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Close your eyes, breathe, and clear your mind. Be still. Center your scattered senses on God’s presence.

REFLECTION: Written by Margot Wallace

In Matthew 2:1-12, we are told how the wise men from the East, carrying gifts for the new ruler of the Jews, made their long, perilous journey. With great faith, they followed the star to Jerusalem to worship the king. They were filled with joy as they worshipped the baby Jesus.  They avoided returning to Herod, who wished to impose harm on the Christ child.

How many of us have embarked on a trip with great anticipation, expecting a celebration in an unknown place? Trips are exciting but also demand focus to ensure the necessary connections for a successful journey. While we are limited in our ability to travel at this time, we still hold dear vivid memories of adventures in distant lands. I recall doing just that one birthday. I was going to Florence for the first time to meet friends and celebrate! Unlike following a star as the wise men did, there were many connections to ensure timely travel. My anticipation was great. Upon arriving, there were many new people to meet and places to see. The atmosphere was merry. Many gifts were presented to me on my special day. Like the three wise men, I had been led into an unknown environment, relying on faith, to proceed to a new place. The evening hours progressed with much celebration. The memories of this birthday are fresh and vivid. Do you have similar travel stories?  Think of one such favorite memory where you travelled to an unknown environment with great anticipation for the coming celebration by nothing more than an itinerary (star).  Perhaps on the way you encountered a “Herod” with his own deceptive agenda? 

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 98:4-6

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

Pause and meditate on the Scripture.

PRAYER:  Written by Kathleen Norris, a contemporary American poet and essayist.

Giver of all that is good, we thank you today for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who was born into poverty in a hard and cruel time, who gave himself for us, and lives with you in glory. We thank you for all your friends and prophets who have gone before us, and those who taught us to celebrate this feast of the Nativity with beloved Scripture and beloved carols and loud rejoicing. Help us to teach those who come after us that Christmas is a holy time, a time to seek reconciliation and peace.

Click on the link to see and hear the music video.

MUSIC VIDEO:  All is Calm, San Diego Opera:  Silent Night. 

IMAGE: Three Wise Men: Painted by Margot Wallace from our church

If using an advent wreath, light the two purple candles, the rose-colored candle, the third purple candle and the center white candle. The fifth white candle represents light and purity and is called “Christ’s candle.”

Close your eyes, breathe, and clear your mind. Be still. Center your scattered senses on God’s presence.

REFLECTION: Written by Lois Blanchard Eades (1919-2011), an American poet.

If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you’d do

I know you’d give your nicest room, to such an honored guest and the food that you serve Him, Would be the very best

You’ld keep assuring Him, you’re glad to have Him there That serving Him in your own house, is joy beyond compare

But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door with arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavenly Visitor?

Would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in? Or hide some magazines, and put the Bible where they’d been?

Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out? Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?

And I wonder…if the Savior spent a day or two with you, would you go right on doing the things you always do?

Would you go right on saying the things you always say? Or would life for you continue as it does from day to day?

Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you go? Or would you maybe change your plans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him meet your closest friends? Or would you hope they stay away until His visit ends?

Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on? Or would you sigh with great relief when he at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know, the things that you would do, If Jesus came in person, to spend some time with you.

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 46:7, 11

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Pause and meditate on the Scripture.

PRAYER:  The O Antiphons are used at Vespers of the last 7 days of Advent in Western Christian traditions. The exact origin of the O Antiphons is not known but Boethius (480-524) referenced them. This translation is from the Church of England’s Book of Common Worship liturgy.

O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver, the hope of the nations and their Savior: Come and save us, O Lord our God.

Click on the link to see and hear the music video.

MUSIC VIDEO:  Choir of King’s College: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel  (submitted by Juan Carlos Acosta)

IMAGE: Mark Price: If He Came to Your House

Close your eyes, breathe, and clear your mind. Be still. Center your scattered senses on God’s presence.

