Monday, December 25, 2017 - Nativity of Our Lord - Christmas Day

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

There are many things that strike me about this story, but the one thing that I initially reacted to was the word ‘fear’. The shepherds were terrified. Because we know the story, we usually skip past this part and go right to the end, to the peace and love and joy. But I don’t think we should. Let us be with those shepherds if even for a moment, in their fear. Think about how you would react if you were there, not knowing the story. What you would be feeling?

 

The message of this story is that with God, we have no need to fear. That with God, there is peace and joy. God became one of us to show us that we have nothing to fear. For most of us at this time of year, our lives are filled with this peace and love and hope and joy. It is also true that for some people, this is not the case. For some people, their world has turned upside down and they don’t know how to right it. That is where the Liberty Lutheran family of services comes in, helping those in our communities bridge that gap between fear and peace, between fear and love, between fear and safety. In my work as the hospice chaplain, I see this every day, how we are stronger together, empowering others.

Holy One, may your love and your peace touch the deepest places of our hearts, chasing away the darkness where our fears live and empower us to serve you by serving others so that they too may live in your peace and love. Amen.

Karynjean Dickhoff serves as Chaplain at Liberty Hospice.

December 23 and 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Advent, Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Eve

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.

Luke 1:46-49

Proclaimed at the fortuitous meeting with her cousin, Elizabeth, Mary’s “Magnificat” rings in our ears throughout the centuries. No rivalry here— both Elizabeth and Mary rejoice for each other as God creates new lives within them. During a time when many of us would be fraught with fear, Mary’s voice brims with the truth of God’s favor and mercy. 

Tonight is the night when God takes on human flesh for us. Tonight is the night when God enters a vulnerable world born of a vulnerable young woman, in less-than-ideal conditions. Tonight is the night when Love needs to be changed and burped. As our own voices sing of the gift of the birth of Christ in familiar words and carols, we would do well to remember those easy to forget. 

Incarnate Lord, we give you thanks for the brazen, bold courage of Mary, and may your love be born in us each day for the sake of the world. Amen.

The Rev. Rachael Dietz is pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Mohnton, PA and teaches Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training for Lutheran Congregational Services.

Friday, December 22, 2017

In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.

Hebrews 1: 10-12

If there is anything we all know about life, it is that THINGS CHANGE! Growing up in a rural part of Pennsylvania and being part of a farming family, you become used to the rotation of seasons and crops. Fields that were once covered in blankets of white snow become colorful pastels in spring, slowly morphing into the brighter darker colors of summer. In the fall, trees and grasses become flaming reds, oranges and bright yellows. The landscape changes from fields full of lush green crops to rows of brown brush, ready to be harvested. What differences we see in just our four seasons! Fortunately, understanding that these seasonal changes are under God’s control gives us the confidence that all is well and there is constancy in everything God does.

As we get older, going away to college, getting married, moving away from home, getting a new job, and new friends, you come to realize that life, like the seasons, is also dynamic. THINGS CHANGE! Navigating life changes are a bit different and certainly not always as easy to accept as the different seasons. When we are in times of trial or feeling anxious about things in general, we often find ourselves remembering times when life felt uncomplicated and when someone else was in charge. 

Why can’t things still be that way?

 

In this scripture, we are reminded that God has created all things. We are reminded that God is always beside us, that God knows what season we are in, and that God is with us in the midst of change. God is constant. Let us find peace in that knowledge.

Lord, in a constantly changing world, you are unchanging in your love and care for us. May we always remind ourselves of your presence in our lives and all you do. Amen.

Dianne Fox is volunteer coordinator for Lutheran Disaster Response - Eastern PA, and a member of Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Emmaus, PA.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

O Lord, I have heard of your renown, and I stand in awe, O Lord, of your work. In our own time revive it; in our own time make it known; in wrath may you remember mercy.

Habakkuk 3:2

I was asked to write this devotional because of the history of cooperation between Liberty Lutheran and UMCOR (United Methodist Committee On Relief), most recently in collecting supplies and assembling flood buckets and hygiene kits. Three catastrophic storms this summer could have overwhelmed us all, but the Spirit has moved among us to show the awesome power of God in how we reached out to help without worrying about who would get the credit.

In our own time, we can make the Lord’s renown and mercy known to the world if we follow the example of the Good Samaritan. Ponder the parable of the Good Samaritan. Remember, this was told in response to a question, “who is my neighbor?”

Who is the neighbor? The one who took pity AND took action. The neighbor stopped to help, got personally involved, contributed financially, set up a support mechanism and stayed involved long enough to follow through with a promise to make certain the Traveler returned to well-being and the inn keeper would not suffer a financial setback. When Jesus tells his followers to “go and do likewise,” we are not called to help only in the moment, but to boldly reach out and stay involved in the lives of the people we serve with.

