advent devotional

with devotional thoughts from:

Pastor Matt & Keri Hastings
Pastor Thomas & Traci Crummer
Pastor Linda & George Crummer
Pastor Geron & Lydia Brown

We pray that this devotional will bring you encouragement this

Christmas through the daily scripture readings from the lectionary, and
from the stories and thoughts from our pastoral staff and spouses.

Sunday, November 30, 2014 - First Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37
Todays thought from Pastor Matt Hastings
Prepare yourselves! The day is coming when the sun will be dark and the moon wont even
give off light! These passages dont really offer a warm Christmas-y kind of feeling. But theres
truth in the prophecy nonetheless. We dont know when He will come again. We cant predict
it. We only know when he came. If history repeats itself (and it often does) then many will
miss it. So, preparing room for Christ is more than an advent happening. Its year round.
Actually, it should happen every week as we gather to worship. Preparing our hearts is a
spiritual discipline.
Early on in our marriage, I learned that Keri likes to rearrange the furniture every year or
so. Resisting the need for changes in life (and to break up the same old, same old monotony)
we would move some things around. I got used to bumping into things in the dark. When did
we put that there?! As the kids got older, our priorities shifted. We stopped moving things
around and started finding toys under the couches. One time we even found enough change in
our couch cushions to get two value meals!
When people come to our house, its a mad dash to get things put away and cleaned up!
Needless to say, it can be chaotic. But with a house of 6 people, theres always a mess to clean
up! Preparing for guests can be stressful but theres One guest that should always be
welcomed in our hearts.
Prepare Him room are more than words to a song we sing at Christmas. Our
responsibility is to prepare our hearts, homes and heads for His arrival. He comes every year in
this way. It shouldnt take us by surprise.
Maybe this year will be different for you. Many of us are experiencing a new season of life
this year. But maybe we dont have to dread the holidays this time. Maybe we can look
forward, with great anticipation, to the Guest that wont be a guest for long. Hell take up
residence in us. And theres room there
As we read these devotionals together as a church family this year, I pray that God will fill
you with His presence.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Psalm 79 Micah 4:1-5 Revelation 15:1-8
Todays thought from Keri Hastings
We all have days where our lives and our prayers seem to echo Israels cries in Psalm
79How long, O Lord?Will you be angry forever?Help us. The waiting can be so
difficult.
These prayers may come from things that happened to us as children, family heartache,
difficulties at work, choices weve made, oppressive circumstances, friends who have betrayed
us. You may feel like God is silent and you dont understand why it seems He hasnt answered.
Gods children can relate to the waiting. They were waiting for the Messiah. Can you
imagine how many times they probably asked God to forgive and deliver them?
At this time of year, the beginning of Advent, we make an intentional effort to shift our
thinking to what it would have been like to wait for our Savior. Our hearts crying for
answersGod, how long??May your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in
desperate need.
We have the benefit of living in the last days (which started when Christ was born and will
be fulfilled when He returns) and knowing that the Messiah did come. If only we could go back
and tell them to just hang on; to not let their trials and hardships cause fear, worry, and doubt.
Come to think of it, maybe, we need that reminder today as well. Hang on. Dont give up.
Whatever it is in your life that has you asking God, How long?, just wait. He answered the
pleas of His children so many years ago through the birth of a tiny baby and He still answers.
While we waitwe remember.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Psalm 79 Micah 4:6-13 Revelation 18:1-10
Todays thought from Keri Hastings
One day I would love to restore an old piece of furniture. To take something scratched,
broken, discolored, and worn and turn it into something beautiful and awesome.
I picture myself walking through a thrift store and there it isits like a spotlight shining
down on itmusic playingI walk over to it in slow motion with a smile that says, This is it!
This is the unwanted, but now chosen, piece! (Cant you just picture it?)
There is just one problem (not counting the fact that Id have to convince my husband that
buying it is a good idea)Ive never restored a piece of furniture before. I really have no idea
where to start. Okay, Ill look up some directions on the internetI find 20 different ways with
25 different products. Ill go buy some toolswow, that is overwhelming. Ill wear a mask so
my asthma doesnt flare up. Before long my excitement to make this useless, tossed-out
doorstop into something grand fades to almost non-existent.
Arent you glad God doesnt feel hesitant or overwhelmed when He looks at us? Seriously,
some of the scratches and dings we have are so deep that it will take some time to smooth
them out. Our worn out and broken pieces require a gentle touchand our old, mildewed
smell is something only someone who truly knows how to restore can look past.
Friends, you have hope. No matter what condition you find yourself in, the Creator of
everythingthe One who brought His people out of exilethe One who sent His Son to give us
life, can restore. He knows what He is doing and will make you into something more beautiful
than you ever imagined. As for me and my future thrift store purchase, Ill just call my dad or
my brother for help.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Psalm 79 Micah 5:1-5a Luke 21:34-38
Todays thought from Pastor Thomas Crummer
The other day I was waiting at a stop light. The person in the car in front of me didnt press
on the gas right away when the light turned green. They hesitated for what seemed like a
good two seconds, maybe even three. I had to resist the significant urge to hit my car horn
during that unbearable time of sitting and waiting. I did however say out loud to myself in the
car, Come on man, its green! What are you waiting for here?
Its sad how impatient I can get, but I know Im not alone. No one really likes to wait. We
live in a time where most information, news, entertainment, and even the events happening in
the lives of our friends are just a few clicks away from being right in front of our faces.
Consequently, waiting on God can be painfully frustrating. However big or small the request
from God might be, it has always been a frustration of Gods people to find His timing less than
desirable. In most cases, our prayers and petitions seem so perfectly righteous in our own
eyes. Yet still, we find ourselves waiting. We find ourselves helplessly looking to the sky and
asking, How long, oh Lord?
It is during the season of Advent where we fine-tune the spiritual discipline of waiting. In
our sufferings, we hold onto the hope that is in Christ Jesus. We wait on God with the
knowledge that His love for us is greater than whatever trials come our way. And as we wait,
we learn what it means to be patient with God as He is patient with us. With tremendous
hope, we wait patiently on God.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Hosea 6:1-6 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
Todays thought from Pastor Thomas Crummer
Ive heard it said before that the quickest way to make friends is to be one. If that is true,
then its a miracle I have any friends at all. Relationships are difficult. Healthy relationships
require a lot of work. Just ask a couple whove been married fifty years. They will tell you
relationships are not easy. You know this. They require time, energy, and self-sacrifice. Which
is why most relationships never mature into healthy, long-lasting, faithful ones. Whether it be
a romantic relationship or a friendship between two classmates at school, the investment of
love is too risky and too high a cost for the chance of love in return.
Sometimes I find myself keeping my guard up with God too. As if loving God with all my
heart is a risky investment. As if God is not worth my time, energy and sacrifice. As a result
my relationship with God has at times made him look more like an acquaintance of mine
rather than a true friend. It has made him look like a distant relative rather than a loving
father, and a cheap fling rather than a faithful marriage partner. Practically speaking, it is
easier to write a check from time to time, perform a daily good deed, or drop by his house
once a week just to chat for a few minutes than actually allow him to invade my life in such a
personal way.
Yet God desires something different with you and me. Something that is real and genuine.
Something that goes beyond the surface. Something that is more than just a flash in the pan.
God seeks us out, loves us unconditionally, and desires a relationship with us built on
steadfast love. My desire is that my life would be filled with these kinds of faithful
relationships built with Gods steadfast love.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Jeremiah 1:4-10 Acts 11:19-26
Todays thought from Traci Crummer
So Im not really one to lead a devotional or teach a Sunday school class. Even when I pray
with someone I often feel uncomfortable and inadequate. I could never get up and preach
time and time again like my husband does. The thought of it stresses me out and makes me
want to crawl in a hole in hopes that someone else will take over for me. Even writing this
devotional makes me feel inadequate.
Like the prophet Jeremiah, my insecurities get the best of me. I often question how God can
use me or why He wants to use me in the ways that He does. I often sell myself short of what I
am truly capable of doing. I allow my doubt to fester until I am completely convinced that I am
the absolute last person that could accomplish what has been asked of me. In the end, I
always come to the same conclusion: I am completely incapable of these things in my own
strength, but in Gods power, I can do anything He calls me to do.
Just a month or so ago, I was praying at the altar with someone. After a couple of people
had talked with her, I really felt like I needed to share with her as well. I started sharing my
own insecurities and made myself vulnerable. I told her some of my own struggles I had faced
that I thought would help her realize she is not alone. When we had finished talking, I thought
to myself, Where in the world did that come from? That is not my strength. Talking to
people like that is my weakness!
Ultimately, I know deep down that God used me. Its in those moments that I remember, I
can do anything that God has called me to as long as I am willing to open myself up and be
vulnerable to His leading. Allow God to do the same in your life today.

