Category Archives: Devotional

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.

Devotional

Joseph: Glimpses of godliness

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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.

Devotional

Genealogy and history: By the numbers

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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.

Devotional

Genealogy and history:The family tree

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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.

Devotional

Zechariah’s song: A new day

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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.

Devotional

Neighbors and relatives: Community

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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.