Advent Devotions: Sunday, January 6, 2019

Matthew 2:1-23                                                                 Flight to Egypt

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.”

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Guatemala is a country of breathtaking beauty: towering ancient pyramids, white sand beaches of the Caribbean, black sand beaches of the Pacific Ocean, verdant jungle inhabited by howler monkeys and rainbow-colored birds. Coffee grows in misty rainforests and chocolate is harvested from the sides of active volcanoes. Mayan indigenous villages dot the cloud-covered highlands, and fields of sugarcane sway on the sunbaked southern coast.

Yet it is estimated that nearly 10% of Guatemala’s population currently lives in the United States.

What would cause so many men, woman and children to uproot their existence, to leave behind their country, culture, language, and family? Why the flight from home to the unknown?

Reading today’s text, it’s easy to imagine the scene in Bethlehem: Mary and Joseph are in utter joy at the birth of their baby boy. The Savior, whose birth was announced by the angels themselves. A stream of visitors, from humble shepherds to the mighty magi, all there to worship the infant Jesus. Gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh!

But then, suddenly: A dream. An angel. A warning. “Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to look for the child to kill him.”  A shocking shift from joy to fear… forcing a flight in the night to a foreign land.

What motivated Joseph to flee with Mary and the baby Jesus into Egypt? Was it the command of the angel? Or was it the love for his wife and newborn child and his concern for their well -being?

Like Joseph, parents throughout history have done everything possible to protect their families from violence, hunger, disease, and poverty. For Guatemalans and others, this often means seeking refuge in a foreign country. And it doesn’t always require an angel’s warning to know when it’s time to leave home.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to remember that every day families around the world are forced to flee from conditions that we can’t even imagine. Help us to recognize our common humanity, welcome the displaced, and remember that Jesus was once an immigrant too. Amen.

Rob Mercatante has been working as a volunteer in Guatemala for almost 30 years. He is currently co-director of The Human Rights Defenders Project, based in Guatemala City. He is also a member of Grace Lutheran Church, in Yorktown Heights, NY.

Advent Devotions: Saturday, January 5, 2019

Hebrews 12:1-3                                       A Great Cloud of Witnesses

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.

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In just a few lines, the author of the letters to the Hebrews puts before us three important truths about our lives of faith.

-We are not alone, but surrounded by a “cloud of witnesses.” We are always part of a community of sisters and brothers, those who have gone before us—our parents, grandparents, spouses, other relatives and friends and countless others we’ve never met or known—all of us a family in Christ. Despite our being surrounded by sisters and brothers every Sunday as we sing, pray, share the bread and cup, we often feel alone when it comes to the struggle, the “race” the writer also tells us we’re on here, with the kingdom among us, moving on toward the kingdom that has no end. When the anger, divisions, cruelty toward immigrants, the poor, people of color, LGBT folk, and so many others may make us feel isolated, abandoned, we are not alone. We are surrounded by the holy women and men of all time, carrying us along, understanding our struggles and sadness, sharing with us their joy.

-Jesus has gone on before us, the trailblazer, the pioneer, the one who shows us what it is to live completely in the human and in the divine. Jesus is not magician, yet Jesus is a wonderworker, the one who breaks through walls that divide us. Jesus extends this wonderful work to each of us.

-It is no easy stroll, no glide right into glory. Jesus’ path shows us it is a struggle. Now as we prepare for the feat of Jesus’ birth, we may not recall that he came as a child, as one of us, to lift on the cross with

himself, all of us, all of the pain and hatred, transforming it all, raising it up into new life. We celebrate Jesus’ coming as a promise of this new life, and not promise only, but a gift, every day.

Michael Plekon’s interest in studying religion began early on when he chose to pursue a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Philosophy from the Catholic University in Washington, D.C. in 1970. He later obtained a master’s degree and a doctorate in Sociology and Religion from Rutgers University in New Jersey. Originally ordained in the Lutheran Church, he was later received into the Orthodox Church in America and has served as an Associate Priest at St. Gregory Orthodox Church in Wappingers Falls, NY since 1996. He is a prolific writer having published more than a dozen books and hundreds of papers, book chapters and reviews.

