This feeling highlights the need for Advent. We need a time of preparation for the spiritual and religious meaning of Christmas. Advent provides that time. The four weeks before Christmas are dedicated to preparation and anticipation of the celebration of Jesus’ birth and His second-coming.

But, what IS “Advent?” Advent is a tradition with much history and symbolism. The few minutes available in a typical Sunday morning worship service with carols, Advent candles, and a message are hardly time enough to plumb the depths of meaning of the seasons of Advent and Christmastide. These Sunday morning moments may provide enough time to introduce us to the richness of meaning in Advent and to whet our appetites for a more in-depth experience of the Advent season.

Advent is a Latin word that means “to come.” Advent, therefore, is a time of preparation. During Advent, Christians prepare themselves mentally and spiritually for Jesus to come into the world. It coincides with weeks of activities like buying and wrapping gifts, preparing cards, baking and decorating cookies (eating the rejects), putting up a tree, hearing and singing carols, and visiting in people’s homes. It is a season of hope-filled anticipation.

But decorations and presents under the Christmas tree are only our world’s secular understanding of the preparation for the coming of Jesus - of His birth, and of His continually coming into our lives. It is the spiritual anticipation and preparation that we must learn to understand and celebrate more completely. Celebrating Advent gives us the opportunity to catch our breath as we move toward Christmas and experience the many spiritual joys of the season.

It is for this reason that the members of Quarry Ridge have developed this Advent Meditation booklet. Meditating every day of the season will help you slow down and prepare for the coming of the Savior. This is an opportunity that should be approached intentionally and with careful planning. While these times of reflection don’t have to be complicated, they must not be brief or poorly timed, or hastily accomplished – or they’ll fail to stir your heart! Use this booklet to quiet yourself, slow your pace, strengthen your resolve, stir fond memories, challenge your thinking, and connect you to your Father – who created Christmas in the first place.

Instead of starting Christmas this year with dread and trepidation and ending with anger and cynicism, let’s do something different! Let’s get away from the feeling of “humbug!” and start and end our season with “Hallelujah!” We can find what’s most important – and reinvent Christmas! Rather than a “holiday,” let’s live the season as a series of simpler, more satisfying “holy days.” Let’s end our year with our faith rekindled, and our lives enriched. When December 26 rolls around, let’s look back on an authentic, joyful celebration, and find we’re reluctant to put it away.

Pastor Marty

Sunday – the holy day of November 30, 2008
The First Sunday in Advent

Read: John 3:16

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son."

This year I have set out to find ways to help my family keep Christmas more about Jesus. I've been looking at books and trying to find ways to explain the traditions of Christmas. I still want to do all the fun things we do around the holidays but I don't want to get caught up in the craziness of Christmas and lose sight of what it's really about. I want this Christmas to be a real birthday party for Jesus and for Him to be the center of His own party. So, let's talk about the presents.

Now, let’s get serious. One of my favorite things about Christmas is giving and receiving gifts. I know that is not what Christmas is all about, but I sure do love it. I don't mind shopping with crowds of grumpy people looking for gifts to give and I don’t' mind standing in lines waiting to purchase the gifts I've found. I don’t even mind spending my money on gifts for others. Then, on Christmas morning I can't wait to rip the wrapping paper off my own gifts. I still feel the same excitement and giddiness I felt on Christmas morning when I was a child. But, I also can't wait to hand the perfect gift I've found to the person it belongs to and wait for them to open it.

I remember buying gifts for everyone in my family, sometimes even multiple gifts for each person. One Christmas morning when we were in our teen years we had so many presents it was unbelievable. Before our parents were up and going, Philip, Mike, Elaine and I made a huge pyramid wall with all the packages we’d received under the tree. We organized them and separated them, and when we were finished the wall of presents was taller that we were. After making the massive wall of presents we all sat down and started opening. In our family we always started with the youngest and rotated to the oldest opening one present one at a time. We kept going ‘round and ‘round until everyone had opened all their presents. It was so hard to wait our turn, but very exciting to see what everyone else got.

So why do we give gifts at Christmas time? It's partly because the wise men traveled across the world to give gifts to the Baby Jesus. More than that, it's about the gift God gave each and everyone of us: God gave us His Son and His Son gave up His life. This is a gift that any one can receive if we believe and accept it. It is the most amazing and perfect gift.

So, this year while shopping or making gifts, go crazy. Bake extra cookies and give more hugs and kisses; give like you are giving to Jesus Himself! In all your gift giving preparation think about the gift of Jesus and talk about it with your family. Make sure your family and friends know what the greatest gift is – Jesus – and help them receive this marvelous gift by helping them to ask Jesus to live in their hearts.

Mariann Hillard

Monday – the holy day of December 1, 2008

Read: John 1:1-14

"He was in the world that had its being through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own domain and His people did not accept Him. But to all who did accept Him He gave the power to become children of God. . ."

The beginning.

The Word of God was in the beginning; Jesus was the Word; He was with God; He was God; and all that came to be had its beginning through Him.

Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God! Many hundreds of names that describe our magnificent Savior, yet, so many people have yet to follow Him. The Word of our loving God became flesh and made His dwelling among us - lived with us, as one of us - and we saw His glory! Can we ever fully grasp the wonder and importance of that incarnation of God as man?

Yet, that is perhaps one of the most pivotal theological points we may ever have to ponder. Jesus came as a man to share in the agony of our separation from God; He came to show us that God was no further away than our own faith; He came to become the bridge of commonality between God and His estranged creations; He came to become that last and most perfect sacrificial lamb to cleanse the people of God of their sins.

In this season of Christmas we begin to see the completeness of this selfless act. In Advent, we begin our preparations for the coming of the Savior; in Christmastide we witness the beginning of the process of Salvation. May we begin to walk as people who have seen this great light.

