Monthly Archives: December 2012

Devotional

Simeon: Waiting on the Lord

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Luke 2:25-32

Question for Reflection:
Do you take God’s promises as seriously as Simeon did? Can others take your promises seriously?

Prayer for the day:
O God, your promises are for all of us, and for each of us. Your promises are full of hope, a hope that shines for us now as we anticipate the birth of Jesus, a hope that shines for us always in the presence of your Spirit.
Amen

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

The temple: Holy ground

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Luke 2:21-24

Question for Reflection:
What are the rituals in your family to ensure that a child is raised up in the ways of God?

Prayer for the day:
Father God, we know you see each of us as your daughter or son. We pray that you give us eyes to see each other that way, too.
Amen

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

The shepherds: Charging into the night

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Luke 2:15-20

Question for Reflection:
What has God called you to do that frightens you? How are you working to overcome that fear?

Prayer for the day:
God of mystery, why shepherds? Why Moses and Rahab and Paul? Why me? Help me to see in myself—and the other unlikely souls around me—what you see. Give me the courage of a shepherd to do whatever you ask of me.
Amen

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

The heavenly host: Waiting in the wings

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Luke 2:10-14

Question for Reflection:
How/do you expand your community during Advent and Christmas?

Prayer for the day:
O God, you who created us to be in relationship, help us to feel the joy found only in community. Encourage us to join in with the multitudes singing praise to you, and to invite others to sing along.
Amen

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

The shepherds: Soaring spirits

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Luke 2:8-9

Question for Reflection:
What important messages from God might you have missed, not realizing the messenger was an angel?

Prayer for the day:
Creator God, you who sent angels to speak to simple people, angels with majestic messages, help us to hear the majestic messages you have for us each day, spoken by unlikely angels.
Amen

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

The stable and manger: Food for thought

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Luke 2:6-7

Question for Reflection:
How many place settings will be on your Christmas table? How might your meal be shared with those in need?

Prayer for the day:
Master of a simple stable, we are in the midst of preparing feasts unheard of in the days of your birth, meals fit for a king. Join us in feasts, celebrating your reconciling ministry on this earth. May our celebrations invite those whose fare resemble your humble birth, and may we proclaim together your royal feast which is to be shared with all humankind.
Amen

~ Josh Brockway, Director for Spiritual Life and Discipleship

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

The inkeeper: No room?

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Luke 2:6-7

Question for Reflection:
When have you opened the door to share the hospitality to stranger or friend?

Prayer for the day:
Christ of the manger, we set our stable scenes with your image, wrapped in simple cloth. We even sing songs of your birth, heralding closed doors that sent you to that stable. With each nativity song we are reminded that even still a door was opened. Grant us courage to open our doors to those seeking warmth and welcome. For in doing so, we might take part in your ever increasing grace.
Amen

~ Josh Brockway, Director for Spiritual Life and Discipleship

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Bethlehem: Home again

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Luke 2:4-5

Question for Reflection:
What stories of home at Christmas come to mind?

Prayer for the day:
God of friend and family, this season is often an anxious one. The idea of coming home can be both comforting and a challenge. For others, this season is a reminder of lost loved ones who will not join the feast. Still our hearts and minds that our gatherings might revive body and soul. May the peace of your Son rest weary and joyful hearts in our times together.

~ Josh Brockway, Director for Spiritual Life and Discipleship

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Bethlehem: O little town

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Micah 5:1-5a

Question for Reflection:
Where have you glimpsed God’s grace in unexpected places?

Prayer for the day:
O, Holy One, you ordained that the Savior of the world would be born in the quiet town of Bethlehem. Though we read the scriptures, we are frequently surprised that you bring about grace in small places. Open our hearts and eyes as we prepare this season that we might look for your grace in the simplest of places.
Amen

~ Josh Brockway, Director for Spiritual Life and Discipleship

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Caesar Augustus: Dishing out decrees

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Luke 2:1-3

Question for Reflection:
In what ways do you hold up the leaders of the world? In this season of hopeful waiting, what is your prayer for these men and women around the world?


Prayer for the day:
Lord of heaven and earth, in this season of waiting we see a world hell-bent on destroying itself. As we pause to recall the beginning of the Holy Family’s journey to Bethlehem, we are aware of the decrees of leaders which encourage life and take it. With each newscast we are reminded that we have yet to live into the reign of the Prince of Peace. Instill in us perseverance to await the day of Christ’s coming, and the compassion to wait with hope, seeking to take part in your continuing redemption of all the nations. Amen

~ Josh Brockway, Director for Spiritual Life and Discipleship

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.