Jesus Calls His Disciples - Mark 1:1-20

      Discipleship is hard. It's hard because despite what we want to believe there isn't a cookie-cutter formula for making disciples. There are certain components - prayer, attending worship, working towards tithing, serving in the community and the local church, and sharing one's faith (in the United Methodist Church this is why our membership vows call for prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness) but we each live into what it means to be a disciple in a very particular way.

     But no one who claims to be a Christian is excused from being a disciple. If we claim to love Christ then we must be willing to hear his call and follow him, no matter what the cost. And there will certainly be costs, especially since we need to lay aside our will for Christ's. But the cost is nothing compared to what is at stake - proclaiming that the Kingdom of God is near!

Devotional: Hearing the Call of Christ

   December 27th, 2015  

Devotional

“Hearing the Call of Christ” - Mark 1:1-20

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “Prepare the Way” - Mark 1:1-8

For the last several weeks we have been focusing on the theme “preparing our hearts” during worship for the Advent season. Now that the celebration of Christmas is over, what are we preparing for? According to John the Baptist, to make way for the Lord.

The Gospel of Mark starts differently then John (speaking in poetic words about Christ being the Light of the World), and Matthew and Luke that give the infant narratives of Jesus’s birth. Mark simply starts his Gospel by boldly proclaiming that this is the good news of Jesus the Messiah. The good new of God’s reign. We are certainly in need of that Good News today. We are in need, once again, of preparing the way for the Lord to reign amongst us. We are also invited to be part of proclaiming that Good News, perhaps not as a prophet, like John the Baptist, but certainly as disciples of Christ. 

What helps you hear and respond to the good new of Christ?

Who are some of the people in your life who are in need of hearing this good news proclaimed?

Prayer: God, when we have the eyes of our hearts open we notice that you help us experience the power of the gospel message, the good news of Jesus Christ, anew each day. But we confess that sometimes we get so caught up in each day’s schedule that we cease to notice, cease to prepare the way for the Lord to Reign in our lives and the lives of those around us. Use us to proclaim the good news we notice, O Lord. Amen. 

Tuesday: “I Love You” - Mark 1: 9-11

The baptism narratives are among my favorites in the gospels. Every time I read the words spoken over Jesus “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” I feel such deep emotion. Some translations take the phrase “whom I love” and translate it as “my Beloved.” It is as if, right then and there at Jesus’s baptism, God is publicly proclaiming “I love you.” 

God speaks time and time again that we are the Beloved - loved by God - as well. We can never do anything to make God love us more or love us less. Yet, the love God has for us is not to be contained. Instead we are to share it with others. That is why we proclaim the good news - so that other’s can hear and claim that they are loved by God as well! 

Where are the places we proclaim the good news?

Prayer: God of love, thank you for loving us so deeply. Your love is sometimes hard for us to understand in our human terms - your unending love for us. Empower us to share the good news of your love with others so they can experience your peace and joy. Amen. 

Wednesday: “ In the Wilderness” - Mark 1: 12-13

Sometimes we buy into the inaccurate idea that since God loves us we will never go through trials, but that is not what scripture tells us. Here in the first chapter we find Jesus, called the Beloved of God and then being sent into the wilderness for forty days to be tested by Satan. Love and a lack of trial or temptation in our lives do not go hand in hand. 

We all battle temptations, they must just look differently for each of us. Some are tempted to lash out in anger at circumstances they cannot control. Others are tempted to gluttony around food. And still others lust after that which they cannot have. Trials and temptations seem even more overwhelming when we try to battle them alone, in the wilderness of our lives, instead of surrounded by others supporting us in prayer and holding us accountable. Even Jesus, the very Son of God, was not alone in the wilderness, as today’s scripture tells of angels ministering to him. Let us learn to lean on one another for strength during difficult times. 

Where does the wilderness exist in your life?

How can you have others support you and help minister to you during times of trial and temptation?

Prayer: God, we confess that sometimes we trick ourselves into thinking that we can handle everything we face on our own. But you have given us the gift of the Body of Christ, the Church to support us during all times, including trials and temptations. Equip us to minister to each other, O Lord. Strengthen us for whatever we may face. Amen. 

