advent 2011
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University of the Cumberland Advent Booklet 2011TRANSCRIPT
Advent 2011
The Journey to Bethlehem
The Department of Missions and Ministry
of University of the Cumberlands
invites you to
A Celebration of Advent
2011
“Journey to Bethlehem”
Joseph chose obedience to God regardless of the
circumstances
Over the steep, rugged mountains they traveled
Unaltered in fulfilling their duty as citizens and
their faith in the Living God
Rest for the weary was a shallow stone cave acting
as a stable and hotel
Name of her baby was given by the Father before
she conceived
Eternity’s plan of redemption was one step closer
to being completed
Yielding to God’s plan brought hope, peace, joy,
love and numerous other attributes of God in their
lives
-Millie Haar
With the Christmas season fast approaching, I find myself
already getting caught up in the emotions of such a wonderful
holiday. Thoughts of the season conjure up images of family get-
togethers, soft Christmas tree lights, red and green decor, and hot
chocolate by the fireplace. These are wonderful gifts of the
season, but they are man-made and man-centered. Too often
Christians forget the clichéd but true, ―Jesus is the reason for the
season.‖
Our true reason for celebrating Christmas is two-fold.
Firstly, our Savior was born in Bethlehem. God made Him flesh
and brought Him into this broken world through the obedient
journey of Mary and Joseph. Secondly, Christ made His own
journey while on earth to Calvary, where He sacrificed His life
for ours. But His journey did not stop there. He reigns in Heaven
where all believers will one day see Him.
Advent marks the beginning of the Christian year when
Jesus Christ arrived. Beginning this year on November 27,
Advent continues for four Sundays and ends on Christmas day.
Each of the four Sundays of Advent begins a week of preparation
around a theme. The first is Hope, the second Peace, the third
Joy, and the fourth Love. The overall theme of this year‘s booklet
is ―The Journey to Bethlehem.‖
Let this Advent season prepare your heart and home to
receive the true reason for celebrating this Christmas. Remember
Christ‘s journey and follow Him on your own.
"And without controversy great is the mystery of Godliness: God
was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels,
preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up
into glory"
1Timothy 3:16 KJV
-Kate McKnight, editor
Heaven's gift to all creation
Only God's son can bring redemption
Purpose of Advent is to prepare our hearts for the
King of Kings
Expecting God to save and hear us
-Millie Haar
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Romans 15:13 KJV
Writers for the week of Hope
Joe Dodridge is a 1999 graduate of UC. He is the Associate
Pastor of Old Town Hill Baptist Church and Baptist Collegiate
Ministry Director at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. He and
his wife Sara have two children.
Carla Hawkins Earley is a 1995 graduate and is currently
working as a homeschool mother who also teaches Spanish and
ASL to members of the community. She and her husband Scott
have two children.
Darline Ballou, a 1995 graduate as well, is a housewife to
husband Don, President of the Woman‘s Missionary Union of
Maryland/Delaware, and a teacher of English as a Second
Language.
Matthew Norton graduated in 1998 and currently serves as
Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
This certified ―storm spotter—storm chaser‖ and his wife Rachel
have five children.
Keith Schrum, class of 1975, is the husband of Cindy Murphy
and stepfather to Erica Jones. He is a first degree black belt in
Shaolin Kempo and works as Curator of Books & Manuscripts at
the Colorado Historical Society.
Catherine Mack is a 2006 graduate. She enjoys volunteering on
the Youth Ministry team and leading the high school girls at
Allen Baptist Church in Prestonsburg, KY.
Bill Clark graduated in 1994 from UC and is Senior Pastor at
Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Independence, KY. He enjoys
basketball, photography & videography and spending time with
wife Sherry and their two children.
Sunday, November 27 Romans 5:1-5
When I was a little boy, my dad helped tuck me into bed. Some
nights he would kneel beside me and talk about all of the things
that we were going to do together. He would talk about places we
were going to go and special things we were going to do.
Sometimes I would wish out loud, ―I sure hope we go fishing!‖
or, ―I hope I can play soccer next year!‖
My dad‘s reply would be, ―Don‘t just hope for it. Make it
happen.‖ In his mind my hope was something I wasn‘t sure of.
My hope was something I dreamed about and wanted to come
true, with no assurance that it would.
When we think about hope today, our thoughts are often guided
by a hope that is defined by wishes and chances, or yearnings and
impossibilities.
However, when we read about hope in the Bible, it is less
accurately defined by possibility and more accurately defined by
expectation and confidence.
When Paul writes, ―This hope does not disappoint‖ (Romans 5:1,
HCSB), he reminds us that our hope is based on God‘s promise.
Our hope is affirmed by the Holy Spirit‘s work in our lives. Our
hope is an anticipation of what we are certain will come, not
because we‘ve seen it, but because our faith gives us a hope that
we know is sure.
Therefore, I place my hope in Jesus, because I am sure of my
salvation and my eternity with Him.
-Joe Dodridge
Monday, November 28 Jeremiah 17:7-8
I just love analogies in the Bible! They‘re so deep and inviting.
Once I explore them, I can understand some aspect of God‘s
character more than I had before.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 gives me a mental picture. The spring of water,
clear and pure, cannot be affected by the heat and drought of the
valley because it comes from the top of the mountain where pure
white snow dwells all year long. The tree, planted 27 years ago,
stretches its roots out from the bank just to feel the coolness of
the water. The tree is not straight, but leans slightly toward the
water as if a windstorm had blown it. Its branches hang low,
sometimes dipping into the water as the breeze blows through the
leaves. Squirrels, chipmunks, birds, and other animals reside in its
branches, enjoying the shade and bounty of fruit given by the tree
because of the unending water source beside it. That‘s what I
want my tree to be like, anyway.