Are we willing to continue to reach out and check on and work with the communities and people affected until the rebuilding is complete to truly emulate the Samaritan, the neighbor?

Almighty God, when gentle breezes and gentle rains become fierce storms, guide how we respond to our neighbors, near and far, to show glory and mercy in reaching out to help through your precious Son’s name. Amen.

Rev. Greg Ellis is an Ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church (UMC) and serves as the Disaster Response Coordinator of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the UMC.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

Malachi 4:1-2

There is a moment in the Harry Potter books when the main character encounters Fawkes, a phoenix, the mythological bird that rises from the ashes to soar again. In the story, Fawkes regularly goes up in flames with a shock only to reemerge fresh and new. New life emerges out of the ashes making Harry amazed and full of wonder each time the cycle repeats.

The prophet Malachi speaks of that same cycle – not with a mythological creature – but with the cycles of human life beloved by God. There are days when life feels like enduring a fire that consumes our hope and energy: natural disasters, the infirmity of loved ones, money woes, broken relationships, war and violence, racial tensions, the list goes on and on. There are days when it feels like there is little left to give and we are running on fumes.

God promises that there will be new life. God promises a fresh beginning. God promises to raise us up out of the stubble and ash. Even more, the prophet proclaims a hope beyond mere living, but a hope of thriving, leaping, and soaring. God brings us through the fire and heals us beyond our imagination.

As a practice of faith, imagine your troubles and worries consumed in the refining fire of God’s love and reemerging into renewed life and love. The discipline of facing the fire will train our eyes to see the emerging hope. Out of violence will come stories of gentle compassion as strangers help strangers. Out of natural disaster will come stories of rebuilding and new relationships born out of service to one another. Out of the infirmity of loved ones, we will know the compassionate care of medical personnel and caretakers who bear the load with us. We will see signs of life soar beyond the sufferings and troubles.

God of new life, when life feels like a consuming fire, open our eyes to see your promise of new life and hope. Train our hearts to expect your love coming into this broken world in all circumstances through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Ollikainen is pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Perkasie.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead. So they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who heard the word believed; and they numbered about five thousand.

Acts 4:1-4

We talk a lot about speaking truth to power these days. That is what the apostles were doing—speaking the truth about Jesus, his death and resurrection, but the priests didn’t appreciate it. In fact, the apostles were thrown in jail for witnessing to the truth.

Speaking the truth has its consequences. Sharing our faith, witnessing to the Gospel and speaking the truth can alter relationships and result in rejection and loss for ourselves. The old adage about never speaking of religion or politics may make for polite conversation, but it does nothing to advance the need for true and honest debate on important issues. “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14) 

We can see this as a call to action. We as Christians are to discern the truth, act with justice, stand with the oppressed, and live as Christ in word and deed.

Just as it was for the apostles, we need to remember that the human reaction to our witness is not the last word. God has the last word. God took the witness of the apostles and reaped a harvest of 5,000 people. Surely, God will use our witness for God’s purpose when we speak the truth.

We give thanks, O Lord, for ministries like Liberty Lutheran and programs like Lutheran Congregational Services that encourage us as witnesses to your truth in this troubled world. Amen.

Linda Maxon is an independent fundraiser, part-time program development director at Christ Lutheran Church, Allentown, PA, and convener of the Northeastern PA Synod Witness and Service Team.

Monday, December 18, 2017

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:13-17

He is our Light. He is our Protector. When we wake every day to start our day, we are protected by Him. We are forgiven for the wrongs of yesterday and we start anew. The armor of God surrounds us to help others, to speak with a kinder tongue, to act with a kinder heart. We are not perfect people but with His armor around us we can walk in God’s light.

At Liberty Lutheran, every step we take reinforces our belief that we are here to serve others. We stand up and speak up for vulnerable individuals. It is an honor for so many of us to be an advocate for individuals. It is what is right and just.

Our faith in God keeps us knowing we need to continue the fight when the dark days come our way. We push forward and have faith that His love and light will shine through even when we feel like we can’t walk or stand.

Lord, keep us covered in your armor and keep us shielded from the darkness. Please forgive us and allow us to forgive others who trespass against us. Let our lives be a reminder to others of the faith we have in You, and help us to walk in your Light. Amen.

Melissa DeFreece is Director of Annual Giving and Special Events for Liberty Lutheran.

December 16 and 17, 2017 - Third Sunday of Advent

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners.
Isaiah 61:1

Jesus quotes this passage from the prophet Isaiah when he first appears on the scene in Luke’s Gospel (4:18-19) as a kind of mission statement. Those of us who are called to follow him can expect that good news, emotional wound care, liberty, and release will be part and parcel of our work, too.

