The Jesse Tree

Advent Devotional 2016 First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights

Artwork by Dez Pain, used with permission

T hese days, people seem to be very interested in their ancestors. Some folks have made pilgrimages to faraway places to find distant cousins

so they can learn more about their families. Others sign up for the DNA kits sold through Ancestry.com that promise to tell you about your ethnic makeup. Many of us are three and four generations removed from our first immigrant family members. We are part of the great American melting pot and we are not sure if we are German or English or Norwe-gian or Swedish. I know one woman who did such an in-depth study of her heritage that she was able to learn that one of her ancestors did indeed come over on the Mayflower.

The Jesse Tree represents our Biblical Ancestry. It is the family tree belonging to Jesus. It is named for the father of King David. You may remember from the Gospel of Matthew how much it is emphasized that Jesus came from the “house and lineage” of David. Each ornament on the Jesse Tree tells the biblical story from the Old Testament through the New Testament.

One year in a church where I was pastor, I simply took a big bare tree branch and put it in a pot of soil. Every Sunday the children would hang two or three ornaments on the tree branch. While they hung the orna-ments I would tell the biblical story behind the ornaments. It can be a beautiful way of linking the Old Testament to the New Testament and also a reminder to each of us of our heritage—the ancestry of our faith, so to speak.

I hope the devotions in this booklet will remind you of the many stories that make up our faith. I hope it will serve as a way to prepare you for Christmas and the child that is being born to show us the way and bind us ever more to the One in whose image we are created.

Blessings, Rev. Judy Hockenberry

A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.” Isaiah 11:1-3

FIRST SUNDAY — November 27, 2016 — by Brian Larson Genesis 3:1-7 This story of Original Sin is a story we all know well—or at least, should know well, because it is core to our faith. To borrow a phrase from comic literature, this is essentially the “origin story” of our faith. With-out this incident from the beginning of Genesis, there is no need for the Christmas miracle that ultimately ends with Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. It defines who we are. Our focus for Advent this year is to look at things from the standpoint of the lineage of Jesus. So if you think about this story of the fall of humankind and realize that we are all mem-bers of the same family tree, what does that mean for us, this far out on the branches? We know that this story explains our sinful nature; in telling us this story, the Bible explains why we need the Savior. That’s pretty straight-forward, but one of the things that always struck me about this passage is not just that each of them sinned, but that each of them were so very quick to blame someone else for causing their sin. As if they had no control over their choices. We clearly aren’t very far out on the branches, because this is far too common of a behavior still. It won’t take you more than a few seconds to think of a famous athlete, politician, or entertainer who not only sinned against a spouse or society but was quick to pass the blame on to some-one else as having made them fall. Somehow we act as if our falling short in sin isn’t so bad if someone else did, too. But that point is irrelevant. We all make our own choices and make our own sins. We thank God (literally) for the gift of Jesus that saves us from this weakness. But even with the gift of grace, what can we do to live a life that better matches Christ’s sinless example? Here’s one simple suggestion. We’re in the Christmas season, when people tend to show great generosity toward each other. It’s a time when people remark that others are behaving “how we should behave all year long.” So my challenge to you is to find those around you who truly have the spirit of the season. Copy those generous deeds, and if you are “caught,” simply respond with the same response as when we sin: “He/she did it, too. Why don’t you?” Let’s use one of our worst phrases to further God’s kingdom in this holiday season, and long beyond.

THEME: ADAM & EVE

MONDAY — November 28, 2016 — by Mary Helfrich Genesis 6:11-22; 9:8-13

As I see it, the story of Noah has three princi-pal characters and two secondary ones. First we have God, Noah, and the Ark. Then there are the animals and the rainbow. When I was young, we called the story “Noah’s Ark,” which seemed to put the

emphasis on the Ark. Certainly children remember things better with images than with concepts. The flannelgraph had an ark and many animals, which we added with glee. And we remembered that Noah, his family, and the animals were good, and were saved from a horrible flood. Later on we had a dollhouse-type ark and animals, which was fun to play with. Still later, my sister taught in the preschool at her church, called “The Ark,” which I think was meant to represent a place of safety and learning about God. Last summer, a theme park opened in Kentucky, north of Lexington. It is called The Ark Experience (arkexperience.com). You will find lots of information on Noah’s Ark at this park, as well as a replica of it, pre-suming that you agree that a cubit is 20 inches, and that measurement was taken from a man’s elbow to the tip of his fingers; presuming that men in Noah’s time were the same size as modern men. I don’t know if this is an exact replica of Noah’s ark or not, but it doesn’t matter to me. Noah is a main character in the story. He’s the one who was pleasing in God’s sight. He built the ark under God’s direction while people around him laughed at his efforts—why was he building a big boat when he was not even close to a lake or ocean? He collected the animals and made provisions for their comfort and food. God decided that the world would be destroyed by a huge flood, but then he spared Noah and his family, because they were good. After the flood, God provided a beautiful rainbow in the sky as a sign that God would not flood the entire world again. This promise extends to us, and reminds us after the rain, of the hope of God’s goodness. Please pray with me: Our loving God, we thank you for the promise of safety if we walk in your way. Thank you for the example of Noah, who walked with you and helped show us the way. Amen.

THEME: NOAH

TUESDAY — November 29, 2016 — by Nancy Lincoln Genesis 12:1-7; Hebrews 11:8 In Matthew, chapter 1, we read of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, “the son of Abraham.”