Close your eyes and picture what you want your tree to be
like. Think and pray about why it‘s not like your picture. Is your
soul planted in the Word of God? Is the Lord your source, the one
you trust, depend on, rely on for everyday life? Or are worries
and doubts overcoming you because your tree isn‘t near enough
to the water? This Christmas, I invite you to ask God to dig up
your tree and transplant it next to His Living Water.
-Carla Earley
Tuesday, November 29 Psalm 31:24
Sometimes things sneak up on us. Who of us is ever prepared for
a surprise?
Zechariah, Mary, and the Shepherds were going about their every
day duties when God came and surprised them.
We are told that Zechariah was gripped with fear. Mary was
greatly troubled. And the Shepherds were terrified.
God had a special message and task not only for these three, but
also for us. How do we react when we hear a message from God
just for us? Are we gripped with fear, terrified, or even greatly
troubled?
We are called to:
―Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye
that hope in the LORD.‖ Psalm 31:24 (KJV)
God‘s message to Zechariah - God has heard your prayers. To
Mary - God is pleased with you. And to the Shepherds - I have
good news for you. To all of us - Don‘t be afraid, be courageous,
I will strengthen you, place your hope in Me.
-Darline Ballou
Wednesday, November 30 1 Peter 1:3
During the funeral visitation of a deceased Christian man, his wife
and sister stood by the casket while they greeted people. As peo-
ple offered their condolences, the sister kept motioning to her
brother‘s body and would say, ―There he is. There he is.‖ After
some time, this statement began to irritate the wife. When she
could take it no longer, the wife turned to the sister-in-law and
lovingly said, ―If I believed, ‗there he is,‘ I would be miserable.‖
Then she added, ―Do you know what enables me to get through
this day? What gets me through is that I know the truth – There
he isn‘t.‖
The apostle Peter wrote The Epistle of 1 Peter to a group of Chris-
tians who needed heartening and encouragement while under the
strain of persecution. He sought to remind them that painful times
are not an end in themselves and that there is hope in spite of suf-
fering. Where does this hope come from? This hope is grounded
in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The hope that we have as Christians is a living hope since it is
based upon Christ‘s resurrection. If God brought Jesus through
the most painful of trials and from the pit of death itself, certainly
He can bring us through whatever we face. The knowledge that
Christ is no longer in the grave will help us make it through what-
ever we face in this life. Praise God for this blessed hope in
Christ!
-Matthew Norton
Thursday, December 1 Micah 7:7
As a history museum curator I ask visitors to imagine themselves
in the time and place of the people they are examining. Looking
to the past we can see how a story ended; however, our subjects
could not, for events were taking place or had yet to occur.
Imagine the experience of Joseph and Mary. The Gospels say
nothing about the months that filled their lives from the time they
learned a child would be born until just before the birth event we
celebrate.
To imagine this period in Mary and Joseph‘s lives we need look
no further than our own experiences as parents. Having a child,
and particularly the first, is frightening and exciting. It is a new
experience that brings wonder, hope and fear. We are mindful
that even though we have modern medicine, skilled expertise and
nearby hospitals, pregnancy is dangerous. Things can happen that
affect the expectant mother, and the father can do only so much to
protect his wife and unborn child and the rest is out of the
parents‘ hands. Everyone is vulnerable. Anything is possible.
Constant awareness and vigilance are required during the prenatal
period. It is a time of expectancy and anticipation of new life, and
we pray for God‘s help once we‘ve done all we can do. It was
true for Joseph and Mary, and it remains true today. The words of
Micah call us to be aware and vigilant for something is going to
happen! Something from God for God is with us!
-Keith Schrum
Friday, December 2 Lamentations 3:24
―The Blessing of Waiting‖
Waiting. Waiting some more. Waiting longer. I feel like I‘m al-
ways waiting for something. Even though I consider myself to be
a relatively patient person, I don‘t normally enjoy waiting. How-
ever, the longer the wait, the sweeter it is to have the wait re-
lieved. Charles Spurgeon once wrote, ―Even when prayer speeds
not, the blessings grow all the richer for the delay.‖
Since the Garden of Eden, humans have been waiting for a Mes-
siah—a hope. But, God knew what He was doing. He sent His
Son at the perfect time, probably when it felt like the wait was
never going to end. No two people knew this wait better than
Simeon and Anna, who spent years praying and serving the Lord
in His temple while waiting for a Savior (Luke 2:22-38). Through
it all, both held onto their faith in God‘s promise. Imagine their
joy, when towards the end of their lives, the wait ended, and they
saw the Hope of the world with their own eyes!
Sometimes, it feels like the wait is never going to end. But oh,
what joy comes with fulfilled hope! Fulfilled hope and unbelieva-
ble joy is what happened on that night in Bethlehem long ago,
and the same hope can still be found in Jesus Christ. The wait is
over; the King has come!
-Catherine Mack
Saturday, December 3 Psalm 130
Hope is what keeps you going when everything else within you
wants to just stop. The marriage that's on the rocks can survive
and even once again thrive if both parties hang on to at least a lit-
tle thread of hope. And as those who trust in the Lord, we will
encounter seasons in our lives when all our circumstances seem to
be going wrong, and we will wonder how we will keep going.
