Advent Devotional Day 7: Messes Made by Mouths

December 7:

B.C. verse: Luke 1:18-25

A.D. verse: Psalm 37: 3-7a; Psalm 20:4

Christmas hymn: “Good Christian Men Rejoice”

Hymn for today: “Standing on the Promises” and “What Faith Can Do” by Kutless

I have a terminal condition. Even though there are periods of remission in which it seems to be under control, I am fairly certain that I will suffer from this condition for the rest of my natural life, so here it is:

I constantly put my foot in my mouth.

As an example, a couple of years ago, I was saving seats at some sort of music concert at the high school. To kill some time before the concert, I turned around and began talking to the woman behind me. I knew her casually through Mike (who wasn’t there yet). The woman had put on some weight since the last time I saw her; in fact, her weight gain centered specifically around her belly in the form of a rounded mound.

I’m pretty sure you know where this is going.

I asked her, “So, when’s the big day?”

She replied, “What are you talking about?”

I continued, “There must be something special coming up in your future.”

She furrowed her brows and gave me a quizzical look. “I don’t think so?”

Suddenly, a prickly sensation started at my hairline and rippled to the back of my head. It was the ultimate “OH-CRAP!” moment, and I was panicking as to how to recover. Suddenly, I remembered a detail that Mike had mentioned about this woman. I stuttered, “Uh, I heard you guys are going to Mexico.”

“Oh that,” she said and rolled her eyes, “That’s not for another six months. We have plenty of time to. . .”

I didn’t even listen to the rest of it. I was SO relieved that an embarrassing social faux pas had been averted. That was close. This time, I got off the hook. Usually, I’m not so lucky.

Neither was Zechariah, apparently. In today’s passage, Zechariah found himself in hot water because he questioned the angel, Gabriel. “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years” (Luke 1: 18). His punishment for lipping off is losing the ability to be lippy. “And now you will be silent and not speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at the appointed time” (v. 20).

The Bible is pretty clear regarding the destructive nature and danger of an uncontrolled tongue. “But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself” (James 3: 5-6).  

Seriously, though, Zechariah didn’t say anything BAD; he just expressed his doubts. What’s so bad about that?

The fact that he said anything at all is the problem.  Verbalizing our thoughts is a way of internalizing them. Likewise, saying them aloud and making them public forms our character in other people’s eyes. As the verses in James indicate, our verbalized thoughts can also corrupt our entire bodies.  By questioning the angel, and therefore, God, Zechariah not only was doubting God; he was, in a sense, stating that he knew better – in this case, that progeny was an impossibility. While I am pretty sure that disrespect was not Zechariah’s intention, his comments indicated a fissure of faith, and God cared enough about Zechariah to correct the problem, which, in this case, mean months of silence.  Zechariah would not have plenty of time to listen and think before speaking.

 If only we could all be so lucky to have that punishment. Especially me.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (Psalm  37:7).

Daily Challenge: Be kind/do something kind for someone today whom you generally dislike.

Advent Devotional Day 6: If the Shoe Fits. . .

December 6:

B.C. verse: Luke 1: 11-17

A.D. verse: Joshua 1:5-9; Psalm 56: 3-4

Christmas Hymn: “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear”

Hymn for today: “We Won’t Be Shaken” by Building 429

With a name like Richard Santana, he sounds as though he should be a rock star; in truth, he IS a pretty big deal. Even though Richard’s connections to First Covenant Church had been established long before, our family met Richard three years ago when we went on a mission trip to Ecuador. For lack of a better description, Richard’s official function was travel guide/interpreter. Throughout the ten days of the trip, Richard wound his way into the fabric of our family to become an important part of our lives.

While his life’s story is as colorful as his personality, Richard, a native Ecuadorian, is currently in the United States on an educational visa. His intention is to get a pastoral degree from North Park University in Chicago so that he can return to Ecuador with a thorough theological background to teach and equip others to become spiritual leaders and pastors.  