REFLECTION: Written by Helen Harter

The kids were home from college, Grandma had arrived and after a busy day of cooking, baking and present wrapping, all were ready to attend the Christmas Eve services at church.  We left two friendly Golden Retrievers at home to “guard the house” and we headed off to church just a few blocks away. The service was inspiring, and my granddaughter joined the choir, lending her pure, sweet soprano voice to the beloved Christmas music.  We joyously discussed our favorite parts of the Christmas program as we returned to the car in the chilly winter evening.  Upon our return home we were faced with the aftermath of a break-in and robbery.  A rear window had been broken to gain entrance, bedroom drawers were emptied on the floor, jewelry and electronics stolen. Though everyone was unsettled, we still could thank the Lord, for we believe we returned home earlier than expected, and the robbery was aborted.  When they heard the garage door open, they fled out the back as we entered the house.  The two dogs, though very skittish, were unharmed and all the beautifully wrapped gifts were untouched.  After the police searched, dusted for prints, and had gone on their way, my son received a call from a “Good Samaritan” several towns away who, when going for an evening walk with his daughter, had discovered a discarded back-pack lying in the street.  Inside was my son’s business card which enabled the man to call with news of his discovery.  Christmas afternoon my son was able to go and retrieve much of the stolen jewelry.  Why the backpack was discarded we will never know, but we do know that all things work together for good to them that love God!

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 126

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.

Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

Pause and meditate on the Scripture.

PRAYER:  The O Antiphons are used at Vespers of the last 7 days of Advent in Western Christian traditions. The exact origin of the O Antiphons is not known but Boethius (480-524) referenced them. This translation is from the Church of England’s Book of Common Worship liturgy.

O King of the nations, and their desire, the cornerstone making both one: Come and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay.

Click on the link to see and hear the music video.

MUSIC VIDEO:  Libera:  Carol of the Bells

IMAGE:

Close your eyes, breathe, and clear your mind. Be still. Center your scattered senses on God’s presence.

REFLECTION: Written by Allan Anderson

All Christians are aware of the Advent season. The story of Jesus’s impending arrival becomes foremost in our minds during the month of December and culminates with his birth on Christmas Day. It is the most demanding, joyous and family-focused month of the year. The year 2020 has added some additional dimensions to what we all may hope is coming, in addition to the most wonderful gift ever offered us, the birth of Jesus! Life outside of the church community is concerned about other comings. Will the end of the year bring the arrival of a new vaccine to offer protection against the continued COVID virus? As we move through December will doctors and scientists have brought forward new therapeutic regimens to help with current treatment options? Will we be able to gather together as a church community to celebrate our savior’s arrival?  Will families be able to join together in celebration and thankfulness for this very special time of year? There are also questions surrounding the arrival of the New Year, 2021. We will have completed the November election and hopefully begun the work of giving our nation continued positive direction that benefits us all. Vaccines, therapeutics, medical advances, and the sacrifice of so many will blend together and will direct a healthy and revised pathway that leads us in our faith, work, and caring efforts for the New Year and beyond. Advent is the “coming” and the arrival of our savior, Jesus Christ. God will send this light once again to strengthen our daily lives and actions that reflect our continued desire to follow Jesus, for life.

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 27:1, 5

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

Pause and meditate on the Scripture.

PRAYER:  The O Antiphons are used at Vespers of the last 7 days of Advent in Western Christian traditions. The exact origin of the O Antiphons is not known but Boethius (480-524) referenced them. This translation is from the Church of England’s Book of Common Worship liturgy.

O Morning Star, splendor of light eternal and sun of righteousness: Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

Click on the link to see and hear the music video.

MUSIC VIDEO:  Hillsong Worship: O Holy Night

IMAGE: Painted by Connie McCoy of our church

Close your eyes, breathe, and clear your mind. Be still. Center your scattered senses on God’s presence.

REFLECTION: Written by Laura Metzger

Joy is an emotion directly connected to Christmas. We think of the joy of exchanging gifts; the joy of children on Christmas morning; the joy of spending time with family and friends; the joy of celebration.  Sometimes happiness and joy are confused, however.  Happiness is often driven by earthly pleasures and is an emotion that can quickly disappear if things don’t go as expected. Joy, however, is a deeper emotion than happiness. Joy is a choice we make to pursue a life focused on God. Joy is more than feel good happiness; it is the inward peace and contentment we feel based on knowing God’s goodness. Joy is a deep-rooted happiness in the Lord’s strength and peace.  Joy is trusting when we want to doubt. Joy is celebrating when we want to fear. Joy is finding peace in times of anxiety. We demonstrate our joy by serving others, by seeing God’s work in the world, and by allowing our hearts to fully love each other. This Advent season is a great time to build Christ-centered joy into our lives by keeping Jesus in the heart of our celebration this year. Rejoice, pray, and give thanks that God is with us – experience the true joy of this season.

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 28:7-9

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Pause and meditate on the Scripture.

PRAYER:  The O Antiphons are used at Vespers of the last 7 days of Advent in Western Christian traditions. The exact origin of the O Antiphons is not known but Boethius (480-524) referenced them. This translation is from the Church of England’s Book of Common Worship liturgy.