This was the story of the Israelites. For all they had been through
in their great miraculous history with God, something was still
missing. Obeying the Torah, as if it could be perfectly obeyed,
did not fill that void. Occupying the Promised Land didn't fill it
either. And the nation specially chosen by God found itself in a
vicious, perpetual cycle of sin, despair, and consequences. There
had to be something more. In fact, everything God had been do-
ing and saying from the beginning was pointing to that something
more: Jesus Christ. The Psalmist prophesied that redemption was
coming for Israel. Forgiveness and unfailing love will fill that
void, and they come in the person of Jesus. The journey to Beth-
lehem ends at the very feet of Jesus. Your journey, by faith, is ex-
actly the same. When you wonder if you have what it takes to
keep going, embrace hope. Embrace Jesus, our very reason for
living, our very purpose for the journey.
-Bill Clark
Place of Jesus' birth was predicted in the Old
Testament
Each person came bearing gifts of worship, love,
and devotion
Angels sang of this everlasting peace
Carols are sung proclaiming His birth,
identity, and purpose
Exploring true peace will always lead to
Christ
-Millie Haar
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 KJV
Writers for the week of Peace
Matthew Norton, who also wrote for the theme of Hope, is a
1998 graduate. He was the LifeWay Pastoral Leadership Award
winner from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2004.
Charis Buckland is a 2006 graduate who works as a professional
counselor under supervision. She enjoys coaching cheerleading
and taking dance classes and is the wife of Brett Buckland.
Ron McKnight graduated in 2010 and is completing his Master of
Arts in Teaching at UC while working as Graduate Assistant in
Hagan Memorial Library. He is the husband of Kate McKnight,
secretary of Missions and Ministry.
Brad & Katie Bell are newlyweds and 2008 and 2011 graduates
of UC, respectively. They met through BCM, where they both
served as President during their senior years. They were both
missionaries to East Africa as well.
Terry Harbison graduated in 1996 and lives in Bloomfield,
Kentucky, and is currently looking for a ministry position. He and
his wife Cerri have three children. His special memories of UC
include being an inaugural member of the Urban Canoe Club.
Calep Surgener is a 2011 UC graduate. He currently lives in
Williamsburg and works for CSC. One of his fondest memories
of UC was working with Appalachian Ministries‘ summer team.
Jeemes Akers, class of 1970, recently served as First Secretary at
the U.S. Embassy in Singapore. He is a Chinese linguist for the
U.S. Air Force and a Vietnam veteran. He and wife Imogene live
in Sterling, Virginia, and have two daughters and two
grandchildren.
Sunday, December 4 Ephesians 2:14-17
When I was seven years old, I first fully understood the message
of these song lyrics – ―He sees you when you’re sleeping, He
knows if you’re awake, He knows if you’ve been bad or good, So
be good for goodness’ sake!‖ Until that moment, I lived in child-
hood bliss, in which Christmas was the best day of the year. I had
always believed that the gifts at Christmas were there because
Christmas always came with gifts. You could count on them.
But now I painfully understood that if I wanted any gifts at
Christmas, I had to be good. It was all riding on me.
There was this all-seeing, all-knowing Santa. If there were going
to be any gifts at Christmas, I had better shape up. I began to
wonder, ―How ‗good‘ is good enough?‖ ―Would ‗pretty good‘
work?‖ Hopefully Santa knew that I had two younger brothers
that might provoke me to misbehave. I would grow weary each
Christmas season hoping I had been good enough to receive the
gifts. The season of peace became a season of worry for me.
I‘m so thankful that God operates by a different standard. When
it comes to salvation, my salvation is not riding on me. It‘s not
about how good I am. It is all about how good God is! God has
taken charge and provided the means for forgiveness of sins – Je-
sus.
No Jesus, No Peace. Know Jesus, Know Peace. Do you know
Him?
-Matthew Norton
Monday, December 5 Psalm 4:8
Than they get in all their shopping sprees.
At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep,
For you, God, have put my life back together. MSG
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. NLT
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, LORD,
make me dwell in safety. NIV
One of the best feelings in the winter is putting on soft pjs, sliding
under the covers in bed, curling up with some hot tea and a warm
afghan, and reading an exciting book until drifting off into a
restful sleep.
Sometimes life is just unfair, and restful sleep does not come
easily in crisis. Some days it is a struggle to simply get up in the
morning in attempt to push through one more day. Unexpected
news, deaths in families, job losses, wars, sickness, pain, and
other tragedies are a part of everyday life.
In Psalm 4, David asked God to listen to him while he was
experiencing major crises, including Absalom‘s rebellion,
betrayal, a ruined reputation, and serious enemies. The Lord
heard David pour out his heart, and David acknowledged with
humility the peace and rest God gave him while he hunkered
down during the storms surrounding his life.
During this season meant to be filled with peace, joy, and
gratitude, these may seem out of reach. We can be assured that
while life is uncertain, because of Jesus‘birth, death on a cross,
and resurrection, salvation is real, God is near, and He hears our
deepest concerns. It is easier to sleep well when we know God is
in control. Instead of lying awake at night worrying, ask God to
draw you to Him, ask for restful sleep, and thank Him for His
control. Despite powerful storms, we can sleep in peace because
He makes us safe.
-Charis Buckland
Tuesday, December 6 Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his
enemies live at peace with him.
NIV
Many people worry. Many people fear. For many, these human
emotions consume their daily lives. Often times, people may feel
like things are out of their control. The good news is this – they
are. However, God is in control, and that leaves individuals with
only one thing to worry about: All that matters on this earth is
walking in the ways of the Lord and aligning with His Word.
When individuals are in the will of God, they need not fear
anything or anyone. Even the worst of a righteous man‘s enemies
cannot rise against him and must instead live in peace with him.