Advent Devotions: Friday, January 4, 2019

Hebrews 11:32-40                                           More Examples of Faith

And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect.

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What more can I say than what you have already heard and known?  But I will try any way.

Those growing up with a Sunday School experience in church will remember lessons on Gideon, Samson, David and Samuel; all heroes of the Hebrew Scriptures.  They excelled as judges, kings, and prophets for the Israelite people, giving testimony to their faith.  And the First Testament witness is also full of the heartbreaking stories of those who suffered greatly, who were persecuted and killed because of their faith. 

Yet the writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews informs us that, for all their accomplishments and sacrifices, not one of them received from God anything better or was promised anything more than what God, in the birth and life, death and resurrection of Jesus, has promised to us.

Today, think about and share with another person what gifts of the spirit you have received in order to be able to make a difference in the lives of others.  Might they be used in service to your country or community?  Might they be used giving assistance to a neighbor?  Might they be used in love for your family?

Also, think about and share with another person the tough times you have had to endure or the difficult decisions you have had to make.  How was the presence of Christ made known to you in these events?

Hero and martyr, saint and sinner, believer and doubter, you and I, we are all equally united in the fulfillment of God's blessings and promises in the gift of Jesus Christ.  

The Gospel according to John concludes with this verse: "But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." (John 21: 25)

    What more can we say after all Jesus has said to us?

    What more can we do after all Jesus has done for us?

    What more can we be after all Jesus means to us!

Pastor Jim Slater is retired from pastoral ministry after 40 years in the Upstate New York Synod of the ELCA, serving congregations in Redwood and Orleans Four Corners and in Valatie and Stuyvesant Falls.  Many times he lost in games of cards to Pastor Jennifer and her mother, Pastor Elaine Berg.

Advent Devotions: Thursday, January 3, 2019

Hebrews 11:23-31                                            Freedom through Faith

By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth, because they saw that the child was beautiful; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called a son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered abuse suffered for the Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, unafraid of the king’s anger; for he persevered as though he saw him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel. By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace.

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It’s not safe to be a believer! In each of the images given in this selection from Hebrews, faith is paired with risk. Moses’ parents risked the retribution of Pharaoh by keeping their baby when the death of all newborn males had been decreed. The adult Moses risked the persecution of Pharaoh by choosing to embrace his Jewish faith. All those who observed the first Passover trusted in their faith to protect them from the risk of the plague against the first born in Egypt. The theme continues in the other examples.

We may not have to deal with a vengeful Pharaoh or the pursuit of chariots but there is still risk today for faithful Christians. Yes, there is obvious danger for those who serve in missions in countries that are antagonistic to Christianity, but in a different way there is a kind of risk even to us in our day to day lives. How many are reluctant to reveal that they are active in their faith to colleagues in the workplace, acquaintances, or sometimes even relatives, for fear of being branded with negative connotations? We need to be confident in our faith, and grateful for the gifts and benefits God pours out to us through our faith, and be bold to proclaim our love of God in the face of any risk that poses in this environment that dismisses God in so many ways.

I can’t leave this scripture selection without asking…..did you notice the verse that says: (Moses) considered abuse suffered for the Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt. We don’t often think of Christ sneaking into Old Testament stories. But it makes sense in terms of the understanding of God as the Trinity and, as stated in Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. But that’s a topic for another reflection!

Prayer: God of all our support, strengthen our faith so that we can lean on you when loving you presents us with risks and challenges. Amen.

Mary Beth Commisso is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Brewster, NY

Advent Devotions: Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Hebrews 11:8-22                                                            Abraham’s Faith

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.” All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, of whom he had been told, “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.” He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead—and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac invoked blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, “bowing in worship over the top of his staff.” By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his burial.

