December 13, 2020

Photo Credit: Don Flowers

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people;  Luke 2:10

When a woman is in labor, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

John 16: 21-22

 “Joy” is one of those rather old-fashioned words that we don’t use too much in our daily conversations, although we pull out all the stops at Christmas. The word adorns cards, decorations, jewelry, and even our greetings. Joy can be defined as “the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying.”

This past year has not been joyful for many people. The coronavirus has disrupted all of our lives and has been tragic for many. The social and political turbulence in the world has added to our distress. I’ve had to ration my news time so as not to become demoralized and depressed about it all. To counteract all the depressing news, I’ve had to be intentional about finding joy – which abounds if we think about those things that are “exceptionally good” – think about the many acts of kindness, self-sacrifice, courage, and creativity that we’ve seen throughout this pandemic, in our own community and in our country.

 Jesus reminded the disciples that pain was a reality in life, using the extreme anguish of a woman in labour as an example, but he reassured them that they would also experience a joy that no one could take away from them. His birth and advent into our world was the “exceptionally good” cause of a “great joy” that the angel told the lowly shepherds about. Jesus reminded the disciples – and us – that he would be with us always. That is the joy that is inexpressible for those who love and serve him.

The world into which Jesus was born was just as dangerous and uncertain, if not more so, than ours presently is. In fact, there is nothing “unprecedented” about wide-spread disruption to the regular fabric of life, as even a quick look back through history will demonstrate. Just as certain, though, is the joy that shines from the darkest corners, if we have eyes to see.

Prayer: Loving God, In the midst of the turmoil and uncertainty of our lives and of our world, help us to focus on the certainty of your love for us. May we experience the deep joy that the birth of Jesus Christ brought into this world and can bring into our lives. Amen.

Carol Anne Janzen is a Christian educator who finds joy in listening to Vivaldi, gardening, reading (especially British mysteries), and traditional rug-hooking. 

December 12, 2020

Photo by Laura Churchill Duke

 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord. ~ Hebrews 12: 14

This past February our family traveled to Japan for a month-long visit. While there we visited several locations that had been profoundly devastated by WWII. 

The most well-known place is Hiroshima, where on August 6, 1945, Americans dropped the first atomic bomb. Although the museum dedicated to the bombing was closed because of COVID-19, we could still tour the surrounding peace park. Throughout this park there are dozens of information boards with photographs of what the area looked like before the bombing. They talked about busy, thriving streetscapes and businesses, and gave stories of what the townspeople were doing on the fateful day. We saw shadows burned into concrete from the heat and light of the bomb. We saw the remains of the A-Dome, the only building the city left standing.

Off the coast of Hiroshima, we visited a small island called Ninoshima. After the bombing, thousands and thousands of people from the mainland flocked to this small island on makeshift canoes where a temporary hospital had been set up to help the wounded.

 We also visited another nearby coastal island called Okufushima. It was here that the Japanese built and tested poisonous gas and chemical weapons also used during WWII. Now, the buildings are all abandoned, and the only inhabitants are thousands of rabbits who roam freely, their ancestors having been test subjects for the factories.

Japanese cities throughout the country have been completely rebuilt as most were flattened during the bombings. One does not need to go far to see the effects of war.  Standing amongst it all there is a great sense of futility. What was the point of all this destruction and death?

Photo by Laura Churchill Duke

Although this all sounds grim and depressing, there is an overwhelming sense of peace and hope that shines through.

In the Hiroshima Peace Park is an eternal flame which will continue to burn until nuclear weapons are abolished worldwide. The many monuments, decorated with thousands of origami cranes, serve as a reminder of what can happen during war, and why we should strive for peace.

It is a humbling and moving experience that all who visit will never forget.

 Dear Father in heaven, we pray that you will help us learn from the past, and to always strive for peace. Help us to not forget the many who died in helping us to remember. Amen.

 Laura Churchill Duke is an author and freelance journalist who loves to travel with her family. Laura lived in Japan for three years after graduating from university and was so happy to finally return, this time to show her family this remarkable country.

December 11, 2020

Photo credit: Heather Rushton

“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.”  Psalm 46:10

A few Octobers ago, I went on a trip to the Muskoka wilderness with a group of friends to attend a women’s retreat. This retreat had a pretty impressive statement, “expect God to show up”.
I had no idea what to expect or how God was going to show up but I was pretty excited to find out.