May today be a new beginning for you. Today, and every "today" that follows, can be fresh with the newness of life made possible through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Perhaps you might pray in this way: My Lord, Jesus, I admit that at times I don't walk in the newness and excitement of life. Enable me to walk with You, each step of the way, every day. Show me new ways to acknowledge You throughout each of my "todays." Fill me with wonder and awe at the life You lived, in order that I might have eternal life in You. Make me, and make today, a new beginning. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Pastor Marty

Tuesday – the holy day of December 2, 2008

Read: Matthew 6:25-34
(When the passage talks about things to be anxious about like food and clothing, try substituting the things you get anxious about during the Christmas season instead.)

When my husband and I first got married, we put up a tree together. I baked Christmas cookies, sent cards, and put Christmas decorations up everywhere. Then I waited for the holidays to be over so I could take everything down, send thank you notes, and start a diet since I’d eaten way too many cookies. The first year I did everything, it was a novelty and kind of fun. The second year, I had the expectations of last year and stressed and fretted about getting everything done. By year three in our marriage, the holidays were no fun at all. I hated decorating, didn’t care about baking, and frantically tried to get the cards out on time.

So, one by one, I stopped. One year there were no cookies baked by me. You couldn’t tell because there is always too much food to eat anyway. Then I stopped putting up the Christmas tree. My husband wasn’t happy, but I noticed he didn’t put it up either. Then I finally decided that scribbling our names on a card was pointless. If I wanted to send someone a card, I would make sure I had time to write something meaningful. So, I stopped sending Christmas cards. Oh, the joy, the freedom, and the guilt! It’s been three years since my last Christmas card, and every time I receive one from someone else, I feel a twinge of guilt. Still, the freedom is worth it.

Call me Scrooge, but I actually enjoy the holidays now. I’m also free to spend time with friends and family and with God – what a concept! I know we hear this every year, but this season let us really re-evaluate what is important in the long run, and prioritize accordingly.

Read what A.W. Tozer writes about the pursuit of God:
“Before the Lord God made man upon the earth He first prepared for him a world of useful and pleasant things for his sustenance and delight. In the Genesis account of the creation these are called simply ‘things.’ They were made for man’s use, but they were meant always to be external to the man and subservient to him. In the deep heart of the man was a shrine where none but God was worthy to come. Within him was God; without, a thousand gifts which God had showered upon him.

“But sin has introduced complications and has made those very gifts of God a potential source of ruin to the soul.

“Our woes began when God was forced out of His central shrine and things were allowed to enter. Within the human heart things have taken over. Men have now by nature no peace within their hearts, for God is crowned there no longer, but there in the moral dusk stubborn and aggressive usurpers fight among themselves for first place on the throne.”

You may wish to pray: Holy Father, thank You for the joys of this Christmas season and for coming to earth as a man for my salvation. Help me to keep the gifts of this season in their proper place and keep You in the central shrine where You belong. Show me what it means to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness so that I can glorify You. Amen.

Amy Saylor

Wednesday – the holy day of December 3, 2008

Gifts

“. . . then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold, and frankincense and myrrh.”
Matthew 2:11

We know this part of the story. The wise men brought gifts to honor Jesus. They were worshipping Him and as part of that worship they brought items of great value to Him.

For this reason, and probably primarily this reason, the Christmas season is a time of giving. Mostly we give to other people – family, friends. Occasionally we will give to the needy – more at this time of year than any other. We may donate gifts or coats and gloves. All those are great things and represent, I think, the will of God. He wants us to do these things. But what are we bringing to Jesus?

When we think of “giving to Jesus” we often make it fit into the “Christian” slot in our lives. We may volunteer at the church or lead a small group and that becomes the way we ‘use our gifts’ as a way to give to Jesus. Are we really bringing Him our most valuable treasure?

What does Jesus want? What can we bring Him that’s of worth?

There are very famous lyrics of a Christmas carol that tell us very plainly what we need to do this season to honor Jesus and His birth –

I have no gift to bring,
That’s fit to give the King.
Shall I play for You,
On my drum?

Shall I play for You?
Shall I play for You?

Mary nodded. . .
The ox and lamb kept time. . .
I played my drum for Him!
I played my best for Him!

Then He smiled at me. . .

These lines may not be scriptural, but I think they speaks truth about what He wants. Jesus wants us to honor Him all year ‘round by doing what we do the best we can. If an accountant, be the best accountant you can be for Christ. If an engineer, be the best engineer you can be for Christ. We don’t do it merely so we can witness to people; not so people “see something that they want”. Let’s do it to honor the birth and life of Christ.

This Christmas season, let’s play our drum for Him, and let’s play our best!

K.C. Ruddy

Thursday – the holy day of December 4, 2008

Read: Romans 8:16, John 1:12, and 1 John 1:9

Christmas is a time to sing praise!

Why is it a time to sing praise? So we may give God our thanks for His generous bounty!

God lavished His love on us with the gift of Jesus. He was reinforcing the fact that we are His children, and as His children we are given every good thing, including His gift of grace and forgiveness made possible by Jesus’ birth.

God poured out His love freely, and accepted us as we are even while we were yet sinners. We accept the challenge for living daily with Jesus as Savior and Lord and commit to follow how He showed us to live. Whole-hearted belief in Jesus – the baby-turned-Savior – is the only way to enter Heaven.

When we accept Christ as Savior, God confirms our status in His family by sending us the Holy Spirit as a seal on our hearts, proving we belong to Him! He has promised He has plans for us as His children.

We should be singing joyously, not just through Christmas season, but in our walk with Him every day.

Joan Marsh

Friday – the holy day of December 5, 2008

Christmas Child

Christmas is the perfect time to remember that our Lord and Savior came to us as a baby. He was completely helpless and needed the care of others in order to survive and grow.

This is the same way we come to Him! Even though we may be adults, we can only enter into His kingdom as a child. We put aside our pride and self-sufficiency; we admit our need for Him – that we are completely helpless to save ourselves.

At Christmas, we need to offer our love and acceptance to each other – those within the Kingdom and especially to those who may not know the Lord in a personal way. The best gift in the world is the salvation that Christ offers. There is nothing better than knowing Him and growing in a personal relationship with Him.

