2009 Advent Devotional

2009 ADVENT DEVOTIONAL

2009 ADVENT DEVOTIONAL

at g The nt The h e t n e . i h s v ’ h t s l s t d s a y e y u ifying r A n b s s m e i f d e n t l v n i o J e h e a t w g n g n the ry i cau ldin drop rtain e a d y r e seaso v r n o e c e a a h h a w e M e t l s g es the with stab aptis man a f o s B d a o w e l d e l n s i i n h g s f t a is hn rds birth ildne youn o e J f w e h o f h d p t o s n e s f a ss ldne ss o ess of sh i e n w s k n s r wildne d e l a e i h d n y. T wild the k The w s e s i . h r g T e e n t r i . l com e win n the ange h e t h n t a n i f d eo star . An d m l i o w d e surpris bor gone r o a t w n o zeme a to foll m a n in o d e k loo Within these page ays. d r s you will find an e t win invitation to enter community. This is the wildness glimp not our usual dev sed by others in th otional…things are little chaotic. The is prayers are only h off-center, not ord in erly, perhaps even ts, waiting for you the in-breaking Sp to fill in your own a irit. Once again we w o rd s , your own longings are blessed with th pages, your words for e artistry of Aman . And once again, d a Hunter to illumine we are invited into these the privilege of se eing how God has shown up in s, u n f o o n e o s a n o a th h e r’s lives through th nt se r eac e o v f e words shared. d e A r o s t i s h t n i r d has e ente o rld. w o G y w a s gin! e e e M s b i h r t s p r r s e su ildne nd fo h a t W r y t e o i f h n t mu Let m . ready o n c r o n i b nnep eing e b H s i “This is the irrational season e , h s U h for t t i d-W o G , l When love blooms bright and wild. e u Emman Had Mary been filled with reason, There’d have been no room for the child.” ~Madeline L’Engle

If I'm circumstances h o n n o e t s t li k w e ith myself, I o what is wild. W ... the word im ften do same time, if il d p li d e o s gs, wild birds, a sense of ch I'm honest wit wild people, w aos, of not kn h myself, there adventures, w ild o w in g what is goin 's a part of m ild stances...th g e to happen. A that loves wh e word implie Spirit of God t the a t s is b w e ild. Wild flowe auty, daring, la brooded over rs, wild hair, w ughter, fun su the chaos, an feel that God ild rp ri d s es. In Genesis although it is ordered every n o w t mentioned o e read that th thing as it wa in an ocean o e n s a n c y re o a t f r living in any ed. And yet, t h e s e v e n days, we ofte while walking kind of comm order! It's wh n t u h n ro it u y g , at makes life h the woods it becomes fa confusing, bu or swimming irly clear that begun naming t t h it e is re 's a lot God c also what ma ourselves as kes life beaut hose not to relevant, inclu might seem f if u s l. iv W e , and beautifu e, at Hennep airly tame. Bu in UMC, have l. t T w o h a e n n thought abou y t o a k n e e n o o f n u s by a commun , those three t how wild it it characteristics y is o f t o f a t it ru h...anything c the gospel to ly be relevant an happen! H ? It means ge cultures that ave you ever a t t r in e g n ot our own. T that we want out of our co o believe so m to share it no fort zones an strongly in th t just with tho d translating radical. It mea e p s e o w li e k e r of love that is ns that we go us, but with e veryone! To b beyond being the gospel, point of reco e t in o le c lusive is also gnizing the C rant of others hrist in them quite wild and a n d a yes, it can ref c t u a ll y a w n e d lc e o m me and accep er to our stain bracing what t them to the they have to ed glass wind happens at c o o f w f e s r ommunity me or the amazin the world. To a g ls be beautiful... m a u n s d ic t he friendship that is offered forgiveness th . that grows be , at we offer e b u t it a ls o re tween unlikely ach other wh fers to what welcome the en we inevita p e o p wild one into le in the commu bly hurt one a our midst, my nity and the ways God is n o ther. This sea prayer is that at work in ou son of Adven we do so by r world and in t, as we w a tching for the this communit I hope we fin s u rprising and b y. What does d out! eautiful it m e a n — Leah Rosso to welcome t he wild one?

NT E V D FA O Y N DA U S ST R pel I a h F C — e h 29TH ice in t

e rv R ry e S l E l a n B o i G n M t Ar mu NOVE in the th Com

2009 ADVENT

vice bba r a e S S — y M ne 8:30 A Sacred Jour rvice e S p i — pe l sh a r M h o A C W e 0 y 9:0 in th e nctuar c a i v S r e — M sS 9:30 A Many Voice M— 11 :00 A Inn” m e h ethle 5 B n I R “ , E NT er B t E a e V M h E D T FA DEC Youth Dinner O Y — N DA M U P S 0 5: 0 pel ND a h O C C e E S in th e — c i 6 v r e R ery S l l E a n B o i G n t M r DECE Sabbath Commu ervice in the A M— ney S r A u o 0 J 3 : 8 rvice ed r e c S a S p i — ap e l rsh M h o A C W e 0 y h r 9:0 in t Inn” e nctua c a i m v S r e e — h M sS thle e B n I 9:30 A Many Voice “ NT E eater, — h V T M D r A e FA Dinn 11:00 O h t u el Y o p Y a A h llery — D a C M N G e A el t h U r t p a A n S h i e C h e 11:00 D t c e rv i e in in the rvice HIR S c i e v e n T r S c o i e i v p n i S r — 3 orsh 1 mmu s Se rney o e W u c C i R o y J r o E h a V t d MB any acre abba anctu E S M S S C — — — — E M M M M A D A 9:30 A 9:00 11:00 8:30 A

