Author: Mari Walker

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. —Matthew 11:25

In the days of Herod the King, the scribe Ben Ezra gave up his duties in Jerusalem and withdrew to the southern desert. His plan was to live as a hermit and to spend his remaining years in contemplation of the sacred scriptures of his people.

Ben Ezra wished to turn his thoughts away from what he saw in the city: the greed of the wealthy, the deprivations of the poor, and the oppression of all by the harsh invading Romans. But he could not forget the stories he had so often heard of a Messiah, one sent by God to free Israel and establish a kingdom of righteousness and justice.

Ben Ezra knew that his countrymen expected a mighty warrior who would drive out their enemies with force, bloodshed and violence. Still, he thought, no military commander in history had managed to establish a lasting realm of peaceful stability and prosperity for all. “No,” he thought, “our Messiah won’t be just a soldier.” Would the Messiah perhaps be a great prophet declaring God’s will persuasively to the people? Ben Ezra thought of the many prophets rejected by those who would not listen, persecuted by those who feared them.

Similarly, Ben Ezra concluded that no scholar, no artist, no musician, no builder could hope to remake the minds of their listeners. Ben Ezra was unable to imagine for himself what sort of man the Messiah might be.

After many months in the desert, Ben Ezra began to feel a longing to see his old friends in Jerusalem. Perhaps they could clarify his thinking about the Messiah. He gathered a few possessions and set out toward Jerusalem.

The journey was long and difficult. Ben Ezra walked the rocky roads for many days. One morning close to midday, he chanced upon a small town. He made his way to the inn in the town square in search of a meal and a night’s lodging. The common room of the inn was crowded with town’s people excitedly talking with one another. Ben Ezra asked what the cause of concern might be. A diner replied, “We’re all here to catch a glimpse of the blessed baby.” The previous night, he added, shepherds from the hills had come into town saying angels had appeared to them announcing the birth of the Messiah. They had hurried down to the inn and found a newborn babe and his parents. Everyone in town soon heard the news and all wanted to see the child.

Ben Ezra listened, smiled politely, ate a hasty supper and decided he might be able to cover a few more miles of his journey before nightfall. As he walked along, Ben Ezra thought about the story he had heard at the inn. “How superstitious these country folk are,” he mused. “My sophisticated friends in Jerusalem could never believe such a thing. Still, that baby in Bethlehem will grow up among ordinary people. He will know the blessings and the pains of everyday life. He will learn the Law and the Prophets at his village synagogue. He will understand the needs of our people in a way that an earthly prince cannot. Perhaps those angels sang rightly. Perhaps I failed to see the Messiah. Could I have failed to recognize the savior of the world?”

Heavenly Father, open our minds and hearts to see your wonders. Help us to be free from our misconceptions. Amen.

Guy Johnson

The Lord Is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. —Psalm 18:2

Cancer has presented me with many uncertainties. I am so thankful to have Jesus as my rock. Knowing that Jesus is always there for me, to guide me in decision making, to comfort me when I feel bad, to calm my fears, to give me strength to face what’s ahead, gives me a sense of confidence and peace. He is steadfast. He is my protector. He does not change.

As a reminder of Jesus as my rock, I have found wearing a rosary from Medjugoire given to me by a dear neighbor helpful. Wearing it around my wrist allows me to clasp the plain, wooden cross in the palm of my hand at any time as I go about my day. In addition, I have found my larger Holding Cross so comforting at night. The wood is smooth, solid with no sharp edges and lets me know I am not alone. Both give me the reassurance needed that Jesus is watching over me.

No matter what challenges we face, know that Jesus is our rock. Trust in the Lord and know that He is good.

Thank you, Jesus, for your humble birth.
Thank you, Jesus, for your suffering so that I could be saved.
Thank you, Jesus, for being my rock in times of uncertainty.