The weekend began with a session and then quiet prayer. At the end of the first night, I was feeling a little defeated and a bit anxious that I wasn’t “feeling” anything yet. Where was God? Was I missing something? Maybe he just wasn’t going to show up for me.

Day two came and went and still no God.

Day three began with an early morning coffee with one of my closest friends. We chatted about our experience so far and I expressed my frustrations. She then told me to stop looking for God and start listening. That afternoon during quiet reflection time I took the opportunity to get lost in the beauty of October in the Muskoka wilderness. I walked until I found a sunny, grassy patch far from anyone else and I began talking to God. I talked and then I listened and then it happened, God showed up!

I started my conversation off with a deep personal frustration. While I was waiting for some kind of response, I closed my eyes and looked to the sky. Something told me to open them, which I did just in time to see a perfect heart shaped cloud - as if God had given it to me, to let me know He’s listening. I was overcome with a warm sense of peace in that moment.

Over the course of the weekend, I found myself confiding in God, as if we were old friends and every time, He showed up. A heart in a leaf on the ground, the sunshine breaking through the clouds to perfectly shine on my face, a baby wild turkey crossing my path. Every time I confided, He was there.

The peace that that weekend brought to my life is something I will cherish forever. Discovering that no matter what, no matter where, God shows up. That is a peace that can only be found by a close personal relationship with God.

I hope you all feel the peace of God this holiday season. Just listen, He’ll show up. He always does.

Prayer:  Dear God, may we experience the light of your Peace each and every day, not only throughout the holiday season but each day in the coming year.

Breanna Williams MacIntosh lives in Port Williams with her husband Chris, three children, two cats and two dogs.

December 10, 2020

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC. Photo Credit: Anita Flowers

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be engulfed, every hill shall be exalted and every mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plains and the crooked places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together. This is our hope.  – Martin Luther King Jr. quoting Isaiah 40.

 "I have a dream." These words were the pinnacle quote of Martin Luther King Jr., when he made his speech at the Lincoln Memorial (August 28th, 1963). These words had a significant impact on people of color, because for the longest time they were treated unfairly. Unfortunately, even to this day, they continue to be.

 The way this relates to peace is that there were wars about racism, there were slaves, so this quote reminds everyone that we're lucky to live in such a different place than in the past.  Peace and equality are always our goal. This also reminds us that it is such a peaceful world in Canada, and that even though there are still wars, we are grateful to live in a county without any.

 We are also reminded that Covid-19 has changed so much of our lives, (finger snap) just like that. But happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, but only if you know when to turn on the lights! (Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter). Let's all turn our Christmas lights on this year!

 Christmas is a time of peace and joy, so you can see how stuff like this relates to what we're talking about. If the words haven't sunk in yet, then think about this...

 Martin Luther King Jr. was part of a civil rights movement, where a belief in freedom and equality was the primary message. Today, in the neighboring country of the United States, the first woman of colour was elected as Vice-President. So this is the reason peace is so important. It may have taken a long time (and a lot longer than it should have), but people eventually realized that racism and inequality is not okay. Kamala Harris is living proof.

 Prayer: Dear God,  We thank you for Port Williams United Baptist Church, where in our church all people are welcome, regardless of race, colour, gender, or sexual preference. We thank you for the way you guide us to help, to serve, and to stand up for all people. We thank you for your continued love as we learn to do better for all your children. Give us strength and courage to be bold and brave, in the work of peace.    In your name we pray - AMEN.

 Aaron Caines is twelve years old. He lives with his brother Liam, his Mom and Dad, and his dog Rudy. Aaron loves to play the piano, build with his LEGO robotics team, and watch youtube videos. Aaron believes in peace and equality for all.

December 9, 2020

Photo Credit: Don Flowers

“I’m late, I’m late for a very important date.”  That was me, in the 60’s. Advent had arrived, with 3 children under 7 and another on the way. I was like the rabbit in Alice In Wonderland, making lists, running here and there and still not even close to getting what needed to be done. I was always running in circles and always priorities were changing. A child hit his head, another had an earache, on and on.

