Advent Devotions: Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018

Esther 2:1-11                                                           Esther and Mordecai

After these things, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had abated, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her. Then the king’s servants who attended him said, ‘Let beautiful young virgins be sought out for the king. And let the king appoint commissioners in all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the beautiful young virgins to the harem in the citadel of Susa under the custody of Hegai, the king’s eunuch, who is in charge of the women; let their cosmetic treatments be given them. And let the girl who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.’ This pleased the king, and he did so.

 Now there was a Jew in the citadel of Susa whose name was Mordecai son of Jair son of Shimei son of Kish, a Benjaminite. Kish had been carried away from Jerusalem among the captives carried away with King Jeconiah of Judah, whom King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had carried away. Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is Esther, his cousin, for she had neither father nor mother; the girl was fair and beautiful, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai adopted her as his own daughter. So when the king’s order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in the citadel of Susa in the custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king’s palace and put in the custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women. The girl pleased him and won his favour, and he quickly provided her with her cosmetic treatments and her portion of food, and with seven chosen maids from the king’s palace, and advanced her and her maids to the best place in the harem. Esther did not reveal her people or kindred, for Mordecai had charged her not to tell. Every day Mordecai would walk around in front of the court of the harem, to learn how Esther was and how she fared.

****

Quite a few popular novels have the main character as an orphan child such as Anne of Green Gables and Harry Potter. In biographies we read of people such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Eleanor Roosevelt and Babe Ruth, all who were orphaned at an early age .We feel and see the loss they suffered early in life and marvel at how they grew to adulthood without the loving care and guidance of their parents. As in most cases there is a person or persons who steps in to care for the child and the influence of that caretaker can make all the difference in how well a child grows and matures. Esther is such a child and since her parents had died her cousin Mordecai had raised her as his daughter. Esther is only 14 years old when she along with many other young virgins are taken into the harem of King Ahasuerus in order for the king to choose who will be his new queen. Mordecai had warned her not to disclose her Jewish ancestry because the Jews were not a favored people. Esther had been placed into a situation not of her own choosing and soon learned of a plot by Haman to destroy all the Jews of the kingdom. She summoned her courage and with Mordecai’s guidance played a pivotal role in saving her people. What we do in life has consequences that reverberate down through the ages too. We can depend and live our lives trusting in God’s commandments and guidance from our parents, caretakers, church, family and friends.

Prayer: May we pray today and everyday for the Holy Spirit to guide us in all we do and give us the courage and strength of character to live our lives as Jesus taught us.

Peter Donoghue, member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Brewster,NY

Advent Devotions: Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018

Esther 1:10-22                                                                   Vashti’s Refusal

On the seventh day, when the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha and Abagtha, Zethar and Carkas, the seven eunuchs who attended him, to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing the royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the officials her beauty; for she was fair to behold. But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command conveyed by the eunuchs. At this the king was enraged, and his anger burned within him.

 Then the king consulted the sages who knew the laws (for this was the king’s procedure towards all who were versed in law and custom, and those next to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven officials of Persia and Media, who had access to the king, and sat first in the kingdom): ‘According to the law, what is to be done to Queen Vashti because she has not performed the command of King Ahasuerus conveyed by the eunuchs?’ Then Memucan said in the presence of the king and the officials, ‘Not only has Queen Vashti done wrong to the king, but also to all the officials and all the peoples who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. For this deed of the queen will be made known to all women, causing them to look with contempt on their husbands, since they will say, “King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, and she did not come.” This very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media who have heard of the queen’s behavior will rebel against the king’s officials, and there will be no end of contempt and wrath! If it pleases the king, let a royal order go out from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes so that it may not be altered, that Vashti is never again to come before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she. So when the decree made by the king is proclaimed throughout all his kingdom, vast as it is, all women will give honor to their husbands, high and low alike.’

 This advice pleased the king and the officials, and the king did as Memucan proposed; he sent letters to all the royal provinces, to every province in its own script and to every people in its own language, declaring that every man should be master in his own house.

****

Power.

It has a way of making things unjust.  It has a way of dehumanizing people.

Queen Vashti was a human being.  Not a bauble to be ogled over as her husband desired (while he was drunk, by the way).  She was a human being who deserved love and care and respect.  Just like every other human being—no matter what the law may say (so much for justice enshrined in the law, by the way).