Likewise, God can give a man favor in the eyes of those who
despise him. God can use a seemingly dire situation to exalt and
promote a man who takes pleasure in seeking and following His
will. All mortal men are like sailors in a boat, powerless against
the tide of God‘s will. Men may fight against the current, but
ultimately, God‘s destination is reached and His goal is achieved.
How much time and energy can be saved by moving with God‘s
current instead of fighting His will and worrying about how to
conquer life‘s struggles.
-Ron McKnight
Wednesday, December 7 John 14:27
Health. Wealth. Insurance. Status. Ability. Luck.
Family. Determination.
Whether we realize it or not, these are the most common
sources of our peace. They are the peace as the world gives. And
hey, they work! Why else would so many of us trust in them?
Then there‘s Jesus. He places His hand on His followers‘
shoulders and says, ―My peace I give to you.‖ Then He‘s
murdered before their very eyes. He says to you, ―I am with you
always.‖ But you‘ve never seen Him even for an instant.
Nothing about this resembles peace, which probably explains
why church pews are pretty empty.
The key to figuring out Jesus is putting together all that
He said, especially those things immediately before or after the
particular quote of interest. If we do that to John 14:27 it‘s easy
to see that He‘s talking about ―the Helper, the Holy Spirit‖ who
―will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I
have said to you‖ (v. 26). Later Jesus says ―it is to your
advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will
not come to you‖ (16:7). What‘s better than the peace of Jesus
Himself among us? How about the Spirit of Jesus inside every
one of us who believe!
Lord Jesus, Yours is the only peace that lasts forever. You
Yourself are our peace (Ephesians 2:13-18). In You we have
peace with the Father. Because I have You, I have peace. Thank
You.
-Brad & Katie Bell
Wednesday, December 8 1 Peter 3:10-12
―A Reflection on Peace‖
Somebody said ―Give peace a chance.‖
I don‘t think I‘ll ever get the chance to do that dance.
No more job; no more work; I‘ve been asked to leave.
My little ones chirp; three mouths to feed.
My situation leads to frustration and agitation
No peace for me or the nation.
Maybe peace is more than a situation,
Maybe Peace comes from having the right relation.
Relation to whom?
To me? To you?
To the One who set it all in motion and holds the ocean
in his hands like your worries and cares
Peace is found in pursuing the One who‘s always there
-Terry Harbison
Friday, December 9 Galatians 5:22-26
Many Christians are very familiar with the fact that Christ
called all of his followers to bear fruit so that God may be
glorified. I would really recommend reading John 15:1-8 before
you read the rest of this devotional if you are not familiar with
Christ and his talk on fruit. It is through the book of Galatians,
however, that we are able to read and understand what fruit Christ
has called us to bear. I always feel that it is important to
acknowledge that fruit is used in the singular sense and not the
plural. When Christians acknowledge and realize that fruit is used
in the singular sense we are immediately accountable to all of the
attributes that consist of the fruit of the spirit not the ones we pick
or feel we are able to bear. The true fruit of the spirit consists of
all those qualities not one fruit to each attribute. This is highly
important as many Christians reflect some of the qualities that
make up the fruit of the spirit, but unknowingly we neglect other
attributes. This is not to say that by doing so we do not glorify
God, but it is so we may realize that by neglecting other attributes
we are not bearing the true fruit of the spirit. I would strongly
encourage you to pray and seek out God on what you are lacking
in the fruit you bear. Nobody is perfect, but it is for God‘s glory
that we should bear fruit so that the world may know he is the
only thing that truly satisfies in life.
-Calep Surgener
Saturday, December 10 John 4:10
So what did Jesus mean by ―living water‖? Isn‘t all water
living and capable of sustaining life? Clearly Jesus was referring
to a source of spiritual strength and refreshing that surpasses the
normal nutritional and cleansing qualities of the physical water
that the woman could dip from the well.
I was thinking about the nature of ―living water‖ during a
trip this summer to Idaho where we enjoyed the spectacular
natural beauty of the Snake River with its cascading rapids and
picturesque waterfalls. This is water that you can taste, smell, and
see. The type of water that irrigates vast fields of potatoes,
powers electrical turbines, and flushes countless toilets. It was
such water that the Samarian woman assumed Jesus was talking
about during their extraordinary encounter at Jacob‘s well.
In the high desert country of Idaho we also traveled
through an area with the highest concentration of nuclear facilities
in the world. The aquifer beneath us—the Snake River aquifer no
less—is therefore the most extensively researched underground
water system in the world. At any given time this hidden aquifer
holds more water than Lake Erie. This water, trapped in layers
underneath us and hidden to the human eye, is a vital and virtually
limitless source of supply.
Is it possible that Jesus had this aspect of water in mind
when referring to ―living water‖? Our spiritual thirst simply
cannot be quenched by worldly, physical water. Walking in
relationship with Jesus Christ, bathing in His mercy and grace, we
can be empowered and totally immersed in a hidden, boundless
reservoir of spiritual ―living water.‖ Like the unseen Snake River
aquifer, this source of power will sustain us as we seek to
accomplish those special purposes He has destined for us from the
beginning.
Jubilant praise from the angels
Observing God at work
Yielding to God's plan from all participants
- Millie Haar
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Phillipians 4:4 KJV
Writers for the week of Joy
Aaron Austin is a 2000 graduate. He and wife Melissa have two
children. Aaron works at Eastern Kentucky University‘s English
Language Instruction program. He and his band, The Bootleg
Preachers, have released a CD that is available on
aaronaustin.com.
Lucas Waters is a 2010 graduate of UC. He and his wife
Meredith live in Williamsburg. Lucas enjoys reading, writing,
and hiking in his spare time.
