Category: Advent Devotionals 2020

One of the things we all love about Advent and Christmas is spending time with loved ones. One favorite tradition is to watch beloved Christmas movies. Each Saturday we will recommend one such movie geared toward families that relates to that week’s Advent theme and includes related Scripture and prayer. We invite you to read aloud these passages and prayers and consider how they may relate to the movie each week. There is also a movie option for grown-ups who want to dive deeper into that week’s theme.

Family Movie: The Muppet Christmas Carol

A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. —Isaiah 9:6

This week we will explore peace through The Muppet Christmas Carol. Along the way we will find that peace isn’t necessarily about being “nice and quiet.” There is an outer peace and an inner peace that only come when we do as Micah 6:8 would remind us – do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly.

When we see Scrooge on Christmas morning, what has changed? What are some of the things he does that show us he has changed? One thing we can’t change is the past. But we can change what we do today and throughout our life when we choose to live a life of hope, love, joy, and peace.

Loving God,
We choose to live in hope,
In love,
In joy,
In peace.
God bless us everyone.
Amen.

Dive Deeper into Peace: Film Suggestion for Grown-ups

Sweet Honey in the Rock: Raise Your Voice, available to rent on Amazon.

Emerging from the strong tradition of Freedom Singers, Sweet Honey in the Rock is a group that’s as soulfully rich as it is provocative. Using song to stand in unison, five African-American women sing solely a cappella, along with a sign language translator. Their music evokes stories from the past, encourages introspection in the present, and inspires progress for the future. Since it was founded in 1973, more than twenty different women have contributed to the Grammy Award–winning group’s distinct sound, which embraces semblances of gospel, blues, and hip hop, all with a political tone. The film features a trove of concert and rehearsal footage as it follows the group on their thirtieth anniversary tour, which is also coincidently when founder Bernice Johnson Reagon announces she will retire. Through a variety of interviews with members, historians, and fellow artists, the film explores the roots of Sweet Honey in the Rock’s existence and influence.

Adapted from Worship Design Studio materials by Marcia McFee.
Used With Permission.

Read other Advent 2020 Devotionals or download the book as a PDF.

Do not confirm to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. —Romans 12:2 (NIV)

I love the Christmas season. It is the time of year that I feel closest to God. The traditions of Advent and Christmas help me focus. I start thinking about the season in September, start planning in November. I like the comfort of the traditions of the Advent Festival, Lessons and Carols, church gatherings, Christmas movies, seasonal hymns, family visits, and Advent devotionals. 

This year, 2020, will be different. There is the pandemic. Many events will be cancelled. Some will be moved to a virtual format. Some family members will not be able to travel. Gatherings will require social distancing. Many Advent traditions will have to be changed. 

Then there is our house. We started a renovation a month ago which will extend into the new year. By mid-December, the kitchen will be totally dismantled. No baking, no holiday meals, no parties – at least not done the way we always have done them. Holiday decorations will be sparse as furniture is moved to storage and dust coats what is left. The Christmas tree will not be set up in the living room. Many family traditions will have to be changed.

I do not like change. I like the comfort of the status quo, of those things that are predictable and known. Change stresses me, but this year change cannot be avoided. Could God be telling me that my Advent routine is not the only thing that should change? I feel the push already. The push to find new ways to see God and hear his guidance. With less activities, there will be more time to examine what God wants me to do this season. Maybe what the 2020 Advent season should be is a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and to develop new traditions to keep our faith fresh. 

This odd season will provide an opportunity to renovate Advent. No, not renovate. To renovate is to restore to a previous state. Jesus’ birth was not intended to restore us to our previous state. It was intended to change us, change the world. If we embrace change this Advent, we can do more than renovate. We can transform the season and ourselves. We can find God in different places than we did last season.

I believe even when things change, but I will change because I believe. 

Dear Lord: Thank you for change. Please help the differences I experience, in this non-traditional Advent season lead me to a time of transformation where I look for you in new ways. Let me channel the stress of change into positive actions that glorify You this season. Amen

Susan Lambert

Read other Advent 2020 Devotionals or download the book as a PDF.