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Ezekiel 36:24-28 Mark 11:27-33
Todays thought from Traci Crummer
After high school, I chose to attend Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville. I grew up a
Nazarene and had heard a lot about the school, but I had never set foot on the campus, so
deciding to move my life there was a little scary for me.
Trevecca was a great university that gave me the opportunity to live up to my potential. The
positive Christian environment, along with the rules and guidelines provided there were put in
place to shape and mold me into the person God wanted for my life. As students, we were
taught how to live a life pleasing to God and were given every opportunity to succeed.
The problem was, along the way, I decided to make choices that went against that
environment. I had a stubborn heart. I wanted to do what I wanted to do but still expected to
come out with a life pleasing to God. I wanted for some parts of my life to not be so
structured, To not have high expectations placed on me, and to be who I thought I wanted to
be no matter what anyone else said or thought. But with that attitude and the actions that
went along with that, I was not allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through my life.
But the good news today is that there is Hope in Jesus Christ. His power and authority
comes from Heaven. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, He can cleanse from the inside out.
He can take all of our mess and turn it in to something beautiful. I am thankful that over time
He softened my heart, and I was able to turn back to Him and allow Him to make something
beautiful out of my life.
No matter the mess you face today or have faced in the past, know that He is always ready
to pick you up, dust you off, and make something beautiful out of it all. Live in this hope today.