Tenley Draheim

Saturday – the holy day of December 6, 2008

Receive His Gift Gratefully

As Christmas approaches, our attitudes and our hearts soften. We think of family, friends, and the gifts we will give to others. We will also receive gifts from others and show our appreciation with a hug, a big smile, and a thank you.

I can recall gifts from my children that were very inexpensive or even hand-made. These were the gifts I cherished the most. Anyone could tell the thought that went into the selection. One year, I received a pair of safety goggles because I worked in construction. Another year it was a pair of Ohio State work gloves for those cold days. We have all received cherished gifts such as these, including the hand-made pencil holder, the dried lump of clay paper weight, and the Popsicle stick coaster. These are all very precious gifts, and we received them with great exhibitions of love and thanks.

There is another gift we receive, for which we need to show this same enthusiasm - God’s grace. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

His grace is a gift we do not deserve and cannot earn. God“… has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time” (2 Timothy 1:9, 10). It’s His gift to us. “We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 15:11).

How wonderful to know that by accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior, we gain salvation – eternal life – a personal relationship with God. What greater gift could we desire?

During this special time of the year, let us rejoice in the gift of God’s grace. Let us enjoy the company of our family and friends, but let us also take this time to thank God for the grace He has bestowed upon each of us through the sacrifice of His Son.

Pray something like this: Father, I know what it’s like to receive gifts, and I love the feeling I get inside. I am reminded again how wonderful Your gift of grace really is! Jesus came to save me to forgive me and take away my sins… I am in awe of this generous gift. I don’t deserve Your gift, and I can never earn it… so I accept Your gift of grace with a grateful and overflowing heart, and I’ll try to live up to Your extravagant gift in the way I live my life for Jesus. Amen.

Bob Johnson

Sunday – the holy day of December 7, 2008
The Second Sunday in Advent

A New View of Christmas

The magical holiday season; special times with those we love, fresh baked cookies, festive decorations and family traditions. Standing in line at the grocery store I’m once again inspired by Martha Stewart and how she can take an empty toilet paper holder, glue, macaroni, glitter and a bow and fashion it into a beautiful wreath for the front door.

It seems I always have good intentions as I enter into the holiday season. And, every year, those good intentions turn out to be just that.

I recall a story about two young boys who were squabbling over the manger scene. One boy insisted that “everybody has to be in a straight line in front of Baby Jesus.” “No,” the other said, “they need to be in a circle around him.” They continued arguing as they rearranged the manger. At last, in a determined voice, the second child explained. “Everyone needs to be in a circle around Baby Jesus so they can all see Him. He is Lord!”

Pretty profound! What is keeping me from having a clear view of Jesus? I hate to admit it, but my focus is usually on candles, wrapping paper, gifts, running here and there. All those visions of that “perfect” holiday season dance in my head for weeks, leaving Christ in the background. Here’s a reminder that everything else is peripheral, while the manger is central. I think that’s part of what Jesus was getting at when He said, “Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one is thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

This holiday season, I’m committed to choosing the “good part.” In order to focus on the manger and Jesus we might have to turn away from other things. In this busy holiday season, turning any direction requires intentionality. On what activities, thoughts, concerns and conflicts are your eyes focused? Will these issues matter in five or ten years?

Turning toward the manger doesn’t mean we have to drop all other things. Rather, it’s a posture, a position, a purpose that orients our gaze and therefore our choices.

This holiday season, pray that God will soften your heart and turn your eyes toward the manger and your focus around Jesus.

Sharon Haxton

Monday – the holy day of December 8, 2008

Joy? Thankfulness?

As we enter into the season of joy and thankfulness, it seems as if we have lost our joy and our ability to be and feel thankful.

Perhaps it is due in large part to the times we live in and the circumstances that we find ourselves in. It is difficult to be joyous and thankful in the face of mounting instability due to a job lost, rising foreclosures, and an unstable stock-market resulting in financial woes.

Oswald Chambers put his finger on our unthankful attitude when he said:
“The will of God is the gladdest, brightest, most bountiful thing possible to conceive, and yet some of talk of the will of God with a terrific sign – oh well, I supposed it is the will of God, as if His will were the most calamitous thing that could befall us. . .” (Job loss, rising foreclosures, unstable stock-market. . .)

A true spirit of joy and thankfulness is more than just being happy and grateful for what we possess. It is an attitude that permeates our relationship with the Lord so that we can serve Him with gladness and joy.

This holiday season, let us adopt, and put into practice the attitude that God gave us in Psalm 100:

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.

This Christmas season, instead of focusing and dwelling on the negative and the things we don’t have but want, why not focus on what we do have?

Let us focus on shouting out the Lord’s name with joy and thanksgiving!

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations!

Al Flores

Tuesday – the holy day of December 9, 2008

A Change of Plans

Read: Matthew 1:18-25

Imagine this scene in Matthew as it were happening today. Joseph has been dating Mary for a while now and he’s pondering the engagement proposal “plan”. He goes to great detail to plan everything “just right” so that Mary feels honored and loved. She says “YES!” and they begin to plan the details of their wedding celebration. They’re in the thick of it – invitations have been sent out, caterers have been booked, the church is scheduled and they’re meeting with their local rabbi for pre-marital counseling. They’re getting married, and Joseph (and Mary, too) can’t wait!

Then, in the middle of it all, comes the news: Mary’s pregnant!

“WHAT?!” “How can this be?” “Whose child is this!?!” Joseph can’t believe his ears and thinks to himself: “There’s no way I can go through with this now. She’s not the person I thought she was. The town will think it’s mine; the baby ISN’T mine! I have to stop this. I’m calling off the engagement.” The NLT says in verse 19, “Joseph, her fiancé, being a just man, decided to break the engagement quietly, so as not to disgrace her publicly.” Immediately following in verse 20 it says, “As he considered this, he fell asleep, and an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream.”