Esther is a fascinating story because it is about a woman getting things set right—using her agency to defy the rules, to overcome corrupt power, and to save her people.  But the beginning of the story is all about the way that power and laws can be used to objectify people, especially, in this case women, and the way that it destroys relationship along the way.  King Ahasuerus came to regret what he'd done, but it was too late for Vashti.  She has already been made completely disposable and had been disposed.

Too often people who lead take their power and use it this way. They manipulate people as objects for their own gain.  They make laws that enshrine their own power.  And they damage all of our humanity in the process.  We pray this Advent for a different kind of power.  A power made flesh in the manger.  A power that did not grasp for more, but instead, emptied itself and came to kneel and serve and make us all more fully human. 

Can we pray:  O Come, Emmanuel, and teach us your self-emptying love so that we might learn the proper use of power and that we may be human for each other.

Pastor Lena Warren serves at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Pearl River, NY.  She was born in Nigeria, grew up in Alberta and Ontario, Canada, finished High School in South Carolina, went to seminary in Philadephia, and is happy to call Pearl River home at the present moment.  Her first call was to two churches in Naugatuck, CT that have become one church aptly named, "Grace."  Lena is happily married to Lee and they have one kitten at this moment, Hildegard.  There are rumors another fur ball will join their household sooner rather than later.

Advent devotions: Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018

Esther 1:1-9

Esther 1:1-9                                                 The Glory of a Foreign King

This happened in the days of Ahasuerus (note: called Xerses in other Bible translations), the same Ahasuerus who ruled over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces from India to Ethiopia. In those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa, in the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his officials and ministers. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were present, while he displayed the great wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and pomp of his majesty for many days, one hundred and eighty days in all.

 When these days were completed, the king gave for all the people present in the citadel of Susa, both great and small, a banquet lasting for seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace. There were white cotton curtains and blue hangings tied with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and marble pillars. There were couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and colored stones. Drinks were served in golden goblets, goblets of different kinds, and the royal wine was lavished in accordance with the bounty of the king. Drinking was by flagons, without restraint; for the king had given orders to all the officials of his palace to do as each one desired. Furthermore, Queen Vashti gave a banquet for the women in the palace of King Ahasuerus.

****

I invite you to close your eyes and have a partner read this passage to you slowly.  If you don’t have someone to read it to you follow this link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMEFZzjDlG4

As you listen to the story, let your imagination go and think of the glory of King Xerxes’ royal court.  Focus in on the details.  Not only were the wine goblets made of gold – so were the couches – the symbols of leisure.  There was no end to the lavishness and excess of King Xerxes.

Xerxes kingdom was vast.  He reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush (Ethiopia).  Check your maps.  That’s a distance of about 3,000 miles – roughly the distance between the east and west coasts of the United States.

A kingdom that vast – without modern technology – was difficult to manage.  Xerxes knew he had to show off his wealth and his might, as a deterrent to insurrection in the lands under his rule.  Intimidation was the King’s greatest weapon – and he knew how to wield it.

Xerxes power and wealth were on display to the kingdom for 180 days – 6 months!  Leaders from all the provinces were summoned to Xerxes court to witness this glory, and leave with no second thoughts about who was in charge.

Even though people under Xerxes rule may have thought they lived in a kingdom without end, the reign of Xerxes lasted only 21 years, until he was assassinated, ironically, by a royal bodyguard.   The Persian empire he ruled lasted another 135 years until it was conquered by Alexander the great.  Despite the great wealth and power, Xerxes and Persia ended in death and destruction - met the fate of every King and every Kingdom in history – except one.

Only one King rules a Kingdom without end.  A King whose glory did not come from dwelling in a palace laden with gold, but by being born a peasant, with an animal feeding trough for a cradle.   A King whose rule does not thrive from violence and intimidation, but grows out of love, grace and forgiveness.  A King whose death did not bring an end to the kingdom – instead launched it forward with a new beginning.   Jesus Christ – a different kind of King.

Prayer: Dear Christ our King, thank you for your Kingdom of love, grace and forgiveness.  Teach us not to be ruled by those who show off their lavish displays of wealth and power.  Help us to see the world the way you see it – and to see your greater Kingdom within – a Kingdom you began from a manger, a Kingdom where you draw our indifferent eyes toward those who suffer – a Kingdom that grew out of your death and resurrection – a kingdom ruled by a different kind of King – in your holy name we pray.  AMEN!

Pr. John Heidgerd is Associate Pastor at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Jamaica, NY, focusing on working with children and youth. He and his wife, Ann Marie, live in Bedford and have two adult children.