I was in panic mode and then I put my back out!  After tears, I finally went to God and asked “Why? I am trying my hardest?” I waited for an answer, for God answers prayer, and Scripture passages came to mind.

“My grace is sufficient.” “All things work for good for those who love the Lord.” “Be still and know that I am God.” Have no anxiety about anything, but with prayer and thanksgiving take your concerns to God and He will give you peace beyond understanding.”

A strange feeling came over me and I knew it was Christ’s Christmas Peace. David and I decided to change our priorities. Less presents, less entertaining, less busy-ness and more family and God time.

You know, we had a much more peaceful Christmas. It was relaxing, even the children were less stressful and demanding, By changing our focus, the “Reason for the Season” became so much more meaningful. Advent became more of a family time, a time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. The gifts of the Advent wreath, hope, peace, joy and love were so much more meaningful. Hope was not “what am I going to get for
Christmas.”  Peace was not “Whew, I got that done.”

It was sitting with the family listening to carols or watching a movie.  Joy was not David and I going out to a Christmas party but rather, it was going sledding and skating with the children. Love was the deeper relationship we felt knowing what the true meaning of Christmas was and wanting to share God’s deep love with those who needed love.

We were given a great gift of peace that year and I have continued to place my Christmas priorities in relationship with God and family. This gift of Christmas Peace is available to all of us and you know, it never wears out. It never deletes, it just keeps on giving and growing. If I had not stopped and cried out to God and listened, I would not have experienced Christmas Peace. The gift is also yours for the asking.

Prayer: Dear Lord, You are always there for us, even when we try to go it on our own. Help us to give you time in this Advent Season so we may hear your “still small voice: and receive Your gift of Christmas Peace. Amen

Liz Johnson, is an ordained minister, a widow of 28 years with 4 children and 7 grandchildren. She helps on the farm, loves to cook and piece quilts and is on too many committees,

December 8, 2020

Photo Credit: Don Flowers

For a child has been born - for us! The gift of a son - for us! He'll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.  His ruling authority will grow, and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He'll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He'll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going with fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this. God Answered Fire with Fire        -  Isaiah 9:6-7 from The Message

We know this scripture, often recited in King James English. We read Jesus shall be called the Prince of Peace. It's interesting to see Peterson translate the word peace as wholeness. In our world of cease-fires and demilitarized zones, we have come to see peace as an absence of conflict. I see so many marriages entangled in conflict, peace as an absence of conflict is good news. Yet, as we visit peace, the lack of conflict is a mere beginning of wholeness. We are invited to take the lull of hostility and begin to reconcile.

Recently CBC interviewed a non-smiling Brian Burke, former coach and now hockey analyst. Brian told the story of getting speared by a player. Then, in the next match, Brian got into a fight with that player. Brian waited two years for that match and that fight. He never forgot the incident where he was wronged.

We, too, sometimes hang on to our hurts in an effort that maybe one day there will be payback. Our character is formed or malformed by the attitudes and behaviours we have invested.  

 Jesus offers us peace. But our wholeness comes when we bring our hurts and memories to the sacred fire of Grace. When we offer them, the fire changes them to vapour. Yet, we are tempted to hang on to our fantasies, bitterness, and anger, which is more appealing than reconciliation and forgiveness.  

 Prayer:  Jesus, you know us. You see what secrets we think we keep hidden. Mostly we hide it from ourselves. Please give us the courage to step up and receive your Grace and offer our wounds for transformation.  

 Jeff Hosick is a veteran firefighter, a fire department chaplain, a psychotherapist, and a professional trainer/speaker.  While he works as a trauma specialist, he is also currently serving the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada as an interim pastor.  

December 7, 2020

Photo Credit: Heather Rushton

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.   Psalm 29:11

 “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say

  It is well, it is well, with my soul.”     -Horatio Spafford

 I light up when anyone mentions Christmas.  It’s my “happy place” and I just love all the tasks that come with preparing to celebrate.  I can stretch decorating out for days.  Nothing beats the satisfaction I get from planning what we’ll eat, what we’ll give, and what we’ll do.  It wasn’t always like that.   

 My first Christmas in Canada was way up North.  It was dark and it was cold.  Everything was foreign and I was the one who didn’t belong. I can remember sitting alone one evening, in a tiny apartment on the bad side of town, staring at the Christmas tree and wondering if the future I had planned was worth the loneliness in that moment.  I can still hear myself saying, “It will be alright, it will be alright,” over and over again.

