Advent Devotional - Christmas Day

Say among the nations, “The Lord is king!”  (Psalm 96:10a)

Every year Christmas finally arrives, and we celebrate the coming of the Lord, Christ our King! We act as if he’d been born, coming for the first time.

Rolf Jacobson wrote for WorkingPreacher.org in 2014:

  “One of the most consistent, counter-cultural, and evangelical messages of the Bible is that the Lord reigns as king, the crucified- and-resurrected Christ is king -- of our lives, of God’s church, of the world, of history, of the universe. Which means, of course, that we are not… “

On this day of presents and festivities, celebrate afresh the newness of the coming King!

Gracious God, the notion that One who had been crucified could really be a king still makes waves. Thank you for such a gift! Amen.

Norma Prina Murphy, Honorably Retired this year and sporting a new knee as of October 1.

Advent Devotional - Christmas Eve

For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage. (Psalm 94:14) 

Buried deep in this psalm is a promise born not of human will or effort, but an abiding and amazing divine love – God will not forsake God’s people. The psalmist seeks to invoke the vengeance of God in order that those who oppress the people of God will be vanquished. This seems an all-too human desire does it not? We want revenge rather than justice or mercy. Thanks be to God, that we learn that what God gives is a justice defined by mercy. On this day, this day of holy celebration and joyous remembrance, we remember that God has not forsaken us, but has instead come to us – not as a warring King, but as a babe, born in a manger, who is, despite all appearances, King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Gracious God, we give you thanks for the simple gift of your presence – in Bethlehem – and with us. Amen.

Martin R. Ankrum is pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Greensburg.

Advent Devotional - Day 23

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth.  (Psalm 67:4)

One of my favorite things about Advent is the music you hear this time of year.  The music of Christmas tells the story of Jesus’ birth from many angles.  The story includes shepherds, wise men, angels, a manager and the people who believed.

The hymns “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” and “Silent Night” are just a few of the Christmas songs we sing that bring to us the message from Psalm 67.

The psalms/songs talk about praising God and singing for joy.  We hear about peace on earth and good will to all.  We are surround by love’s pure light and the hopes and fears.  We know the Christ is the everlasting Lord. As we journey through this advent season, may all people praise God and may God bless us all.  And may our faithfulness bring us all together now and forever more.

Heavenly Father we praise you and sing joy to your name.  May we be guide by your loving kindness through this Advent season and always! Amen.

Bobbi Jo Huebner is an elder at First Presbyterian Church, Belle Vernon.

Advent Devotional - Fourth Sunday in Advent

The Lord says to the lord: Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.  (Psalm 110:1)

Psalm 110 portrays the Lord giving strength to troops for righteous battle.  The violent war imagery in verses 3-7 is disquieting. And yet, the Psalm begins (Verse 1) with the assurance that God designates a place at God’s “right hand” while justice is carried out. Christians have interpreted this to be a reference to Christ, who sits at the “right hand of God the father Almighty.”

Psalm 110 gives us a vision of hope in a broken and fearful world. In Christ, oppressors will receive their comeuppance and become “footstools” for those they have oppressed. It may be an abused woman who finds strength in seeing the abuser chastened and brought to justice; or, workers who have been mistreated finally receiving fair working conditions from repentant employers; or, warring gangs and armies so chastised by the Holy Spirit that they will put down their weapons and beg for mercy from those whom they have afflicted. In the kingdom of God, human power structures are turned upside-down: the promise of the Gospel. Hallelujah!

Dear Lord, we give thanks that your righteousness is fierce! So often when we feel defeated or alone, our prayers are timid. Help us, Almighty God, to welcome the fire of your Holy Spirit that dares give us a greater vision for our lives, and the lives of your children around the world. Grant us victories in your name. Amen.

Donna Havrisko is pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Advent Devotional - Day 21

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?  (Psalm 22:1)

Sometimes Advent and Christmas bring forth sadness as we mourn the loss of loved ones. But we remember that even Jesus felt alone at times. These anguished words of King David in this Psalm epitomize the depths of despair. Jesus, feeling abandoned, uttered them as he bled and died on Golgotha. Yet he possessed a unique relationship both within the Godhead, and with our sufferings.

The book of Hebrews reminds us: “We do not have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was tempted like as we are…Instead, we have a savior who promises that we are made new even in our suffering.”

