The 2025 CSM Daily Advent Devotionals

Our theme for this years Advent is “From Promise to Presence: A Journey to Bethlehem.” During Advent we will be following a path that winds through centuries of promise to the miraculous moment when God took on flesh and dwelt among us.

 

---

Week 1: Hope

---

The First Day of Advent | November 30th

By Rev. Philip Brockett

The Promise That Changes Everything

Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government will be upon his shoulder,
and his name will be called
“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom,
to establish it, and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

In the midst of winter’s gathering darkness, Isaiah’s prophecy shines like a beacon of hope across the centuries. These verses, written approximately 700 years before Christ’s birth, paint one of the most magnificent portraits of the coming Messiah in all of Scripture.

Notice how personal this promise is: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” This isn’t a distant theological concept – it’s an intimate gift given directly to humanity. It is like receiving a birth announcement from heaven, declaring that God’s solution to our deepest needs would come in the form of a baby.

The four titles given to this promised child are particularly revealing:

• “Wonderful Counselor” – In our age of self-help books and online therapy, we have a Counselor whose wisdom is truly wonderful, supernatural, and perfect.
• “Mighty God” – Not just a good teacher or prophet, but God Himself in human flesh.
• “Everlasting Father” – The eternal one who cares for us with perfect paternal love.
• “Prince of Peace” – In our world of constant conflict and inner turmoil, He offers true shalom – complete wholeness and peace.

Verse 7 extends this promise into eternity, showing that this child’s kingdom will never end. While earthly governments rise and fall, Christ’s reign continues forever, characterized by justice and righteousness. This wasn’t just a hope for ancient Israel; it’s our hope today.

Prayer Focus:
Thank God for each aspect of Christ’s character revealed in His names. Pray for a deeper understanding of how each name meets your current needs.

Life Application:
Which of Christ’s four titles in Isaiah 9:6 speaks most deeply to your current life situation, and why?  Write that title on a piece of paper and put it where you’ll see it often, pause to reflect on its meaning throughout the day.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you that You came as promised and continue to reign. May we find our peace, counsel, and strength in You today. Let Your kingdom come in our hearts as we prepare to celebrate Your birth. Amen.

About the Author:
Philip Brockett has been Pastor at Central St Matthew since 2015. He is husband to Olga and father to Natasha, and 3 grown children -Hayden, Gillian and Noel.

---

The Second Day of Advent | December 1st

by Marion Ramirez

Wisdom, Understanding, and Equity

Isaiah 11:1-5
1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide by what his ears hear;
4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.
5 Righteousness shall be the girdle of his waist,
and faithfulness the girdle of his loins.

This passage speaks of a new shoot coming from the stump of Jesse.  This branch will have wisdom, understanding and decide with equity for the meek of the earth.

What are our branches and what is the legacy we are leaving?  While Isaiah was referring to the land of Israel, we can look at this more personally. Are we acting in the spirit of wisdom and understanding or are we catering only to our own delights.  Are we acting in the spirit of knowledge and equity for all? Are we teaching these values to our children and grandchildren? Are we working toward peace and cooperation or are we centered on what we want with no regard for others?

Life Application:
As I’ve grown older, I’ve tried to learn to live with aging bodies and minds and to value the wisdom that comes with age.

Prayer: 
God, may we live our lives seeking peace and with compassion for all: those who are like us and those who are not.  May our eyes, hearts, and doors be open.

About the Author:
I’m a native of New Orleans but in 1965 I left NOLA with my husband, Fred, and have lived in Boulder, CO since, with numerous sabbaticals abroad.  But New Orleans (and CSM) holds my heart.  Like homing pigeons, we return from January—May each year.

---

The Third Day of Advent | December 2nd

by Margene Minor

Bethlehem’s Promise

Micah 5:2-4
2 But you, O Bethlehem Eph′rathah,
who are little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient days.
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time
when she who is in travail has brought forth;
then the rest of his brethren shall return
to the people of Israel.
4 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 dwell secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth.