 It’s what I tell my children when they curl up for comfort after a tough day.  It’s what I tell my colleagues when we’re working to a deadline.  It’s what I tell myself when my day becomes too busy to catch a breath.  It doesn’t matter if this moment is hard; down the road, it will be alright.  Focus on the future.

 Our office recently went through a whole lot of changes.  It wasn’t easy.  Everyone had to work together to get through the initial hiccups.  A few weeks ago, I was about to remind people that it would all be okay soon, they just had to hang in a little longer.  I looked around, saw that the new systems were working smoothly, and realized that the future we were holding on for, had arrived.

 When I am quiet in God’s presence, it’s something similar.  There is no need to merely tolerate the present while waiting for the future.  There is no need to strive for better. When I focus on God, I have peace in, and with, the present. When I focus on His love, I no longer need to say, “It will be alright” because I know that it already is.

 Prayer: Father, it’s so easy to overlook the present while we’re working towards something in the future.  As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, teach us to dwell in Your presence so that we may find peace, no matter what is happening around us. 

Daleen van Dyk is a proud Mom of two busy teenagers.  She knows how precious peaceful moments can be!  She’s found her place to put down roots, here in the Valley.

December 6, 2020

Photo Credit: Ryan Hutton on Unsplash

Is not this the fast that I choose:

to loose the bonds of injustice,

to undo the thongs of the yoke,

to let the oppressed go free,

 and to break every yoke?   -Isaiah 58: 6-8a

It is no secret to this congregation—particularly to anyone who attended Spirituality in Isolation this summer or Morning Prayer this fall—that I love contemplative practices. Contemplative practices are as ancient as communal religion and individual spirituality. As we sit in silence or take a deep breath to ground ourselves, we unite our bodies and minds and imaginations with contemplatives across the centuries and across the globe. 

One of my favourite stories in the Christmas cycle is the visit of the magi in the Gospel of Matthew. This story is typically celebrated on the Christian festival of Epiphany (which is after Christmas so technically cheating for Advent but oh well). Over the years, church tradition has offered several accounts of who these magi were, but in my imagination, they are contemplatives or mystics from neighbouring cultures and kingdoms who spend their days and nights analyzing the cosmos for signs of paradigm shifts. It is their spiritual, sacred knowledge that draws them to Jesus’ side, and it is that same knowledge that warns them of King Herod’s homicidal intent toward this special child, born under unusual stars.

This year, we are living under unusual stars. And that is precisely why I have found myself gravitating toward contemplation. I see the signs, and I do not want to misunderstand them. 

In the Hebrew Bible, the prophets have this fantastic tradition of tearing the rituals and sacred ceremonies of their people to shreds. In Amos and Isaiah and Micah, the prophets insist that while injustice persists in their society, well-executed ritual is effectively pageantry. And so, as we prepare for the coming of the Christ child in 2020, may we seek rituals that move us toward justice. And may we find peace in that ancient imagination where the presence of God draws near. 

 Prayer: God of the galaxy—O Spreader of Stars, guide our steps through the long nights of this Advent season. Nurture in us an imagination for justice and peace. Amen. 

Davita DesRoches is a third-year divinity student at Wake Forest University School of Divinity. Her favourite Christmas carols are “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?”. 

December 5, 2020

Photo Credit: Heather Rushton

 HOPE: A feeling of expectation or a desire for certain things to happen.

 Last year I wrote a devotional about how when I was little, I HOPED to get a rubber ducky, and I did. Another story is about the Grinch, and how he HOPED he would ruin Christmas.  But, what the Grinch hoped for didn’t happen. And that shows us that everything you HOPE for might not happen. For this Christmas, I am HOPING for a new scooter, but that might not happen. Because everything we HOPE for doesn’t always come true.

 At Christmas-time we can HOPE for lots of things, like; presents, snow, and spending time with family. But, there are lots of other things you can HOPE for at Christmas, that I’m not going to list…Okay, I might list a few more. You can HOPE for healthy food, enough money, and a safe home. Not just me, but lots of other people (maybe everyone) is HOPING that COVID-19 will end very soon.

•  Sometimes when you are sick, you can HOPE to feel better.