Holy Lord Jesus, forget not your servants as we pass through times of loneliness. Teach us to feel your presence even at the darkest hour. Amen.

Donald T. Glunt is currently serving as pastor of Rehoboth Presbyterian Church.

Advent Devotional - Day 20

Praise the Lord from the heavens… Praise him, sun and moon… Praise the Lord from the earth… snow and frost… Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds! Kings of the earth and all peoples… old and young together!  (Psalm 148) 

What are we to do each new day as God commands the sun to offer a new beginning? We praise! The plant kingdom does, the animal kingdom does, and we should, too! Praise him, praise him, all ye little children. Why? God is love. There’s no greater reason, and now, no greater season. Let praises spring from our lips, fresh as each morning, sure as each sunrise.

Lord, we must praise you. We have no choice when breathing in each new beginning. Let praise rise from deep within us and burst forth in joy. Amen.

Alice Tondora is pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Johnstown

Advent Devotional - Day 19

He grants peace within your borders; he fills you with the finest of wheat.  (Psalm 147:14)

The gifts of God for the people of God.  That’s what I think of when I read the words of the psalmist.  God has gifted us with so much – rules to order our lives together as we develop into community – food to nourish our bodies – water to quench our thirst – scripture and prayer to nurture our faith – and the promise of peace, even in the midst of our human made divisions.  During this time of Advent, we are given the opportunity to reflect on the gifts of God for all of us.  These gifts are worthy of our praise.

Direct our thoughts, O God, away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping – and help us to voice our deep appreciation for all of the wonderful gifts that you have given to us.  Hear our prayers of thanksgiving, O God, hear our prayers. Amen.

Sylvia Carlson is chair of the Redstone mission committee and is honorably retired.

Advent Devotional - Day 18

How good it is to sing praises to our God  (Psalm 147:1)

Sing hymns of praise to the Almighty with all music and harps, this the last group of psalms a piece of marvelous poetry, is a treasure which represents the needs and feelings of all the people of God.

There are reasons to praise God:

1. Restoration from exile.
2. Healing of wounds, hurts and broken- hearted.
3. For His wisdom.
4. For His might:
5. God decided the number of stars, spreads clouds over the sky, spreads of snow on earth and sends hail, wind to melt it.
6. For His delight.
7. For His protections.
8. God provides rains.
9. God makes grass grow.
10. God gives animals food.

God takes pleasure in those who honour, trust and love Him and gives his messages to His people...He gives His laws and instructions to Israel His people and not other nations.

We praise you The Almighty, because you are a God of yesterday... today..... and forever.

Aida Nasser Werankalo teaches at the Nile Theological College in Sudan and is a mission partner. 

Advent Devotional - Day 17

I will praise the Lord as long as I live.  I will sing praises to my God all my life long.  (Psalm 146:2)

The author of Psalm 146 is not identified as are many of the other psalms. I like that anonymity of this psalm because it invites us to add our voices to the chorus of those praising God for all that God has done for us. For me this is a wonderful message for the Advent/Christmas season because the Gospel account of the birth of Christ was a quiet event that took place among ordinary people like us. Like the Psalmist, may we lift our voices in praising the Lord.

Great and wonderful God, the Psalmist reminds us of all the things that you have done and continue to do. In this Advent Season, may we be the vehicles through which others may experience your loving care reaching out to help those around us. Amen

Cliff Foster is pastor at Congruity Presbyterian Church.

Advent Devotional - Day 16

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable.  (Psalm 145:3)

Today is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it! Seize the day, for Jesus prays for you this very moment! Yes, obstacles will arise, but God calls us to overcome. When prolonged suffering strikes, the Bible’s best advice is to remember what Jesus has done for you and give praise. We are never alone for Jesus Christ prays for us this very moment. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

Loving and Gracious Father, we thank you for freely choosing to give us life. May Christ’s Holy Spirit enable us to choose to actively praise and celebrate. Amen.

Curtis Paul is pastor at Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church.

Advent Devotional - Third Sunday in Advent

Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament!  (Psalm 150:1)

As we prepare afresh for the coming of our Lord, this psalm calls us to be faithful and intentional to praise the Lord. Other texts picture the trees clapping their hands in praise. Maybe each creation has a way to offer praise. We as human beings can offer praise with our voice and instruments and dancing. In fact, it is the offering of our very breath (which we don’t control) and therefore life.