O Key of David and scepter of the House of Israel; you open and no one can shut; you shut and no one can open: Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house, those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

Click on the link to see and hear the music video.

MUSIC VIDEO:  Andrea Bocelli/Mary Blige: What Child is This

IMAGE: Melani Pyke:  Good News of Great Joy

If using an advent wreath, light the two purple candles, the rose-colored candle and the third purple candle. The fourth candle represents peace and is called the “Angel’s Candle.” The angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace–He came to bring people close to God and to each other again.

Close your eyes, breathe, and clear your mind. Be still. Center your scattered senses on God’s presence.

REFLECTION: Written by Irene Dickson (Continued from yesterday)

In the remote setting on the northern shores of Lake Kariba there were no churches. The village built to house the overseas workers was basic with dirt roads and not many facilities except a swimming pool…. and a factory shell that would soon be a sparsely stocked grocery store. My dad decided there should be some kind of celebration, so on Christmas Eve 1971 he organized all the families to gather in that empty building and celebrate the birth of Jesus. We had no pastor preaching the familiar story, no orchestra or choir leading us in worship, not even a chair to sit on. We did have candles-only because the electricity was not yet connected! A group of Christians worshipping together, someone shouting out the first line of a carol and everyone joining in, singing the words we all know and love.  The Village Church is beautiful in all seasons. The message and the music are powerful and relevant, particularly at Christmas when the campus is breathtaking, the meaning of the season profound. On Christmas Eve as I sit squeezed into the pew with John, our three young adult children, and friends who’ve chosen to join us, emotions overwhelm me. Whether in Methil, Kilembe, Kariba or Rancho Santa Fe, the songs, words, feeling and meaning of Christmas are the same. 

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Pause and meditate on the Scripture.

PRAYER:  The O Antiphons are used at Vespers of the last 7 days of Advent in Western Christian traditions. The exact origin of the O Antiphons is not known but Boethius (480-524) referenced them. This translation is from the Church of England’s Book of Common Worship liturgy.

O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples; before you kings will shut their mouths, to you the nations will make their prayer: Come and deliver us, and delay no longer.

Click on the link to see and hear the music video.

MUSIC VIDEO:  Gabie Ntaate for NTV Uganda: Christmas in Peace and Harmony

IMAGE: Jesus Mafa (Cameroon): The Birth of Jesus with Shepherds

Close your eyes, breathe, and clear your mind. Be still. Center your scattered senses on God’s presence.

REFLECTION: Written by Irene Dickson (Part 1)

My dad was a miner in the coal pits on the east coast of Scotland. Christmas Day was not an official holiday until 1958, and most folks worked unless Christmas fell on a weekend. When I was 5, and my sister was a week old, my dad left to work in the mines on the Gold Coast of Africa. My mom, sister Elaine, and I followed him a few weeks later and we spent the next 10 years on that continent where my dad worked in the Ashanti Gold Mines in Ghana, in the copper mines in the Ruwenzori mountains of Uganda, and at the construction of a hydroelectric power station at the Kariba Dam in Zambia.

Like many Christians in remote areas of the world today, we celebrated Christmas in any way we could. There were no department stores, many foods were difficult to get, and of course nothing came by mail except for trinkets and candy for my sister and me, along with dried potatoes and other necessities that were ‘smuggled’ in newspapers-the Sunday Post and the East Fife Mail-sent by relatives from Scotland. Christmas Day was spent at the community pool, along with all the other ex-pat families-many from the same area in Scotland as us. In Kilembe, Uganda, there was an Anglican Church. All were welcome and at Christmas time I remember the beautiful African voices singing our favorite carols accompanied by traditional African instruments mostly made by hand from sticks and animal skins. (Continued tomorrow). 

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 96:9-10

Worship the Lord in the splendor of hisholiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.

Pause and meditate on the Scripture.

PRAYER:  The O Antiphons are used at Vespers of the last 7 days of Advent in Western Christian traditions. The exact origin of the O Antiphons is not known but Boethius (480-524) referenced them. This translation is from the Church of England’s Book of Common Worship liturgy.

O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.

Click on the link to see and hear the music video.

MUSIC VIDEO:  God’s Grace Orphanage Nakawuka, Uganda: Merry Christmas

IMAGE: Church in Kilembe, Uganda (Submitted by Irene Dickson)

Close your eyes, breathe, and clear your mind. Be still. Center your scattered senses on God’s presence.