• Sometimes when you are lonely, you can HOPE for a friend to play with you.

• Sometimes when you are sad, you can HOPE for a hug.

• And, sometimes when you are angry, you can HOPE to forgive.

 Our family HOPES that every Christmas we will do certain things. On Christmas morning, Aaron and I are always really impatient waiting for Mom and Dad to get their coffee. Because we are really excited to open our presents. So, we HOPE they will hurry!

 Every Christmas Eve, Dad, Aaron and I are at home setting out the cookies and milk for Santa. Aaron and I HOPE Santa will come, because we’d be really sad if he didn’t.

And, for my last HOPE – I HOPE that everyone has a good Christmas this year.

 Dear God,  This year we HOPE for peace and love for all families. We HOPE that you keep us safe and make us strong. We also HOPE for just a little bit of snow. AMEN

 Liam Caines is 9 years old. He lives with his brother Aaron, his Mom and Dad, and his dog Rudy. Liam loves to play the piano and sing, play curling and golf, ride his bike and scooter, and play video games. Liam holds out eternal HOPE for the day that he gets taller.

December 4, 2020

Photo Credit: Luke Hegelson on Unsplash

 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."

 Hebrews 13:8

 Hope springs eternal.”  Yes, we all know that slogan or saying, but what does it really mean?

 So if hope springs, it has to be there ready to jump up. Then where is there?  Is it deep inside us, just waiting to get out?  Interesting! If this is so, how did it get in there?

 Seems to me, hope must have a spiritual nature, as we can’t go to the kitchen and get a cup of hope, either a small or large cup! If then it is spiritual, it can’t be physically considered. How much hope do you have today? We know there are situations that seem hopeless and others that brim with expectant hope.

 It’s funny -  hope is not tangible, but we talk as if it is. “I sure hope our team beats those ___!”   “It seemed hopeless, then in the 9th inning, we won! Yeah! I know that’s what some of the faithful fans were hoping for.”

 More tangible examples of hope turn my mind to a mountain climber. At the beginning, it would look hopeless to me, looking way up there to the top of one of our world’s tallest mountains and thinking that this courageous group are making ready to climb to the top and plant the Canadian flag.  

 Think about it! If they never allowed themselves to hope they could do it, they would not even try. So is hope like an ignition switch or, more powerfully, like the gun powder behind a bullet or the fuel in a rocket shot to the moon. Easy to get more fuel but if we are low on “hope”, this spiritual thing, how do we grasp more of it?

 Really, we can hope for nothing less than Jesus’ love and righteousness. When it surrounds us, we just know it is there and it brings great comfort.

 Prayer: O God, may we find the hope that springs eternal in the life of your son Jesus.  Amen.

 Charlie Embree is a retired Agricultural scientist. His hobby is his small orchard at home. He has three daughters: Madelene, Angie and Charlotte.

December 3, 2020

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn…

Photo credit: Federico Beccari on Unsplash

Thursday, December 3, 2020 

 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:  The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." Lamentations 3: 21 - 24

 Each year as Christmas approaches, hope abounds in the hearts of all of us; children check to see if that special gift is under the Christmas tree; families make plans to be together; we check the weather forecast to see if we will have a white Christmas; we long for peace on earth.  In this pandemic year of 2020 our focus has shifted and different hopes have arisen: that our families will be safe from Covid 19, that we'll be able to travel again to see loved ones, that we will get our jobs back and be able to pay our bills. The optimists among us dream of gathering for our beloved Advent celebrations and Christmas Eve candlelight services.

 As Christians, our hope is grounded in the promises of God, which are found throughout the scriptures: 

 “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made”. (Psalm 145:9) 

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145: 18) 

 “His love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations”.  (Psalm 100:5)  

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak”. (Isaiah 40:29)  

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)  

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am”. (John 14:1-3).  

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”

These words, penned in 1847 as part of the Christmas Carol, Oh Holy Night, really resonate this year, when life has been so different and we wonder if things will ever feel “normal” again.  In the season of Advent, we look forward to the coming of the Christ child, who came into our weary world as Emmanuel, God with us, bringing hope that rises above even the worst of circumstances. It is this year's perfect gift, given when we need it most, and though hope might feel fragile as we hold it in our hearts, if we invite God to enter into it with us, He will enable us to offer it to those who need it most.

