Devotion Dec 26

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John 1:14

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

 

     John said we shall tear down the trees, maybe, if they had looked after the trees better they would still bear fruit and wouldn’t have to share our coats and extra food. Brings to mind my good friend Treva. Treva gave me an African Violet and my first thought was how long before I kill this? Well, it didn’t take long!  Maybe a week - literally watched blooms die and the leaves fell off in front of me at the kitchen table. I thought, maybe it didn’t like me staring at it and hoping it wouldn’t die, or maybe my sad face scares it.

I moved the plant to the kitchen counter under a different type of lighting and lots of stuff on my kitchen counter to keep it company.  Well, she flourished, bloomed many different times, and so a good reason not to clean the counter off, as all the stuff is like family - comforting in a way!  My plant now has lots of blooms and leaves to share (26 in total). I have a lot of time on my hands. She brings me great joy, and her family stuff on the counter is at eye level (saves time looking for it).

The moral is: if you look after something it will come back to you.  Not enough leaves to make a second coat out of, but most times people only have one coat and are thankful for that.

 - Liz Hickey

Devotion Dec 25 ~ CHRISTMAS

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Hebrews 1:1-2

 Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets,  but 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.

       It is sometimes difficult to separate the secular and religious aspects of Christmas. Over the Advent Season we are reminded of the true story and message of Christmas-the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s earthly child. But come Christmas Day it is difficult not to be overwhelmed by the more earthly aspects of Christmas. We find ourselves in the midst of Christmas gifts, family presence, decorations and the traditional Christmas breakfasts and dinner. It is only later on in the day as we relax and reflect on our Christmas time that we are touched by the awesomeness this day truly means to Christians.

The beauty of Christmas is that we can share it with others because of its emphasis upon goodwill and peace toward, and among, all peoples. People of all faiths and cultures can experience the uniqueness of the event even without its religious basis.

As we celebrate this special day, may we be truly grateful that God shared this child with us. Enjoy the day, love your family and extend goodwill greetings to all you meet.

 

Prayer: Loving God, bless this day, may we strive to keep its meaning alive year round. Grant us peace and goodwill to all. Amen.

 

 - Rev. Byron Corkum

Devotion Dec 24

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Isaiah 9:6

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

     When a baby is born, there is often much speculation about what the child will be like as he or she grows and develops into maturity. Mary had been told her first born was going to be someone very special for the whole world. As the verse above says, much was going to be resting on this baby’s shoulders.

So now, it is, once again, the Eve of Jesus’ birthday! Each year, we wait in anticipation for this momentous event. However, amidst the excitement, I can’t but think of how Mary was feeling that night. She and her husband had travelled a long distance to get to Bethlehem. She was probably a young teenager, and this was her first child. She must have been extremely tired and scared and then there was no room for them to stay at the inn. We look at our manger scene. It looks so serene and peaceful. The travail of Christmas Eve will be over and the excitement of the birth of our Lord, Jesus, is here. He is this world’s Prince of Peace!

The words at the top of this page from Isaiah 9 are incorporated in Handel’s “Messiah” and are sung joyously by choirs around the world each Christmas. Indeed, Mary’s child has been born for us. Let us rejoice!

Let us pray. We thank you, O God, for sending us your Son. May this Babe become a part of our lives and show us Your way of love for all. Amen.

    - Susan Colquhoun

Devotion Dec 23

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Micah 5:4-5a

 And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth, and he shall be the one of peace.

     

When I worked at the Retirement Home I did the cooking. Lots of times I would get distracted by something or someone  and I burnt a lot of cookies which I had to make everyday. But at the end of the day there was always enough cookies to get through the day until the next day - I started over again.

I guess it is true when they say “a little goes a long way”.  God helped feed all the residents as he did to his flock in Micah 5:4-5a.

- Joyce Hollis

Devotion Dec 21

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Luke 3:15-16 

As the people were filled with expectation and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

A prophet told folks what they ought’er

Do for the Saviour they sought o’er.

John was Jesus’ cousin,

Disciples would dozen,

And all would baptize then with water.

 

But as all the people were waiting

T’see what was John’s Messiah rating,

John said, ‘Don’t look at me,

The next one’s really

Got fiery Spirit creating.’

 

That next one, our Jesus of Naz’reth, 

 Was long waited for with baited breath.

We wait, yet again,

For hope to begin

That is bigger than all evil and death.

