Advent Devotional

REFLECTIONS FROM THE ADVENT CANDLES November 30, 2008

All is in readiness, and in this quiet moment before worship starts That feeling of our Father’s presence begins to fill all hearts. The candles on the communion table offer their soft glow It is the moment I love the best – Christ comes – to heads bowed low. The Advent season is upon us – I’m not sure what that means to me. Is it a time for reflection on its history, how important should it be? Is it just the tiring rush to Christmas – or a season of preparation, Or is it time to look forward with prayerful expectations? History tells us Advent once was a time of deep and solemn meditation And over the centuries has evolved into a more joyful celebration. Four Sundays before Christmas we set aside to rejoice in our Savior’s birth, And pray for that day when He will once again, walk upon this earth. The Advent wreath, with candles lit, reminds us that Christ’s coming is the start And we should be preparing for that coming with a thankful heart. There are many changing stories told about what the candles signify today But each one is beautiful and meaningful in its own way. On the first Sunday in Advent, a purple candle is lit, and its soft glow Is there to remind us of the wise men and the star of long ago. Some call it the Prophet’s Candle, and some the Candle of Hope for all men To celebrate Christ’s coming, and that He will come again. Judy Rickabaugh

Thoughts During Advent December 1, 2008

As we are approaching the Holidays, the retailers all around are jumping one step ahead of us, again. The stores are already preparing for the Christmas sales season. In some ways I find this somewhat disheartening. Materialism is a major focus for many feeling driven to fulfill the expectations of family and friends. In the recent past I would fall into a minor depression out of wanting to open up to family festivities versus feeling the need to join this materialistic frenzy. I have now learned to use Thanksgiving to spark my consciousness toward the real meaning and emotions of this most important of holidays, Christmas. My sense of family and emotional attachment becomes more intense. Just last week I received a long distance violin recital from my 7 year old God Daughter, who played “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” Last week, a conversation with her brother, my 3 year old God Son was cut short because he was playing on his V-Tech computer. Seconds later he came back to the phone to thank my wife and me for the V-Tech. These two interactions remind me of the true meaning of the Christmas Holiday Season: unconditional love for family, especially children. Although I already speak to many of my family members on a frequent basis, I do increase the number of contacts during this time to reinforce the close bonds that I have with them. Recently I became reacquainted with an Aunt who is in her mid 80’s. We had celebrated Thanksgiving dinner together for fifteen years, before I had moved to the west coast twenty three years ago from the Midwest. This past spring, along with one of my brothers and their respective families, she moved to the Las Vegas area. As a result I have made several trips to visit them and plan to begin our holiday celebration again. Through all of this I have discovered that God finds a way to reunite and keep families together. Earl Woods

For The Love Of A Child December 2, 2008

Today marks the birth date of the first of our three beautiful daughters and it makes me mindful of the love and concern that a parent has for their child. Just as our three girls are the center and essence of our lives, we are all the center and essence of our Heavenly Father’s life. He sacrificed his Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and has provided His Loving Grace to bring salvation within our grasp. The love of a parent for a child has never been more evident than with our Lord. As we take each step through this magical time of year, please help us to reflect upon the true love and concern our Heavenly Father has for each one of us, to treasure his blessings and to share God’s love with the world.