CALENDAR

OF

EVENTS

DECEMBE he t t R 20— u o FOURTH k : c e SUNDAY it 8:30 AM s b Che OF ADV —Sabbath e w g ENT Communio r h o 9 : 0 . 0 c n AM—Sac Service in r h c u r r e h the Chape d u J o c u r n h e y l S ervice in t C n i h 9 e :30 AM— p Art Galler e , e h r t S y n e a n c t 11:00 AM t n u s a t r y e W a e orship Se l —Many V l H l s 1 rvice 1 e : 0 o w 0 ic e A s w M e S — e e r B v n r ic r a i e in the C ss, Bronze as p e r hapel i S a n d W p o y o d S C a hristmas C n d ! n oncert r u e D S E n b C EMBER o y i m l t e k a 2 c e 4—CHRI m e r De o w 1 2 : f STMAS 0 0 Noon— n h i c s C t EVE arols and e s i ea t 2 e i : 0 C t o 0 m v d P m M—Labyrin union in t la ti c an he Chape e t 4 a h : , 0 C 0 h a r P o t M ls e l , — P C o etry in the hristmas W h t l For l orship and Art Galler t a a y t 5 P : a 3 g g 0 e u a P n M t n in — i o S t h ervice of e Sanctua n e ab R ry e 7 p m : 0 e 0 m p b P r a M n — c a e C in the Ch arols and in h p apel C o e 1 1 m : 0 m 0 PM—C u n n io n n in the Sanct arols and He uary C o m munion in (10:30 PM e u the Sanct n Prelude C e uary v o n c ert by San A ctuary Ch d oir) e t i n U t s i d th o e M h c r u Ch

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT NOVEMBER 29 PRAY: Come, Jesus, Come… READ: Jeremiah 33:14-16 & Luke 21: 25-36

as ies. and t g i r n e r o o l e The h f t . r u n as e r a t o n i h b wit as idn’t d w d e s t y a u r the e s e e n th p J e o v y o c bab nd e e r a e ( u h t t l n u o o e c pire e m i m n m t le T i a E t i t t S d i s r s i , L i O riah Chr n th d ha f r a n o n u h a r t c e e on e d t d l l i m s Z i d u t e w , e r o r w a s e i e w t h ot ho was o th cen se in m t w n h n I s t m i e e r i s o n h b d o and g ry s s’ sa n a i i h a u c s K n i M e r e r m i w f J w e ne Th the ed h ds o le to t of a r n t t h m o i i w ” l e g . t i a w o l e a n i d ion. c O l t e “ o r e a g r e c h v g n p l e t i n a d i h g ) t e es els! tha to s brin ee t n an w g W s r y w n r . s o i o a e g e e v d c n w m a till ho pea ty s side d hu h n p g a u i n r m o quiet hem, how s in our safe o po oco y: a c e a ing h e w d l t n m n h s o o t ’ p a s c d e u a s s o G the of B ting e se ition iend t f r i h d l f a t a h r r d t t g o n f n y the ti a y se la r h a t i e r u p s l i f h l b a r t t o e p i e l t f p Ce ll o p ow ent hos ccom A v a d . m l s l r A t i a orld h w d w g w i e . s n s e e e u t e n s h a d r liv we cre e. T d Je u r l r i n col o u a h t o e n p re C i y i y r l a i t t y c s r n i s e m l r e a a t p h f v n r s i E peo with s wa , impo the C roclaimed u e f d s c o n e a l J a p rld), s h d t p a o c o n i w n w e o h l o g t i w y o i t are alth av rma into e l nmen l o r i f w t d e l s f s r r v ny n o o u o a s a i r o g w y t m r y n n o e i a n t i a h d to om of t sary he s a nd R n t s i , y e r r t e o i e c l a e h h v a e e i b T l f w re m aith nn t. e f n e i m u n e w r ( i e m e h e r e t h e y v e i r h e l t f R l dif Bu t. ( ung eth ies ce t th i t n r h y i i t B r r e l c b e o d a o v ay i r n e n i v p m s h u m t a t y , o l t r l o w d d a n e n n e dve can fear born en a A d cru e children e l n e m s i a p h o h o t w e e e you s t n p h I u siv t o y a s . s l g a l c e n e r a t m e c o s i p pla op illing ecut ger b new, e “ju n l k s a n r e p u e t d im o r m o p o h e a r y o t p e e r n W u i h t H o . o s r d s h wit King n— r you y, an rs old mically, mo mall flock o r i e a t o g l e i n l g y e e new o s t R ld i o s . w i a d n r t w s n h o d d s e a c i n r C n i we ?) E all h rs f rops usba ated a g t c h n e n i c i f i r r k d e rld! o m d l i g o s n a s h a r w a a v i e e r e w s s ’ h v m h op e of a d— ec ei G od oug ir fat h r o their h e f r t g l h o n u t a a o o n , rom ing ent ay y r as visio m o m r n r e e p e by” liv hts apart f v son m o k Em o g c s e a n J h d g a i t a r o hris sh Rom my C w ip of o e e h n J h s t o had n r t e o th by au w the 0, Re a d 3 2 # hem em e o l p h t n e B hym wn of

READ: Amos 2:6-16 & Matt 21:1-11

light

sed ea en to the Ch ildr

ing

igh ten As L

The

Trut h's sup erb s

urp rise

m De Too b right for o ur inf ir

Success in Circuit lies

t tell it s Tell all the Truth bu

lant---

PR D a A Y: zzl em wit e ht r Go uth, d…

th Wi

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30

TH

n ta io lp an ex Tru e h T

ik nd

th

zzl a d t mus

lly a u d e gra

Or every man be blin

d--— Emily Dickinson

e… p o H ve… r e S e… v i G

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

P

Y: A R

MOVING MOUNTAINS Read Isaiah 25:4 “None of us are home until all of us are home.” Sister Mary Scullion

There are a million words in the English language. “Hope,” I suggest, is sweetest. The ugliest? “Homelessness.” Homeless people are not confined to the streets of Botswana, Mogadishu or Mumbai, but are, quite literally, on our own doorstep. It's not uncommon to spot them huddled in the entryways of Hennepin Church — a few of the nine thousand Minnesotans living on the streets, in emergency shelters or transitional housing. Almost half are children; one in ten are victims of foreclosure. What's a Christian to do?