Today’s scripture from Genesis refers to Abram, whose name God later changes to Abraham. He was the first from the list of Jesus’ genealogy, and the first to whom God called. Abram was called by God to leave his father’s house and to go to a new land and create a new nation.

Throughout Genesis, we read the stories of Abram as he follows God’s call. He, and his wife, Sarai (Sarah), and later his son, Isaac, are faced with diffi-cult choices as they try to trust God and receive God’s promise of land and nation. Sometimes, they trust; more often, being human, they fail. But God’s love is constant and continual.

Much later, in the letter to Hebrews, Abraham’s story is mentioned, referring to his setting out to find something God promised, without knowing where he was going.

Can you think of times you weren’t sure of your path? I can. I think we often wonder, “Am I doing what God has planned for me?” As for Abra-ham, his life was long…very long. And God’s promises were kept, some in Abraham’s time, and others, generations later. Look how long it was before Jesus of Nazareth was born. Abraham obeyed. Oh, that we could look forward to see what impact we might have on Earth in the future. We must keep on obeying God’s call, living on as God’s son, Jesus, taught us.

As we celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus, let us keep in mind the long history before Jesus’ birth…and know that history, and God’s plan, go on. This Christmas, let us look back—and look forward—at the same time.

Prayer: Dear Lord, may we hear the message of the Jesse Tree as we go forward through Advent. We know the story well of the birth of Jesus. May we flesh out our understanding of what came before, in God’s plan for the birth of his Son. Amen.

THEME: ABRAHAM

WEDNESDAY — November 30, 2016 — by Katie Larson Genesis 18:1-15

God has a plan for us and wants to give us the things we wish for, so we need to trust him. Because of the importance family and having children was to Abraham and Sarah, God knew he could make them wait for it.

However, Abraham and Sarah were getting quite old and their hopes had almost completely diminished. Sarah had lost all hope in God because in her view, God had broken his promise of giving her children.

Hurt, Sarah laughed at his statement. Because the promise of being a mother was something she was so emotionally invested in, the reaffirma-tion of that promise caused her even more pain and doubt.

Perhaps long ago, she was already reconciled to the fact that God had changed his mind. Yet, in the end, Sarah got her child, and this further proves to us that God has a plan and keeps his promises.

Even though your wishes may seem impossible, God can do anything, and we need to trust in his plan for us.

THEME: SARAH

THURSDAY — December 1, 2016 — by Ed Harding Genesis 22:1-14

In this passage, Abraham the faithful servant, with much love for his Lord, is willing to sacrifice his only son at the Lord’s request. The Lord provides a ram, caught in some thickets, instead of Isaac. The connection to Jesus is strong, even more so, 1,500 years later; Jesus is the ram for us all, caught in the thickets and sacrificed so we do not have to pay the high price that our actions deserve. For Jesus’ Jewish contemporaries this must have seemed like a strong verification of his message; for us today, it’s a remarkable biblical connection that adds to Jesus’ message.

My father was an elder in the Church of Scotland. There, like here, you’re an elder for life; but unlike here, you serve your entire life, not just three-year periods. The connection to the past that you have through your faith and through those who came before is a comfort and a foundation that can keep you solidly rooted in life. I remember talking with him across the miles on various church-related items and opinions. I think his faith was rooted in a tradition and in the past from those who came before him.

I recently found out (again) that his father, my grandfather, was the bea-dle at their church in Craigentinny, Edinburgh. Knowing my place at this time in my faith journey, I wish I had been able to talk to him about his service as a beadle. The beadle in the Church of Scotland is part janitor and part lay functionary. They walk the Bible down the aisle at the be-ginning of the service and leave it open on the lectern, at the passage to be read for the sermon that day. I wonder now how his faith was formed. Here was a man that at the age of 15 joined the Royal Navy and pro-ceeded to fight through two world wars. He never talked of them. Did his faith grow during those years, was it lost, or was it always strong?

I remember stories of him being a “bit of a lad” as a young man; he nev-er wanted the responsibility of promotion, and had a few reprimands in his pay book. But here he was, the beadle of a church in Edinburgh, a well-thought-of role, regarded in the community. Oh, for an hour to sit and talk to him about it now. I’m sure on one of those Sundays he would have opened the Bible to Genesis 22. Did he see the amazing connection?

Before it’s too late, take the time to speak to someone important to you who is from an older generation. Learn of his or her faith journey. It may add foundation to yours.

THEME: ISAAC

FRIDAY — December 2, 2016 — by Mary Larson Genesis 28:10-22

God always keeps God’s promises. Jacob is an integral part of the lineage of Jesus and our connection as Christians to God. This passage encourages us to reflect on God’s promise of everlasting life in heaven. I think of heaven as God’s eternal kingdom, but I don’t think it’s restricted to life after this one. I think this

passage alludes to an idea that heaven is close at hand; we should make this time and place as much God’s kingdom as whatever we believe will happen after our time on earth is done. I cherish the idea that I have the opportunity to make life better for others and to share the joy of the good news. I can serve Christ here and now and enjoy being alive. I won’t just rest in the hope of eternal joy but will relish the wonders and blessings of now. What better time to do this than during the Advent season? The story of Jacob’s ladder shows that heaven is within our grasp. We rejoice in the coming birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, knowing he died because God so loved us so that he wanted us to live eternally in God’s kingdom with him. Let’s pray that we may reach out to the rungs of that ladder and help others to climb it as well. Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the precious gift of Jesus and for giving us the opportunity to live in your kingdom here and now as well as for all eternity. Amen.