Doug Crawford

December 3, 2008 “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 Wake up at 6. Let the frenzy begin. Go and wake up the boys. Get breakfast going. More loudly wake up the boys. Feed them, my dad, and the dog, not necessarily in that order. Make lunches and then chase one of the kids down after he leaves without his. Get a load of laundry in, tidy up the house, make the beds, dispose of e-mails. Whew! That’s not to mention what else needs to be done like returning phone calls, buying the groceries, picking up the dry cleaning, figuring out dinner, setting, canceling, attending, and/or apologizing for missing doctor’s appointments, completing and mailing Christmas cards and deciding on Christmas gifts for family. And let’s not forget all the social commitments. Just thinking about a typical whirlwind day in December (or for that matter any day of the year) sometimes makes me want to just stay in bed. I’m focusing on what is to come and so busy doing that I just don’t enjoy the moment I’m in. I fail to notice the firmness and comfort of my bed, the warmth and softness of the covers, the wonderful aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the love my dog is desperately trying to give me. I guess that’s why the above verse is so special to me. It effectively reminds me to stay in the present moment and let God be God. When I first read this verse on the front of a coffee mug I received as a gift I wondered, exactly what did it mean? Obviously I know who God is or at least I like to think I do. Be still, come on… don’t you know I’m a busy woman? Then I went ahead and I read Psalm 46. In it, there is great commotion with mountains trembling, oceans swelling, all causing fear or anxiety. I can relate. Sometimes I swear I think the earth is rumbling under my feet as I panic that I can’t get everything done. Here’s the thing though: in this chapter it also reassures me that though everything seems to be falling apart, God is there to be my refuge and my strength. If I am still for a moment I will realize that God is in the midst of things taking care of business. If I just stop spinning briefly and enjoy the moment (even if the earth is rumbling underneath) and I let God just be God then everything will take care of itself. How awesome and true! Indeed when I do still my mind and myself it is amazing the things that can and do get done. “You can do anything and everything through him who gives you strength.” (Phil 4:13 my other favorite verse) I admit it. I need that constant reminding. I need to be told to BE STILL not only in the physical sense, but more importantly, in my mind. I need to remember that God wants to be in my life right at the PRESENT moment. When I do this, when I stop my mind from going forward long enough to BE, I become so cognizant of God’s love, presence and amazing grace. Now, more than ever during the holiday rush we need to Be Still and know He is God and He is all around us. What a magical and appropriate time to do so, considering what we are celebrating this month: the birth of His son. My Christmas prayer: Dear loving God, help me to still my mind and my body long enough to feel your presence full of grace and strength. Help me surrender my anxieties to you for you are my refuge and my rock. Remind me every day that you are willing and able to supply all my needs if I trust in you. Amen.

Marlen Sanchez

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 Traditionally, Advent is a time of introspection. It is a time to search our hearts and assess how our lives are being lived. To ponder what is working for us, or what might be tweaked, or even need some radical change. This assessment of how one is living can be a difficult task to face, and the thought of making changes can feel overwhelming. Sometimes it feels safer and easier to maintain the status quo, even though we long for more meaning and purpose in our lives. Many years ago, my father became very ill with leukemia. It was a difficult time for my family and me. My father was kind and loving and always ready to have fun. He was a religious person who lived his life in a way that was a testament to his faith. My sister, brother and I all looked to him for guidance and hope when we had a problem or a crisis. He had a way of helping us to discern what we needed to do to solve or ease our problems and hurt. We had a hard time imagining our lives without him. Before my father passed away, I asked him what one of his favorite scriptures was. He quoted Lamentations 3:22-23. This beautiful scripture of hope has been a precious gift to me. It gave me the courage and strength to look inward, and the promise and hope to make the changes I had been longing to make. For me, it meant some radical changes. After realizing I was the only one trying to hold it together, I let go of an unhealthy marriage. I returned to school and finished my degree, and in the process discovered a new confidence that has helped me to move forward in numerous ways. And I met and married Steve, who has helped me to grow and experience more than I could ever have imagined. He has loved me patiently and supportively throughout our marriage. He is the life partner I longed to share my life with. Hope can come to us in many ways. It may be through a favorite scripture, or in the memory of a loving father. This year, Steve and I received hope in the birth of a grandson, and in the welcome of a new church family. Let us not forget that hope can always be found in God’s most wondrous gift to us. The birth of a tiny baby—maybe that is hope enough.