 

O Saviour, we pray for the Spirit

To flood us again. Let us hear it:

A hope for the world,

A joy that’s unfurled,

And the ways to squash evil and clear it.

     - Jeff White

Devotion Dec 20

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Luke 3:9-11

Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” And the crowds asked him, “What, then, should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise.”

Gladys Porter became Mayor of Kentville, NS in 1946 and served as Mayor until 1960. She was the first woman mayor in the Maritimes and she became the first female member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 1960. I grew up in Kentville and lived on the same street as she. As busy as she was, I was later told by her daughter that every Christmas she would make fruit cakes to give to less fortunate families to help make their Christmas a little extra special. She would spend a whole day at it until they were done, often times late into the night. I sometimes think of her story when I make cookies to give to others.

There are many local organizations that make it their mission to give to others at Christmas time. Coats for Cumberland County is a local organization encouraging people to donate gently used outer wear helping families in need. Our church raises funds to create Christmas Cheer boxes to help provide Christmas dinners for the less fortunate. Another example is Christmas for Kids providing gift wishes for children. There are many other resources for those in need throughout the year, not just at Christmas, as can be found at 211 Nova Scotia . I am very glad that the spirit of Christmas shines through in many ways all year to help others in need.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for your teaching and guiding us that we should show acts of kindness to others in need, reflecting your principles of caring for others and God's love for all his children. Amen.

- Judy Noonan-Sutherland

Devotion Dec 19

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      Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Wisdom, it seems, has a timeless quality -  repeated, mirrored, and echoed through successive messengers as history unfolds.

In the weeks leading up to Advent we have spent time with the poignant story of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth. When the two widowed and vulnerable women had made the journey back to Naomi's homeland, the elder expressed her greatest concern: "My daughter, I need to seek some security for you, so that it may be well with you”. 

Indeed a wise plan came to Naomi which secured not only Ruth's life, but our own lives to this day! Ruth becomes the many greats-grandmother of the baby whose birth we celebrate during this holy season.

Though separated by centuries, Paul’s guidance in Philippians resonates as much with the story of Ruth,  as with us today - an enduring wisdom, woven across time.

I can hear Naomi's thanksgiving prayer for Ruth's faithfulness, as though in answer to Paul's direction. And when the plan came together, I sense her peaceful heart - as promised.

As we turn our focus away from the frenzy and anxiety of the world, to the quiet of the manger, may our meditations bring new paths to wellness and accompanying calm.

Then may the peace of God guard our hearts and minds in this season and throughout the year. Amen.

    - Cynthia McCarthy

Devotion Dec 18

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Philippians 4:4-5 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

       The waters are deep so listen closely to what I have to share with you.  Its so important to wait for his leading.  Patience my child.  Wait.  They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as Eagles, they will walk and not be weary and run and not faint.  Rest if you must.  Be still my child and know that I am God.  I have created you.  You are unique and special.  I have always been with you.  I will never leave you nor forsake you.  I am your helper, sustainer, councillor, deliverer, comforter ~ all your righteousness, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Everlasting Father, Redeemer, all and all, Prince of Peace.

My child there is peace in the midst of the storms - wherever you are on your journey.  I will carry you.  Your strength in in me.  The joy of the Lord is your strength.  My peace I give to thee child.  Draw unto the Lord and He will draw near to you.  Surrender everything to Him.  Watch and wait.  He will answer prayer in his timing.  It may not be the answer you are looking for, but He knows what is best for His children.  For He loves with an everlasting love.

I love you God because you first loved me.  Thank you Jesus.

 

        - Sharon Howard

Devotion Dec 17

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Isaiah 12:5-6

Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion,  for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”

       The elderly couple had been waiting patiently for their roof to be replaced. Late in the summer the carpenter arrived with his crew. One young man caught the woman’s eye with his great dexterity, carrying a heavy load of shingles up the ladder. When the woman asked the carpenter if the young man was his son the answer was no. The carpenter sat and shared his story about the young man…

One morning I awoke and looked out at the park across from me. I saw a man lying on the grass with his dog. I walked across and asked the young man why he was sleeping on the grass. He responded that he was homeless. The carpenter asked him to come to his house and fed him and offered him his empty apartment, and filled the cupboards with food.

The couple felt very moved and overwhelmed by the carpenter’s story and wanted to help. They decided they should share their meal with the carpenter and young man who were happy to accept their offering of a meal.

When the roof was finished, the whole crew came into the couples’ home and shared pizza and cookies with them. There was lively conversation with much laughter and the Lord was in their midst, smiling.

