Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

December 31, 2023
Devotional written by: Dan Vaughn

HARK! the Herald Angels sing
Glory to the new-born King!
Peace on Earth,…

The ever present theme of “Peace on Earth” in carols, and in scripture through the seasons of Advent and Christmas, is always to me, just a bit of an off key note in this world of war. 

Instead of approaching these with a heart of profound sadness, our habit is to look for the moral justifications and without context or facts, denounce one side or the other. The problem is, so many victims are bystanders. Thousands who were not defiant before then become that way. A fabric once torn is apt to keep on tearing. 

My prayer then, is only a ceasefire out of a love of humanity. There are powers in the world who have always pretended to speak for billions of the world’s citizens, most of whom just want peace, water, food, love, family and joy. 

Lastly, I pray for the strength to take the advice of writer Maria Popova:

“Don’t just resist cynicism, fight it actively. Unlike critical thinking, it is inherently uncreative, unconstructive, and spiritually corrosive. Cynicism is infinitely easier and lazier than construction. Act from a place of largehearted, constructive, rational faith in the human spirit, continually bending toward growth and betterment.Today, especially, it is an act of courage and resistance.”

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9

Peace on Earth.  

Joy to the World!

December 30, 2023
Devotional by: Allison Pugmire

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy means someone is glad to be with me and I am the sparkle in someone’s eye. When Joy came to the world, He came universally. He also came so very personally. My life’s work is to receive My King. I remember singing “Joy to the world” every year on Christmas Eve, thinking my heart might burst from the glory of it all in that moment. But now I understand that Joy to the world is actually a way to live my life, every day of the year, in all relationships. Joy to the world is no less true on a Tuesday in April than on December 24. He is just as much with me in the ordinary as in the extraordinary. The season of advent is spent trusting, waiting, preparing Him room, not out there somewhere, but right in here. The seasons of my life are much the same. When I accept who He is (everything I need) and who He says I am (everything that He is), I think that is when heaven and nature truly sing. Jesus is always glad to be with us - Joy to the world!!!

All is Well

December 29, 2023
Devotional by: Katherine Webster

All is well all is well
Lift up your voice and sing
Born is now Emmanuel
Born is our Lord and Savior
Sing Alleluia

I wrote an entire devotional about O Holy Night. Growing up in church, I can distinctly remember this being sung by the most perfect soprano voice every year. It absolutely inspired and captivated me, and I aspired to be that voice one day. I learned to play a rendition on the piano at a young age, and I would play it over and over again. As Advent has marched on this year, “All is Well,” specifically Carrie Underwood’s version, has been my anthem. (If you haven’t heard her sing it, do yourself a favor!!)

I joined the choir at MPC 10 years ago. As everyone knows, this hymn is our closing of the Lessons and Carols worship service, and I know I am not the only one moved to tears by the end of it. I picked this specific verse to highlight because when I lift up my voice and sing, it is my best form of worshipping our Lord and Savior. It is my gift that I give back to Him. My favorite part about the Christmas season is the music. All of it. The way it can bring us all together to say, “All is Well,” just as Mary did in the manger that night. 

Run at once to meet her and say to her, “Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?” And she answered, “All is Well”. 

2 Kings 4:26

Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

December 28, 2023
Devotional by: Courtney Pittman

It's not somebody who's seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

The twinkling lights, cheerful carols, and giggles of a chunky man in a red coat are what come to mind when we think of the holiday season. Christmas is a time of joy and hope and family. It is a time of children playing and sisters hugging. The truth, however, is that the Advent season can be a time of mourning for some. It can be a remembrance of death. It can be a flashback of abuse. It can be a vision of no presents under the tree. Even though some of us are privileged and beyond blessed, it is important to remember that Christmas is not glitz and happiness for everyone.

While this song has been interpreted to mean many things: a salacious anthem, an ode to true love lost, I’ve always listened to it as a broken song of faith found. God is funny. God finds us in the darkest places and makes God’s way through the shattered cracks of our souls. God is there when I scream and yell and cry at my kids. God is there when I have a fight with my husband. God is there when I bare my heart to my therapist, telling her things that I buried deep within myself. God is there. God is always there.

It may be a cold and broken Hallelujah, but it’s a Hallelujah. It’s the recognition that God hasn’t left. That even crying on a freezing bathroom floor, God’s still with you. Even weeping over a bank account with a number that won’t pay this month’s rent, God’s still with you. It’s the knowledge that whatever you do, whatever horrible things you’ve done, God won’t ever leave.

It is a Hallelujah that we’ve lived another day. It is a Hallelujah that no one got in trouble at school today. It is a Hallelujah that the water wasn’t cut off or that you made it through work without crying or that you can finally look at that picture and not breakdown. It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah. 

It is the knowledge that, even amongst pain and anger, God is giving us the greatest gift of all: A child that will grow to save us from ourselves. It is the knowledge that our God has sent us a Redeemer, someone to give us the love that we may never have had. It is the knowledge that no matter how cold and broken you are, the light of Christ will shine through always. Hallelujah. 

Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates

December 27, 2023
Devotional written by: Sally Mitchell

Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates,
Behold the King of glory waits;
The King of kings is drawing near;
The Savior of the world is here!
Fling wide the portals of your heart
Make it a temple set apart
From earthly use for heaven’s employ,
Adorned with prayer, and love, and joy.
Redeemer, come! I open wide
My heart to Thee; here Lord abide.
Let me Thy inner presence feel;
Thy grace and love in me reveal.

George Weissel, 1642
Trans. Catherine Winkworth 1855

When I think of Advent hymns, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” immediately comes to mind. As a child, I learned at First United Methodist Church in Warrenton, Georgia, that “Emmanuel” means “God with us,” and in the rise and fall of the unfoldings of my life, I have been sustained by this truth. Yet as the years go by, I am more and more aware that God is not only with us, but also within us, so I am drawn to the above hymn, especially the last stanza, at Advent and throughout the year.

When this hymn was written in 1642 by a Prussian Lutheran pastor, 17th century Europe was mired in the devastation of the Thirty-Years’ War. Based on Psalm 24:7 (“Lift up your heads, O gates . . . that the King of glory may come in!”), it offers hope and comfort in a time much like ours today. Pastor Harry Beverly taught us that “we learn theology from hymns.” This one reminds us that in the midst of pain and suffering, we can lift our heads and hearts to welcome and worship the God that is with us and within us.

Godly Tradition

December 26, 2023
Devotional by: Larkin Kelly

For many, including me, the holidays are all about tradition. Some traditions are made, and some are just gifted to you. I can't quite remember when this tradition started and I will try not to name the person involved, although my guess is that you will figure it out. Every Christmas Eve I received a platter of a certain baked good. It is always addressed directly to me, "Larkin", and it is never listed as "from" the actual baker, but always from Santa. As a young child, this sentiment would fill me with a sense of wonder. I was certain that the baker being discussed had a shiny red phone hidden somewhere in her home where she had a direct line to the big guy himself (Santa). If you know the person, I think you would agree that if any one human is capable of being one of Santa's elves, it is her.

In my high school and college years when I couldn't bother to make it to Christmas Eve service, those cookies would still show up, without fail, acting as a reminder that I was being thought of, treasured, and missed. Then, even later, after starting my own family, I would still consistently receive those cookies, like a message reminding me that I was still welcome and provide a subtle loving nudge, a hope of bringing me back into the fold.

Now, if you know this person, you like me know that this God-given talent of hers is something that can probably be done blindfolded and with her arms tied behind her back. It is likely a bit of a routine task for her, but receiving this baked good feels extremely special.

But isn't this a perfect reflection of what God's love is? It's something innate, simple, gifted to each of us. God's love for us instills wonder and awe, it is meant to reach out to us in our darkest time to remind us that we are beloved and valued, and it is consistently given over and over again. So know that even in the most mundane areas of our lives, in tasks that have become routine to us, God has found a way to make you the messenger of his love and grace. I encourage you this holiday season to reflect on what your God-given talents are, to look at the routine tasks that you do, and recognize how beautiful and meaningful they can be to others, and to remind you to spread joy consistently in the world.

Joy to the World!

December 25, 2023
Devotional written by: Christie Jones

Joy to the world! The Lord is come;
Let Earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing!

Joy to the World was written in 1729 by Isaac Watts and its lyrics are a Christian interpretation of Psalm 98. But for me, this song brings back memories of childhood Christmases in a small house in Macon, Georgia. Back in the 1970s and 1980s, the house most decorated for Christmas in Macon was across the street from my childhood home. Mr. Murray spent months preparing for his Christmas display of lights, decorating every inch of his house and yard. When the Christmas season officially began (after Thanksgiving back then), he would put on his Santa suit and greet the hundreds of cars full of children passing by to see his light display and get a candy cane from Santa himself. As it got closer to Christmas, the lines of cars got longer, groups of carolers came to sing, and the neighborhood was full of Christmas joy.

When any of our friends came by to see Mr. Murray’s house, they’d also stop by ourhouse. My mom made sure to have all of her homemade Christmas candies to share with them, welcoming friends into our home, and spreading her own special Christmas joy.

As an adult, I look back on this time and wonder why my parents didn’t lose their
patience when it could take an hour to get down our street on Christmas Eve. My memories don’t include any negative feelings at all – just the excitement and wonder of children from all over Macon experiencing joy on Matheson Drive.

During this season of Advent, I want to focus on being joyful, even when lines are longand my patience is spent.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!- Philippians 4:4

Silent Night

December 24, 2023
Devotional by: Lori Hume

Our family especially enjoys our Christmas Eve traditions. After staying up later than we ever anticipate the night before, decorating loads of sugar cookies for our Christmas Eve gathering of neighbors, in the afternoon, we enjoy the heartwarming cacophony of clinking glasses, conversation, laughter and Christmas music. We end things just in time to arrive early enough at church knowing the pews will be especially cozy, fuller than usual with all the visiting family members.  The candles are distributed, the lights dimmed, all are quiet, the piano begins playing, the flame is passed from candle to candle, and we sing Silent Night. The sanctuary is glowing and our hearts are glowing. We depart feeling exceptionally grateful not only to be celebrating the momentous occasion of the birth of Christ, but to be celebrating it together.  Upon returning home from church, we’ll change into our matching pajamas for the family Christmas photo and dish up the Chinese takeaway that we just picked up from Happy China.  Then, with the fire roaring in the fireplace and Christmas carols playing, as is our Norwegian tradition, finally, we open our presents on Christmas Eve. It is such a joyful day… and then… there’s Christmas Day!

This Christmas will certainly be different for us. We’re excited to be spending Christmas with all our children and grandchildren in Europe! It’ll make my heart so happy to have us all together. Having said that, as we get older, each year seems to be different from the year before.  I know change can be awesome, but I also know change can be hard. Life is full of challenges and challenges can be hard. I think back to that lovely, peaceful, cozy moment while we’re singing Silent Night and passing that flame… everything seems calm and bright, clear and right… in that moment.  I try to remember that feeling when those hints of anxiety, doubt or uneasiness sneak in. God knows my heart better than I do. He has a plan. That’s the calm and bright I’m talking about!

Mary Did You Know?

December 23, 2023
Devotional by: Leslie Ryals

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you

Mary, Did You Know? isn't exactly a hymn, but it is definitely a Christmas song that has been part of my Christmas memories for quite some time. As a teen, I remember singing along with Kenny Rogers & Wynonna Judd's version playing from my grandparent's radio. As I got older, I heard many different renditions, but its meaning grew deeper for me during the Christmas season of 2017. This was a very special season for me and my husband as we were anticipating the birth of our own son the following January. After 13 years of marriage including about two years of IVF, many prayers and the gamut of every possible emotion, we were FINALLY becoming parents. Hearing the words as a mother made me think about Mary even more. Did she really realize how her precious newborn would change the world? What about when she kissed his little face? Did she know what was to come? Mark Lowry penned the lyrics as part of the script for a church Christmas play, and I read that he was asking all the questions he would truly like to ask Mary.

If you are entering this season with the longing and desire to become a mother, please know that you are not alone. I know the journey is different for each mother, but I would be happy to chat with you, listen and cry, or just sit with you, but you are not alone. If you are feeling all the emotions this Christmas season for whatever reason, remember we have the Great Comforter with us.

Peace be with you during this season.

O Holy Night

December 22, 2023
Devotional written by: Dan Jones

As I reflect on my memories of Christmas at MPC which span almost 50 years now, one particular Christmas Eve still resonates in my mind. Anyone who has attended the Christmas Eve services in the “Modern Era” has enjoyed the solo of Oh Holy Night by Hoyt Jackson. It is a special moment in the service and really touches one’s soul deep inside. It is, as a former pastor called it, the official start of Christmas for MPC.

Some years ago, Hoyt had suffered a stroke earlier in the year. Immediately, all of our prayers were for his healing and for his family. As Christmas drew near, I wondered about the solo he had so beautifully sung for so many years. On that particular Christmas Eve, Hoyt rose to the occasion, singing one of the most amazing renditions of Oh Holy Night that any of us have ever witnessed. It was beyond moving and I doubt there was a dry eye in the sanctuary. That he was able to stand before us and deliver that song, that he was completely healed, what a miracle and testament to the strength and love of our Lord!

Christmas is about Love, Hope and the promises God has for us through Christ Jesus. Moments like this assure me that we are all in the Lord’s care and that he is watching over all of his sheep in the field. Peace be with you all in knowing we are the beloved children of God, for whom he gave his only son .

A Different Kind of Christmas

December 21, 2023
Devotional by: Johnnie Sue & John Moore

And there's voices in the driveway
Family's right outside the door
And we'll try to make this Christmas
Like the ones we've had before
And as we gather round the table
I see joy on every face
And I realize what's still alive
Is the legacy you made

This song it not a traditional Christmas song; like the name implies it's "different.” As facilitators for a grief group, we are on the front lines when grief is hard to deal with. Holidays are especially difficult.  For us, the first Christmas after losing our daughter Ruth was extremely bleak. You also may have experienced pain of loss this year. The song talks about one less place at the table, one less gift under the tree. It can be heart wrenching at best. But the song says even though we can remember the joy we experienced with that person, it doesn't mean they can't be there in Spirit. 

The song finishes with the thought that as we look around at the family gathering for a holiday celebration, that we can see the legacy that beautiful life left with each one of us. 

As we gather together during the holidays, let us remember the Christ child's legacy left within us.

Connect with us!

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

December 20, 2023
Devotional by: Dale Chapin

“For lo, the days are hastening on,
By prophet seen of old,
When, with the ever-encircling years.
Shall come the time foretold
When the new heaven and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace their King,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.”

“Begin with the end in mind.” writes Stephen Covey. It is one of the seven habits he believes mark highly effective people. Unfortunately, few of us regularly practice it... perhaps least of all, people who frequent churches during the season of Advent. We are all about preparing expectantly to celebrate baby Jesus, Christ’s first coming… not so much his second, and final coming as King. This was not always so. In fact, when Advent was first recognized as a season in the church calendar, Christ’s second coming was front and center in the church. Sadly, the sentimentality surrounding Christmas has swallowed up this most important future event when God establishes “a new heaven and earth”, the kingdom of God when all things are made right. When harmony, wholeness, and sufficiency are enjoyed by all. Sometimes I wonder… what if every follower began each day with this end in mind. Maybe then, we could rehearse the song, and even now provide glimpses of this glorious consummation toward which we are headed… until the day it arrives in all of its fullness, and having rehearsed, “the whole world sends back the song which the angels once sung… “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those he favors!’

Silent Night

December 19, 2023
Devotional written by: Mary Ann Orr

“Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright…”

We all know the lyrics, and many of us have Christmas Eve church service memories of singing these words to candlelight, tucked into a pew with our family. It’s Christmas Eve, we’re dressed in our Christmas best, we’ve got some variety of special evening family plans ahead. By the time we make it to this item in the service program, it’s dark outside. We’re all in the Christmas spirit, the lights are lowered, the candles are passed out… the night is here. When the first notes are played, we look around and exhale a thought of: “and, NOW it is really Christmas.”

Until the age of 25, those were my feelings anytime I heard this song. It was probably my most favorite moment of the Christmas season year after year. Growing up, during this service, the sanctuary of Madison Baptist transformed into this most sacred space, the candle flames lit up the stained glass windows, and my Daddy (who wasn’t usually a hymn singer… unless he was singing in his deep “church voice” to make my brother and me giggle) would sing beside me in a voice that I heard over all the others. I’d look up at him, holding his candle close, and the look on his face was always just so…. “Daddy.” I felt warm and safe and loved and oh, SO Christmas-y. After the first verse, I’d sung the words I knew by heart and spent the rest of the stanzas just looking around, not paying much mind to their words. I had all I needed… and it was Christmas.

Then my 25th Christmas came. And my Daddy wasn’t here anymore. And the presence of his absence was all that we felt that year. It really didn’t even feel like Christmas at all. That first year after he passed, we put on our Christmas best and our forced, smiling faces, made it to church, had the same special Christmas Eve family plans… but our pew wasn’t quite as crowded anymore. What had been my most favorite, most special moment of Christmas became the one I dreaded. And still I knew that this sacred item on the service program was coming, but I just wanted to skip it. The lyrics felt flat. Without him here, “heaven afar” seemed the most meaningful words in the song. The moment didn’t feel sacred at all without him there. I can remember fearing the dimming of the lights, not feeling the Christmas flame that matched the one on my candle, and singing those words in the first verse over thoughts of “but this just isn’t Christmas.” All felt too silent, too calm, not at all bright, and, honestly, not very holy. And then…

“…. Radiant beams from Thy holy face. With the dawn of redeeming grace.” 

As soon as I sang those lyrics standing in the pew between my mom and brother, tears streaming down our faces, I imagined hearing them in my Daddy’s special Christmas Eve voice. I realized that while he was no longer here with us, that THAT was a depiction of my Daddy’s Christmas, that year and forevermore. While we were here without him, trying to be Christmas people, making our way through the items in the Christmas Eve service program, he was in that holy place, and he knew His holy face. The image of my Daddy’s candlelit face, the sound of his voice, the hug of his arms filled me… but I imagined him doing those same things in heaven. Instead of a sanctuary, the ultimate holy space. Instead of candlelight, truly radiant beams. He’d borne witness to the redeeming grace. Glories streaming from heaven… and he was there. And, in that moment, I felt like the space between heaven and our pew closed, and this song transformed for me. “Heaven afar” wasn’t what I felt, and it surprised me.

My prayer for anyone feeling an absence this Christmas is that you feel radiant beams in some form, at some time. That in the silence and calmness, you feel the brightness that only He can bring, and that you, too, feel the space between your loved one in heaven and you in your pew close just a little bit.

Merry Christmas with so much love.

Mary Did You Know?

December 18, 2023
Devotional by: Babs Johnston

Growing up, I loved secular Christmas music. My dad sang professionally part time to augment his income for a family with nine children.

As a teen, I traveled with Dad to his gigs & from the audience “mouthed words” he may have forgotten as he sang from the stage. Today, the number of songs from “The Great American Songbook” I’ve committed to memory is pretty impressive.

I can’t recall “singing hymns” in our Catholic Church, but my Dad was in the choir. Maybe they sang in Latin. I can’t recall. I mainly remember the smell of incense & snugging beside my Mom’s soft beaver coat.

But, at Christmas, I know we sang carols both in & out of church. My all time favorite was “Oh Holy Night”— when Dad hit: “FAAAALLL ON YOUR KNEEEES!!! Oh HEEEAR the Angels Singing!! Oh NIIIIGHT Devine”!! (Like Hoyt Jackson’s beautiful tenor once belted from our MPC Choir Loft!)

However, I STILL prefer secular to sacred with ONE exception. In 2003 our daughter was a member of the Morgan County High School chorus when director Steve DeLaigle debuted “Mary, Did You Know.” This performance literally brought unstoppable tears from my eyes. And, to this day, I never heard a song-secular or spiritual- that has touched me as deeply as this sacred song. And as I write this “Advent Devotional,” the tears are welling up.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

December 17, 2023
Devotional by: Linda Sky

When I think of Advent, I think of Christmas hymns. This one reminds me of my grandmother who introduced it to me. It is one we don’t sing very often during the Christmas season. I like the melody. I think that has something to do with why I like it.

There are three verses I will point out.

1) I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had peace on earth everywhere? When I hear bells, they make me want to twirl around like there is nothing wrong anywhere.

Then we come to the third verse:

3) And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.”

This verse makes me think of the world today in the Middle East and in the Russia/Ukraine area where war is going on and people are leaving their homes trying to find better places to live in order to save their lives. Can they find peace? Can they make new lives for themselves? We can only pray they do.

4) Then pealed the bells more loud and deep;
“God is not dead nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, goodwill to men.

We don’t know exactly when the right will come about, but this is our assurance from God that it will. We all look forward to the day when there is peace on earth and all people will respect each other.

How Great Thou Art

December 16, 2023
Devotional by: Lorene Malanowski

When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;…
Lyrics by Carl Boberg, 1885

I love nature…especially this time of year when all of the colors show out in glorious majesty. This hymn says it perfectly…

All of the wonders of our world, provided for us by our loving God…truly awesome and amazing.

This was also my mother’s favorite hymn and I think of her every time I hear it. She was a wonderful mother with such a gentle spirit. A God-loving person who lived her faith and was such a positive example to her family. There were six children in my family and I doubt she had much time to consider the wonders of nature...but somehow, she planted that wonder in me and I am so grateful. She left us way too early but I feel her with me every day…and especially when I hear this song.

O Holy Night

December 15, 2023
Devotional by: Lendley Berry

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
O night divine, O night, O night divine.

O Holy Night is my favorite Christmas hymn because one of my favorite holiday memories comes along with it. A few years ago, me and my family went to our Christmas Eve service. The Christmas Eve service is one of my favorite things to do during the holiday season. It is a good way to stop and take a breath during the holiday hustle and bustle. It’s a good way to thank God for everything we have. During the Christmas Eve service, we light the candles and sing. On this particular year we were singing O Holy Night.

I had always loved this song so it seemed extra special to me. Taking time for Jesus during the busy holidays for me was always important. I love the way the candle lights look when all the lights are off and everyone in the church has a lighted candle. Standing there listening to everyone singing just makes you so at peace. These memories are so special to me and that’s why O Holy Night is my favorite hymn.

It is Well with My Soul

December 14, 2023
Devotional by: Sydney McWhirter

When peace like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul

The hymn's opening lines, describe perfectly the ebb and flow of life here on earth, sailing smoothly, and then sudden heartache can hit. It is in these challenging times, we CAN find comfort in the unshakable truth that, despite our circumstances, our soul can be anchored in peace. 

I experienced this through the death of my Dad. The pain, sorrow, grief I felt was like nothing I have experienced. But through this hardship, I was invited to experience a peace that surpasses all the pain. A peace that only our Heavenly Father can provide. So as I repeatedly sang the words in my head, “It is well, it is well with my soul,” I found peace in knowing that my Dad was healed and made new! I found peace knowing my Dad was with his Heavenly Father! And, I found peace because I knew my Heavenly Father was and continues to wrap His arms around me! 

Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This verse echoes the theme of finding peace and contentment in the midst of life's challenges. So this Advent, let the refrain of "It Is Well with My Soul" be our anthem. In the moments of waiting, uncertainty, and heartache, may we find the courage to declare that our souls are anchored in the unshakable peace that only our Father brings. Let this hymn's timeless wisdom inspire a deep, resounding trust, echoing through the chambers of our hearts: "It is well with my soul."

Jesus Take the Wheel

December 13, 2023
Devotional by: Dan Jones

Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
'Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
And save me from this road I'm on
Jesus, take the wheel

Many of you are wondering what this pop-country song could possibly have to do with Christmas. It’s certainly not your typical Christmas hymn and you will not find it in any church hymnal. But, it does start with a single mother, driving to see her parents on Christmas Eve and then evolves into a truly amazing story of surrender, and I would suggest forgiveness and hope.

This is very personal to me as I have recently gone through a divorce after almost 30 years of marriage. I have also served on the PNC, something I have been privileged to be part of, yet it has been a deeply emotional, spiritual, and very taxing experience. To say this has been a challenging year for me is a gross understatement. I have powered through it being the type A personality I am and have made it successfully most of the year.

I have been bolstered by much love from my fellow PNC members, family, and friends – but at some point, you are alone, in a dark place, to face the reality. It is those quiet times and times of struggle that we realize how vulnerable we are as humans.

About one month ago, I had a few seemingly insignificant things happen, yet they triggered some very strong feelings and emotions, something that had been lacking in my shut-down world for a long time. It was then that I finally came to the realization that I could not be, and in fact was not able to control the things in my life that most impacted my happiness and my soul.

It wasn’t long after that epiphany, that this song by Carrie Underwood came over the radio and I totally fell apart. It hit every raw nerve I had and spoke volumes to me about where I was in my life.

Please listen to this song again if you haven’t heard it lately and reflect on your personal challenges and where you are in your relationship with God. At its core, Jesus Take the Wheel is about surrendering and letting God be in control of your life. Most of us struggle with this “letting go” every day, I know that I do.

In this surrender though, we can find forgiveness and hope, even when faced with incredible challenges. These are the two most important beliefs that we as Christians can hold. And the birth of Jesus at Christmas is what gives us both of these. That is why, Jesus, Take the Wheel, and the surrender of one’s self to God’s plan, is so important to remember at Christmas. God bless MPC and the future we have together. It is going to be amazing!

Here I Am Lord, #69

December 12, 2023
Devotional by: Kathy Boardman

I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame. 
I will set a feast for them. My hand will save.  

Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied.  
I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?

In the Spring of 1989, I was about to graduate from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education. The 1984 General Assembly had voted to assemble a new hymnal, and while we awaited the coming of “Hymns, Psalms and Spiritual Songs,” we had access to bright blue booklets of selections from it, and used them every chance we got. What better place to ignite the launch of a new hymnal, than with fresh and enthusiastic educators and seminarians? 

One of the doctoral candidates wrote a musical for his graduate chapel with this hymn as the unifying theme, and I played a memorable character. The booklets accompanied us on retreats we led for area churches. The copies in the chapel became dog-eared and rumpled. At school, Here I Am Lord was #1 on the charts, and stayed there as we were launched into our first churches. For some of us, we, and the books, arrived within days of each other. 

I think my relationship with Presbyterian hymnals is pretty remarkable, having been up close and personal with the release of two of them. The red Hymnbook held the songs and responsive readings of my confirmation and youth at Athens First. The blue Hymnal was the book of my vocation. Now, ‘the purple book’ is part of my devotion and worship at home. Before, studying this hymn was about guiding a congregation. Now, the repeated ‘I will’ assures me of the trustworthy and loving character of God who is steadfast in the midst of change. Praise be.