Janie Fietz

December 5, 2008 “. .. the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us” (Luke 2:15). “Advent” and “adventure” are closely related words, sharing a common Latin derivation. Perhaps there’s a lesson here. Why not make Advent a season of Christian adventure? Advent, someone has noted, should be a journey. No doubt many of us will spend time this Christmas traveling to be with family, spending time with friends, attending pageants and programs, simply enjoying the holidays in a free and unencumbered atmosphere. Yet the most important journey we can make is a spiritual one: what are we to do with the child to be born? We can straddle the fence of indecision, or we can jump down and begin the slow but steady trek toward Bethlehem. What is important is not whether we have “arrived” but whether we are heading in the right direction. As the familiar adage says, “If God feels far away, guess who moved?” David & Mary Matson

December 6, 2008 Verse: Isaiah 58:6-8 6“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to see the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” This passage speaks to me with a powerful message for Advent. The previous verses talk about some fasting being simply an exercise in “bowing one’s head” and “lying on sackcloth and ashes”. God, through Isaiah, makes it clear that he wants more from us than just empty shows of penitence. He wants actions. And while the theme of fasting and penitence may be more closely associated with Lent than with Advent, I think that the works we are called to are never more timely than during this time when we are anticipating our Savior’s birth. During this season when we celebrate with such joy, we are called to remember those who struggle to find joy, and to do what we can to help. So when we see announcements for a food bank or a toy drive, or when we hear the bell ringing at the supermarket, we should remember these verses, and remember that when we respond to the calls, we are carrying out God’s commands. And then our light will break forth like the dawn, just as the light of new life and salvation is dawning for all of us as the Savior’s coming approaches. Samantha Lubrani

December 7, 2008 The second candle is purple too. It’s lit to remind us to repent of our sins . And live holy lives by letting the light of God’s love shine within. This candle is called the Bethlehem Candle or the Peace Candle by some. Let our prayer in the light of this candle be “Lord, Thy will be done.” Judy Rickabaugh

December 8, 2008 Well, this week has been tough for all of us. And we come here to church and find out we’re a week late on our devotional. Talk about stress! But after all of the anxiety, we walk into the room and for some reason we can all breathe a little easier, despite the ashes floating in the air. Coming to church is a ritual for us, whether we come by foot, car, or bus (most of us end up at church on Sunday morning, unless we’re catching our z’s). After talking for a while and brainstorming ideas about what to write about, we figured out that most of us are in sport or activity (Brooke was excluded because the rest didn’t qualify cheerleading as a sport—Brooke wasn’t too happy about that). Being in a sport, we all have different things we do to prepare for a big event. In Cross Country, Glen and Colleen go to Pat and Oscars and stock up on “carbs” with the team. In football, Mike and Dylan eat tons before the game so they have energy to play. Eli, Alison, and Robert brush their teeth before they put their mouths on their instruments. Brooke stretches before a game or assembly so she doesn’t pull a muscle. Advent is a time to prepare for the big event—aka Christmas. Every week is a different type of preparation for what is coming. Just like in sports or activities, there’s the excitement of what’s up ahead. Everybody loves Christmas, and usually they can’t wait until it’s here, but we contemplated that a big part of Christmas is the time beforehand and all the things we do to get ready for it. At church, we have the hanging of the greens, the hayride, and even dinners here or there. At home, some buy the tree and as soon as it’s safely in its tree stand they bust out the Christmas decorations. But what we pondered in Sunday school was, “Why do we put all this thought into preparing the secular part of Christmas and not the spiritual part as much?” but that brought another question. “How DO you prepare for the spiritual part of Christmas?” Reading the bible is a good way of preparing. Being conscious of what you’re reading, however, is more important. Read up on the Christmas stories in the gospels, listen to what God has to say. Another way to prepare is to be a “good Samaritan”. Don’t think it’s a hard thing to do, though. For us, we vowed to smile at people when we walk in the hallways. For Christmas we’re going to give someone a gift of love, as corny as that sounds. In general, we all just need to focus our thoughts on Jesus—his birth, his presence in our lives, and his return to earth. Thinking about these things comes more naturally if you’re reading the bible. We, the “high schoolers”, are going to read for just five minutes a day. According to Jesus, “the greatest commandment” is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself.” Reading his word, you’re going to think about him more, and that’s giving him your mind. By thinking of others and being a “good Samaritan” you’re loving your neighbor as yourself. This Advent, think about how you prepare yourself spiritually, and love your God.

