From Utter Hopelessness – To Blessed Hope Realized
Christmas Day 2020 by Rev. Dana Zartman “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” ~ Proverbs 13:12 1st Century Palestine: Political wasteland, Spiritual wasteland, no reason to live; no purpose in death. “GOD, we are Your remnant, where are You?” 21st Century America: Political wasteland, Spiritual wasteland, …
You’ll Never Walk Alone
As we come to the conclusion of the Advent season FCC has an additional devotional to share. As a special supplement, Cheryl Clark offers a revision of a popular piece of music that compliments this year’s devotional theme of “You are, I am, We are Never Alone” this holiday season and beyond. You’ll Never Walk …
Christmas Candles
Thursday, December 24, 2020 submitted by Kathy Cutright Jolly Christmas candles Twinkling on the tree, Lighting children’s faces With their dreams of things to be. Slender, solemn tapers Spreading altar light, Burning in the churches On this holy Christmas night. Flickering, stubby candles Bravely struggling on, Trying to convince the world That goodness isn’t gone. …
Won’t Be Easy
Wednesday, December 23, 2020 by Rev. Mark B. Parkinson “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.’” ~ Mark 16:15 Jesus spent three years moving about in the region of Galilee; teaching, healing, and caring for those in need. Following His crucifixion, death, and …
Advent – Christ’s Birth
Tuesday, December 22, 2020 by Alma Titus O Holy Night When Christ Was Born! God gave us one “special” gift, His Son, Jesus. The wise men each presented a “special” gift; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. I give great thought each year for only one “special” gift to be given to each of my immediate family. …
God Is There For Us
Monday, December 21, 2020 by Robert & Phyllis Willits Just as the sun was peering over the horizon in the eastern sky on the last day of October, I watched a squirrel hurrying across the lawn with a huge nut in his mouth. He stopped abruptly, dropped it at an exact planned spot, and dug …
I Wasn’t Prepared For This
Sunday, December 20, 2020 by Dan Lynch Those who have switched jobs can understand the nervousness that comes with this life choice. Different surroundings, different responsibilities, and different co-workers can seem a little overwhelming at first. When I left the high school classroom to become an elementary principal, I felt that uncertainty, but thought, “Hey, …
Feeling God’s Hope Through His People
Saturday, December 19, 2020 by Joel Osborne “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” ~ Matthew 11:28 The loss of a loved one is a very traumatic and heartbreaking experience. Rev. Mike was there for my sons and me during my wife’s illness, and after her …
Prayers Aren’t Always Answered Right Away
Friday, December 18, 2020 by Elva Gilkerson “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” ~ Hebrews 11:1 After a divorce many years ago, I was very lonely, and was working 60+ hours a week just to keep busy. I prayed unceasingly that God …
There’s Always Room For One More
Thursday, December 17, 2020 by Bernita Moore I remember, as a small child, watching all of the people at our big dinner table. At that time there were usually 10 or more at home for evening meals. (Cooks: that’s a peck of potatoes.) When there were enough guests, the table was extended. Our traditional Christmas …
Advent Devotional 2020
Welcome to our own devotional – written by our own people – to lead us all the way to Christmas Day!
This is our nineteenth year of providing this resource, and we hope it will be as well received as the others. It is similar, yet unique with past authors from those who are no longer with us or no longer living locally.
We do want to thank our church administrative assistant, Cheryl Clark, for creating this booklet, and the Elders for their sponsorship, especially Daniel Smittkamp for making the devotional selections.
This year we have decided to “reissue” some of the devotionals written by members of the congregation who are no longer with us in person. Some members now make their homes in other cities or states, while others have gone home to Heaven. These people live on in our memories, our thoughts, and in our hearts… and they always will.
Each morning, beginning on Sunday, November 29th, the devotional for the day will appear on this page along with all the previous entries. If you wish, you can subscribe to our online devotional by using the “Subscribe” link at the bottom of this and every page. By doing so, you will receive a daily email linking you to the new devotional. We trust you will enjoy and grow as you read the thoughts, share the scriptures, pray the prayers.
When you are finished, you may wish to
- Share it with a friend,
- Give thanks for a church that can celebrate the faith, and find ways to grow in it.
- Thank God for people who are willing to share their experiences and thoughts.
Our prayer is that you enjoy and appreciate “You are, I am, We are Never Alone” this holiday season and beyond.