The 12 Days of Chirstmas - Day 7

Tend to Your Temple

Erin Miller

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

For years, I hated exercise. I hated the sweat, the fatigue, the coordination it took, the whole thing. Nothing about it was for me.

And then I got sick. Very sick. I couldn’t eat anything without searing pain in my stomach that would literally leave me in tears on the floor for a few hours until my body had fully digested whatever I ate. As the pain dulled, I would slip into sleep of exhaustion. I lost a lot of weight, relative to my size. I couldn’t go to classes in my grad school program. I couldn’t go to work.
Test after test came back negative. Blood tests were just the beginning. Every doctor looked at every part of my digestive system trying to find some source of the pain. Nothing. “You’re fine!” they’d say. Yeah, right!

One night all of this happened and I also felt like I couldn’t breathe. The air felt thick and my shirt felt tight. My roommate said to me, “I know what this is!” It began my long journey toward overcoming an anxiety disorder.

One of the first steps toward healing for me was to find myself a physical outlet for my stress. “Oh joy,” I thought, “I just love exercise.” By happenstance, I tried a yoga class that was offered for free.

And there it was. The place where my spirit, my mind, and my body connected to find hope. I walked out of that room, bought a membership to the class, and have barely missed a session since that day about 4 years ago. It has become what keeps me together.

The word “yoga” means “union.” It is the place where the body and the spirit are to unite to find God. When I match my breath to the movements of my body, I find healing. I find a silence where God can speak through the breath – the pneuma – the spirit. In Greek, these are all the same word – the wind, the spirit, the breath. As my body finds strength, my soul is strengthened. As I put my hands in prayer position, my heart cries out to my God. As my breath gets tired, I am reminded that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. In those moments, my body is quite literally a temple – the place where God and I commune.

In the busyness of this season don’t neglect your exorcise routine.

The 12 Days of Christmas - Day 6

Time Out
Verna Coppinger

Matt:l4:23
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.

You may be thinking, "Time for myself! Surely you must be joking! Caring for my husband, small children and household chores while holding down a full-time job takes all of my time and then some!"

However, one proven way to cope with so much stress is to have a daily devotional time with God. It is true that this stress only increases before Christmas when there is also shopping for presents, decorating, holiday baking, parties, etc. But all of these many activities only makes time for yourself more necessary.

It may take some creative thinking on your part to find some time, but it will be well worth your effort. It's helpful to have a certain place at a certain time and soon it will become a habit. Maybe you could arise fifteen minutes earlier than your family, maybe take a short walk, maybe you have a "retreat place" in your home--or you can even lock the bathroom door. Anything that works best for you. And don't quit if there are interruptions at times. Just resume it the next day. God understands. The benefits will be much greater than the effort required to establish this devotional time.

"Don't bother about whether you are growing in grace or whether you are being of use to others, but believe on Jesus and out of you will flow rivers of living water."
Oswald Chambers

In your devotional time, read some Scripture, tell God aloud that you love, praise and adore Him, thank Him for blessings, and ask His help for your needs and those of others. Throughout busy days one can even pray short silent prayers like: "Love someone through me," "Heal my child," "Bless my friend," "Thank You." With practice this will become easy and God will be included in all that concerns you each day.

Let this sixth day of Christmas remind us:
"We should establish ourselves in a sense of God's presence by continually conversing with Him.”

Brother Lawrence

The 12 Days of Christmas - Day 5

Koinonia
Mary Ann Waltmon

1John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

I notice that in 1 John 1:7 it does not say if we run in the light. Of course it means our walk, our way of traveling in this world, and not literally walking, but I couldn’t help but think that we run not walk through this season. So many times we wait for Christmas to be over to catch our breath and take stock. The buildup to the “big day” is so harried that we don’t take the time to see the light all around us and feel his presence in all of the hustle and bustle.