Thursday: “The Good News ” - Mark 1: 14-15

Creeds and doctrinal statements exist for one purpose - to help us put into words what we believe. The number one reason people don’t share about their faith is because they don’t know what to say. Yet, in today’s scripture Jesus sums up the Gospel message into two sentences - “The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news.”

The early church truly believed that Christ was coming back any day. Today we sometimes try to predict when Christ is coming back, but at the end of the day, our message remain the same - The Kingdom of God is near. It is so close that we can feel it and so powerful that it makes us rethink our priorities and the way we live our lives. In fact, it can make us turn around (repent). How can you share this message in a way that others can understand and respond to today? 

What are some of the fears you have around sharing the Good News? How can you face these fears with the help of God?

Prayer: Use us, Lord, to proclaim the ancient message of Christ our Lord - that Your Kingdom is near. That we are to repent and believe. Help us to lay aside fears that prevent us from proclaiming this message and use us to sing of your message, boldly, O Lord! Amen. 

Friday: “Follow Me” - Mark 1: 16-20

In so many ways the call story of the disciples is hard for us to wrap our minds around. Why would these men leave their boats to fish for people? Why would they leave behind their professions and families and homes for the sake of this one who was calling them?

Jesus called each of the disciples, not because of their resumes, but because of their willingness to follow. And Jesus still calls today. In fact, part of being a Christian isn’t simply believing in Christ, but responding to his call to follow him. We too, will be asked to leave much behind for the sake of the call. What will your response be?

How has Christ called you to follow him? What has your response been?

What do you need to set aside or leave behind in order to follow Christ more fully?

Prayer: God, help us to respond to your call upon our lives. We know that all of the gifts and talents you have given us are from you - now help us use them as your disciples so that others may come to know your saving love. Transform us, so we can transform your world. Amen. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “Be Courageous: What Lies Ahead” - Joshua 1:1-11

Family Activity: Get a bucket of water and drop a small rock into it - what do you see? The rock ripples far beyond where it entered the water. How do our lives cause ripples? How can these ripples touch others so that they can know that Jesus loves them? 

Luke 1: 5-13, 57-80 “Preparing Our Hearts: Someone to Change the World”

     To be righteous in the site of God. Seemingly every person of faith's goal. Yet, we sometimes get so distracted by our other wants and desires - to have everything we want, for our lives to be filled with good things, for nothing bad to happen to anyone we love - we get so caught up in these wants that we stop striving for righteousness.
      I've always admired Zechariah and Elizabeth because they didn't forget - they kept striving for righteousness, even in the face of disappointment and devastation. What about us? How do we respond when we are fired? Or can't conceive a family? Or suffer a tragic loss? How can we strive to be righteous so that God is glorified, even when we don't get what we want? How can we be righteous so that all of our blessings are attributed to God?

Devo: “Preparing our Hearts: Someone to Change the World ” - Luke 1: 5-13, 57-80

December 20th, 2015  

Devotional

“Preparing our Hearts: Someone to Change the World ” - Luke 1: 5-13, 57-80

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “Both Were Righteous” - Luke 1: 5-7

Somewhere along the way, Christians started to believe into a lie that isn’t scriptural. We started to believe that our salvation, found in Jesus Christ, should act like a cape or blanket or shield, protecting us from everything bad or undesirable in the world. We find lots of scripture that teaches the exact opposite in fact. Consider Elizabeth and Zechariah who are described as righteous in the sight of God, yet they didn’t have the one thing that they hoped for - a child. In a society, where other’s judged God’s favor resting on you by the number of offspring, they had none. And yet they were righteous. 

Our relationship with God doesn’t mean that bad things will not happen to us, or that we will always get our way or all of our desires in our time. We don’t choose to follow Christ so that we get everything we want, we choose Christ for the sake of Christ alone. 

How can you prepare your heart for the times you will not get what you want in the time frame which you want it?

What are you waiting during this season of Advent?

Prayer: God, we come before you confessing that at times we get our priorities backwards. We follow you because we want something not because we love you. Forgive us, Lord. Let us be judged by our righteousness, found in following you completely, and not in our desires. Amen. 

Tuesday: “Praying Behind” - Luke 1: 8-10

God has unbelievable plans for each of us. Kingdom sized plans that will bring other people to know the love of God. But we each have the choice as to whether we are going to live into the plans God has for us - if we are going to follow God or follow our own yearnings. 