THEME: JACOB

SATURDAY — December 3, 2016 — by Adam Hendrickson Genesis 37:1-4 If I dream of fire, grant me the courage to understand the nature of fire. For when the nature of fire is encouraged by the nature of humankind, they often think not of what will remain. There is love, and yet there is

anger. A fire, rising within me. Where will it rise to? Where will I rise to?

I was raised to welcome the stranger, and yet I feel like a stranger in these lands. My father had high hopes for me, saying that his struggles

were untroublesome. “Why should those that follow struggle more than those that came before?” he would say. That was his hope for me, that I

would struggle less. Yet, here I am, burning through that hope. The struggle of who I came to be, and the ashes that remain of my dreams.

The fire rises.

Will the wonder of dreaming become foreign to me, like this land, and

like these people that I do not recognize? People who were once like my father. My father never speaks of such futile thoughts. I know that in my

heart, and yet my head is consumed. Consumed by the thought that I deserve something. Something presented, rather than something that is buried. How strange it is to be given something and not see it, until the

surface is washed away, and the roots are exposed.

I wonder at my roots. At the root of my capacity for anger, and at the root of my capacity for love. My anger seems driven by uncertainty. The love I seek to validate seems driven by something far more peaceful, the

desire to forgive. The desire to forgive is within my heart. I begin to understand why a parent would give their child every chance to better

themselves. And if this is truly the case, and if I truly want to understand the fire, why wouldn’t I afford others the same opportunity? Knowing

that we all entered this world as aliens, and as those that always belonged.

THEME: JOSEPH

SECOND SUNDAY — December 4, 2016 — by Rev. TC Anderson Exodus 20:1-17 As a youth pastor, one thing I used to do a lot was make covenants with youth on retreats, or during lock-ins, or at the beginning of the year. I would say, “we’re about to embark on a journey together for a little while and we need a code of conduct, some base level foundation that we can build the rest of our evening/weekend/year on. This is a cove-nant between you and me, but also between you and the rest of your peers. No, this covenant will not include every possible thing that will possibly happen while we’re together, but it’s a good strong place to start,” and with that I would ask them to make rules to abide by. In today’s scripture we find the Israelites receiving the Ten Command-ments. This is a time when Israel had escaped Egypt and were about to be led on a LONG and arduous journey to the Promised Land. In many ways this was the very first Advent, the long waiting for deliverance, for a promised glory. God starts this journey with them with some rules or guidelines, a covenant. Have no other gods, no idols, keep the Sabbath, be kind and just to one another, etc. (paraphrased, clearly). So why is this important for Advent? Well, when you wait for something, especially for something as wonderful as the Promised Land or the arrival of the Messi-ah or for God’s Kingdom to come, we as humans tend to get impatient—and it’s through this impatience that we can start to make poor choices. When we can no longer wait for God to show up, we’ll make a golden calf to worship. When God isn’t providing the kind of messiah we were expecting, a warrior to free us from the rule of Rome, we’ll follow some-one else’s teachings. When the world seems to us to be worse than ever, we put our trust in money, or politics, or power. We need to remember our covenant in these moments. This scripture is God’s covenant with us. It’s not all encompassing, but it’s a good foundation for us to build from as we continue to wait for the blessed day when God shall wipe away every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more death, no more mourning, no crying, no pain; for the old will have passed away and the new will have come!

THEME: MOSES

MONDAY — December 5, 2016 — JoAnn Thompson Joshua 2:1-21 Who are you? Where did you come from? Have you ever been known by your birthplace or nationality, your religion or education, your occupation or where you live? I have an uncle who served with the army in France as an MP during WWII. Several years after he returned, he was motivated to work with another relative to compile my dad’s family history in a booklet. I’m greatly inspired when I read the stories of ancestors’ arrivals in this country—ancestors with few worldly goods but a good spirit, an honest heart, and a belief in God. Do you find inspiration or strength by learning about your ances-tors? What stories do you share with your children or family?

Rahab did not have a respectable occupation. She lived in Jericho, where one day she heard that spies were coming from Joshua, and that soon the army would be following. She made a bold decision to hide the spies, asking that when their army returned, her family would be spared. She had heard of their Yahweh—God in heaven. By assisting the Israelites, she and her people were saved and joined the Israelites. Rahab later mar-ried Salmon and became the mother of Boaz, who married Ruth and thus was an ancestor of David—in the lineage to Jesus.

The titles given to Rahab will not define her. It is Rahab’s story that will define her. Scholars suggest that non-Israelites like Rahab show God’s inclusion of Gentiles in Jesus’ birth narrative and the plan for salvation (2016-2017 Horizons Bible Study: “Who Is Jesus?” p. 22). In closing, I’m sharing two verses from the Advent hymn, “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” (The United Methodist Hymnal, 1989):

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed, great David’s greater Son! Hail in the time appointed, his reign on earth begun! He comes to break oppression, to set the captive free; to take away transgression, and rule in equity.

To him shall prayer unceasing and daily vows ascend; his kingdom still increasing, a kingdom without end. The tide of time shall never his covenant remove; his name shall stand forever; that name to us is love.

Prayer: O God, walk with us through this Advent, as you faithfully walked with our ancestors. Fill us with love for others and hope in the promise of Jesus’ birth. Amen.