The Chinese have a proverb: “It is possible to move a mountain by carrying away small stones.” Hennepin has been a refuge in crisis since 1875, but never more than now, as it works to end homelessness through such programs as Minnesota Food Share, the Dignity Center, Habitat for Humanity, Simpson House shelter for battered women, Steeple People Surplus Store and Community Meals. “Small stones,” perhaps. But, together - giving, serving - Hennepin members can be hope to some of the Cities’ most vulnerable. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson has spoken of his family's arrival in Minneapolis “with nothing in our pockets but hope.” Hope is the promise of Christmastide, embodied in the audacious “Wild One” — born of an unwed teenager in a Bethlehem shelter — who became Hope of the World. — By Napier READ: Amos 3:1-11 & Matt 21:12-22

Submitted by Julie Sedlak

BIRT

TO THE MUSTN'TS

H

Listen to the MUSTN'TS, child, Listen to the DON'TS Listen to the SHOULDN'TS The IMPOSSIBLES, the WONT'S Listen to the NEVER HAVES Then listen close to me___ Anything can happen, child, ANYTHING can be.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

LISTEN

— Shel Silverstein When th When ey were w ild, they w ere n When ot ye they t hum c ould I was an, have on th been e oth And anyth er sid their ing, e fathe r e a d y wi t r too — Lo h , eac uise h nam milk to l Erdric ure t h ean he et in his h m, ands.

PRAY:

READ: Amos 3:12-4:5 & Matt 21:23-32

WELCOMING THE WILD ONE? Most of us who grew up in the church were not taught to think of Jesus as the "Wild One." The best wisdom about Jesus from an earlier time depicted him as the meek and mild, "well behaved one." However, contemporary scholarship has shown the historical Jesus in a new light. By seeing Jesus anew, stripped of centuries of theologizing about him, living in the world of his own first century, we see a person who does not fit the mold of the passive, "well behaved" young man we once thought him to be. Jesus grew up within a predominantly Jewish, peasant culture, dominated and exploited by the Imperial Roman Government and a small group of collaborating Jewish elites.

THURSDAY, DEC READ: Amos 4:6-13, Matt 21:33-46

With a keen mind, loving heart, a non-violent method and prophetic voice, he envisioned a Kingdom of God, which challenged both the Roman Empire and conventional Jewish hope for a Messiah who was a warrior king. Jesus spoke in parables with an edge that challenged injustice. He delivered short aphorisms that turned the conventional wisdom on its head. He was accused of breaking with Jewish traditions, eating with sinners and befriending people who were despised as unclean or inferior by others. His life and teachings were unconventional by almost every measure, in both his time and place and ours. Advent for me has become the annual opportunity to rediscover the newly emerging, scholarly understanding of this man Jesus, who after 2000 years still has the power to transform the way we view ourselves and the world around us. May the compassionate spirit of the "Wild One" be born in us anew, as we celebrate his coming and seek to be faithful.

EM B ER

PRAY: Come, Compassionate Spirit…

3

- Howard Johnson

FRIDAY, DEC. 4

READ: Amos 5:1-17 & Matt 22:1-14

you f o nts e m u str us in

ess. n d a em n i v i rd

ke steries. a y m r m u o y , f o fullness Lord e h t w o n k n so we ca y t p m e s u e Mak

Help us experience who we are not so we can become who we are.

Help us be seri ous about the a bs

urd, and absurd ab

out the serious. ession. r p x e d e ir p s om. gy and in r d e n s e i e iv w t a re ds with c nable i in a m t d t n a a s ie n our u Fill our bod y o t o te d v e d y Bring us cont pletel rary visions. m o c ciles e b m i and , s l o o ts, f o i d i For these things w l a tu i r i e pray. p s g n i e b ce in i o j e r We Amen. Submitted by Bob Brinkley

E

TH SI

DE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 READ: Amos 5:18-27 & Matt 22:15-22

O

tle en ER Ario t g ents ou TH Bruce ab ndm . Do s ma ors by yi t i b k m ee co ian igh s m ne rist he ide Ch s. T our . The prov of on nd ers ion a oti ch oth lig od h em e Mu r c u . ng e G rom ur . M d ng O ari ov sf orl livi ct. ld. ng ol dc w e r o t thi an st s erf kind n p l u vet he w erfec o of ot t e o tel ati s n ters situ es w me t c erit r a p e h di no o tim In so orl ram with l in ef e w wil bas p a e al e. ur om d sid o to .S the o the t Ye de ith ild dt tsi uired ur fa he w nee t ou ls e req ge o ith k we ur he fal n w r t n e a i l d l . O up id I th s. We cha nte vo t in en i a t fro ses, dnes op let an l tha on a i c o c c o t to ew se we ave t ugh ar e ed nk the e th ne e e h eno m thi of lco n’t nk w ng . We d th o o we thi Id str life yon in I of be be ng m. e i t ing ble s to side ca liev pro h ha ther meth advo o be o s t d t fai he o ce s no ut I ation t to erien y”. I’m hy, b situ c p o ex ryda anar en t e op of s– e “ev r o be e u ay b fav can leng l tm we t cha s tha d. l tha ation le wi t u sit a lit

, y a d e P y y r e . e s r v r e u ou o n i e en b n p io n O s a s c e pa v o m en l o C ild Am W s,

d o G : Y RA

December 6, 2009

THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT

The wild one appears at birth when we demand our mom's nipple. He/she continues in our terrible two tantrums and bursts in adolescence: acting out, PRAY: breaking rules, exploring edges and moving away from home. These behaviors can happen at 3, 31 or 61! I was the good girl for a prolonged time, because at 18 I entered the convent and remained a sister for 17 years. But even there I was one of the 'young ones' who pushed for reform of our community life so we could, after a thousand meetings, remove the starch collars and long robes and dress in simple clothes. A group of us discovered the roof of a large convent in READ: Malachi 3:1-4 & Luke 3:1-6 Detroit, made a porch out of it and began smoking. We thought being out in the cool air would prevent anyone from noticing cigarette smell on our clothes. Needless to say, we were wrong. The real wild one of those days was my sexual energy, my struggle

