Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Also take with you every kind of food that is eaten, and store it up, and it shall serve as food for you and for them. Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him. Genesis 6: 21-22

Noah has no verbal exchange with God recorded in Genesis. In fact, Noah has no speaking lines recorded until 9:25, after the waters of the flood have subsided. We imagine the exchange between God and Noah, asking ourselves the questions we assume perplexed Noah. “Why me? Why a flood? What about all of my neighbors, and the creatures not brought onto this ark? How am I supposed to build this thing, old as I am, in the time you ask?” 

Questions are not a bad thing. God created us to be curious, and curiosity begets creativity, leading us to participate in God’s ongoing creative work. But Noah asked no questions. “Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.” No questions asked. God had already provided Noah with everything he and his family needed: instructions. Store up food for yourselves and the animals. Take the opportunity to prepare for uncertain circumstances, difficult days, and the unknown that will come after the waters recede. 

It’s hard to know when to ask questions and when to take the leap, put our heads down, and follow where God is leading. Questions are often healthy, but sometimes we use our inquisitive nature to delay what God is already doing to transform the world around us. Along the way, God provides opportunities for us to prepare for the journey in many ways. Noah built the ark. He prepared his family, gathered the food, and took care of the animals. Each careful step prepared him for the next step. 

Surround yourself with people who will accompany you. Gather those who will depend on you for care. Store up resources that will nurture you through flood, fire, and famine. Serve God by tending to creation and be on the lookout for what God is doing as we build up a refuge for those displaced and discouraged.

God of wonder, give us the curiosity to join your creative work and the faithfulness to follow your commandments, trusting that you carry us through the storm and provide for the journey ahead. Amen. 

Rev. Brandon M. Heavner currently serves as pastor of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, PA, and is a member of Lutheran Congregational Services’ Advisory Board.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

I am going to bring a flood of waters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. Genesis 6: 17-18

Let’s be honest: this isn’t an easy text. We’re preparing for Christmas— aren’t we supposed to be remembering the joy and wonder of Jesus’ birth? We should be wrapping presents, decorating our homes, and celebrating the wonders of the season with friends and family, not remembering a time when God promised to destroy all living things! 

Except we all know the harsh realities of life don’t stop when December begins. Maybe this is precisely the right time to tell the truth—life is hard. Life is hard and there are things we don’t understand. Life is hard and we’ve suffered losses that are even harder to bear at Christmas time. We should be honest with ourselves and with God about these harsh realities. 

This is where our grief and despair collide with another powerful truth— God’s unfailing love, and promise of new life in Jesus. 

Friends, this Advent season may we give ourselves permission to acknowledge our struggles and grief and look forward with hope to the new life Jesus promises to give.

God of light, shine your love into the darkness of life. May we be reminded today that this season is about a Love that will never let us go. In the holy name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. 

Jennifer Heavner is Pastor of Star of Bethlehem and a member of the Lutheran Congregational Services’ Advisory Board.

Monday, November 28, 2022

Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

As I read Matthew 11:28 I couldn’t help thinking about my last two years as church council president at Friedens Church, Shartlesville.

First off, with COVID in full swing, council decided no more in-house services. We went to ZOOM and Facebook. Contributions kept coming in but at a slower pace.

Then, our oil delivery company let us run out of fuel oil on a cold, Sunday morning. We took care of that. Then in spring we had two new fuel tanks installed with a reader gauge. The same summer, our central air-conditioning units quit. While council helped make the decisions, as council president, I felt there was a lot to carry on my shoulders.

Things were starting to go along well when our pastor called and wanted to talk to me and our council VP. When we met, our pastor said she was just diagnosed with cancer. She needed further testing and would keep us informed. Pastor helped us schedule supply pastors when she could. And then chemo started. COVID was still going strong. These were trying times but we kept going forward.

Finally, COVID was lessening and we opened church with masks. We continued virtual broadcasts along with continued prayers for our pastor.

Often, I wonder what is next, how much can we take, why are we getting tested like this?

As I reflect at all the things going on in this world, there are others that have a much heavier burden on their shoulders than I do. And I am now happy to report that our pastor rang the bell to indicate her final chemo treatment.

Lifter of all burdens, please be with church leaders, those facing difficult diagnoses, and all who carry so much on their shoulders. Amen.

Randy Haag is long-time member and council president of Friedens Church, Shartlesville.

Sunday, November 27, 2022

He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. Hebrews 1:3a

The Letter to the Hebrews begins with a declaration that Jesus is the “reflection of God’s glory” and “the exact imprint of God’s very being.”