Advent Devotions: Monday, Dec. 3, 2018

Psalm 137:1-6                                                                 In a Foreign Land

By the rivers of Babylon—
   there we sat down and there we wept
   when we remembered Zion.
On the willows there
   we hung up our harps.
For there our captors
   asked us for songs,
and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying,
   ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’

How could we sing the Lord’s song
   in a foreign land?
If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
   let my right hand wither!
Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth,
   if I do not remember you,
if I do not set Jerusalem
   above my highest joy.

****

When I read this psalm it really hit home. It brought to my attention the immigrants that are seeking asylum in a foreign land which is America.

They are escaping the threat of horrific conditions, poverty, gang murders and drug cartels. They want a better life than what they are experiencing now. Hopeful that America will give them that chance, they are willing to risk everything to give their children a better life. Even if it means being held in disgraceful conditions at a detention center on the borders of Mexico in the hope it will only be temporary. Their captors torment them and ridicule them, and they still sing praises to the Lord and hold onto their faith.

Prayer: Dear and wonderful protector, counselor and Lord of all. Protect and comfort those who are seeking a better life in a foreign land. Give them peace and hope to get through these most difficult times. In your name, O Lord. Amen

Joanne Halbekath is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Brewster, NY

Advent Devotions: Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018

Habakkuk 2:1-4; 3:[3b-6], 17-19 

I will stand at my watch-post,
   and station myself on the rampart;
I will keep watch to see what he will say to me,
   and what he will answer concerning my complaint.
² Then the Lord answered me and said:
Write the vision;
   make it plain on tablets,
   so that a runner may read it.
³ For there is still a vision for the appointed time;
   it speaks of the end, and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry, wait for it;
   it will surely come, it will not delay.
⁴ Look at the proud!
   Their spirit is not right in them,
   but the righteous live by their faith.
³  His glory covered the heavens,
   and the earth was full of his praise.
⁴ The brightness was like the sun;
   rays came forth from his hand,
   where his power lay hidden.
⁵ Before him went pestilence,
   and plague followed close behind.
⁶ He stopped and shook the earth;
   he looked and made the nations tremble.
The eternal mountains were shattered;
   along his ancient pathways
   the everlasting hills sank low.

¹⁷ Though the fig tree does not blossom,
   and no fruit is on the vines;
though the produce of the olive fails
   and the fields yield no food;
though the flock is cut off from the fold
   and there is no herd in the stalls,
¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
   I will exult in the God of my salvation.
¹⁹ God, the Lord, is my strength;
   he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
   and makes me tread upon the heights. 

The season of Advent begins with a vision – “make it plain upon the tablets that all may read it”.

The holiday season is filled with visons that are more than just the sugar plums dancing in our heads.  We look for a sense of magic or for things to be different than any other ordinary day or time of the year.  Even as the days grow darker, streets and homes begin to sparkle with lights and festive decorations.  We plan and prepare.  We shop and we get ready.  We long for that “perfect Norman Rockwell” tableau to find its fruition in our planning and preparations.

And yet, many will be disappointed; things don’t always turn out like we plan (no matter how much we try).  Or maybe, this vision is too elusive or even unrealistic this year. Or even if it does, life quickly goes back to “normal” the day after Christmas.

Yet, Advent begins with a different kind of vision.  The vision that the prophet lifts up in this reading is not about the blossoming fig trees or fields filled with plump grapes and succulent olives. It is not about lights or decorations or presents beneath the tree.  This is not a fleeting vision, designated for one time a year.

 As lovely as our homes can become, these do not offer what we really need to bring light and hope into the midst of our lives and world.  Our celebration is in the Lord our God, the one who is our strength and our salvation.   The vision of Christ’s birth is not for one day of the year, but a daily reminder that this same babe in the manger grew to become the man who revealed God’s great love for us through death on the cross and new life that burst forth from the tomb.

Christ is our everlasting hope for those imperfect days and dark nights.  Christ is the love that shines brighter than any holiday display.  Christ is the vision that we hold forth above all that the world offers us.  For God’s love is everlasting and bears fruit every day. 

This is the vision with which we begin this season of planning and preparation.  This is the vision of hope that sustains us and guides us through all of our days.

“Make it plain upon the tablets that all may read it”.

Pastor Jen Boyd, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church (Brewster, NY)

The arrival of Advent

This Sunday begins a new church year with Advent.  More than just changing the color to blue and adding our Advent wreath, this time is about expectation, preparing and waiting.  It is also a time when life gets busier and time contracts so that it seems like we don't have the time to do everything.