Sunday, December 7, 2014 - Second Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8
Todays thought from Pastor Matt Hastings
The woods behind our house in Alabama were vast. There was a steep hill with a long trail
that led to a small creek. I was about 7 years old and like every other boy at my age, I was
adventurous with my neighborhood buddies. But by myself, I learned a valuable lesson.
I always had a night-light in my room. It shined the perfect mixture of calming beams and
treacherous shadows. The light illuminated the ceiling for comfort but it made the belts and
socks on my floor look like snakes. Welp, looks like that last drink of water is not going to
happen! I wont be getting up tonight! I was afraid of the dark and learning from my hero,
Indiana Jones, that I hate snakes.
One afternoon I went down to the creek in our woods by myself. No big deal. I can handle
it. Being a kid, I didnt factor in daylight savings time; It was getting dark earlier and it
happened quickly. I made my way up the hill to our house. But by the time I made it halfway
up, the sun was already down. There I was, right behind our house, crippled with fear because
it was pitch black. I struggled with where to step, knowing there was probably a giant cobra
waiting to strike. So, I walked very slowly.
Then I saw it; my nightlight. It was plugged in my room and was just enough light for me to
see my house! I dodged all the cobras and slipped in the mud a few times, but I made it home!
All because of that silly little night-light in my room.
You may feel like youre in the dark. Maybe theres a mountain in your way. But if youll stop
for a moment youll find peace. You might have to look a little harder for it. It might come in
the form of a little night-light. Ive found that usually our fears arent as bad we think (cobras
arent taking over the woods of Alabama).
The peace of God will guide us in the wildernessand even up those dark hills. Today, I pray
that you will feel the very presence of God as we worship. Dont be afraid. He is our Peace.

Monday, December 8, 2014

Psalm 27 Isaiah 26:7-15 Acts 2:37-42
Todays thought from Pastor Geron Brown
Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!
Wonderful Peace by W. George Cooper Public Domain

The words of the old Hymn may be needed now more than ever. Peace is hard to come by.
Often times in my life peace isn't found in the absence of stress. No, it's found underneath it
all, supporting and strengthening me. I'm not naturally a very peaceful person, but I have
found a peace like nothing I've ever known in following Christ. That doesn't mean the path
hasn't been bumpy at times, but that peace has been there.
A few summers back we were expecting the birth of our second child. Like a dutiful
husband I went to all of the doctor's appointments with my wife as we looked forward with
great joy to this new life. One day we were having an ultrasound and they were measuring all
kinds of things with our baby. The doctor thought that some of the measurements looked a
little off and wanted us to go to a high-risk doctor for a second opinion. All we could think
was, Is something wrong with our baby? We made the appointment, freaking out a little the
whole time on the inside.
We went to the specialist and they looked at our baby boy again. They asked us tons of
questions, and agreed that something indeed did not look right. Some of the areas in our
unborn sons brain were too large. It could be nothing, or it could be something very serious
like hydrocephalus. We were scared to death. The doctor decided that we would just have to
wait, watch, and see. This wasn't the news we wanted.
Meanwhile, my dad discovered at a routine appointment with his physician that he was
having heart trouble. They sent him to the hospital where he saw a cardiologist and they
discovered that he had a heart attack and was dealing with major blockages. We rushed to the
cardiac intensive care of the hospital to meet my parents. It was next door to our hi-risk
specialist in an adjacent complex. We shared with them our difficult news and discovered that
they were going to do immediate bypass surgery on my dads heart. It should be routine they
assured us.

