child as his own, a course of action that required Joseph to set aside both personal pain and public expectations. Joseph must have recognized that God was calling him to a higher righteousness, to a way of life that redefined the law and transcended his understanding of God's will.

Do we recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in morally difficult situations today? When public opinion is strong, when personal reaction is intense, when the law of the land (or the doctrine of the church) defines the parameters of acceptable behavior – can we hear a call to higher righteousness? Absent an angel's visit, how do we discern what God is calling us to do in situations that involve judgment and/or long-term consequences?

Prayer: God, help me look for the presence of the Holy Spirit where it seems least likely to appear. Help me set aside what I know and what I think and what I feel long enough to hear what You are calling me to do, and help me to obey that call as Joseph did, so that I may be part of the new kingdom that began with Jesus' birth.

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 (NRSV)
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

'Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
   and they shall name him Emmanuel',
   which means, 'God is with us.'
When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Posted at 15:22 #

December 20 - Restoring my spirit
By Grace Eidmann, a junior social work and theater double major from Antioch, Ill.

Scripture: Romans 1:1-7 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
The holiday season can often be chaotic and overwhelming. Personally, there is nothing I enjoy more than curling up by the fire with a steaming mug of peppermint tea and an engaging book to restore my spirits.

Restoration is an exceptionally powerful concept. It transpires all around us on both large and small scales. Whether it is the continued work towards restitution in nations such as Ireland and Palestine, the complex rehabilitation of a stroke patient, the painstaking renewal of a famous work of art or the lengthy process of reestablishing good credit – the act of restoring has considerable implications upon everyday life.

In Paul's letter to the Roman church, he calls for another kind of restoration, a regeneration through "obedience of faith," an attitude that Paul describes as one completely devoted and willing to serve. God restores us by erasing our past errors and restoring us to wholeness. In turn, it is our responsibility to become living examples through our actions as well as words. Like it or not, Christians are called to be "set apart." We must deliberately turn away from conflicting interests and strive to emulate the ministry of love and restoration the Jesus demonstrated throughout his life.

As we prepare to celebrate Christ's birth, it is only fitting that we reflect on God's promised restoration and fulfillment through Jesus Christ. To close, Paul's own words from Romans 1:7: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Amen!

Scripture: Romans 1:1-7 (NRSV)
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Posted at 16:44 #

December 19 - Restoring the neighborhood
By Carol Willis, academic support administrative assistant

Scripture: Psalm 80: 1-7, 17-19 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
Something about restoration has always appealed to me. I've always thought I'd like to restore an old gem of a house. I have refinished old furniture, and trash-to-treasure shows on TV make me smile.

God is all about restoration. He knows we're broken and he won't leave us that way. With his grace and in his time, he is making all things new. When hope shines through and God brings beauty from ashes in someone's life – yes, including my own – we glimpse what he has in mind for the whole creation.

And that's why Jesus came. As The Message paraphrases John 1:14, "The Word took on flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood." (Isn't that great?!) When Jesus came, it was the first phase of the Father's master plan to reclaim and restore individuals, families, neighborhoods – all of creation. Even so, come Lord Jesus, come to our neighborhood.

As we wait for the world to turn, I can’t think of anything I'd rather do than work alongside Jesus, the ultimate restorer and my neighbor, expecting to see great and awesome things.

Psalm 80:3 from The Message:
God, come back!
Smile your blessing smile:
That will be our salvation.

Scripture: Psalm 80: 1-7, 17-19 (NRSV)
To the leader: on Lilies, a Covenant. Of Asaph. A Psalm.

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
    you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
    before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
Stir up your might,
    and come to save us!

Restore us, O God;
    let your face shine, that we may be saved.

O Lord God of hosts,
    how long will you be angry with your people's prayers?
You have fed them with the bread of tears,
    and given them tears to drink in full measure.
You make us the scorn of our neighbours;
    our enemies laugh among themselves.

Restore us, O God of hosts;
    let your face shine, that we may be saved.