Harriet Walters

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

The stars shone bright against the black of the moonless Maine night. The songs of summer frogs echoed over the glass-smooth water of the inlet. It felt like one of the thin places that I have experienced several times in my life – a place where the earthly and divine almost touch, a place where the presence of the Creator is palpable. My heart warred between an overwhelming sense of peace and rightness and an underlying pulse of excitement.

When I finally dipped the kayak paddle into the black stillness of the water, my senses almost exploded with awe at the glittering stream of tiny lights that followed the stroke of the paddle. Each swirl from the eddy of the paddle thrust produced a luminous path of light from hundreds of bioluminescent plankton.

I was overwhelmed by surprise and humility at the beauty in front of me. A comforting warmth spread over my entire body. I knew that I was experiencing the presence of God through his amazing creation.

I can still call to mind the blackness of the water and the sky and the beautiful light of the stars and the tiny sea life. Light speaks to us, calls us to life, encourages and comforts us. And we have the gift of the ultimate light – the light of Jesus.

Come, let us celebrate His arrival once again!

God of all creation, the darkness of black winter swaddles the earth. Silently we kneel in expectant solitude, awaiting the light like the caterpillar in its chrysalis. Holy darkness rains into our hearts showers of longing, floods of yearning. And still we wait in faith, in hope, watching for the coming of the dawning light that will flood us with the warmth of new awakenings, new beginnings, and new life. Come, Light of the World! Come, sweet Jesus, come! Amen.

Betty Schroeder

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you – wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” —Luke 2:10-14

There’s a beautiful old Christmas legend that tells of how God called the angels together one day for a special choir rehearsal. God told them that there was a special song for them to learn – a song that they would sing at a very significant occasion.

The angels went to work on it. They rehearsed long and hard, with great focus and intensity. In fact, some of the angels grumbled a bit, but God insisted on a very high standard for this choir.

As time passed, the choir improved. Their tone and rhythm were blending beautifully. Finally, God announced that they were ready!

But then, God shocked them with this bit of news. God told them that there would be just one performance of this great song they had worked on so diligently.

Again, some of the angels grumbled. The song was so extraordinarily beautiful and they had it down pat now. Surely, they could sing it many, many times.

God simply smiled and told them that when the time came they would understand.

Finally the day arrived. God called them together and gathered them above a field just outside of Bethlehem. “It’s time,” God said to them, and the angels sang their song. “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace and goodwill to all!”

As the angels sang, they knew there would never be another night like this. There would never be another birth like this birth in Bethlehem.

When the angels returned to heaven, God reminded them that they would not formally sing that song again as an angelic choir, but if they wanted to, they could hum the song to themselves.
One angel was bold enough to step forward and ask God, “Why? Why could they not sing that majestic anthem again? They did it so well. It felt so right. Why couldn’t they sing that great song anymore?”
“Because,” God explained, “my son has been born… and now earth must do the singing!”

We have been given the gift of God’s love in Jesus, and now it its time to share it. Will you sing? God is waiting. A Savior has been born! He is indeed the long-expected one, the Messiah, our Lord – Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel.
This good news makes my heart sing, “God is with us!”

Merry Christmas!

Emmanuel, you come to us as a baby and bring with you the gift of love and new life. Help us as we share this good news with the world. Amen.

Rev. Lane Cotton Winn

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” —John 8:12

As I think about the birth of Jesus, I consider how the shepherds must have felt when they saw the star shining in the night sky – the light illuminating a celestial being with the most wonderful news, then suddenly joined by others glorifying God for a gift so precious none can compare to it.

What would have I done? How would I have felt? Would I have fallen in fear or jumped with delight?

I hope and pray that I would have been like the shepherds: running to see this glorious gift of salvation from God. Praise God for sharing His gift with such a lowly person as me. What a privilege to behold the baby with his mother in a stable and realize that God cares for everyone, even me. How beautiful! How wonderful! How amazing! Welcome Child of Light! Illuminate our hearts.