Zechariah didn’t have the one thing he desired the most - a child. Yet, he still had to go about his life, following God’s plan and purpose for his life. Part of God’s plan for him was to be chosen to go before God on the high and holy day to offer the sacrifice of incense on the alter. But, while he went in to do as God desired of him, there was a group of people behind him, praying. Those people were equally part of God’s plan - praying for Zechariah as he did what God desired. 

What about you? Do you pray for others as they live into God’s call on your life? And do you have others praying for you as you live into your call?

What does waiting feel like to you? Can you name your emotions and longings before God?

Prayer: Almighty God, you are the God of call. And you are the God that calls us to be a people of prayer. Use us to bless others and support them to live into your plan for their lives and surround us with others to support us on our journey as well. Amen. 

Wednesday: “Do Not Be Afraid” - Luke 1: 11-13

In scripture, whenever God or an angel shows up and tell you not to be afraid, there is generally cause to be afraid. For Zechariah he should have been afraid because an angel showed up and told him that his prayers had been answered and that he and his wife - in their old age were going to have a baby. Think of all of the risks of having a baby in old age. Think of all of the risks (and rewards) of having God intervene in your life. Think of the risk (and reward) of God interviewing in Zechariah’s life - he had every reason to be scared and every blessing to be had!

What stories, from your own life or others, remind you of God’s grace, faithfulness, and presence?

Has God ever told you not be afraid? What was your response? 

Prayer: God, sometimes even when you tell us not be afraid, our humanness takes over and we feel deeply afraid. In those moments when you are asking us to act and we freeze out of fear, give us your peace and assurance. Amen. 

Thursday: “Following God” - Luke 1: 57-66

Elizabeth has given birth and it is now time to give her child a name. Even though her husband cannot speak she knows what she is to name the child - John. God has spoken. All of her relatives try to talk her out of it - telling her to name the baby after her husband or another relative. Even in the face of opposition, she followed God. And when she insisted on following God’s way, her husband was able to speak and all of her neighbors started to wonder what this child would do with his life because of the blessing God had placed upon him. 

Sometimes it can be so hard to stand up for our convictions and follow God’s plan for our lives in the face of opposition. In the face of others, however rationale it may seem, telling us not to follow the way of God. What strengthens you in the face of opposition?

What practices can you engage in to help you stay strong in the face of opposition?

How can you depend on God as you wait? Who do you truly believe God to be during your periods of doubts and longing?

Prayer: God, thank you for providing us strength in the face of opposition. In the face of friends and family, whoever well meaning who try to talk us out of following you. Let us boldly live into your calling and purposes, O Holy God! Amen. 

Friday: “Let A Song of Praise Emerge” - Luke 1: 68-80

What is your first reaction when God answers your prayers? What is your first reaction when God does amazing, unpredictable things in your life? Zechariah’s first response was to craft a song of praise. The first words out of his mouth after being mute for months was to praise God! To speak a powerful word of blessing over his child.

With whom do you share your longings?

How can you cultivate an attitude of praise? 

Prayer: God, we praise you. We praise you for who you are. For how you have loved us in the past, how you love us today, and how you will continue to love us in the future! We praise you, O Lord! Amen. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic as we enter into the season of Advent: “Do You Hear Jesus Calling? - Mark 1:1-20

Family Activity: Make a praise jar. Every time something happens that you can praise God for, write it down on a slip of paper and offer to to God as a prayer. Whenever you are having a rough time, go back and read the praises from the jar. 

“Preparing our Hearts: Rebuilding and Restoring”

    What do people think of when they hear the word "Christian"? All too often I think people come up with a list of negative attributes or an image that pops up in their mind of what a Christian should be or look like. Often I find myself defying that image, so when I share that I am a Christian who loves Jesus Christ, people are surprised. Not because I don't share my faith, but rather because I don't look like what they expect. And because I have a tendency to reach out and love all people, regardless of whether they know Jesus yet.
    All too often negative words and images replace the words that should describe Christians - loving, hopeful, joy-filled. And sadly, thats because there aren't enough Christians living into these qualities. As a result the prevalent image of Christianity has become the truth. But today I find myself wondering how we can reverse that trend. How we can become known as people of hope, joy, and love - especially during the season of Advent, which proclaims all of those things in the liturgy and messages. How can we leave worship with the liturgy of hope, joy, and love in our hearts and live it out in such a way that it becomes what defines us as Christians?

