advent devotional 2012 at knightdale baptist

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Table of Contents

December 2nd

(Cathy Maynard)................................................................................................... 5

December 3rd

(Brian Martin)........................................................................................................ 6

December 4th

(Rev. Joe Johnston) ............................................................................................... 8

December 5th

(Rev. Trent Sessoms)............................................................................................. 9

December 6th

(In memory of Annie Maynard) .......................................................................... 10

December 7th

(In memory of Lois Massey) ............................................................................... 11

December 8th

(Bill Scanlon)........................................................................................................ 12

December 9th

(Mary Frances Lewis) .......................................................................................... 13

December 10th

(Cathy Maynard) ............................................................................................... 14

December 11th

(In memory of Kathy Bailey) ............................................................................. 15

December 12th

(In memory of Jim Schmiedel) .......................................................................... 16

December 13th

(Rev. Joe Johnston) ........................................................................................... 18

December 14th

(Old hymn/carol)............................................................................................... 20

December 15th

(In memory of Violet Coldwell) ......................................................................... 21

December 16th

(Frances Glover) ................................................................................................ 22

December 17th

(Rev. Trent Sessoms)......................................................................................... 23

December 18th

(In memory of Ila Beane) .................................................................................. 24

December 19th

(Rev. Hal Roach) ................................................................................................ 25

December 20th

(Polish Folk carol) .............................................................................................. 26

December 21st

(Rev. Trent Sessoms) ......................................................................................... 27

December 22nd

(Edith Tew) ....................................................................................................... 28

December 23rd

(In memory of Anne Overby) ............................................................................ 29

December 24th

(Jean Raybon).................................................................................................... 30

December 25th

(Cathy Maynard) ............................................................................................... 32

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Sunday, December 2, 2012

In the Beginning

When God set out to make this great big world, He also knew what kind of hearts Satan was going to

find in us and how willing man would be to fall into his snares. But God had a plan- He would send His

one and only Son!

This is the same Son whose very words had set apart the darkness from the light; water from land; and

spoke the sun, moon, and stars into existence. The One through whom all creation began-even man.

This very creative part of God was sent to earth to be born a baby in a feeding trough, of all places. He

had been living in the most beautiful place-Heaven-but now He would be laid in a feeding trough,

wrapped in strips of scrap clothes with hay poking Him and maybe even some of the bugs that He had

created irritating Him.

But let’s back up. God knew from the beginning, maybe for millenniums, that this was where His

Cherished Son would have to be on this night in Bethlehem. He knew about the suffering that His

precious Son would have to endure and that it was for mankind and our hearts so bent toward Satan

and not toward their Creator that Jesus was sent. Even more, He knew about the torture of the cross

that we, the ones He was sent to bring salvation to, would impose on Him. But God was still willing to

send His Sin.

And we worry and are anxious. God has it all under control. He had millenniums to wait before He was

to see the resurrection and mankind brought back to Him, the One who created them. Remember the

reason that we celebrate Christmas is not for the gifts we will receive but for the Gift we have already

received-Salvation. Not for the cradle, but for the cross.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was

God. He was with God in the beginning.

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been

made.”- John1:1-3

Lord, You are the one who loves us best. Help us to put away the things that snare us at this time of

year and to put away the anxiety that holds us captive. Amen

Cathy Maynard

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Monday, December 3, 2012

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES…OH HOW THEY LINGER

As Christians, “Christmas” means so much more than presents, drinking eggnog, and watching a

screaming child that can’t understand why Mommy just put him on the lap of a fat man wearing

a red suit and a white beard at the mall. We know that Jesus is the reason for the season as we

celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. We all have fond memories of Christmases past that

we go to in our minds on occasion, especially as December 25th

nears. They are reminders to us

of what it’s all about, why we come to church, why we put forth the effort to serve in the

ministry and livelihood of KBC, and why we have been commissioned to witness to the ends of

the earth, keeping hold of the promise that one day every knee will bow and every tongue

confess that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. It all started inside a manger, in a

dirty stable in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. That’s when our Lord and Savior came into this

world to live and die for you and me. It’s this great gift from God that we celebrate every year

at Christmastime.

I grew up at Calvary Baptist Church in Raleigh and Christmastime at church as a child was the

best time of the year. I recall so vividly hopping into the back of a huge, hay-filled truck with 20

other kids about my age and braving the cold night air as we traveled the short distance to view

the enormous and elaborate display on New Bern Avenue that the Cross family constructed

every year of the nativity scene, complete with decorations, multi-colored lights, music, and life-

sized statues of wise men, shepherds, Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, and even life-sized replicas

of all of the barnyard animals that shared the stable space with our Lord and Savior. We would

then venture to nursing homes not too far away; Hillhaven and the Brian Center. We would

walk the halls, singing Christmas carols, bellowing out such favorites as “Joy to the World! The

Lord Is Come,” as we smiled, waved, and shook hands with folks who just happened to be

coming towards the end of this life as we were so much enjoying the early part of ours. I’ll

never forget the way their eyes sparkled; how they smiled when we walked by and how some

mouthed the words to the familiar songs we were singing, closing their eyes briefly as they were

perhaps going back to one of their own favorite childhood memories. I remember riding

through the church parking lot at night with my family and Dad was careful not to hit any of the

candlelit, sand-filled milk jugs that marked the path through the live nativity scene that included

shepherds, angels, Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, and the three wise men with their gold,

frankincense, and myrrh. The music to “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” would be blaring in

distorted fashion through speakers as we inched through the parking lot with headlights turned

off and windows rolled down. Memories such as these make me thankful that God loved me so

much that in spite of my nature, in spite of my weaknesses, and in spite of my sin, he sent his

only son to die for me; to die for us all.