I think that the Advent Devotionals that we do at Central Saint Matthew are very special. They highlight, not only the season, but also provide a reflection of our fellow church members who we all care about deeply.

So, when Pastor Phil asked if I could do one this year, how could I say no. However, when Emma sent me the scripture that I was supposed to reflect upon and it was Micha 5:2-4, I thought, “Oh no. What? This just doesn’t speak to me.” I know that it is/was a prophesy, but  for some reason, it just didn’t touch my heart.
I read it reread it and prayed. Then I deleted it. I had to actually go into the deleted messages to pull it back up. I thought about asking for a different scripture. Then I thought,  “Maybe I am supposed to re-reread it, but still nothing. Maybe I am supposed to stretch more,” I thought to myself. “Or … Maybe, What’s wrong with me!”
Then, while I was alone, sitting in our courtyard in the evening, I thought, “Nothing is wrong with me. It’s ok and I’m ok.” We aren’t designed to understand or get every message upon  its reception. However, we are created to ponder, to feel, to search for truth and beauty and  through our human relationships we are inspired by our creator. To me that is nature and the purpose of Advent, and also of Lent.
Regardless of whether we are 8,18, 80 or 108 years old, we need to keep searching for what the message is, the Messiah and our purpose in it all. It’s there if we seek it.

Life Application:
So during this Advent Season from where or when we least expect it, may we continuously mediate on our Lord, worship our Lord and celebrate our Lord. Perhaps this is what Micha 5:2-4 is really advising us to do.

Prayer:
Lord give to us the patience and persistence to seek your prophetic wisdom, to seek your presence in our lives; for we know that presence is miraculous and transformative. Let us, each and every day receive your loving presence throughout this Advent season. Amen

About the Author:
Margene Minor is a coat of many colors, actually black and blue, following her latest fall.

---

The Fourth Day of Advent | December 3rd, 2025

by Mary Hall

Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name him Immanuel.”

This is a story about war and the promise that there shall be peace. The birth of this child and its name, Immanuel, are a sign that God, despite the brutalities continuing daily, will protect the House of David.  And, also, in the Gospel of Matthew, the message that a baby will be born whose name will be Immanuel, is interpreted as a sign that the Messiah is on his way. For Immanuel is said to mean “God is with us.”

Both the Hebrew Bible and the Gospel are telling us that there is hope, that if we are attentive to the meaning implied, or even spoken outright, that we can have an optimistic view of the world, of life, of what is to come.

That indeed is something to hold onto in our own troubled times, not in desperation, but in open-armed celebration and vigor. We are not to be afraid to seek help but rather to believe in the strength of ourselves and in the power of our openhearted community with others.
As I write this I think of how I feel when I’m in church, when I leave church, of the emotional joy and confidence and thoughtfulness that church gives me.

For one thing, in church I am not distracted by my phone, which as I write  is sitting on the table next to me.  So tempting it is to perhaps look up a recipe, see what the weather might be, check on what’s going on in the world at this minute as opposed to 30 minutes ago when I last looked.

Tech is a useful thing to be sure but it drags us away from that sense of hopefulness of which Isaiah assures us. It pulls us down a narrow alley rather than into the broad avenue of joy and openheartedness that is the promise of Immanuel.

Life Application:
Set aside tech devices three times a day (at least) and think on feelings, on people, on nature, on God’s presence.

Prayer: 
I’m grateful, Lord, for your presence.  It is that presence that sustains us and gives us the ability to look outward with attentiveness and love.

About the Author:
My husband and I have been living in New Orleans since 2018 having moved here from the Catskiil Mountains in upstate New York. We still go back there in the summer.  It is there that I was a lay pastor in our community church.

