COME to BETHLEHEM and be NOURISHED
Advent Hunger Gives Way to Christmas Fulfillment
Advent/Christmas Devotional Prayers 2021
By Donna Frischknecht Jackson,
Editor of Presbyterians Today
Plus Howard Thurmond’s Poem “The Sacrament of Christmas”
Week One: An Act of Faith
I make an act of faith toward all humankind, Where doubts would linger and suspicions brood. HT |
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 28 - FOUR CANDLE ROOM CHARGE
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Go back to the simple
Appreciate candles lighting darkness
Hope in the midst of gloom
Break bread in the calm of expectation
Truly experience Advent
and not just Christmas chaos
Help me slow down, Lord, and, in small unseen ways, be hope in this hurting world,. May my bread nourish others. Amen.
MONDAY NOVEMBER 29 - SLEEPING WITH BREAD
Isaiah 40: 1, 11
A second pandemic advent beckons
With the world in despair -
Infighting, division, brokenness
May we hold on to the bread of life
And listen to the whispers of our heart
Reminding us that hope is always present
God, nourish us with the spirit of hope alive within as we are filled with gratitude for your many blessings. Amen.
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 30 - ONE WHO COMES WITH BREAD
Psalm 85:10-13
We all need companionship
Latin com-panis – with bread
Seek the lonely, the forgotten
Offer companionship of self
With or without the loaf
Lord, help me take the time to be a difference to another with a visit of love. Amen.
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 1 - THE BREAD SONG
John 6:5-11
“Whose bread I eat, his song I sing”
An old German proverb asks questions of priority
What tune is humming in my head this Advent?
“What In It for Me?” in this Pandemic Me-First World?
Or do I sing the bread song of one who wants
To feed the five thousand like Christ
God of miracles and abundant grace, create in me a selfless heart singing a song of generosity. Amen.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 2 - ALERTLY RESTING
Psalm 62:5-8
“I abandon all that I think I am,
all that I hope to be,
all that I believe I possess.
I let go of the past,
I withdraw my grasping hand from the future.
In the great silence of this moment,
I alertly rest my soul.”
-Howard Thurman
God, help us turn off the chatter of the world and find the holy silence we need to be renewed. Amen.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 3 - BEAUTY OUT OF ASHES
Isaiah 61:1-3
Over and over
God takes our messes
The ashey remains of our fires of discord
And turns them into something beautiful
Potash leavens bread
Hardship breeds hope and trust
May we allow God to be at work
Redeeming God, our hearts thank you for the many times you have brought us out of trials, through suffering and restored our brokenness. Amen.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 4 - NEEDING ONE ANOTHER
Genesis 2:18
To ask for help is not a sign of weakness
It is the strength of recognizing our interdependence
Our need for community to work together
Where might I be the strength for another?
When and where should I be relying on the gifts of another?
Love is communal
Forgive us when we become so self-reliant that we shut others out. Forgive us when we are afraid to admit when we need help. Turn our eyes to see the helpers in our lives. Amen.
WEEK TWO: An Act of Joy
I make an act of joy toward all sad hearts, Where laughter pales and tears abound. |
SUNDAY DECEMBER 5 - THE HEEL OF THE BREAD
Micah 5:2
A crusty heel that so many discard
Unworthy of a true sandwich
But not in the eyes of God
God chose Bethlehem to birth a Savior
God works through those we deem unworthy
Over and over again
May we have the eyes of God
To see the worth and value in one another
Help us to see the value, the potential, the goodness and the worth in all that we are too quick to judge and discard. Amen.
MONDAY DECEMBER 6 - A PLATTER OF FORGOTTEN JOY
Leviticus 24:5
Not ev’ry loaf will have outside beauty
But lingering inside is mouth watering delight
We cannot judge bread, people, or events
By what appears on the surface
Seek the joy, the gifts, the heart, the potential
And give thanks to the Creator
Help us to remember what is ordinary can become extraordinary. Every moment is a moment in which joy can be rekindled in our hearts. Amen.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 7 - HOPE FOR TOMORROW
1 Kings 17:14
Share freely and the cupboards will not be bare
Elijah brings hope to the widow and son
The same hope Christ brings to our hoarding world
A cup of flour or sugar for the neighbor?
A loaf of bread, a coat for the homeless?
What is in our cupboard that could be an offering of joy?
God, forgive us for the many times we have hoarded in fear of not having enough. With trust, may our hearts become ever more generous. Amen.