But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand,
    the one whom you made strong for yourself.
Then we will never turn back from you;
    give us life, and we will call on your name.

Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
    let your face shine, that we may be saved.

Posted at 21:12 #

December 18 - The chill of winter
By Luke Gascho, executive director of Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College

Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-16 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
The long nights and chill of winter bring into question the reality of spring. While I enjoy all the seasons, there is a point in winter when I long for the signs of new growth – of green leaves and the flush of flowers blooming. The gray days and stark landscape become wearisome to the soul. A cry for hope emerges from within. The constancy of the cycles of the seasons – knowing that spring will come – reassures me of hope and restoration.

I see the "chill of winter" in today's text. Ahaz, king of Judah, has chosen to not rely on God. He has led the people into desperate straits by alienating other nations and sacrificing human life to other gods. Even when King Ahaz is given the opportunity to appeal to God for direction, he mockingly quotes words from Moses by saying he doesn't want to test God.

The prophet Isaiah doesn't accept this lame excuse and instead proclaims the coming of Immanuel. Isaiah speaks out of a responsive, sensitive relationship with God. He knew the importance of the everlasting sign of a child named, "God is with us." The sign brings hope for the day of Ahaz, for coming day of Christ's birth and for today.

God desires to see the world made right again. The announcement of "Immanuel" was for the past, but thankfully it is for the present. God is with us. God desires right relationships with all of creation. God – through Christ and through us – brings restoration in the midst of the bleakness of winter. And spring does come!

Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-16 (NRSV)
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: 'Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.
Posted at 17:30 #

December 17 - Refurbishing a dream home
By Julie White Armstrong, assistant professor of American Sign Language

This week’s theme: "Be restored"

Devotional:
As I think about this week's theme, "Be restored," I can't help but think of my home and the restoration process it has been through over the past year. I wonder how she must feel – 87 years young! My husband and I purchased my "dream home" when we moved to Syracuse, Ind., last summer. This home was neglected, worn out and needed some major restoration. She certainly didn't look like anyone's "dream home." However, I could somehow see the potential that was just beneath the chipped paint, holes in the floors and walls, and gaps in the windows. She was sad, depressed and uncared for. My husband has worked furiously to make this house our new home and what a wonderful blessing to be celebrating this Advent season in it.

I wonder if God looks at us humans and sees the chipped paint and holes in the walls, and desires for us to focus on a time of restoration. Taking the time, energy and discipline to renovate this home leads me to think of how we can take this time of Advent to think of what areas of our lives that may need to be restored. I pray this Advent season can be a time of taking heart, rejoicing, restoration and praise.

Psalm 126: 4-5
Restore our fortunes, O Lord
    like streams in the Negev.
Those who sow in tears
    will reap with songs of joy.
He who goes out weeping,
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
    carrying sheaves with him.

Let this Advent season be a time of restoration for you and "your home." Give God the chance to repaint, polish, and refurbish your soul.

Posted at 21:19 #

December 14 - A wounded human community
By Christine Guth, adjunct professor of Bible

Scripture: Matthew 11: 2-11 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
Jesus invites John's disciples to recognize the reign of God in the miraculous undoing of intractable problems: People once oppressed by various limitations are now seeing, walking, hearing, finding life and receiving good news.

We long for such signs in our day. Bodily limitations and poverty oppress as much as ever in our culture that values independence and self-sufficiency above all else. Jesus' proclamation of good news for those on the margins calls the church to be a community that does not discriminate against people based on what they can or cannot do. When the body of Christ welcomes people of all levels of ability, those of us with no obvious disability discover that we - with all our hidden imperfections and wounds - have a secure place to belong and contribute.

Through Jesus, God entered our world, taking on human vulnerability to death, and with it, all the ways bodies and human communities may fail. Through Jesus, God shouldered responsibility for a fragile creation, choosing to suffer alongside vulnerable human beings. The church, as a wounded human community redeemed by Christ, is a means of his continuing, imperfect embodiment on earth while humanity awaits the fulfillment yet to come. Here, transformed by the shared love of Jesus, we encounter God with us. Though human limitations are still a reality, they need not incapacitate us in the interdependent body of Christ. In this body, those once oppressed by various limitations truly are seeing, walking, hearing, finding life and receiving good news.

