Christmas Eve & Christmas

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

Luke 2:8-14

The news of God’s arrival into our world in the body of a tiny, vulnerable baby is big and strange news. God chooses not to arrive in a flash of glory but in   the vulnerability and messiness of human birth. The angels bring the news not to those in power and authority, but to the humble shepherds in the   fields.

God chooses to exalt the vulnerable, thereby training our eyes to see God’s love come into this world in places of mercy and compassion.

This news of God’s arrival in a vulnerable baby shakes up our expectations and draws us in to the very presence of God. Previously, the people would expect to die if they were in the presence of God. This time, the angels assure us that there is no need to fear the presence of God in Jesus. In fact, the angels invite us in for a closer look, to look upon God’s vulnerability and see hope.

The services and ministries of Social Ministry Organizations like the Liberty Lutheran family of services draw our attention to many who are vulnerable in our communities and show us hope through care and compassion that brings peace and joy. We meet God in the faces of those we serve remembering that God chooses to be present in the vulnerable ones. And in our service, we join the song of the heavens, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

God of hope, open our eyes to see your presence coming in to this world and lift up our voices in joy to join the song of the heavens praising you through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

The Rev. Jennifer Phelps Ollikainen is Executive Director of Lutheran Congregational Services.

Friday, December 23, 2016

And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant; now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you; for you, O Lord God, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.

2 Samuel 7:28-29

I work in the housekeeping department in the community of Paul’s Run. It is my great honor to partner with a wonderful staff in the Paul’s Run “house.” God’s promise to Samuel of blessing this “house” is very meaningful to me in all that I do.

I see God’s blessings as something real that I get to share with residents, staff, and their families. Even more, I feel blessed knowing that they share these blessings with me. I feel God’s blessing knowing that their smiles and “thank you” are heartfelt.

O Lord of grace, as we approach the celebration of Christmas Day when you gave us the greatest blessing of our Savior Christ, help us to give back this love, this joy, and this happiness by doing your work in our world. Amen.

Anthony Sisco works in Housekeeping at the Paul’s Run Retirement Community.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

"See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

Revelation 22:12-13

Moving through life in a state of sleepiness is a terrible way to live. When we’re fatigued, many of our basic survival instincts are greatly affected and impaired. Sleepiness can betray our bodies by disturbing our ability to make proper decisions or react properly. Sleep deprivation is especially dangerous on the highway; the monotony and motion of even short-distance driving can lull many to a dangerous drowsiness or even a deadly sleep.

If it is necessary for us to be prepared for car rides, how much more necessary is it for us to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? The Advent season in its liturgical observance is devoted to celebrating the coming of our God at the end of history. Advent also reminds us of the anticipation of Jesus, the Messiah, the promised Savior of the children of God born as the Babe of Bethlehem. For believers, we’re called to continual preparation and repentance for the day when we’ll meet our Lord. For the unbeliever, these words are a call to repentance, for we will indeed come face to face with our Lord.

As we prepare to celebrate our Lord’s First Coming through our Advent season; let’s focus our eyes on Christ. Don’t let the monotony and motion of your lives lull you asleep at the wheel. Be ready and on guard against the wiles of our enemies and the worries of this world. At his First Coming Jesus put   us right with God. At his Second Coming, all that Christ accomplished at his First Coming will reach its final conclusion. Both Advents together make our salvation complete and sure!

Heavenly Father, Alpha and Omega, keep our eyes focused on the coming of Christ. Awaken us to your merciful love and hope today and for all of eternity. Amen.

The Rev. David Young is pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Blue Bell and Grace Lutheran Church, Warminster. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Liberty Lutheran Services.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

Galatians 4:4-7

In today’s world, we can look around and see people living in poverty; people who are food insecure; people who are being neglected and people living in high-crime areas. God saw the brokenness of the world and sent his Son to free us. God gives us new life as children of God with the spirit of his Son in our hearts.

As children of God, we can never close our eyes, our ears or our hearts to the brokenness of this world. We are Gods heir and with that blessing we have the opportunity to help our brothers and sisters who are struggling with life’s circumstances, who are marginalized, who are neglected or who are food insecure. No matter what their age or life circumstance, we as children of God need to continue to be present, caring and compassionate.

Abba! Gracious Father! When we feel overwhelmed and think there is no way we can make a difference, let us call out to you in prayer. Guide us and bring us together that we might support and strengthen each other as we share our many gifts with those who are in need. Remind us that we are the Body of Christ and together, in Your name, we can do many things. Amen.

Ellen S. Daneke is a volunteer with Liberty Lutheran and Chair of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod’s Forward Together in Faith campaign.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said to himself, "Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?" And Abraham said to God, "O that Ishmael might live in your sight!" God said, "No, but your wife Sarah shall bear you a son, and you shall name him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him."