Even though it sounds simple, Richard has met plenty of challenges along the way. He has had to leave his entire family and everything he knows to enter a new, foreign culture. He has struggled to learn (to the point of fluency) a second language. Plus, he has had to rely on the generosity of churches to support him and his educational expenses. Even though the situation has looked grim and impossible at times, not once have I seen or heard Richard waver in his conviction. He is “all-in” for God and is 100% confident that he was meant for this time and for this purpose.

In today’s reading, an angel gives Zechariah the 411 regarding his future son. His name will be John. He will be a joy and delight. He will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will never drink wine or any other fermented beverage. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit (an unprecedented proclamation) even BEFORE he is born. “He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God by turning the hearts of parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous” (v. 15-17).

The name, “John,” is derived from the Hebrew “Yochanan” and means “Yahweh is gracious.” It also translates into meaning “Jehovah has been gracious; has shown favor.” In considering John’s future responsibilities, this is a tremendous vote of confidence to that end.

In fact, the angel’s location as he delivers the message confirms John’s name and importance to God. “Then, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense” (v 11).  The spatial detail of the angel being on the right side of the altar is significant. In the Biblical world, the “right” side is a place of honor and authority; it exalts one above another. Likewise, the angel delivers the message by the altar of incense, which accompanied a meat offering on the Day of Atonement. The angel’s placement is not accidental. It is a visual confirmation to both Zechariah and us concerning John’s significance. The fact that John will never be allowed to have liquor emphasizes the fact that he is special and separate – consecrated for God’s purpose.

In short, John had been specifically chosen to fill some mighty big shoes. Even before he was born, it was clear that his life would not be an easy one; he would have to buck the system, take the harder, less traveled road, and spend his life trying to convince others to do a 180. Yay. Sounds like fun. Nevertheless, this is what God had ordained for John from the very beginning; this was his calling and life’s purpose.

As I see it, Richard is a sort of modern-day John the Baptist. In spite of the difficulties and challenges, Richard continues to move in faith, pushing ahead and never looking back. He believes that this journey and his purpose are ordained by God.

Where there is faith, there is no room for fear. They cannot co-exist. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9). “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid” (Psalm 56:3-4). Why are you here for such a time and place as this? What shoes have you been asked to fill? If you can contemplate that question with excitement instead of fear, you are ready, and it's so on.

Daily Challenge: Become an organ donor. Do it today; don’t put it off for tomorrow.

Advent Devotional Day 5: Gee, Thanks, God, for Broadcasting My Embarrassing Secret

December 5:

B.C. verse: Luke 1: 5-10

A.D. verse: Matthew 6:33; Luke 18:27

Christmas hymn: “O Come All Ye Faithful”

Hymn for today: “How Great Thou Art” and “Lift Up My Life” by Unspoken

Jim and Shelly* were married about the same time that Mike and I were. Even though they wanted children, unexplained infertility had left them childless. A somewhat private couple, they kept their sadness over this fact to themselves and made the best of the situation by enjoying their nieces and nephews. After a few years, they completed the necessary adoption forms and waited for the call.

For whatever reason, the call never came, and at about the time Jim and Shelly were turning 40, they mutually realized that it was time to sit down and have a serious talk. Rather than sit, however, they went out for a walk. It was a mild Sunday afternoon as they strolled around their neighborhood. Their discussion centered around the fact that they had been on the adoption waiting list for quite some time with no results. Now that they were 40, they reluctantly reasoned that maybe it was time for them to take their names off the list.

In the today’s verses from Luke, we read the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. They both “were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all the Lord’s Commandments and regulations” (v. 6). We also know that they “had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were very old” (v. 7).

As I was reading, I was struck by a couple of facts. First, Elizabeth, not Zechariah, is the main focus of the passage. SHE was “from the priestly line of Aaron” (v 5); SHE is the direct lineage of Christ. Likewise, the Bible makes it very clear that their infertility issues were not a 50/50 problem. It says “Elizabeth was unable to conceive.”  If I was Elizabeth, I might be thinking, “Gee, thanks, God, for broadcasting my embarrassing secret.” The last thing that is emphasized in this passage is that both Elizabeth and her husband lived righteously in God’s eyes (v. 6).