High School Group

December 9, 2008 “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” (NIV) John 1:9 As the time of preparation and anticipation for Christmas continues, I am challenged by a story from Sue Monk Kidd in her book, “When the Heart Waits”. She tells of being on retreat during advent one year and as she passed a monk, she wished him a “Merry Christmas.” “May Christ be born in you,” he replied. This is a challenging and thoughtful thought for me. Over the years, I have sought to ‘slow down’, ‘pay attention’ and ‘be present’ for the mystery of Christ’s birth at the same time trying to ‘get things done for family, church and friends. The idea of Christ being born in me is an experience of humility. It doesn’t remove me from my humanity; it encourages me to embrace it. I am invited to be connected to my ‘essential nature, both sacred and profane.’ In her book, Ms. Kidd tells the story of a young man who, in speaking to a wise man, asked “What great blunder have you made?” The man replied, “I did not become Christ.” The young man asked, “Is one to become Christ?” The wise one answered, “I kept putting distance between myself and him—by seeking, by praying, by reading. I kept deploring the distance, but I never realized that I was creating it.” The young man repeated, “Is one supposed to become Christ?” His answer: “No distance.” When there is no distance between us and our inner Christ, we’re our most human, most ourselves. May we all experience and welcome the birth and the light of Christ within us this sacred time of year. Linda Houston

Moving Experiences December 10, 2008 “Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem…with Mary, to whom he was engaged, and who was expecting a child.” Luke 2:4, 5

It is not easy to go from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Ordinarily, a journey of about 100 miles should take no more than a few hours in an industrialized country. But for the majority in these two cities, that journey can take days, if it can be made at all. Their way is complicated by multiple checkpoints with interminable waits, and especially, a serpentine wall that often splits communities and families in two. The population in both cities is almost totally Arab—those in Nazareth are Israeli citizens, while Bethlehem is in occupied Palestine. Nazareth is about 30% Christian, and, until recently, so was most of Bethlehem. But the conflicts of recent years have drained away the Arab Christian population, who face the wearying occupation while at the same time enduring mistrust from their Muslim neighbors. Observers believe that, very soon, there will be virtually no Christians in the place of Jesus’ birth. They leave behind centuries of heritage, and yet, tragically, they go—with no guarantee of return. Over 2,000 years ago, it could not have been easy to go from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Then, a journey of 100 miles would have been made on foot—the donkey of our Christmas cards being a luxury most couldn’t afford. Add advanced pregnancy to the task, and the difficulty multiplies. Add to this the uncertainty of the day—there was a different occupation then, by the Roman Empire. The return trip would not have been guaranteed, and we are told that they did indeed spend years as refugees before coming back. And yet we are also told Joseph and Mary went—bidden by earthly powers, yes, but also under the guidance of a Higher Power. To be honest, going from Salem, Oregon, to Torrance, California, was not without difficulty. Janie and I moved closer to parts of our family, and farther from others. We left behind familiar routines and beloved friends. But we came—drawn on by the glimpses we saw of a loving, Christian community here at Torrance First, but also and especially by a Higher Guide. All that we hoped for has been confirmed in the months since, and we are particularly thankful that we received and answered the call. Given the changes that have come upon our family with Baby David’s birth, we especially appreciate the understanding and support of the congregation, as Janie spends much of her time in “the city of David.” It is never simple to leave behind the familiar, to go where the Spirit leads. And yet God beckons us to something new and wonderful. And the call comes not just to Mary and Joseph, not just to new pastors, (and, I believe, to those who work for ever elusive peace in the Middle East), but also to our church. What is God inviting us to leave behind—and, more importantly, to what glory, to what new birth, is God guiding us? Steve Fietz

December 11, 2008 Psalm 23:4 “…for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Have you ever looked down upon a colony of ants? They are so busy, moving things from one place to another, tending to their jobs, always moving, moving. Everyday life for us can sometimes seem this way too. There are so many repetitive tasks – laundry, dishes, work, etc. The list goes on and on. Sometimes it may seem that we never “get anywhere”. And there can be obstacles in our path. But our lives are different from those of the ants because we have