 Prayer: Thank you for the gift of hope that was given to us through the birth of your son, Jesus. Help us to be people of hope.

 Sharon Baxter is a retired library tech and pastor's wife. She is married to Ron, mother of two sons and a daughter, and grandmother to eight precious grandchildren. She enjoys her family, reading, hiking, kayaking, and beaches everywhere.

December 2, 2020

Photo Credit: Yannis Cotsonis on Unsplash

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”                                                                  Jeremiah 29:11

 Our family loves to get our house ready for Christmas. All our preparations are made hoping Christmas will be just like the last. Fun, joyful and exciting. First, we decorate the house with candelabra, nativity scenes, the Christmas cups and mugs, and outdoors we put up our lights. It usually takes a full weekend to get the decorations ready. While we decorate, we listen to Christmas songs and dance to them. It is a lot of fun. When we finish, we watch some Christmas movies that bring the Christmas spirit back to life.

 The next weekend we get our Christmas trees. We put up 5 trees, so we all have to agree on each tree before we cut it down. Every time we bring the trees home, we always hope they will fit through the door and in each room. Usually, if it doesn't fit, we have to cut the top off. It takes a few days to place all of the lights on the trees, and then we start hanging ornaments on the real and fake trees. There are little fake trees in the kids' rooms that we decorate ourselves, a fake tree in the guest room, a real tree in the living room, family room, dining room and in the breezeway. It is always so much fun hanging ornaments when it’s Christmas.

On Christmas Eve we make Swedish donuts for Christmas breakfast. We also make our traditional Christmas Eve dinner, seafood casserole and salad. Before bed we open one gift labelled “Open On Christmas Eve”. It is usually matching pajamas. Then we hang up our stockings and put our wish lists out, hoping Santa will find them. After, we read Twas the Night Before Christmas and The Christmas Miracle of Jonathon Toomey. When we go to bed, lots of hope fills the air as we fall asleep. I always love falling asleep with anticipation, hoping Santa will come. 

 All of our Christmas preparations are done with the hope that Christmas will come and that we will be able to celebrate Jesus’ birth, like it has been celebrated for hundreds of years.

 Prayer: Dear God, we pray that this Christmas will bring hope and joy to people all over the world. Amen.

 Penelope Schofield is the eleven-year-old daughter of Elizabeth Jackson and Scott Schofield. In her spare time, she loves to play piano, dance, swim, and play basketball.

December 1, 2020

Photo credit: Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Hope Faces the Facts  

Strengthen the weak hands,
   and make firm the feeble knees.
Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
   ‘Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God.
   He will come with vengeance,
with terrible recompense.
   He will come and save you.’          Isaiah 35:3-4

Recently I watched a delightful and inspiring Netflix movie called Enola Holmes. In it, the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes perseveres through threats and discouragements to reunite with her mother.  Amid her trials, a well-meaning friend offers her consolation in a rosy picture of the future. Enola, hardened by life's experiences, says in return, "Facts don't distract from hope." In other words: I will continue to hope as I deal with life's worst.

 This is the genuine hope we celebrate at Christmas. A hope that faces facts and still has the strength to persevere. A hope built on confidence that by God's grace we can confront and push on through obstacles and discouragement - no rose-coloured glasses or false hope for us.  But a hope fortified by Christ's presence and victory.

During the early stages of this pandemic, one world leader knew of its severity but chose not to give people the dire facts, for fear they could not handle it. But God-given hope thrives in the midst of the truth. Hope wants to know the facts. Hope that endures amidst knowledge of the worst is the only hope that does not disappoint.

 This quote from Martin Luther has the same message: "Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." 

This part of the Advent reading sets the tone:

Strengthen the weak hands,

And make firm the feeble knees.

Say to those who are of a fearful heart,

"Be Strong, fear not!

This is the courage that hope in God gives us.

 Prayer: O living and loving God, we thank you that nothing can separate us from your love and hope, not even the darkest discouragements or hardest trials. Give us the courage to live on through all, believing that guided by your grace we move towards greater life. AMEN

 John Churchill is an ordained clergy with a varied background. Before he retired, he taught finance at Acadia University. Now he sits at his computer waiting for inspiration and doing renovations/redecorations on the house.