Scripture: Matthew 11: 2-11 (NRSV)
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me."

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."

Posted at 01:12 #

December 13 - Have patience. Have patience.
By Karen Graber, a senior elementary education major from Hurley, S.D.

Scripture: James 5:7-10 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
"Have patience. Have patience. Don't be in such a hurry, cause when you're impatient you always start to worry. Remember, remember, that God is patient too. And think of all the times when others have to wait for you." Some of you may recognize these lyrics; it is the first verse to a song that I learned as a child in Bible School. This song, like many of those simple tunes, carry important messages that have stuck with me ever since.

As someone who grew up in a farming community, I have had the privilege of being exposed to a way of life that requires a certain level of patience. For me, it is from watching my parents, who are farmers, deal with the ups and downs of the weather conditions and the markets. Sometimes the mood in our house was tense, but in the end, worrying about whether the rain would come never changed anything.

Now, as we are in the third week of Advent, the anticipation for the peak of the Christmas season has been slowly accumulating. But like the song that I learned in my childhood, we need to be reminded that because of our humanity, worrying about things can not make them change any faster than they are meant to be. Thankfully, God is patient with us too. By giving us opportunities to wait for things we may want or desire, God gives us a chance to reflect on God's omniscience, and the ultimate gift that awaits us on Christmas Day when we can rejoice in the fruition of God's faithfulness.

Scripture: James 5:7-10 (NRSV)
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

December 12 - The justice of Yahweh
By Ruth Hochstetler, day circulation supervisor in the Good Library

Scripture: Psalm 146:5-10 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
Notice how every verse makes a declaration about the Lord who is defined by the Psalmist as the Maker of heaven and earth and the One who keeps faith forever. The Hebrew word for Lord here is Yahweh. According to Strong's Concordance, the use of the name Yahweh implies personal or covenant relationship with. The writer is declaring attributes of a God who is personally involved in the lives of those in covenant with him. These are the blessed ones who hope in Yahweh and rely on his help. This is cause enough for rejoicing, but the writer goes on to specify how Yahweh helps.

Are you oppressed and in need of justice? Allow Yahweh to execute justice for you; he sets prisoners free. Perhaps you can’t see the light; Yahweh opens the eyes of the blind. Is your need so great that you wonder how you will pay the bills and buy groceries? Yahweh has his ways of feeding you. The Lord, Yahweh, lifts up those who are bowed down. He will come to you in that sleepless night, when anxiety is overwhelming, and his comfort and strength will embrace you. Do you feel unloved? Know that Yahweh will always love the righteous.

If your status is alien, fatherless or widowed, the Lord holds you up and watches over you. Help is on the way. And what does our God do about the wicked, the evil forces we encounter? Yahweh frustrates wicked ways and brings them to ruin.

Our promise is that God reigns forever, through future generations. That includes you and me, my companions in this covenant! Rejoice in our Yahweh! Praise the Lord! Whatever word of encouragement you need today, the Lord, our faithful God awaits to see your face upturned towards his in praise or petition. He will help you.

Scripture: Psalm 146:5-10 (NRSV)
Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
   whose hope is in the Lord their God,
who made heaven and earth,
   the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith for ever;
   who executes justice for the oppressed;
   who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;
   the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.

The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
   the Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord watches over the strangers;
   he upholds the orphan and the widow,
   but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

The Lord will reign for ever,
   your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord!

Posted at 00:44 #

December 11 - Leveling the inequality of candles
By Malinda Elizabeth Berry, visiting scholar in religion and women’s studies.