THEME: RAHAB

TUESDAY — December 6, 2016 — by Kelly Dean Ruth 1:15-18 The Jesse Tree. What is the Jesse Tree? I had heard of it, but wasn’t quite sure exactly what the Jesse Tree is or was. When I googled it, it made sense; a Christmas tree or branch decorated with objects telling the story from Abraham to Jesus.

It reminded me of the ornaments we put on our Christmas tree each year at the Dean house. Both of our daughters, Bailey and Reagan, have an orna-ment representing each year of their life. They are picture frame ornaments with a photo showing what they looked like that year. As we put them onto the tree, we stop to reminisce about where the picture was taken and what was going on at the

time. Like the Jesse Tree, these ornaments tell the story of their lives from the beginning to the present. And perhaps, someday when Bailey and Reagan have their own families and homes, these ornaments will go with them too (if I can bear to let them go!).

Ruth, on the other hand, never questioned whether or not she would go with Naomi to a new place. In verse 16 from the book of Ruth, the first chapter, she said, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth vowed to follow Naomi, her mother-in-law who she loved so dearly, to this new place she had never been to before. Ruth had come to know God before her husband and father-in-law had died and showed that she was a faithful servant by promising to stay with Naomi. Ruth’s faithful-ness pleased God, and so does our own.

What if the Jesse Tree were filled with pictures of God’s faithful servants? Ruth’s picture would definitely be included. Would yours?

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to be your faithful servants today and always. Amen.

THEME: RUTH

WEDNESDAY — December 7, 2016 — by Phyllis Green 1 Samuel 16:1-13 [author-recommended translation: The Message]

The book of Samuel was written about a thousand years after Abraham and a thousand years before the birth of Christ. Samuel was an Old Testament prophet, memorable mainly for anointing kings—both Saul and David. God speaks directly to Samuel in directing him in anointing. Samuel is faithful but a bit fearful, and needs God to direct him. After Saul has fallen from favor and God is ready to anoint another king for his people, Samuel is called from his home in Ramali to Bethlehem for the task.

God announces that the one to be anointed is a son of Jesse. When Samuel approaches Jesse’s sons, he first looks to the tall, handsome, oldest, but God says no. God looks to the heart of the sons, not their out-ward appearance. Is this a message for all of us as we approach our fellows? Should we not look to the heart and refrain from choosing strictly on appearances?

The other sons of Jesse are presented to Samuel and God and none are chosen. Finally, Jesse brings forth his youngest son, David, who wasn’t even invited to worship. He was caring for the sheep. This son, David, is the chosen one. Samuel anoints him and the proper lineage is set for Jesus Christ.

What do we take from this passage? God takes care of Jesus’ lineage in a proper manner, anointing David as an ancestor king. Samuel, the anoint-ing one, is the son of Hannah, whose story is told in 1 Samuel. Hannah, who has been barren, prays earnestly to God for a child and promises to dedicate such a child to God. And it happens. All is well.

Prayer: Father God, we pray for God to take such care of us and ours that he did with Samuel. We wish for a gentle and proper path for our life; we pray for a clear path to our Lord, and we pray for a just and orderly path for our world. All this we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

THEME: SAMUEL

THURSDAY — December 8, 2016 — by Lois Hartung 2 Samuel 5:1-5 High on the shelf in our closet is a metal box that contains some im-portant family history. Things like birth and death certificates, baptismal records, marriage licenses, and my grandmother’s Bible. The pages are dog-eared and fragile; the cover has almost come off. In fact, it is tied with a ribbon just to keep it together. The pages between the Old and New Testaments are designated for family records. My grandmother had recorded births, deaths, and marriages. I see that when my mother dis-covered this Bible, she continued recording. Some of the later entries are even in my handwriting. Obviously we all felt a need to write this stuff down.

Just last month I had the serendipitous experience of being invited into my childhood home. The present owners were intrigued by the fact that I had lived there from birth until a year before my marriage. Furthermore, I could tell them that my grandfather, a carpenter, had helped build that house for himself and my grandmother to live in and establish their fami-ly. My mother and her sibling were born in that house and ultimately came to live there with their spouses and children. For almost 45 years, that house provided shelter and safety for three generations. There was no question that, when any of us had no other place to go, we would be welcomed. We were, after all, the same flesh and blood.

We all have stories of our belonging to the past. It’s important to have roots, to know from where we have come. All through Advent we will hear and think about the Jesse Tree and how, from its roots a bud will blossom. Today’s scripture tells the story of how David became king, a link in understanding the lineage of Jesus. The Bible has it all written down for us. But what is our relationship to all of this? Are we all “flesh and blood”?

Prayer: Loving God, thank you for our birth families or those acquired along the way. Thank you for providing places where we can feel safe and loved. Amen.

THEME: DAVID

FRIDAY — December 9, 2016 — by Brooke Michalczyk 1 Kings 3:3-14

THEME: SOLOMON

SATURDAY — December 10, 2016 — by Rev. Ken Hockenberry 1 Kings 17:8-24 When Elijah came to the gate of the town, a widow was there gathering sticks...

Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid…”

The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.

The Lord listened to the voice of Elijah; the life of the child came into him again.

From today’s story of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath, we can imagine three symbols hanging on our Jesse Tree: a few dry sticks to make a fire, a jar containing a small amount of meal (probably some kind of flour used to bake bread), and a small flask of oil; three items needed to bake some cakes of bread.