November 30, 2020

photo credit: Anita Flowers

Monday, November 30, 2020

 “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”

                                                 -Desmond Tutu

 Christmas is my favourite time of the year, it always has been. My sister and I get that from our mother. I remember being so excited when she pulled the boxes of Christmas decorations out of storage and had us help her decorate every room in the house.

We loved all of the decorations. No matter how old or tattered they got from all of the Christmases they had seen, they seemed brand new again every year when we took them out. I still feel that way. Once we were done decorating and putting up lights, and had finished the tree, we would turn off the main lights, and sit quietly in the soft glow of the Christmas lights. In that moment, I felt many things and thought many things, one being hopeful. Hopeful that I had been good all year, you know… Santa! But also the hope that the warmth and fullness that I was feeling at that moment could last forever.

Now that I have children, I see the same excitement on their faces when I bring out all of our Christmas decorations. I am typically an early Christmas decorator, but after the year the world has had, I decided that we needed the hope and cheer of Christmas a little early in our house. And I know many others had the same thought this year and started to decorate their homes early as well. It made me think, how great is it that the hope of Christmas, Jesus’ birthday, is what is uniting so many after a year of what seems like the world falling apart. Jesus is hope. He had hope for the world, and he continues to show us to have hope for the world and for each other.

 My wish for Christmas this year is that everyone feels the excitement of a child unboxing Christmas decorations in their hearts. And that you feel the warmth, fullness, and hope that you get from sitting quietly, watching the Christmas lights, and knowing that Jesus is there wrapping his light around you.

 Prayer: God, in a world where people hope for so much, please show us to have hope in our hearts for you, for all the beauties of this world you have created, and for each other.

 Kalee Cudmore is a wife, mom, and Cosmetologist. She loves to spend time with family, read, and draw.

November 29, 2020 - First Sunday of Advent

Empty Manger Photo Credit: Anita Flowers

November 29, 2020 - HOPE

“Earth’s crammed with Heaven

And every common bush afire with God,

But only he who sees takes off his shoes…”

  Elizabeth Barrett Browning

 Advent, which means “coming,” begins the church year and the first mystery we are asked to engage in is waiting. The days are growing shorter and colder and the nights long.  Along with the natural world, we, as people, are waiting. We wait – for the warmth of the sun to return, for the holidays to “begin,” for the good things in life we imagine.

 Small children say it all the time - “I can’t wait!” Waiting is hard work. We prefer to get on with it. The more life asks us to wait, the more we furrow our brows and anxiously hurry. Advent is about waiting. It is a time to stop, reflect and listen. It’s a time to tell the story.

 When our daughters were small, we were gifted with a wooden nativity set, perfect for little hands. Each year, we carefully placed the wooden créche in a place of honor, usually on the front hall table. At the beginning of Advent, the stable was bare, except for the cow, scattered straw, and an empty manger.  Mary, Joseph and the donkey were beginning their journey to Bethlehem from the bookshelf across the room. The shepherds and sheep were on the piano, waiting for their musical cue to begin the trek to the manger. The wise men and camel were usually in the dining room, because they had much farther to travel. It was a way to tell the story.

 Each week, the figures slowly inched their way closer to the manger, moving from the bookshelf to the desk, atop the TV stand, across the floor. Often other characters joined them on the journey, including a cotillion of Polly Pockets, Lego Star Wars figures, a small plastic Barbie from a McDonald’s Happy Meal, and even a small Santa Claus and reindeer.

 We talked about how Mary and Joseph were feeling on the long journey and what the shepherds were discussing out in the field. We talked about waiting for Christmas - for the birth of the baby. Well, in truth, we often talked more about waiting for Santa and presents. It was a lot of waiting.

 In these days, we are waiting in a different way, as we live through an unexpected time of pandemic. Waiting for a vaccine. Waiting for things to “get back to normal.”  We wait and we hope. We ask to be touched again by what seems to have vanished from our lives. We stop and look around, hoping to recognize the holy in the ordinariness of our lives once again.

 Prayer: May the light of hope shine on our world in this season of darkness. May these days of waiting refresh, replenish and renew our everyday experiences and make these ordinary days extraordinary.

 Anita Flowers is a writer, counselor, and encourager. She loves all things Christmas, especially the twinkly lights.