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
I grew up with Advent wreaths. Each year, my mother would arrange evergreens with brand new purple and pink taper candles just so. Even though I liked the way the candles measured the season as we lit a new one each week at Sunday dinner, I was always struck by the candles' unevenness as they burned in the successive weeks. For a kid like me who focused on equality – the person who divided that last bit of pie or cake had better make sure the pieces were the same size – the inequality and unevenness of the candles' varying heights was something I wanted to fix. I always had this idea that when we finally lit all the candles, I would monitor them and blow out some candles and let others burn until they were all the same stature.

My vision never quite came to fruition, and from that gap between my vision and reality, I draw deep significance. In our blessed finitude, we human beings can only ever guesstimate our way to the freedom and equality God intends for us. In this week’s passage from the Hebrew Bible, we read the prophet's oracle describing the material and spiritual geography of God’s reign. We will be saved in every possible way. But this is passive voice. Who saves us? The answer is found in verse 4: the one who comes "with vengeance, with terrible recompense." So just as the Earth revolves around the Sun – represented by the roundness of the Advent wreath – the day is coming when God will level the unevenness and inequality in the world. While we cannot control God’s means, we can rejoice in the ends.

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10 (NRSV)
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,

  the desert shall rejoice and blossom;

  like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly,

  and rejoice with joy and singing.

   The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,

  the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.

  They shall see the glory of the Lord,

  the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weak hands,
  and make firm the feeble knees.


Say to those who are of a fearful heart,

   'Be strong, do not fear!



 Here is your God.

  He will come with vengeance,

  with terrible recompense.

  He will come and save you.'

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
  and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

then the lame shall leap like a deer,

   and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.
  For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,

  and streams in the desert.

The burning sand shall become a pool,

   and the thirsty ground springs of water;

  the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp,

  the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

A highway shall be there,

  and it shall be called the Holy Way;

   the unclean shall not travel on it,

  but it shall be for God's people;

  no traveller, not even fools, shall go astray.

No lion shall be there,

  nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;

   they shall not be found there,

   but the redeemed shall walk there.


And the ransomed of the Lord shall return,
  and come to Zion with singing;
  everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;

  they shall obtain joy and gladness,

  and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Posted at 20:46 #

December 10 - In the bold and in the simple
By Ross Peterson-Veatch, curriculum director for the Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning

Week's theme: Rejoice!

Devotional:
Rejoice! Jesus is coming! The prophet and the psalmist in this week's Scriptures speak of miracles of healing. The New Testament passages remind us to be patient and vigilant. These verses show us that Jesus brought healing for the ills we cannot heal, hope to overcome our despair and joy that frees us from the imprisonment that is our sin. The Scriptures also exhort us to pay attention to the miracle of God's presence in the world around us.

As our celebration of Jesus' birth nears, as the excitement builds, as the anticipation starts to generate more and more energy, I always remember two Christmas miracles of my childhood. One of them is the lush garlands that decorated the house of my youth, the rich foods, the piles of gifts under my family's ornamented tree, the choirs and candles of Christmas Eve. How miraculous it all seemed – the world transformed to celebrate God’s great gift to us. The other is a moment in my family’s celebrations when my aunt invited an acquaintance of hers to eat with us. He wore old clothes, used rough and unrefined language and even spilled a drink on himself as he sat in my uncle's favorite recliner. My aunt, my grandmother and my parents all spoke kindly to him, helped him clean up and welcomed him to the table as we sat down to share a meal. As a child, I witnessed the simple gift of Christmas – the stranger made family.

Lord, help us remember to be vigilant and to recognize you in the bold and in the simple as we prepare for Christ's coming this week. We rejoice that the gift you gave us in your Son heals our pain and makes us one. Amen.
Posted at 23:37 #

December 7 - Take heart for the kingdom of heaven is near
By John Yordy, provost

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
Too often we see evidence that the kingdom of heaven is not near at hand. For some, the bondage of addiction has never been broken. There are homeless and hungry in our towns. Children are orphaned by war. Communities, churches and schools are divided by racial, economic and cultural differences. The poor and disadvantaged may have limited health care and educational opportunities.