Gayle Clifton is a 1992 graduate. He and his wife have two
children, and he is the pastor of Upper Seneca Baptist in
Maryland. He is an avid soccer fan and has served in international
missions to Eastern Europe since 1993.
Terry Roberts graduated in 1999. He was a Marine Corps
Sergeant and now serves as a Navy/Marine Corps Chaplain. He is
a Combat Veteran and has traveled to 17 different countries.
Michelle Warnky is a 2006 graduate from Westerville, Ohio. She
just returned from Kazakhstan, where she taught English for five
years. She plans to spend the next months working and
simplifying her life as she seeks God‘s guidance in what to do
next.
Randy Millwood, class of 1980, says he celebrates two seasons:
Christmas and baseball. He and wife Adele have two sons and
two grandchildren. He serves as adjunct faculty with various
seminaries and is author of To Love and To Cherish From This
Day Forward: A Portrait of a Healthy Church.
Natalie McGary graduated in 1996 and is currently a stay-at-
home mom for her two children Lucy and Samuel. She enjoys
traveling, history, and reading.
Sunday, December 11 1 Chronicles 16:31
The sun was just beginning to redden as the procession made its
way up the hill to Jerusalem. Singers waved like wheat fields in
their call and response. The ancient tunes were somehow charged,
electrified. Hair stood up on necks and arms. Breathing
sharpened. David‘s feet whirled and shifted on the dirt path. He
flitted like a spring-fevered bird, his smile resounding in the
evening sun.
In the middle of this surge of arms and hands and feet and shouts
was the placid Eye--a golden box sentineled by two looming
seraphim. The fevered chants and rapturous undulations subdued
in the wake of this box that, with the aid of the evening sun,
looked to be gilt in fire. Here, in the eye of this booming storm of
elation, was the source, the center, and the axis.
If one paid close attention to the sacred text of the tunes, now
sounding more like barroom choruses than holy liturgy, she
would see that this was the climax of their narrative. The promise
of long ago was fulfilled under this sanguine sky. Abraham‘s
pioneering had finally ended with God‘s promise borne out--a
home and a family to fill it.
While most days Joy loiters about with hands in pockets,
sometimes we see God‘s glimmer in the evening sky. The Divine
lingers on the back of our necks. We get a glimpse of God‘s
dream--a place where kings and peasants stand on level ground
and hearts brim because the Divine is among us.
-Aaron Austin
Monday, December 12 Jude 24-25
Dearest Exile,
God has never saved anyone halfway. I think sometimes
this is a hard thing for us to grasp. Many of us have had fathers
that have really let us down. I‘m not so naïve as to believe that
everyone reading this devotion had Andy Griffith for a dad; the
real world isn‘t Mayberry. I‘ve worked with kids whose dads
have left them, beat them, neglected them, verbally abused them,
or have sent them packing to another family member because
they simply didn‘t care what happened to them. They didn‘t want
their lives to be burdened with the blessing of children. To some
kids the idea of God as Father is foreign or even hateful.
But, God is not a derelict Father. He sent His Son to ―bring
many sons to glory‖ (as the song says). Through Christ, we can
be called the children of God (John 1.12). God is not the kind of
dad that so many kids have known; He is the greatest Father -
One Who will never leave nor forsake His sons and daughters. He
will never let us stumble away from His grace and grasp. How
amazing is the thought that I‘m being raised by the God of the
universe! He‘s working in me to present me blameless before His
presence! He is conforming me to the image of his Son. He won‘t
leave me now, and He‘ll never leave me for all eternity. He‘s my
Father! I‘m proud of my Father!
So I say with Jude, ―…to the only God, our Savior, through
Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority,
before all time and now and forever. Amen.‖ And to you,
wounded child, I say, ―Our Father will never let us fall. Trust
Him!‖ He loves you, all the way Home and forever.
Your Loving Brother,
Lucas Waters
Tuesday, December 13 Habbakkuk 3:18
What is the source of our joy? From where does our joy come?
Too often in life, our joy is rooted and found in our circumstances
or in our things; sometimes in both. If things go smoothly and
pleasantly for us, we have joy. If we reach a desired standard of
living, with the things that accompany that, we have joy. Modify
the equation in any way, however, such as our circumstances
becoming adverse and difficult or our things being lost, the
resulting effect is that what we had thought to be joy is taken
away.
In the beginning, I should have asked, ―What is the source of true
joy? From where does true joy come?‖ Those are entirely
different questions. In Habakkuk 3:18, we see that this prophet
understood what true joy was and where it was to be found. In the
verse immediately preceding that one, Habakkuk described the
absolutely worst, most destitute situation that any Israelite ever
could have imagined occurring: no figs, grapes, olives, other food
crops, sheep or cattle! In other words: completely devastating
circumstances with all treasured things gone. Even then, the
prophet declares, ―Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful
in God my Savior.‖
Christmas reminds us once again that God has given us His
incredible gift of His love in Jesus Christ. If all that we have is
Jesus, we have everything. Most of all, we have His true, never-
changing, priceless joy, for life and for eternity!
-Gayle Clifton
Wednesday, December 14 Psalm 148
A harsh wind blows across the desert, carrying with it the dust
and sand of untold centuries, bearing witness to the endless story
of eternity.
Nearby, little boys wrapped in flowing and flapping clothes tend
to their sheep and goats.
A cool river rushes life into this endless sea of sand and time.
But here time stands still.
In the distance, donkeys bay under their burdens as they are
brandished by their drivers.
On a forever horizon, camels caravan themselves through endless
dust and dreams as they follow distant yonder star.
