Monday, December 25, 2023

Christmas Day, December 25, 2023

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.

Luke 2: 10-11

I am fortunate to lead half of LCS’ Lay Eucharistic Visitor Trainings offered throughout the year. These opportunities to walk with disciples from across the church who are called to extend their community’s witness of care is always a source of joy for me.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors minister to those in their communities who are sick, homebound, lonely, and often unable to gather for corporate worship. During our sessions, we explore healthy practices of visitation with the sick and the elderly, the church’s history of celebrating the sacraments as a community of mutual care, and God’s proclamation of forgiveness communicated by the Spirit’s power in gifts of bread, wine, and community.

Care lies at the heart of all healthy relationships, especially then relationship God envisions for us as Jesus’ disciples. From the first angelic declaration of Jesus’ birth, God proclaims the depths of care offered in real, tangible, enfleshed ways.

This message of care is God’s ongoing gift for us, born in the Christ Child whose resurrection life- and the care it brings- will never end.

Don’t be afraid. I’m with you, here and now, with good news. Your sorrow is ending, and joy is on the rise for you and for everyone! The Messiah, God’s anointed, who is God’s own self, is born for you, for all of you, today!

Experience this new birth from God again and again as this child greets you in water, Word, wheat, and wine. Trust in the angel’s message, and share it with a world hurting and in need of the care Jesus brings. Jesus is good news! God brings great joy! The Spirit’s gifts are for you- all of you! Taste and see that the Lord is good, caring for us in ways which still the fearful soul and jubilate the sorrow-filled heart.

Thank you, God, for sending us your Son to know, to love, and to worship. Guide us in the comfort of your care, and raise us up to the body of Christ, born and broken for a world hungry for the joy you bring. Amen.

Rev. Brandon M. Heavner serves as pastor of Weisenberg Lutheran, New Tripoli, as a member of the LCS Advisory Board, and an instructor for LCS’ Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training.

Sunday, December 24, 2023

Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023

He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly.

Luke 1: 51-52

These verses come from Mary’s radical declaration of faith and trust in God known as the Magnificat. After Mary, newly pregnant with the Son of God, visits her cousin Elizabeth, she praises God not only for God’s mercy on the lowly, but for God’s justice that bends toward those in need.

Even though the Roman Empire cruelly oppresses God’s people in Israel, Mary announces God’s enduring faithfulness and grace. Didn’t Mary know the world is an unfair, harsh, cruel place? Mary will live to see her own son executed at the hands of that same empire, while Jesus’ disciples flee and hide in fear.

The world is still cruel and unfair. We can just turn on the television to find examples of suffering, hunger, and fear. Everywhere around us people are struggling to survive. There is war still all across our globe. Floods or fires or other natural disasters inundate the news cycle with horrifying pictures of destroyed homes. The evening news reports are more and more devastating. It is hard to have faith. It is hard to believe that good will win over evil.

As people of God, we see the injustice everywhere, but we also see God’s work in redeeming the world. Like Mary, we trust in God’s mercy. We have faith in God’s promises. We are blessed by God’s grace. Mary witnessed Jesus’ death, but she was also present for Jesus’ resurrection. God does not abandon us to the darkness. Because of Jesus, we know that evil cannot win.

Dear God, thank you for Mary’s radical witness and her bold words. Help us to declare your glory to the world, trusting in your mercy and grace. Grant us courage to face injustice and the peace that comes from knowing Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Heidi Shilanskas is Director of Faith Formation and Discipleship at Star of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, and a seminarian at United Lutheran Seminary.

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of this life and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth.

Luke 21:34-35

A couple years ago, my mom was diagnosed with cancer, right before COVID was in full swing and I couldn’t visit. I worried so much about her and her wellness, but I was reminded by my church that in God’s hands and in God’s way, she would be fine.

The day of her surgery in December 2019, I was on a plane to Puerto Rico for a Mission trip that would ultimately change my life and ministry passions. I had begged her to let me cancel my trip and visit her instead, and the words she used were so similar to the Luke Passage I’ll never forget, “What if you let my illness consume your life? What then? God has plans for you, go on your trip, and know I’ll be in good hands by the Great Physician.”

Today, she is well and recovering, and she was right. What if I wouldn’t have listened? I may have been trapped in a box I put myself in.

In this season of advent, and in the last few, it seems that many of us have multiple worries. We worry about weather, illness, accidents, children, schools and more. We worry about having “enough” for our families and friends, making it as special as we can, and remembering all who we care about during this season. So much worrying that we forget about the reason for the season, Jesus. This passage in Luke reminds us in a blatant way, to be on guard, and to be aware of the things that make our hearts and spirits heavy this time of year.

I think all of us struggle with the worries of what will people think, what if my gift or food for the holidays isn’t good enough. And God didn’t give us this season for that. We are to focus on the coming of this Messiah who takes away our sins and our grief. It doesn’t mean we won’t have worries, but we have faith to lean on God and his son Jesus, to take that burden off us.

May we have light hearts and high spirits during this season, and if we do worry, let it not consume us.

Holy one, be with us in our worries and sorrows. Remind us you are with us, among us and for us in all things. Remind us to remember the words of Luke as we live out this season and lift up our hearts as we await the coming of your son, our Messiah Jesus. Amen.

Rev. Michelle Wildridge is Chaplain/Director of Spiritual Life at Paul’s Run.

Friday, December 22, 2023

Friday, December 22, 2023

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds.

Hebrews 1:1-2

Every Advent, my spouse and I carefully open the battered East German suitcase that belonged to Opa Robert. We listen to Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and A Charlie Brown Christmas while we carefully unpack our cherished Advent decorations: the simple ‘smoker man’ from our first Christmas together, the straw stars, the antique nut and the scroll that my great-grandmother Hulda hung on her son’s first and only Christmas tree, home-made ornaments made long ago by our children, and finally, the wooden pyramid that we bought with money given to us by Oma Inge even though we really couldn’t afford it at the time.