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life. —John 3:16

This day conjures memories of home – gathering with family and friends around the Christmas tree and the glow of a warm fire (even if it’s 80 degrees outside). A place of comfort and room at the table for everyone.

The Christmas story reminds us of home, too. It is a story of a young family on the road, away from familiar comforts. The unwed couple needs a safe place to spend the night, as they welcome a child into their lives. I imagine the first Christmas felt chaotic as Mary and Joseph wandered through the desert longing for home and for the familiar.

We too, are longing for the familiar today. This Christmas, home feels different to us. Our world aches for a sense of normalcy. We want to gather with family and friends, but COVID-19 separates us.

In spite of all of these setbacks – Christ still comes. The birth of Jesus reminds us that in the uneasy moments of life, God shows up. Chaos does not have the last word. Today – Emmanuel – God is with us.

I pray that your home is a place of peace, despite the uncertainty and turmoil of 2020. May you find hope for brighter days ahead, and may the love that God showed to us on Christmas fill your heart and home with joy.

Emmanuel, God with us, we celebrate your presence this day. Fill our hearts and homes with your peace and help us find hope in the future, for we know it is in your hands. Amen.

Merry Christmas,
Rev. Lane Cotton Winn
Lead Pastor

Read other Advent 2020 Devotionals or download the book as a PDF.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. —Isaiah 9: 6

A dear friend told me about how hard her mother worked every Advent season to get everything “just right” for Christmas. Maybe she hated it and felt it was a heavy burden to meet so many expectations. On Christmas Eve, we find ourselves in a season of obligation that often feels measured by some unspoken standard. When the packages are all unwrapped and the goodies consumed, many of us tumble into bed grateful the fuss is all over. There is so much effort and for what?

Why do we celebrate Christmas or even birthdays in such extravagant ways? Is it to honor the infant growing into personhood? Is it the opportunity to walk down memory lane and be reminded of the love and care we have for another human being? Is it our chance to give thanks for the gifts and presence others bring into our lives and to gather with others who have similar memories, love and thanks?

During Advent I wonder if we can fully understand the true reason for all the celebration? In this season we celebrate a god who would humble himself to be born as the baby, and the Christ who died living in obedience to God. We celebrate a life offered as an example of what God wishes us to be, do and value. We celebrate “believing” even when.

Like so many others, I too find the coming of Christmas to be a bit overwhelming. I struggle with trying to live up to what is expected of me and all the different feelings I experience. At times I feel as if I feel as if I am missing out on something because I am frantically trying to embrace all the festivities and trappings of the holiday.

It was Kierkegaard that said that a faith that did not require struggle was not the kind of faith worth having, and so, perhaps it is okay to struggle in this season. I am reminded each Advent of the struggle of Mary; too young, unwed, and faced with visions and demands from angels. Perhaps our struggle is necessary to grow in faith and to believe in the times when hope seems small. We are called, after all, to walk by faith this Advent season and always. May you discover God’s great gift of love for you this Christmas Eve.

Holy God, you come to us as a tiny baby. Like you, we too struggle to find our path and footing this Christmas Eve. Yet, still you come to us! Humble our hearts and make us attentive to the great gift of love you have for us.

In His Service,
Pastor Deirdré

Read other Advent 2020 Devotionals or download the book as a PDF.

Today we return to the story of Jesus’ birth as it is told in the Gospel of Luke. This account is the narrative we read again and again on this holy day, for this author gives us the most beloved detail. We so desire to believe the Good News of the messengers that is the culmination of humanity’s pain of birth: “don’t be afraid” for unto us a sign has come that will be to all people… “on earth, peace.”

Holy One,
we thank you for the glimpse
of heaven on earth
in the faces and the light of those around us.
Even in the midst of fear,
of challenge, of struggle–
even when our view
is obscured by clouds of doubt,
You have ignited the flame of
hope, love, joy, and peace within us.
Let us glow with its brilliance
from the inside out. Amen.

(Light the Christ Candle and the candles of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.)

Read Luke 2:1-20

Benediction

We wait for justice
but we do not wait to work for change;

We wait for restored health
but we do not wait to work towards healing;

We wait for wholeness
but we do not wait to work at binding brokenness;

We wait for peace
but we do not wait to work to eliminate hatred.