God offers us Sabbath moments amidst the frenzy of activity - some times, it is just stopping to take a breath before plunging ahead.  Other times, it is spending a moment in prayer and reflection, worship and fellowship in our community  of faith.

Here are a couple of opportunities:

1) Advent Devotional - we once again put together our own with contributions from congregation members as well as other Lutheran pastors and leaders.  Hard copies will be available to be picked up or you can find them daily here on our Trinity blog.

2) Advent activities: Each week, during coffee hour in Fellowship Hall, there will be a variety of activities to participate in and/or to take home.  There will be a large coloring page, a Christmas puzzle, word puzzles, crafts and more.

       This Sunday, our Sunday School will be having their Advent event - so make sure that you check out some of their activities in Fellowship Hall

Lenten resources

Lenten Resources (2018)

Lent is a season when many people make a special focus on enhancing their ever-growing and loving relationship with God.  You may do this through prayer, worship, reading the Bible, helping others, or something else. Anything that connects you to God is a great practice. Even walking the dog, seeing the beauty of God’s creation, or hearing chirping birds can be a way to commune with God.

“Lent in a bag” is a resource to help you make new connections with God.

• Choose one night of the week and invite those around your table to pick one of the symbols as a starting point for conversation for the whole group, including children.

• For your own devotion, daily or weekly, choose one of the symbols for reflection as you make your way through the season of Lent.

Also included are the daily readings throughout the season of Lent.  You are invited to “pray the scriptures”, using this format:

1)   Read the scripture (out loud is preferable)

2)  What word or phrase caught you attention

3)  Read it again (try another translation – you can find multiple translations at: https://www.biblegateway.com/ )

4)  Was there a different word/phrase or the same one?

5)  What might God be saying to you and your life in that phrase?

6)  Pray to God about what you heard.

Finally, there are additional online resources that are listed at the end of this booklet for you to use.

  

Lent in a Bag

Sand

Between his baptism and the beginning of his adult ministry, Jesus went into the wilderness for 40 days ‘to be tested’. The desert is a dangerous place and Jesus was hungry, cold, and tired. He was also tempted and tormented, but he didn’t give up. When things get tough, how do we remember God is there for us? What constitutes wilderness in your life? What have you learned there? What might you learn there?

Read the story of Jesus wandering in the desert, then open the sand and touch it. (Matthew 4, Mark 1, or Luke 4.)

   

Rock

While in the wilderness, Jesus was tempted by the devil to transform stone into bread. He knew he was not called to do this by God. He didn’t change the rock into food. Later, Jesus became known for doing amazing things. He fed the hungry, offered encouragement, and healed people. When you are angry or sad, it may feel like your heart has become a rock. How does that feel? How can you help someone who has a “rock” in their heart? How does it feel to help others? Think about a time where you helped someone.

Read the story of Zacchaeus. (Luke 19) Jesus transforms Zacchaeus. Jesus transforms us and helps us make better choices. Is there a place in your life where you could make better choices, with Jesus’ help?

                    

Human figure

Because Jesus was fully human, he gets us, understands us from inside our skin, and knows from experience that we’re each capable of great things, Godly things. No matter what we do, he keeps on inviting us to join us in his work which has become our own. Jesus knows that we can do good things on earth, just like he did. In Lent, we are counting down 40 days until Easter. What can you do to be more like Jesus at home? At school? Everywhere?

Read the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. (John 13) How can we live like Jesus?

Candle

Winter can be cold and dark. Spring is a time where we think of sunshine and flowers blooming. Jesus is called the Light of the World. Jesus told his disciples to be a light in the world too and make a difference. So where do you shine? What do you think you are good at? What is your talent? How can you encourage someone to see the good in themselves?

Read Matthew 5:14-16 and sing the song This Little Light of Mine. How do you let your light shine?

Shell

Historically, the season of Lent was when new Christians were prepared for baptism. Jesus began his ministry after his baptism. As someone who has been (or will be baptized) what is your ministry? How are you living out the promises made in the Baptismal Covenant? Read through the Baptismal Covenant on page 304-305 of the Book of Common Prayer.

Read the story of Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3, Mark 1, or Luke 3) and look at photos of baptisms of family members.

                                                         

Seeds

 Watching the growth of flower seeds reminds us of the miracle of hope and transformation that is coming in the promise of Easter. The seeds change; they decay as they transform into a new life – a new life that we can’t really imagine when we plant it. Where is there hope in your life? Where is there mystery? What transformation do you hope for during the season of Lent?