All throughout the holiday season, we find ourselves getting bogged down with plans. We plan dinner menus, gift wish lists, travel details, etc. You name it, we plan it. This Christmas, may we take a lesson from Joseph? In the midst of the physical and emotional stress that surely flooded his and Mary’s relationship, he took time to consider the situation. He paused for a moment and rested. It was precisely his pause that allowed him to hear from the Lord. Think of it this way, had Joseph not taken a nap that day, his marriage with Mary was on the road to being cancelled!

When your plans change at the last minute, what will be your response? Will it be as Joseph’s initial response, or will you choose to consider the situation and wait for a word from the Lord?

As you find yourself planning, planning, planning this holiday clear into history, take time to rest and hear from our Lord. After all, His presence is the whole reason for the celebration. Let’s not forget to invite Him as our guest of honor.

You may wish to pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for this holiday season. In the midst of making plans, help me to remember to invite You with me wherever I go. Allow me to be flexible with plans that get changed. Mostly, Father, keep my eyes on You today. Amen.

Ashley Rolsten

Wednesday – the holy day of December 10, 2008

Time Out! During Advent

As the calendar year draws to a close, family schedules and personal agendas fill with meetings, programs, parties, and annual obligations. The carol "Silent Night" could not have been written at the end of the twentieth century, since its title evokes the peace and stillness that women and men of today can only imagine.

Yet, this busiest time of year calls us to draw close to others, and above all to God, who became flesh and lived with us. Contemplation and car pooling?! Meditation and manic shopping?! How do we carve out moments of quiet when we can fully open ourselves to God's presence?

Perhaps we have to lower our sights from hours spent looking for the perfect gift. Perhaps we have to change our focus from keeping up with the commercialism. Between traffic jams and parking lot crushes, scribbling holiday notes and decking our halls, there may still be ten minutes - or even five - when the family (which may mean something as informal as those who share meals and lodging) can sit quietly around the lighted Advent wreath once a day, once a week, or perhaps only once during this Season of Preparation.

Someone we know pampers herself and her family by baking a simple recipe for gingerbread. As the spicy smell fills the kitchen, the household comes together to speak of Christmas, to pray, to meditate briefly, and to enjoy a homemade feast. It brings them closer together and closer to the mysteries we contemplate and celebrate in Advent.

Author Unknown

Thursday – the holy day of December 11, 2008

Celebrate

Christmas is getting closer. Let’s try not to forget what the real celebration is about.

Celebration you’re thinking? Like singing and dancing and laughing and clapping our hands? Yes – that’s exactly what kind of celebration we’re talking about. Christmas is on its way because God loves us incredibly. Isn’t that a good reason to put music in our hearts and rhythm in our feet?

God’s love is so great – the celebration becomes great as well! Christmas is about a love that shows itself through giving. Jesus is God’s gift to us, so it stands to reason that Christmas is about giving – not buying. Whoa – that bears repeating. . . Christmas is about giving – not buying.

We could make gifts with our own hands to give to one another. We could make gifts for the homeless, the lost, the hungry, the wayward, the down-and-outs - or any other number of unloved people around us. We could make gifts with our hands and our hearts for our neighbors and the people with whom we work.

Remember the music and the rhythm of the celebration! We could even include a neighbor or co-worker or a friend or a family member in an Advent service or the Christmas Eve service.

Yes, that’s what we can do, love. . . invite. . . include. . . and celebrate. After all – that’s what God did with His great gift of love!

Author Unknown

Friday – the holy day of December 12, 2008

“The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lied and stole and smoked cigars (even the girls) and talked dirty and hit little kids and cussed their teachers and took the name of the Lord in vain and set fire to Fred Shoemaker’s old broken-down toolhouse.”

So begins one of my favorite Christmas stories, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson.

The Herdmans became involved with the annual Christmas pageant. However, they didn’t know anything about the story of the birth of Jesus and the narrator’s mother read the story from the Bible. They were indignant when they heard that the innkeeper didn’t have room for Joseph and Mary. They thought that Joseph should have beaten him up. When told that Jesus was wrap in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, they said that Child Welfare should have been called since he was tied up and put in a feedbox. Imogene thought that the kings were pretty cheap for bringing oil.

On the night of the pageant, the narrator tells of the entrance of Mary and Joseph. They just stood there as if they weren’t sure they were in the right place and the narrator realizes that this was probably the way it was for them. After a long walk and staying in a barn, they wouldn’t have been neat and tidy. After Mary (Imogene) burps the baby the narrator understands that Jesus “could have had colic, or been fussy, or hungry like any other baby. After all, that was the whole point of Jesus — that He didn’t come down on a cloud like something out of ‘Amazing Comics,’ but that He was born and lived…a real person.”

Imogene started to cry as if the whole idea of God and the wonder of Christmas hit her. The narrator, too, came to understand that the Christmas story is about real people. A real baby who was born to parents who had problems, no money, no place to go, no doctor, and nobody they knew.

Sometimes we are so familiar with a story that we read it without really thinking about it. Take the time to read the Christmas story in Matthew (1:18 – 2:12) and in Luke (2:1 – 20). Read it slowly. Remember Joseph and Mary didn’t know how the story would end. They were real people with real problems, learning to rely and trust God along the way. Just like us.

You may wish to pray: Father, You sent Jesus to live among us as fully human and fully God. I have a Savior who understands me and loves me! Thank You! Amen.

Mary Flores

Saturday – the holy day of December 13, 2008

Lost things. . .

A close friend was talking about lost things recently. She went looking for the stories…you know the coin, the sheep, the son…lost things. (Luke 15) It has me thinking about this time of year. People go looking for what they think Christmas is about. Looking for the perfect gift, the decorations (where did I put those last year?), the holiday sweaters, our favorite ornament, maybe memories. We plan food for events. We send copious amounts of cards to those we’ve lost touch with over the past few months. We craft clever (hopefully) information-packed letters about the happenings in the past year.