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Sure, I have fond memories of the commercialized part of it, too. I remember my parents

waiting for me as I slipped into this magical room through a door too small for them to fit

through at Hudson-Belk where only children were allowed, so I could buy them Christmas

presents (with the money they had just given me) and have the presents wrapped right before

my eyes. The presents were almost always perfume for Mom and cologne for Dad, and the

cologne was so strong it could knock a dog off a meat wagon, but the gifts were appreciated all

the same. Then there are the fond memories of decorating the Christmas tree and opening

presents at home, one on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas morning, but it’s the

memories I have of the nativity scenes, the memories of church fellowship, and the sharing of

Christ’s love through songs that are the fondest and they are the memories that always bring

me back to the manger in Bethlehem and to the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This

Christmas season, even as you make new memories; reflect on your Christmases past. Reflect

on the precious memories of church, tradition, and Christian fellowship. Even as the world

around us seems to push God further and further away, remember to thank Him for the gift of

salvation, that precious child born to Mary and Joseph who would one day take our place on the

cross, washing our sins away.

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ

the Lord.” – Luke 2:11

Almighty God, Thank you for the gift of eternal life through your son, Jesus Christ. May we

always celebrate the birth of our King of kings and Lord of Lord, now and forevermore. Amen.

Brian Martin

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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

THE CHRISTMAS GIFTTHE CHRISTMAS GIFTTHE CHRISTMAS GIFTTHE CHRISTMAS GIFT

What do you want for Christmas? Christmas is overly commercialized and often that

commercialization overshadows the true meaning we celebrate. However, there is nothing wrong

with giving and receiving gifts. In fact, it can reflect the very heart of Christmas, if handled properly.

I’m glad I have kids because the older I get the less excited I seem to get each year. It’s certainly

true what they say about your toys getting bigger and more expensive as you get older. However,

the allure of the “latest and greatest” doesn’t have the grip on me that it used to. This means that

seeing Christmas items for sale in September end up leaving a bad taste in my mouth. That’s where

my kids help. Seeing their excitement and enthusiasm for the holidays helps me not lose sight of

the goodness found within them in the first place.

A large part of what kids look forward to is receiving (and sometimes giving) gifts. Their eyes light

up as they open each gift and exclaim, “It’s just what I wanted!” The level of unbridled joy they

exude is contagious. At the mention of festivities, their eyes get wide and seem to smile all by

themselves. Their love for all things Christmas takes me back just a bit and reminds me of my own

excitement. Though, my excitement goes beyond the external to the unseen reason for the season.

This Christmas I encourage you to look past the commercialization of Christmas to the greatest gift

anyone can receive. The gift of God, Himself. Allow the excitement of the children in your life to

remind you of the gift of Life that the season celebrates. Look past the circumstances surrounding

the Christmas season. Reflect on the gift God has given in His Son. Pray that God would melt any

hardness of heart toward the goodness found in Christmas. Ask Him to give you excitement for

what He has done as you see reminders of His grace in your life. Don’t let the season be a reason to

think negatively about Christmas. Fight to have your heart warmed by the good news of God’s

ultimate gift, His Son, for your adoption as sons and daughters; His life and death for your life after

death; His perfect gift and your empty hands.

With my mouth I will greatly extol the LORD; in the great throng I will praise him.

Psalm 109:30Psalm 109:30Psalm 109:30Psalm 109:30

Lord, Help us to dismiss the busyness and commercialism of this season and get back to the

JOY that it is supposed to hold. Thank you for loving your children. May we be ever mindful

of your fatherly presence in our lives. Amen.

Joe Johnston

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Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Are You Ready for Christmas?

Luke 2:16-20 – And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.

And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these

things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all

they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Are you ready? That seems to be a common question as we draw closer to the Christmas season.

Obviously, stores and shopping centers are ready. Many of them were ready for Christmas before

Halloween. That question carries many connotations. For some, it may imply the need to purchase

Christmas presents, wrapping up any shopping before the big day. Others, it might mean getting all the

lights strung and decorations hung. In church, it means preparations for various gatherings, parties,

services, etc. Safe to say this is a busy time of year.

My grandfather has the best retort to the question “are you ready?” Whenever asked that question, he

responds, “I’m always ready.” To him, the lights, gifts, and gatherings are all good things, but the

preparation for Christmas has to occur all year. He explains that to be ready for Christmas is really to

prepare for the arrival of Christ, something that occurs on a daily basis.

Jesus is always entering into our lives, revealing more of the nature of God, helping us experience things

fresh and new, and providing that saving grace we all require. To be ready for Christmas is to prepare

ourselves for the arrival of Jesus Christ, not just once a year, but all the time.

So, when I’m asked, “Are you ready for Christmas?”, I always remember the words of my grandfather.

To prepare for the coming of Christ is a daily preparation, because Jesus is always there, helping us each

day to experience the love of God. This year, may you truly prepare for Christmas … every day.

God, who gives to us and provides us with so much, thank you for the gift of your Son. Upon his

arrival, you inaugurated change that this world desperately needed. Help us to see each day the need

we have for a Savior, and may we always prepare for his daily presence in our lives. Amen.