So we dream of a world characterized by the values of the kingdom of heaven where all seek the will and ways of God. No child is left behind, in education, health care or emotional development. The common good for all global citizens guides public policy and individual actions. Wars cease. All live in such a manner that the resources of the world will be enjoyed by our children and by their children.

This dream begins to come true when we confess our sins and are baptized by the Spirit of the Living God. As we join the community of Jesus, we open ourselves to the ways and will of God and participate in the acts of the kingdom: feeding the hungry, giving a drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, caring for the sick, inviting others to join God’s people. The kingdom of heaven that is near at hand will come when together we "bear fruit worthy of repentance" in our town and in all lands.

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12 (NRSV)
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.' This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,


'The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:


"Prepare the way of the Lord,


make his paths straight." '


Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, 'You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, "We have Abraham as our ancestor"; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

'I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing- fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing- floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.'

Posted at 22:39 #

December 6 - Coming to restore unity
By Phil Schmidt, a junior Bible and religion major from Berne, Ind.

Scripture: Romans 15:4-13 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
Paul is speaking on practical terms in this section of his letter to the Romans. The first several chapters of Romans speak about the theology of Christianity, and now Paul is emphasizing to the diverse Roman church how exactly to practice this theology.

Paul refers back to the Old Testament several times in a row to emphasize the steadfastness of God and the unity in worshipping God together. These references point to several places where all nations are to join in the hope of God and in worshipping God. Paul is pointing to these passages, saying that Christians can respond to this message by living in unity with one another so that all people can praise God with one voice.

The centralizing theme of this unity is Christ, our Lord. Jesus welcomes all people into free communion with God who is the God of hope, and this hope is sustained by the power of the Holy Spirit. In this season of Advent, we wait and hope expectantly for our Savior to come and turn the world upside-down. This passage fits in nicely because all people can participate in the steadfastness and encouragement of God through Christ Jesus. Jesus was born to restore unity with God and unity between all people so that all may worship God with one voice.

In this season, we can take heart that Christ is coming to restore unity! Let us lift our voices together as one in praising God, our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. And now, may the God of hope fill each of us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Scripture: Romans 15:4-13 (NRSV)
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

'Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name'; and again he says,

'Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people';

and again,

'Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him';

and again Isaiah says,

'The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;

in him the Gentiles shall hope.'

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

Posted at 18:13 #

December 5 - Mountains that bring prosperity
By James Weber, a senior communication major from Reading, Pa.

Scripture: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
As I attended the "Church of Reality" in Guatemala City one Sunday morning in late October, it was hard for me to see the glory of God in the garbage dump where thousands of people scavenge and live. As I saw the small patches of corn stalks barely holding on to the side of a volcano, it didn't appear that the mountains were bringing wealth to the people.

The most common explanation I heard for this came straight from this passage: unjust rulers around the world. Policies like free trade agreements and other laws benefit the rich at the expense of the poor. This is a product of having rulers who are not judging with righteousness and justice. But what a revolutionary idea that the mountains will bring prosperity to the people, not just the rulers.

Many people I talked to in Guatemala coped with their poverty through a strong belief in God and believing that, to quote some songs I heard often there, that Vos sos el Dios de los pobres (You are the God of the poor) and Llegará con la luz la esperada libertad (Liberation will come with the light).

Can we believe that God is the God of the poor, the oppressed? Can we believe that freedom from oppression can (and should) come with the light of these Advent candles? Can we pray that our leaders judge in righteousness and with justice (and maybe work towards that goal ourselves)?

Scripture: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 (NRSV)
Of Solomon.

Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king’s son.

May he judge your people with righteousness,and your poor with justice.

May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,and the hills, in righteousness.

May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy,and crush the oppressor.

May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.

May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth.

In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.

Blessed be his glorious name for ever; may his glory fill the whole earth. Amen and Amen.