The next day Dad had four bypasses. When we were finally able to get in to see him in
recovery he was sitting up in a chair eating jello. It seemed everything was going to be OK, or
so we thought. That night they called us to the hospital. Something had happened. Dad
slipped into a coma and stayed that way for several days as his systems began shutting down.
It seemed like this was the end. This cant be happening to us.
I felt pulled in about a 100 directions. I was trying to be a good supportive son for my mom
and at the same time worried over our unborn child. For someone who likes to feel in control
of everything, my world was spinning into chaos. Amazingly, somehow in the midst of all of
that hopelessness I found peace. Actually, I think it found me, because it wasnt from me. I
can't explain it, but somewhere below all of the dark clouds and bad news I could feel the
quiet, strong, and reassuring presence of God, and I knew that whatever was happening,
things were going to be ok.
We continued to see the hi-risk Dr. regularly and they continued to ask questions and do
scans of our boy. He seemed healthy in every other way and was growing as expected as we
neared full-term. We continued to visit Dad in the ICU and after almost three weeks in a coma,
Dad starting coming around, and the slow progress of healing was beginning. Cohen Preston
was born on August 4th and boy did that kid have a big head! It was normal too. My dad had
regained his strength enough to be there as we celebrated this new life together.
I still dont understand the peace I was given during that summer, and I have had six years
now to think about it. I have always heard about the peace that passes understanding. For
me its more than a concept. Its a reality. I pray it is for you as well during this season and the
whole year.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Psalm 27 Isaiah 4:2-6 Acts 11:1-18
Todays thought from Pastor Geron Brown
In my mind the anticipation of Christmas is closely tied with road trips and traveling for the
holiday. I grew up in south Louisiana and we always had to travel great distances to be with
our extended family for the holidays. I have lots of memories of those road trips.
One year we were going to see my grandparents who were pastoring in Iowa. They had
been living in Idaho and I was real excited about the trip since we so rarely got to see them.
However, my enthusiasm began to wane when my parents told me that we were going to be
bringing a dining room table back with us. This meant that wed have to take our little, Datsun
truck on this journey. Furthermore, I was completely devastated to learn that my brother and I
would get the pleasure of riding in the bed with the luggage. It had a camper top, so we
would be fine, right. What could possibly go wrong? Have you ever had to spend 14 hours in
the bed of a pickup with all of your wrapped Christmas presents and not be allowed to even
touch them? It is an agony that I wouldnt wish on my worst enemy.
Now, Ive never really studied meteorology, but it suddenly dawned on me somewhere
around Memphis, that winter is a lot different outside of south Louisiana. I immediately
regretted packing those short-sleeved t-shirts. Thankfully, my parents had been prepared for
this cold dose of reality, and out came the quilts. We finally got to my Grandparents house,
and we had a great couple of days together there. That year I got to experience real snow for
the first time, and after all that waiting I finally got to open my presents.
I know the journey to Bethlehem for Mary, Joseph, and the unborn Christ had to be
arduous at best. Nobody likes taxes, and having to travel a great distance to pay those makes it
even more depressing. I dont know what the Judean countryside smelled like, but if it was
anything like the naturally fertilized fields of Iowa, Im sure it was a memorable trip. Compared
to the hardship they endured, staring out the back of a pickup truck in the middle of winter is
a cakewalk.
My prayer this year is that we relish the time we have with friends and family. Dont get so
busy that we miss out on the joy they bring. I know this Christmas Eve, like every year, we will
read the Christmas story aloud together. We will sit and talk about how faithful God is, how
Hes blessed us greatly, and how this baby changed everything. Celebrate the gift of Christ this
season. This is the essence of Christmas.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Psalm 27 Malachi 2:10-3:1 Luke 1:5-17
Todays thought from Lydia Brown
Waiting...As a little girl, I was not a good 'waiter', especially at Christmastime. For one, my
focus was on the wrong thing. All I was interested in was what I was getting for Christmas.
There were several Christmases that I found my presents beforehand; the Pound Puppy and
Real Baby hidden in the trunk of mom's car, the dolls stashed in the top of my parents'
closet...you get the picture. Did I want those gifts? You betcha I did! Was I excited about
getting them? Definitely! But when Christmas morning rolled around and I unwrapped those
presents, I'd lost some of the excitement I'd normally have over getting what I wanted most. I
felt let down. I was disappointed.
As I grew older, my mindset was the same in other areas of my life. The I want what I want
and I want it now motto was definitely me. Because of that mindset, I often took matters
into my own hands, missing out on the blessings God had planned for me.
Like our parents, and even more so, God our loving Father, desires to give us good gifts.
Things that we want, and other things even BETTER than what we want or can imagine. And
like our parents, God tells us to wait. Behave yourself. I know what you need and what you
like. I have your best interests at heart. My plans for you are good. Wait. When the time is
right, you will receive my best gift for you. Be faithful and wait.
Over the years, I've learned the value of waiting and have come to recognize the
faithfulness of God. Though we face trials-- If I don't do this now, will I be alone for the rest
of my life? How can I have another baby when I'm struggling to provide for the one I already
have? What if we find out its cancer? --God loves us. His plans for us are good. He is
faithful and true to His Word. He will see us through the waiting, and when He delivers, we will
not be disappointed. Wait for Him.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Psalm 126 Habakkuk 2:1-5 Philippians 3:7-11
Todays thought from Lydia Brown
Have you ever experienced joy so great that others say, The Lord has done great things for
them? Our joy points others to the Lord.
I've played the piano all of my life---not so well between the ages of birth and 5, but my
mother said my first steps were to the piano benchso, basically I've played all my life.
Around middle school, I began accompanying for church youth choir, school choirs, and in local
competitions. Through high school and college, I continued accompanying for choirs, camps,
competitions, etc, and began working in the same field at my Alma mater after graduation.
When my favorite choir director retired, I chose to continue working at the university with
the replacement director. He was difficult to work for; often insulting and condescending. It
would be easy to quit and write him off, but I came to realize that my employment was not
only a job; it was a ministry. Faculty, fellow students, and campus ministers had played a
critical role discipling and encouraging me during my college years, and I believed God could
use me in the same way for the students and staff at the university.
One day I was rehearsing with a student named Jamie who was not a believer. She asked
me Why do you keep playing for that man? He's so rude. I would be so angry with him if I
were you. I would've told him off by now. You're always so happy, though. You don't
complain. You just keep right on going. How do you do that? I shared with her about my life,
and how before meeting Christ, I WAS bitter and angry. My life had spiraled downward, out of
control. If it weren't for people who loved Jesus, showing me his forgiveness, grace and hope,
I wouldn't have even been there at that moment. I had found value in who God said I was, and
that I was loved by Him. I had much to rejoice over and didn't need to dwell in someone else's
misery. Because of God's restoration in my life, I could declare to Jamie how great our God is.
Recall what the Lord has done for you; today, yesterday, years ago. Offer your life-JOYFULLY-- as a living sacrifice that points others to Christ.
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths
were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, The Lord
has done great things for them. The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:1-3