In the past few days, our church has gone through a fire that has caused all of us who call it our home to be sad and disheartened. However, at the same time it has caused me to recognize once again who and what the church really is. It is not the building, although we love the building as we love our individual homes. As I paused to pray for the church in this difficult time, I realized that I was praying for my fellow Christians, my fellow believers. For a few moments in that time of prayer, I felt the warm glow from them, and I knew that God was with us all in this time. As I took time to think of them all, Joan beside me in the choir loft, John, Robert and James, those wonderful Christians I teach with on Sunday mornings, Jamie and Rita taking care of all of us, Steve and Shirley, with smiles and tears and so many others whose faces I can see, I recognize what the walk is about. It is our walk with each other—our taking the time to look into each others’ faces to see God and feel the glowing warmth of that light.

On the fifth day of Christmas, take the time to walk not run and look around you.

The 12 Days of Christmas - Day 4

Hostess With the Mostest
Fay Hogancamp

Matthew 25:40
"...inasmuch as you have done it unto one of these of these my brethren, you have done it unto me."

One day while I was at the beauty shop, I heard a loud voice from the other side of the room, "I don't know why my husband volunteered ME to keep that baby; I've never had children, I wouldn't know what to do with it!" I knew this woman whose husband was trying to start a halfway house for prisoners, and that she was talking about a prisoner's child. I called to her, "Marlene, have your husband bring that baby to me; I even have a crib!" I learned that the baby also had a six year old sister who was coming with her. That was fine with me.

That afternoon, the two girls arrived, without any clothes, not even a diaper bag for the baby. Soon my five daughters arrived home from school, very excited about our little visitors, and they rushed out to tell their friends in the neighborhood. When they came back, they had baby bottles and baby clothes and blankets, that their mothers had sent. With five daughters, I had girl clothes of every size, so the six year old was taken care of; I just had to make a quick run to the drug store for disposable diapers.

That very evening, the older girl woke us up crying. My husband got his "little black bag" to look at her ears. Sure enough she had an infected ear, and Charles had just the antibiotic that she needed. This was confirmation to me why the Lord had sent the children to us for a week until their relatives from "down south" finally came for them. Meanwhile we sure enjoyed that six month old baby.

I didn't have to ask my husband, for Charles was the one who first started bringing strangers to spend the night. He was a cardiologist and when an elderly man had a heart attack, and his wife couldn't drive; Charles would bring the woman home with him to spend the night, telling her not to worry; if her husband had any new symptoms, he would be the first to know and would take her back to the hospital with him. Of course this meant that one of my daughters would have to give up her bedroom and spend the night on the couch.

Early on, my children learned that hospitality was required of Christians, and some sacrifices were required--and appreciated! Our family has been especially blessed to host people, for the Lord gave us this example: "And whosoever would be chief among you, let him be your servant; even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:27, 28

The definition of hospitality is kindness in welcoming strangers or guests. We may think Christmas is a time of cheer and good-will for everyone, but that is not always the case. There are folks who are alone, estranged and hurting. We are called to treat everyone as we would Jesus. I pray that I remember to speak a kind word, extend my hand for a loving touch, or perhaps even invite Him in to share a meal.

This holiday season let us look around and seek others to be hospitable to, to reach out and share the love of Jesus to all around.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 3

Day 3 - All In The Family

Psalms 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

When I think about spending time with family during the holidays I picture loved ones driving in from out of town, gathering together for food, fun, and fellowship.

In my mind I never think about the other side; faultfinding, friction, flare-ups and fatigue. It can be very stressful on families to be together.

George Bernard Shaw says “When our relatives are at home, we have to think of all their good points or it would be impossible to endure them.”

On my side of the family alone I think there are 40 of us between my brothers and sisters and their families. Our large group does not gathered together often. Usually, this time of year, we get together on Christmas Eve for a family party and hilarious “Dirty Santa” gift exchange. We do seem to get along great and enjoy being together.

This was not always the case. When I was younger, I do remember the sense of relief that would wash over me as I could finally break away and go to my own home for respite and quiet.

I consider myself to be very fortunate. One reason is that I truly love to be with my family, I find them funny and great company. But, I imagine too much forced togetherness can grow old even around witty and personable folk. This brings me to another reason I am lucky. When we gather it is usually at my mom’s house, which (if you have been reading earlier blogs, you will know) is right down the little gravel road. So, when I’m tired of my family, or just tired, all I have to do is go next door and I’m home.

However, spending time with family during the Christmas season does not refer only to visiting with all your relatives. It can be as simple as quality time with your spouse and children.

