St. John's United Methodist Church | Baton Rouge

Tag: advent

  • I Believe When I Remember the Past

    I Believe When I Remember the Past

    Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. —Psalm 80:7

    In this season amid a pandemic, which has taken the lives of many and changed the lives of so many others, we find ourselves in a period of waiting. We first heard that it would be only a few weeks, so we waited; a few weeks turned into a few months, and again we waited. This period of waiting has often shifted to doubt, distrust, anger, more questions, and rebellion. We wait for someone to do something! We wait for someone to take action!

    Psalm 80 echoes these longings and emotions of a community that was also facing calamity. The Israelites were a people who felt abandoned and rejected by Yahweh. God’s people felt puzzled because this was not the Yahweh they remembered from the past. They remembered a God of action! The One who listened, gave ear, and attended to His people! They prayed and pleaded for the day His favor would be restored.

    It is with hope that we remember who God is in our lives. May we not lose hope or turn away from Him. May we have peace as we wait!

    O God, help us to still trust, believe, and have faith in you. May we never lose hope or forget you as Shepherd, Father, and Lord. May we praise you as we wait for the day of restoration. Amen.

    Rev. Latrice Mallard
    Minister of Mental and Spiritual Care

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

  • Waiting

    Waiting

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

    What we have experienced becomes a living part of us if we accept it with an attitude of growth.

    Only we can know and reflect on these moments of transformation in our life.

    Once there, the hope never leaves us and the experience will come again:

    To open us to new possibilities
    To stretch us
    To diminish our boundaries

    To teach us to love better

    In times of despair or times of joy, we wait patiently for this encounter to return.

    You, Oh God, sent your messenger to Mary with the news of a child to be born. Not knowing what her future might hold, she opened her life to all the possibilities. In this Advent season, teach us to grow and open ourselves to the love you have for us. Amen.

    Jean Clark

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

  • I Believe When It’s Hard to Believe

    I Believe When It’s Hard to Believe

    I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. —Psalm 130:5

    It is hard to believe even when…
    in many ways we are disenfranchised by the world.

    It is hard to believe even when… you are bombarded by all the things of this world – money, power, big houses, fancy cars, nice clothes, expensive perfumes and, yes, even elaborate Christmas gifts. We often think that these “things” are what we need to make life full and complete.

    It is hard to believe even when… everywhere you look the world is faced with natural disasters, climate changes, famine, lack of medical care, and yes, a world-wide pandemic.

    It is hard to believe even when… social injustice looms large, prejudice of color, status, sexual identity, socioeconomic disparity, not only here, but all around the world.

    It is hard to believe even when… you suffer a life-changing loss. Loss of employment, loss of home, loss of health, loss of independence, loss of a loved one, and now the loss of even gathering with one another without fear.

    All of us, yes all of us, struggle to believe at one time or another during our lives. We all face situations when it is difficult, yes, even “hard” to be a faithful Christian. However, when we truly believe in the birth of Jesus Christ, suddenly it is so much easier to believe. A god who would humble himself and come to live as we do makes it easy to believe even when …

    We often feel overwhelmed by expectations, disasters, and the injustice around us. When we struggle to believe, remind us that you have a plan and a hope for us that is good. Remind us that you are in control. Come, Lord Jesus, come.

    Susan Johnston

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

  • I Believe Even When My Faith Is Small

    I Believe Even When My Faith Is Small

    “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. For in Christ Jesus, nothing is impossible.”—Matthew 17: 20

    I believe even when a pandemic has the world in lockdown.

    I believe even when wildfires are raging in the west and hurricanes threaten the south.

    I believe even when it seems there is no hope, because I have seen a mother and her child reunited.

    I believe even when others do not, because I have seen the diseased and addicted change into beautiful, productive people.

    I have truly seen faith, the size of a mustard seed, move mountains.

    I believe even when the days are dark and the nights darker because the sun will rise again, and God isn’t finished moving mountains.

    Creator God, you have formed the seas, the sky, and the mountains. You have known me before I took my first breath and have counted the very hairs of my head. You walk beside me even when I cannot believe, and you are the small seed waiting to be born anew. Create in us all, new hearts and minds this Advent season, for in You all things are possible. Amen.

    Brycen Stubbs

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

  • I Believe in … Hope

    I Believe in … Hope

    Advent Week 1
    Sunday November 29, 2020

    This Advent, we are looking to hear some words of comfort, of challenge and of good news. The prophet Isaiah and the four Gospel authors were writing in a time when people needed desperately to hear all of these as well. This first week, Isaiah, the prophet, and Mark—the Gospel writer who published first—reassure the people that good news is beginning, and yet they both say, “Make yourself ready! Raise your voices, change your hearts, get ready to be transformed, because now is the time.” As we light this first candle of Hope, let us embrace hope that we can do what needs to be done to bring more light into the world.