Trent Sessoms

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Thursday, December, 6

Knowing

It was wonderful growing up in a home with my parents and my older sister. We were very mission

oriented and we were taught to give to the special offerings, such as, Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong

plus tithe. My parents decided every year that they would give as much to Mission Offerings as they put

in their most expensive gift they gave to any person. We lived three houses up from the church on the

same street. Every year the youth would go caroling and come back to our house for hot chocolate and

some of mom’s great home baked goodies. Her specialty was gingerbread with lemon sauce on it. The

youth looked forward to that from one year to the next. Once they got there, they didn’t want to leave

even if it was Christmas.

The three years that I have been living with Jeffrey and Cathy, the best way to celebrate Christmas is

what they do, in putting the sacred side most important. On Christmas morning we all gather in the

main bedroom of the children and nobody can gather at the tree or open presents until the Christmas

story is read from the Bible. Also, they start with their own nativity set when they are born and they add

to it each year. They love displaying this and showing it to their friends that come in. All through the

Christmas season, we remember I Corinthians 13: “and now abideth Hope, Faith, Love, but the greatest

of these is Love.” As Tiny Tim said, “May God bless us everyone!”

Dear God, we thank you for the opportunities to share in spreading your truth by giving, praying and

going. Amen

19191919Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inaaaa the name of the

Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20202020and teaching them to obey everything I

have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28: 19-20

In loving memory of Annie Maynard /December 19, 2004

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Friday, December 7, 2012

This special holiday Season we are preparing for family gatherings, buying gifts

and attending meetings. During our anxiety to have everything taken care of,

sometimes we fail to tell our loved ones and friends we love them. We worry

over buying the perfect gift for friends-let’s not forget to remember the greatest

gift of all has been given to us; Jesus Christ.

Be kind and loving to each other and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ. Ephesians 4:32

Heavenly Father,

There is so much trouble and turmoil in the world, we fail to stop and give

thanks to you for our many blessings. If it be thy will, give us the wisdom to

accept the responsibility that comes with being a Christian. Help us to set

examples of Christian love to others. Thank you God for thy many blessings.

Amen

In loving memory of Lois Massey/December 7, 2003

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Saturday, December 8, 2012

Luke 1:76-79 details the role that John the Baptist would play in preparing people

for the coming of our Lord. He was sent to make people’s hearts ready for the

change that was coming. He was sent to prepare the way for Christ and to give his

people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of our sins. So that Christ

could shine on us and guide our feet into the path of peace.

Is your heart and mind ready to accept Christ’s embrace and to follow him to peace

and salvation? Are you ready to put away the cares of the world and to come out

of the darkness into Christ’s light? One way to remember the path to peace is to

remember the following:

Place

Everything

After

Christ’s

Embrace

He has opened His arms to us. Advent is a wonderful time to prepare your mind,

heart and soul to receive Christ’s embrace. Accept the gift of forgiveness that our

merciful God has provided through his Son, Jesus Christ. If you put that first than

everything else will start to fall into place.

“See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then

suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of

the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty.

Malachi 3:1

Lord, help us to find the peace that comes from you and you alone. And help us to point others toward

you and away from the fast pace that swallows us up this time of year. Amen

Bill Scanlon

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The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in a land of great darkness, on them light has shined. Isaiah 9:2

The Christmas Gift

God came down at Christmas so humankind could experience His love, mercy and grace “close up and

personal.” Through knowing Jesus, they would come to know the Father. Jesus, both human and divine,

with the very soul of God – born to a virgin and conceived by God’s Holy Spirit.

Enlightenment

It was difficult for the Hebrew people to identify with a God they could not see. Through Jesus, God

showed us all, a perfect example of His love. Jesus would be the way of salvation from our sins, that we

too, might have eternal life with God. When Jesus went to be with the Father, He did not leave us alone.

The Holy Comforter, God’s Holy Spirit, came to dwell in our hearts. He came to dispel the darkness of sin

and ignorance and to enlighten those who seek wisdom and spiritual discernment. He is our teacher,

guide and giver of spiritual gifts.

A New Covenant

God sacrificed His only begotten son for us. (Is that love or what?) Jesus’ life was not taken from Him. He

gave it up, to save us from our sins, for He was God’s plan for our salvation. That is love PERSONIFIED!

God’s wondrous love.

Dear Loving, Living God,

For life’s blessings that you give to me,

For earth’s beauty and for eyes to see,

For ears to hear the music of the birds,

And sweet sounds of loved ones words.

Thank You God for everything,

For being Master, Savior, Lord and King

For Your tender mercy and Your love,

That You send down from above.

If peace on earth is meant to be,

Please let that peace begin with me.

Teach me how to share Your word,

With others who may not have heard.

Hear my prayer Lord Jesus, for You are my hope and my joy.

Alleluia, Amen.

Mary Frances Lewis

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All Wrapped Up

No beautiful paper, no lovely bow;

Only a gift in a manger so long, long ago.

He was wrapped up in cloths, His mother had

brought,

This gift of a child that God's children had

sought.

There was no tree full of lights, no tree full of

balls,

Only a manger so hard in a lowly, cold stall.

His mother and father were the only ones

there,

No family, no friends, no one else to share.

Yet, there He lay, in that cold, cold place;

This King of Kings, a gift of God's grace.

Mary and Joseph could hardly have known

The burden He was to bear, when He was full

grown.

Yet they were in awe of this child they were

given.

This wonderful gift sent down from Heaven.

O, the wonder of that night, and the mystery it

entailed;

A story of God's love, that before had been

veiled.

Wrapped up in this Child was all of God's love;

For God had sent Jesus to us from above.