---

The Fifth Day of Advent | December 4th, 2025

by John Etter

Jeremiah 33:14-16 
14 “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.
15 “‘In those days and at that time
I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line;
he will do what is just and right in the land.
16 In those days Judah will be saved
and Jerusalem will live in safety.
This is the name by which it will be called:
The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’”
 

For me, Jeremiah is difficult. The prophet tells Zedekiah, the ruler of Jerusalem, that YHWH is angry with the people of Jerusalem and will punish the people through the Babylonian invasion, destruction of the city and seventy years of exile. Jeremiah advises Zedekiah to surrender, go peacefully into exile and order the people to repent.  

In the middle of that doom and gloom, YHWH promises a ruler who will bring justice, integrity, safety and security. YHWH promises that flowers will again bloom in Jerusalem – when the people’s grandchildren return and rebuild the city.

Jesus was a descendent of David and was proclaimed to be the foretold Messiah. Yet, Jesus, in his time on earth, did not bring justice, integrity, safety and security.

In our trouble times, Jeremiah gives us both doom and promises. Yet, it feels like Jeremiah’s promises have not yet been fulfilled. Are we to follow Jeremiah’s advice to Zedekiah, to wait out the troubled times, or are we to work to create justice, integrity, safety and security? I prefer to take action to create Christ’s kingdom, now.

Prayer:
Lord, your people have been through troubled times before. Jesus told his disciples to “Pray constantly for the strength to escape whatever comes, and to stand secure before the Chosen One.” Luke 21:36 (IB). Help me to pray persistently and to give my testimony by words or deeds.

Life Application:
Think about the many roles you have – parent, grandparent, worker, student, alumnus, donor, veteran, employee, church member, or any other role you have – and how you can work with your peers in one of those roles to push back on today’s authoritarian powers and create Christ’s kingdom.

About the Author:
John Etter claims the Katrina exception to be “from New Orleans” despite growing up on the West Coast, college in the Philadelphia suburbs and many years in Colorado. He has been a member of CSM for many years, is a retired attorney, and is a Deacon.

---

The Sixth Day of Advent | December 5th, 2025

by Tracey Braden

Zechariah 9:9 
The Coming of Zion’s King
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on an ass, on a colt, the foal of an ass.”

Advent is the Christian season of preparation and waiting for the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are asked to be reflective on our life journey throughout the year and to be patient and allow the Lord to appear at His appointed time, in our lives.  For many of us this year has been filled with challenges, heartbreak, difficulties, and loss.  There are those in this country who have caused families to suffer due to overbearing laws, and others have suffered due to “business-like” decisions causing many to lose jobs.

The Prophet Zechariah speaks to us of a hope and of a joy this world can never take away.  The HOPE of Christ!!  Even amid our pain, sorrow and despair, the Prophet is announcing to us that the Lord will send His son, who will conquer the enemies of this world.  He will not come with a warrior’s mentality, but in the spirit of humility.  

Life Application:
The blessing of this passage is knowing that the struggles of this world are not missed by the Lord.  He sees our pain, hears our prayers and has compassion for the vulnerable, even when others do not. In times such as these, we need to remember the words of scripture, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?” (Heb.11:6) I encourage all of us to REJOICE, for the King of Glory has the victory!    

Prayer:
I pray that no matter what situation we are facing as individuals or in our communities, that we trust and believe that He will never leave nor forsake us. Amen

About the Author:
Tracey is an important member of Central Saint Matthew and has served multiple positions within our church including our Adult Sunday School teacher, our Cultural Consciousness Committee Chair, and she served as a member of our Building Task Force.

---

The Seventh Day of Advent | December 6th, 2025

by Dave Rota

Malachi 3:1-4
The Messenger
3 “Behold, I send 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, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?
“For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap;
3 he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, till they present right offerings to the Lord. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

When I was a paperboy, I delivered the morning Wisconsin State Journal on my well-worn Schwinn bicycle. In the afternoon I would head out to collect payment from my customers.  In those days daily papers were sold for nickels and dimes, not dollars.  One of the side benefits for me was that I could then go through the coins and pick the ones of value for my budding coin collection.  In order to improve my collection, I needed to learn how to grade each coin. Each one  had a numismatic grade (a great accolade for a kid: I was a numismatist!).  Terms like Fair, Good, Fine, and Uncirculated helped me determine the value of, say, a Buffalo nickel.