A Great Light December 12, 2008

Scripture: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light…” Isaiah 9: 2 (KJV) When I was growing up, Christmas was a very exciting time. My father and I were in charge of selecting and decorating the Christmas tree. The colorful lights, treasured ornaments and tinsel (saved from previous years) were carefully placed on the fresh pine branches (mother repeatedly requested a medium-sized tree, but we always had to cut the top off.) Then came the moment when all the house lights were turned off ands the Christmas tree lit up the darkness. It was magical. In Handel’s masterpiece Messiah, the bass soloist sings of a great light shining in the darkness. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NRSV) The darkness of doubt, uncertainty, despair, even fear can fade when we plug into Christ’s light and power to guide our way. PRAYER: Dear God of all, may we shine everyday and be a light to others as we strive to do your will. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Susan Babcock

Questions for a Soul in Waiting December 13, 2008

Dictionaries define “advent” as an “important arrival”, or an important awaited arrival. As Christians, we think of Advent as a period of waiting, of getting ready. At this holy time, ask yourself, what are you waiting for? Are you waiting for another paycheck so you can finish shopping? Are you waiting for after season sales so you can get good deals? Are you waiting for time off from work so you can finally relax? Are you waiting for your house to be cleaned so you can receive company? Are you waiting to be finished with last minute shopping and holiday decorations? What are you waiting for? For whom are you waiting? Friends to visit? Family to arrive? Children to wonder? Where is God in your waiting? Where is God? Are you waiting for God to do something? To be something? To mean something? Why are you waiting? “Getting ready” is something we can do while we wait. It is more active than “waiting.” Getting ready happens in our heads, in our hearts, and in our physical lives. How are you getting ready? Are you decorating your house? Are you baking delicious food? Are you singing special songs? Are you having Christmas parties? Are you reading stories of God and God’s gift to the world? Are you giving a little more than you sometimes do? Ask yourself, if you are preparing your home, are you preparing your heart? If you are sending greeting cards to family and friends, are you sending out God’s message of love? If you are decorating your home, are you adorning your life with the joy of Christ’s arrival? If you are giving gifts to loved ones, are you sharing the greatest gift of all time? If you are hosting and attending Christmas parties, are you celebrating God’s gift to the world? How are you getting ready? What are you getting ready for? The exchange of gifts? The vacation? The visitors? The celebration of God’s gift to the world? What are you getting ready for? The story of Christ’s entrance is ours, a gift, told through the prophets, the shepherds, the magi, the holy family. God has called us to share the Christmas story; the story comes true when we do. Are you headed to Bethlehem? Are you gathering around a humble manger? Are you bringing gifts to your Lord? How are you getting ready? What are you waiting for? Michele Woods

December 14, 2008 The third Sunday of Advent, one more purple candle will its radiance share. To remind us to love one another, and ask God to keep us in his care. This is the Shepherd’s Candle, and by others known as the Candle of Love. May it always remind us of the gifts we receive from our heavenly Father above.

Judy Rickabaugh

Decorating for Christmas December 15, 2008

Ephesians 3:17 “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.” One of my favorite parts of the Christmas season is decorating my house. As a child, my sister and I used to play with the decorations; more than one ornament suffered from our clumsy hands, and the shepherd from our nativity scene bears a ghastly scar across his neck from the year his head broke off. Despite our less-than-perfect record of handling breakables, our parents gladly welcomed our help with the task of decorating. I experienced such excitement as the Christmas boxes came down from the dusty shelves in our garage because this meant that our house would take on a new image, both inside and out, and we were entrusted with this transformation. It’s easy to lose Jesus amidst the commotion that Christmas has become in our society. However, as my Sunday school teacher reminded me as a child, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Just as the Christmas decorations bring a new spirit to my house, Christ is at work transforming my heart, his home. My prayer is that I might welcome the changes that Christ wants to make in my life with the same excitement and anticipation that I experienced as a child when the Christmas decorations resurfaced from storage. It amazes me that God also trusts me to help with this “redecorating.” Thought for the day: In what ways can we let Jesus transform our hearts this Advent?