So with a little fire, some flour mixed with oil, and maybe some water, the widowed mom in this story is about to prepare a small meal for herself and her son. She tells Elijah, “so that we may eat it, and die.” This is all she has left, and she is afraid—even despairing and resigned. The scene takes place during a drought—one which Elijah had something to do with. Elijah responds to her with the same words the angels always use when they first speak: “Do not be afraid.” In the King’s English, “Fear not.” Elijah is speaking to this woman, but he is also speaking to himself. Because he, too, is afraid. He is on the run, fleeing from Queen Jezebel, who has set a price on his head, and has sent out agents to track him down and kill him. There’s a whole lot of fear here—fear of starvation, fear of capture, and fear of death. In fact, later in the story, the woman’s child comes very close to death. In these ancient family stories, it is often at the point of fear when faith is validated and made real. Same for us. Faith as a fundamental trust in God is easier when life is humming along smoothly. But when we are afraid, faith can be a challenge. Elijah and the woman are both afraid, and yet they are able to speak of faith and hold fast to faith in God. We can hold fast as well.

THEME: ELIJAH

THIRD SUNDAY — December 11, 2016 — by Vivian Palmer Isaiah 2:4, 7:14, 9:6-7 In doing the research on this subject I was reminded of some information sent to me some years ago from a Swedish cousin. He sent 40 pages of geneology, beginning with the year 639 and ending with the year 1904. Included were lots of farmers, innkeepers, horsemen, lawyers, knights, and vicars. The most surprising relative was Charlemagne, who died in the year 814.

I am not familiar with the Jesse Tree, but according to a book by minister James P. Campbell, the Jesse Tree was created to help tell Old Testament stories that connect us to the Advent season. Its name comes from Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot shall come out of the stock of Jesse.” Jesse was the father of King David. The Jesse Tree held decorations related to the events of Jesus’ birth and other biblical events, such as an apple for the story of Adam and Eve, a rainbow or ark for Noah and the flood, or a baby, to represent when God promised that Abraham would be the father of many descendants.

Our own tree is full of artistic ornaments, gifts from friends and family, and olive-wood ornaments of wise men, shepherds, sheep, and a crèche bought during a trip to the Holy Land many years ago. They are all treasured and a beautiful sight to remind us of what Christmas is all about—eternal life to us, beginning with a babe lying in a manger.

THEME: ISAIAH

MONDAY — December 12, 2016 — by Kris Mainellis Jeremiah 23:5-6, 31:31-34 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

— Jeremiah 31:33 Have you ever made an agreement with someone, or promised to do something, and then never followed through on it? I don’t know about you, but if I somehow forget about my promise or don’t follow through, the guilt kicks into high gear. And perhaps that guilt—and subsequent apology—are appropriate, certainly if it’s something important. But some people, like me, tend to sweat the small stuff. We work really hard to meet all of our obligations and then let ourselves have it when we mess up. And we can become quite disappointed when someone else does not keep his or her promises to us. Aside from the obvious lesson here, that we need to practice self-forgiveness and grant a little more grace to others, we can at least rest easy that we don’t have to worry about that with God. God keeps God’s promises. God grants us grace daily—by the minute, even. And God follows through, always. God may take God’s own sweet time about it, but God always comes through. After all, God loves us, and we are God’s people.

As I think about the lineage of Jesus this Advent, I think of the prophets who foretold his coming. I also think about the many covenants God made with God’s people—agreements the people broke, time and again, over and over. I remember that even today, even at our best, we don’t quite measure up. We mess up, morning, noon, and night. But then my thoughts come back to God’s grace embodied—Jesus.

Scripture assures us that Jesus is the new covenant, replacing all former agreements with God. How blessed we are to receive the gift of our Savior, who was born for us. Merry Christmas.

THEME: JEREMIAH

TUESDAY — December 13, 2016 — by Richard Scott Daniel 6:10-23 Daniel was another of the super followers of Yahweh, praying three times a day, continuously praising God, and being careful to not break the known laws of the Jewish faith. He was also admired by the king for his devotion to his God as well to the kingdom he was living in on earth. Like Joseph before him, this double devotion drew the jealousy of those leaders around him.

A law was established that anyone praying to anyone but the king would be thrown into the den of lions. Daniel was aware of this, but staunchly continued to pray to no one but his God. The king was distressed be-cause he loved Daniel, but still had to follow the new edict. As we know or could predict, God protected Daniel by sending his angel to keep the lions’ mouths sealed so Daniel would not be hurt.

During this Advent season, can we be so dedicated in worshiping our Lord with prayer and praise as Daniel was? Or will we be distracted by those around us with the merchant trappings of Christmas and the wor-ries and human frivolity of the season?

THEME: DANIEL

WEDNESDAY — December 14, 2016 — by Rev. Alex Lang Luke 1:5-17 I have always found the story of Zechariah to be a beautiful exposition on what it means to truly live out God’s calling for your life. Luke tells us that Zechariah is a priest. The priests were part of the wealthy class of Jerusalem. Priests were appointed based on their political connections to the leaders in power. Many priests performed their duties begrudgingly and were in it only for the pay. When not in the public eye, their veil of piety lifted and they lived like anyone else in the wealthy class. Luke wants us to know that Zechariah was different. He worked in the Tem-ple because he loved the duty of helping the Jewish people worship God. Zechariah is described as a man who was righteous before God. Indeed, we know this because Zechariah was married to Elizabeth, who was barren. The fact that Zechariah remained with Elizabeth, in spite of not being able to bear him children, was impressive in first century Palestine, since life revolved around family.