But, what did you lose this year? And what does God want us to do about what we’ve lost? The woman who lost the coin tore her house apart looking it. She cleaned until she found it. The shepherd left an entire flock to go looking for the one lost sheep; left all he was responsible for and all that had value to him. The father waited patiently and expectantly for the son to return. One thing is obvious, they all celebrated once they found their lost thing. Feasts, joy-filled reunions, the inviting of friends, more food! Sounds like Christmas! Right?

This year then, what is God asking you to tear apart, clean up, search for, and wait patiently on? What do you get to celebrate? Christmas then becomes the perfect time to tear apart the mess we made of the year. Simply put, clean house. Get rid of anything that is making it hard for you to see what God has planned for your life. Search, actively search, for His plans, His peace, Him. You will find Him, if you go looking. He’s already there, waiting patiently, expectantly for you.

Then celebrate! In a way that lets all those who you’ve invited see what Christmas is all about. Lost things…found!

Prayer: Dear Lord we are the lost. We are Your lost. Please help us clean up our mess, our lives, so that we can find You again. In this season, let us too remember all of those who are lost and need You. Help us on our search and celebrate with us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Cheryl Rice

Sunday – the holy day of December 14, 2008
The Third Sunday in Advent

What Can I Give Him?

Read: Matthew 2:11

Our God, heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
Yet, in the bleak midwinter a stable placed sufficed
the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Christina Rossetti has penned perhaps some of the world’s most beloved poems, yet, she remains fairly unknown for her literary contributions. Yet, Rossetti's lines have found their way into many of the Church's carols and hymns of Christmas. One such hymn, "In the Bleak Midwinter" compels us to look inwardly for our gift to the Christ-Child. Perhaps gold, frankincense and myrrh are fitting gifts for a King, yet, we are not able to give gifts such as these. What do we have to offer, to a person who "has it all?"

Rossetti's lyrical setting paints a beautiful picture of that Nativity scene so long ago.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there;
Cherubim and Seraphim thronged the air!
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
worshipped the Beloved with a kiss.

Still the question remains. "What can I give Him?" Gifts of rare and priceless beauty; the gift of a mother’s love - how can we begin to match the importance of these gifts? What do we have that we highly treasure that the Christ would also find to be priceless in His eyes? Rossetti's final rendering says it all:

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a wise man, I would do my part.
Yet what I can I give Him: give Him my heart.

Pray a prayer like this: Lord Jesus, as I ponder the gift You brought to me in Your coming to earth to save me from my sins, I am filled with awe. I am also filled with the desire to give You back something in return. What can I give You? Jesus, I give You my heart! Make it Your home today and every day. Amen.

Pastor Marty

Monday – the holy day of December 15, 2008

Christmas – a Story of Patience

Read: Malachi 4:1-2,5

These are some of the last words from God before the 400 years or so before Christ was born. The Jewish people did not know when He would come, but they knew Malachi said the “day is coming”.

Christmas is usually a time of celebration of the birth of Jesus because of what the start of His life means – eventual salvation. His coming is also an end – an end to the waiting period for the Jewish people.

This season, think about the waiting period the Jews experienced. They knew He was coming. Yet they knew God was still in their midst, and had to pay attention to His presence. I’m sure certain events occurred that they could attribute to coincidence or dumb luck, but God was in the waiting. He is in the waiting times in our lives too.

Whatever we are waiting for, God wants to develop us in these times. Our character is being worked on, challenged, sharpened – but only if we are looking for Him in the waiting. Whether we are waiting for a church building, our invention to take off, our house to sell in a tough time, the new job we really want – God is at work and trying to teach us through these times.

This Christmas, try to imagine the times the Jewish people were waiting for the Messiah and watching to see His work in their lives. In imagining this, let it help us look for Him in OUR lives as we wait.

Are we paying attention to Him or do we say it’s just coincidence when something goes our way? Do we see Him cautioning us with a closed door OR are we seeing it in a worldly sense as “it’s just not going my way”? Are we willing to wait like the Jewish people waited for the Messiah to enter and begin the work of eternal salvation?

Try praying: Lord thank You for the lesson of waiting in the Christmas story. Thank You that You are in control if we let You be and that “all things work together for good for those called according to (Your) purpose”. Help us be joyful in our waiting and help us to see that You are working in our lives and in our plans. Help build our character, and to realize that in the end, the “thing” we are waiting for is not important, but HOW we are waiting is how we can best exhibit our faith in You. Amen.

K.C. Ruddy

Tuesday – the holy day of December 16, 2008

Read: Luke 2:8-15

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them.”

The Christmas season is filled with light. Shopping malls are decorated with special lights. Villages and towns line their Main Streets with lights. People’s homes have colored floodlights, icicle lights hanging from eves, trees and bushes wrapped with tiny bright lights. Neighbors try to outdo neighbors with grandiose displays (who can forget Clark Griswold’s home in Christmas Vacation). Even our local zoo has joined in on the fun with a month-long celebration called Lights Before Christmas.

All are meant to radiate the joy of the season, but pale in comparison to the dazzling light a few humble, lonely shepherds saw on a clear, crisp night more than 2,000 years ago.

Imagine the astonishment, shock, fear, and awe these shepherds must have experienced. The “glory of the Lord shone around them.” They must have been transfixed — they were being visited by an angel and captivated by the “radiance of the Lord’s glory.” It clearly had to be a life-changing encounter.

The lights around us at Christmastime have become commonplace. We take them for granted. But they should serve as a reminder of who we celebrate this season.

This Christmas season, while you’re driving through a neighborhood after dark, or down a Main Street, or walking through the mall; take time to think about the lights you see and who they should represent. Jesus, the “light of the world” has come and dwelt among us. He promises that all who follow Him “will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

We, who believe, have the privilege and responsibility to reflect the light that is in our lives. This year, “let your light shine before men.”

You may wish to pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to bring light to a dark world. Help me to walk in His light, and share that light with others through a kind and loving heart. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.