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 8 - HUNGERING FOR GOD'S WORLD
Amos 8:11-12
Windmills of days long past
Grinding, producing flour in abundance
No longer needed, but still we hunger
For the bread of the Word
God longs to feed us with love, with hope
If only we will come to the mill
O Come, O come, Emmanuel and feed us. Nurture and revive us with the bread of your love. Amen.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 9 - I WANT TO BE AMISH
Acts 2:46
“I want to be Amish”
We hear the voices exclaim
Voices that yearn for a simpler life -
A sacred life lived in community
Sharing possessions and tasks
Breaking bread in unity together
God, help us to widen our circles of community. Help us to honor the sacredness of living together in peace and with joy. Amen.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 10 - BREAD, THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE OF LOVE
1 Corinthians 10:17
Mantou, nann, pandesal, tortilla
Green mealie or chapati
Bread is universal
A love language of welcome and community
Removing barriers of division into solidarity
Share bread
Share love
May we remember more the many things we have in common with others rather than focus on what keeps us apart. Amen.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 11 - ANGEL BISCUITS
Psalm 30:5
Treasured memories
Like old family recipes
Hold fast to the love shared over time
Angel biscuits or pippernutters
Funny stories retold with joy
All reflect love held deep within
And God’s blessings over all
We thank you, Lord, for the many ways we remember with love and joy the heart of those who have passed. Amen.
WEEK THREE: AN ACT OF STRENGTH
I make an act of strength toward feeble things, Where life grows dim and death draws near. (HT) |
SUNDAY DECEMBER 12 - THE PIE MAKER
Isaiah 12:2-4
Life in community brings forth
The strengths of each individual
But do we get possessive
And fail to nurture those roles in others?
May we be quick to praise, to smile,
To share God’s grace with all
Lord, Help us to see the potential in everyone we meet and bring harmony back into our lives. Amen.
MONDAY DECEMBER 13 - THE SONG OF THE BREAD
Luke 2:10-14
Have I ever listened to the bread
As it cools fresh from the oven?
Have I stopped to listen to the hawks
Or the tiny chickadees in the feeder?
God is singing, the angels are singing
And the noise of our hectic world
Drowns out the holy music
Stop and listen...really listen
Ever-singing God, may we listen this Advent to the divine melodies that are all around us. May our ears tune into the holy rather than the hectic. Amen.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 14 - THE PINK TULLE CHRISTMAS TREE
Matthew 24:36-44
Childhood memories of salvaged décor
Moments of delight and despair
Elicit reminders to take each day with hope
Gratitude for God’s abundant blessings
Knowing God-strength will get us through
All the unknown tomorrows
God, you tell us to not be afraid of what tomorrow might bring, yet we continue to worry and fret. Bring peace to our fainting hearts. Amen.
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 15 - GREEN BANANAS
Psalm 147:1-6
A symbol of hope
within pandemic despair?
Buy green bananas -
A promise they will ripen
God’s promise the world will
Once again see the light
Make banana bread and
Strengthen others with HOPE
God, renew our fainting spirits, for we are tired of living in a pandemic world. We hold on to the promise of the Light of Christ. Amen.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 16 - CANDLES IN THE WINDOW
John 1:1-5
A single window candle glows
Guiding the way to safety,
Welcoming the stranger, the lost
Proclaiming the light of God
Dwells within these walls
Come in – Take rest
And dwell in the Spirit warmth
God of eternal light, help us to see your light shining bright when we are overwhelmed by the darkness of despair and doubt. Amen.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 17 - ONE CUP, MANY HANDLES
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
One cup, many handles
One body, many parts
One world, many nations
One loaf, broken for all
One faith, united in community
One God, One Son, One Spirit
We are all ONE in our many
May our hearts open to the message of the season, that we are not meant to go through life alone. Amen.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 18 - THE REAL BLESSING IN THE BOX
Matthew 25:34-36
When I reach out to serve others
Are there strings attached?
Do I have hidden motives
That even I don’t always understand?
Give with no regard
If the need is really there
If the gift is used as YOU intended
Or if someone you don’t agree with
Accepts the gift
Give like Jesus...unconditionally.
O God, may our hearts grow more generous, removing the many stumbling blocks we create when seeking to reach out to those who need a blessing. Amen.
WEEK FOUR: AN ACT OF TRUST
I make an act of trust toward all life, Where fears preside and distrusts keep watch. |
SUNDAY DECEMBER 19 - IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Zephaniah 3:14-18
A load of bread, hunger no more
A pinch of salt to add zest to life
A bottle of wine for prosperity
Gifts to welcome a new home
Thank you George Bailey and movies
Do we welcome enough?