Fill the world with messages of hope, love, joy, and peace! Go into your lives humming the tunes that keep that light alive in you and that spur you on in your work of justice and reconciliation. Raise your voices and say, “Do not be afraid!” Amen!

Adapted from Worship Design Studio materials by Marcia McFee.
Used With Permission.

Read other Advent 2020 Devotionals or download the book as a PDF.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. —Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

Picture it! Louisiana in 2020 was going to be my year! I was going to do things I have never done before. I was making big plans! I was not going to use my son Devin as an excuse not to go to concerts, retreats or live comedy shows anymore! I said to myself, “I’m getting out of this house if the last thing I do. Tracy Morgan, I’ll be seeing you at Paragon Casino Resort Saturday March 14, 2020. Whooo Hooo!” I spoke those words to myself on January 31, 2020.

Then March 2020 unfolded like a scene from a horror movie. A mysterious virus spread across the world killing millions of people. Only a few weeks later Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a state-wide mandate that shut down all large gatherings, events and even schools. The mandate included a two week stay-at-home order for all people of Louisiana. This was done as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the dreaded virus into the entire state of Louisiana. COVID-19 had attacked my little world!

Fear gripped me, my peace and joy left me, and I fell into a dark abyss. I feared leaving my house to go to the mailbox, and I didn’t have the courage to go to the store. All the promises I had made to myself about getting out of the house and living my life to the fullest had turned into staying inside, being alive but barely living. I wondered what could be done about something that was completely out of my control? How could I overcome this fear and get my peace and joy back?

I did the only thing I knew how to do. I began to pray to God. I asked Him to restore my peace and joy. I truly began to believe that even in the middle of a world-wide pandemic I could still live life to the fullest. I knew things would be a little different. Now, there are rules that I must follow in order to stay safe, and they also freed me from having to live in fear and darkness. I hold onto the promise of Isaiah 9:6, that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Now I pray that all of God’s children will cling tightly to the Prince of Peace and allow His peace to cover them.

Dear God, Thank you for Jesus, The Promised One. During this time of change and uncertainty help us to remember that You are in control. Calm our fears and bring us out of the darkness and into your marvelous light. In Jesus name, Amen.

L. Darlene Dickson

Read other Advent 2020 Devotionals or download the book as a PDF.

“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the LORD told Elijah. And as Elijah stood there, a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

And the voice of God spoke, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” —1 Kings 19: 11-13

I believe when my devotionals aren’t read, my prayers are not said, and my attention is drawn to everything but You. I believe.

I believe when the sun is shining, the clouds are rolling, and the dark is overwhelming. I believe.

I believe with each breath in and with each breath out. I release my dependence on myself, and I believe.

I believe when I look to the sky and feel the wind blowing by. I believe.

I believe when I see how fleeting life is and in the beauty of it just beginning. I believe.

I believe when the illusion of control is broken, and life isn’t what it is supposed to be. I believe.

I believe.

Holy God, you often come to us in quiet and gentle ways. Too often we get distracted by the storms and chaos that swirls around us. In this Advent season, still our busy minds and quiet our rushing bodies, that we may hear the gentle words you speak to us. Help us to believe even in the storms of life. Amen.

Rhonda Tucker

Read other Advent 2020 Devotionals or download the book as a PDF.

Advent Week 4
Sunday December 20, 2020

The “great light” prophesied by Isaiah in today’s text is echoed in the first strains of John’s Gospel of good news: the light that brings peace–that saves the people from all that would extinguish it–has been there from the beginning. The Word is made flesh and dwells among us. This reign is now… will we believe it? Will we continue to put flesh on it, embodying the peace meant for all humanity?

Holy One,
we thank you for the glimpses we catch
of your gift of peace on earth.
Even in the midst of fear,
of challenge, of struggle–
even when we aren’t sure that
goodwill among us can be found,
ignite the flame of peace within us,
that we might glow with its brilliance 
from the inside out. Amen.

(Light the candle of Peace and relight the candles of Hope, Love and Joy.)