 

Prayer: Help us to see the “good” in others and share your joy with others. Amen.

 - Sandy Corkum

Devotion Dec 16

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Isaiah 12:2-3

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and will not be afraid, for the Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.”

 

1 Corinthians 10:13 - No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

2 Corinthians 12:9 - ...but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

These passages help me when I need to overcome trouble, problems, sadness, sorrow, and yes death of loved ones.  We live through it and remember to thank God for His help in times like these.

Prayer: I cast all my cares upon you. I lay all of my burdens down at your feet and when I don't know what to do. I cast all my cares upon you. Thank you God for giving us your Son who we celebrate His wonderful birth on Christmas. Amen.

[My prayer is taken from the famous hymn by  Kelly Williard (1956).]

- Vivian Warwick

Devotion Dec 14

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Zephaniah 3:14-15

A Song of Joy Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more.

Growing up in a home with five of us siblings,  all a year apart, was fun, busy and sometimes challenging for my parents. My mom kept us occupied with crafts and activities. My grammie let us lick the beaters when she was making a cake. And we could help put ingredients in the bowl when she made bread or cookies.

   Most days were full of fun and bantering but sometimes an argument would ensue and maybe even a full out hair pulling. When we didn't  listen to mom she would say "Just wait til your father gets home!"

We knew that meant we crossed the line into unacceptable behavior and our father was going to be not pleased with us. The waiting was full of dread until dad got home. While we were anxious as to what the punishment would be our anxiety was gone the minute he talked to us about the incident. Then he would give us a hug and we knew not matter how wrong we had been he forgave us and was happy to see we promised to do better.

Zephaniah he told the people because they turned from God to worship idols God would send punishment in the form of an army. But God forgave them and there was much rejoicing; the people came back to him.

 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for showing up as the Mighty One who will save us. Thank you for taking delight in me, for rejoicing over me with gladness and singing. Amen.

      - Tammy Arseneau

Devotion Dec 13

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Luke 3:4-6

...as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ ”

65 years ago today was a Sunday.  I remember Dec 12, 1959 so very well! The day was a grand event! My cousin, Marie Holmes, was getting married in this very church.  Large snow storm that day. This cousin was the same one who slapped my hand for taking back change from the collection place. She was a no-nonsense kind of girl. My cousin was 45 minutes late and Rev. Sam Holmes was pacing up and down Victoria St. Is she coming? Is she coming?

Rev. Holmes shook my little hand. I felt so important. He told me I was doing a great job. I was the flower girl. I was 8 years old and Marie said I would always be her flower girl. Looking back, I was the only one available. As I got older I started to panic.

At one time, I thought it wasn’t going to happen. I remember this like yesterday. Doug, groom to be, picked me up and Marie said “Elizabeth, I would like to introduce you to my boyfriend, Doug.” I said, Doug is not your boyfriend - Red is! That went over like a lead balloon. Reason to panic but it did come about and was a beautiful wedding.  Velvet dresses, reds, and green. The sequins were to die for.  One of the bridesmaids was Doug Matthews’ sister (Sylvia) and she made all the dresses.

The couple stayed married, had two boys and lived all over the world. There was no real religion or prayers to this story, but I got to meet Rev. Sam Holmes.

- Liz Hickey

Devotion Dec 12

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Luke 3:2-3

...during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.          

I imagine it was not an easy life within the lands of the harsh Jordon desert. His days would have been filled just finding sustenance and water. A good meal was a handful of locust and honey. He wore animal skins and fashioned belts and footwear from animal hide.  It is written that as he grew older he roamed alone throughout the lands. I can’t imagine what terrible conditions he faced and the loneliness would have played havoc on his mind and soul. Likely he tried to survive on his own will with no help. Sometimes perhaps near death. It is during such times that people can find the deepest truths and experience the most powerful breakthroughs. I imagine it was during such times that he gave up his will and called out for a higher power to help him. None of this happened early in his life but nearing age 30 towards his imminent death. There he found strength and resolve to believe in a calling of a better life. To share that belief, to give himself to a calling and “call out from the wilderness” to baptize others. It is known that John baptized Jesus. He believed Jesus was the chosen one, not himself. The Baptisms cleansed past and sins, forgave and offered a new beginning with God.