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“By faith… he set out, not knowing where he was going.”  By faith.  Trust.  Blind trust.  God said go, and Abraham went.  Simple as that.  Yet so incredible.  Can you imagine yourself being that vulnerable?  How often have you surrendered yourself so completely to God’s will?  Our relentless tendency, our human nature is to trust in the things we can see, touch, hear, hold, deposit, accumulate… and… perhaps, simultaneously, express some level of faith in our Lord.  We live in a constant battle between human inclinations and divine inspiration.  It is important to remember “faith” is not something we possess or manage or control… it is a gift.  It is not about trying harder, hoping to “do better.”  Faith is pure gift from God.  To believe in God, to trust in our Lord is the work of the Holy Spirit in and among us. 

Abraham, like so many saints who have gone before us are reminders… witnesses… that despite our human faults and failings, our fears and reluctance to give up control to God in our lives, it is God who remains faithful to us.  It is God who keeps God’s promises.  Hearing again how God said to Abraham: “go, and [Abraham] set out, not knowing where he was going” is less about Abraham doing an extraordinary thing… and more about God’s unyielding work in this world to bring about Resurrection hope. 

A few years ago, our congregation (Gustavus Adolphus, NYC) was host for the Syracuse University Choir.  About 40 college students stood in the balcony, encircling the entire sanctuary.  With the most beautiful blend of harmonic voices, they sang a stirring song about faith with these lyrics (check it out on YouTube):

“I believe in the sun even when it is not shining
And I believe in love, even when there’s no one there.
And I believe in God, even when he is silent.”

The author of these powerful words is unknown for they were inscribed on a wall in a Nazi concentration camp during WWll.  An anonymous voice, who suffered wretched and unimaginable treatment, assailed by darkness and haunting silence, still could say… “I believe in God.”  This is nothing less than a declaration of a holy hope, the work of God among us. 

Prayer: May the One who is faithful in all things bless and strengthen you to believe more deeply, have stronger hope, greater love… and face each day with peace-filled hearts.

Pastor Chris Mietlowski is serving at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in Manhattan for the last 11 years.  Prior to that, he served in Dobbs Ferry and Easton, Pennsylvania.  In addition to ministry in the parish, Pastor Chris has been involved with various synodical ministries:  diakonia (faculty and former executive director), Pinecrest (former assistant director), the Candidacy Committee (2 terms) and is currently on Synod Council.  He has also served in the wider community as a volunteer chaplain for Dobbs Ferry Fire Department, community board member for Children’s Village (residential program for troubled youth), and community liaison for the 13^th Precinct of NYPD.  He is married (39 years), has four children, 3 grandchildren and enjoys playing golf.  

Advent Devotions: January 1, 2019

Hebrews 11:1-7                                                         A Heritage of Faith

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death; and “he was not found, because God had taken him.” For it was attested before he was taken away that “he had pleased God.” And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir to the righteousness that is in accordance with faith.

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Substance and evidence are the two words that stick with me from my childhood. They get lost from this translation to “confidence” and “assurance.” In so translating the verse, we seem to lose the science and gain a personal and emotional element. While this is fine, I receive more “assurance” from faith as substance of the Spirit and evidence of the unseen realm of the divine. Evidence satisfies my scientific bent and substance affords me a spiritual lifeline as I progress in my faith life. Christ becomes real rather than an idea. Christ is a companion in our journey and He is that upon which we lean when we need encouragement. It is all too easy on our journey to be misled by our own fears and desires. Now do we need “blessed assurance?” Most certainly, and we obtain it by faith in the evidence of God with Us (Emmanuel), Jesus who comes to us as a real human baby, born of the Father’s immense Love for us.

Prayer: Divine Father of all, keep us close to Thee in our journey in faith which sets us free from the pitfalls of sin, doubt, and fear. Jesus told Thomas “Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet believe.” This is what Christmas is truly about: a life in, with, and surrounded by the Love gifted us in Christ Jesus. Amen

Franklyn Commisso is Minister of Music at Trinity Lutheran Church, Brewster, NY