I read something recently that smacked me like a ruler across the hand. The article spoke of spending time with your loved ones at Christmas. It really drove home the message of giving them my attention. My hand is still stinging a little as I think about the “time” I spend with my husband and daughter. Most of the time when we are together, I am with them in time-space-continuum, but my mind is miles away, going over all the little lists I keep running in my head; work to-do, grocery list, church to-do, housework...on and on.

This is the line that slapped me:
"Attention requires being in the moment, without a running agenda in the brain, fully available for what that moment holds.”

Since I read that I have tried and tried, but I can’t remember a significant moment with a loved one that did not require our full attention at the time.

I don’t know how I can stop all the stuff swirling around in my head at any given time, but this year, I promise to be more deliberate about giving my entire, undivided attention to my family when we spend time together. I have a feeling it won’t just be a gift to them, but to me as well.

On this third day of Christmas, and throughout this season I hold on to, and celebrate my family.

As Desmond Tutu said:
“You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.”

The 12 Days of Christmas - Day 2

Plan Ahead

Isaiah 40:3
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!" Amen.

Advent Prayer Henri J.M. Nouwen

The Advent season is a time of expectant waiting, it is a time of preparing our hearts for the coming of the Lord. On Day 1 we remembered that Jesus is the reason we celebrate the season, but today’s scripture reminds us we should prepare the way of the Lord. Prepare and renew a place in your heart for Jesus to reside. Prepare so you will recognize Jesus, and so others will see Jesus in you. Prepare to share His love. As Henri Nouwen says in his Advent Prayer above it is important for us to “seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.”

This season is also a time of festivities. The month of December is chock full of parties, events, school programs, shopping, caroling, and decorating and baking. There is so much crammed into a short span of days that it would be very easy to forget something or someone.

I am an obsessive list-maker. When I write my lists it gives me a sense of control. I know - I know, the misconception of having any control at the holidays may make you laugh. But, I have learned by making my “To Do” lists.

This task forces me to look ahead, to plan out what my goals are, to see what needs to be done. Every day after I complete items I achieve a great sense of accomplishment in crossing them off my list. I find that when I make my list I may be forced to choose between several worthwhile things, but knowing in advance helps to alleviate some of the stress that is inevitable with the season. Another benefit to planning ahead is to deliberately plan time for preparing your heart and taking care of yourself.

On this second day of Christmas, plan time each day to seek quiet spaces to hear God every day.

The 12 Days of Christmas - Day 1

Remember the Reason for the Season

Luke 2:6-7, 10-11
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
…And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

I remember with such fondness and nostalgia our family Christmases as I was growing up. Oh, I loved the anticipation of Christmas eve when we would have an early get-together for friends and family with lots of good food and fellowship. After our guests left to celebrate their own Christmas eve, our family would gather in the living room. My parents and all seven of us children would crowd onto the couch, and any other seat we could grab. My dad would open his bible and read us the Christmas story from the book of Luke. Afterward, we would get to open one gift before heading up to bed for visions of sugarplums to dance in our heads.

I admit when I was a child the reading of the birth of Christ seemed to go on forever while my mind wandered to what lay behind the brightly colored wrapping paper. I tried to concentrate on the wonder of the shepherds as they saw the brilliant star in the sky, but my mind would wander to the piles of presents under the tree. I pondered in my mind which one of my gifts I should open in just a few minutes.

1Cr 13:11 says
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

Now I’m all grown up and I no longer dream like a child of the gifts waiting under the tree with my name on them. Unfortunately, what I have learned is that my grown up thoughts are just as distracting. This time of year I spend too much time planning, scheming, cleaning, making, baking and doing. I let my busyness in the season sidetrack me from my most important task, celebrating the long awaited birth of our Savior who saved us from death. What greater gift could there possibly be?

Everyday this December let us be intentional in remembering God’s faithfulness to us, and the Christ child who was born to pay for our sins.

Beauty From Ashes

I am distraught.

My stomach is churning.

My heart is breaking

This afternoon my beloved sanctuary caught on fire. The news shocked me, my church family and many others in our community and beyond.