Kristen Hammel

Remembering to Breathe December 16, 2008 “Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Hallelujah!” Psalm 150:6 “This is the air I breathe…this is the air I breathe… Your holy presence living in me.” “Breathe” words & music by Marie Barnett By now, most of you have heard the litany of challenges faced by our grandson, David. He was born 12 weeks early, at two-thirds the length of a full-term baby, but only one quarter the weight—just under two pounds. His retinas were not attached. A heart-valve was not fully closed. He needed hernia surgery. His hips were not properly in their sockets. Most troubling of all, David had not yet developed reflexive breathing. Some of us have faced down toddler tantrums, where the child holds his or her breath as a form of self-hostage-taking. Honestly, though, there is little danger in this behavior—the child who follows this tactic to its logical end will simply pass out, and automatically start breathing again. But not so David. For the first several weeks of his life, he had a number of episodes where he would simply not remember to breathe. He would go pale to the point of blue! But he was also easy to revive—some quick stimulus (a tap on the foot, for example) and he’d start up again. Needless to say, monitors were needed, and much appreciated. At this writing, David is doing better on virtually every count—his retinas have attached, the heart valve is closing and may not need surgery, he is at the proper weight for his due date, and, most importantly, his breathing is almost completely reflexive. David’s dilemma reminds me of my own need to breathe. Of the gift of life that reflexively comes several times a minute—but also of how I sometimes forget to really breathe. I rush from one thing to the next, one responsibility to another, tasked with multiple tasks—to the very point of breathlessness. Ironically enough, the Christmas Holiday Season leaves me particularly vulnerable to this nasty habit. Which is why I need the Christian Holy Season of Advent. I need to take slow-down times, where I lay aside the multitasks, and set down the self-induced burdens. Time for prayer, for reflection, for just plain breathing. Deeply. The Advent wreath has been an important tradition from my childhood—which Janie and I continue to observe. We light candles, read devotionals, listen to carols, open a door on an Advent calendar. And just sit there, breathing. A lesson that is only all the more reinforced by the blessed new life in our family—a lesson we pray you all are experiencing in your own season! Steve Fietz

Missing a Loved One December 17, 2008

For many people Christmas is not only a time of celebrating Jesus’ birth and God’s love for each of us, but also a time of sadness due to the loss of a loved one. My father died of a heart attack the week before Christmas in 1979. He was 49 and I was 19. I can’t remember much of the details of that time or of that Christmas, but I know that I spent it with family. I do remember that I didn’t want to be “doing” events without my dad, and I kept expecting him to show up at any moment. The fact is that I missed him terribly. How do you go on without someone who is such a big part of your life? While I would not presume to know the answers for everyone, I can offer some observations from my experience over the last 30 years. First, I still miss my dad, and I suppose I always will. I think that’s OK because I’ve come to see God as my true father, one who loved me through my imperfect earthly dad. Second, with every holiday event comes another opportunity to remember. At first it was painful, but over the years remembering has brought blessings too many to count. Sharing with immediate family and church family has helped ease the burden as well as added other memories. And lastly, we grieve not as those who have no hope. The hope of Christ is a light that shines in each one of us, a light that we received when we first believed, a light that we can share with others who have lost loved ones or who may be feeling sad this season. Do you know how to survive in extreme cold? Draw close to someone and share each others warmth. The same is true of grief and many of life’s trials. Reach out to others and share the warmth of Christ. You may find that you are warmed as well. Ted Oden