Friday, December 12, 2014

Psalm 126 Habakkuk 3:2-6 Philippians 3:12-16
Todays thought from Pastor Geron Brown
Many Christians have a difficult time moving forward in their spiritual lives because they
seem to be haunted by their past. Everyone has a past, and weve all had chapters of our lives
that we wish we could undo.
One Thanksgiving, when I was a kid, we were visiting my Grandparents in Oklahoma. The
night before we were to go home we had an ice storm that covered everything in a thick layer
of ice. Knowing the ice would hinder us getting on the road, I decided to try to help out by
cleaning the ice off the car for my dad. I rummaged through my grandpas tools looking for
something to scrape the ice away and found the perfect tool. I dutifully cleaned every speck of
ice off of the car. I was so proud, and couldnt wait for my Dad to see. Unfortunately In my
ignorance, I had used a garden hoe to scrape all that ice away. I went to get my dad to show
him the fruit of my labor. We came out to see all the ice removed and large gouges in the paint
of his car. To his credit he didnt kill me. I dont think I was even punished because he
recognized that I was trying to be helpful. That car bore those wounds for years after, and
were a constant reminder of a lesson I had learned that day.
We have all made mistakes and had failures. The good news is that they do not have to
define you. Your story is still being written. Many of the mistakes of our past we may not have
been able to help. Some mistakes we could have helped and I think those are probably the
ones that I struggle with the most. Either way there is no going back and changing it. Allow me
to remind and reassure you of one thing. If you have confessed something before God, He has
forgiven it, and forgotten it. Unfortunately we have a hard time letting it go don't we... The
devil loves to remind us of our past mistakes. If you find yourself being beaten up over things
that you know you have confessed before God...It's not God reminding you. Move on! Let it
Go! He wants to you look at whats ahead of you not behind you.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness I John 1:9

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Psalm 126 Habakkuk 3:13-19 Matthew 21:28-32
Todays thought from Pastor Thomas Crummer
Every single year it happens. I both give and receive a late Christmas gift. This happens so
frequently to people that card companies make special belated cards for those of us who fail
to exchange gifts with each other at the appropriate times. These cards blatantly
acknowledge the fact that the gift is late in an effort to apologize for the kind gestures
tardiness; but as far as Im concerned, there is no apology needed. I live by the motto, better
late than never
When it comes to obedience to God though, Ive met plenty of people who seemed to think
just the opposite. Better never than late.
Ive met plenty of people, who for whatever reason, seemed to think that because of their
past mistakes or their past circumstances, the only option they had in life was to continue
living in despair; as if their identity is set in stone. Rather than choosing to turn back to God,
they believed their past choices somehow tied Gods hands up, preventing him from forgiving
them in the present. Ive met people who thought they had given lip service to God one too
many times; and as a result, had forever burned a bridge between them and Gods grace.
People who thought that because of their past they could never be reconciled with their
church, friends and family.
Heres the truth though. While its never wise to delay following the will of God for our
lives, it is also never too late to start. The gift of Christmas is not withheld from anyone. No
one is left out. Gods gift of love and forgiveness is given freely to everyone no matter what
their past looks like. So whether you are someone who has delayed following Christ for far too
long or whether you are someone who has made a profession of faith but never lived your life
accordingly, God has a gift wrapped for you this Christmas. Its not too late to accept it.