If I were to grade the characters mentioned in the book of  Malachi, I would be tempted to call them “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.”  Unfortunately, just about everybody including even the sacrificial animals, seem to be graded by the prophet as Bad and Ugly. Coins that are Bad or Ugly cannot be upgraded. In fact, if you try to clean a coin you lower its grade even further.  The Good News in Malachi is that, unlike coins, we are told that a Messenger is going to appear to those Bad and Ugly people  and “refine” and “purify” them as if they were an unpurified silver coin.

Prayer Focus:  
Submit to God’s refining and purifying work in your life. Pray for endurance
through periods of spiritual growth and change.

Life Application:  
Identify one area of your life that needs refinement and take a specific step
toward Change.

Prayer:
Gracious God, Please guide me as I take steps in my Journey of Faith. Help me to grow in your presence and help me stay strong with each step forward. I ask all these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

About the Author:
The Rotas have enjoyed being a part of Central St. Matthew for over a decade.  When we are not in New Orleans, we are most likely traveling to see friends and family around the country in our camper Pearl, and, once in awhile, traveling somewhere else in the world.

---

Week 2: Peace

---

The Eighth Day of Advent | December 7th, 2025

by Princi Graham

Luke 1:5-7, 11-15
5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechari′ah, of the division of Abi′jah; and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechari′ah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechari′ah, for your prayer is heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
14 And you will have joy and gladness,
and many will rejoice at his birth;
15 for he will be great before the Lord,
and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink,
and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit,
even from his mother’s womb.

Referenced Passages

Job 33:32-33 (Living Bible)
“But if you have anything to say at this point, go ahead. I want to hear it, for I am anxious to justify you. But if not, then listen to Me. Keep
silence and I will teach you wisdom!”

Ephesians 5:20 (Living Bible)
“Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Romans 8:28 (Living Bible)
“And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if
we love God and are fitting into his plans.”

When I silently reflect on these scriptures I hear…
God says, “I want to hear it”…He will never turn a deaf ear to us even in our doubting Him.  “…for I am anxious (willing) to justify you”…justify…treat you “just as if” you hadn’t doubted.

“Always give thanks for everything”…everything!  Thank God especially the negative, fearful and hurtful things that happen.  Trusting and knowing that God is working all things to our good…and relaxing because we don’t have to know how or when.

Life Application:
“Well, shut my mouth” is an expression the “old folks” used when they were surprised at the positive outcome of an absolutely unbelievable situation. We often say “with God all things are possible” but do we really believe it when the impossible rears its ugly head in our lives?

Personally, My mouth fell open in shock when my daughter-in-law called at 5:45am to tell me that the police had just ransacked their house and took my son into custody for possession of marijuana. He had been growing it in their basement shelter for their personal use to help his wife with chronic pain. I was speechless when he was sentenced to 5 years. How could this happen? He wasn’t a drug dealer. He had a prosperous business as an electrical contractor, and his wife was in upper management with a large corporation, plus, they had just purchased their first house. The Holy Spirit reminded me of God’s promise to work all things to our good…but…

how could “good” come from such an unbelievably devastating event. So…I shut my gaping mouth and just held on to that promise. Those five years of incarceration birthed a new career for my son. While incarcerated, he earned an associate’s degree in business administration, graduated with honors and is now completing his BA in biological sciences. Within a year of his release, the State of New Jersey granted him a license to grow marijuana for commercial use and incubated his new business with funding and professional support. He and his wife broke ground in October of this year for their new building for hydroponic farming.

It was hard to THANK God while incarceration was happening to my son, but I’m grateful that God “shut my mouth”!!!  What fears or experiences are harassing you and making you doubt that God can bring you/us through? What would you really want to tell Him? Tell Him the unedited version of your truth…the whole thing!! God truly wants to hear what you have to say.