Each item holds a precious story behind it reminding us of tearful times when we struggled and happy times when life felt simpler. When we uncover these decorations, we remember the voices of our relatives and friends, and we are grateful for the joyful love represented in each treasure.

When I worship God with my congregation and I enter the sanctuary, my eyes are drawn to the wooden cross above the altar and pulpit. This is where God’s love has truly been embodied for us. God speaks to us through the crucified and risen Jesus who continually stretches his arms out in love for the cosmos and beyond.

Every time the presider carefully uncovers the precious bread and wine for holy communion, remember the ways God has been present with you. And when you hear the ancient, mystical words, “The body of Christ given for you. The blood of Christ shed for you,” remember: this is God’s beautiful, tangible way of speaking, “I love you.”

God of all times and places, during this season that brings many memories, help me to remember that you look at me with eyes full of love. Give me the grace to share that love with each person I encounter. Amen.

Deacon Deborah Graf serves as Deacon at Trinity Lutheran, Reading, and as District Coordinator for West Berks Mission District.

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Hear O Lord and answer me…Guard my life for I am devoted to you. Have Mercy on me, O Lord for I call to you all day long.

Psalm 86:1-3

I was in the National Guard and in a deuce and a half (large tactical cargo truck) with eight men in the back and a 105 howitzer. I was in front with the driver. I was a staff sergeant with my squad heading home from my summer training program with the 166 field artillery in the Pennsylvania 28th division. We were on a narrow road with trees on one side and steep cliff on the other. It had just begun to rain.

We hit a bump and the gun on the back started shifting and we lost control of our truck while the driver yelled, “I can’t get control!” It looked like we were going off the road and the cliff as the driver yelled, “We’re going over!”

I thought about these men sitting in the back with nothing to hold on to as I closed my eyes and said “Dear God here we come!” When I opened my eyes, the gun pushed us 180 degrees and put us on the shoulder facing the opposite way, our gun was gone but we were alive!

It was a miracle.

I think about this story and how in times of duress we yell for God and cling to God for hope in those moments where we need God. But do we call to God when things are easy? Not as much. During this time may we reflect on why we need God and the reason for the season. This season, may we seek God even when we don’t think we need him urgently, and of course also when we do.

Dear God, Keep us safe during this season and may we lean on you in times of trouble and in times when the going is easy. Bless us always, Amen. 

Arnold Escourt is a resident at Paul’s Run.

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Though the fig tree does not blossom and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation.

Habakkuk 3:17-18

This scripture serves as a wonderful reminder that we must recognize the goodness of God in all circumstances. Each day we are presented with both blessings and challenges and it is my belief that challenges are put in our path as a bridge to the blessing.

Our God is a way-maker, a promise keeper, and cannot fail; and so, the circumstances that He allows are a part of His plan for our life’s journey. For certain God’s timing is not our timing and as the scripture Ecclesiastes 3:1 says “to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

Like the prophet, Habakkuk, we must trust and revere God in all circumstances. Metaphorically, Habakkuk 3:17-18 can describe the following situations:

  1. Parents concerned with children who are struggling to find their way;
  2. Families facing financial hardships;
  3. Persons who have received unfavorable medical reports and are feeling stunned;
  4. Individuals overwhelmed by the pandemic, floods, fires, hurricanes and other devastating life events; and
  5. Lost and lonely souls without a circle of friends and/or family to infuse hope and healing.
The five situations noted are but a sampling of what could be someone’s inner story. Each day so many feel alone, sad, lost, and misguided and this scripture reminds us to revere God and rejoice knowing that He never leaves nor forsakes us. 

Habakkuk reminds us to remain steadfast and exulting in all circumstances.

Dear God, thank you for being the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8). I am safe in your care and can exult you in all circumstances because I know that you are my lifeline. Thank you, Father! Amen.

Charmaine R. Maddrey-Smith is Director of Training and Leadership Development for Liberty Lutheran.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people from this time on and forevermore.

Psalm 125: 2

This year has been the most challenging in my walk with God and I hit rock bottom. The last thing I wanted to do was come before God, pray to Him, and seek His face.

I questioned God’s faithfulness, goodness, provision, and sovereignty, and yet I was questioning my own faith more than anything. I wanted to feel His presence and hear His audible voice just one time so that I may have the strength to go and believe God once again. But all I felt was loneliness, confusion, frustration, anger, bitterness, and weariness in mind, body, and spirit.

I wanted to quit everything and just give up and give in. I felt my pain wasn’t big enough to get God’s attention to speak to me and comfort me. Because we know it’s never too small to bring to God, but we just sometimes forget in our despair and loneliness.

I finally sat before God weeping and the only whisper from my heart was, “Please help me, Holy Spirit”. And I heard His gentle voice reminding me of that HE IS FOR ME. All my hurt, anger, hate, pain, and confusion were washed away instantly in that sacred moment of brokenness, and I felt the Holy Spirit’s healing flowing through my spirit and bringing light to the deep, dark pit I was trapped in for weeks and months.

I whispered, “He is for me!” The whole time when I felt alone and helpless, the Lord has been surrounding me as a Good Father as He always has been from the beginning of eternity and all I have to do was receive it with childlike faith.

Whatever season you and I may find ourselves in, the most beautiful truth we can hold on to our hearts is that as the mountains surround Jerusalem, the Lord surrounds his people from this time on and forevermore in which our healing comes from.

God with us, remember that you are always surrounding us in love. Amen.

Zaya Gilmer is Program Manager, Lutheran Disaster Response – US.