There also was grace, all-sufficiently given

A marvelous way for us to gain heaven.

Peace was wrapped up in this bundle of joy

Wrapped up in this wonderful, blessed little

boy.

And hope was there too, for you and for me'

A hope that this world would one day see.

The gift that God sent was to us and to them,

We must share that gift again and again.

Let's remember that night and the gift that was

given

That gift of God's Son sent to us from

heaven.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19 For the Love that came down at Christmas, we thank you. For the grace and joy you share

with us, thank you. Amen

CFM

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The Best Present

I was five months into my second pregnancy. I had already been blessed with a beautiful baby boy as a

birthday present the year before. On this birthday in 1981, my eyes started hemorrhaging on the inside.

A specialist examined me and suggested laser surgery. If that did not stop the bleeding, then he would

recommend termination to save my vision.

I prayed continuously to our wonderful Lord. I turned my baby and my eyes over to Him. Needless to

say, there were numerous Christian friends and family members lifting the baby and myself up in prayer.

We made it through to December 1. The doctor preformed an amniocentesis to determine if the baby

was developed enough to be born. After the lab report showed lung maturity, my daughter, Lindsey

Kathryn was born the following day. Within 30 minutes, she stopped breathing, had to be intubated and

was subsequently transported to UNC hospital. Prayers continued to be offered for my little girl. She

went through a rough time, but after seven days, she was ready to come home.

During the follow-up visit to my doctor, he told me he did not have to wish me “Merry Christmas” I had

already gotten my present this year. I wholeheartedly agreed. God had blessed this long term diabetic

with another beautiful child.

I have often thought about how Mary, the mother of our Lord and Savior, must have felt when she

looked upon the face of her Son Jesus giving birth on that wonderful night so long ago. I can’t help but

think that she got teary eyed when the shepherds came and worshiped Him. Could you imagine her

feelings later when the three wise men came from so very far to visit her son, “the new KING!”

As I thank God daily for the gift of my two children, I have tried to teach them to thank God daily for the

gift of his Son. I, like Mary, will ponder all of God’s blessings, not just at Christmas, but daily.

Luke 1: 46-55; Luke 2; Matthew 2

Dear God, Thank you for Mary, who had such a strong, yet humble faith, that you chose her to be the

Mother of our Lord Jesus. Help us to continuously remember that there is no greater gift for us than

your love and grace. In Jesus’ mane, Amen

In loving memory of Kathy T. Bailey/December 14, 2010

(God’s greatest gift in Hebrew)

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It’s an inherited trait! My father, a gentle, quiet and disciplined man, set aside the ‘disciplined’

characteristic beginning with the onset of Advent. He LOVED Christmas, as do I. So many wonderful

memories but, when I reflect on Christmas seasons past, my warmest memories are always those of

children and church.

During my childhood, the day before Christmas was always passed-slowly, it seemed- at the

Wisconsin home where my mother was raised. She had nine brothers and sisters, all with good-sized

families, the farmhouse in Fond du Lac-though large was brimming with excited, dashing, chattering

children. This day was one of the few when we children were allowed in the parlor, where the

decorated fir tree stood in its splendor by the large front window for all passersby to enjoy. After a

meal that included turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and multiple desserts, the

remainder of the evening was spent returning by car to Milwaukee, with my brother and me wrapped

in blankets as protection against the cold (This was Wisconsin, remember!) By midnight we were

inside Christ the King Church, where the decorations always included a nativity scene flanked by two

Balsam Fir trees decorated with hundreds of lights. That nativity scene, with its almost life-sized

figures, was always a wondrous sight to me.

As my own children were growing, our Christmas scene changed to the homes of their grandparents.

The trip from our home was just long enough to enjoy a taped recording of Charles Dickens’s ‘A

Christmas Carol’, Tiny Tim’s ‘God Bless Us, Every One!’ uttered just as we arrived. Not quite as many

excited children impatiently waiting for Christmas, though fifteen is still abundance! Christmas day

always started early, but by mid-morning we traveling toward Good Hope Church, the trip often

preceded by a snow removal effort on our driveway. (Wisconsin! Remember?) This church, round

and regal, was host to many young families, and the children easily outnumbered the adults.

By 1988, our home in Raleigh became the gathering place at Christmas. This house had a cathedral-

type ceiling, and the difficulty of finding a tree large enough to fill it was surpassed only by the effort

required to bring the ‘prize’ into the house. Thankfully, our youngest child, Patrick, was nearby to

help with this task. Paul and Lynn, still living in Wisconsin, would arrive by Christmas Eve, always in

time to join us for a late evening trip to Our Savior Church, with its outdoor nativity scene and

traditional German hymns. For the Christmas of 1995, we were additionally blessed with the

presence of our first grandchild. Though no longer in good health, new-grandma’s joy would never be

greater.

Even now, after more years than I care to count, Christmas remains for me children and Church. Paul,

Lynn with Jamie and Jordan, are far away with traditions of their own, but Patrick remains nearby and

Jenna, Connor, Zoe, Lucy, Taylor, Deans and Thomas are here with me to watch, listen to and enjoy.

And there is Knightdale Baptist Church, with its greens, poinsettia tree, choir and fellowship, and

where, on the eve of the anniversary of Jesus’ birth, I can marvel once again at a God who loves us so

much as to send His only Son to earth to redeem us.