Posted at 18:12 #

December 4 - Waiting is not a passive act
By Kathryn Schlabach, a sophomore molecular biology and biochemistry double major from Turner, Ore.

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
Advent is a period of waiting. Unfortunately, waiting is something I have never been fond of. Ask my parents. As a child, waiting for dinner, in the line at the grocery store, for an event to begin or really for anything at all made me absolutely antsy with expectation bordering impatience. As I've grown older, I have begun to understand that waiting for something adds value and significance.

While patience in waiting is a virtue, passiveness is not. Passive waiting indicates a lack of interest, an attitude of apathy. Advent is supposed to be a period of expectant waiting, eager anticipation of Christ's coming. The return of Christ described in Isaiah 11 is beautiful: new life springing forth from a barren stump; righteousness and justice for the downcast; peace between beast and child, the strong and the weak. How can anyone be passive in waiting for that? The knowledge that a day is coming when no one will harm or destroy, when the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord, should absolutely thrill us with anticipation! This is certainly something worth waiting for, but we should not be waiting passively. Yet so often we forget, becoming caught up in the Christmas rush, never remembering that this day is coming.

As you wait this Advent season, be it in line at the store, in traffic on the highway or for the joy of Christmas day, remember to anticipate with joy the day when the little child shall lead the calf, the lion and the yearling together, the true day of peace on earth, goodwill towards all.

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10 (NRSV)
A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear;
but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.

The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.
The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den.
They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

Posted at 17:44 #

December 3 - Take heart
By Carolyn Schrock-Shenk, associate professor of peace, justice and conflict studies

This week's theme: Take heart!

Devotional:
Last week I gave my students the assignment of going to a reputable website ( http://www.nationalpriorities.org/Cost-of- War/Cost-of-War-3.html) and computing the cost of the war in Iraq per minute. The numbers are mind-boggling. And they join the number of dead and wounded – more than 28,450 from the U.S. and many hundreds of thousands from Iraq.

Then there is Afghanistan. Sudan. Israel-Palestine. There is an ongoing AIDS epidemic. The orphan and refugee population is increasing exponentially. Global warming affects the world’s poorest most dramatically. One in three women will experience some kind of abuse in her lifetime. The list goes on and on.

How does one "take heart" in the midst of these catastrophic realities? Is it even possible? There certainly is just cause for deep despair given the never-ending trauma in the world. What is it that sustains us in the midst of it all? What gives us energy to keep going? I offer three simple things that help me "take heart" on a daily basis.

The first is a recognition of all that is good in my life. That list goes on and on as well. I am discovering that there is power in the spiritual discipline of gratefulness; that celebrating life’s richness produces energy for the next task.

Secondly, my fellow travelers give me much strength and courage. I am profoundly grateful to belong to several circles of kindred spirits who have been grace for me in powerful ways, especially in recent years. We have mourned, prayed, planned, cried and celebrated together. We take turns holding each other up, helping each other take heart.

Thirdly, I look for the holy moments and the gifts of grace in my corner of the world and in the world beyond. This is not as difficult as it may seem. While we are primed to hear the bad news, the good news stories abound – close by and far away (see http:// www.goodnewsagency.org/english/ indexeng.htm for a sample). Stories of love triumphing over evil keep us focused on what is possible.

Jesus was born amidst the misery of the Roman occupation many centuries ago, but the power of his incarnation was not diminished by the surrounding suffering and evil. On the contrary, the extraordinary darkness of the times only served to accentuate the brilliance of the Light that burst into the world.

So it is also in our day. Take heart. The world is about to turn.

Posted at 23:23 #

November 30 - Big Changes to Come
By Sheldon Good, a junior communication and business double major from Telford, Pa.

Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
The weather – it's one of the most common points of everyday conversation. I am obsessed with meteorology and love following my computer's Desktop Weather program, which shows me the day's headlines, what clothes to wear and the 10- day forecast, as well as instant updates on current conditions, approaching storms and severe weather warnings. Today’s top headline: "Big Changes To Come."