The priesthood was a family affair, where you took the position so that your children could serve after you. If you didn’t have children, then you were a target, because you were occupying a spot that some other priest’s son could be utilizing. Sometimes the competition for these slots could get fierce, with families using their political connections to imprison or even kill off other priests, so as to create room for their children.

I look at the example of Zechariah and ask myself, “Am I willing to stick with God’s calling on my life in spite of consequences?” Like everyone else, some days are better than others. There are times when I doubt

myself and question whether this is what God is calling me to do. But with every doubt, I try to remember that, like Zechariah, I can only be true to my calling. If we are faithful to God’s calling for our lives, then I believe God will use us in the same way as Zechariah—to make a path for those in our lives to grow closer to God.

On Christmas Eve as you prepare for Jesus’ arrival , I hope you will consider the calling God has placed on your life. Zechariah was called to be a priest and, because of his faithfulness, his son, John the Baptist, would pave the way for Jesus’ ministry on earth. Similarly, our faithful-ness will provide God with an opportunity to use us as a blessing to others. Therefore, whenever you doubt your calling and whenever you fear your calling is too much, think back to Zechariah and remember that being faithful to your calling can truly change the world.

THEME: ZECHARIAH

THURSDAY — December 15, 2016 — by Emily & Jenell Wetzel Luke 1:5-17 The good priest Zechariah and his dear wife Elizabeth were pleasing to God and righteous in His eyes.

They were quite old and childless but for them, God had a great surprise!

Elizabeth would have a son named John who would pave the way for his cousin, God’s own son...Jesus Christ!

THEME: ELIZABETH

FRIDAY — December 16, 2016 — by Denise Beihoffer Luke 1:26-38 I can’t even imagine how Mary must have felt when she was told by the angel that she would conceive and give birth to the Son of God, that he would reign over the house of Jacob forever, and that his kingdom would never end (v. 33). Do you think she could even begin to understand that 2,000+ years later, we would still be waiting during the Advent season to celebrate his coming and worshiping this child who reigns on high? It truly is inconceivable.

And, as the angel described this impending miracle to Mary, he con-firmed to her that, for God, nothing is impossible! (v. 37). There are many other times in the Bible where we are given the promise that all things are possible with God and nothing is impossible. One of them is in my absolute favorite verse, Philippians 4:13, which says: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I try to keep this in mind when life’s troubles come my way, and have faith that someone far big-ger than me is in control.

I stand in awe of God’s creation, particularly when I am in the moun-tains, as it is there that I truly feel the expanse and overwhelming beauty of God’s creation and it is there that I feel closest to Him. When I experi-ence nature, I am reminded of this hymn:

How Great Thou Art

O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder

Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed

We do serve an amazing, powerful, and all-knowing God! During this Advent season, let’s pause and take time to comprehend the incredible majesty of His creation and thank Him for sending His Son to reign over the earth. Let’s also take time to thank God for the possibilities He pre-sents to us, the confidence that nothing is impossible with Him, and the strength He gives us as we travel life’s highway. Peace.

THEME: MARY

SATURDAY — December 17, 2016 — by Doug Hiskes Matthew 1:18-25 The Bible tells us little about this member of the Nativity scene’s Big Three. In fact, not a word from his mouth is quoted anywhere in the New Testament. He may not even be the most famous of Bible characters named Joseph (no Technicolor Dream Coat?).

We know that Joseph was a carpenter, and it’s likely that he was illit-erate. I imagine him to be humble, honest, and hard working; someone who was doing the best with the cards that had been dealt him.

There are no stories about Joseph seeking preferential treatment because of his royal lineage; and I have to wonder if Joseph was even aware that he was a descendant of King David.

Perhaps the story of his decision to marry his betrothed is the most favor-able account of Joseph that the Bible provides. Knowing that adultery was punishable by stoning, he wanted to save Mary from cruelty and shame and decided to quietly send her away. Sounds to me like an hon-est, compassionate man.

At the urging of an angel, however, he took Mary as his wife and even remained with his family in exile to protect baby Jesus. Joseph worked through any doubts he may have had about his wife’s story of Jesus’ conception and helped to rear Jesus and his siblings.

While there may be few responsibilities as important as parenthood, mothers and fathers seldom feel their efforts are appreciated, let alone glamorous. There are those who walk the red carpet and those who roll it up—long after the stars and paparazzi have moved on. I wonder if Joseph felt more comfortable as part of the cleanup crew, and how many of us can relate?

When we feel we do not measure up to the benevolence of A-lister saints;

When it feels like others are able do far more of the Kingdom work than we can—or even desire—to do;

When we struggle with even the routine and mundane activities of life;

May we encourage each other so that all may find peace and the strength to persevere.

THEME: JOSEPH OF NAZARETH

FOURTH SUNDAY — December 18, 2016 — by Barbara Martin Matthew 3:1-11

“The voice of one shouting in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make his path straight.” — Matthew 3:3

John the Baptist is a most distinctive character. John’s parents, Elizabeth and Zechariah, had prayed for a son to be born to them for many years. They had lost hope when suddenly they were told that Elizabeth was pregnant in her old age. Elizabeth was a relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus. John grew to be a strong young man, living in the desert, eating locusts and wild honey….dressing in unusual clothing made of camel’s hair with a leather belt. He

preached a very challenging message, one of “repentance.”

