http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07 Devotions for Advent 2007, written by students, faculty, and staff of Goshen College http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/27/December28-TheDecadeofDiscovery http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/27/December28-TheDecadeofDiscovery 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... <br clear="all"> 27 Dec 2007 18:16 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/27/December27-Ahostofcontradictions http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/27/December27-Ahostofcontradictions 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... <br clear="all"> 27 Dec 2007 10:14 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/25/December26-Justthebeginning http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/25/December26-Justthebeginning 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... <br clear="all"> 25 Dec 2007 12:43 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/25/December25-InallourdistressChristbecameourSavior http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/25/December25-InallourdistressChristbecameourSavior 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 ... <br clear="all"> 25 Dec 2007 00:24 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/23/December24-Likeusineveryrespect http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/23/December24-Likeusineveryrespect 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... <br clear="all"> 23 Dec 2007 16:13 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/20/December21-Calledtoahigherrighteousness http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/20/December21-Calledtoahigherrighteousness 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... <br clear="all"> 20 Dec 2007 15:22 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/19/December20-Restoringmyspirit http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/19/December20-Restoringmyspirit 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... <br clear="all"> 19 Dec 2007 16:44 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/18/December19-Restoringtheneighborhood http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/18/December19-Restoringtheneighborhood 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... <br clear="all"> 18 Dec 2007 21:12 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/17/December18-Thechillofwinter http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/17/December18-Thechillofwinter 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... <br clear="all"> 17 Dec 2007 17:30 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/16/December17-Refurbishingadreamhome http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/16/December17-Refurbishingadreamhome 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... <br clear="all"> 16 Dec 2007 21:19 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/14/December14-Awoundedhumancommunity http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/14/December14-Awoundedhumancommunity 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... <br clear="all"> 14 Dec 2007 01:12 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/12/December13-HavepatienceHavepatience http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/12/December13-HavepatienceHavepatience 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... <br clear="all"> 12 Dec 2007 20:08 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/12/December12-ThejusticeofYahweh http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/12/December12-ThejusticeofYahweh 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... <br clear="all"> 12 Dec 2007 00:44 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/10/December11-Levelingtheinequalityofcandles http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/10/December11-Levelingtheinequalityofcandles 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... <br clear="all"> 10 Dec 2007 20:46 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/9/December10Intheboldandinthesimple http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/9/December10Intheboldandinthesimple 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 ... <br clear="all"> 9 Dec 2007 23:37 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/6/December7-Takeheartforthekingdomofheavenisnear http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/6/December7-Takeheartforthekingdomofheavenisnear 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 ... <br clear="all"> 6 Dec 2007 22:39 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/5/December6Comingtorestoreunity http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/5/December6Comingtorestoreunity 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... <br clear="all"> 5 Dec 2007 18:13 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/4/December5-Mountainsthatbringprosperity http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/4/December5-Mountainsthatbringprosperity 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 ... <br clear="all"> 4 Dec 2007 18:12 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/3/December4-Waitingisnotapassiveact http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/3/December4-Waitingisnotapassiveact 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... <br clear="all"> 3 Dec 2007 17:44 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/2/December3Takeheart http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Dec/2/December3Takeheart 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... <br clear="all"> 2 Dec 2007 23:23 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Nov/29/November30-BigChangestoCome http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Nov/29/November30-BigChangestoCome 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... <br clear="all"> 29 Nov 2007 19:54 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Nov/28/November29-Aworthymessageindeed http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Nov/28/November29-Aworthymessageindeed 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... <br clear="all"> 28 Nov 2007 21:37 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Nov/27/November28-Lostinthemoment http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Nov/27/November28-Lostinthemoment 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... <br clear="all"> 27 Nov 2007 17:20 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Nov/26/November27Prepareturnawayandtakeupthecause http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Nov/26/November27Prepareturnawayandtakeupthecause 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... <br clear="all"> 26 Nov 2007 17:47 EST http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Nov/26/November26-Theworldisabouttoturn http://www.goshen.edu/b/l/devAdvent07/2007/Nov/26/November26-Theworldisabouttoturn <br clear="all"> 26 Nov 2007 00:19 EST