Winter is upon us here in Northern Indiana, as the cold air is advancing rapidly and the clouds are settling in for the next five months. I smell the fall foliage in the 45 mile-per-hour winds that I was alerted about care of Desktop Weather's automated alarm system, which warned me that there is a wind advisory for Goshen until midnight. I am constantly in balance with what is outside my window and what my laptop tells me is to come.

A similar juxtaposition of the present and the future is evident in Jesus' Olivet discourse. As the people of Jesus' day prepared for impending wars, rising of nations and natural disasters, Jesus foreshadowed that "the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour." It seems inconsequential to compare something as trivial as the weather with the unpredictability of Jesus' presence among us. Yet in both cases, we seek comfort, confidence and cheerfulness, as the winds of the spirit move among us.

Get ready. Our Lord is coming again. May we be eager to embrace the future as we move into a new season. How might we prepare ours lives and our souls this Advent, for the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ?

Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44 (NRSV)
'But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.

Posted at 19:54 #

November 29 - A worthy message indeed
By Amy Showalter, a junior Bible and religion major from Harrisonburg, Va.

Scripture: Romans 13:11-14 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
At first it might seem odd to consider this passage in the light of Advent. The general call to "live honorably" (and it’s more explicit explanations) seem out of place as we anticipate Christ’s arrival. It reads almost as a rebuke, a form of communication usually absent from the jolly red and white of this commercial holiday.

But when I look to the passages which precede it, I begin to discover a message worthy of this season of expectation. This passage falls on the heels of a reiteration of the Golden Rule. Paul writes, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Romans 13:9-10: "Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law." This often overlooked "love" passage follows the more famous one which speaks of respecting one's government.

I begin to understand today's passage only when I see it in reference to the passages it follows. Paul tells us we fulfill the law through love. We respect the government’s authority, but ultimately recognize loving our neighbor fulfills the law. To love our neighbor is to make all other law unnecessary. To love our neighbor is to follow God even when our world tells us otherwise. This is God's dream, this is the message for which Paul calls us awake: Love your neighbor. This is the message and fulfillment we anticipate and commemorate each Advent as we await the one who has taught us to love (as well as lovingly rebuke). This is the message which will turn the world.

Scripture: Romans 13:11-14 (NRSV)
Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light; let us live honourably as in the day, not in revelling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarrelling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Posted at 21:37 #

November 28 - Lost in the moment
By Bryce Bow, a junior physical education major from Muncie, Ind.

Scripture: Psalm 122 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
"May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels." Each one of us can recall a time in our lives that we have felt secure and completely and utterly content with where we are at that moment. Words cannot possibly describe the sheer and unwavering pleasantness of that time. A time when, like children, we forget about our problems and worries, and bask in the simplicity of being lost in a moment. How precious and encouraging are those moments?

Personally, I yearn for these times, for the peace and security of knowing that, despite the abundance of imperfections and flaws in my life and in this world, everything is exactly how it is supposed to be. Sometimes these moments come to us through the simplest of activities, the "little things in life." But often these moments happen when we can feel God's presence in our lives, when we can feel our Creator at work. Knowing that, although we may trip and stumble through the adversity and trials we face in this life, the love shown to us is unwavering and greater than any word we could ever attempt to describe it with. I believe those moments of peace and security are among the closest things to God's love we can experience in this life.

Stop and reflect for a second. Can you recall the last time you experienced one of those moments? Attempt to describe it in your head. It is hard, isn’t it? These surreal experiences in our lives are a gift from a good God, an omniscient and omnipresent God that loves each one of us more than we could ever know, a God that has a unique plan for each person in this world.

Right now, say a short prayer asking that during the upcoming month you and everyone you love will feel God’s peace and security, that you will be, however brief, lost in the moment and blanketed by God’s unwavering love.

Scripture: Psalm 122 (NRSV)
A Song of Ascents. Of David.
I was glad when they said to me,
'Let us go to the house of the Lord!'
Our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.