To the outcast, the refugee, the homeless?
What gifts might I bring?
As you open our eyes to the “inns” that are vacant, open our hearts as well so that we become more loving and more generous. Amen.
MONDAY DECEMBER 20 - OUR DAILY BREAD
Matthew 6:11-13
Four hundred plus times in scripture
Bread is mentioned
A feeding trough birth,
In a lowly village meaning ‘House of Bread’
Is it really food we hunger for?
Or the ‘bread of life’ itself in Christ-form
May we feed daily on Jesus
On his actions, his message….
And then feed others
Sustainer God, give us this day not just a yeasty loaf to ease our grumbling stomachs. Give us daily the Bread of Life — Jesus. Amen.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 21 - THE COMMUNAL BREAD OVEN
Luke 1: 41-45
Mary and Elizabeth met in community
Sharing a common gift from God
What brings us together as One?
The communion of bread and wine
The community of bread baking together
Sharing joys and concerns
Living life connected with one another
Dear God, it is too easy to shut ourselves off from each other. Help us gather together and be nourished. Amen.
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 22 - GLAD SURPRISES
Genesis 18:3-6
Visits from angels in disguise
Glad surprises that offer much more
Than what we see on the surface
Moments when God reaches deep within
To offer peace, assurance,
To stretch our faith, our trust
Be open, be receptive, and welcome
The unexpected visits
God, you who know the plans you have for us, may we not be hesitant or fearful to accept the life-changing, glad surprises you gift us with. Amen.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 23 - TEACHING OUR CHILDREN
Deuteronomy 11:18-21
Does Santa Claus bring Christmas?
Or does it come with gifts from the heart -
Gifts that share the love of Christ
With those less fortunate
Teach the children ‘Joy to the World’
And bless others in the celebration
God, no matter our age, we are all your “little children” in need of being reminded every day to keep your commands, especially the one in which you ask us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Amen.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 24 - SEARCHING FOR ANGELS
Luke 2:8-12
Why do we search for angels
Miracles to come down from heaven…
And fail to see the wings on our neighbor,
The flutter of grace surrounding us
Every day and in so many ways?
Angels ARE among us
With often familiar faces
We must open our eyes and recognize
They might look like you and me
May we hear the words of hope, love, peace and grace that come from friends, loved ones and even strangers. Amen.
CHRISTMASTIDE - AN ACT OF LOVE
I make an act of love toward friend and foe, Where trust is weak and hate burns bright. |
CHRISTMAS DAY - LONGING FOR HOME
Titus 2:11–14
What means Christmas to me over the years?
What says HOME in the deepest of ways?
The smell of cardamom?
The banter of sons who love each other dearly?
The warmth of fire and friends?
Hunting for my stocking because Santa sent the Easter bunny? (I LOVED my dad!)
Christmas is LOVE -
the Love of family and friends,
but mostly the LOVE that came down to earth to dwell among us.
May I be LOVE today.
God, on this Christmas Day, may you take the longings and aches of our hearts and transform them into something beautiful. May peace and joy fill our homes. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26 - BOWLS OF WARM PORRIDGE
Luke 2:25-32
Bringing cold chickens a warm meal
A loaf of bread to a shut-in elder
Un-self and reach out to others
Put their needs ahead of your own
Step outside your own world
And you’ll find in the process
Your world has become brighter
The LOVE a little stronger
God, Help us this day to share that gift of care with others who might be blessed by the warmth of being seen, heard and loved. Amen.
MONDAY DECEMBER 27 -- GIVING OUR BEST TO GOD
1 Corinthians 10:31b
What gift can I bring to the God of Love?
What gift will I bring to the baby child?
Our gifts need not be expensive or even special
But they must be from the heart
Our truest gifts are those given of our time
Our talents, and perhaps our treasure
Our best gifts are when we give to God
The very best of ourselves
The very best God gave to us
Giving God, may all our gifts today be the best we have to offer, knowing you gave the ultimate gift to us. Amen.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 28 -- I SHALL NOT LIVE IN VAIN
Psalm 146:5–10
“If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not have lived in vain”
Words from poet Dickinson echo true today
Will the simple act of baking bread
Sustain a broken heart,
an imprisoned heart,
Or a broken body?