Sunday, December 14, 2014 - Third Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Psalm 126 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28
Todays thought from Pastor Matt Hastings
My basketball career was extremely short lived. Since I wasnt very tall, I tried to shoot it
from far away. Every time. I hated to dribble to the basket for a layup. The kids we played
against were always bigger and would stuff it right back in my face. So, I figured Id just shoot
from really far away. After a few air balls, I learned a pretty good outside shot. Every once in a
while though, I would drive to the basket. The boys elementary school coach was also the
youth pastor at our church. He was good and he taught me an important lesson.
During my first real game, I got called for a charge. I lowered my shoulder and ran straight
into the kid guarding me. He was standing still and I got called for a foul. The first time it
happened, I didnt really understand. The coach pulled me over to explain it. Then he told me
something Ill never forget. OK, now you know. If the ref blows the whistle on you again, raise
your hand up high so the scorer can see your number. I learned that even if I didnt think I
fouled the guy, if the ref called it, own it. That little talk taught me some responsibility. It was
the first taste in humility. Humble yourself. Own your mistakes.
John the Baptist is the kind of guy that didnt take the credit. In a world that honors the
famous for the sake of fame, humility is in short supply. People followed John everywhere. He
could have gained a following for himself. He couldve cashed in on that popularity. He
couldve demanded his own way. Instead, he points people to Jesus.
Im not the guy! Jesus is the Son of God, not me! Im not even good enough to lace up his
shoes!
Theres a great lesson in finding purpose and contentment in Jesus. Where in your life do
you need to raise your hand, admitting your mistakes? When you look at Jesus, you see the
picture of humility.
Today, celebrate and worship the Messiah that came to show us the way.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Psalm 125 1 Kings 18:1-18 Ephesians 6:10-17
Todays thought from Pastor Linda Crummer
This past summer we had the opportunity to go zip-lining. In order to get to the tower that
we were going to zip-line down, we had to cross a swinging bridge. We waited patiently as it
seemed like it took forever for people to cross to the other side. I was thinking to myself,
whats taking these people so long? Finally our time came and I had thought that I would
just walk across the bridge without a second thought, but that was not the case. Every step I
took, the bridge felt as if it was giving way under my feet. I grabbed and held tightly to the
ropes in fear that I was going to fall through. Now I could see there were big spaces in
between the slats of wood. I could see what I had thought was just a little creek, now looked
like a rushing river under me.
I was no longer on solid ground and I was a lot higher than I had thought. As I slowly made
my way across that bridge I was so thankful for the belt that had been placed around my waist
and the harness that was keeping me held tightly to the cable above. At times the bridge
swayed all around me but I was held secure.
I am so thankful that I have my hope, faith and trust in a God who holds me steady and
secure when things in the world around me seem out of control. I can look to Him and know
that I am held steady. As Christmas draws near, know that amidst the chaos, that is sometimes
all around us that God is our solid ground. He has given us every gift that we need to stand
firm. Though the enemy will try to distract us and try to steal our peace and joy, we can hold
to the hope and the assurance that God is in control. He is Emmanuel, God with us. Hold
firmly and trust in Him and you will make it to the other side.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Psalm 125 2 Kings 2:9-22 Acts 3:17-4:4
Todays thought from Pastor Linda Crummer
On Christmas, morning our children always enjoyed a scavenger hunt. There would be a
note attached to the Christmas tree that was a riddle. The kids would then try to figure out
where the next destination was by solving the riddle. One year we had actually hid the prize in
the Christmas Tree. They were searching throughout the entire house solving riddles, only to
be brought back to the very place they started.
Sometimes we read in the Bible about the miracles of God and hear about the great and
mighty things that He does. But in the small things of our lives we fail to trust Him. We seek for
answers and sometimes they are right in front of us. We expect God to act in a certain way
and when He does something different we wonder if He is truly listening. Gods ways are not
always the way we expect them to be. This is where true faith comes in to practice. Trust God
today for the things that dont make sense. He is the almighty God who knows everything. He
loves you more that you can imagine. He has your best interest at heart. Trust Him today even
in the small things because He is faithful!

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Psalm 125 Malachi 3:16-4:6 Mark 9:9-13
Todays thought from George Crummer
I love the excitement that builds as Christmas Day gets closer and closer. When I talk to
kids about Christmas morning, I can feel the excitement and energy flow from them. One of
the hardest things for me to do when I was little, and maybe still today, is wait for Christmas
morning to come. And when more and more presents are added under the tree, it gets more
and more difficult. Just get here already! Maybe I could peek in the packages? No, that
would spoil the surprise. Well, maybe just one gift, just look at a corner? No, I dont want to
know! I love the thrill of not knowing, of waiting until Christmas morning.
God continually reminded His people that they should be patient. This seems to be a
reoccurring theme throughout the Bible. Even when Jesus was on the earth, he had to
continually tell his disciples to wait. Jesus knew His time had not come yet.
Our time schedule is not Gods time schedule. We need to focus on doing what is right,
living a holy, righteous life. Its amazing that the times when we try to rush Gods plan, are
also the times when we get away from listening to God and doing the good we know we
should. For instance, instead of praying for our enemy, we try to take control of a situation,
and hurry things along. God says, do not repay evil for evil, but instead continue to do what is
right. God is the one who will judge everyone, in His timing.
As Christmas Day approaches, and the level of excitement increases(and whats in our
wallet decreases), our patience can grow thin. Kids are anxious, waiting for the day to finally
arrive. Parents are trying to accomplish extra tasks in addition to their normal routine. Yet
God tells us to be patient.
Take a moment today to stop. Listen to God. Talk to your loved ones. Remember what the
season is about. Put God first today. And no peeking!

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 2 Samuel 6:1-11 Hebrews 1:1-4
Todays thought from George Crummer
When I was growing up, two of my favorite Christmas traditions revolved around hearing
the Christmas story. Back in the day, when there was no internet, no DVD, and not even a
VHS player, I looked forward to seeing A Charlie Brown Christmas on TV. It was the one time a
year that I could see it! And one of the highlights was hearing Linus quote from the Bible,
sharing with Charlie Brown the real meaning of Christmas.
The other tradition each year was hearing my mom read the Christmas story on Christmas
Eve. There was always something special about sitting around the living room, watching the
lights twinkle on the tinsel covered tree, and hearing my mom read the story of Jesus being
born.
After finishing the story, my mom would close the bible, and then she would pray, thanking
God for the true reason we were celebrating, the love that He showed us, by sending His Son
to earth as a baby.
God loved you so much that he sent his Son. Think about that. The God who made the
universe and everything in it, He loves you. God knows you by name. God. Loves. You. He
sent his Son, Jesus, because of his love for you.
In Old Testament times, the people heard from God through prophets. But now, you can
talk to God. And you should talk to Him today. Let Him know how thankful you are for the gift
of Jesus. Then share the story of Gods love with others.