Marc Grisier

Wednesday – the holy day of December 17, 2008

Great Expectations for Christmas –
Making Christmas Your Own

Forging new traditions can be tricky – but worth it!!

Somehow we think the perfect Christmas is happening in someone else’s house, not our own. Many holiday conflicts have to do with letting go of the old parent-child relationship. There’s no place like home for the holidays, goes the old song. But what is home? And whose home? Sometimes it’s difficult to think of yourself as a family unit with your own traditions and practices. You’re still your parents’ child, someone’s sister or brother. Stuck in a tradition you can’t break! The Christmas holidays look different for different people. For some there will be family…sometimes too much family.

At some point you will be caught in the swirling vortex of holiday and family expectations. Each year, children struggle with and agonize over how to divide the holiday time between his parents and her parents and step-parents and grandparents.

What is it about this season that affects so deeply, yet touches off such potential for conflict? Is it that we cling to visions of the “perfect” Christmas? After all, Christmas is one of the crowning events of history and of our faith, and even our cherished visions of the Christ Child and his family reflect our desire for serenity and perfection. So we figure if we just get the details right, Christmas will become that idyllic Norman Rockwell scene that smiles at us from the Christmas cards.

Many holiday conflicts have to do with letting go of the old parent-child relationship and striving toward a new adult-adult relationship. For those of you with young children, your obligations are to your own family first and creating your traditions….because the day you married one another you became a family. You left your mother and father and began a new relationship. Begin creating memories for your children.

Prepare yourself: “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) Be STILL? So much to do, yet this is a prerequisite for holy days. Try solitude for part of Christmas Day.

This Christmas season, pray that God will strengthen your family bond and impress on you the importance of family oneness and quality time together. Pray that you and your family will stand quiet before Him and know that He is God.

Perhaps it’s time to say, “We’re planning to stay home this Christmas.”

Sharon Haxton

Thursday – the holy day of December 18, 2008

Where You’ll Find God at Christmas

Away in a manger –
no crib for a bed,
the little Lord Jesus
lay down His sweet head.

The stars in the sky
looked down where He lay. . .
the little Lord Jesus –
asleep on the hay.

A baby?!

The Jewish people were expecting a Messiah. He would come on a horse as a warrior and overthrow the Romans and establish a kingdom. He would be a descendant of King David and restore the glory of the nation of Israel.

The Messiah would be a catalyst for world peace, harmony and prosperity. All of the nations of the world would live side by side, recognize the sovereignty of God and there would be no more wars.

But a baby?! In Bethlehem, of all places. This little one sleeping in a stable where the animals were housed couldn’t be the long-awaited Messiah. Could he?

God doesn’t work in the way we want Him to or the way that we do. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8) We want splashy programs, million-dollar buildings, and big, blaring music. God at times works in quiet ways. “After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” (I Kings 19:12)

During the Christmas season, listen and look for God in small, quiet ways. In the ringing of the Salvation Army bells. In the face of a child hugging a longed-for doll. In the expression of an old man at the local soup kitchen.

You’ll find Him there.

You may want to pray: Father, quiet me to see You working in the people around me. Amen.

Mary Flores

Friday – the holy day of December 19, 2008

Read: Matthew 2:1-11

"When they saw the star, they were overjoyed."

At some point in your life, someone will say something that reminds you of a happy event in your past. You'll walk into a friend's home and the smell of spices and cooking will take you back to a special dinner or holiday in your youth or childhood. "They're playing our song!" Have you ever said this? How many times has the strains of a familiar, almost forgotten melody spurred your heart to reminisce about that wonderful, perhaps romantic time in your memory?

All of us have things that cause us to remember past events. At times, like when we need to remember someone's name, or the directions to a house, or the correct answers for a test, we even concoct formulas or "mnemonic tools" to aid in memory. How fitting, that our Heavenly Father should provide us with keys to help us recall important events and information in our spiritual lives. When I hear the word "myrrh" or smell a sweet or pungent incense, my mind immediately drifts to thoughts of the manger scene in Bethlehem so many years ago. The tingling of bells makes me feel happy - even in the summer - because I'm made mindful of the Christmas season and its excitement and joy. A cross instantaneously brings a mental picture of Jesus to my mind. Not a crucified Jesus, but, rather a risen, victorious one!

Wihla Hutson penned the words to a remarkable Christmas carol simply called "The Star Carol." In this beautiful poem, she expresses for all of us the preparations we should make for the Christ-Child's coming into our lives. Her words ring true, and speak of yet another item we may use to bring the Lord Jesus to mind.

Dear Baby Jesus, how tiny Thou art,
I'll make a place for Thee in my heart,
and when the stars in the heavens I see -
ever and always I think of Thee.

May we, in this blessed season, be aware of the many things God uses to bring our thoughts to Him. And let us always be assured that we are constantly on His mind and in His heart!

You might pray in this way: Loving Father. You have blessed me with so much. Thank you for helping me remember Your goodness and love to me. May I ever and always think of You, thank You, and show my Love for You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Pastor Marty

Saturday – the holy day of December 20, 2008

Read: Ephesians 5:19-20

“Sing and make music in your heart.”

So much of our Christmas experience is linked to songs. There are kids’ favorites: Here Comes Santa Claus, Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman. And then there are some of the traditional songs of our faith like O Come All Ye Faithful, Away in a Manger, Angels We Have Heard on High, and Joy to the World. Just hearing these songs links us to our childhood and conjures up pleasant memories.

One of the Christmas Eve traditions of my family is to gather around and sing some of our favorite Christmas songs. No matter how much laughter and excitement there is in the air; a quiet and a peace comes over the room as we settle in to sing. The songs bring a calm to the evening, and focus us on why we are there.

Christmas is a special time. Each of us has different traditions. Some of us have families close by. For others, family members are scattered. And a few of us are alone. Regardless of our traditions or circumstances, each of us can enjoy the sounds and soul-inspiring words of Christmas music. In addition to our church worship celebrations, here are a couple of ways to feel the joy of the Christmas season through music:

Turn off the TV, dim the lights, light a candle, or sit in front of the fireplace, and put on a CD of your favorite traditional Christmas songs. Listen carefully to the words as if you’re hearing them for the first time, and meditate on the majesty and greatness of God sending Christ to us.

