Advent 2023

Week 2 - Joy

One person considers some days to be more sacred than others, while another person considers all days to be the same. Each person must have their own convictions. Someone who thinks that a day is sacred, thinks that way for the Lord. Those who eat, eat for the Lord, because they thank God. And those who don’t eat, don’t eat for the Lord, and they thank the Lord too. (Romans 14:5-6 CEB)

I grew up in a church tradition that didn’t celebrate special holidays like Easter and Christmas. I was only vaguely aware that there was such a thing as a church year. Every Sunday was a celebration, the only “authorized” special day. Many of the families celebrated Christmas, but only as a secular holiday around Santa Claus and Christmas trees. I was more likely to hear about Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer than about Jesus, and song leaders made a point of singing “Silent Night” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” at times other than Christmas.

In the years that I’ve been around Methodist churches, I have really come to appreciate the way that deep involvement in the church calendar brings you closer to Jesus—His birth, His life, His teachings, as well as His death and resurrection. I respect those who do not keep such seasons, but I am glad to know the annual joy of the spiritual anticipation that is Advent.

Prayer

Father, thank you for the rhythms and the forms that bring us closer to you. May we each find our own way of celebrating and support each other in the journey! Amen!

This devotional was written and read by Donn King.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

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First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.