Friday, December 19, 2014

Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 2 Samuel 6:12-19 Hebrews 1:5-14
Todays thought from Pastor Linda Crummer
There is something so exciting about watching childrens faces on Christmas morning. The
joy and anticipation fills the entire house. In our home on Christmas morning it was a tradition
that the children were not allowed to leave their bedrooms until all of the adults were ready.
By ready, I mean having their cameras and video cameras ready to catch the excitement on
the childrens faces when they first saw what Santa had left for them under the Christmas tree.
As we get older, sometimes we lose some of that joy, excitement and anticipation.
Sometimes we allow the worries and cares of this world to steal our joy. Not King David. As
King David brought the Ark of the Covenant into the city he was filled with joy and anticipation
of what God was going to do and the excitement of knowing that Gods presence was with
them. Samuel 6:14 says, that he danced with all of his might. I see David, a grown man, the
King, being so excited and so filled with joy that he didnt know what to do but dance and sing
praises to God.
This Christmas, allow the presence of the Lord to fill your heart with joy. We have
something to dance and rejoice about today. The day of celebration is here! God sent His Son
so we might have salvation, life and abundant joy. Dont worry if others say Bah humbug! Let
your joy flow! Celebrate! We have a reason to rejoice!

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 Judges 13:2-24 John 7:40-52
Todays thought from Pastor Thomas Crummer
Scripture is filled with examples of how peoples origins shaped their identity. Jesus is no
exception. His origins leave much to be desired though. An unmarried, young girl who claims
to be a virgin gave birth to him in an animal barn in a tiny, little town no one really cares
about. He then grows up in a town with a reputation of having nothing good ever come out of
it with his earthly father who is merely a carpenter; and the Gospels highlight all of this.
Because this is Jesus origin, and origins are important.
Our origins shape and identify us. Where you were born and how you were raised can be a
source of either great pride or tremendous shame. Whatever the case may be, origins matter.
Perhaps no other time of the year forces us to confront our origins more than Christmas.
Christmas conjures up memories of our childhood and hometowns. Many of us travel back to
the places where we grew up or visit our parents homes where we grew up as children. We
gather with people that share our last name and carry our own heritage. So for those of us
with happy origins, comes happy emotions this time of year. And for the rest of us, where we
have come from is easier left in the past.
This is what is amazing about living in the story of God though. God takes people from all
kinds of different origins and uses them for his good work. People from messed up families
and people from prominent tribes. People whose parents were Kings, and people whose
parents were murderers. Read any book of the Bible. God does this everywhere. He gives
people new names. He gives people renewed confidence in who they are, redefining peoples
story. And hes still doing this today too. God is using men, women, and children all over the
place to accomplish great things for his kingdom. People just like you and me with messed-up,
crazy, origins.
Draw close to God this Christmas like never before. What new thing does he want to
accomplish through you today? Embrace the story God is telling about you. Take pride in who
you are both because of and in spite of your origin. It seems as though God takes pride in
being able to use all different kinds of people. Just read the Christmas story.

Sunday, December 21, 2014 - Fourth Sunday of Advent 4

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38
Todays thought from Pastor Matt Hastings
Theyve made entire TV shows about women who didnt know they were pregnant. This
kind of thing baffles me, but apparently it happens. I saw a clip from one of those shows this
week and even the husband was surprised that his wife was pregnant! Seems crazy to think
about that happening today but can you imagine the surprise of Mary and Joseph? Todays
readings speak of God doing the impossible. Joseph and Mary were obedient and God guided
them through His plan. Their obedience affected us.
When I exercise, I try to think of anything else to keep me from quitting. Usually, at just the
right time, I find a new strength. Some call this a second wind. Just when you think youre
exhausted to the point of giving up, your intensity is renewed!
O n our faith journey, weve often hit obstacles that make us want to give up. Hurts and
pains can lead us to failure. But when we call on the name of the Lord, the strength we find is
different. It restores us. That strength gives us the ability to keep going, even when things
seem impossible, enduring all the hurdles.
As you worship today, reflect on the love that God has for you. No barrier or hindrance is
too big for God!