Read Isaiah 9:2-7 and John 1:1-18

Litany of Peace

In times when humanity disappoints,
perhaps when even our own thoughts and behaviors disappoint,
it is an important act to call out, name and claim 
the consequences of our wrongs.
And in times of distress, it is a prophetic act to call out, name and claim
our belief in peace for the world.

Hear these statements of belief from members of our own congregation:

When I look to the sky and feel the wind blowing by, I know peace.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me

When I am gripped by fear and life seems fragile, let me seek peace.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me

When I fall to my knees and do not know what to believe, 
let me pray for peace.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me

Renew and restore us to yourself and to each other, 
and let your peace be born anew.

Benediction

We wait for justice
but we do not wait to work for change;
We wait for restored health
but we do not wait to work towards healing;
We wait for wholeness
but we do not wait to work at binding brokenness;
We wait for peace
but we do not wait to work to eliminate hatred.

Go into your lives humming the tunes that keep that peace alive in you and that spur you on in your work of justice and reconciliation. Raise your voices and say, “Do not be afraid!” Amen!

Adapted from Worship Design Studio materials by Marcia McFee.
Used With Permission.

Read other Advent 2020 Devotionals or download the book as a PDF.

One of the things we all love about Advent and Christmas is spending time with loved ones. One favorite tradition is to watch beloved Christmas movies. Each Saturday we will recommend one such movie geared toward families that relates to that week’s Advent theme and includes related Scripture and prayer. We invite you to read aloud these passages and prayers and consider how they may relate to the movie each week. There is also a movie option for grown-ups who want to dive deeper into that week’s theme.

Family Movie: Frosty the Snowman

Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my Savior.” —Luke 1:46-47

Mary has just learned that she is going to be the mother of Jesus, and she is overcome with joy. Joy is more than happiness. It goes deeper. When we’re happy, we smile with our faces. When we have joy, we smile with our hearts. Because joy runs so deep, it helps us get through the ups and downs of life.

Let’s look at some examples of real joy in Frosty the Snowman. How did the characters reach out to help each other? Reaching out and caring for and about others is one of the best ways to find joy. The one character who continues to think only about himself until the end is Professor Hinkle, and he is clearly the least joyous character. When was a time you did something for someone else? How did that make you feel?

Loving God,
Thank you for the gift of joy –
For the joy of simplicity,
For the joy of working together,
For the joy of helping others,
For the joy of being alive!
Amen.

Dive Deeper into Joy: Film Suggestion for Grown-ups

Following the Ninth, available on YouTube

Filmed on four continents, this documentary film looks at the global impact of Beethoven’s hymn to humanity, his battle cry of freedom, his Ninth Symphony. The Ninth was at Tienamen Square in the Spring of 1989 during the student revolt. The same year, when the Berlin Wall came down, the Ninth was there to amplify the celebrations. Under the Pinochet dictatorship in Chile, women marched on torture prisons with the Ode to Joy as inspiration. And in Japan, the Ninth was there to repair and heal after the devastating Tsunami of 2011. Following The Ninth is both inspirational and hard-hitting, and a testament of hope.

Adapted from Worship Design Studio materials by Marcia McFee.
Used With Permission.

Read other Advent 2020 Devotionals or download the book as a PDF.

“So do not be afraid, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:26–31 NIV

I believe even when, month after month, year after year, my hopes are dashed.

I believe even when the vitamins, procedures, and remedies do no good.

I believe even when the doctors can find no answers.

I believe even when I puncture my own skin night after night with over 500 needles.

I believe even when day after day, our 20 eggs dwindle down to one viable embryo.

I believe even when I’m doubled over with nausea.

I believe even when, after 10 hours of labor there has been no progress.

I believe even when my temperature rises and your heartbeat lowers.

I believe even when the scalpel cuts.

I believe especially when I see your smile.

Oh God, you know us so very well. You knew us before we took our first breath, and you have a plan and a purpose for us that is for good. May we trust this Advent season that you not only hold us in your hand, but you call us beloved. Amen

Molly Means

Read other Advent 2020 Devotionals or download the book as a PDF.