me the to ater e to in f d w g y to be being a m o e n g f i t m n d c n o o i t l r t e l e dir elp ted I lef retu pho s fa h a t e, y n e a a w a s r b o a i c o y w e l s l ild l l h h k e a a n a W a t c e e I d t u r n t e n . e a n y o a b e h r t wom he prima hom his horse had d ev e tice t arch g t t n i o n a a n h u e t I a k o t y ta ah is in ce on on c r d m e i h i a n s c In M p O t i a e . e h y l s n l s i i i g n a W h h t y o . o t i d i on I urch love titut iting e eg mun s to spen r h s h . n t w m C i n i o n s w n a c I i l ed hen oli ge rty! hap e ho p p n a c c a e a i p t t e d a h ss. o S n a e c belov i a s n n r . i r r s a t M y o a S f y M a t m c t a w g o f al in le ne rs den dt Her is again push dred of us g lay leade of us to, move astoral resi r the wild o of you n n s te lp ny One i 07 two hu t stop bei ted a group gether clinica ive years la him, as ma . Our F 20 in d to invi d no e l g . n p f h u n d a d e i t o t a o e n r t c e h y a n a t e , l e e ired k a e sta t m H w c v i e , e t r r e s t e i a h l n s a t k , e P at Blo Ib ved atric with m P i becau ry priest, h n e h t Steve t your belo paths and wed leaf h d wi prayer. W o na ollar i n o t c s l i a l e n t v e n s e m y r r a in Ou om , to eft. l diffe R e y have ture, e Wildest t i a d e m n i i n e n k t r u t a a c t ries mm th at a ys rry rds p o , a e u s e i f c n g w a r n n y k e e i u o r h est c y k h t o e i t a j a a w l v r b f w e d p s w a k , o d e r o e s c l sn fu blo lace ot g you agin o e n p l 2 e m e g I e r d , b r l n ! i up, h u o s s d d c o a c o r r o e c e w u g w t G h m e s a o d r i l an s, w e th ian C -up of th e fo weso , hal r e t l a a n s m u i e r w r a d ild v a n h n n a w a C a e a e f m h t k t m a o s a a o r I l n a i l R wh is i em at F ion. s fu nto h i i t — o T n h p e i e . e e of w c h t h n i m t s t , c r n r a O s e g o o u u r i n n j i h w s u O d s pa lea ild We et o ns C eace and nds , g h e e W i g g r h i r n d f i l p h u r r u for e u a t y l p o "O a e g c S n o d n i w t t t a o r a l to The of S edicated ! !” Th s once ag st summe in the s ! u 0 e f 9 m 1st o a d o i n e a t n e 8 L o h e e t s 8 . m n e r w r on He dre ir ho rom s, g ld O g i f h e s d n t r i i h W u s e t n w o e t l ist n e t i s n r c y a k g e a o th c , t s e h t k a o a c e r B e i , m u we sin inti eE , qu nd p ler circle. a t r y s a a e e r t d m l s p e b n t a r e e t e e e h l h f with e se al de sp sp p o c k m a o l o r o l r s e t i t a n p d , w d r a e s u u e te m e n olit a quie Advent, w ature, in th ild One invited s. In the s One called thrown dow ess and W n of r en e e ld e i v y h tain v i t h i a t n t a g c W d r a u a , d w l n o t e o f p her u p an ie m of m S o o u t a l e t h q t t a n n i i d n a , u l t s n p o l i ar ac tain the d me house, fi o fa f t e t l o h s n r r g u low. e i moun ss, create u l f f t e e e o y h o r r h t c l t l e i d s an she ene into for a into her f Her! ndle e a n y h i c a t i w w w forgiv as I wept ome back red ce the per n f e a g o n c e d n e i s d n h o s o , t e gla et she op e hill. T arms - Jan Bucher Then outsid told m a nd a

, t s e

t, n , hu r e ov c s di

t. i e b So

— dottie garwick

Qu

I wanted to visit you As soon as I heard the news You were in a modest place — Maybe a cave, warmly safe & secure.. Perhaps a hut, hosted with clean straw. I’d search in a sheltering shed — Home to stolid donkeys and restless sheep. No question of a welcome waiting for — Kings, peasants, seekers like me. Hoping to discover the winsome child! I’ll know you after counting all twenty fingers and toes And lightly brushing off the star shine Loving that new-born baby smell. Assured by your small stretches, Those questing eyes, cuddles after cries. Small one, I get the idea — Questing, hunting, haunting, clutching — I expect to discover; always you are there — I answer your invitation; mark the challenge! Even today there is a universe of guiding stars Showing the way. I know it’s not far. Keep my place. I’m coming, dear God, I’m coming…

FINDING THE CHILD

: Y A R P

DECEMBER SEVENTH

READ: Amos 7:1-9 & Matt 22:23-33

MONDAY,

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 READ: Amos 7:10-17 & Matt 22:34-46

PRAY:

We’re often inclined to take Jesus and shape him into our vision of ourselves. We think of his words as spoken in English...give him European features… and imagine him in a clean robe and well-shampooed. In order to make him more acceptable – and his message more palatable – we soften him, and make him like us.

One of the outcomes of having spent a year studying in Jerusalem and the West Bank is having a tangible, kinesthetic experience of the terrain in which Jesus lived. It’s a harsh landscape. The soil is rocky and inhospitable. Water is not plentiful. Life as a wandering 1st Century prophet would have been difficult beyond our imagining.

Amen

It’s often tempting to sentimentalize both Jesus’ message and his appearance. But the itinerant Jesus was both homeless and jobless. He walked hundreds of miles down dusty roads and relied upon the hospitality of strangers for sustenance. His tunic would have tattered and frayed. He must have smelled. While we sometimes (partially…minimally…) recognize the extent that his words threatened upheaval to the political and religious institutions of his day – and of OURS – it’s easy to ignore that his grooming, dress, and aura would have challenged our modern sensibilities. Thus, despite Jesus’ call to follow him and do as he did, we ask Jesus to follow us…and be like we are. — Kent Peterson

B

I — Mic RTH hael D ennis Brown M y he e art ha s bee at the n light thoug all day ht of who o the bo nly las y t n i g into a ht bur rms th st from a t the da h a who o d ach rk nly thr ed for e h e days im, of tho past t se wa he fea nderin unfold st g , wors ed him h ipping self, fu from t kings ll gift he de a n d my pths o stery f our laborin g life. If you have flung the wreath from your door, Submitted by

, Y A D S ER E N MB D E CE W CE TH E 9 D

Brittany Kallman

restore it now,

or run to gather fresh green from the trees of life, for that which was lost is found, the cold month shines with the harvest we hardly could hope for, and his being blazes from the hill-top of every heart which will come to love him.

