Here’s a thought, am I a messenger – yes, am I sent from God – yes, am I to declare the Truth – yes, so that everyone who hears can become a believer – yes, am I the Light – no, can I be one that announces that the Light is coming to everyone – yes.

² But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. ³ He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, ⁴ and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years.

¹⁴ “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.

⁸ This is what the Lord says:

⁴ Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
    burst into jubilant song with music;
⁵ make music to the Lord with the harp,
    with the harp and the sound of singing,
⁶ with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—
    shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

Heavenly Father, help us to use our voices, whether loud and bold as trumpets or quiet and gentle as harps, to spread the life-changing news of your love for us. AMEN

Devotion by  Christine Leist

Isaiah 40:1-5

If there is one thing every person yearns to hear this year of division, pandemic, loss, and uncertainty, it is these words of comfort from God through Isaiah.  The comfort provided to the people of Israel following their predicted captivity shows how compassionate and merciful is our God.  He is our One True Hope from every peril we will ever encounter in this world.  His promises are real and never-changing, unlike those of men or women.

We receive God’s comfort in many ways:  His Divine Presence as the Holy Spirit within us, in the stillness when we seek to listen to God, through the encouragement and prayers of others.

As John the Baptist announces the appearance of Jesus the Christ, we are invited to prepare our hearts for His coming.  God Himself is revealed in the person of Jesus.  He will establish a kingdom of justice and equity.  The “glory of the Lord” will be made manifest in our lives as He bolsters our faith and humbles our pride.

And His kingdom will be without end.  Alleluiah!!! 

Devotion by Gay Lynn Williams

During this time of uncertainty in our world and our country today, we need to humble ourselves in our Heavenly Father and His word.

I will be the first to say that I feel sad, inadequate, not myself at times and fear the unknown. COVID has thrown us a curveball for sure. Our lives have been changed forever. Celebrating Christmas will be different for all of us. Not being with friends and family is not usual.

Jesus came to change the “old” order. He came to minister on this earth. He continues to minister with grace and righteousness. But, there is still evil. The poor and the meek are still with us. There is still violence and injustice.

How do we live in such a world today? We can love unconditionally; we can give of ourselves; we can help the needy; and we can minister to the unbelievers and unchurched among us.
During this Christmas and Advent season, Isaiah allows us to celebrate Jesus’ ministry in the past; surely in the present; and in our promised eternal destiny. Peace, justice and grace are the final words.

Despite the chaos, confusion and uncertainty of our world and country today, Jesus’ promise of peace, justice and grace abide as our eternal reward.

As a lamb of God, can we be righteous? Can we seek justice but not judge? Can we be faithful? Can we lay down with the lion in the full knowledge and love of our Lord?

The world has changed. Yes, it has! Let us continue to seek God’s love; God’s righteousness; and God’s grace in all that we do.

Love and Peace in Christ!

Devotion by Jane Butler

Psalm 85 begins with a look back on God’s faithfulness to His people. As the chapter goes on, the Psalmist is begging God for mercy, again. Remember that feeling? We have all found ourselves in the midst of troubled times, and while we know God is good and remember his faithfulness throughout our lives, we naturally beg Him to “do it again.”

However, the words in verse 8 give us an opposite response seen in earlier verses, as the Psalmist says, “I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants…”

Listening. That is hard, isn’t it? But I find that God’s perfect peace typically comes when I talk to Him about my troubles, yes, but more so when I sit in stillness and let Him speak to my heart.

The prophet Micah shares the good news of Messiah entering into our dark world.  Micah creates anticipation for the coming of the Messiah not just for Israel but for you and me.  Let us focus today on the wonder of the prophecy of our Savior’s coming and allow Micah to help us see the greatness of God’s plan for us.

Micah shares the special way for Christ to arrive!  He’s to be born in Bethlehem—a small, quiet, not very significant town.  In doing this, God choses to use the meek to bring forth the great.  The scripture name Bethlehem Ephrath means “fruitful”.  Surely this town is the most fruitful of all places, bringing us the fruit of everlasting life.  Christ came into our world in the same place as His ancestor, David, fulfilling more prophecy (2 Samuel 7:16).  Micah also creates visions of young David when the prophet says, “He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord” (Micah 5:4).  Like David who fought off bears and lions to protect his sheep, so does our Messiah fight for us with the Lord’s strength.