There is a scurry in the market place as wares are hawked to
standers by. The promise of lavish fortune and joy can be
purchased for a few coins and the expectation of hope.
The oppressive mid-day sun retreats as the promise of night
coolness draws near.
The grandeur of GOD‘S handiwork is displayed across the night
sky. The Moon reigns for but a brief time as the lesser light;
reflecting the greatness of creation.
Orion once again chases the Bears across the northern night. The
pursuit of the great night hunter continues until it once again
gives way to the promise of a new dawn.
Another day in Afghanistan passes into the abyss of time. But
here time and life are as they were thousands of years ago. Time
stands still.
But the Love of GOD sees into all times and places to all People.
GOD gave us HIS greatest promise of Salvation from our sins in
HIMSELF as GOD in the flesh.
Shepherd boys in flowing and flapping clothes received the birth
of a KING.
-Terry Roberts
Thursday, December 15 1 Thessalonians 5:16
‗To rejoice‘ is defined as ‗to be glad‘ or ‗to take delight,‘ and is
often followed by the preposition ‗in.‘ We are commanded in
Thessalonians to ‗rejoice always.‘ Surely the author knew about
the hardships and struggles of this life, the things that hurt us and
bring us grief. Surely he had experienced them firsthand. So how
can he tell us to rejoice always? Always? Even when a family
member has died, you‘ve said goodbye to dear friends, or you‘ve
lost your job? Even when you gave in to temptation or
humiliated yourself in front of others? How is that
possible? Purely by the grace of God!! Disciples who know
Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord always have something to
rejoice ‗in’! God‘s promises are always with us. The promise
that we are forgiven completely before God!! Promises that He
will never leave us, that His Spirit is inside of us! Promises that
Heaven is better than anything we‘ve ever seen, heard or could
even imagine. Promises that we will receive an eternal
inheritance. Having a splinter in your pinky pales in comparison
to the joy of a friend‘s long-awaited wedding. Multiply that by
984,573,621, and we start to see how our current troubles
compare to eternity with God! It says in Romans 8:18, ―I
consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with
the glory that will be revealed in us.‖ Let us rejoice always, even
in hard times, trusting the promises of our beloved Father!
-Michelle Warnky
Friday, December 16 Luke 1:46-47
William Cowper lived in England in the 1700‘s, authored 66
hymns plus many poems, and died at age 68. He fought depres-
sion and doubts his entire life; struggled with anxiety so much that
he was institutionalized three times; and tried to commit suicide.
During one fit of depression, Cowper decided to drown himself.
He called a cab to take him to a bridge over the River Thames. A
thick fog rolled in as the cab was leaving Cowper‘s residence, so
thick that the cabby never could find the river. Exasperated, Cow-
per demanded to be let out. The cab stopped and Cowper stepped
onto the sidewalk in front of his own home. His conclusion: Even
in my darkest days, God watches over me.
He sat down and wrote words that became the hymn, ―God Moves
In A Mysterious Way.‖ Here are two verses:
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Cowper found joy when he least expected it.
Mary‘s stunning news from today‘s text had anxiety written all
over it, yet she came to find joy where one might least expect it.
And you? Have you thought a storm you are in or a word you are
hearing can’t possibly be good news? Who knows? God moves in
a mysterious way His wonders to perform!
-Randy Millwood
Saturday, December 17 Psalm 5:11
I live in the Chicago area where the heat often causes
summer storms. The weatherman can often predict how bad the
storms will be and about what time they will arrive. My husband
and I will often watch the weather and then make our outdoor
plans. We may say, ―Tomorrow looks like a nice day; let‘s take
the kids to the zoo.‖ There are times when the day will be sunny
and out of nowhere a storm will blow in and we are unprepared
and must run for shelter. In a lot of ways the storms of life are
like a summer storm that develops and causes us to run for cover.
In Psalm 5:11, David urges us to take refuge in the Lord. The
word refuge is defined as ―shelter or protection from danger,
trouble, etc.‖ David tells us that when we seek refuge in the Lord
he will spread his protection over us. This brings to mind a
picture of a mother bird covering her babies with her wings.
David not only tells us to take refuge in the Lord he urges us to
be glad and to rejoice. We are not to rejoice because of the
storms, but rather because we have a savior who will cover us
and protect us in the midst of the storm.
In this season of business we can rejoice and sing because
Emmanuel has come, and He is truly ―God with us.‖
-Natalie McGary
Longing to see the Messiah before he died
was Simeon's earnest prayer
Obedience of each person in the Christmas sto-
ry is a model for us
Virtues were portrayed by Mary and Joseph
Eternity's gift to us was revealed
-Millie Haar
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the
fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:17
Writers for the week of Love
Allen Robbins is a 1990 graduate. He works as the Secretary/
Treasurer for the Sevier County Electric System in Sevierville,
TN. He and wife Jachar have two sons and a daughter.
Nathan Kinser graduated in 1999 and is Director of World Relief
Nashville. He is the husband of Brandy Hall, 2000 UC graduate.
Anthony & Laura Jolly are newlyweds and graduates of UC.
Anthony graduated in 2009, and Laura graduated in 2011.
Charlie Higgins, class of 1988, is Senior Pastor at Westview
Baptist Church in Sanford, Florida. He met his wife Kim at UC,
and they have four boys.
David Popham graduated in 1985. He is the United Church of
Christ Associate Conference Minister for the Rocky Mountain
Conference and lives in Denver, CO. He and his wife Kerrie have
two daughters. David is also the author of a blog that can be
found at thebibleindrag.blogspot.com.