Imagine a balloon floating about the sanctuary and you are playing the game of keeping it aloft. Then imagine that the offering of praise especially in song keeps God “afloat” in your midst. How is your offering of praise at work? At rest? At play? Let everything that hath breath, praise the Lord!

Try listening to a setting of this psalm.

https://soundcloud.com/beckenhorst-press/let-everything-that-has-breath

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws9kr1k9c6A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH9U1sK5Zxc

Alleluia! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord for the incarnation! for Emmanuel! For the giving of your Spirit! Come Lord Jesus Come. Fulfill your revelation promise “Behold I am coming!” Praise ye the Lord! AMEN.

Marnie Silbert is associate pastor at Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church.

Advent Devotional - Day 14

Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.  (Psalm 80)

Psalm 80 speaks of division and separation among the tribes of Israel and Yahweh. Shepherding prayers of requests are lifted to Yahweh's majesty and glory to shine forth on behalf of His people. Rescuing prayers are asked to revive and restore the land and save its people. Through the psalmist, once again God's people are made aware that a strong branch can only come from the vine of God. It takes God to rescue, save and restore us out of the darkness into the light to shine forth.

How often we have been told that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Many prepare for Christmas by spending hours decorating, shopping, and preparing favorite dishes with endless batches of cookies.  Often this "merry making" can become burdens of to-do lists and wears us out.

And not all Christmases are wonderful. The reality of Christmas may be a divided or separated family; focusing on Macy's and not the Messiah; and grief and loss causing darkness instead of sparkle. Often the gift found in a manger is not even on our list. And this special gift comes with a list of His own, what He will do for us.

So let's put those to-do lists aside and ask God to rescue, revive, and restore us this Christmas as He once did for Israel. Let's prepare to receive the greatest gift of all, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Come Lord Jesus. My salvation comes from you. Enable me to shine forth your glory. Amen

Lynn Mance is a presbytery-wide commissioned pastor.

Advent Devotional - Day 13

I wait for the Lord … in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning. (Psalm 130:5-6)

During Advent, we anticipate the long awaited, Redeemer, Deliverer to be born. We long for his appearance as watchmen wait for the morning. Morning brings new beginnings - opportunities for change, to choose better, to plant a seed that will live on into eternity if we choose well. We also wait for another coming, another promise fulfilled, the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ when the God of new beginnings will wipe every tear from our eyes and joy unspeakable will be our song. With him comes unfailing love and lasting redemption. What will we do with the gift, God’s precious gift of divinity wrapped in human form? Will we hoard the gift or share it so others may taste its goodness too?

Lord, inspire with us while we wait for Jesus. Amen.

Jane Johnson is pastor of Ft. Burd Calvin (Brownsville) Presbyterian Churches.

Advent Devotional - Day 12

“May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.”  (Psalm 33:22)  

The waiting of Advent serves as a reminder that God’s people waited centuries for their Messiah.  The prophets of the Old Testament told Israel that God will come to rescue them from their disobedience and restore their relationship.  We hear that in the words of Psalm 33.  As God’s people continue to wait, they are called to put their hope in the Lord.  God will come to us.  Advent reminds us that God’s long-awaited love that never fails has arrived in Jesus Christ.

O God your love is made known to us in the birth of Jesus Christ.  May we place our hope in you alone in this Advent season and every season of our lives.  We pray in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Geoff Rach is the Pastor at Level Green Church

Advent Devotional - Day 11

O that deliverance for Israel would come from Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people.  (Psalm 53:6)

One week, our prayer of confession started with these words, “Holy God, we come before you a broken people in a broken world.” As I was reciting the prayer it dawned on me this must be how David felt when he penned the 53^rd Psalm. He is having a moment. The world around him seems dark and evil, full of ungodly people doing ungodly things. What will God do? How can things be salvaged?

The answer didn’t come right away but generations later when God sent his Son into the world as a tiny baby who would grow up to be our Savior. In the Message the Psalm ends with these words: God turns life around, turned around Jacob skips rope, turned around Israel sings laughter.

God Thank you for sending Jesus into this broken world and making us” turned around people”. Amen.

Sarabeth Stopansky is a ruling elder at Congruity Presbyterian Church.