I have spent most of my 62 years as an atheist. During the journey I knew something was missing and slowly became agnostic neither denying nor accepting a higher power known as God. That changed shortly after the death of our son Connor at age 29 on November 28, 2022. He lived a hard 14 years battling addictions and mental health challenges. He fought hard, he was spiritual and taught me much about kindness and humanity for others despite hating himself, he was on a journey to find God.  On many occasions he told us that he was not meant for this world. After his death I asked “is that it”? “Is that the end of Connor and he doesn’t live on”? I did not deal with his passing well nor my own challenges; during these very very dark moments of life I came to believe that Connor was now in a better place. That his spirit does live on and he is doing well for others, and himself, just in another world or dimension. During these moments I opened my mind and heart to a higher power. God did not abandon me, God was always there. In some sense I’ve come in from the wilderness.

Prayer: Lord, make me a channel for thy peace---that where there is hatred, I may bring love----that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness…..I may bring faith where there is despair…It is by forgiving that one is forgiven. It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life. Amen.

- Peter Coutts

Devotion Dec 11

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Philippians 1:9-11

And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what really matters, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

 

I am encouraged by Philippians, because Paul here so closely links Christian love and knowledge. Unfortunately, one can find far too many examples of shallow, unthinking “TV Pastors” who invite the distain of persons both young and old. Paul does not encourage an anti-intellectual mindset.

The above excerpt is one of his strongest statements that we should use our minds to study and think about the faith for ourselves to “determine what really matters.” It is no accident that the word “mind” appears seven times in the Philippians letter.

I take encouragement from this word of Paul’s that I do not have to park my mind at the door of the church as I prepare for the advent of Jesus, the Messiah.

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may we continue to do the hard thinking to connect love and knowledge that will help us to become better followers of Your way.  Amen.

  - Ed Colquhoun

Devotion Dec 10

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Luke 1:76-77

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.

 

     Our Lord Jesus died on the cross for us to forgive us of all our sins. We will remember this knowing if we believe in our heavenly Father He will always be there for us.  He tells us to love one another and to forgive one another.  By helping each other through bad times and good times, He will be with us every step of the way.

It has been a tough and scary time of year for Neil and family, but through the power of prayer from friends and family and the love of God, he is now cancer free.  Thank you Lord!

 

Prayer: Loving God, from the seeds of past blessings, bring new hope alive in us.  In Jesus' name. Amen.

  - Norma MacGregor

Devotion Dec 9

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Isaiah 40:11

He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms and carry them in his bosom and gently lead the mother sheep.

      Today, oh God, is a brand new day.  Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not here.  But Jesus, you are always the same, you never change.  We change as we allow your Holy Spirit to have his way in our lives.  We do have that blessed hope that all things will work together for the good as we trust and allow you to have your way.  The seasons of life change and things die as we will, but there is a resurrection that gives us hope that we will live again new.  Alive forevermore.

Blessed assurance of the Glory that will come.  So let us rejoice and be glad for this is the day the Lord hath made and every day with Jesus is better than the day before.

Give us this our daily bread.  Forgive us our trespasses and forgive our temptations against us.  Lead us not into temptation, deliver us from all evil, for thine is the King from Glory and power forever.  Amen.

Trust Jesus and your life will never be the same.  There is only one way to trust Him and that is to believe when you call on His name.

What a wonderful name it is, the name of Jesus.  He will be with you. He will guide you into all truths.  So allow the Holy Spirit to be your teacher.  Give thanks always with a cheerful heart.  Bless His holy name.  To God be the Glory.

- Sharon Howard

Devotion Dec 8

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Isaiah 40:3

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.

Malachi is the last book of the OT whereby God’s people had to live under the sacrificial or old covenant of bringing animals to the Temple to be sacrificed to God for the forgiveness of their sins.   The word Malachi means “My Messenger.” In this verse once again God is reminding his people Israel how there will be someone who will one day come into the world to prepare the way for his son. When I read this verse my mind tends to fast forward to the NT whereby Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all write about John the Baptist preparing the way for the Lord. John the Baptist is the last of the old covenant law and Jesus is the beginning of the new covenant  law whereby Jesus, due to the cross event, took all of the sins of the world upon himself, once and for all, so that God’s people would no longer need to provide animal sacrifices for God at the Temple.

Prayer: Almighty God, I thank you for loving me so much you sent your Son into the world so that I would no longer have to provide animal sacrifices for the forgiveness of my sins. I only need to come before your throne of grace, admit my sins and you will forgive me through your son JC. I love you! Amen.

- Rev. Marlene Quinn