READ: Amos 8:1-14 & Matt 23:1-12

FOR A

READ: Amos 9:1-10 & Matt 23:13-26

A KISS

I stand by the bed where a young woman lies, her face, her mouth twisted in palsy, clownish. A tiny twig of the facial nerve, one the muscles of her mouth, has been severed. Her young husband is in the room. He stands on the opposite side of the bed, and together they seem to dwell in the evening lamplight, isolated from me, private. The young woman speaks. “Will my mouth always be like this?” she asks. “Yes,” I say, “it will. It is because the nerve was cut.” She nods, and is silent. But the young man smiles. “I like it,” he says. “It is kind of cute.” All at once I know who he is. I understand, and lower my gaze. One is not bold in an encounter with God. Unmindful, he bends to kiss her crooked mouth, and I am so close I can see how he twists his own lips to accommodate to hers, to show her that their kiss still works.

PRAY: Holy O

ne,

bend ov e

r me…..

Submitted by Bill Mate

THURSDAY, DECEMBER TENTH

In our giving, O God, help us to count with love……

It is curious that in the matter of deciding his own fate, he reached the same conclusion as Caiaphas and took it in the neck for the sake of many, Caiaphas included. It was not, however, the laws of mathematics that he was following.

11

PRAY:

ECEMBER

The High Priest Caiaphas was essentially a mathematician. When the Jews started worrying that they might all get into hot water with the Romans because of the way Jesus was carrying on, Caiaphas said that in that case they should dump him like a hot potato. His argument ran that it is better for one man to get it in the neck for the sake of many than for many to get it in the neck for the sake of one man. His grim arithmetic proved unassailable.

The arithmetic of Jesus, on the other hand, was atrocious. He said that Heaven gets a bigger kick out of one sinner who repents than out of ninetynine saints who don't need to. He said that God pays as much for one hour's work as for one day's. He said that the more you give away, the more you have.

FRIDAY, D

CAIAPHAS

Submitted by Howard Johnson (from “Listening to your Life: Daily Meditations with Frederick Buechner”)

READ: Haggai 1:1-15 & Matt 23:27-39

Y: A R

A RELEASE OF THE WILD.

P

… This day

to rest… to p

erch

….

… to soar

..

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

Marcia and I stood with a large gathering of children and adults one cool Saturday morning at the French Regional Park to witness the release of raptors recovered from their injuries. A person from a local TV morning show was given the honors. A person from the U of M Raptor Center instructed the celebrity to outstretch her arms; a magnificent eagle now perched on her gloved hand. Our excitement “perched” with the bird as well. Cameras were readied to catch the first wing beats that would lift the bird back to the freedom it once knew. And then the release. All that the eagle was, now remembered, spirited the bird into the gray morning sky. A shout went up as our spirits soared with the eagle, bringing tears of joy to many faces. I think this experience speaks deeply of the Wild One in us wanting to be released from the cages and injuries that hold us. Welcome the wild, spirited one in you and soar with the eagles! READ: Haggai 2:1-19 & Matt 24:1-14

— Bob Brinkley

READ: Isaiah 12:2-6 & Luke 21: 3:7-8

m nty. eat. s of i l b a e t p r v 1. I a u ts. e e l n c y l e n l h u a m g i u p d us velo rist rate h biguity an e h e d l C o ILD t w h e self. n n y m ug a a c o m o r t I t h . t a 2 gs gh ickly n i u u a h q ” l . t t es e l d l c p a n m n a a e d s i o r a s n d e n I e 3. e xp atio u y “I can o strength t i s m ers. m gh n h o u t r a f o o c wh r s f t e n n tha sso or i se o at w g e o h l m n t h i u t s. e h l h k t m d b n y i e e r a n l h h a e u t b l t v a o t e ' r find s rn v nd gp don I a e a n i . v e s l i v g l 4 u g I n o e. i f l . s h o b 5 t th i t a y t a r a n s f u a o M ood our do f nd d g t o a y l u l s m b g ' a e I n , c i v . li ro 6 at uck t ind l e s m f m i d l o r t m o ' I o u u o a 7. ials, og ss o r t e nt t t o n i r m d c e e n a g s nces ra sa tun , r e u i e s r o o u f m e c i s t i n p come e ex dm had esid d nd e e a b a t e r b v s s e i a e v n i con t from fits s e e us clu ss. We all h d our God e v n t ' I e f l . b 8 nd an u lne this se ., 2005 , o s u d f t f e a h t d t e i p an fa ada def PhD at , h d d t r t r a n e a w d b o e e i es no t Ms. H ge by A1 Si y ive l t e n victor c e e r c a e t can us. rd r dvan a e g A w n w i y o , c d es i t n H v , n i e d l i s l gu e h i n e t r s v a e u e d m fA h ti je c t ce o er, B o g The R b t n i u r o a n o d h w o t e e s n ith h a P e rv Th e w g R e s o " u s . t A g r o r y r n l t A e i i e l t h r o t i t An be dea Sp bet is h go t " l e h y n l l m t l i l a l p e o a n e o h i an e H t c r e c , e n a p e e o w e e t i h t l e S t a i w n e s l w g re at es, silie whi s of e h navi Y e r t g r . o n e t y i l s t s a a a a m p s h h w o t t me g le e r , n o yw i b p d u c s a i d e o s t t e n i u s s i r i s f i g m e so Sp by ring ptim e ar her b y o l h f o e S o e f in r i H . l t y a y y r n e e c a y e e h h n d e t t v m e h i e , t l e t u hat tha t arg resi f th One hat a w , t f o h e d , t o f l i s i l s l , r l e i s W e g g to rine n sk e n th a i e k l h o l e n t i c M l a h a h t h e r t b g i by ive oun silve lcom the c y g ed w e t e y d y c w h n t e e n!" m a h n r t O f , n o o f t t e o i a c m e o i h on ring et are s h B ey g itual. ful, t t " r h A i y t , f a . p l s t o s s t y p a y re are , th s sa f tes t da l d y s e ne y n e o e s s e h i e w t m f r they a eir battles ( f h o t : C a s Mc kind d th tion th a n a m i a e m J s s r , i u . o y f f cho Re v ea es) ealth s gave v l h e e e h y s t h r a s t u d PRAY: Come, Holy Spirit, Come. they s rate o aroun Then,