Genesis 17:18-19

God is a God of possibilities! If you ever doubted that, look again at these verses. Imagine Abraham at 100 years old and Sarah at 90 finding out that they would have a baby. What a shock. Impossible!

God didn’t stop with the impossible becoming possible. God did even more. God made a promise, a covenant, that would be established with this child and passing on to all the generations that followed him. And because of Christ, we, too, are children of Abraham by way of Isaac. That means that God’s covenant extends to us as well. God in Christ promises His Eternal presence with us. We would be impossibly hopeless sinners if it were not for Jesus who makes it possible for God to forgive and love us just as we are.

God promises that even in the impossibilities of life, His love for us will not be thwarted. He will not desert us or turn His back on us. Not   ever!

Thank you, God, for sending your Son so that we live as forgiven sinners with the promise of your love and presence with us always. Amen.

The Rev. Linda N. Hatcher is Chaplain at Artman.

Monday, December 19, 2016

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.”

Luke 1:46-50

The Liberty family of services offers many opportunities to experience God’s presence already among us. The happiness and connection that we discover can be found in the most basic and ordinary ways. In this capacity we love, we honor the dignity of all people, and we learn to use our gifts to heal and serve some of the most vulnerable in society. With our hearts, we can touch one another and share with others the gifts that we have been given.

As we wait with anticipation for the birth of new things may we remember that the things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand. They are the moments when we touch one another, when we are there in the most attentive and caring way for one another and others. This simple and profound sense of relationship and shared ministry is what I believe is at the heart of our work.

May our spirits rejoice in God our Savior who came down to us in the form of a newborn child and keeps coming down through our participation in His ministry on earth through the new and exciting opportunities to serve. To borrow a word of Mary, “the Lord has done great things for us, and holy is his name.”

Loving God, teach us to use the gifts that we have been given to love, serve and heal your people. Open our hearts and minds to new and exciting opportunities to continue your work in the world. Amen.

Julie Stumpf is Resident Service Coordinator for Independent Living and Personal Care at Paul’s Run Retirement Community.

December 17 and 18, 2016 Fourth Sunday of Advent

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel", which means, "God is with us." When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Matthew 1:18–25

Reading this passage from Matthew made me think of being a child and waiting for Christmas to arrive. Seven more days! How will I be able to wait that long? It seems like Christmas will never get here! As a child, time seemed to drag on and on. They say as you get older, time flies by. In these older years, I think, “Oh no! Only seven days until Christmas!”

I remember when I visited Helen at Artman. She was sitting in her wheelchair in front of the small television in her room. That’s where she was always sitting when I visited. I asked her, “Helen, they say as you get older, time seems to go faster. You said that you sit here and watch television all day. Do the days tend to drag on?” Helen said, “You know Pastor, it seems like I wake up, take a few breaths, and it’s time to go to bed again.”

Time is fleeting. Christmas will be here – ready or not! Christmas is when Jesus came to earth to dwell among us. He was only here for 33 short years, but what an impact he had in such a short time. Let’s cherish the time we have and enjoy it as the gift God intended it to be.

Eternal God, our time on earth is but a blip on the screen of Eternity. However, when our time on earth is over, we begin enjoying Eternity for a very long time. Let the gift of Eternal Life help us to enjoy this life. We pray this through your Son Jesus Christ, the most timeless gift of all. Amen.

The Rev. Bruce Todd is pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Lafayette Hill, PA and is a member of the Liberty Lutheran Advancement Committee.

Friday, December 16, 2016

For there shall be a sowing of peace; the vine shall yield its fruit, the ground shall give its produce, and the skies shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.

Zechariah 8:12

As a Disaster Response Spiritual Partner with Lutheran Disaster Response- Eastern PA, I was blessed to be part of a group of folks sent to Philadelphia to participate in that role during the visit of Pope Francis in September 2015. As I read this passage from the prophet Zechariah, I was astounded at how the words of the prophet reflect what I experienced during that visit.

Even though we live in an uncertain and frightening world, the mere presence of the Pope in the City of Brotherly Love gave the thousands in attendance an opportunity to experience the sowing of genuine peace that is gifted to us by God through this man of God.

The City of Philadelphia was transformed! We all received the fruit of this blessing as barriers were broken down in this mass of humanity. No heed was paid to race, denomination, creed or socio-economic status. As we shared the peace with one another in the midst of the public mass, as we hugged or knelt in prayer or offered spiritual care to those around us, we could sense God’s heavenly dew resting upon us through moments of unimaginable quietness.

It was an experience I will never forget and it was a moment in time when God’s people were able to “possess all of these things.”