Brad Parham is a 1999 graduate and is Operation Manager at
Unique Management Services in Indiana. He is working toward a
degree in International Church Planting. He and his wife Amanda
have two children.
Albert Jones graduated in 1994 and is Associate Pastor/Minister
of Students at Main Street Baptist in Williamsburg, KY. Jones
enjoys being outdoors, camping, and hiking. He and wife Sherryll
have two children.
Joe Lewis is a 1984 graduate and Pastor of Second Baptist
Church of Petersburg, Virginia. He and his wife Teresa have two
children. His special memories of UC include working with
Appalachian Ministries.
Sunday, December 18 Matthew 22:37-40
―God‘s Law of Love‖
Shortly after the exodus from Egypt, God, on Mount Sinai, gave
Moses the Ten Commandments. These commandments represent
the law given by God. The law reveals to us that we can never
fully measure up in obedience to God. There are two sections
within the commandments that address our relationship with God
and our neighbor. The first four commandments reveal to us how
we are to interact with our Heavenly Father and love God above
all else. The last six commandments teach us how we are to
interact with one another and love our neighbors as ourselves. So
what is Christ really teaching us concerning the law? Jesus taught
in these few verses the true spirit of the law, ―Agape Love.‖
There are four different Greek words that are translated as love in
the New Testament, and they have more distinct meanings than
our English word love. The two most common are Agape love,
which is the Christian Love of the Bible, and Phileo love, which
means to love emotionally or in an impulsive way. The Apostle
Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13:13, stated all things will pass away
except faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love. God
loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten son,
Jesus, so that we all may have the opportunity to be saved if we
accept Him as our Lord and Savior. On the cross Christ fulfilled
God‘s law of love.
-Allen Robbins
Monday, December 19 1 John 3:7-11
As I think about what Christmas means to me, I often think of the
fun times shared with family and friends at church, at parties,
around the dinner table, and around the Christmas tree. What
makes these times so memorable? Is it the decorations, food, or
gifts? Not really, because I cannot remember in detail any of those
things. What I remember is the time spent together and the LOVE
shared between family and friends.
What is more amazing is the LOVE our Heavenly Father has
shown us. He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to be a baby that
first Christmas morning. Though scripture tells us he did receive
gifts, He did not come for that reason. He came to be a gift, a gift
of LOVE from our Heavenly Father. He is a gift of love because
Jesus showed us ultimate LOVE when he willingly died on the
cross for our sins so we might be called children of God. He came
as a gift of love and showed us how to love those around us.
As you celebrate this Christmas season, rejoice in the LOVE that
the Father and the Son has shown you. And just as God shared
His LOVE with us that first Christmas day, let‘s share our LOVE
with those around us.
-Nathan Kinser
Tuesday, December 20 Romans 12:9-13
For the first time, Genuine Love in the flesh would enter
into the world. The birth of Christ was the beginning of a journey
that would lead to Calvary and conclude with His triumphant
resurrection on the third day. Christ‘s life became a living
representation of how each of us should oppose that which is evil,
and cling to that which is good.
During this advent season, each of us should take time to
give of ourselves to others. As we celebrate Christmas, we
celebrate not only the birth of Christ, but the greatest gift that
God the Father could give – Salvation. God demonstrated His
love for us by giving His only Son, a gift that was given not
because of man‘s merit, but because of his unconditional,
everlasting love. This love is hard to fathom, and even at times
incomprehensible, but teaches us every day something new.
Our hope is that this love would teach us to love others, to
serve the Lord and always be hospitable to those around us. Each
of us has so much to be thankful for that we don‘t even deserve.
During a season when much of the world is contemplating what
gifts they will receive, may we challenge you to consider what
you can give. More than a box neatly wrapped with a bow on top,
but something that requires opening our hearts and giving from
within, a gift out of love. We never know when one gift can
change the world. Little did the inn keeper know that the gift of
his stable to two weary travelers would usher in God‘s greatest
gift, his Son, Salvation, Genuine Love.
-Anthony & Laura Jolly
Wednesday, December 21 Ephesians 5:2
I love Christmas! The sights are beautiful. I love the
lights, the presents, and the decorations. The sounds are wonder-
ful with all the music. But there is nothing that makes me think
―Christmas‖ like the smells! Evergreen, cinnamon, cookies bak-
ing, turkey, ham, stuffing, citrus; it all just SMELLS like Christ-
mas! But there is one smell we so many times miss… love. That‘s
right, I said ―LOVE‖. What does love smell like? Well, Ephesians
5:2 tells us to ―walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given
Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-
smelling aroma.‖ (NKJV) Christ‘s loving sacrifice for us is an
offering that pleases God the Father like a beautiful, sweet
smell. Pay close attention to that verse. It also says we are to
walk in that same love. In other words, because Christ loved us,
we are to love others in the same manner. So remember, this
Christmas love people like Christ loved us. It smells like Christ-
mas to God the Father!
-Charles Higgins
Thursday, December 22 Psalm 37:28
―The Audacity of Advent‖
For Our God loves justice and will never forsake the faithful…
The family leading the congregation in lighting the advent wreath
was a single mother and one of her sons. The husband died in a
car accident. The son bears the reminders of the crash: slurred
speech, diminished cognitive capabilities.
Future prospects for this kid are limited – maybe part of a janito-
rial team or some sort of repetitive job. Yet he smiled as his
mother instructed him on lighting the wreath. Should one such as
this be trusted with fire?
For Our God loves justice and will never forsake the faithful…
He lit the candles carefully and with dignity. In this community
of faith, at the time of worship he was safe to be himself.
My friend stood awkwardly while his mother took up the reading:
―My soul magnifies the Lord…‖ Odd. On her lips the words of
another mother with circumstances that would seem to invalidate
love.