    Holy One,
    we thank you for the glimpses we catch
    of your gift of untiring hope.
    Even in the midst of fear,
    of challenge, of struggle–
    even when our view is obscured
    by clouds of doubt,
    ignite the flame of hope within us,
    that we might glow with its brilliance
    from the inside out. Amen.

    (Light the Candle of Hope.)

    Read Isaiah 40:1-11 and Mark 1:1-15

    Litany of Hope

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

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

    When a pandemic has the world locked down,
    and our spirits feel locked up,
    We believe in God’s hope.

    When life changes so quickly, when we are faced
    with so much loss and injustice,
    We believe in God’s hope.

    When we feel stretched, or diminished and are so very tired of waiting,
    We believe in God’s hope.

    Give ear to your people, O God.
    Let us not lose hope this Advent Season.
    We place our hope in you and
    turn our hearts once more to your coming.

    Benediction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Almost Christmas

    Almost Christmas

    In 1741, John Wesley preached his famous sermon “The Almost Christian,” in which he encouraged people to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, striving to be altogether Christians. This Advent, we will consider how God is inviting us to move from an almost faith to an altogether one, as we prepare to welcome the Christ child in a fresh way this Christmas. Our series will bring together the traditional Advent themes of Peace, Hope, Joy, and Love and the best of our Wesleyan heritage.

    Every household is invited to take home the daily devotional, Almost Christmas: Devotions for the Season. The book contains 31 daily readings for December, based on reflections from John Wesley’s sermon, “The Almost Christian,” and hymns by Charles Wesley. A love offering will help us offset the cost of the books. Suggested donation: $5

    Sunday, December 1

    Isaiah 2:1-5
    “Altogether Peace”
    Rev. Lane Cotton Winn
    View sermon

    Sunday, December 8

    Isaiah 11:1-11
    “Altogether Hope”
    Rev. Deirdre’ Halliburton
    View sermon

    Sunday, December 15

    Advent Cantata
    “Altogether Joy”

    Sunday, December 22

    “Altogether Love”
    Rev. Lane Cotton Winn
    View sermon

  • Let Heaven & Nature Sing

    From the psalms that implored the earth to make a joyful noise to the very first Christmas where choirs of angels sang, music has told the story of God’s glory, greatness and unending love. This season we will let familiar Christmas carols guide our Advent journey as we implore all creation to sing the glory of Christ’s light, shining even in the midst of the darkness.

    Pre-Advent
    November 25

    Hanging of the Greens, both services

    Advent 1: Hope
    December 2, 2018

    Luke 1:8-20, 57-64– Zechariah’s Song
    Rev. Lane Cotton Winn, lead pastor
    View sermon

    Advent 2: Peace
    December 9, 2018

    Luke 1:39-56 – Mary’s Song
    Rev. Lane Cotton Winn, lead pastor
    View sermon

    Advent 3: Joy
    December 16, 2018

    Christmas Cantata: I Hear the Prophet Callin’

    December 21, 2018

    The Longest Night Service

    Advent 4: Love
    December 23, 2018

    Luke 2:8-20 – The Angel’s Song
    Rev. Lane Cotton Winn, lead pastor
    View sermon

    Christmas Eve: Christ Candle
    December 24, 2018

    4 p.m. – Family-friendly 
    7 p.m. – Traditional

    Christmas 1
    December 30, 2018

    Luke 2:25-35 – Simeon’s Song
    Rev. Deirdré Halliburton, associate pastor
    View sermon

  • Welcome Christmas Day

    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made…The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. —John 1:1,2,14 NIV

    One Christmas, I traveled to Dallas to meet with friends who were celebrating a “Friendsmas.” At this gathering were seminarians and a homeless man they had befriended. He asked for a shower, and received toiletries and clean clothes to wear while his clothes were washed! At dinner, with tears in his eyes he said, “Wow, I feel like a new man and I am so thankful for what y’all just did for me. You have no idea how much this means.” I was overwhelmed to see that actions done out of love and compassion were received with such humility. This was truly a welcoming moment; though none of us knew how the night would go, God’s Holy Spirit was very present throughout the evening.

    As I reflect on this John text, it speaks of how the word of God became human flesh, through Christ Jesus. Christmas is a joyful time, a time when we celebrate that word being made flesh with the birth of a child so small and humble. It’s that sense of humility that makes me think of our neighbors in The Shepherd’s Market who come humbly to receive. Many come who are physically hungry but they come spiritually hungry as well. What do our neighbors see in the faces and actions of The Shepherd’s Market volunteers who are serving them? Like that humble birth so long ago, God’s presence continues to find us in the ordinary places of our lives; time spent with loved ones and in acts of compassion and care to our neighbors.

    Oh Holy one, Holy three, we celebrate the birth of your son today. We celebrate how his entrance into the world made your presence become flesh incarnate. May we continue to celebrate how you walk with us, and are there present in the spaces of our lives before we ever are. Amen.