Next week is the date for our 25th Annual Life of Christ in Living Pictures, a presentation anticipated by folks for miles around. For 25 years we have heard people tell us their Christmas season would not be complete without coming to Immanuel to see Living Pictures.

Last night we had piano dress rehearsal. During practice I may cut up and be silly, but once we don costumes something changes. There is true joy to see the baby “Jesus.“ I feel a sense of awe during his miracles and excitement at his entry to Jerusalem. Each time I hear the mallet strike the spikes I cringe and shudder. As I sing on stage, I know “Jesus” is on the cross behind me. When he is lifted off the cross and carried down the aisle I am overcome with sorrow and shame. When Jesus ascends to heaven, surrounded by precious angels I am not just singing The Hallelujah Chorus, but praising my God with hallelujahs!

This place, which underwent transformation several weeks ago from a beautiful blue and white sanctuary to Biblical-times temple and house is now transformed again into charred and smoky confusion.

My family and I made our way to Immanuel this evening. The roads were still cordoned off. The flashing lights from the fire trucks lit the dark night, their red blinks the only lights began shining on the dark steeple. One section of a stained glass window was broken out to enable the fire fighters to run water hoses into the sanctuary. There was yellow caution tape strung from tree to tree.

The fire was out and the firefighters were wrapping it up so I ventured as close as I could, heart pounding, pulse racing. Someone had a flashlight and began shining it through the broken window. It looks like a war zone from an old black and white movie. The tubular, organ pipes surrounding the choir loft - gone. In fact, it looks as if the choir loft is devastated. Parts of the LP set still stand, but scrim and curtains are no longer. There was not much else to see, just the soot covering the small section of wall visible from my vantage point.

We knew there was nothing we could do by going to Immanuel, but had an overwhelming need to be there. Small groups of members stood comforting each other, holding on, hugging, trying to make sense of our loss.

We have much to be grateful for. No one was hurt. Immanuel is a very busy place with a preschool and after school programs. But God is good! Preschool was over for the day with the exception of a small “lunch-bunch” group, and the after school program had not started. We host holiday school programs in our sanctuary, but not today. Next week the church would be full with members and many, many visitors for Living Pictures. It was cold today, but last night was torrential rains. And, luckily the rest of the building is intact.

My Sanctuary

My respite.

The place I regained my sense of self-worth.

So much to be grateful for, yet my heart still breaks. My church is the community of people called Immanuel, but this building is my second home.

This year our Advent lessons center around the displacement of the characters in the Christmas story. I have immersed myself in their stories for weeks by first writing a devotional for our Advent Devotional Guide, and also by assisting with the Sunday School Advent lessons.

Now God is taking us out of our beautiful and comfortable “home.” He is changing our plans. Right now we don’t know where we’ll meet on Sunday morning. We don’t know what will happen with Living Pictures. We don’t know what it will take to restore our loss. We are left not knowing, but having to trust Him.

Oh, the irony!

Oh, the Displacement!

This year we will all view the Christmas season through new eyes. We will all feel the displacement of a season full of the unknown. But, just like Mary and Elizabeth, Joseph, the Shepherds on the hill, and Jesus, we will find that God gives us community for the journey. Like Mary and Elizabeth, Joseph, the Shepherds on the hill, and Jesus, we will grow stronger by leaning on God to supply our needs. And in return, He will give us hope, peace, joy and love.

To see pictures click HERE

Preview of Coming Attractions

I know, I know, it’s been forever since I’ve posted. My wonderful friends put out an APB for me because I have been so remiss. Things have just been CRAZY for me. When life gets out of whack like it has been, something has to go, and unfortunately, it’s been my writing. Boy! I just hate it when the “stuff” of life gets in the way of what I want to do, don’t you?

Today’s post is to introduce my Christmas series. I’ve had this idea for several years. I have really felt a call to write a little devotional book for my “Girlfriend” Sunday School class called “The 12 Days of Christmas for Busy Women.” But, the idea has been on the back burner because my church already puts out an Advent Devotional Guide, and it seemed a bit of an overload. This year is a perfect opportunity for this series since I have a different outlet for it.

Alas, even though I’ve had the idea for several years, I have been a bit of Scarlet O’Hara about it. But, again, another brainstorm, I invited members of my writing group to choose a day as a writing assignment. Therefore, some of the days will have guest bloggers.