THE

W

?

does no t touch the oce without an. Be a a shell, pearl a mindfu l floodin g, pty m e ome c e d b d. a e h, h ve live t o d m est, lo e n r n tu g e l n i d l t can rd set bi Submitted by jar,

Brittany Kallman

READ: Zech 1:7-17 & Matt 24:15-31

a toast: Go home. There’s nothing for you here. A pearl in the shell

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14

The o eve ne wh r be o com pours e dr i inkin s wilde r g, w ilde than w r th e an the rim o t ls il f o ne wh ce with wine, the o n e s b a in to live s e v a le d n a

: Y A R P Fill m

e

g n i w o rfl e v o o t ov L h t i w

e

y a d s i th and s… y a d all

of the year: te a g e th t a d n who stoo a m e th to unknown.’ id a e s th to in And I ly fe a s I may tread t a th t h g li a An e ‘Give m dh er ep ‘Go out int lied o the darkn : ess and pu That shall b t y our hand in e to you be to the Han tter than lig d of God. ht and safe r than a kn own way.’ — Minnie L. Haskins 1875-1957

M in

ay

Is ee

PR

AY

:

th et an ru de dt th n ial he in s de m ni y als tru th ...

Quoted by King George VI, in his Christmas Address, December, 1939

m y

Many of you will recall my wife, Ginny, and my cross country bicycle trip over the Summer of 2004, Hennepin church bulletin during that Spring. This was a guiding principle for us as we left Anacortes, WA., on our way to Provincetown, MA. We are so very thankful for the rich, diversified educational opportunities, along with the community of searchers here at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church.

urselves o e r a p e r p as we n r a le d n a ct, Study, refle season t n e v d A is Earth, n o e during th r e h n pressio x e t s e b ’s of God h t ir b e h t e rist. h C to celebrat e h t s u Jes

READ: Zech 2:1-13 & Matt 24:32-44

— Chuck Roach

DECEMBER 15

to raise funds for Rotary International Peace Scholarships. The above quotation had been in the

TUESDAY,

This is one of my favorite lines of all-time, spoken by Baby Suggs, in Toni Morrison’s novel, Beloved. It changed the way I think about the grace of God in my life. Before that line showed up, grace was a sometimes thing in my life. But since this idea has taken up residence, grace happens all the time. Turns out my experience of grace, or lack of it, was a “failure of the imagination.” The reason I hadn’t experienced more moments of grace in my life was that I had never imagined all the wild possibilities up God’s sleeve.

PRAY: Imagine grace this day

Now I should say that I have a pretty vivid imagination. But it’s been given a new burst of wildness by hanging out with my 3-year old granddaughter. She’s turned us into ghosts and bears and taught me whole new languages. Turns out that God is also a wild playmate. Grace is happening all the time, all around and within you, in surprising ways. Don’t see it? Get a 3-year old to help you. Or Willie Wonka. In the 1971 film version of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” he sings, “If you want to view paradise, simply look around.” READ: Zech 3:1-10 & Matt 24:45-51

— Steve Blons

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16

.. . e c a e P Lo

Ho : p e… Y A PR

ve…

READ: Zech 4:1-14 & Matt 25:1-13

— from “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot

Touch me (but softly) with a rowdy and evangelical spirit. Help me preach about the paradise the wild ones see: where the way goes straight to food and freedom and honey. Where Hannah stands up for new birth. Where John calls us to drink from the water of life, and Mary bursts and dances with her God-news. Where Jesus’ stable cry and Mary’s blood of life bring heaven to us light years beyond.

What if I spike my hair and turn it blue? Would that be credential enough to welcome the wild one? Or a tattoo that says love or peace or happiness or joy?

Give me courage to grab the Spirit and hang on for dear life, a roller coaster ride that deposits me winded, bruised, exhilarated.

Make me an instrument of thy disruption Caring God who stirs up the water, levels the mountains for justice and grabs us through rants and raves and chills and fears.

— Bruce Robbins

A PRAYER FOR THE WILD ONE

Do I dare Disturb the universe? In a minute there is time For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER

SEVENTEENTH

MAS,

CHRIST AR THIS YE

PRAY: God, e, m r o f n how s e v a h do. ou I y g e n v i o l h ry t the e v k e c a d b n e gi v see a e I f i e l n o y y EN ever M h May m A g u o r Th

arlson — Ann C birth d, f Jesus’ es aroun eaning o mas com er the m ar Christ to consid Every ye portunity season: e the op e of the Giving m ular nois y the sec and life. rowned b d ” ars, I am ur love… Most ye show yo ns….” g…” item and decoratio ntertainin “Buy this in house e l holiday e latest sty for your d “Get the uous foo as. is sumpt f Christm “Serve th images o ompeting Often, by the c rwhelmed I get ove ink, top to th But if I s eally. simple, r is Jesus, It’s very hristmas ample of x e E. ning o f C ugh the t of LOV The mea love thro bodimen ring out s the em ouched, . God pou o lived a one he t ntrodden being wh for every and dow passion A human m o c ossessed nstrated oor, disp p He demo ho were e lived y those w should b Especiall agant how life of extrav owed me . e of life Jesus sh assionate p m could liv antly Co RYONE Extravag that EVE owed me Jesus sh ion, compass . ecided to ason, e If they d ristmas s God g this Ch tment to So, durin y commi renew m e. I want to e and Lif ift of Lov For the g