In considering her starring role in today’s passage, I wanted to know more about Elizabeth, so I looked up the definition of her name. Tracing etymologies is a happy task for a word freak like me, and names, especially, are rich in linguistic history. Back in the day, naming was more involved and purposeful than it is now. A name, in many ways, foretold the character or destiny of person, and this was certainly true for Elizabeth.

“Elizabeth” is derived from the Hebrew, “Elisheba,” which means “oath or fullness of God.” An oath is “a promise, often evoking a divine witness, regarding one’s future.” Fullness refers to being complete, filled to the utmost capacity, satisfied and content. What a perfect name for such a key player in Christ’s birth story. In spite of her infertility, she remained righteous – content, fulfilled, and obedient – in God’s eyes. And as we know (even though it isn’t a part of today’s reading), she plays a pivotal role in the fulfillment of God’s promise, or oath, to Israel.

Elizabeth’s example reinforces the second verse for believers today: “Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33). Ok, Elizabeth ended up getting pregnant even though the expiration date on her eggs was long gone. Does that mean that couples with infertility struggles are being punished for a lack of faith? That’s a ridiculous question. Of course not. God does not have a holiness scale by which He doles out reward and punishment.

While hopes and dreams reflect the desires of our hearts, this verse does not say that God will give us everything we WANT; instead, it says that He will give us what we NEED. Likewise, this verse is not about what WE THINK we need. That is not seeking God first; that is putting ourselves first and demanding that God follow our lead. Elizabeth earned a starring role because she decided to put God first and trusted that He knew best with regard to what she needed. Being content even when your heart’s desires are unfulfilled is not easy, but it denotes spiritual maturity; it requires absolute trust and sacrifice of self, but it is the only place where true joy can be found.

As to Jim and Shelly, their story has quite the ending. As they returned home from the walk, the phone was ringing. It was the adoption agency. A woman had just given birth to a baby girl, and she had chosen them as the adoptive parents. They needed to get in the car immediately to drive to the hospital to pick up their new daughter. Their prayers had been answered. . .but the story doesn’t end there. A couple of years later, Shelly became pregnant, and now they are the parents of two lovely, lively little girls. 

Even when the doors and windows of our hopes and dreams may seem firmly closed and locked, it’s important to remember that God is the architect and builder. “What is impossible for people is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). Whether He chooses to unlock them, rebuild them, or seal them, we are assured that whatever He decides is exactly what we need.

Daily Challenge: Write a letter or note today to someone who has made a difference/impacted your life.

*Not their real names. They are real people who are friends of ours.

Advent Devotional Day 4: "Pie"-ning for Perfect Timing

December 4:

B.C. verse: Jeremiah 33:14-16

A.D. verse: Psalm 71: 14-16

Christmas Hymn: “I Wonder as I Wander”

Hymn for Today: “My Hope is You” by Third Day

Even though it wasn’t true when we first married, it’s a fact (in my opinion, at least) that I have “skills” when it comes to the kitchen. I am a good cook (most of the time) and an even better baker. One of my specialties is French silk pie. Typically, I make it once or twice a year (Thanksgiving and maybe Christmas) to bring to holiday celebrations. This year, however, I did not, and I quickly was informed that its presence on the dessert table was missed (I whipped one up the next day to appease those who were disappointed).

Yesterday, while some friends and I were discussing baking and cooking during hall duty, I joked that there are two keys to success in either department: 1) always use real butter, and 2) when in doubt, add more cheese. In all seriousness (ok, I’m serious about the butter thing), the key ingredient for success is cooking and baking is time. Yes, ingredients are important too, but time is essential in order for the finished product to be the best that it can be.

This is certainly true with regard to French silk pie. One of the comments people always make about this pie is the texture – its smoothness. Yes, the butter and egg are necessary in order for the magic to happen, but the key to texture success is a solid, no-cheating four minutes of intense mixing.  If one cuts corners and quits mixing too soon, the end result is just not the same.

It’s not just pie that requires a good time investment. The best soups, sauces, and marinades are made in a day, not a few minutes. Even lasagnas and casseroles are better when they sit in the fridge overnight before baked. All the ingredients need time to blend and interact in order for the flavor to reach its epitome. In short, you just can’t rush a good thing.

