Joseph: Glimpses of godliness

Matthew 1:18-24

Question for Reflection:
Mary and Joseph must have been scared by what was happening to them: to be selected by God to be the parents of the Messiah! And yet, they responded faithfully and courageously to God’s call. Who do you know who has responded when God has called them? When has God worked through you?


Prayer for the day:

Grant us courage to respond, O God, when we hear your call. Amen

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries

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.

Genealogy and history: By the numbers

Matthew 1:7-17  

Question for Reflection:
There is rhythm in the reading of the genealogy of Jesus, as well as symmetry in the numbers: fourteen plus fourteen plus fourteen generations in all. The God-created generational rhythm might go unnoticed except for Matthew’s pointing it out for us in verse 17. Preacher Alyce McKenzie calls us to cultivate “a knack for noticing” how God is at work in, around, and through us. What are you being called to notice this Advent season? What do you need to be paying attention to?


Prayer for the day:

God of the generations, in this time of waiting, grant us a “knack for noticing” your presence in our midst. In the name of Christ we pray, Amen

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries

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.

Genealogy and history:The family tree

Matthew 1:1-6

Question for Reflection:
Brethren like to play the “name game”—when we meet, we often ask each other “Are you related to… ?” Discovering how people are related often helps us make meaningful connections. But being connected by our bloodlines is not the only way we can be family to each other. This Christmas season, are there people in your neighborhood, at your workplace, or in your congregation whose families are far away, or who have no family, that you could offer hospitality to? Who knows, you might just extend your concept of family as you talk and laugh and break bread together.


Prayer for the day:

We thank you, creating God – for families and friends and even strangers – who brighten our lives by sharing moments of time with us. During the busy-ness of the Christmas season, help us to pause and reach out to people who may need a smile, a word of encouragement, or a listening ear. May we spread joy during this season of hope and anticipation. Amen

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries

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.

Zechariah’s song: A new day

Luke 1:67-80

Question for Reflection:
Waiting can be hard. I remember, as a child, waiting impatiently for Christmas morning to arrive so the presents under our tree could finally be opened. Zechariah, too, had been waiting. But what he was waiting for was immeasurably more wonderful than any present under a Christmas tree ever could be. Zechariah was waiting for the promised Messiah, and God did not disappoint. As Advent devotional writer Walt Wiltschek says, “In one angelic message, Zechariah receives everything he could have dreamed of and more.” What are you wishing, dreaming, praying for this Advent season?


Prayer for the day:

God of mercy, giver of Light, like young children on Christmas Eve, we eagerly await the dawning of a new day when the light of your Son will guide us all on the pathway of peace. As we wait, help us become aware of the ways your kingdom is already at hand. Open us to your Presence, send us your Spirit, grant us your Peace. We ask these things in the name of the Light of the World, Christ Jesus. Amen

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries

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.

Neighbors and relatives: Community

Luke 1:57-66

Question for Reflection:
The Message uses the phrase “surprise followed surprise” (v. 63) to describe the astonishment of Elizabeth and Zechariah’s neighbors when words of praise began flowing from the lips of Zechariah. Throughout Advent, as we anticipate the celebration of the birth of another baby – the Messiah – be alert and mindful of ways God is providing moments of surprise in your life. Like the neighbors in this passage from Luke, share God’s blessings and God’s Good News with your family, friends, and neighbors.


Prayer for the day:

Kind-hearted God, you have shown us the importance of relationships and community by reaching out to us through the birth of Jesus Christ. During this season of anticipation, help us to reach out to those among us who are most in need of a kind word, a warm coat, a hot meal. Stir us to be your healing touch to a hurting world. Help us to share your Good News of Jesus Immanuel – God with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries

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.

Mary’s song: from the heart

Luke 1:46-56

Question for Reflection:
What is your vision for our world? I invite you to read Luke 1:46-56 again. Circle two or three words or phrases that you want to memorize or keep as your guide toward the manger and for 2013 and beyond.


Prayer for the day:

With Mary, my spirit rejoices in you, O God. You are the Holy One, the mighty God at work in this world. Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

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.

Elizabeth: Buoyed by blessings

Luke 1:23-25; 39-45

Question for Reflection:
How will you bless the people you meet today with your loving presence?


Prayer for the day:

The unlimited love of your presence blesses me all the days of my life. May your love and peace radiate from me and touch each person whom I meet. Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

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.

Gabriel: Messenger service

Luke 1:26-38

Question for Reflection:
As you move about your neighborhood and community, what signs and wonders of God’s activity are you observing?


Prayer for the day:

O God, prepare us to observe, to be amazed, and rejoice in God’s good news available to the least of us, and the greatest.  Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

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.

Zechariah: Once in a lifetime

Luke 1:5-22

Question for Reflection:
According to Scripture, fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. So, how can fear lead to wholeness, love, and freedom from self-indulgence?


Prayer for the day:

We trust in your presence and will not fear. You are great in our midst. Your love and peace, O God, exceeds all understanding. Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

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.

Setting the stage


 

 

Luke 1:1- 4

Question for Reflection:
Is there an event or story that profoundly captured your attention? How did you feel, what were your thoughts when you learned more about the occurrences that shaped that event or story? How has your life been impacted by the event or story?


Prayer for the day:

O God, the inspiration of such an incredible story. We are touched by so many stories.  May we be open to what the stories reveal to us and shape our life. In the name of the One who is the center of the story. Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

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.