Devotional: Preparing Our Hearts: Rebuilding and Restoring

   December 13th, 2015  

Devotional

“Preparing Our Hearts: Rebuilding and Restoring” - Ezra 1: 1-4; 3: 1-4; 10-13

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “God Moves Our Hearts” - Ezra 1:1, Ez. 36:26, Matthew 5:8

In today’s scripture we are told that Cyprus had his heart moved by the Lord God to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. God moving people’s hearts is not an uncommon theme in scripture. Back in the story of the Exodus, God moved Pharaoh’s heart in the opposite direction, hardening it, in order to make God’s glory known. 

Any time God moves a person’s heart it is to make God’s glory known. We may not see the immediate results of our heart being moved or the hearts of others being stirred, but whenever God is the one prompting us to do something, God will ultimately be glorified. But how can we tell if God is the one stirring our heart? As United Methodists we have four questions that we can ask ourselves that lead us make good decisions - the first is this found in scripture? Keep in mind that when we talk about scriptures it isn’t just the words that are written, but the context in which the verse(s) is found. Second, how does this relate to the traditions of the Church? Three, what does my God-given intellect/ reason say to me about this situation? And fourth, how does this reflect my experience of God?

When did you find your heart moved by God? How did you respond?

How do you go about making decisions? How could you best utilize the pieces listed above in making decisions?

Prayer: God, you stir our hearts deeply, moving us to respond in ways that give you glory. But, God, we confess that sometimes we confuse our own emotions with your deep stirring of our heart. Help us best discern the movement of your Spirit, O Lord, so we can respond. Amen. 

Tuesday: “What Are You Appointed to Do?” - Ezra 1: 2-4, 1 Peter 2:9, John 15:16

In the United Methodist Church, the word “appointed” is something that we think of in terms of pastors. Pastors are appointed to a church or parish, and as an extension the community in which that church is located, in order to serve God. However, today’s scripture points out that that different people are called or appointed by God to do different things. Cyprus was appointed to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. 

However, what Cyprus was appointed to do, he could not accomplish alone. Over 40,000 exiles returned to Jerusalem to rebuild under the guidance of the high priest, Joshua (note: not the same Joshua as the one described in the Book of Joshua). We need other people to catch the vision that God has laid on our hearts in order for the will of God to be accomplished. 

When is a time you were appointed or called to do something by God? What was that experience like?

How can you help mobilize others to fulfill God’s vision?

Prayer: God of call, thank you for calling each of us to do unique things for the sake of your Kingdom. Help us find other’s who catch the vision and dreams of your heart, O God, so that we can best glorify you. Amen. 

Wednesday: “ Time to Rebuild” - Ezra 3: 1-2, Neh. 1: 1-11

Rebuilding is hard work. For the 40,000 exiles that returned it was made even more difficult by the strained relationships with their neighbors who did not know or worship their God. The people also believed that they were taken into exile in the first place because of their disobedience to God so this time they wanted to get it right. 

The first step of rebuilding though was to return. To return to the ruins of Jerusalem. The second step to rebuilding was to craft the alter. The people believed that without the place to worship their return was in vain. What about in our own lives? We often need to rebuild and restore, relationships, finances, our attitude towards God. What is the first thing that we need to do in order to rebuild for the sake of the mission of God?

When you know you need to rebuild, restore, or repair something in your life what is the first thing you do? How does this relate to your spiritual life? 

What does the word rebuild meant to you and what does this look like in your own life?

Prayer: God of restoration, thank you for calling us to be part of your mission and vision to rebuild our life, our city, our church, with and for you. God we sometimes get so caught up in the details of the task before us that we never start. Other times we enter without having any plan and as a result we sputter and stop. Give us clarity and courage to move forward in rebuilding for you, O Lord. Amen.  

Thursday: “Despite” - Ezra 3: 3-4, 2 Cor 12:9

When reading today’s scripture lesson the word that stuck out to me the most was “despite”. Despite implies obstacles - in the case of the Israelites fear of their neighbors (who will eventually cause them to stop their work for a period of time). For us it could be the same thing - fear of what people may think or say about us - or maybe something completely different  - fear that we aren’t up to the task or that we don’t have enough to complete what we are called to do. 