REFLECTION: Written by Alan Goodman

Advent is all about “Coming”. La Costa Glen residents have been severely “shut down” for months and months to protect our vulnerable citizens. In the midst of not being able to go to church, going “virtual” as an alternative, we have experienced God’s presence here in a most unexpected way! This at a time when God was effectively shut out! La Costa Glen Management agreed for the FIRST TIME EVER to actually BROADCAST all the Village Church services AND the Village Church Bible Studies on our in-house TV system. We now reach almost 900 potential viewers, most of whom have never even experienced our church at all! Without this pandemic, this would never have happened!  When I think of “coming”, Jesus is being broadcast to more people here than ever before! It has been amazing to hear from non-church residents, Catholics, and other denominations who are seeing our Pastors every week providing the Jesus message. I know non-Village Church LCG residents watch because they call me about these TV broadcasts. In addition, Glenbrook Health Center also is showing all the Village Church services to those in Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living on their own in-house TV system. That also has NEVER happened before. Glory be to God! He sure has come to this retirement community in all his glory during this pandemic. Hallelujah!

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 105:1-4

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

Pause and meditate on the Scripture.

PRAYER:  The O Antiphons are used at Vespers of the last 7 days of Advent in Western Christian traditions. The exact origin of the O Antiphons is not known but Boethius (480-524) referenced them. This translation is from the Church of England’s Book of Common Worship liturgy.

O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from one end to the other, mightily and sweetly ordering all things: Come and teach us the way of prudence.

Click on the link to see and hear the music video.

MUSIC VIDEO:  Carrie Underwood and John Legend:  Hallelujah

IMAGE: Lindisfarne Scriptorium: Glory

Close your eyes, breathe, and clear your mind. Be still. Center your scattered senses on God’s presence.

REFLECTION: Written by Vickie Stone

How perfectly appropriate to use Psalms as the focus for this Season of Advent. What other season does music feature as such a significant part of the celebration?! No doubt many have their favorite Christmas carols, yet this year for me, thinking of a song that was especially poignant for 2020 is the song “There Was Jesus”. I only heard about this song when I was on Zoom for the choir’s retreat in September. Renown pianist/lyricist/music arranger Joseph Martin (who has worked with our choir on many occasions) was the guest speaker from Austin TX.  He happened to mention he recently worked with Dolly Parton for arranging a song she did as a duet with Zach Williams. Now I adore Dolly Parton- her authenticity and her Christian heart. So when I watched the music video (included below) and then read the lyrics I was captivated by how perfectly this song fit with all the challenges the world has faced in 2020.

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 24:7-10

Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, you gates;  lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory.

Pause and meditate on the Scripture.

PRAYER:  From a 6^th century Gregorian Rite.

O Lord Jesus Christ, by your incarnation you united things earthly and heavenly. Fill us with the sweetness of inward peace and goodwill, that we may join the heavenly host in singing praises to your glory; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Click on the link to see and hear the music video.

MUSIC VIDEO:  Zach Williams and Dolly Parton: There Was Jesus submitted by Vickie Stone

IMAGE: Yongsung Kim:  Calm and Stars

Close your eyes, breathe, and clear your mind. Be still. Center your scattered senses on God’s presence.

REFLECTION: Written by Michael Dyer

The search for Jesus and his birthplace by the Magi has forever seemed fascinating to me. These were people of prominence and stature in Middle Eastern society moved to make a long journey across foreign lands to an undefined location. No GPS, not even a rudimentary road map, they were guided by celestial navigation. In addition to the burden of an indeterminate itinerary, they came laden with valuable gifts, which made them a target of highway bandits. What a frightful journey for those who could have just as easily stayed at home in a comfortable tent! Yet God guided them in their quest and they found Jesus, the Christ child. Christ came not only to free the lowly shepherds, the outcasts of society, but the Magi as well, people of wealth and privilege who still needed and sought God’s saving grace. What a wonderful Savior we serve. Merry Christmas.

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 29:1-2

Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendor.

Pause and meditate on the Scripture.

PRAYER:  Written by Richard John Neuhaus (1936-2009), a Christian cleric and writer.

Father in heaven, you came to earth in the person of your Son, Jesus Christ. At the coming of your Spirit upon Mary inspired her to welcome the One who is her child and her lord, so also open our eyes to the gift already given. Forgive us our restless searching for your presence according to our expectations. Direct our searching according to your gift. May we, like the star-led sages of old, be ever guided to the appointed meeting place in the Child of Bethlehem. Amen.

Click on the link to see and hear the music video.

MUSIC VIDEO:  Kirk Franklin: We Three Kings  (Submitted by Michael Dyer)

IMAGE: Rubens: The Adoration of the Magi