Earlier in the fall, Sylvia Havlish of Lutheran Congregational Services came to the congregation I serve to do a Path of Grief Presentation for our small grief support group. She shared stories from her life and work experience, and made room for those gathered to share, too. Her presence was like a balm in Gilead- people who had yet to open up to the group about their struggles were suddenly pouring out their hearts. There was much release and healing there that day.

In these words, the prophet Isaiah lets us know that wherever oppression and domination are replaced with right relationships of mutuality, wherever the sorrowful discover joy, and wherever captivity to sin is supplanted by freedom, there is God. I give thanks that the work of binding up the brokenhearted continues through the ministry of Sylvia and other bereavement counselors.

Seeing vulnerability and compassion break into our often ruthless, competitive, and fast-paced world gives me hope for our collective future.

Lord Jesus Christ, send your Spirit to free and heal the oppressed, brokenhearted, and those who are in captivity. Amen.

The Rev. Inge Williams pastors Friedens Church in Shartlesville, PA.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14

Atop a file cabinet in my office sits (swims?) a betta fish that was given to me by a colleague. Occasionally, when feeding Brette his daily diet of three pellets, I envy the simple life that he lives. Though scientific research has disputed the longstanding belief that a fish’s memory lasts only a few seconds, moving on from what lies behind us can be both desirable and critical. While we can (and should) learn from past experiences, it is imperative that we not let them hinder our future.

Forgetting bad plays and bad games is crucial to an athlete’s long-term success. Military personnel, first responders, and doctors cannot afford to dwell on events that had undesirable outcomes. At some point, we all have likely desired to move past the hurtful words or actions of a loved one, or suffering and struggles that we have endured.

Through the eternal promises of Christ Jesus, we can rely on His Sovereignty as we press on through life’s adversities towards our heavenly call. At Liberty Lutheran, our mission and values uniquely position us to help others do so as well, as we assist those we serve in navigating their life-changing situations. What a blessing it is to be able to be a part of an organization that shines as “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14)!

This advent season, strive to forget what lies behind, strain forward to what lies ahead, and encourage and support those around us to do the same.

Lord, thank you for your heavenly call and for your eternal promises that provide us with perspective during our momentary troubles here on earth. Help us to put the difficulties and pain of the past behind us as we move forward in your love and strength. Amen.

Brandon Frank is the Manager of Financial Reporting for Liberty Lutheran.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:25-26 

This year we have been reflecting on the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation. So when I read these verses from Ezekiel, I thought of Martin Luther’s teaching that we are baptized daily.  Each morning we die to sin and are reborn - cleansed of our sins and given new hearts. Eugene Peterson, (The Message Bible) describes Ezekiel as the “master of catastrophe” and credits him for the Israelites’ emergence from their Babylon captivity “robust and whole.” Certainly we have known catastrophe this year, whether from natural disasters, violence, or loss due to accidents, illness or aging. But this Advent season we celebrate that God came to dwell among us. God is with us and He understands our human vulnerabilities. I am most fortunate to be connected with Liberty Lutheran where I observe baptized-daily folks bringing renewed spirits and hearts of flesh to their work of helping people who are experiencing loss. Indeed God is with us in our suffering and through the hearts and hands of these compassionate folks; God brings us through our losses “robust and whole.” 

Holy Father, we thank you that when we face losses and catastrophes; by your grace, we do not face them alone. Amen. 

Linda Breckenridge, is a retired educator, member of Upper Dublin Lutheran Church in Ambler, and member of the Liberty Lutheran Board of Directors.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.

Luke 1:11-15a

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14) One of my favorite authors always signed his books with this: “Love and Light!” followed by his name. I have adopted that as the way I sign my name to most cards, letters and yes, even my book! Matthew 5:14 begins with this truth: “You are the light of the world.”

In my role as a bereavement counselor, I have taken this verse to heart. I believe fervently that my purpose as a counselor is to “be a light” for these beautiful people in their time of darkness. I know that the light of Christ is the shining light of peace and love. My job is to help these grieving souls to find that light in their lives again. Sometimes my work with them is in one of our “Journey of Grief” groups…and many times, in an individual session. But no matter what setting I find myself in with grieving people, I am always in awe of the way God has brought us together to listen, love and begin healing. As the weeks go by in their journeys through grief, I get to observe people who were in such darkness emerge into this beautiful light of reconciliation!

Let us, like Zechariah, Elizabeth and John, rejoice in the hope brought by God through the Light God has brought into this world.

Good and gracious God, thank you for calling us to be witnesses of all you do, and to be a beacon of hope and light in the darkness of grief. Amen.

Sylvia Havlish is Coordinator of Bereavement Ministries for Lutheran Congregational Services.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Then the Lord will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over its places of assembly a cloud by day and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night. Indeed, over all the glory there will be a canopy. It will serve as a pavilion, a shade by day from the heat, and a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain.