People who knew my mother say I look just like her. Indeed, when I sawmy cousin, I thought I was seeing my uncle. We ARE a reflection of our ancestors. When the announcement is made, “today’s reading is from the letters to the Hebrews”, my mind goes to “by faith.” This phrase is used many times in Chapter 11 and goes through a genealogy of Biblical characters.

By faith, my ancestors left their homes to go to a new place. By faith, my ancestors took a boat ride across the Atlantic Ocean, a ride that many did not survive. By faith, my ancestors settled on property in Penn’s woods. By faith, my ancestors organized Lutheran congregations in their neighborhood. By faith, my life path has taken me to being a professional educator in the Church.

Am I also a “reflection of God’s glory” and “the exact imprint of God’s very being”? Whoa, that is scary and carries a lot of responsibility - to pass on the love God has for all of us. Because of Jesus and the words he spoke of God’s loving grace, I am sustained by faith as my ancestors were throughout their lives. May you too be a reflection of God’s love this day.

Loving Savior, thank you for sustaining my daily life through your word and deed of sacrifice pointing me to God’s gracious love. Amen.

Deacon Marlane Druckenmiller is retired after 46 years serving 7 congregations in Northeastern PA as Director of Christian Education, working with children, youth, volunteers, women’s groups and leader in all aspects of congregational life.

Daily Advent Devotional Posts Will Start on Sunday, November 27, 2022

Christmas Day, 2021

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy.  (Titus 3:4)

We hear it said often:  “She’s such a nice person.  There’s a special place in heaven for her.”  Hmmm…is being good all that is needed to spend eternity with God? 

Not according to today’s Bible verse. In fact, not according to all of God’s word. None of us are worthy of God’s mercy yet, He blesses us with grace through the Holy Spirit which is all that is needed to lead us to eternal life. Nothing we do—whether it’s good work, kind deeds, or sacrifices can gain us eternal salvation.

Once God has called us to Himself and calls us His own, there is nothing we can do to make ourselves more righteous in His eyes.   It is all God’s kindness towards us, His love for us.  His tender heartedness towards His elect declares us righteous and forgiven of all sin—forever. 

No matter how much good work you do, how much kindness you show, you cannot gain more favor with God. And, because God showed us grace and kindness, we in turn must show kindness to everyone we meet. 

As Christians, we should be known for our kindness.  Make it a goal this Advent to be zealous for God—make it a point to go out of your way and out of your comfort zone to show kindness to those in need. 

Merciful and loving God, cause me to be your hands and feet to everyone I meet.  May those I see this day and every day see your loving kindness in me.  Amen.

Chris Naessens is Administrative Assistant for Human Resources at Liberty Lutheran and a member and deacon at Oreland Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

 

Christmas Eve, 2021

 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. (Isaiah 9:2-7)

 

As we celebrate the joy of Christmas, we do so in the midst of a continuing pandemic, recovery from hurricanes and wildfires, and remnants of long-lasting wars. There are many valleys of darkness in our world today. Yet, we celebrate joyfully that, “a son is given to us.”

 

There are many instances in the scriptures where a new dawn is announced with the birth of a child who’s filled with divine favor and promise – a child who will break the gloom of darkness and oppression. But, the more comfortable future that the child represents is far off and our hardships exist right now – in the present.  How can our faith rely on something so distant and so fragile? 

 

When my husband and I brought our first-born child home, we had no idea how we were going to be able to deal with him and his many needs. But, we could sense that our lives had been changed forever. As we held our vulnerable, dependent child in our hands, he seemed like this bridge between what we had in the present – and the time that was to come.  We felt more responsible to care for what we might leave behind when our time on earth ends – and more confident about possibilities for starting anew. 

 

I once read somewhere that our offspring “are like windows onto a time that offers a new light” – new perspective – new hope.  They remind us of our responsibilities to them and to the world and of our own deep-rooted dependency on God as we move into the future. 

 

As we celebrate the birth of the Christ child – a tiny vulnerable infant entering into an uncertain and risky world – we are reminded of the committed parenthood of God – the one who will nurture and protect us into a promised future that transcends the darkness and offers a light that shines – even in the dark places.

 

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, thank you for sending your Son to live among us and bring light and hope to the dark place in our world.  Amen.

 

Paulette Obrecht is a pastor in the Northeast PA Synod, who serves as an associate chaplain for St. Luke’s Hospital and helps with various projects for Lutheran Congregational Services/Lutheran Disaster Response.