Prayer:
Thank you, Beloved Yahweh, for closing our mouths to expressing doubt and anger. Anchor us, instead, in hope and trust that allows us to wait and see how you are working all things out to our highest good.  Come Holy Spirit, embrace us in divine silence and open our ears to hear wisdom and our hearts to receive and live it.

About the Author:
Princella “Princi” Graham and her husband, Charles, live on 2-1/2 wooded acres in Franklin Village, Michigan, along with their small herd of feral “deer neighbors”.  They are long-time members of CSM and love being with their faith family when they come back “home” to NOLA for the winters.  They have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren.

---

The Ninth Day of Advent | December 8th, 2025

by Carol Etter

Luke 1:26-33
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,
27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.  The virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And he came to her and said “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
29 But she was very perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.
32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.
33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Between the birth of Jesus and his visit to John the Baptist, his 40 days in the wilderness, and his ministry there were 30 years!  Thirty years between verse 31 and versus 32.  Thirty years during which Jesus was just a kid, a teenager, a young adult, during while Mary changed his diapers, fed him, survived ear infections, bruises.  I’ve never thought about Jesus as a kid, but I’m confident he wasn’t always a perfect refined child who did nothing wrong. I’m sure he pestered his mother for food, fought with his friends and siblings, sassed back at his father, complained about having to go learn to be a carpenter instead of being able to play in the fields.  Thirty years during which Jesus grew up, learned carpentry, supported his family – was just an ordinary guy.  Thirty years of Mary and Jesus and Joseph just going about their daily life.

It is said that Mary kept all these things about what Jesus would be and do in her heart.  But what must she have thought as the years went by.  Jesus was still just an ordinary kid, an ordinary young man.   Had the angel lied to her?  Had God changed his mind?  How long, oh God, how long until your promise is made real, until the vision you shared came true?

And then the time was right! The vision of her son as the Son of the Most High, the seed planted in Mary’s heart sprang forth and became real.  
I knew someone who once was given a vision from God, of service to teen parents and their children. She was excited and went all in.  Incorporated a non-profit, looked at buildings, went to conferences… and then, her life got in the way.  There was no money for her to quit working to pursue the vision, even if it was from God. So it fell away. 

I don’t see this friend much any more, but I often wonder whether the vision, the seed planted in her heart by God, is still there, growing, waiting for the right time to come back into her life, for her to bring the vision to reality.  I hope it is, I know it is.  God doesn’t make promises, doesn’t share visions without knowing they can and will come true.

Mary waited for 30 years for the promise of the angel to come true. She didn’t give up.  She went about her daily life, knowing that God had made promises about her son and that God doesn’t change her mind.  

Life Application:
What vision has God given you? What promises from God are carefully carried in your heart?  Pick them up and hold them gently.  Remember the joy from when you first felt “heard” God speak to you. Don’t give up hope. Nurture them, care for them.  Some day you will find them again and bring them into the light, into the world. 

Prayer:
Abba, Father-Mother God, thank you for all the visions and promises you give to your people.  Help us to hold on to them, knowing that you are there with them and in them and in us. Help us to have the faith that even though time has passed, even thirty years, your promises are still real and your hope is present every day of our lives.

About the author:
Carol Etter is a long-time member of Central St. Matthew. Now retired she keeps busy with glass fusing, being treasurer of the South Central Conference UCC, and documenting the chaos of our times.  She is married to John and they have two children, four grandchildren and one elderly dog.

---

The Tenth Day of Advent | December 9th, 2025

by Peter Scie

Luke 1:34-38
34 And Mary said to the angel, “How shall this be, since I have no husband?” 35 And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[a] will be called holy, the Son of God.
36 And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

“Let It Be: Trusting God When the Promise Seems Impossible”

Rev. Peter S. Scie, MDiv. 
Associate Pastor of Outreach & Mission

There is a sacred beauty in Luke 1:34-38, a moment suspended between uncertainty and obedience. Mary receives an unimaginable call that defies biology, logic, and expectation, and her first response is refreshingly honest: “How shall this be?” This question resonates with the doubts we all harbor when God invites us into something beyond our understanding.