December 18, 2008 One of my favorite Christmas traditions in the Oden household began a long time ago. The boys were both still in elementary school when I discovered this great book entitled, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, written by Barbara Robinson. I read the story independently, but when the boys and Ted would hear me ‘belly laughing’ aloud as I read the story, it didn’t take much effort on my part to convince them that they might want to partake and join me in reading the story. We started reading the book together as a family – usually reading aloud together all snuggled up in our pj’s as we were preparing for bedtime. We would get to the end of a chapter and the boys would beg for ‘just a little more’…whew! The exact words an educator longs to hear from her children! So we plowed through the book throughout the month of December and we were warmed with the joy of reading together, and filled up with the laughter that the author brought to our spirits. We placed the book amongst the Christmas decoration tubs that fill the rafters of our garage. When the decorations were brought out the following year, we were all happy to find The Best Christmas Pageant Ever nestled among our Christmas treasures. We began re-reading the story and an Oden tradition was born! We now read the story together every year – sometimes all four of us are together, at other times, some of the boys friends have joined us in the reverie, on occasion there might be three Odens reading, and some nights it’s just Janie, Ted and the dog, Kona. In closing, I’d like to share with you an excerpt from the last chapter of the story. “I think Imogene liked the idea of the Mary in the picture-all pink and white and purelooking, as if she never washed the dishes or cooked supper or did anything at all except have Jesus on Christmas Eve.” “But as far as I’m concerned, Mary is always going to look a lot like Imogene Herdmansort of nervous and bewildered, but ready to clobber anyone who laid a hand on her baby. And the Wise Men are always going to be Leroy and his brothers, bearing ham. When we came out of the church that night it was cold and clear, with crunchy snow underfoot and bright, bright stars overhead. And I thought about the Angel of the Lord – Gladys, with her skinny legs and her dirty sneakers sticking out from under her tattered robe, yelling at all of us, everywhere: ‘HEY!!! UNTO YOU A CHILD IS BORN!!!’ “ Janie Oden p.s. Happy Birthday Lynn Jonas And Uncle Bob

Sonnet on the Curious Doctrine of the Incarnation December 19, 2008

“And the Word became flesh and dwelled among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) The scene is all too strange! Do tell: Odd kings, the star, a knotted crèche, the teen-age mom, the shepherds’ smell— and God dares take on infant flesh? It’s one I’ll never understand, no matter how I contemplate— my grandson fills his swaddling band with very earthy aggregate! See, why would God, who lives quite well in sky-high halls and airy courts, be lowered here, “with us to dwell,” in feeding trough, and ragged shorts? Or is that far-flung glory wrong, as this was God’s place all along?

Steve Fietz

December 20, 2008 It was the fall of 1954 when we decided to attend church at the invitation of our dear friends, Margaret and Howard Foster. That Sunday began our journey of faith. The love and friendliness shown by the congregation that day gave us the strength to go forward and join the Torrance First Christian Church. We don’t remember the specifics of that First Advent Season, but as the years went by, we recognized its significance. We had the opportunity over these years to participate in various Advent programs and realized a more deep understanding of the birth of the Christ child. Thanks to the church leadership and four outstanding ministers, we have grown in our faith and look forward to Advent, 2008. Jack & Ruth Perry

December 21, 2008 A very special pink candle we next will light, to honor Mary, she who gave Him life. She gave the world God’s son, and we honor her strength, and her sacrifice. So aptly named, this is the Candle of Joy, or the Angel’s Candle, as it is called by some. The cry “O Come Emmanuel” has changed for all to “Joy to the World, the Lord Has Come”.

Judy Rickabaugh

Blue Christmas December 22, 2008 “O Lord, God of my salvation, when, at night, I cry out in your presence, let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry.” Psalm 88:1-2 Each year, the Winter Solstice falls between December 20th and 23rd. It is the first day of winter, the day when the sun is the farthest from the northern hemisphere, the day that therefore has the least light and the longest night. Across much of Europe, bonfires will be lit in an ancient festival meant to hold off the darkness. In many churches, there will be another kind of observance (called “Blue Christmas” by some) that recognizes how, for many folk, this is a very difficult time of year – a time when holding off the darkness seems especially overwhelming. For those who have suffered the death of a loved one – especially if that loss was within the last year – holidays can be bittersweet times. As we all celebrate Emmanuel, the presence of God in our midst, those who are grieving cannot but be aware of the painful absence of their loved one. Families struggle as to how they should celebrate Christmas. There is no “right” way to do this – some keep the celebrations low-key, and low-pressure, not wanting to add more stress to the already heavy burden of grief. Others find comfort in the familiar practices of the season, in knowing that something of their loved one goes on in family traditions, even when the family has diminished by death. For the rest of us, it can be very important to retain a mindfulness of those who are grieving during these dark and holy days. Pray for those who are missing their loved ones. Do not be afraid to ask after them. Be ready to hear them out, or to allow their silence. Sharing a story about their loved one, if you knew them, can be comforting. Mostly, know that you don’t have to say anything – but that “being there” and being aware can be the greatest gift you can give to those who grieve. Eventually, the days will lengthen. In time, though grief will never fully disappear, it will ease. In the meantime, let us be light and warmth in the long night – let us be beacons of hope for those who journey through the valley of the shadow. O God of our salvation, help us to know that you hear us when we cry; that we are not unfaithful in our sorrow; that you are an abiding presence especially in our struggle. Guide us always by your light, until we arrive at that day that can seem so far away, that day when we kneel at the manger of your love, and find ourselves face to face with your saving presence – in Christ our Lord. Amen. Steve Fietz

