Advent Devotional for the Second Sunday of Advent

The Second Sunday of Advent

Christmas is the joy of Santa Claus, the glory of the angels, the cleanliness and stillness of new fallen snow. It's the love of family, the goodness of sharing gifts.

I think we celebrate in so many ways to try to express our wonder and gratitude that God sent Jesus, His beloved Son, to dwell with us.

Donna and Rex Mann, First UMC - Iraan

Advent devotional for December 4th

Remember September 11, 2001? I imagine most people can remember that day! Pastor Charles was serving as a Navy chaplain at the Naval Hospital at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Within days of that event: (1) He had married two sailors on a nearby beach; (2) He had officiated at funeral for a sailor killed at the Pentagon; (3) He had left for a deployment to California (with no return date).

During that time, a lot of us were not sure about what the future would bring. The newlyweds' honeymoon leave had been canceled. A local family was grieving the loss of their son. Military members were not sure where they might be sent next - to help protect our country. We prayed that God would give us the courage and the strength to deal with whatever might come our way.

In November, Charles and I made the decision to be frugal with the presents we would give each other. We wanted to focus on what was truly important to us (and not just the "stuff"). To be honest, I cannot remember what I gave him. However, I will never forget what he gave me! It was Christmas morning. We were at home, sitting by a roaring fire. I remember feeling content and blessed by all we had in our lives. We knew that God loves us unconditionally, and we knew that we loved one another.

Charles presented his gift to me, which I carefully unwrapped. Inside the box were five gold rings. I remember staring into the box. Charles could tell I was confused, so he told me the rest of the story. He had paid a visit to a local pawn shop, where he had spent a lot of time combing through a very large box of gold rings, since he wanted them to be about the same size. He had explained that he wanted his lady to have "five gold rings" to remind her that he is, in fact, her "true love"... just like the words in the song, "The 12 Days of Christmas."

Words cannot the joy I experienced... and still experience... when I remember that my sweet husband thought enough of us and our love... to present me with the perfect Christmas gift! Thanks be to God for His true love!!!

Belinda Alkula

Advent devotional for December 3rd

("Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" on A Charlie Brown Christmas, 1965)

It is a day and a season of festivities. The "Day" is the birthday of Jesus, who, when he grew up taught us how to communicate with God by using our faith in him and following his examples. A birthday is a time to be happy about that person.

The "Season" is also a time to be happy about the current times. This involves families getting together for fellowship. If small children are involved in this fellowship, this event really takes on a feeling of great joy.

It reminds us adults of the Christmas times of the past when we were kids and the good thoughts we remember about our youth.

Evans Turpin, First UMC - Iraan

Advent devotional for December 2nd

(picture is a quilt top from Country Stitches)

"O Holy Night"
(by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure, France)

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night, O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by his cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wise-men from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need; our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your king! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your king! Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains He shall break, for the slave is our brother,
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise his holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Ardell Elliott, McCamey Convalescent Center

Santa visits Iraan tonight!

There was merriment aplenty tonight at the Iraan Civic Center! Santa made an early appearance to the delight of young and old alike. In addition to the good food and fun, there was a number of FUMC members and friends on hand with whom to share the activities.

Decorating for the season!

Inside and out... we are getting ready! Tis the season... to remember the reason... that Jesus Christ IS Lord! Thanks to everyone who gave of their time this week to make our church home so inviting!

Advent devotional for December 1st

(photo from Dainty Delights)


Christmas Mice Cookies

1/2 cup margarine, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup firmely packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
peanuts
1 (2.5 ounce) jar of red cinnamon candies
4 yards of thin red licorice, cut into 3-inch pieces

Beat margarine and peanut butter at medium speed; gradually add sugars, beating well. Combine flour and soda; gradually add to creamed mixture, mixing well. Cover and chill at least two hours.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls to form a tear-drop shape. Press one side flat; place flat sides on ungreased cookie sheets with cookies two inches apart. Press in sides of dough to raise back of mice. Gently place two peanut halves in dough for ears. With a wooden pick, make a 1/2 inch deep hole at tail end. Bake at 350 for 9 minutes; remove cookies from oven. Place red cinnamon candies in cookies for eyes; bake an additional 1 to 2 minutes or until browned. Remove from oven; insert licorice tails and cool.

Yields 4 dozen.

Wanda Morrow, First UMC - Iraan