The angel doesn’t silence her; he offers reassurance: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you…” God reminds Mary that she is not alone in this calling. He will empower what He promises. Then comes the revelation: “…the power of the Highest will overshadow you.” God’s presence will cover, protect, and guide her. The miracle is God’s work, not merely Mary’s effort. Finally, God gives a reminder: Elizabeth, once barren, is now six months pregnant her story serves as living proof that God specializes in the impossible. It’s as if God is proclaiming, “Look at what I’ve already done, so you can trust what I’m about to do.” Mary’s final response reverberates through generations: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Her “yes” brings salvation into the world.

I, too, have faced moments when God asked me to believe in what seemed impossible. There were seasons when my life appeared far removed from the promises God spoke over me. Observers may have struggled to understand why I continued to believe, serve, and prepare for blessings that had yet to manifest. But deep within my spirit, I clung to God’s word.

There were nights of prayer and days when I stepped forward as if the answer was already unfolding. I engaged in ministry, pursued my studies, poured into my community, and embraced an attitude of expectation even when breakthrough felt distant. I embodied Mary’s spirit, trusting that if God proclaimed it, God would sustain it.

And after a season of hopeful waiting and faithful service, God fulfilled God’s promise. What once seemed impossible became a beautiful reality. My testimony is clear: God’s timing is perfect, God’s power is unstoppable, and God’s promises are unshakeable.

Life Application:
Beloved, keep hope alive. Trust God in the waiting. Serve while the promise is still forming. Prepare as if your prayers have already been answered. Mary’s story and my own remind us that with God, nothing is impossible.

Prayer:
Gracious God,
Like Mary, I come with an open-heart willing yet sometimes unsure. When Your plans seem beyond my understanding, remind me that Your Spirit will come upon me and Your power will overshadow me. Help me to trust that nothing is impossible with You. Teach me to declare, “Let it be to me according to Your word,” even when the path is unclear. Thank You for the testimonies that inspire me and for sustaining me through seasons of waiting until Your promises become reality. Strengthen every reader with fresh faith, renewed hope, and holy courage. Overshadow our doubts and direct our steps. Today we boldly declare: Let it be, Lord. Amen.

---

The Eleventh Day of Advent | December 10th, 2025

by Margaret Rota

Luke 1:39-45
39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechari′ah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be[a] a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

Has there ever been a time when your heart leaped with joy? A thought, a surprise, something unexpected? This Spirit may move you in less dramatic ways-a memory of someone dear to you, a kindness. What moves your Spirit? Let yourself notice when the Spirit moves you, then act. You can receive the Spirit or you can do or say something to enable the Spirit in others. Mary’s presence triggered Elizbeth’s noticing the movement within her. When the Spirit is awakened in you, what next? Your Spirit may be awakened by people around you, who inspire you, make you laugh, make you pause and think.

Life Application:
Help me acknowledge glimmers of hope, which may start the path ahead, so I don’t miss the realities coming my way.

Prayer:
Thank you God, for Spiritual awakenings. Help us all to recognize the Spirit, enabling us to leap for joy. Amen

About the Author:
This Advent is special to me since I am just returning from visiting Christmas markets in Italy, Germany, Austria, and Slovakia. After returning to New Orleans, we head up to Minneapolis to share Christmas with our sons and their families. We are blessed!

---

The Twelfth Day of Advent | December 11th, 2025

by Dale Bonds

Luke 1:46-56

Mary’s Song of Praise
46 And Mary said,
Mary’s Song of Praise
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm,
he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,
52 he has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent empty away.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.”
56 And Mary remained with her about three months,
and returned to her home..

Mary is visiting with her cousin Elizabeth, who greets her as the Mother of the Lord. Mary is overcome with joy and filled with the Holy Spirit and creates this beautiful hymn of praise.

As I read and reread these verses, we see how God continues to use unassuming people, like you and me to bring his messages of hope, love and peace to the rest of the world.  