For those of you going to a family gathering, do an Internet search for Christmas songs and print out song sheets. Before the madness of present unwrapping begins, gather everyone around and sing a few traditional Christmas songs that praise God and glory in the birth of His Son, Jesus.

Music is a true blessing because of its unique ability to touch our souls. Let the sounds of the season become the songs of your heart.

Perhaps your prayer could be: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your gift of music and its ability to bring us closer to You. Give me the comfort, peace, and joy that come from worshipping You in song. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.

Marc Grisier

Sunday – the holy day of December 21, 2008
The Fourth Sunday in Advent

Read: Philippians 2:3-11

What does it mean that Christ came into the world as a baby born in the humblest of circumstances? It is imperative that we understand this, because we are called to have the exact same attitude that precipitated His decision to do so.

Paul says that the attitude that Christ demonstrated was one of humility. He viewed His purpose here (saving humankind) as far more important than His position as God. So, He voluntarily gave up the privilege of being in the Godhead, complete with all the attributes that go along with it and came to earth for us. He gave up His all-knowing, all-present, all-powerful, unchanging, truthful self and traded it in for the weakness of a human body complete with all the limitations that come with it.

When was the last time we voluntarily gave up anything? I was at the grocery a few weeks ago and saw two women almost get in a fistfight over who was in line first. Neither was willing to give up her position, choosing instead to scream at one other and create a scene. This is what not to do; it is the direct opposite of what Paul teaches in Philippians 2.

Mother Theresa said the following about humility.
“Let us be very sincere in our dealings with each other and have the courage to accept each other as we are. Do not be surprised or become preoccupied at each other’s failure; rather see and find the good in each other, for each one of us is created in the image of God. Keep in mind that our community is not composed of those who are already saints, but of those who are trying to become saints. Therefore, let us be extremely patient with each other’s faults and failures.

“Use your tongue for the good of others, for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. We have to possess before we can give. Those who have the mission of giving to others must grow first in the knowledge of God.”

The two women in line did not understand that they needed to possess the knowledge of God, not a space in line. If we possess an understanding of our inheritance, the riches of God’s glory, we will then be able to lay aside our rights and give freely and willingly to others. In order to do this, you may want to spend some time meditating on the character of God and what He has done for you.

You may pray: Thank You Jesus for enabling me to share in Your inheritance as a child of God. Thank You for Your work here on earth and for all that You continue to do in my life. Help me to be patient with the faults and failures that I see in others and also the ones that I see in myself. I pray that I will be a light in the world this Christmas season. Amen.

Amy Saylor

Monday – the holy day of December 22, 2008

Merry Christmas? Happy Holidays?

I hate Christmas! I’m sick of all the commercialism!

Each year I think the same thing as I jostle overloaded shopping bags and attempt to avoid cranky holiday shoppers with still unchecked items on my Christmas list. Happy Holidays? Merry Christmas?

When I finally evaluate the time I spend pushing through crowded aisles I realize that I shop as though commercialization of Christmas is beyond my control. But it can’t really be blamed on the retailers who put up the decorations in October and run a constant barrage of sales. Neither can it be blamed on the media’s relentless advertising of the year’s favorite gimmick.

I realize it is I, the gullible consumer, who commercialized the holiday with behavior that made the aggressive tactics of the retailer profitable. I was the one who encouraged my kids to make wish lists, and even made lists of my own! I slid my credit card instead of using the checkbook, spending beyond my budget. Until I piled all the presents together, I had no idea how carried away I’d gotten. What fun I had watching my family open gift after gift. I delighted in their astonished pleasure.

It occurs to me that if we get everything we ask for we have nothing to look forward to…the devastating effects of commercialism. The excess of the holidays robs us of the true joys of Christmas. The brief pleasure found in ripping open packages is consumed as quickly as the wrapping paper is tossed in the waste can. The perfect Christmas is never found in a pile of packages, but in a gathering of hearts.

Give God one very special gift this Christmas. Maybe your gift to God will be to forgive someone or to commit to spending time with God daily. Maybe there is something God has asked you to give up. The number one way to keep Christ in Christmas is to have Him present in your daily life.

God set the example with His one breathtakingly understated gift to the world – a helpless baby in a non-descript manger – whose purpose was to reconcile us with God. That gift made the perfect Christmas a reality. In Christ we receive everything we’ll ever want…only not all at once. That’s why we have yet to experience heaven: so we’ll have something to look forward to.

You may want to pray for forgiveness for being grumpy as you trudge through the holiday tasks and the to-do list. Pray that God will restore the joy of Christmas to your heart and that He will help you make time for Him.

Sharon Haxton

Tuesday – the holy day of December 23, 2008

Christmas Cheer

Every year around this time, I have a familiar experience. I'm out shopping, and I'll go through the checkout line, and pay for my stuff, and when the cashier hands me back the change, they'll say "Happy holidays," or perhaps even "Merry Christmas."

I realize that this comment is not always motivated by the cashier's genuine interest in whether or not I enjoy my holiday. I'm aware that they may be saying this because they've been told to. I can envision the memo from K-mart corporate headquarters directing cashiers when to switch from "Have a nice day" to "Happy Holidays," on the assumption that this will somehow help cement a lasting bond between the store and the customer that won't evaporate when the Wal-Mart opens across the street.

I'm aware of all that, and suspicious of the whole business. But at least once every year, I have a cashier who looks me in the eye and says "Merry Christmas," and really means it. And it changes my whole day.

There really is something genuine to this whole idea of Christmas cheer. As December 25th draws near, people warm up just a bit. If you're out and around tomorrow on Christmas Eve, you'll notice that people are friendlier than on any other day of the year.