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People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for our churches, where we can gather in fellowship to

praise you. We thank You, for your gift of children. Dear Father, this Advent season, instill in us a

child-like sense of wonder and gratitude for the great gift of your redeeming Son. Amen

In loving memory of Jim Schmiedel/December 3, 2003

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Thursday, December 13, 2012

A WINTER WONDERLAND

Man’s maker was made man,

that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother’s breast;

that the Bread might hunger,

the Fountain thirst,

the Light sleep,

the Way be tired on its journey;

that the Truth might be accused of false witness,

the Teacher be beaten with whips,

the Foundation be suspended on wood;

that Strength might grow weak;

that the Healer might be wounded;

that Life might die.

-Augustine of Hippo

The maker was made. That idea seems demeaning in some way; the God of the universe

shrinking down to become a part of something lesser. It confounds the mind and almost

appears wrong. How could the Creator of all make Himself a finite part of His vast universe?

And, more importantly, why would He do such a thing?

God, the only being who has a right to self-serving, decides to leave His throne to join the ranks

of men made of clay. Paul describes God’s example to us in Philippians 2. He writes, “He made

himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And

being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!” God testifies about Himself that He was made nothing. That seems like

harsh language that we shouldn’t use about the God of the universe, except for the fact that He

says it of Himself. The only response we can have to this is awe and wonder. Anything less than

this belittles the amazing act of humility we find in the incarnation.

But why did God choose to come down? What is the motive behind His condescension? God’s

motive is twofold. He primarily is concerned for His own glory. As the greatest and best thing in

(or out of) all creation, it would be wrong for Him not to make much of Himself. For us, this act

is sinful due to our lack of greatness. But God suffers from no lack of majesty. In a secondary

way, God’s love for us motivates Him to abandon the bliss of His natural state and descend into

the muck and mire of humanity. His hand was not forced. He knew no loneliness due to His own

triune nature. The only compelling force was His own compassion for His creation. God’s love

toward us is truly amazing.

1111Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through

our Lord Jesus Christ, 2222through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in

which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God…. 8888But God

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demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:1-2; 8

Thank you for going the extra mile for us; for loving us beyond measure and for sending us

your Son as our Saving Grace-full and abundant beyond our feeble minds expectations.

Amen

Joe Johnston

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O Haste, The Blessed Babe Is Born

O haste, the blessed Babe is born! The King expected long:

Haste, haste, with eager footsteps forth, Amid the joyous throng.

With angel choirs His praises sing,

His birthday glad proclaim; And when, long since on Christmas morn, They to the shepherds came.

Ere dawning day their anthems raise,

“Glory to God on high,” “Glory to God,” from ev’ry land

Let ev’ry tongue reply.

For “unto us a Child is born, To us a Son is given;”

To raise us from our fallen state, He stooped to earth from Heaven.

Then gladly hail this festal day, Your joyous voices raise;

On this our holy Christmas morn Let all men sound His praise.

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

We praise You Father for your gracious gift. Let us shout it from the highest places, “Jesus

Christ has come!” Amen old hymn/carol

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My Church

Before I was born My Church gave to my parents ideals of life and love that made my house a

place of strength and beauty.

My church enriches my life with romance and religion, and the lessons of life that have been

woven into the texture of my soul. Sometimes I seem to have forgotten and then, when I might

surrender to the foolish and futile ideals of life, the truth My Church taught becomes radiant,

insistent and inescapable.

In the stress and storm of adolescence My Church heard the surge of my soul and she guided

my footsteps by lifting my eyes toward the stars.

When first my heart knew the strange awaking of love My Church taught me to chasten and

spiritualize my affection. She sanctified my marriage and blessed my home.

When my heart seamed with sorrow and I thought the sun would never rise again, My Church

drew me to the friend of all the weary and whispered to me the hope of another morning,

eternal and tearless.

Now have come the Children, Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren dearer to me than life itself

and My Church is helping to train them for all joyous and Christly living.

My Church calls me to her heart. She asks my service and loyalty. She has a right to ask it! I

will help her to keep aflame and aloft the torch of a living faith.

Love and Merry Christmas to My Church Family,

Violet Colwell In loving memory of Violet Colwell/ December 20, 2004

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As a little child, Christmas meant Santa Clause, gifts, and apples and oranges and

peppermint sticks and nuts in a stocking that Mama had made for us from one of

Daddy’s socks. (The apples and oranges were a special treat because we didn’t have

fresh fruit very often.)

As I grew into adulthood, I realized that the greatest gift of all is the birth of our Savior,

Jesus Christ.

I still enjoy and love the warmth of family, friends, and the giving and receiving of gifts,

and the fellowship shared at this special time. All of this is possible because “Unto us a

Child is born, unto us a Son is given”.

To the shepherds in the fields keeping watch over their flocks the angel said to them

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in

the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord”. Luke

2:10-11

Let us come and adore Him, Christ the King.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

Thank you Lord for the greatest gift any of us will ever receive and help us to not be

afraid to share the good news with others. Amen

Frances Glover

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Pointing the Way

Matthew 2:9b-10 – And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went

before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they

saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

At this time of year, we have a story of someone who truly captures the Christmas spirit and exemplified

with his own life the message of our Lord Jesus Christ. And that is Santa Claus. Of course, over the years

Santa Claus has been incorporated into ad campaigns and the overall decorative theme of Christmas.

Even Coca-Cola marketed Santa. As many enjoy the lore of jolly ole’ St. Nick, we might not always take

the time to appreciate the spiritual significance Santa Claus brings to the Christmas holiday.