Mary shares about God’s majesty and might, yet how God shows compassion.  

God continually lifts up the humble and brings down the powerful and is always pointing out to us the injustices in the world. In this song of praise, we also see how God keeps his promise to Abraham through the child that Mary carries.

This beautiful hymn is not just a song of praise; it is a song of humility, hope, love and promises to come.

Parts of Mary’s song of praise brought another hymn to my mind – “He Has Done Great Things for Me”.

Life Application:
Consider writing your own song of praise. What things has God done for you? List specific ways God has worked in your life.

Prayer Focus
Thank God for spiritual gifts and friendships. Pray for all of us who need encouragement in our faith journey.

Prayer:
Gracious and loving God, please guide us on this faith journey. Give us the discipline needed to get closer to you.

About the Author:
Dale Bonds is a (founding) member of Central St. Matthew UCC. She is a Deacon, assistant Treasurer and participates in the choir.

---

The Thirteenth Day of Advent | December 12th, 2025

by Emma Harlan

Matthew 1:18-21

The Birth of Jesus the Messiah
18 Now the birth of Jesus Chris took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; 19 and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; 21 she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

My first thought when I read this was what a chaotic situation this must have felt like for everyone involved before this moment in time. I mean, Mary knew that she was carrying the baby Jesus, but how could she make Joseph understand this? Joseph had great respect for Mary, but felt like the only solution was divorce. Another thing that really nagged at the back of my head was how hasty I felt Joseph was being, and of course, this was because I knew what was to come. The reason I kept ignoring this voice was because I kept thinking “well, he’s only acting on what he knows in the moment” and then finally it struck me why this is the part of the scripture that kept popping back into my head despite the quite hopeful announcement from the Angel.

So often in my own life have things felt out of control and absolutely hopeless, and so often have I felt the need to act hastily before I have all of the proper information. Despite this, I have been incredibly blessed that things have always worked out, and rarely does it happen in the way I expect it to. I act before I have all the information, but this passage reminds me how I need to slow down and trust that God has a plan for us all.

Life Application:
I invite everyone to think about different situations they have experienced where they felt hopeless and overwhelmed and yet everything worked out maybe not so according to plan. Personally I had my heart set on a specific apartment. I had been looking for a while and this place had a few quirks but I felt that it was well worth it, unfortunately, so did a few other people and someone else was chosen for the apartment. In the end the apartment I did end up moving into I am much happier with. I was so convinced that the only way things would work out is if I did things one way, but when the plan went out the window is when I ended up on the right path. Obviously this isn’t always the case, if you turn off my GPS I will just get lost, but when the situation is truly out of your hands, maybe let it be.

Prayer:
Dear God, I ask that you help me to know when I am lost and give me the courage to follow your light. I trust that you will guide me in this life, and that your path is the right one. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

About the Author:
Emma has worked as the Nursery Attendant at CSM for 4 years and recently started working as our Office Administrator. She started at CSM in the Nursery herself, but only sporadically when visiting her Grandparents as her Grandmother, Arlean Fermanis has been a member at Central St Matthew since its founding. She moved here to complete a Bachelors of Design at Loyola and stayed because how could she not.

---

The Fourteenth Day of Advent | December 13th, 2025

by Arlean Fermanis

Matthew 1:22-25

Joseph’s Obedience
22 All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel”(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.
Reflection

This passage not only tells us of the miraculous birth of Jesus, but it is also a reminder that Christmas is not just about a manger scene or a holiday tradition, it is about the fulfillment of God’s promise as given by the prophet Isaiah centuries before. The passage tells us of God’s faithfulness to His promises. The name “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us,” is a profound reminder that God chose to dwell among us, not as a distant deity but as a loving, present Savior. There is comfort in knowing that God chose to dwell among us, to walk in our shoes and to bring hope to a broken world. Even in a world as broken as the one we find ourselves in at the present, we can find comfort and hope in the birth of Jesus.

