Tag Archives: Christmas

Devotional

Everyone counts

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res   Matthew 1:3-6

Prayer for the day:
O God, in whose image we are created, help us not to judge others, and instead try to see your light in everyone we meet. We acknowledge this isn’t always easy, so give us grace-filled hearts to recognize that all people count in your eyes.
Amen

Question for reflection:
Who are the people who have influenced your life? How have they done so? Have you shared with them how meaningful their influence has been?

~ 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 Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren (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, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

Devotional

Holy pedigree

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res Matthew 1:1-17

Prayer for the day:
God of the Ages,
as we read through the holy lineage of Jesus, we become more aware of your movement through the generations and the many lives you have touched. Help us feel your presence in our lives so that we can share the Good News of Jesus with our world today.
Amen

Question for reflection:
How are you sharing the Christmas story with others this Advent season?

~ 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 Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren (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, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Here there is life

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  John 1:1- 5; Genesis 1:1- 5

Prayer for the day:
Maker of life, help me to see your fingerprints all over my world today. When I see light or darkness, remind me of the ways you separate the light from the darkness. When I see earth, and water, and creatures, let me remember your creative genius. When I encounter my sisters and brothers today, nudge me towards actions which deepen relationships. In you and your creation  I will find the source of all my joy – alleluia! Amen.

Question for reflection:
How is God calling you to new life this advent season?

~ Becky Ullom Naugle, Director for Youth and Young Adult 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 Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren (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, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

An orderly account

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Luke 1:1- 4

Prayer for the day:
Breath of Heaven, whether I use words or my hands and feet to express your love in the world, purify my intentions and bless my efforts. May the way I move through life help others to know your goodness and grace.

Question for reflection:
Think back over the day or back to yesterday. When and where did you observe someone expressing their love for Christ and the church? What was it like?

~ Becky Ullom Naugle, Director for Youth and Young Adult 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 Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren (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, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Beginning well

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Haggai 2:7

Prayer for the day:
If you tend to be anxious about time, set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes. As you center yourself for prayer this day, quiet your mind. Close your eyes, and find a comfortable position for your body. As you inhale, repeat the first part of the phrase in your mind. When you exhale, repeat the second part of the phrase. For the minutes you have set aside to pray, continue this pattern as you breathe in and out at a comfortable pace.
Phrase: “Jesus, help me…..to find you again.”

Question for reflection:
What does the phrase “Jesus, help me to find you again” stir in you?

~ Becky Ullom Naugle, Director for Youth and Young Adult 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 Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren (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, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

Devotional

The gifts: They keep on giving

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Matthew 2:11-12

 

Question for Reflection:
What about this season and the Christmas story overwhelm you with joy? What brings you to your knees with hope and wonder?

Prayer for the day:
Heavenly father, may we always be in awe of you and your wondrous ways. We hope to continue to see your glory in special moments throughout the whole year, not just at Christmas time. Help us to take time to pause and fall to our knees in these moments and praise you for the gifts before us. Amen.

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference Coordinator

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

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

Zechariah: Once in a lifetime

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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.