For Our God loves justice and will never forsake the faithful…
Watching the boy before me I was struck by the audacity of ad-
vent. Through preparing and waiting, through our lives as follow-
ers of Christ we proclaim that love came in a certain life, and the
child was named Jesus. Through his cross, he became one with
the suffering of the earth. Through his resurrection, he brings the
promise of a creation transformed through the love of a God who
does not forsake.
-David Popham
Friday, December 23 Deuteronomy 7:9
Throughout the scriptures we find a covenant making and keeping
God, starting with the Adamic covenant in Gen 3:16 promising
the son who would crush the head of the serpent. God would
continue this covenant, promising Abraham that He would bless
all people through him. Later Abraham would make an amazing
statement to Isaac, "God himself will provide the Lamb," which
we know He did when He sent His son to be born in the manger
that Christmas so many years ago.
As Christmas approaches, we celebrate the Love of God that
motivated Him to establish a covenant and then
follow through with that same covenant. Yet so often, we live
each day forgetting this covenant and the love that motivated a
sacrifice for our sins to pay the penalty which we deserved. Take
time today to meditate on the Love of God that led to Him
sending His son to die and, in doing so, provided an opportunity
for us to have a restored relationship with the Father. "But God,
being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He
loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us
alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved" Eph.
3:4-5
-Brad Parham
Saturday, December 24 2 Thessalonians 3:5
Where Are We Going Now ―Gracie‖?
May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the
steadfastness of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5
Do you ever find yourself talking to a GPS device? Although
they are designed to make our lives simpler and get us where we
want to go in the least amount of time, those little devices in our
windshields sounding out ―right turn,‖ ―left turn‖ ―approximately
1000 feet,‖ sometimes make big mistakes. It is then that I ask my
Global Positioning System, that I affectionately call ―Gracie,‖
―Are you sure about this?‖
God has instilled in each of us a spiritual GPS; it is called the Ho-
ly Spirit. It is His Spirit that continually directs our hearts and
lives to His abounding love for us. Unlike the units we depend
on for navigational purposes, God‘s Spirit never fails us. It is His
Spirit that directs us to His love. A love that we celebrate and
remember as we worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords
that was born long ago in such a humble state in the small town
of Bethlehem.
May our celebrations, traditions and fond Christmas memories
through the leadership of God‘s Holy Spirit direct each of us to a
fuller appreciation of God‘s love and Christ‘s perseverance on
our behalf!
-Albert Jones
Sunday, December 25 1 John 4:7
As we gathered for worship on September 11, I asked the
children to tell me what they thought to be the most powerful
force in the world. Having just experienced an earthquake and
still recovering from hurricane Irene, I expected to hear nuclear
power (we‘re close to the nuclear power plant that shut down as
the earthquake occurred) or wind. I thought someone might men-
tion guns or some other weapon. One little boy raised his hand
and said, ―My momma!‖
He‘s right. To him, his momma is the most powerful force
in the world. Why? Because she is love, and love truly is the most
powerful force in the world.
Today we celebrate love. Today we rejoice that love itself
became flesh and dwelt among us. Today we rejoice and are glad
that God is love.
Indeed, love is the most powerful force in the world. I
told the children that love is what heals nations and people
groups. I reminded them of God‘s love for us and his wanting us
to love others, and thus help change the world.
P. Teilhard de Chardin once said, ―Some day, after mas-
tering the winds, the waves, the tides, and gravity, we shall har-
ness for God the energies of love, and then, for the second time in
the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.‖
Today, let us celebrate God‘s love in the birth of Jesus,
and let us unleash this most powerful force for the advancement
of the Redeemer‘s kingdom.
-Joe Lewis
Acknowledgments
I would like to give a huge thank you to University of the
Cumberlands alumni who contributed to this year‘s booklet. Their
willingness to write made this booklet possible, and I hope that
their words are blessings to everyone who reads this booklet.
I would also like to thank Jessica Staggs and Millie Haar, alumni
who shared their wonderful creations in this booklet. I deeply
appreciate their willingness to give to others through their words
and art that are featured here.
Jessica Staggs graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in
English. She is from Ransom, Kentucky, and is the daughter of
Doug and Kathy Staggs. She drew the cover art for this volume of
the Advent booklet. She has beautifully depicted this year‘s theme
of ―The Journey to Bethlehem‖ by symbolizing Christ‘s journey
from Bethlehem to the cross, which gives us reason for
celebrating.
When Millie Haar shared her unique gift of writing acrostics with
me, I knew they would make the perfect addition to each week‘s
theme of the booklet. Her thought-provoking acrostics of
―Journey,‖ ―Hope,‖ ―Peace,‖ ―Joy,‖ and ―Love‖ are featured
throughout the booklet. Millie is a 1976 graduate who currently
teaches Pre-K at J.W. Ray Elementary in Dallas, Texas.
Furthermore, I would like to thank Dr. Bob Dunston, Chair of the
newly renamed Department of Missions and Ministry, and his
wife Norma. I could not have completed this booklet without their
help and guidance. In addition, many thanks to Dr. Tom Frazier,
professor of English for proofreading this booklet. Many thanks
also must go to Media Relations and to the Campus Supply
Center for printing and distributing the Advent 2011 booklet.
Blessings!
-Kate McKnight, editor
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come
upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshad-
ow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy–
the Son of God.
Luke 1:35
We wish you a blessed Christmas season.
Department of Missions and Ministry
University of the Cumberlands
7989 College Station Drive
Williamsburg, KY 40769
(606) 539-4156