Folks warm up when they are mindful of the Christ child's birth, and make an extra effort to practice the virtues the angels sing of - "peace on earth, goodwill towards men."

But consider this - why do we notice this at Christmas? Why does this surge in warm-heartedness stand out? I think it's because, despite our best intentions, good will towards men can easily become a seasonal event rather than a standing policy.

When Christ entered our world, He didn't come to brighten our Decembers, but to transform our lives. It can be hard work to practice good will towards one another. But John the Baptist's message was that as we prepare for Christ to come into our lives, we can change our ways.

The Gospel accounts of Jesus' ministry provide the blueprint for loving our neighbor in a busy and complicated neighborhood. Christ made a point of seeking out the broken and disenfranchised people of his day - the lepers, prostitutes and tax collectors - and he saw the value in each one of them. And in so doing, He helped them recognize the value in themselves.

In the remaining days of this Christmas season, may we come to recognize that just as faith is a decision, good will towards people is a series of decisions that work themselves out not in temporary holiday cheer, but in the details of everyday life.

Perhaps you might pray: Father, make this Christmas stick. I want to be about living out the life of Christ, loving my neighbor, seeking out the broken-hearted and lost people, and sharing the love of Christ with everyone. May this year’s holiday cheer – last all year long. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Author Unknown

Christmas Eve
Wednesday – the holy day of December 24, 2008

Holy Night

I hope it’s quiet where you are right now. If not - make it so.

Take the time to light a few candles and turn off all the lights. Perhaps the lights on your tree will do just as well.

Now sit down with your Bible and this meditation, and quiet yourself before the King of Heaven. Invite Him to this time of devotion.

Read the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20.

This is the night. It is truly a Holy night - for tonight, we celebrate the birth of a baby so tender - a babe so mild. All is calm, all is ablaze with the quiet, peaceful light of a star - the glory of God shines all around us.

Such silence tonight - a holiness like no other has descended.
Jesus - Son of God,
Love’s pure light beams radiantly from Your
wonderful, holy face - with what can only be described as. . .a dawning. . .
the advent of God’s redeeming grace given to a sinful world.

Oh, Jesus - Lord, Savior, King, Friend, Brother –
at Your birth this all comes about!
Oh my Jesus - the Morning Star, Prince of Peace, El Shaddai -
our baby, born to save us! I love You so much tonight.

The carol exhorts us tonight “. . . with the angels let us sing ‘Hallelujah!’ to our King.” Why? Because Christ the Savior is born! And it’s fitting that we sing with the angels. The whole host of Heaven has turned out tonight to sing praises to God - and to proclaim, yet again, that the Savior has been born to save all of us poor, undeserving creatures from sin, death and hell.

No wonder we shiver when we think about Jesus’ birth! Stop to imagine for a moment what it must have been like to have the angelic choir rouse you from a half slumber as you watched your flocks of sheep. We quake right along with the shepherds! Then - to behold the beautiful and peaceful face of such a pretty little baby boy - and know that He is the Savior of mankind - your Savior - the Son of God.

The Heavens are ablaze with God’s glory - the angels obscure the stars and stand and sit all around us - the music is unearthly and beautiful - and we cannot help but be moved - we fall in love with Jesus, we cry tears of joy, and we can’t stop thanking God for His gift.

This is not just a pretty painting - it really happened - and is happening again. Join with this celebration right where you sit. Praise God for the most wonderful event in history - perhaps second only to the glory and wonder of the Resurrection itself!

Pray something like this: Fill me with Your presence, Lord. Let me know the wonder and joy and peace of Christmas - this very night. I praise You in the name of Jesus, my Savior! Amen.

Now - close your Bible, prepare for bed - and sleep in heavenly peace…

Pastor Marty

Christmas Day (Christ’s Birthday)
Thursday – the Holy Day of December 25, 2008

It Really IS All About Gifts!

Merry Christmas! I hope your Christmas is a joyful time of celebration and wonder.

Christmas has, for generations, remained the happiest day of the year, and for generations to come that distinction will hold true. We celebrate so many wonderful things throughout the season of Christmastide, and most of what we celebrate has to do with gifts!

We celebrate the gift of family and the gift of friendship. We celebrate the season through the joy of giving, the fun giving of ourselves as we share in social gatherings. We celebrate in sharing our blessings as we try to make the season more joyful for others.

The joy and celebration of Christmas are deeper for us because the spirit of the season – that which God started over 2,000 years ago – is all wrapped up in the spirit of giving. Yet, as you think about it, it is far more than shopping and buying and wrapping presents and piling them under the tree. While some may celebrate the season through trappings, Christ-followers celebrate the greatest gift of all: everlasting life through God’s Son.

God’s greatest gift was His Son – whose life and death and return from death means that eternal life can now be ours – if we will believe! We can share in the gift-giving by telling everyone we know about this great good news meant for all people. A Savior is born – Christ, the Lord – and His name is Jesus, which means “He shall save,” because He will save His people from their eternal separation from God!

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” — which means, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:21-23)

Today – that prophecy has been fulfilled. Jesus it born! God’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life is real. He is “God with us!”

You might want to pray in this way: Father, thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for the plan You put in place, that would allow me to be saved from my sins so that I may live in eternity with You – faultless and blameless. That’s what Christmas is all about – the birth of the Savior! Thank You for such an incredible gift! Amen!

Author Unknown

The members of Quarry Ridge offer these Advent meditations to help you reinvent the Christmas season as a series of simpler, more satisfying “holy days.”

As you meditate on these thoughts, may you find your faith rekindled, and your life enriched.

Best wishes to you this blessed season!

Quarry Ridge Community Church
Sylvania, Ohio 419-517-7722

Currently meeting at:
Timberstone Junior High School
9000 West Sylvania Avenue
(between Centennial and Mitchaw)

Sundays 10:30-11:30 am
Worship Celebration,
Children’s Activities, Nursery

Christmas Eve 6:00-7:00 pm
Family Candlelight Service

© 2008 Quarry Ridge Community Church