Read the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32 or Luke 13:18-19) and the Parable of the Leavened Bread (Matthew 13:33 or Luke 13:20-21) and talk about change. What things can you think of that change?

                                                               

Source:

Modified from the idea of Shawn Schreiner and Vicki Garvey.

Devotional resources

Way to Lead: Committing to live in relationship with God

This resource offers a short service that you can use at home as well as coloring pages to draw you closer in relationship and understanding with God.  A few hard copies are available to pick up.

https://waytolead.org/portfolio-item/2018-lenten-resources/

40acts: every day during lent (except Sundays), wake up to a new generosity challenge and short Bible-based blog straight to you inbox.  Each act is designed to sharpen your awareness and give you practical ways to stretch your faith as well as your generosity.

https://40acts.org.uk/signup/

“Keep Watch With Me:  is an online discussion community for a collaborative daily Lenten reader written by peacemakers for peacemakers. Our contributors are an incredible line-up of folks from around the world: black, white, LGBTQ, Latinx, Palestinian, incarcerated, Native American, Australian, Americans, Irish, South African, clergy, laity, activists, authors, organizers, and more.

Each day of Lent, they’ll share the daily spiritual practice and a question or two for reflection and dialogue.  You may sign up to receive it in your email and/or go to their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KeepingWatchTogether/

Daily readings for Lent

Feb. 14-17

Wednesday John 10:1-18 The Good Shepherd

Thursday Luke 15:1-7 Lost Sheep Parable

Friday John 10:22-30 Conflict over Jesus’s Claims

Saturday John 10:31-42 Jews Try to Stone Jesus

Feb.18-24

Sunday John 11:1-44 Following Jesus from Death to Life

Monday John 11:45-57 Concern About Jesus’ Actions

Tuesday John 12:1-11 Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Wednesday John 12:12-29 Jesus Enters Jerusalem

Thursday John 12:20-36 Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

Friday John 12:37-50 Walk in the Light

Saturday Isaiah 6:1-10 Isaiah’s Prophecy About the People

Feb.25-March 3

Sunday John 13:1-17 Following the Servant

Monday John 13:21-30 Jesus’ Betrayal Foretold

Tuesday John 13:31-38 Jesus Will Be Glorified

Wednesday John 14:1-7 “Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled”

Thursday John 15:1-7 “I Am the True Vine”

Friday John 17:1-5 “The Hour Has Come”

Saturday John 18:1-11 Jesus Arrested

March 4-10

Sunday John 18:12-27 Challenges of Following: Peter’s Denial

Monday Psalm 27:1-14 My Enemies Will Stumble and Fall

Tuesday Isaiah 45:14-19 God Does Not Speak in Secret

Wednesday John 14:9b-12 Jesus Going to the Father

Thursday John 14:13-17 Jesus Will Send the Spirit of Truth

Friday John 14:18-21 Jesus Will not Leave the Disciples Orphans

Saturday John 14:23b-29 My Peace I Will Leave with You

March 11-17

Sunday John 18:28-40 A Kingdom Not of This World

Monday John 15:8-11 You Will Bear Much Fruit

Tuesday John 15:12-17 I Call You Friend

Wednesday John 15:18-21 The World Hates the Disciples

Thursday John 15:22-27 Sins of the People

Friday John 16-1-4a Stay Strong

Saturday John 16:4b-7 Jesus Will Send the Advocate

March 18-24

Sunday John 19:1-16a The Kingdom’s Power from Above

Monday John 16:8-12 Truth Will Come Forward

Tuesday John 16:13-16 The Spirit Is Coming

Wednesday John 16:17-22 The Disciples Do Not Understand

Thursday John 16:23-28 Ask and You Shall Receive

Friday John 16:29-33 Jesus Has Conquered the World

Saturday John 17:6-9 Jesus Prays for His Disciples

March 25-April 1

Sunday John 19:16b-22 [12:12-27] A Different Kind of King

Monday John 17:10-13 Father Protect Them

Tuesday John 17:14-19 They Do Not Belong to the World

Wednesday Psalm 22:1-5 Why Have You Forsaken Me?

Thursday John 19:23-30 God’s Kingdom Revealed on the Cross

Friday John 19:31-42 Preparing the King for Burial

Saturday Psalm 22:6-11 Hated by the People

Sunday John 20:1-18 Good News in the Garden