The Israelites went ahead with their appointed tasks despite their fears. What do you need to set aside in order to fulfill what God is calling you to do with your life? 

What are some of the obstacles in completing the tasks God has given you?

Prayer: Inspire us, most gracious God, to keep going when the task seems to hard or there are obstacles in our way. Help us set aside whatever we may face, so that we like the Israelites, can press on despite whatever is in front of us. Amen. 

Friday: “Joyful Worship” - Ezra 3: 10-13, Psalm 100: 1-2

Following each phase of rebuilding the Israelites worshipped. After rebuilding the alter they offered a sacrifice. After re-laying the foundation of the temple each worshiped in their own way. The priests put on their finest vestments and shouted while playing the cymbals. Others wept. Still others played the trumpet. I’m sure even others worshipped through singing and dancing.

Over the years divisions have arisen in churches based on how people worship. However, what we need to explore is why we worship. We worship to give a Holy God praise and honor and glory. We worship to express our heart’s joy at the movement of God in our lives. The Israelites understood this, and did not care that each worshipped in his or her own way, only that worship took place. 

How do you worship best? How to you respond to those who worship in a different manner than you?

How can your acts of worship best reflect the joy you have towards God?

Prayer: God, help us remember that worship is for you and is about you. Let us worship you as we work towards completing each task you have called us to do. May our worship be joyful and invite others into celebrating your goodness. Amen. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “Someone to Change the World” - Luke 1: 5-13 (57-80)

Family Activity: Read together O.Henry’s book The Gift of the Magi (or find the story online and retell it). What does this story teach us about hope? How can it help us prepare for Christmas? 

Preparing our Hearts: Hearing the Cries of God

What would God say to the people of Israel? Would it be something like this? 

O, Israel, how I wish you could trust me again. I am trying to comfort you. No, I am commanding my very being to comfort you. I want to woo you back; I want to woo back the fallen city and her defeated people. You have been punished enough. I have given you more than your sins required or deserved. So I am making my way to you. Nothing I have created will stand in my way. You will be in my presence again, and you will not doubt that I am with you. I am for you.

I tell my Divine counsel to proclaim my message – While flesh is fleeting and only here on Earth for a season, my word is everlasting. I can make the flowers fade by my very thought, my very breath. But my thoughts are directed towards you good, Israel. I tell the prophet to speak with vigor. I need to get your attention, my people. I will come and bring triumph for you. I will gather you to me with loving care. 

I have chosen you, yes you! You are my lover! See I am drawing you towards me, even now, from all of the corners of the earth. You may think that I have rejected you, but I have not. Do not fear, for I am with you, and I am God. I will give you strength and help you. I will not be shamed, but those who are against you will be as I bring them down. For I am your redeemer.

You will not be disgraced. What is in the past is done and over with. Don’t think about it again! I am the God of all of the Earth and I have chosen to redeem you! I have called you back, even though I forsook you for a period of time. But my kindness cannot be contained, nor can the love I lead you back with. By this love, I will redeem you. 

Let us free ourselves to be redeemed, people of God. 

Devo - “Preparing Our Hearts: Hearing the Cries of God ” - Isaiah 40: 1-11

December 6th, 2015 Devotional

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “Comfort My People” - Isaiah 40: 1, Psalm 147:3

We each have different things that comfort us when we are going through a time of trial. For some it is a hug. For others it may be silence. Or talking. Or a cup of tea. Recently, I was at a training on how to deal with difficult deaths in the life of our congregations and our personal lives as clergy people. One clergy person asked how we know if someone is coping well, which lead into a beautiful conversation about how God created us differently with unique needs, so there isn’t any one set thing we can do in order to support a person walking through a time of grief.

But God did create us with different ways we can be comforted, we were also each given the capacity and the call to comfort other people. In fact, God’s call in today’s passage to comfort the people of God is not just for pastors or the prophet, we who bear the name of Jesus are called to comfort others - not with simple platitudes but with the hope of Jesus Christ. 

Tell about a person who offered you comfort. What made the experience helpful?

How do you offer comfort to another person? 

Prayer: God, you have called us to be a people who offers comfort to others. Give us the words to say, the tears to cry, and the the strength to walk through difficult times together as the body of Christ. Amen.