Jerusalem—built as a city
that is bound firmly together.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord,
as was decreed for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
For there the thrones for judgment were set up,
the thrones of the house of David.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
'May they prosper who love you.
Peace be within your walls,
and security within your towers.'
For the sake of my relatives and friends
I will say, 'Peace be within you.'
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your good.

Posted at 17:20 #

November 27 - Prepare, turn away and take up the cause
By Tamara Shantz, assistant campus pastor

Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
Because of college and graduate school, my experience of Advent until now has been obscured by the realities of exams and the end of a semester. My preparations for Christmas have typically been limited to a vague attention to presents for family members and occasionally my housemates. So our theme for this week, "Get Ready!", is instructive for me as I reflect upon the beautiful vision of Isaiah 2:1-5. Isaiah offers us a view of the future that would require a dramatic turn of the world as we know it now. In this passage we hear the familiar phrase that "they shall beat their swords into plowshares….and neither shall they learn war anymore."

But what does it mean for us to prepare for the fulfillment of this vision? Prepare for the coming of the infant who shows us the way up to the mountain of God? Isaiah’s words of salvation and reconciliation are nestled between passages of severe judgment upon the betrayal and sin of the people of God. And while this passage ends with an invitation to the house of Jacob to come and walk in the light of the Lord, it implies that there is need for a turn: a turn away from injustice and the ways of war, a turn away from failing to defend the orphan and take up the widow’s cause. Perhaps this Advent season, we should remember that our hope in the world transforming power of God's love through Jesus Christ cannot be separated from our reflection upon our own realities of injustice. What does it mean to follow the Prince of Peace in the context of a nation that is not only at war, but also engages in torture and other violations of human rights?

My hope lies in the interconnection of judgment and salvation – that even amidst the sin and devastation of the people to whom Isaiah is speaking, God still issues the invitation, still calls us to God's holy mountain, so that we might walk in the light of the Lord. May we heed that call.

Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5 (NRSV)
The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In days to come
the mountain of the Lord's house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
Many peoples shall come and say,
'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.'
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
O house of Jacob,
come, let us walk
in the light of the Lord!

Posted at 17:47 #

November 26 - The world is about to turn!
By Bob Yoder, campus pastor

Welcome:
A one-eighty. Has your life ever taken a 180- degree turn? If so, what happened? Why did it occur?

To be honest, I am not sure that I have ever experienced such drastic changes, though I know of others who have. Yes, changing vocational directions as a young adult significantly impacted my life, as did geographic relocations, marriage, job changes and fatherhood. But, I am not quite ready to say those were “one-eighties,” even though they were significant turns.

Welcome to Goshen College’s online devotionals for the 2007 Advent season! Our theme this year, taken from Mennonite Church USA denominational worship resources, is “The world is about to turn!” This year’s Advent theme seeks to integrate paradoxical currents of celebration, lament, anticipation and awareness into a call for action. This is not a passive season, for each week we are urged to get ready to be both witnesses to and energetic participants in the coming of God’s dream. Throughout the next five weeks, 25 Goshen College students, faculty and staff will reflect on this topic, as well as the daily lectionary Scriptures and five weekly sub-themes: Get ready! Take heart! Rejoice! Be restored! Praise the Lord!

Advent 1 calls us to “Get ready!” In the following days you will engage scriptures that demand a posture of readiness. As I stated before, I’m not sure that I experienced any one-eighties in my life, but I certainly encountered many turns in becoming a first-time parent. My wife and I did not wake up one day and say, “Starting today, we will have a new baby in our home.” Fortunately for me, there was that whole nine-month period of time that allowed us to get ready…to a certain degree…for the turns that our world would undergo. As we readied ourselves, we didn’t just sit around waiting for the stork; physical changes occurred in our home to make space for a nursery, as well as numerous other mental, emotional and spiritual adjustments we took on.

Let’s get ready too, for “the world is about to turn!”

Prayer:
God of the turns, help us ready ourselves to energetically participate in your unfolding dream.
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