December 1 | Luke 1:5-25

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DAILY READING

Luke 1:5-25

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REFLECTION

Purposeful Waiting

By Elaine Pierce

Happy First Sunday in Advent! In the midst of the holiday busyness (can't you feel yourself getting anxious as you see the calendar turning to December?), let's take time each day to meet with the Lord and meditate on his birth. Advent means 'coming,' and yes, he is coming in the form of a baby, born in a manger, born to bring us tidings of great joy and peace.

Before his birth, however, his cousin John prepares the way for him. John's parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, had not been blessed with children, and they were well along in years (if this sounds familiar, just look back at Abraham and Sarah in Genesis and see how God used another set of unlikely people to fulfill his promise to his people.) The angel Gabriel told Zechariah that he and Elizabeth would have a baby 'who will be great in the sight of the Lord (v. 15). He will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wise of the righteous - to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (v. 17).

John would 'make ready' the people. He was preparing for Jesus.

As you prepare for Advent, for the coming birth of the Messiah, what are you doing to get ready? If you're like me you're making lists of what gifts you still need to buy.....you're marking the calendar for all the events you plan to attend and the parties/gatherings you will host. You might be baking Christmas cookies....or choosing gifts for business clients....or helping children with realistic expectations for what Santa will bring (maybe not EVERYTHING in the Target catalog....). You might be buying gifts for an Operation Christmas Child shoebox ..... or participating in a local toy drive.....the list of fun and worthy activities is endless.

In the midst of this season, let's stop each day and sit at the feet of our Lord. Zechariah doubted God's messenger (How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.) I suspect my reaction to such news would be the same. But thanks be to God, he has told us that he will come again, and we can trust his promises.

Join me this advent season in expectant waiting for our Savior's birth.

PRAYER

These advent hymns can be a source of worship and meditation as you walk through the advent season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX975125R-U

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!

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November 30 | Malachi 4:1-6

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DAILY READING

Malachi 4:1-6

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REFLECTION

A Deafening Silence

by Judy Webb

"Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel. (v.4)

The Prophet Malachi is reminding the people to turn from their wickedness just as those who prophesied before him. All these courageous men stood up to the evil practices of their people and did all they could to turn them back to God. Their words were attempts to show them how obedience to the Law of Moses could save them. He pleaded with them to believe, and to keep believing with expectation! They preached, “There is coming a day when the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. (v.2) Spiritual light will shine over everything.

Reading through the Book of Malachi I was reminded of the period in Biblical history when God was silent. God shares His last words in Malachi 4:6 and the silence begins. I can’t even imagine what that must have been like. Think about it; when was the last time you cried out to God for help, for His Word to speak to your heart?  What if He wasn’t speaking. What if He didn’t answer? How could you move forward? I am thinking of a time, over 40 years ago, when I called out to God for answers.

It was during a particularly dark time for me, and I was wondering how I could go on, even if I wanted to. Almost immediately I felt a presence or a peace wash over me. It was at this time there began a life change; a slow, but deliberate change to my thinking. I could see my part in all the pain I had experienced, and a renewal began to take place. There is much more to this story, but the point is that God was not silent then at my hour of need. And He is not silent now!

When we come to these crossroads in our lives, (and we probably will), we must believe. Not only believe, but believe with expectation!

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, You are the Bright Morning Star and the One who lights my path every day. There is no darkness when following You. Give us the faith to believe with expectation, knowing how much You love and forgive us every day. Praying with expectation removes the doubt and makes the waiting exciting. Thank you. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.

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November 29 | Isaiah 61:1-11

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DAILY READING

Isaiah 61:1-11

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REFLECTION

Humility and Humanity

By Diane Ward

The book of Isaiah is often described as a “singing book” because the word appears in it more than any book in the Bible. Isaiah was a preacher and a poet. The book of Isaiah is a message of warning and hope.

God warned Israel of her sin. The people were told to trust God and not human authorities.

Ultimately, God would provide a King whose reign would never end! The current nature on earth will transition to a supernatural order where wild and domestic animals cohabit, where children play unafraid of harm from animals or humans, where war is not incited by political passions, prejudice and hatred. 

In the temple of the Lord one day Isaiah told the people about the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He loved and taught them that Jesus would save them; that He would come one day to save his people from sin; but not everyone would recognize him as their savior.

We personalize Isaiah’s message by heeding warnings, by seeing God’s true nature, and responding to His call. Isaiah, much ahead of his time, teaches us about the suffering, humble servant. He teaches us about humility and humanity.

I struggle with changes of government, with power, infighting and self-aggrandizement. We are reminded that the humble Servant hung on a cross as angels watched and hovered close by. Isaiah was martyred. He was punished for saying “I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips.” (Isaiah 6:5)

PRAYER

Lord, sometimes we feel hopeless as we pray for a time of peace. Life is fragile, we hold it humbly living one day at a time with awareness that the comfort we seek is with Spirit. “We must follow the Lamb.” (Isaiah 53)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DIANE WARD

I love to research and learn something new I hadn’t considered. From 2015 through present, I continue to write on fifth Fridays. Bless us all who write and share the Word of God! We never know who might find peace and grace along the way, including us!

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