John knew his mission in life. He knew he had been set apart by God for a purpose. The people of the land had become lax in their life, living dif-ferently than God’s intentions for them. It was John who boldly spoke of the Messiah to the indulgent Jews of his day—his message, the need for them to turn from their wicked ways (sin) and be baptized, a symbol of their repentance, their change of heart. John was just an ordinary person, open to God’s leading, sent to come forth and confront the sinful ways of the establishment and help them prepare for the Messiah soon to come.

Now, John was about six months older than Jesus. He spent most of his time, yes, in the desert, and near the Jordan River. Many believed in the truths John shared and it is stated that “hundreds” came to be baptized, and listen to his message. John said he was not the promised Messiah, he was the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophesy—the voice of preparation for the arrival of God in the flesh. Jesus came to John, asking that he baptize him. As Jesus was baptized, the Spirit of Heaven came down as a dove, resting on him. Then a voice from Heaven said, “this is my Son whom I dearly love. I find much happiness in him.”

Are we prepared to experience Jesus actively in our lives today? Are there areas, hidden, that we need to change—to be open to God’s calling? Let’s prepare, together, to renew our love for God, to listen for his message to each of us, and to actively obey his leading. Faith is an action verb.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we anticipate the story of Christ’s birth that we have heard so often, may we be renewed by the Holy Spirit to em-brace the message with an open and contrite heart. Let us not get so caught up in the glitter of the holiday that we miss the true meaning of this Advent season and the message that God presents to us daily.

THEME: JOHN THE BAPTIST

MONDAY — December 19, 2016 — by Pam Orals Hebrews 13:1-2 I was raised knowing about angels. My mother always spoke about angels, she collected angels, and she was confident an angel once tossed her golf ball out of the water! My mother passed away this May, joining my father, and angels are still on my mind.

Each December—her favorite month because her birthday and Christmas were in December—my mother would unpack her collection of angels. Mom’s angels held musical instruments, or played music, or held their hands in prayer. Even though we would turn them all on at the same time, mom never disputed. I think she felt they were joyous visitors.

While these angels visited and brought music joyfully each December, some of the angels were deemed worthy to stay in the china cabinet all year long. Maybe those were to remind her all year of the joy and fasci-nation of the angels. It must have worked, because according to the scriptures, one is to show hospitality to others, leading possibly to enter-taining angels. My mother loved to entertain others, and quite possibly over the years she might have encountered angels. It is difficult to discern an angel if it doesn’t sport the standard wings, harp, and long robes that my mother’s did, but why can’t angels be found among us today?

I’m sure my mother realized this, and perhaps that’s what kept her going for 89 years. She could feel the angels among us. Perhaps that wonderful stranger who led her home in her car when she forgot her way—he cer-tainly was an angel. Or one of the amazing, gentle, loving caregivers she encountered over the years? They had no wings, but definitely were doing God’s work. So many people over the years were certainly angels to my family.

There are paintings of angels, and scriptures speak of angels, but people question their existence. It’s simply another matter of faith. As I get older I realize so many things are based on faith. It has to be felt. One has to be open to the experience. Sometimes that little robin is just a robin flying past, but sometimes that robin seems to be a messenger to me from some-one I’ve lost. Can an angel show itself as an orchid, blooming only to show that our loved one is blooming in heaven? Angels are among us. As you unwrap your Christmas angels, be open to the world around you and the people in this world. There are many wonderful experiences people can have with one another. Maybe you will be the angel.

THEME: ANGELS

TUESDAY — December 20, 2016 — by Nancy Pardo Psalm 23 (King James Version) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Have you ever noticed in the Bible that whenever angels show up, the first thing they say is, “Do not be afraid”? When the angels visit the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth, Luke tells us, “They were terri-fied.” And these were some tough dudes, used to fighting off anything that was threatening their sheep. Terrified.

So often, that’s how I wake up: terrified. There’s a knot in my stomach, a “knot of not”—not trusting God, not feeling at ease, not believing something awful isn’t just around the corner.

So I breathe deeply and pray, in my own words, David’s psalm:

Lord God, protector and guide, I know you are with me; so I have all I need.

When life is calm, you are with me, walking right beside me.

My soul feels the nearness of your Spirit; lead me in the ways you would have me go.

When life is hard, I will trust you; you are here, and I need not be afraid.

When people are against me, I shall remember that I am yours, and be overwhelmed with contentment.

So long as I listen to your voice, my life shall be fruitful. Please let me stay near you forever.

Amen.

THEME: SHEPHERDS

WEDNESDAY — December 21, 2016 — by Carole Anderson Matthew 2:1-6 The Jesse tree symbol for today is Bethlehem of Judea, where Jesus would be born and where wise men from the east would travel to see Him. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary suggests that those who live at the greatest distance from the means of grace often use the most diligence and learn to know the most of Christ and His salvation. We who are Christ followers have this very opportunity. Joanna Fuchs writes of this in her poem, entitled “Practice Jesus.”

Practice Jesus

If we practiced Jesus’ every way, it’d be like Christmas every day;

If we, like Him, were meek and mild and loved each woman, man and child;

If we’d read our Bible, it’d remind us, so that every single day would find us

more and more in sweet accord with our sweet Jesus, Master, Lord.

Then every day that we’re alive would be like December 25.