The verses in Jeremiah prophesy concerning God’s promise of a deliverer. “In those days and at that time, I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days, Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety” (15-16). It’s important to note that “in those days” is repeated twice with the phrase, “and at that time,” following close behind.

At the time of Christ’s birth, people were antsy for the promised one to arrive; they awaited “the Lord of Righteousness” who would administer justice (v 16). It seems 2,000+ years later that things haven’t changed; we still are antsy for Him. . .to return. Even so, there are two things He has made clear: 1) He WILL return, and 2) He will do it in His time and according to His schedule.  His timing is perfect, and we have to trust Him. Just like pie, cutting corners and interfering with the timing will compromise the end result.

In the meantime, Psalm 71 reminds us to “tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone” (v. 15-16).

As we patiently wait for God to finish what He has started, we “will always have hope” (Psalm 71:14). We know that our Deliverer’s timing is perfect, and when He says so, we will no doubt taste and see that the Lord is good.

Daily Challenge:  Listen to someone today. No, put away the phone, shut off the TV. . .listen.

Advent Devotional Day 3: Brut and Dentyne; The Ties that Bind

December 3:

B.C. verse:  Isaiah 11: 1-10

A.D. verse:  Ephesians 6: 10-18

Christmas hymn: “O Come, O Come Immanuel”

Hymn for today: “Build Your Kingdom Here” by Rend Collective Experiment

Yesterday, my uncle passed away. Steven was my mom’s only brother, and he was the uncle with whom I spent the most time when I was growing up. He was only 60 years old, so yes, I (we) was not prepared to say goodbye so soon.

When I think of my uncle, Brut cologne and Dentyne gum both come to mind.  As a kid, I recall that Brut was his preferred brand of “boy juice;” every time I smell it, I instantly think of him. Likewise, Uncle Steven always had a pack of Dentyne on him, and when I was little, I always made sure to bum a piece off him. One of my earliest memories is of Steven, lying on the floor, watching Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Wizard of Oz (the movie everybody else hated) with me at Grandpa and Grandma’s house. Later in life, this same uncle was sprawled out on the floor playing cars and/or tractors with Nick, and later still, with his own grandchildren.

As I read today’s verses, I learn that new life emerged from that which was dead in the form of the promised Counselor. “Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot, yes, a new branch bearing fruit from the old root” (Isaiah 11:1). Likewise, this new life came equipped with a spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and a fear of the Lord.  This is His “armor”; thus, “One breath from His mouth will destroy the wicked” (v. 4) In short, these characteristics are representative of the Counselor.  They are what He is known for, just as gentleness, patience, and kindness are all qualities I think of when Steven comes to mind. 

The armor of the promised one in Isaiah is the legacy for believers today as we are called to “put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Being rooted in Truth, faith, and the promise of salvation, striving for righteousness and peace, and the relying on the Word of God are characteristics of warriors for Christ.

Even though their last breaths have come and gone, the dead continue to live. Our memories keep them with each of us, and when we share those memories, our stories keep them in the world even though they are no longer here physically. What we remember and share about the person becomes his/her legacy. Additionally, grief and sentimentality may sometimes color the memories to the point that we remember only the good and not the bad. Either way, whatever remains - the message that we who remain share- is truly what remains.

Given all that, I can honestly say that my Uncle Steven was always attentive, tender, and respectful to me and my family. Even though he is no longer here, I remember him and his qualities with fondness. The Counselor, too, has left his legacy. In essence, our lives are meant to “bear fruit from the old root” (Isaiah 11:1). We can only do that if we “pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.” We must “stay alert and be persistent in our prayers” (v. 18). If we do, the legacy will continue, and the shoot described in Isaiah will continue to become a strong, thriving limb.

Daily Challenge: Bring someone a treat today. 

Advent Devotional Day 2: A Crash Course in the Counselor

December 2:

B.C Verse: Isaiah 9: 2-7

A.D Verse: Colossians 1:16; I Corinthians 4:5

Christmas Hymn: “What Child is This?”

Hymn for today: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”

During the first week of October, I rear-ended a Cullen’s delivery truck. If it had been any other vehicle, I probably would have ended up with a little bump on the front, but because it was a delivery truck, the lift punctured my radiator, which ultimately caused our car to be totaled.