Dear God, thank you for Jesus, the light of the world. Shine your light on us this Christmas season and forevermore. In Jesus’ name, amen

L. Darlene Dickson

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourself. Do what it says. —James 1:22

It was Christmas Day afternoon when I received a call from a young man whom I had seen in a counseling situation. He had been struggling in many areas of his life and sought spiritual counsel. I had not heard from him in a while.

“I am so sorry to call you on Christmas Day, but I would like to bring you a gift. It is really important for me to give it to you today. Is that possible?”

Sure.” And I gave him my home address.

In a short while he appeared at my doorstep with a new copy of the book “A Road Less Traveled” in hand. We had used some quotes from the book as fodder for our discussions. I had loaned him my book to read. I had forgotten he still had it.

“I want to give you a new copy of this book as I have marked the one you loaned me with notes. I hope you don’t mind. It is my way of saying ‘thanks’ for spending time with me. I am on my way to celebrate Christmas with all my family—-my wife and kids. Without our conversations and prayers I would have walked away from the gift I have in them! Thank you!”

As he gave me the book, he hugged me!

“Proud of you! What a great Christmas present!” I said as he walked away.

One of the precious moments when you realize what you do matters!

Good morning Lord! As I go through this day help me to realize what I do matters. Slow me down during this holiday season to encourage those who are struggling on life. Help us all to value relationships more than things. Then we will discover the great gifts we have—given by you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Rev. Dr. M. Jack O’Dell

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. —Isaiah 9:6

Names are very important to human beings. They were important to Jesus as well. He is called by many names like Messiah, Lord, Savior and Emmanuel. He is the Light of the World, the Prince of Peace and the Word made flesh. He is also the Good Shepherd and the Bread of Life. Redeemer, Son of Man, Everlasting Father, and King of the Jews are also His name.

My name is Daphne (daf-nee). It has been pronounced dol-fin, daf-any, daf-a-nee, dap-hi-ne, and daf-fy. My mother’s name was also Daphne. Her mother saw the name in a book and liked it. Since my mother was born and raised in Mississippi her friends and family called her Dafna. In fact she spelled her name Daphna until she took Latin in high school. Her teacher told her she was misspelling her name. When she asked my grandmother, Mom told her that the correct spelling was Daphne.

I have other names as well. My family calls me D. Gay. My sister and brother and I have rhyming middle names, and we were called by our double names. My sister could not say Daphne Gay so she came up with D. Gay.

My son, Paul Grady Madden, calls me Mama or Mother. His friends at the dance studio called me Ms. Paul Grady because they knew I was his mother. I have been called Aunt Daphne by my nieces. Some people call on the phone and ask to speak to Mrs. Madden. I previously was able to tell them that she lived in Shreveport, since I do not go by my husband’s name. I have been called a scouter, a substitute teacher, a pre-school music teacher, a bell ringer or a ding a ling, a friend, a wife, a mother, a sister, and a child.
The name I want to be known as above all names is a Child of God. I want people to be able to call me the name of Christian because of the way I represent Christ’s light in my life. Yes, I am not perfect, but if I continue to strive for Christ’s Light to shine through me, I will eventually be perfected in Him.

Light of Christ, shine in my life. Make me true to the name Christian. Let others see your light through my actions. Thank you for that light and for everlasting life. Amen

Daphne G. Grady

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. —1 John 2: 1-2

The very season of Advent sparks anticipation, anxiety, and eagerness. The very word means “important arrival,’ “a coming, approach, arrival.” In the times when darkness threatens to overtake us, we pray and anticipate an answer, a clearing, a relief. Indeed, we await the arrival of our advocate, the divine intercessor, for whom no darkness is too wide or deep.

Just as the Magi traveled in anticipation of the Christ child, we too are traveling this Advent journey from confusion, seeking the light and the truth, Jesus’ revelation. Just as the Magi were guided by the star, a light in the sky, may the Holy Spirit be the light within us, bringing us closer to Christ.

In the period of waiting, anticipation, praying, we have faith the greatest shepherd will find us, remove the distractions, and bring us safely back into the flock. Advent, the time we commemorate the arrival of God’s greatest gift. Advent is the season of waiting, the season of hope, the season of faith.