THEME: BETHLEHEM

THURSDAY — December 22, 2016 — by Deb Artman Luke 2:1-20 The story of Jesus’ birth is told in Luke 2:1-20, and its relevance to our lives today is highlighted in this passage from a blog commentary on this scripture passage by Rev. Elisabeth Johnson, missionary and theology professor:

“This Savior is born for us, even these many centuries later, and his birth is good news for all people. He comes to bring peace on earth by reconciling us to God and to one another with the pow-er of love that casts out fear. His reign continues to break into our world wherever the lowly are lifted up—wherever the out-cast are welcomed, wherever the hungry are fed, wherever the poor are clothed and sheltered, wherever the captives are set free, wherever enemies are reconciled, wherever the good news is pro-claimed, sins are forgiven, and lives are transformed.”

The good news of the birth comes to the shepherds first. And today we carry on the meaning of the good news in continual work for justice and peace.

THEME: THE MANGER

FRIDAY — December 23, 2016 — by Francie Taylor John 1:1-18 Here in the first chapter of John, we have one of the most beautiful intro-ductions of Jesus found anywhere in the Bible. Mysterious and poetic, John paints a picture of Jesus as the true light. He states that, “in him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). What a fitting description! Because, by his words and his actions, Jesus consistently promoted life. And whenever he did that, the people he touched were introduced to the warmth of his light—the inviting, welcoming fire of grace. The light was the truth God told to us. And the truth was so much better than we thought it would be. Hearts broken by grief were met with comfort and restoration. People ravaged by psychosocial, emotional, and physical limitations were met with compassionate action. The marginalized were exalted and the proud encouraged to reconsider their positions. Even Jesus’ harshest words, aimed at exposing hypocrisy and inauthentic-ity, were motivated by love. If God’s message of grace was always intend-ed for everyone, then Jesus made sure all barriers to receiving this good news were removed—which sometimes included revealing our flawed thinking toward one another and toward God. The shoot of Jesse still shines this light upon our hearts today. Not to condemn us, but to transform us. To restore us to who we were always meant to be—light-bearers and life-givers, just like him.

THEME: JESUS CHRIST

SATURDAY — December 24, 2016 — by Rev. Judy Hockenberry Matthew 2:1-2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”

It is thought that the “wise men” were actually astronomers who were in the habit of studying the skies. There is no telling how they knew that the star belonged to “the child who has been born king of the Jews.” While our Christmas lore has the visit of three wise men as a very prominent part of the story, the truth is that these men, if they visited Jesus at all, did not visit until he was almost two years of age.

The question for us to ask is, “Why are the visits of these wise men im-portant to Matthew?” The emphasis of Matthew’s gospel is on the fact that Jesus is the Messiah promised by the prophets of the Old Testament. Matthew is the only gospel writer who takes the time to list the ancestry of Jesus. He also makes a point of telling us that Jesus was born in Beth-lehem—thus fulfilling a prophecy from Micah.

However, Matthew also wants to be clear that Jesus came not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles. Hence, the wise men (non-Jewish) come from the East. As we prepare our own hearts and homes to receive Jesus this season, I wonder what star we will follow.

Will it be the star that leads us to a deeper understanding of who Jesus is for us and for our world?

Will it be the star that leads us into a season of extravagant gift giving and an overwhelming list of things to do?

My prayer is that we follow the star of deeper understanding, because that is also the star that leads to meaning, purpose, and joy in our lives, not just in this season but throughout the year.

THEME: STAR

SUNDAY — December 25, 2016 — by Frank Derbak Matthew 2:1-12 The wise men are thought to have been priests of a pagan religion from Persia or Babylon, east of Jerusalem. A star appeared in the east and led them to Jerusalem. They interpreted the star as indicating the king of the Jews had been born and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” When King Herod of Israel and the people of Jerusa-lem heard the wise men’s inquiry, they were troubled, because a star moving over the land usually meant political upheaval was going to occur. The chief priests and teachers of the law told Herod that the Messiah was to born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Herod asked the wise men when the star had first appeared so he could estimate how old the new king might be. He sent them to Bethlehem and asked them to report back to him what they found. The star led the wise men from Jerusalem to a house in Bethlehem. The star was a supernatural occurrence because it moved westerly to Jerusa-lem, waited for the wise men to inquire, then moved south to Bethlehem. The wise men found Jesus and his mother Mary in the house in Bethle-hem. They worshiped Jesus and gave him gold, frankincense, and myrrh, normally given to royalty. Frankincense was also burned by the Jewish high priest when making atonement for the sins of the Jews (Numbers 16:46-47). Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sins eliminated the need for burning frankincense (Hebrews 10:10-14). Myrrh was used to deaden pain at crucifixion (Mark 15:23) and to anoint Jesus’ body for burial (John 19:39). The wise men returned to their own country by another route because God warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod. As we celebrate Jesus’ birthday today, may we follow the wise men’s example by worshiping Jesus and obeying his teachings.

THEME: WISE MEN

Christmas Worship Schedule

Sunday, December 18 Service of Hope and Healing

7:00 pm in the Chapel

Saturday, December 24: Christmas Eve

4:00 pm Christmas Family Worship & Pageant Featuring children in preschool through fifth grade and the First Pres Children’s Choir

8:00 pm Christmas Worship Combined Choirs, First Pres Brass, First Pres Strings, Handbells, and Soloists

11:00 pm Christmas Worship with Holy Communion Participation by college-age young adults

All Christmas Eve services will feature special music and candlelight.

Sunday, December 25 11:00 am Christmas Day Worship with special music

Sunday, January 1 11:00 am New Year’s Day Worship with special music

All services will be webcast at fpcah.org/webcast.

First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights 302 North Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004 847-255-5900 / fpcah.org / mail@fpcah.org

Choose love. Be the light. Change the world.