Fortunately for me, my husband generously accepted the task of dealing with the insurance company, AAA, auto repair companies, etc, and my mom and dad generously loaned us their Chrysler while we figured out what to do next.

Dealing with AAA was kind of a pain. First, they dragged their feet about examining the car; then, they dragged their feet about the paperwork and process. Worst of all, the title was lost in limbo for a while. We mailed it, they said they never received it, and Mike started to panic because without the title, there would be no payment. Even though I am usually the spastic one, I told him to stay calm. I was confident that it would turn up, and it did. So what does this all have to do with Advent?

This week’s focus is on Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor. Today’s verses concentrate on the qualities of the Counselor. While it’s hard, at times, to wrap our heads around this concept, the fact is that “ALL things were created by Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16). Even the icky, nasty, awful stuff is used by Him; our job is to relinquish it to Him, not to dwell, wallow, or sink in it. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. . .a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2). Thus, the first quality of our Counselor is that He OFFERS HOPE in an otherwise bleak, dark situation. His presence alone is a way out of the darkness.

In verse 4, the Counselor will “SHATTER THE YOKE THAT BURDENS” us. Just as Mike offered me hope by taking on the post-accidents burdens for me, we can release whatever burdens us to Him because He will take care of it with “justice and righteousness” (v. 7).

Not only will He take the burdens; He also commands us to GET RID OF ANY REMINDERS OF THOSE BURDENS. “Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garments rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire” (v. 5) Holding on means that we don’t trust the Counselor to take care of it completely, which is sin (ingratitude).  For example, if I would have called the insurance company or AAA after Mike had talked to them, it would suggest that I didn’t trust his competency, and it would be a waste of valuable time.  We need to trust that the Counselor knows what He is doing.

Lastly, the Counselor WILL TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS. It’s not our job to micro-manage. “Wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts” (I Corinthians 4:5) I never once lost sleep over the lost title. I knew that we had done everything we had been told to do the way we had been told to do it. I was confident that our story would have a happy ending, and it did. Likewise, Christ, our Counselor, asks the same of us. Do what He tells you to do in the manner He wishes, and there is never any reason to second-guess Him. If you have done this, you can attest to the fact that He never fails to elicit Wonder from us as we watch Him create diamonds out of coal. He is our Wonderful Counselor.

Daily Challenge:  Praise someone today. Say something nice and encouraging.

Advent Devotional Day 1: I Can't Wait!

December 1:

B.C. (Birth of Christ Anticipatory Verse): John 1: 1-5

A.D. (Anticipated Deliverance Verse): Acts 13: 47

Christmas hymn: “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus”

Hymn for today: “Light Up The Sky” by the Afters

“I go hunning deer wif Daddy. I hut Daddy. Baby, you stay wif Mommy.” According to my sister-in-law, this is what three-year-old Wyatt said to his little brother, Dakota, after he saw my brother and the other guys get dressed and leave to go deer hunting. He even put on his snow pants (see pic) as he was mimicking his daddy. Even though the time isn’t right yet, Wy senses that he is missing out on something good and is definitely anticipating the day when he can join the hunters.

As Advent begins, so does our anticipation. We await the celebration of Christ’s birth and ultimately Christ’s return. Like Wy, we sense that we are missing out on something good, and we long for the day when we can join the rest of the party.  

Today’s verses remind us of God’s presence. Even though we celebrate His human birth, God was here long before that event. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God” (John 1: 1-2) Likewise, even though we await His return, He is still with us.  “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (v 4).  Ironically, our thoughts at Advent are about when He joined earthly life; however, HE is the source of all life (physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual). Life in Him is the light that shines in the darkness (v 5). The light shows us who we are, where to go, and how to get there as we navigate this life.

However, the light is not just a special secret for us. As we anticipate His return, our charge is to get busy. “I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles that you should bring salvation to the end of the earth” (Acts 13:47). Like Wy putting on his snow pants, wanting to be like his daddy, we, too, are to mimic our Daddy, watching and doing what He does, awaiting the moment when He says we are ready and can join the rest of the party.

Daily Challenge:  Eat lunch with someone new today.