Kindergarten Memory December 23, 2008 “And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in the manger: because there was no room for them in the inn”. Luke 2:7 Prayer: May the Light of Christ bring life and promise into the darkness of our world as we celebrate His coming King of Kings, Lord of Lords. Hallelujah!

This approaching season takes me way back (my long term memory is much better than my short term) to kindergarten. I was 5, and was already going to Sunday School, so I had some wonderful lessons about the season and Mary and Joseph, and the ride to Bethlehem. Who knew I'd STILL be singing about it! The newest movie of The Nativity is quite meaningful and reminded me of my big opportunity to be Mary, with one of my closest friends at the time, playing Joseph in our Christmas play. What they went through to get to Bethlehem! The long rode traveled with no room in the inn. Then being led by the light in a distant stable to give birth to a baby they would name Jesus, is truly a miracle. HE is the light of the world. So to believe HE is the Christ, the Son of the LIVING God, gives us reason to celebrate everyday. And to express our joy and spiritual expectations of the birth of Jesus. Janet Wysong

The Power of Christmas December 24, 2008 “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration, and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2:1-7 This chapter of the story begins with a decree – a commanding order sent forth from the most powerful man in the known universe, a man who could move the world with his word. Caesar, the power of whose name echoes into our own time in every Kaiser and Czar. The story also slips in one of the emperor’s minor minions, Quirinius, whose awkward name will be tripped over in millions of pageants this and every year. And then the story reminds us of David, the Jewish embodiment of long-past glory and long-awaited hope. And to where do these earthly powers point? To a manger. A forlorn feed-trough – not even a stable is mentioned, and we know of inns only by their unavailability. Tradition says the feedbox was in a cave, but it could have been in an open field for all the gospel tells us. And in that destitute box? An infant. A weak, squalling newborn. As powerless by this world’s standards as the emperor was powerful. And yet, the Word by which God moves the world. Not by the decreed force of command, nor by the legions and weapons of this age. Only by love. Love, which does not push or pummel, but rather gently entices us to draw closer – to peer over the rough wood and the stiff straw, where we find an offer, rag-wrapped and vulnerable. An offer of love, in the very flesh. How shall we take it up, this offered life? Emmanuel, God with us, turn us from the stamping and insecure might of this world, from the deceptive temptations of force and coercion, and bid us look to the humble mangers of our hearts and the destitute corners of our cities, that we may find you there, in all your ragged glory, born among us that we might ourselves be born anew, today, tonight, in Christ our Lord. Amen. Steve Fietz

December 25, 2008 And so we come to Christmas, our Advent wreath is awaiting its final centerpiece. There just remains the Christ Candle to be lit, and our joy will be complete. In my heart I will reflect Advent’s meaning, the coming of Christ – once and then… The first is now a certainty – the second – who knows when. But it really doesn’t matter, for I am climbing higher every day. And I find comfort in the knowledge, that I have found the better way. Advent – Anticipation – until He comes again, we have His Amazing Grace. And I will keep it all in my heart, until I meet Him face to face.

Judy Rickabaugh