Tuesday: “It is Finished” - Isaiah 40: 2, Matthew 11:28

Sometimes we get our words of comfort wrong. Sometimes we make it about us and making us feel better. A few years ago there was an opinion column in a local paper that went into the national syndicate about what Christians should not say as words of comfort. Things like “God needed one more angel in Heaven” at the death of a child. Sometimes we get it wrong because our own pain is substituted for the words of God. 

God speaks through the prophet saying to speak tenderly, telling Israel that what they are going through is finished. What makes these words unique however, is God saying that the punishment for sin is over. This was on that list in the newspaper about things not to say - that grief and trial are because of sin. Only God can say what is and what is not punishment for in. But in this particular passage that is what Israel needs to hear from God and from God alone. God had already told them that they were being punished. That is not our declaration to make, but God can. 

What are some of the words you offer as comfort in times of grief? 

Prayer: God of all judgment - we confess that we at times have thought or perhaps even said out loud that you were punishing someone, when that may not have been the case. We let our own insecurities and judgements get in the way of tender words. Forgive us, we pray. Amen. 

Wednesday: “Preparing the Way of the Lord - Isaiah 40: 3-5, Luke 21:36

The focus on our sermon series during the season of Advent is preparing our hearts - preparing them for the coming anew of Jesus Christ. That preparation may look a little different for each of us, but we must all prepare, because we know something big is coming. We are preparing for the glory of the Lord being revealed. 

We prepare all the time. We prepare dinner. Prepare for each day with a routine. Prepare to end the day before we go to sleep at night.. We prepare for holidays. For the birth of babies. We prepare. How can we prepare for something even bigger than all of those things - for the coming of our Lord and King?

How do you prepare yourself spiritually during the season of Advent?

Tell of a time you were not prepared for a big event in your life - how did you respond differently then if you were prepared?

Prayer: Almighty God, help us be people who are prepared. Help us be people who do prepare. Preparing our hearts each Sunday as we enter into the sanctuary by praying that you be glorified. Preparing our souls for the celebration of your coming during Advent just as much as we prepare our homes. Help us prepare for the coming anew of our Lord, Jesus. Amen.

Thursday: “What Shall I Cry?” - Isaiah 40: 6-8, Mal 3:1, Matthew 3:3

I think at times we do not share our faith because we don’t quite know what to share. We have all seen or heard of the sharing of faith going so badly that it turns people off to the glory of God. We don’t want to do that so we are hesitant in sharing. The prophet even asks what he is to declare - what he is to cry out - and God gives the prophet an image to share. Of things in this life withering away, but God’s word lasting on and on. 

We all need to know what words of life we can offer when we have the opportunity to share the good news of Christ. And we need to know what images of God’s glory we can share to help us to do so. What images speak to you of the majesty of Christ? What words of life can you offer?

How has Jesus Christ transformed your life? How can you tell this story or offer these words to others? 

Prayer: O God, you have transformed our lives. In you we live and move and have our being. Yet sometimes, we aren’t very bold in sharing our story and your role in our lives. Strengthen us to share about you in life giving ways so others may come to know you. Amen. 

Friday: “Bringing the Good News” - Isaiah 40: 9-11, Luke 2:10

Today’s scripture lesson reminds me of a popular Christmas carol sung this time of the year “Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere. Go tell it on the mountains that Jesus Christ is Lord.” There is no better news to offer. No words that better show the glory of God coming in power. We are not only preparing our hearts to receive Christ this Advent season, we are preparing our voices to declare this good news. Are you prepared? 

How can you “go and tell it on the mountain” about Jesus?

Prayer: God of proclamation, fill us with uncontainable joy this holiday season so that your good news spreads. Let us be people who go up on the mountain, into the valley, and everywhere we find ourselves to be witnesses to the coming of Jesus! Amen! Amen! Amen!

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray over this coming week’s text and topic as we continue our Preparing our Hearts sermon series: “Returning and Rebuilding” - Ezra 1:1-4, 3:1-4, 3:10-13

Family Activity: What is one thing you can do for someone this Advent season to share about Jesus with one of your neighbors. Maybe it is taking them a gift and explaining that it is a reflection of Christ’s love. Or inviting someone to worship on Christmas Eve. Or helping them decorate their homes and explaining how we prepare our hearts. What can you do this holiday season to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ?