ASLC Devotions - Monday

 John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ 

Tonight there are lots of parties and gatherings happening. Generally they happen at night - obviously because we gather together to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another year. And we've all decided as a society that that happens at midnight tonight. It's a good milestone.

But wherever you gather this evening, whether in your own home or someone else's, or in a public space... first, be safe and drive carefully. But also, know that as you gather at night the light of the world walks with you. Jesus is the light of the world, the light that is stronger than any darkness and the light that freely offers you the gift of life as well. 

In Christ,
Pastor Seth

This Sunday we will once again have only one worship service at 10 am as we celebrate Epiphany, the end of the Christmas season and the visit of the Magi. Bring Christmas goodies for a post-worship potluck as well. http://www.allsaintspalatine.org

ASLC Devotions -- Friday, December 28

 

Jeremiah 31:15-17

 

¹⁵ Thus says the Lord:
A voice is heard in Ramah,
   lamentation and bitter weeping.
Rachel is weeping for her children;
   she refuses to be comforted for her children,
   because they are no more.


When we write these, we use the scriptures appointed through the Daily Bible Reading on the ELCA's website. They're part of the daily lectionary. Occasionally (but rarely) we change them. Sometimes it's just hard to find inspiration in a long list of "begats" or the narrative is difficult to summarize succinctly. And sometimes I want to change the text because it's hard to read. That's how I feel about today's text. In the days after the shootings in Newtown, I saw several colleagues referencing these verses. In the ways that we have all been impacted by those events, we all became Rachel weeping for her children -- the children of the ancient scripture, and the children of this day no longer. 

I obviously didn't change the text for this devotion. But, trust me, I thought about it. Just like the story of Stephen's stoning on the day after Christmas, who wants to have to hold the joyous birth of Jesus against the lamentation and bitter weeping of a bereft mother? No one. No one at all. In these days, in this world just as in all of the days past and future, the contrast is present and painful. But the scripture continues to say, "there is hope for your future." And it is to that hope that we all cling, mourning and tearful.

Peace,
Pastor Jenn

ASLC -- Thursday, December 27

1 John 1:5

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.

We have officially passed the winter solstice, so our days are getting longer. But it will be at least some time before we really notice the difference. In these dark (and often cold) days of winter, we might have to look a bit harder for the light in our world. If we go too many days without much light, I know it affects me. Of course I'm talking about the literal light -- the light that comes from the sun, or is reflected in any variety of ways.

But this verse from First John can be a good reminder of the true light of our lives -- God. In God there is no darkness at all. During these dark winter days, we don't have to look for the true light, for it is all around us. Let us proclaim this message!

Thanks be to God!
Peace,
Pastor Jenn

ASLC -- Wednesday, December 26

Acts 6:8

Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.

It's always startling to read the story of Stephen on the day after Christmas. The single verse I've quoted above isn't all that disheartening, but if you're not familiar with how the story goes, it doesn't end well for Stephen. He is remembered as the first martyr for Christ, and he was stoned for some within the community "could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke" (v. 10). We read his story on December 26 because this is the Feast of St. Stephen, the day when we remember him.

Yes, it's startling. Yes, it stands in stark contrast to our celebrations of the birth of Jesus. But it is also the reminder that this baby born in a manger was not sent so that we could coo over his baby cries and then go back to our normal lives. This baby -- this Jesus -- brought a message of hope and promise, and his life, death, and resurrection proclaim victory over death.  

Thanks be to God! 
Peace,
Pastor Jenn

ASLC Devotions -- Christmas Day

Hebrews 1:1-3a

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, ²but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. ³He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word.

Merry Christmas, to you! 

Peace,
Pastors Jenn & Seth

ASLC Devotions -- Christmas Eve

Titus 2:11-14 (NRSV)

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

On this Christmas Eve, we pray as we wait, once again, for the grace of God to be born into the world.

Of course, God's grace doesn't take a break -- but it is my hope that we are reminded today and in the days that follow of this most amazing gift.

Peace,
Pastor Jenn