Advent Devotional - Day Ten

Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us. Will you be angry with us forever?  (Psalm 85:4-5)

The children of Israel were constantly pulled away from their God by other cultures and lifestyles that were far easier to follow than their way of life. The Lord punished his people many times in order to win them back, but He always forgave the iniquity of His people. His love for His people Israel today has been extended to all the world through His son Jesus Christ. We are so fortunate that we have a God that will continue to forgive us of our sins and shortcomings and continue to be there for us in times that we are afraid, unsure, sick, or grieving.

As a young girl I was so excited one year when Santa brought me a 26-inch bicycle. I had not asked for one because I didn’t even think something like that was possible. On Christmas morning I was so overjoyed to find a bicycle in the living room and I couldn’t stop jumping for joy at that great gift. Now that I am over 70, that doesn’t even compare to the gift of eternal life. God sent His son into this corrupt world to save all of us for he loves us dearly.  I truly hope that you find the true joy of the season and coming of the Lord once again into our lives. Praise God from who all blessings flow!!!

Heavenly God, Thank you for loving and forgiving us and most of all sending your only Son to die for us. Thank you for the greatest gift of all; eternal life.  Amen.

Linda Loesch is a ruling elder from Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church.

Advent Devotional - Day Nine

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.  (Psalm 40:3)

Oh, my heart would desperately yearn for acceptance, belonging, certainty and love. Blessedly, His will was to remove the veil from my eyes and to renew my mind to see the need just for Him. For out of the great and Holy wrath of God, was born an even greater love in Christ. For out of the mortal death to flesh and sin, was birthed an immortal awakening of the soul and to new life. And for out of the sorrowful ending to one season, He promises to bring forth the glory to come in the beginning of a new season.  

Lord Jesus, the Christ, we thank you for your unending love, mercy and grace upon those to whom you have chosen before the beginning of the world. May we treasure this current season and yet always be reaching and longing for the new eternal season to come with you in Heaven. Amen.

Anthony Marciano is pastor of Tyrone Presbyterian Church.  

Advent Devotional - Second Sunday in Advent

Psalm 25:  A Prayer for Deliverance

On this Second Sunday of Advent we are in a season of new beginnings.

We may hear but not respond to the message God gives us.  Too often grief, self-doubt and regret restrain us and hold us back. We cannot face these challenges alone, and like the psalmist we call upon God for help. God does not hold our past losses and trouble against us.  God is a trustworthy and ever present Companion along the paths of our lives. Through God’s salvation we will ultimately triumph over all of our troubles. This is Good News!

Guide us dear Lord through our time and challenges as the New Year comes upon us, that we might not be held back by past regrets and grief; but move forward into your light and love.

Dave McCabe is pastor of Patton and Cresson Presbyterian Churches

Advent Devotional - Day Seven

From everlasting to everlasting you are God.  (Psalm 90:2)

“It is a season.” That was the perspective of an acquaintance as we talked about the difficulties she faced in caring for her frail, elderly aunt. My friend considered it a privilege to make room in her home and adjustments to her work schedule. God is faithful.

It is a season.

I have used her words as a signpost as I have faced course-changes in life. I am blessed to minister with those who are over ninety, or even one hundred years old. They have shown me that each season has its own challenges, but each season also has its own beauty. The psalmist reminds us that God’s love is steadfast. When God is our dwelling place, we have new opportunities to see God’s faithfulness.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Guide us by your steadfast love and “prosper for us the work of our hands.” Amen.

Susan Blank is Director of Spiritual Life at Presbyterian SeniorCare, Oakmont.

Advent Devotional - Day Six

My heart is stricken and withered like grass; I am too wasted to eat my bread.  (Psalm 102:4)

If you're having a bad day, don't read Psalm 102.  You're not going to want to read this cry for help from someone in pain.  You won't want to read about someone who is reduced to skin and bones, who cannot sleep, who is eating ashes for food and drinking something mixed with tears.  Who wants to read this, especially at Christmastime?

But, if you do read it, you'll find this cry for help becoming transformed into a prayer of eschatological hope.  The psalmist discovers that God will act in such a way that affliction will give way to healing, strength and release.  Future generations (us?) will praise God for what God has done.  Hope is realized, thanks be to God.  What begins as despair ends in praise.  Isn't that what Christmas is about?  

On second thought, if you're having a bad day, read Psalm 102 the whole way to the end.