Monday, December 22, 2014

Psalm 96 Zephaniah 3:8-13 Romans 10:5-13
Todays thought from Pastor Thomas Crummer
Christmas is a time of gift giving; but it is also a time of gift receiving. Sometimes I think it is
easier to give rather than receive. One of the hardest things for me to do is accept someone
elses generosity. Particularly when it is not even Christmas time. When someone gives me
money or goes out of their way to do something nice for me, it can be hard to accept. I live in
a world where fairness orders society and justice tells me that I am in debt to someone that
gives me something. I feel the need to repay them in some way. After all, I have pride. I can
earn what I need. I dont need charity. I sometimes say to myself, Surely I can do something
to earn that act of kindness.
Gods gift to us is what Christmas is all about. God has given us the gift of salvation through
his son Jesus. Thus, the temptation of my life is thinking that somehow I need to earn my
salvation. As if I am capable of earning it. I am tempted to think I need to do something to
prove I belong to God, that I deserve his love and forgiveness. As if holiness is a precondition
to my salvation. Once I clean myself up enough, then God will be able to save me. Somehow, I
need to prove I matter. If I could finally get everything straightened out in my life, if I could
finally follow all the rules, if I could finally add up enough good deeds, then I will have earned
my salvation. I will have shown I am worthy and God will be able to save me. Surely I can do
it. Surely I can prove my worth. Surely I can climb my way into Heaven, conquer hell, and earn
my salvation.
But salvation is not earned; it is freely given. It is given to the entire world through Gods
only son, Jesus. He has descended from Heaven. He has conquered death. All we do is accept
it. We confess it. We do the opposite of trying to earn our salvation; we confess that we cant
earn it. We give our hearts over to the truth that Jesus alone is capable of saving us. He is
Lord, and God raised him from the dead. And only then will that confession begin to bear the
fruit of its truth. Only then will we begin to heal, be made clean, and ultimately live eternally.
This is what Christmas is all about. The undeserved, wonderful gift of Gods love. Jesus.
Receive it.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Psalm 96 Zephaniah 3:14-20 Romans 13:11-14
Todays thought from Pastor Thomas Crummer
People have told me that the older I get, the more difficult it will be for me to stay up late
at night and harder for me to sleep in during the morning. I believe there is some truth to this.
I am already finding it more difficult to keep up with teenagers energy in the late hours of
night than I used to. However, even if there is some truth to this unwritten rule of life, there is
at least one exception to this: Christmas morning.
When I was a child, my parents had to make me go to bed. Otherwise, I would stay up all
night. I would lay awake in bed as late as I possibly could. I liked the idea that even though my
parents told me I had to go to bed, they couldnt make me go to sleep. Then in the mornings, I
was an absolute hassle to wake up. I would stay asleep for as long as I possibly could. My
parents would have to drag me out of bed, force me to put on clothes, and demand I wake up
to face the day ahead.
But when Christmas Eve came, I was more than willing to go to bed for my parents, and was
usually up before sunrise. And why not? It was Christmas! I was excited. There was an entire
day of gifts to open and fun events to enjoy. There was no need to sleep-in on Christmas
morning. As soon as that sunlight came through my window, I was awake, out of my bed, into
my clothes, and in my parents bedroom telling them the sun was just barely peaking over the
horizon. I was ready for Christmas.
The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans of what time it is. Its morning and its time to wake
up! The good news is that there is a reason to be excited about this morning. Jesus is here.
The light is peaking over the horizon. It is about to break through the darkness. Paul tells us
to dress ourselves with this light and with Christ Jesus, so that the actions of our lives might be
genuine and not hidden away shamefully in the darkness.
Its Christmas time. The gift of Christ is here. Therefore, let us lay aside darkness and
embrace the light.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014 - Christmas Eve

Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14[15-20]
Todays thought from Pastor Matt Hastings
Were close. Hes almost here. The baby, born in Bethlehem. God, in the flesh. I have a
friend that is the pastor of a little church that tries to recreate the setting each year. They
gather in a barn and sing and pray on Christmas Eve. Someone always says, Why would you
want to celebrate in a barn anyway? And wasnt it a cave anyway? True. Theres no mention
of a barn or stable, only a manger. A crude feeding trough for the Messiah to lay his head.
Yikes. Youd think we could have planned this a little better. Little do we realize, it suits Him
just fine. 30 years later, He enters Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey. Double yikes. Seriously
guys? No one thought about this? How will people recognize the King of kings?!
I wonder if we would recognize Him today? When Jesus returns, I wonder where Hell be
found? If you think Hed show up in church, I think youd be mistaken. Since Jesus came into
this world in this strange way, I imagine Hell show up many places we are unfamiliar with.
I see Him coming to unlikely places; a homeless shelter, a nursing home, a country far away
from our security. He will surprise you. This God-man has challenged our comfortable ways.
Why should His return be any different?
So, this Christmas Eve, be ready for this humble servant of God. Hell be found in an unlikely
place.

Thursday, December 25, 2014 - Christmas Day

Isaiah 62:6-12 Psalm 97 Titus 3:4-7 Luke 2:[1-7]8-20
Todays thought from Pastor Matt Hastings
Emmanuel is Hebrew. It means, God with us. Who is God and how is He with us? Im
glad you asked.
Today marks the birth of the Messiah. Gods last effort to repair humanity was to send His
own Son. Instead of wiping out the entirety of us, He chooses to show mercy. Instead of
washing His hands of the messiness of rebelling humans, He acts in love. He gives us a way to
be with Him forever. This is called the incarnation. God took a human form and lived to show
us the way.
This is how God is with us. We have the Spirit of God in us because of Jesus. He lived,
died and rose again so that we could be with God forever. So Christmas is the beginning of the
Incarnation; the restoration of all mankind. Every race, religion and creed has the chance to
bow down to this baby King.
I pray that as you open gifts and enjoy your families, you remember the One we celebrate.
God is indeed with us!

Merry Christmas