18 R E B M E CE

0 t 25:14-3 t a M & :8-8:8 7 h c e Z : READ

D

, Y A D FRI

St. "— o s t u s g e ordin s name J c c a i sus l, h e e i l J r l a b , Ga ime d "c ve." t l , l u e n o I g h n s iah, ." a a s s s d s u l n l e e i a h h wit on” rd M he w by t " s s o i w d a b r d e r rew ach "Go e ve be a b iah " o h , r a e l t s d p e I l H s p u u an wo rs a the s a m a e Read t e s m w c a h E a s r y : r a the d ng d a l i h r o n n c o t I M a w . e e s ecy sam em rew shed g girl wa h i b m p e n a e h o o r s t t H p ohn n h e J as t e u s i l h ' . t l o g t w n e y n i a s S i e en as Dan ah. i k; it' a f n e i s When count, th aic, writt e o I r d by in e eG ews f m n J ac h a e t e r d s y e ' r A s m e fro n is entu h as for Luk n in o c i u n t e o t a k s n ut n r a i r t b r t f a a e , c e e p g h l n ial d guis indin c a pro the I hrist, a tit i o f r m i f r e r r c o sa — C ho ce s " s i n e n a h e r a h s T s t no of M ervant" — — The e known as n o " ne S eS ." The O ' h g e e “ t n " n i d m : r l i a n s O e uff bec lf a atio e W ross. ted S e n h " n s i t g i " o of m s i m n r e s h y i n c e d a t A o s l n w t lica the esu ed the oma J b r "The i y r R , o B b e t f e a , n e d i on et own them tifie en r e d t n n f f t n k " e r o n e . t d u i e dv orld eo leas ne d i A d t W i Jesus , he was ier s d r u p n e e u g a a d h o t e N o , r t t ay ays r of lies nd n as ard his p G a e e v , s s o l o s last d as "Savio ch ne he ow k t t r e a y m n l d m a i o b i it in ossi s ary n h resolut p r saw h t o a n i p e th it h s a ntem ving wit f o o h c n t e ristia t to h h In th y bold, mo g C i l ive the l g s d s o e e t l s res us, reck p d x e e t i Luke h has vis . t S Hig But n o READ: Zech 8:9-17 & Matt 25:31-46 pring s y a D e." pe a c

AT H ? E W M A N A N I IS 9:6

are e p s e k - Sha

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19

READ: Micah 5:2-51 & Luke 1:39-45

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20

THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

PR

: Y A

an up for ou? y to as e e e y s v v m c a i i t a it o t e g s t h i s r d r s i u o i o j h a s d t t e C e t s u i p g f a It of ssa abo Wh l ap ry o e e s ) o g s t g m ? n s i e n s r r i i a n l b e it ars he t th o ful t f t i s f e e i t e n k h a f t , i t e a l h m (W ..wh Wha ery stars d in v ? … e t f n r d h l t a r o u a s e o o b e y , w ne d m n t e i a l l o s p h e tame, ging angels peak of th not ew t do h d a t a h s n i h w s y . l u e … o .how re n h y a t … a r s s f e e e e sweet o m v c pla e. W eir li cold u l o h t t e b h ” u d t me l y o a , u y s e o l c e e b n “Mar a d h et gui ay o e st How b h h r t ? f e o f o v s g o .e ight ss nt o L … t e u s n r o a h u c smell g c g o uld owin l o e rou e are no a l c h o t f , r t pack r fte e a o h nigh t f T u o . ms s yo lesh l a f e e r n p c vel a m s a r o s t e c e h l hum d t t c n tha od, ga mus o n l i f b h o t y t e r r e o uch f v o t e m of th o o p c t u dis ces dirty e n h g a t t n , s i o l h d ace? t e da birt a e p e r k l e e g a plac dw s, se a s a h e r n t o a f w th ne ing h d c r e l a d e s trad s d roads a e at h h W t . , y t e s k don to re a f o ud y o l d a o b g n yi n we a the e s h w W ed y no l w n n o u e n lives e a ar r v i u s g a o ry w e to into a c i e o M d n ct h t n e O c a p r d x tha e l e i e h m ust sha hat he W e t m t t h , h t r e e g e s w m u h y o a ver. ro c l e w b r mot e t o y f w e b n s … a dou d… tho om e o y s g n b n e r a h e d a t h bir ec er e ch w olore i b h c h T o w s t . i n y io rth nce stor a i l s son l i i n r h exclus f Jesus’ bi h b T o . J e e t i hav ally ed h th to t t d i S i r n w t u o s c o d u t e c i ac is t at m ringe ely r a h k i s l h i W t r w . . s a . o de ess ke… n i o l d s l i n d who m w l e like…. ho be of

M O N D A Y,

Rupture the nigh t! Sing i Radiant n th e s t One, ma ars, ke us yo Bathe u ur home s in ligh ! t; blaze oh, com i n our he e, Lord J arts: esus, co me! — Jodi Gustafson

DECEMBER 21

READ: Zeph 3:14-20 & Luke 1:1-25

PRAY: Dark is th e night, q uiet and c all earth w old; aits for lov e's bright Send us y dawn. our Light, promised oh, come, of old: Lord Jesu s, come! rees: t e h t gh u o r h t low ne! b o , b d d n i n ha of w s e r l f e p t s e i me Wh , h t a ze: e r e b e r s B ' n g ivin g heave e f i l , e! ain g m a o c s , u s Stir e su J d r o L e, m o c , h o

TUESDAY,

DECEMBER TWENTY-SECOND

The ild” has I was a , many “w ce ny a n d i r s m and o , e w e y a m u ed is d o intrig o be u h t g i r To int nt st a . e r e u e ar t n m i e s t t h g i n n o you ter it c at does hen we s from n w e it wa f s la e. Wh r a a e e y o m it m believ n e o s i t t e a o in (I erva ese” s fasc What d horeau e r p e e G T h ? s t ” d l i m “wild ase fro rness is em “W he write u s hr po de n l p i l yo e s l ’ w h r e e t e w n th v l I ild t“ wil Oli a w I y h r t e the d a b n ) n a i M m o i , t h d”? means ir, yours se, high he l r o w T e a it e p t g s the a e d il ke i wh your d l w s . u e u n th yo gai e o a l t i tells about h e s ll w ver m a n o o e c a h d , e m M an i on ing t r d “Tell a e ld a n v i u e o g h o a w e . r ” I im -mine lue air, a to your citing--- hings.” e h t t b x f n l i f e e n ild clea ffers its rsh and family o rd world f the w cy the the wo ming o tenden d o ese, ha l r n o i w r ce lco ave a ge o a f l e of d p l w n i e r o t w e i h i u t h s o we re a po the cing y et p C e m o v tive d o i e r i e t n s l o h u e o t n w o b ary, in the p ann te the uld mea wild I c s o rd itu ing t ild w o h ion ou s t w t w s b i e a d h e e r m su t r y C d r th ant, so the wo o n e t a a h e s t l READ: 1 Sam 2:1b-10 & Luke 1:26-38 h l poem hen we ing dist hink of poems, efer) ca pr W r’s eth Let’s t . e u m v e i o l o n ob se. y s o O e B f . f i e y e o g r — tam of Ma or God e wild in k h d t r sen o t s h to e a n t w s e a J like sen (Cr the