This season is also a test of faith, and as we wait with unceasing prayer, I am reminded of one of the songs my great-grandmother used to sing. A lyric says “Wait on the Lord and be of good courage,” which she often followed with “God might not come when you want Him but He’s always on time.”
The time was Christmas, and it was the coming of Jesus. Let us rejoice.

Most gracious God, thank you for the gift of your son Jesus. In this season, when every heart should be light, many are under a shadow of despair, fear, and hopelessness. We need Jesus more than ever, and this Advent we await the promised rest for the weary, peace for the anxious, and comfort for the lost, lonely, and forgotten. In this Advent season of expectation, let our worship echo throughout the community and bring more people to You. Finally, we pray all God’s children from the cradle to rocker be reminded the greatest Christmas gift is not wrapped in pretty paper; it is not under a tree, nor is it a package delivered to the door. The greatest gift of Christmas is love, Jesus Christ who descended from heaven and whose name we pray, amen.

Angeletta KM Gourdine

Shalom I leave with you. My shalom I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. —John 14:27

Shalom to you now, shalom, my friends. May God’s full mercies bless you, my friends. In all your living and through your loving, Christ be your shalom, Christ be your shalom.

After Hurricane Katrina, our house was under one of the flight paths for the Black Hawk helicopters flying from Independence Park to New Orleans and back. The whirring of the blades was so strong that if we were in the backyard when they flew over, it felt as though we could feel them in our chest. The days after Katrina were and still are a blur. The fear, worry, and energy were palpable. The need for clothing, money, support, food, and shelter was overwhelming. News footage and personal stories from friends and students were heartbreaking and at times fear inducing. There were drives for food, clothing, and the librarian at school was curating a list of people who could possibly offer temporary shelter. There were literally many voices crying for help, and the desire to help was paralyzing; there was little if any peace to be found.

One morning while working in the backyard and after seeing, hearing, and feeling the convoy of Blackhawks overhead, I was praying for each pilot as they flew over and for each person they would come in contact with that day. The hymn Shalom to You popped into my head. As the words were sung, absolutely nothing and yet absolutely everything changed. For the duration of that season, if I were by myself when the helicopters flew over, I would sing the hymn. If I was around anyone (out of respect for their hearing J) I would pray the hymn.

Since those days we have faced many life-altering events, and every time the words “Shalom to You” bubble to my consciousness, absolutely nothing and yet absolutely everything changes.
In this season of Advent, my friend in all your living and through your loving, Christ be your shalom, Christ be your shalom.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you. Thank you for your gift of peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Rhonda Tucker

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. —John 14:27

Peace comes in many forms. The challenge is recognizing the moment of peace when it gets there. Peace can be found walking in the woods with the sounds of nature all around you. Peace could be stepping into the house after a long stressful day. Peace could be sitting on the back of a truck waiting for the police to show up after a little ole lady has beaten you with her walking stick because you were parked in the handicapped slot. Upon realizing that you have done nothing wrong you are at peace. Peace can be found 35 feet below water where you can just relax and enjoy the splendor of being underwater. These are just a few examples of what peace could be.

Speaking as a combat Veteran, finding the moments of peace were important to me to keep my sanity. You cannot be on a knife-edge without dulling the ability to perform. Peace comes in all shapes and sizes as well. You have those moments of peace when you step into the cool of the house. Or those big moments where everything finally clicks into place and all your hard work pays off. Peace is a gift that allows you to re-focus and re-center. Without peace I would not want to be around because then you have nothing to look forward to. Peace in all its shapes, forms, and moments is a blessing and a gift.

Stop and think about the last time you allowed peace to bring you ease and comfort. Spend the day looking for those tiny moments. Do not always go rushing from thing to thing. And welcome the peace in when it appears, and enjoy the gift that it brings.

Lord, allow me to see the peace when it comes and know it for what it means. Amen

Paul Grady Madden