Isaiah 4:5-6

 

I cannot imagine what it must be like to live through a disaster such as an earthquake or a hurricane, where everything I was accustomed to having around me– my home, my family, my possessions – are suddenly out of my reach. In the midst of my worries, I might wonder if God has abandoned all of us living through this frightening situation.

The words of Isaiah 4:5-6 were meant to remind the people of Israel, as the world they knew crumbled around them, that problems in our lives do indeed arise, yet it is God’s will that people should live in peace and security. Therefore, even in the midst of tragic events, God offers hope that life goes on. It might not be life as we once knew it, but better things do lie ahead. That’s why God sent us the hope of an infant born in a manger.  One who starts with so little will become our canopy of protection. Jesus will be the shining light that guides us through the dark times of our lives.

That light might come in the form of organizations such as Lutheran Disaster Response – Eastern PA – providing assistance long after disaster has struck.

It might come in the form of the many valuable volunteers for such valuable agencies.

O God, our refuge and strength, when our hearts are overwhelmed with fear and dismay, help us notice your signs of light guiding us into restoration and new life. Amen.

Paulette Obrecht is interim pastor of St. Mark’s – Appenzell in Northeast PA Synod and serves as a hospital chaplain and Disaster Spiritual Partner for Lutheran Congregational Services.

Monday, December 11, 2017

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’

Acts 2:37-39

Many of the biblical words for repentance have to do with turning – turning our hearts and our minds back to God, turning away from the distractions of this world. Sometimes these turns are dramatic, as when people realize their lives are out of control and turn to Jesus in deep and desperate need. That is the kind of repentance we see in our reading from Acts, and it is a powerful thing.

Sometimes, though, such a turning happens more quietly. I recently saw a group of teenagers turn around in a beautiful and lasting way. They were making plans for the triennial Lutheran youth gathering in Houston. Their talk was full of laughter and fun. Then an adult said, “This trip will be different now that Houston has suffered so much flooding.”

Almost immediately the youth group began talking about how they could make a difference. Maybe they could go to our congregation Council and talk about this gathering as a mission trip. Maybe this trip could be the beginning of a deeper relationship with Lutheran Disaster Response, one where we do more than send checks.

What a gift it was to me to see these young Christians think about “all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls.” Because of them and because of LDR, this congregation is moving in new directions. Thanks be to God for the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

O God, give us a spirit of repentance, so that we may prepare for the coming of your Son. Amen.

The Rev. Mark Rigg is the Pastor of Advent Lutheran Church, West Lawn, PA.

December 9 and 10, 2017 - Second Sunday of Advent

A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Isaiah 40: 3-5

The season of Advent is about preparing our hearts for the Lord. Through the wilderness experiences, twists and turns, mountains, valleys and plains that we experience and witness in the lives of those we serve, the Glory of the Lord is being revealed. The work that God has given us provides unique opportunities to give witness to the glory of God being revealed to and through some of the most vulnerable members of society. As we prepare our hearts for the Lord who was sent as a gift to all people, to change us and our lives forever, may we give thanks to God. Give thanks for the gift of our organization, residents, and families where the glory of God transforms us and changes our lives forever. 

Holy Spirit, open our eyes in communion with the whole world that we may see your glory not only when we celebrate Christmas, but in the day in day out of our everyday lives. Amen. 

Pastor Julie Stumpf is Director of Spiritual Care at Paul’s Run Retirement Community

Friday, December 8, 2017

Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’ 
Jeremiah 1:4-5 

There was delight in his eyes when I greeted a new resident by name. “You know my name!” he exclaimed. Probably a lot of us can resonate with his joy. It is good to be known! Maybe it is especially good to be known when you have moved to a new place, with new people and new schedules where you might wonder if anyone knows anything about who you are.

Maybe Jeremiah wondered if anyone knew him? He was young. He might even have puzzled over knowing himself. And then the Lord spoke. Advent reminds us that God speaks, speaks to each of us formed by God’s own imagination, God speaks in the margins - the places we are unknown and maybe unseen, in our fears, in our places of wonder, and when we do not understand. God speaks with a knowledge deeper than our own. And, knowing each of us, God consecrates us. God sets us apart for God’s own purpose. Like Jeremiah, we who strive to also know God – Emmanuel- soon to be born into our lives - are appointed to “tell it on the mountains.” In the swirl of this holiday season, we are appointed to be prophets who look right into the face of all that is troubling our spirits and the world, and boldly and joyfully proclaim, “Christ is born for this.” To bring light to all that God formed and knows and loves! 

O God who knows every hair on our heads, speak to our hearts as we await your coming into this world. Set us apart to speak with joy what we know in our hearts, that you are Emanuel - God with us! Amen. 

The Rev. Ghislaine Cotnoir is Director of Pastoral Care at Artman and The Hearth at Drexel.