My father was not a man to reminisce a great deal about days gone by. However, I remember him telling me once with great affection about the Christmases of his childhood. He was the oldest of five children, born in 1916 to Fred and Nellie Honstead in Waterville, Kansas, a small town in the prairie hills of northeastern Kansas. Fred ran a general store there with his brother and they made ends meet, but not easily. Both Fred and Nellie’s grandfathers emigrated from Germany, so the tradition of the Christmas tree was an important part of holiday celebrations for them. Dad recalled that he would usually help his father cut down one of the cedars that grew wild in the midst of blue stem grass pastures, giving it the honor of being that year’s “tannenbaum.” I’ve seen some of those cedars and they are scruffy, brownish, wind blown things with a pungent smell. In comparison to the symmetrical, bright green tree that we buy for a great deal of money today, it was a decidedly wild and ungainly version. The other tradition that Fred and Nellie maintained from their German heritage was to wait to put up the tree and decorate it until Christmas eve, carefully attaching candles to the branches. The children were kept out of the room until the tree was completely adorned. Then the candles were lit, the doors opened, and the children beheld a glorious sight with tiny flames dancing on wild cedar branches. Of course, there was the possibility of the whole tree igniting, so the candles were not allowed to stay lit for long. But for those few dangerous moments, the wild miracle of Christmas filled the room. READ: 2 Sam 7:1-17 & Luke 1:39-56

As I reflect upon this story, passed down from one generation to the next (as so many of the wondering stories of Christmas are), I find that it moves me beyond the values it implies of simplicity and living creatively with what you have. It seems to me that there is something jaw-dropping about being willing to risk sending your parlor up in flames for a chance to see that spark of amazement and joy in a child’s eyes. But when I listen to the Christmas story again, it is definitely not a story about safety. After all, the first words the angels spoke to the shepherds were “Fear not!” — Mary Honestead

PRAY: Shine in our hearts, Jesus…

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23

PRAIRIE CHRISTMAS TREE

Candles that will burn all the year long.

Submitted by David Smith

Candles of love to inspire all my living,

Howard Thurman (1900-1981)

Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens.

Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,

Candles of courage for fears ever present,

Candles of hope where despair keeps watch.

Candles of joy, despite all sadness,

I will light candles this Christmas,

CHRISTMAS CANDLES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 CHRISTMAS EVE

WELCOME THE WILD ONE — Brian Wren

Welcome the wild one, the desert declaimer, urgently, awesomely, crying his news: "Now, listen now! There is One who comes after! I am unfitted to fasten his shoes. bending, n u d n a t p , unkem d e t a o c ir a briars, d n a y e Camelh n o ppers, h o h s s a r g ending f f p im e h t living o s il r, he ha e t a w in p e ires. f g Kneede in p lo e v pirit's en S g in iv g e flam Hear from the h erald the king w ho'd expected, world-ending w rath is the pow er he describes God's own ano : inted, outspoke n, uncensored, judging the pala ce, the priests and the scribes . sted, e v in , d e t in o Child, an e v o L 's d o Welcome G irit within. p S e h t y b ed ested, ll t e d p n a im d rt e e r s e e p d ing, tem in h s , e v lo g World-makin begin! n io t a lv a s t nd-le now is at ha

DEC 25 CHRISTMAS DAY

PR

AY :

Christmas is a cradle citidel Strong to hold us in its charms While by its light and by its love Faith and hope are gently warmed. —Alberta Fox

ant 03 ist lis, ited v EP I N 3 o n polis, e l 5 p U ethod HENN innea -871rg Re innea enue 2 M 1 6 ited M ue M in Av urch.O E N UE V ant Aven ue Un ennep pinCh ND A H e Relev A L Aven eland epin Henn utiful ROVE h.Org Grov c Henn r u h e Bea 511 G C v i h 511 h n odist 303 i Inclus nnep utiful Churc Meth 871-5 Churc e 2 H 1 6 3 nited e Bea odist 0 3 5403 Meth clusiv nue U 71-53 urch e 5540 ant In MN 5 in Av 612-8 ist Ch , MN Relev ethod ennep 03 OLIS 5403 P 4 A ive h.Org tiful H ited M MN 5 N 55 IN N E u n a Inclus M M e Churc UE U ive B enue evant polis, l AVEN innea Inclus nd Av rg Re vant a e l M odist epin O l . e h v c o r r u Henn Meth enue rg Re 511 G pinCh nited rch.O nd Av h e U inChu I T ED Henn rovela Churc , MN enue 511 G 303 ennep ue UN in Av apolis 5 e n n i Aven 03 H -871ennep M n 2 i H 1 G e l 6 u u 71-53 n f i e nnep t ue H.OR 612-8 Beau ul He HURC Aven nd Av n i C eautif EP I N rovela eland nnep N v e G N ue o r 1 H E 1 ive B G H 5 3 3 0 Aven Inclus h 511 hurch epin -5 3 0 71-53 C 1 n n i Churc 612-8 nnep 12-87 l H en e nue odist 403 03 6 autifu iful H 4 e t d Ave 5 Meth 5 N 55 ive B Beau d velan lis, M Inclus velan 1 Gro lusive 1 o t c r n 5 eapo 5303 511 G ant In urch eleva Minn -871R h 2 c 1 r u 6 3 Relev st Ch i h C E 1-530 5403 ethod h.Org 7 D IS T 5 L U S IV M ETHO Churc 612-8 T INC nited s, MN N i l U A o V 403 E p iful ited M L t a 5 e 5 d n n N i Beau rg RE ue Un M M Unite O e . v i Aven polis, hurch nclus venue I C 1 A 1 t n n 5 i n innea i a nd ue M URCH ennep Relev ennep H H rovela Aven .Org ist CH TIFUL 511 G h hurch ethod c r BEAU epinC , MN ted M t Chu Henn apolis e Uni hodis olis, t e u e n M Minn nneap i 3 e u 5540 nue M Aven ep Henn

e in Av

ela Grov

e nd Av

MN 5

5403