The story of Santa has roots within our own religious heritage. Originally, the “jolly old elf” Saint

Nicholas was Nicholas of Myra, a church bishop during the fourth century. As the story goes, Nicholas of

Myra became well-known for his methods of secret gift giving. Over the years, many stories have

developed about Nicholas, but none more popularized than the cookie eating, present giving, sleigh

riding, toy making, North Pole living, red suited, white bearded, and apparently Coca-Cola drinking man

who arrives once a year to deliver goodies for all the nice children. While the stories of St. Nicholas may

have become varied and adapted for differing cultures, the history of this church bishop helps us

remember the gracious nature the birth of Christ calls each of us to live.

In devotion to the Messiah whose birth we celebrate, dedicated people like Nicholas of Myra, the

inspiration for Santa Claus, who lived the gospel in his own way of giving gifts helps us understand the

reason we celebrate. As we exchange gifts with one another, it reminds us of the greatest gift given to

this world from a loving God who sought to show us that love more fully realized. Over the years, each

of us has enjoyed someone in our lives who showed us what Christmas is truly about. Those “saints” in

our lives are some to be celebrated, whose stories should continue to be told, and who remind us of the

greatest present any of us could ever receive.

So, this year, may we remember that the efforts of devoted, dedicated believers help us connect to the

spirit of Christmas on an even deeper level. May we see their works as they are intended, as directing

us to the true source of the Christmas spirit, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Loving God who provides us with so many gifts, may you continue to reveal yourself through the

works of your dedicated servants, and may they continue to point towards the source of joy and

celebration. Help us to be the type of people who live lives so rich with your gracious nature that our

story directs others to yours. Amen.

Trent Sessoms

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My Fondest Memories

When I was a child we would get up around 4 AM on Christmas morning. We never could sleep

the night before because we were so excited. The Christmas when I was eight year old, I woke

to a foot of snow on the ground and it was still snowing heavily. We ran into the living room to

see what Santa had brought. My brother, Bun, had a red ‘Western Flyer” wagon. I had a doll in

a little green willow rocking chair and a little kerosene lamp, (we did not have electricity then).

We lighted the little lamp-which made a small light-we all sang while my oldest sister played

Christmas carols on the piano. My mom called us to breakfast. I remember the side board

being loaded down with cakes, fruit cakes, chocolates of all kinds, fresh coconut and oranges.

We still have the old ‘sideboard’ in my daughter’s dining room as it holds so many pleasant

memories.

I still remember putting our hats under the Christmas tree and they would be filled with fruit,

nuts and candy. Looking back over my childhood and Christmas memories, I can say that we

never had an elaborate Christmas, but we had a wonderful time with little. Although we did

not receive much in terms of presents, we did receive much in terms of family and the

experience of being together.

3333I thank my God every time I remember you. 4444In all my prayers for all of

you, I always pray with joy. Philippians 1:3-4

Thank you for loving us enough to give your only Son that we might have eternal life. Thank

you for giving us families to love us. Amen

In memory of Ila Beane/ December 13, 2010

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“A Boy and His Scarf”

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,

that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Christmas morning in 1962 came and went in the usual way. Once-wrapped presents had long been

opened, wrapping paper loaded into the old, metal trash cans and toys, once new and fun, had already

begun to lose their luster. The inevitable melancholy of Christmas night was upon us. The only glimmer

of hope was the fact that my aunt and uncle would soon arrive in a few days from Minneapolis with

more presents! The day soon arrived as we looked out the front living room window. “They’re here!”

“They’re here!”, we yelled as they pulled up in front of the house. I wish I could honestly say that I was

more excited to see them, but the truth was that I just wanted to see what presents they had brought.

After all the hugs, it was now time to exchange gifts. My teenage sister, Susan, opened her present first

and received a nice diary. Opening his gift next, my 12 –year old brother, Bob, was excited to find an

electric metal-working set. My younger brother, Jim, then opened his gift and found a neat, blow-up,

clown punching bag. Finally, it was my turn. I hurriedly ripped off the wrapping paper, opened the box,

only to find a brand, new…scarf! The perfect gift for a nine-year old boy! I was so overcome with

emotion that I ran to my room and cried. I didn’t know what kind of gift they would bring me, but a scarf

never entered my mind.

The ancient Jews had long waited for their messiah; one that would be a mighty warrior and conqueror

like King David. However, God had a different kind of Messiah in mind when He spoke through the

prophet Isaiah, saying,

“For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

This Christmas, may each of us truly accept God’s greatest gift of all, His Son, Jesus, into our hearts

and lives. Amen

Shalom,

Hal Roach

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Thursday, December 20, 2012

Infant Holy, Infant LowlyInfant Holy, Infant LowlyInfant Holy, Infant LowlyInfant Holy, Infant Lowly

Infant holy, Infant lowly, for His bed a cattle stall; Oxen lowing, little knowing, Christ the Babe is Lord of all.

Swift are winging Angels singing, Noels ringing, Tidings bringing: Christ the Babe is Lord of all.

Flocks were sleeping, Shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new Saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of a gospel true.

Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing, greet the morrow: Christ the Babe was born for you.