It really isn’t just a guide for busy women. I think that probably every adult feels some stress at Christmas, whether it stems from being too busy, or not busy enough, too much family, or loneliness, too many gifts to buy and not enough money. Just feeling the pressure from all the advertising with perfect families giving expensive gifts and hosting extravagant parties in their flawless, every-nook-and-cranny-is-decorated home, is enough to make me wonder where I‘ve gone wrong.

I’ve yet to see an ad featuring a woman like me, someone just struggling to work full time, take care of my family, “trying to” keep a house that the health department won’t condemn, doing the Christmas shopping for everyone on our list, the decorating, baking, wrapping…on and on. I just don’t see women on the television with the same permanent dark circles ringing their puffy eyes like I have, or run ragged with their teenage daughter sassing them at every turn. Not to mention the 800-pound current-economic-gorilla in the room, that the advertisers totally ignore.

All that to say - Coming soon to a blog post near you- A Different Look at The 12 Days of Christmas.

It is my hope that this different look will remind you to be intentional about some very important things this holiday season. My prayer for you is that by putting the important things in the forefront, your holiday season might be less stressful and more enjoyable.

It's Bazaar Day!

It’s 10:00 am on the nose and the women, along with a few men, rush through the double doors and make their way down the steps. They have been waiting outside for the doors to open. While they wait, there is a small ensemble playing Christmas carols on the portico. Down in the Fellowship Hall those of us who are there to work are lined up to greet them and to give them first shot at shopping. The man with the big stick makes sure all our visitors have a chance to enter the shopping area before we are allowed to follow them in.

Here comes the masses; greetings, “Welcome to my church.“ smiles, waves, an occasional warm hug.

Some head directly to the “Trash and Treasures” yard sale area. Others race toward their own treasure hunt, perusing tables heavy laden with items created by talented members of our church.Table after table overflows with homemade baked goods tied with beautiful ribbons waiting for lucky shoppers to snag. Christmas trees sparkle with holiday splendor, wreaths and swags and quilted wall hangings decorate the surrounding walls. Up for silent auction is an impressive array of handcrafted items. There is a gorgeous hand stitched quilt that many nimble, and not-so-nimble fingers labored over hour after hour. There is a beautiful bassinette, a full size playhouse complete with a dormer and hardwood floor, a dollhouse barn with animals, and stained glass crosses made from the windows that were replaced in our sanctuary several years ago.
A wandering quartet of Dickens carolers serenades the shoppers as they seek out their perfect purchases.In another section of the Fellowship Hall beautifully set tables await the luncheon crowds. The Bazaar luncheon is anticipated as much as the bazaar itself, tickets are sold out in advance. Lunch is served to approximately 260 people in two seatings.Throughout the Hall numerous members pitch in to make the day a success. Workers are needed to help and guide shoppers. There are cashiers and people to help bag, and carry purchases to waiting cars. The luncheon needs hostesses and workers to prepare the plates, keep the beverages available, serve the guests, wash dishes and clean.

The bazaar and luncheon is a tradition at Immanuel. The money raised goes toward missions at Immanuel. Monies from the bazaar support the preschool and after-school programs, the youth, mission outreach, and The Life of Christ in Living Pictures, our annual Christmas program for the area.

This is the day that some in our church have been working on for 11 months.

This is the day the kicks off the extremely busy holiday season around our church.

This is an event that can only happen because members, young and old, men and women pull together to sew, cut, stuff, paint, sand, cut, arrange, glue, glitter, nail, bake, carry, sing, give and serve.

For the last several years my job on Bazaar Day is in the kitchen. It isn’t a glamorous job. Those of us in the kitchen are behind the scenes, we don’t get to see what’s going on out in the Fellowship Hall with all our visitors. It gets hot in the kitchen. But I love being in there. I love the camaraderie that comes from a long day working together toward our common goal.

The first Saturday of November is Bazaar Day at Immanuel. By then end of the day my feet hurt, my back aches and I am worn out. But the physical discomfort is overcome by the joy the entire day brings. This day starts my season on a sweet note of fellowship as I look forward to “The Life of Christ in Living Pictures” and the Advent season.