Gracious God, hear us as we pray.  Give us hope that sees beyond our present circumstances to your glorious future in Christ. Amen.

Ken Foust is the pastor of Grace Community Presbyterian Church.

Advent Devotional - Day Five

I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies (Psalm 18:3)

When I picture an enemy, I think of Nazis. But enemies come in other forms: bullies make life miserable for some; opioids, alcohol, other substances and addictions want to ruin lives. Hunger, depression, loneliness, and anxiety: torment their victims. We cannot defeat our invisible enemies alone. Jesus came to earth to save us, to be our eternal friend as Emmanuel, God with us. We call upon Jesus, our friend, in times of need.

Gracious God, in this season of waiting, we call upon you to save us and redeem your creation. You are worthy of all praise and glory, Emmanuel. Amen.

Caroline Vickery is pastor of Delmont Presbyterian Church.

Advent Devotional - Day Four

Hear, O my people, and I will speak … for I am your God. (Psalm 50:7)

Each person’s Advent journey is unique. However, we are all linked together in anticipation of the One who is to come. So what does Psalm 50 require of us as we prepare for this joyful gift?

Today God asks us to listen, God’s Word in this Psalm may jar us out of our complacency or pull us from our need for just one more gift. It is not a Psalm of shepherds or stars in the sky. Instead God summons us to gratitude.

Lord, teach us to pray, “Thank you for everything.” Amen

René Whitaker is currently on the Advent journey at Westmont Presbyterian Church in Johnstown.

Advent Devotional - Day Three

Our soul waits for the LORD, He is our help and shield. Our heart is glad in Him, because we trust in His holy name.  (Psalm 33:20-21)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.  It’s a time of hope and promise.  Holiday decorations are everywhere - oh yea, since even before Halloween!  Ads promising joy have gotten way out of hand.  I can’t remember the last time I got Melinda a Christmas auto (sorry, Hon, don’t wait for it).  And the promises we hear offered in the season have become - shall we say a little boring?  Where can we look for hope?

The Psalmist offers us a little perspective.  A king’s army, a warrior’s strength, even war horses offer vain promise compared to the power of hope offered to those who respect and trust in a God who delivers and sustains.  The Advent of God’s Son offers us all the hope we need to be reminded of God’s love and presence - and even grace.  Best hope ever!

Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. Amen.

Chuck MacPherson is a retired wandering preacher, sometime roofer, and occasional pastor.

Advent Devotional - Day Two

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”  (Psalm 122)

Several years ago four members of the Presbytery decided to go on a pilgrimage to Scotland to follow the trail of the Celtic church. It was such an inspiring experience that we planned and led a similar Pilgrimage for members of the presbytery. That pilgrimage was followed two years later by another journey to Iona, Scotland and Ireland, completing the trail of the ancient celtic church. For many of us, these pilgrimages were such deep spiritual experiences that our faith was forever transformed. 

Psalm 122:1-2 speaks of a pilgrimage to the temple in Jerusalem to worship God. The difference between a pilgrimage and other trips is that it's end purpose is to worship God. Our journey through advent is intended to be a type of pilgrimage that ends in the celebration of the birth of the Messiah. If we stop to worship, read and pray each day of the journey we may find our faith strengthened and our spirits  transformed as we travel. 

Lord God, send your Holy Spirit to journey with us as we go "up to the house of God" in our imaginations and memories. May the end of the journey find our faith transformed.

Carole Isley Corey is a spiritual director and enjoys preaching and teaching where invited.

Advent Devotional - First Sunday in Advent

Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?  (Psalm 24:3)

Advent to most people is an odd and strange season. Society has jumped into “Christmas.” Movies, songs and sales often begin in October! Advent is about the coming(s) of God. Preparing may be fun; waiting is hard. Thus Advent is an awkward advent-ure.

It seems odd to focus on Psalms for this devotional. Psalm 24 was used by the Church on Palm Sundays or Ascension Days to echo David’s bringing the Ark of the Covenant up to Jerusalem. Here is high liturgy/pageantry! In Scotland verses 7-10 are set to the regal tune of St. George’s, Edinburgh and sung at the Lord’s Supper. Our hymnals have ignored this powerful tune.

Thanks, God, for giving us, in Jesus, clean hands and a pure heart so that we always enter worship as already redeemed.

Jim Farrer is honorably retired.