Polish folk carol published in 1925

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7

Precious Lord who came to earth as a baby and was born in such humble

surroundings, keep us ever mindful of your sacrifice and let us never forget to

keep you as the center of our celebrations. Then, when we are asked, “How

was your Christmas?” we won’t think of the gifts we received, but of the gift you

gave us and that we need to share with others. Amen

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Continuing the Celebration

Luke 2:14 – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

I call my grandmother “Rae.” Where it came from, no one really knows. My cousin, who is a couple of

years older than me, coined it when she was just a small child. Christmas was always the best at Rae’s

house. She would begin cooking weeks in advance. My favorite was her homemade pecan pies made

with pecans from their trees in the yard. Of course, as grandmothers usually do, when one of her

grandchildren would stop by, Rae would let us sneak a bite. Christmas dinner wasn’t ever the typical

ham. No, Rae always cooked Italian on Christmas as a testament to an Italian uncle in the family.

Christmas was always special because she made it so.

I miss those pecan pies. I miss the gag gifts. Most of all, I miss my grandmother. It’s of course difficult

when you lose someone who means so much to you. How do you celebrate in their absence? How do

you find that excitement when they aren’t here to share it? In the past four years, I’ve had the

opportunity to begin new Christmas traditions and find ways to enjoy the holidays, but they’ll never be

the same.

Undoubtedly, many families will gather to celebrate another Christmas, but this year might be different

because someone is missing. This can be a difficult time for those who are experiencing their first

Christmas without someone who means a great deal to them. This might be the first or one of many,

regardless, their absence is felt.

In life, we experience loss and disappointment, but the source of true joy remains the same. We can be

thankful for the good memories and Christmas might be a time to tell those stories. It might mean a few

tears, but it might also mean more smiles. Even though it will never be the same, it can still be good. I

still tell the stories and share the memories, and continue to have opportunities to make new ones

because I know that the same spirit that resonated with the angels, shepherds, and an ordinary couple

in an extraordinary position resonates with me, just as it did with Rae.

This year, if you find yourself missing a loved one in your Christmas celebration, may you tell those

stories and share those memories. May those stories help you connect to His story. May you see there

is a reason to continue celebrating.

God who gives us reasons to celebrate, may you look upon those heavy hearts missing someone this

season. Help us all see the beauty of time spent in the company of people we love. May those good

memories help us form new ones. Instill within each of us the understanding of true joy at Christmas.

Amen.

Trent Sessoms

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“It’s Christmastime!” Do these words get you excited, thankful, and full of JOY OR do you feel

anxious, overwhelmed and exhausted? If you are part of the latter group—Know that you are

NOT alone, but also know that Jesus came to give you JOY NOT exhaustion. But how do we

get there? I once heard a message from a preacher on JOY and how he had made his life a

JOYful one. He told us the key to finding JOY is actually in the word itself.

Jesus

Others

Yourself

By getting your priorities in the above order, you can experience JOY not only at Christmas, but

throughout the year. My prayer for ALL of us is that we rely on the HOLY SPIRIT to guide our

hands and hearts in finding the JOY that awaits us.

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my

Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that

my JOY may be in you, and that your JOY may be full.” John 15:10-11

“Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than

yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

“I can do ALL things through CHRIST who strengthens me. “ Philippians 4:13

“And the angel said unto them, Fear NOT: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great

JOY, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10

Lord, Help us to find the true JOY of Christmas that only you can give. Amen

Edith Tew

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Sunday, December, 23 2012

The Spirit of Christmas

I have so many good memories of Christmas. It would be so hard to single just one out. One of

the best memories of growing up was “going to grandma’s house”, being with a large family,

eating delicious food, sharing gifts, and listening to all the chatter—you could tell there was a

lot of excitement.

After Robert and I were married and had children, we started our own traditions—the first of

each Christmas season I put out my manger scene with angels, get out my Christmas china and

start playing Christmas music.

Listening to Christmas music, be it instrumental, choir singing, bells ringing—or me

participating—put me in the spirit of Christmas so that I might celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is

such a joy to go to church and hear songs such as ‘The Messiah”, “Silent Night”, “Joy to the

World”, and “Go Tell It On The Mountain”.

It is truly a wonderful experience for me to hear Christmas music about the miraculous birth of

our Lord.

JOY TO THE WORLD! THE LORD IS COME!

13131313Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14141414“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13, 14

Thank you God for loving us so much that you sent your Son to save us, so that we might

have everlasting life. Amen

In memory of Anne Overby /December 4, 2010

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Monday, December, 24 2012

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.”

The Greatest “Love Story” of All Time

Joseph was a man of righteousness and compassion. He was both fearless and obedient. He was rather

poor because he was a carpenter. Joseph was a simple man living an honest life. He had plans to marry

a girl from his village, raise a family, and enjoy life. It did not turn out that way. God called him to a

ministry.

Mary was an ordinary Jewish girl with an extraordinary faith. A woman of virtue and commitment, she

was approximately 13 years old. Mary’s family was very poor. God chose the Messiah’s mother from

the ranks of the poor and lowly. What a humbling responsibility it was for Mary to carry within her body

the Messiah! Such a holy privilege had to be given to someone who could bear both the blessings and

the burdens. God found that person in Mary. God’s message to Mary was sent by way of the Angel,

Gabriel. This was a plan that God had “foreordained before the foundation of the world.” Mary was

considered highly favored by God. She was also informed that “the Lord is with thee.” Mary, at first,

was fearful of the messenger. She couldn’t comprehend how she could be with child, but received this

news obediently, as God’s servant. Her reaction was to question how the promised birth could occur

since she was a virgin. Gabriel declared that the Holy Spirit would be responsible for the conception of

the promised child. The child would not be the offspring of any earthly father. “He shall be called the

Son of God.” It was not considered necessary for Mary or for us to completely understand the way of

God. We must “walk by faith,” faith in God who “specializes in things thought impossible” and “does the

things others cannot do.” Mary agreed to be God’s handmaid to do whatever He asked. This was not a

burden, but a blessing.