Bread kneaded in community,
Hearts kneaded together…
One loaf at a time
God of all, Help our hearts awaken to the beauty in all your children. Lead us into ways we can heal this hurting world. Amen.
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 29 -- DARE TO LIVE AUTHENTICALLY
Galatians 1:10
Do I live my life restricted by the bounds of society?
Forced to update, upgrade,
Constantly on the move?
Or do I live with my deepest dreams at the forefront?
The gifts and desires God has planted within
Allowed to be nurtured and grow?
Do I have the faith, the strength to live a life
Authentically and in touch with my Creator?
God, you know the dreams we hold in our hearts because you are the one who has placed them there. Give us courage this day to live as the child you created us to be. Amen
THURSDAY DECEMBER 30 -- THE DAY OLD BREAD BIN
Matthew 25:36-40
I once HAD to shop from the day old bins
When resources were tight
But I need not any longer as my wealth grows
Does my heart grow also
To remember those days and
Those who must now shop with price always in mind?
Can the bin remind me of a community
And be generous with all that I have?
“Do unto the least of these”
God of plenty, Open our eyes to see who might be reaching into the day-old bread bin, and then lead us to ways we can feed your children. Amen.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 31 -- MAKING A PATH
Proverbs 3:5-6
Like grooming a hill for a good sled run
We must make a path to the divine
We clear the time to spend with God
We climb the snowy hills to find the holy
We do what is hard
To make way for what is sacred
That is the only resolution we need
As we greet a new year
God, you who make all things new, help us clear the path to those blessed moments in our day when we just sit quietly with you. Amen.
SATURDAY JANUARY 1 - HAVE A BLESSED DAY
Isaiah 43:18-19
Can we wish parting blessings
On one another rather than
A simple goodbye?
This coming year may be focus
On seeing the divine in all
The blessing of God’s presence
In every aspect of our lives
Can we BE the blessing for another
And share God’s love each day
In some small, but significant way?
God, let the mediation of my heart and the words of my mouth, be pleasing to you and to all who hear me. Amen.
SUNDAY JANUARY 2 - A TWIG WHISK
1 Thessalonians 5:8-11
Many small straw sticks banded together
Whisk up the cake batter light and fluffy
Many hands working in community
Can stir up hope amid despair
We must band together
Encouraging each other
For we all are stronger
When love ties us together
God, We are not meant to journey alone. Help us work together, especially for justice for the suffering and neglected. Amen.
MONDAY JANUARY 3 - STIRRING UP OUR FAITH
2 Timothy 1:6-7
Anglicans make fruitcake on StirUp Sunday
A reminder to put our gifts into action
To get outside our comfort zone
And galvanize for justice
To be the spark that initiates change
To mix love and hope into the pot
And taste the results of faith
What can I stir up today?
God, stir up our faith today. Stir up our desire to speak boldly for those who have been wronged. Stir us up to work for justice.
TUESDAY JANUARY 4 - BRINGING GOOD TIDINGS
Isaiah 52:7-9
Where do my feet take me?
To those places hurting and in despair?
May my path reflect the song of the angels
May I bring good tidings to those I encounter
May I seek to proclaim God’s love,
God’s peace in our hurting world
How beautiful are the mountains!
How good when we bring God’s beauty
Residing within all to the surface
Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!
God, guide our feet this day to where you want us to be and who needs to hear tidings of peace, joy, and love. Amen.
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 5 - HOPE NEVER DIES
John 6:35
In a year of dissent and despair
Where division seemed rampant
Hope blooms in unexpected places
One act of kindness and support
Can turn the tide of misery
In a new opportunity
The Bread of Life feeds us
With a diet of hope and love
We will never be hungry
God, on this Epiphany Eve may we be reminded over and over of your presence in the past and in the future. You are hope fulfilled. Amen
EPIPHANY IS HERE!
I make a deed to God of all my days – And look out on life with quiet eyes. (H Thurman) |
THURSDAY JANUARY 6 - OUR EPIPHANY MOMENTS
The wisemen followed the Light
Can we do the same?
To walk and live as children of the Light
To spread the Light of Love
The Light of Hope
The Light of God
In every action we take
The Promise of Christmas is still shining
We simply must look into the darkness
And see it
God of wonder, God of light, keep shining upon us as we seek to serve the lost, the lonely, the broken and the misunderstood. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
I felt the need to gather up an individual wiseman and camel from each of my creches and create a photo collage of them all coming to the stable by the light of the star. I hope that we are a people from such diverse backgrounds can come together within God's Light.