    Pastor Julia Puac-Romero

  • Welcome Christmas Eve

    So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ also welcomed you, for God’s glory. Romans 15:7 (CEB)

    During one of Kaye’s final “alert days,” I took communion over to her house. I knew this visit would be one of our last. It was a sacred time—shared in a sacred place—her home.

    As she slowly walked me out, I noticed her nativity set, complete with 12-inch tall figurines, set up by the front door on its own table. It seemed a little unusual because it was the middle of the summer!

    I commented to her how beautiful it was. She said Christmas was her favorite holiday so she liked to keep it all year. As I turned to say goodbye, she said, “I want to make sure every day I’ve got left feels like Christmas.”

    As I stood in the doorway where Kaye and her husband, James, welcome people into their home—I was reminded of the fullness of life—the goodness of God’s great love for us—that we experience in the Christ child. Yes, it’s Christmas everyday when we experience the miracle of birth alongside the mystery of death with dear loved ones in our lives.

    It’s Christmas every day when we, like…

      • Joseph, willingly accept the challenges that life poses.
      • Mary, say, “Let it be. Let it be according to Your will, O God.”
      • the angels, bring good news of God’s love to the world.
      • the innkeeper, offer welcome to our neighbors.
      • the shepherds, share the love we experience at the manger with everyone we meet.
      • the wise men, bow before God bringing these gifts to the Prince of Peace—offering our best—our lives—in his service.

    May Hope, Peace, Joy and Love abound in your hearts and lives, as together we experience the Living Christ, not only this day, but each day, forevermore.

    Emmanuel, God with us, we celebrate your presence this day. Open our eyes to your miracles each day. Thank you for accepting and welcoming us. Amen.

    Pastor Lane Cotton Winn

    Home Worship & Advent Wreath Reading*
    Christmas Eve/Christmas Day

    Lighting the Christ Candle

    Read: John 1:1-5

    Light: We offer the following reading as you light the four Advent candles and Christ Candle on your Advent wreath. If you do not have an Advent wreath, we invite you to light a candle, in honor of the Christ Child that is born again in our hearts and lives this Christmas.

    The day has finally come! As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we light the Christ candle, signifying the Light of Christ has come into the world. The candles of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love are lit, too. In lighting these candles, we remember Jesus’ presence with us now—Emmanuel—God is with us.

    (Light the first, second, third, and fourth candles. Light the center white candle.)

    Reflect: When we look at the center candle, we remember that God sent Jesus to give hope, peace, joy and love to all people. Outside of Bethlehem, the shepherds saw a great light and heard the voices of angels. They traveled to the manger and were welcomed in as the first guests to see the baby Jesus.

    Far away from Bethlehem, magi saw a star in the sky. They followed the star and were filled with joy when they found Jesus. They remind us that the gift of Jesus was not just for the people in one place but for all people. All are welcome to worship the newborn king and to follow in his pathway of light.

    It’s amazing to think of these persistent travelers who were determined to find Jesus. They traveled with hope and faith in the promise that they would find the new king. Who are the people in our world who need to know of God’s promises?

    What are our hopes on this day for our world?

    Pray: Dear God, Thank you for your son, Jesus and the welcome you extend to all people and places. This Christmas, help us remember and rejoice again because Jesus was born. May we live every day remembering your loving care and warm welcome and showing that loving care and welcome to others. Amen.

    Respond: Name one thing you are willing to do in the days following Christmas that will help you and others remember God’s promises.

    *Adapted from UMC Discipleship Ministries 2017 Advent Home Worship

  • California Christmas

    “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” —Matthew 18:20

    Our traditional family Christmas was not to be that year! Even grown children have expectations that their parents will keep the home fires burning and maintain traditions, don’t they? My stable parents had shocked the family by moving from our small Southern hometown to Orange, California. A few months after the big move, my husband, our two small children and I accepted the invitation to spend Christmas in California.

    In our hometown, we had always attended the Christmas Eve candlelight service in the lovely old Methodist church. Although my parents had not yet found a California church home, my mom was determined we would all be in church on Christmas Eve. Soon, we were piled into the car, Dad driving and Mom directing. Stops at a couple of churches proved unfruitful, either no service or a midnight service. Grumbling began from the back seat with, “Shouldn’t we go back home?” Mom insisted we forge ahead!

    It was getting dark when we happened upon a Lutheran church. We got out and followed a crowd into a big basketball gym with rows of folding metal chairs. The crowd grew quiet when a striking woman with a familiar face stood and began to belt out a carol. In a moment of insight, we recognized her as a soap opera star! The next soloist was a small boy singing “Away in a Manger” a bit off key and an octave too high. At this point, my composure snapped, and I began to giggle uncontrollably, but silently. Fortunately, my undignified behavior was witnessed only by my family. All in all, the service was lovely, and we were invited back by many kind folks. Our California Christmas reminded us that the welcoming spirit of Christmas is not dependent on tradition or place, but on Christ’s presence evident in a community of believers.

    Dear Lord, please give us open minds and hearts to know your presence in all places and situations. Amen.

    Mary Martha Allen