God of Peace, God of unwavering and unconditional love, let your heavenly dew continue to rest upon us in those surprising places so that we may be a blessing to each other and share your love for all of humanity. Amen.

Kathie Afflerbach is a Disaster Spiritual Partner with Lutheran Congregational Services.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Incline your ear, O my God, and hear. Open your eyes and look at our desolation and the city that bears your name. We do not present our supplication before you on the ground of our righteousness, but on the ground of your great mercies. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, listen and act and do not delay!

Daniel 9:18-19

“Incline your ear, O my God, and hear…” A friend of mine has been on dialysis for years. Despite the rigors of a lifestyle that includes things that many of us would consider major compromises, this person is one of those people who seems to move through life in a worry-free and idealistic way that is unachievable for me. He was raised in a Muslim Sufi home and his life and Facebook posts embody and embrace the infinite, ethereal, and life-

giving nature of God that are reflective of Sufism. So I was surprised when his post a few weeks ago read, “I am SICK and tired of being SICK and tired!!!! RELENTLESS DIALYSIS!!”

Over the next couple of hours and days there was an outpouring of support for my friend, both publicly and privately. He responded the next day by posting, “WOW!!!!! Peace and Love and Blessings to all my family and friends for reaching out to me with care, prayer, and messages of hope! I received tons of positive thoughts, love and encouragement! I am truly blessed for having you all reach out to me crying out! I did not expect this massive response! I feel loved and rejuvenated to fight another day!!!! THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!”

Indeed, God hears our cries and offers mercy and consolation.

Dear God, thank you for those who encourage us in fortitude and faithfulness. Thank you for hearing us when we are hurting, and for responding to us in mercy when we cry out! Amen.

Julia Menzo is Volunteer Engagement Coordinator for Liberty Lutheran and Lutheran Disaster Response Coordinator for Lutheran Congregational Services.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:18-19

Each time we come through a trial we see the details of God’s plan for our lives more clearly. God has truly supplied all our needs to handle anything that God brings our way. In Philippians, Paul writes that he has been taken care of, not by a rich salary, but by the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

It is clear that God can do anything but fail. And what God has done for another, God will do for you. However, you must have patience to wait on the Lord. God encourages us to stretch out on faith. Why worry? Pray and put your faith in God for He is not going to fail you. We fail when we don’t listen, act or react to God’s action in the world.

Sometimes, God redesigns our original plans and when we don’t listen, we end up back in the same place we started. God works through redesign, even through that which has been discarded. Think of a scrap quilt. Someone might ask, “Where did you get that?’We answer, from our hands. God brought forth a pattern that goes back from generation to generation. God   put the pieces together, makes them relate to one another and the beautiful pattern emerges. Even in the midst of trials and struggles, God is working to bring us through in God’s plan, not our own.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us another day’s journey and all that we need to follow your path. Help us to see your presence in our lives; to our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

LCFS’ West Philadelphia Senior Community Center weekly Bible study members.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

And the crowds asked [John the Baptist], “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.”

Luke 3:10-11

During this month we celebrate a lot of things. We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, families, food, new beginnings, and presents. In the midst of celebrating those things we can lose focus on what’s most important. We can lose our focus that it is God’s generosity and love for humans that he sent his Son Jesus Christ to earth that we celebrate.

I love this line from one of my favorite Christmas hymns, Mary did you Know by Mark Lowry, that re-centers us on what is most important, “Mary, did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod, and when you kiss your little baby, you’ve kissed the face of God…did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation…did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb, and the sleeping Child you’re holding is the great I AM?”

The words from John the Baptist reminds us we are not to forget that there are people in our world who are not as blessed as we are. There are people in our churches, our communities, and our cities that do not have anything at all and we are called to be generous as God has been generous to us in Christ.

When we care for those in need we are God’s hands at work in the world. When we love others and reach out, we may just be the face of God to someone else. By caring for the least of these, we are caring for the great I AM. Today, remember to be extra generous with those who you encounter who are in need.

Prayer: Generous God, you revealed to us the highest form of generosity when you delivered your Son Jesus to us in the form of a baby boy. Now equip us to be generous to our neighbors who are in need, that in doing so, we would grow closer to you. Amen.

The Rev. Fritz Fowler is pastor of University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, Philadelphia.

Monday, December 12, 2016

These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I went with the throng, and led them in procession to the house of God, with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.

Psalm 42:4-5

In the many years I have served as a bereavement counselor, the question has always been asked by the grief-stricken person sitting in my office: “How could a loving God allow this to happen?” And then, the next statement usually revolves around their guilt—guilt for feeling angry with God, guilt for feeling so depressed and “disquieted.”