Joseph awoke from sleep, did as the Angel of the Lord had bid him and took unto him his wife. Joseph

honors the sacred child that Mary is carrying. Joseph brought his pregnant wife to Bethlehem, about

eighty miles away, on a donkey. Mary was great with child. There was no room in the inn.

Jesus was born in a stable (a feeding place for animals). A donkey, an ox, and a sheep were present in

the stable. Joseph gave his new son the name given by the Angel: He is Jesus! True holiness is found

not in temples and palaces, but in the most humble, poor and ordinary places and in the people and the

creatures that the world most often takes for granted.

Mary wrapped Jesus in swaddling clothes. The Angels were the first to know of Jesus’ birth and then the

Angels came to the lowly shepherds. Most likely, shepherds were given this honor because they were

among the most humble and most scorned individuals in the society at that time. Nothing could have

prepared these simple shepherds for what they would experience. “They feared a great fear.” Terror

filled the shepherds at the sight of the Angel of the Lord. Jesus was to be the Savior for all people, not

just for the movers and shakers in society, but for all people. Oh what great love He had for you and

me!

31

The baby would be found lying in a manger. First just one Angel, now suddenly there was a multitude.

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth; peace, goodwill toward men.” The shepherds came with

haste. They spread the good news by word of mouth. They had no fax machine, no telephone or wire

service. Mary remained quiet. She did no go around town bragging about her child. The shepherds

returned back to their fields glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen.

The shepherds were changed people, and they wanted others to know about it. This reminds us that

Jesus is the Savior of all people. He comes to anyone with a heart humble enough to accept Him by

faith. No qualifications are necessary for Jesus. He welcomes us just as we are. Because of what

happened that night in Bethlehem, we have a reason to sing.

Mary could not have been aware of all that she would have to face. She would endure the gossip as to

the real father of her child, the long trip to Bethlehem on a donkey, the birth of her child in a stable, the

threat from jealous King Herod and another long trip to Egypt and then back to Nazareth. She would

watch as Jesus left the family circle to minister to people in Galilee and Judea. But, worst of all, she

would watch as her son was crucified. She fulfilled all that was asked of her. The real joy of Christian

living comes to those who are willing to do “whatever” great or small, public or private, to the glory of

the one we love.

There was something special about that first Christmas. Jesus was born to special parents, born in a

special way, and born to fulfill a special purpose – to save His people from their sins and to establish “a

kingdom, which shall never be destroyed.” We should recognize that God has given us one grand

package! The gift is ours to open and to treasure, not only at Christmas, but all the year. Oh what a

great love He has for you and me! God loves His only begotten Son, Jesus. Yet, God sent Jesus from

Heaven to earth to live as a man and to be despised, rejected, persecuted, tortured, and killed. A loving

God subjected His beloved Son to all that in order that we might live through Him. How great God’s love

is for us. It is beyond measure and beyond understanding. Thank God it is not beyond belief! It cannot

be doubted, for God proved it by sacrificing His son to pay sins’ penalty for us.

Love in all its fullness, love in all its power, love in all its splendor. Evidence of God’s love is everywhere;

in the sunshine, the rain, the bountiful harvest and the gift of His Son to rescue us from death and give

us life everlasting.

Dear God, we thank you for Jesus, your perfect example of love. Help us always to share that love in our

hearts with others. Lord, this day we ask that you would bless those that feel unwanted and unloved.

Help us to always “love the Lord with all our hearts, with all our soul, and with all our strength.” Amen.

Jean Raybon

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Finally

“It’s here! Finally! The time has been accomplished. Everything and everyone is in place. All the

personal connections have been completed. It will be absolutely perfect!”

“But wait Lord. Are you sure about the place? Isn’t He going to be the new King?”

“Yes, King of their hearts.”

“But why are you sending Him to be born in such a place? Wouldn’t a palace be better or at least a

three bedroom house in a good section of town?”

“No, I am sending Him to everyone so I want Him to be accessible even to the common worker.”

“And what about His parents? They have no nobility.”

“They are favored for their willingness and their heart for me. After all, I want Him to come up in a

house of love and Godly direction. I know that they will not be perfect, but they will do things my way.

They know how to follow directions and will not try to take over.”

“Why Bethlehem? Why not Jerusalem, and why now?”

“Do you not remember what I told Micah? ‘But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among

the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from

of old, from ancient times.’ And what I spoke unto Isaiah? ‘A shoot will come up from the stump of

Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.’ Do you also remember me telling Daniel that their Savior

would come now, at this very time? And I always keep my word. ”

“This I now know and understand. Your Son will be king of their hearts, a Savior for the common man

and rich alike, raised by a family who walks in your way, and be born in a place chosen long ago by

yourself.”

Tomorrow is the day we have been awaiting. Remember that God also awaited it 2000 plus years

ago…and He knew what was awaiting His Son later. Rejoice in His plan!

Micah 5:2; Isaiah 11:1; Daniel 9:25

Thank you Lord for your wonderful, thought-out gift. So may we rest tonight in knowing that it

happened just as you had said it would and we can celebrate with fellow Christians your Son’s birth.

Amen.

Cathy Maynard

advent devotional 2012 at knightdale baptist

Documents

memory of annie maynard

memory of lois massey

memory of kathy bailey

memory of jim schmiedel

memory of violet coldwell

memory of ila beane

memory of anne overby

trent sessoms