Each time this scenario plays out, my mind goes back to the time of my father’s death. I was more than upset, more than “disquieted,” I was at a very low point. After overcoming my fear of admitting how angry and hurt I was with God, I sought out my Pastor, Fred Foerster. I will never forget the way he answered me, the “bereavement” counselor, who was falling apart in his office!

“Sylvia,” he said, “you’ve had a loving relationship with your father for 37 years. I know how much he loved you. So think about it, how much more must your Father in Heaven love you and want to comfort you now? So tonight, why don’t you just ‘crawl up in His arms’ in prayer, and allow him to take over!”

The pastor didn’t mince words, he gave me hope. It took me some quiet time, many more tears and more concentration on my Pastor’s words, but I was able to let go of my bitterness and allow the hope of Christ to come back into my heart. I was able to “again praise him, my help and my God.”

Loving God, remind us at our lowest points that you love us. Gather us into your loving arms of peace and comfort us with your love. Amen.

Sylvia Havlish, MEd., is the Coordinator of Bereavement Ministries at Lutheran Congregational Services.

December 10 and 11, 2016 Third Sunday of Advent

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.”

Isaiah 35:3-4

Many of us know people who are dealing with life-changing decisions about their living situation. The prospect of moving to a different home, often after many years in a familiar one, can lead to anxiety and fear for those facing such a prospect.

Surely that was the case for the Israelites who were being addressed by the words in the 35th chapter of Isaiah. Like my parents whose living situation changed recently, the Israelites had lived in the same place for 50 years. Now they were facing the possible fulfillment of their long-anticipated return to their homeland. Yet that prospect was fraught with concerns and fears born of leaving behind their familiar surroundings.

The prophet Isaiah proclaimed these words of comfort and encouragement: “Strengthen the weak hand, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God…He will come and save you.’”

God’s promise to strengthen us in our weakness and save us from our fears is fulfilled in the coming of Christ which we celebrate this Advent season. As an organization, Liberty Lutheran is a channel of God’s comfort and encouragement as it “faithfully accompanies individuals and families facing

life-changing situations through an empowering approach honoring the well- being and choices of older adults.”

You, too, can be a channel of God’s comfort and encouragement to those who are dealing with life changes which induce anxiety and fear. Be strong! Do not be afraid!

We give you thanks, loving God, for strengthening us in our weakness so that our lives can blossom abundantly with the joy of serving you. Amen.

The Rev. Wayne A. Matthias-Long is pastor of Reformation Lutheran Church, Media, PA and is a member of the Board of Liberty Lutheran.

Friday, December 9, 2016

[Paul writes,] Thus I make it my ambition to proclaim the good news, not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on someone else's foundation, but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand.”

Romans 15:20-21

“Life Review” is one of the ways that we look back on the journey of life here at Paul’s Run. For elders in very advanced age there are a lot of years to look back on, and when a resident looks back there are often countless stories of joy and many hard memories as well. Both remind us of the journey and both help us to keep life in perspective.

As they say, “Hindsight is 20/20,” but solutions are not always clear when we are in the midst of distress. Therefore, looking back is one way that we can draw strength for the present. Specific obstacles that were overcome can become powerful sources of confidence. Sometimes, looking back reveals that God was with us all along in ways that we had never imagined.

Finding God’s presence in the past can lead to trusting that very Divine presence in the future. Seeing God in the rearview mirror also helps to ease the mysteries of the day. And, willingness to accept that God was with us, even in ways that we never expected or understood, is a way of anticipating God walking with us each and every day. This is beginning of hope.

O God, you come to places that I never expect and you have carried me in ways I could not have ever imagined; remind me that you are walking with me now even when I do not understand what the future holds. Amen.

The Rev. Stephen Weisser is Chaplain at Paul’s Run Retirement Community.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.

Isaiah 40:10-11

Our daily walk in the faith is filled with miraculous wonders. One of the greatest of these is found in today’s scripture passage in Isaiah. The Almighty God, Creator of the universe, who is capable of all power and of ruling with merely His arm, is the very same Christ who with unfailing love and gentleness cares for His lambs. That’s you and that’s me.

As I work in the bereavement counseling program “Journeys through Grief” through Lutheran Congregational Services, I find that there is no one more fragile and broken, no one more in need of being gathered into Christ’s arms and held to Christ’s bosom, than someone who has recently lost a loved one to physical death.

However, I am also privileged to see individuals begin to heal as they embrace the hope that comes in the person of Christ who, at the same time is “Almighty God,” and inviting us to call Him “Daddy” or “Abba Father.” Thanks be to God!

Lord, in this season of Advent, help us to feel your loving embrace, to realize how truly precious we are in your sight, and to feel the wonderful, comforting peace that truly passes understanding. Amen.

Laurel Kegley facilitates faith-based “Journeys through Grief” bereavement groups through Lutheran Congregational Services.