Joseph’s obedience is a very striking and a powerful example of faith. In the face of uncertainty and despite the challenges and potential judgment from others, he trusted God’s plan and acted in faith. His willingness to embrace God’s will encourages us to trust in God’s purpose, even when it seems difficult or unclear.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to be “God with us.” Help us to trust in Your promises and follow Your will, just as Joseph did. May we carry the spirit of Christmas in our hearts, remembering Your love and faithfulness. Amen.

Application:
During this holiday season, and as challenges the new year will undoubtedly bring, let us consider how we can be like Joseph, be obedient to what God would have us do and to face the future knowing that God is walking by our sides.

About the Author:
Arlean has been a resident of New Orleans for 24 years and joined our congregation in 2004. She and her husband of 52 years are the parents of two children, and they have four grandchildren and three great-grands. Arlean chairs the Christian Education Committee and teaches Sunday School with Nancy Marks.

---

Week 3: Joy

---

The Fifteenth Day of Advent | December 14th, 2025

by Evelyn Raymond

Luke 2:1-5

The Birth of Jesus
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was the first enrollment, when Quirin′i-us was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

Go! I choose to go. They are very different Did Mary and Joseph choose or did they feel compelled to go by law? In their case there was divine intervention. Both of them had visits from angels. They had faith and a higher purpose. I am sure they believed they would be ok because God was leading them.

Wherever God leads us we are part of His purpose for our lives. I have been to Israel and I have seen the wilderness. There are no road signs, just empty desert, even today. Somehow they were led and they followed. For us today, that is the lesson. In all circumstances, known and unknown, pray. Ask God to guide and direct your path. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.

Life Application:
This verse has sustained me so much, especially after my husband passed. God has held me in his hand and brought me to a new life. I could not be more fulfilled as I am now and it is all because of letting Him guide and direct me every day. Where God leads it is always for GOOD.

Prayer Focus:
Thank God for his sovereignty in all circumstances. May we Pray for trust in His larger purpose.

Prayer:
Thank you Jesus for always guiding us and holding us in your hand as we navigate our daily challenges big and small. May we depend on you always.

About the Author:
Evelyn Raymond has been a member of CSM until moving to Florida, but she always zooms in for Bible study and services.

---

The Sixteenth Day of Advent | December 15th, 2025

by Curry Miller

Luke 2:6-7

The Birth of Jesus
6 And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered.
7. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in
swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no
place for them in the inn.

The birth of Jesus in a lowly stable, a place where the animals sleep, shows us that God’s love entered the world through the
marginalized and overlooked. Not in a palace or a place of power. The lack of space in the inn is indicative of how society often
overlooks and excludes the disenfranchised, like the pregnant Mary and Joseph.

Life Application:
This passage encourages a shift in our focus from our own busy and hectic lives to the needs of others. It shows us that we are called to open doors and create a space for the downtrodden and overlooked in our own lives. How often do we see a beggar or homeless person on a street corner and we look away or pretend to be busy with some matter so that we do not have to acknowledge their existence? As people of God it is up to us to open doors and create safe spaces for the overlooked and downtrodden. We need to open our hearts and eyes and see people as a reflection of God and to make certain that they know that they too are welcome into the Kingdom of God.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that you would open my eyes so that I may see the realities of the world around me, the brokenness and the beauty. I pray that during this Advent season my heart will be filled with worship and gratitude as I find a way to serve otherwise in my neighborhood, my church, my city and my country.
All of this I PRAY IN Jesus’ name, Amen

About the Author:
Curry Miller has been a member of Central St Matthew UCC for 21 years. I love my church family.

---

The Seventeenth Day of Advent | December 16th, 2025

by Michael Boucree

Luke 2:8-12

The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; 11 for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Being “afraid” is feeling fear or anxiety from something. Having “fear” is an intense, unpleasant emotion emanating from something that you perceive as dangerous. But fear is also known as an acronym. A few that I find most intriguing yet calming are the phrases: “False Evidence Appearing Real”; “False Expectations Appearing Real”, and “Forgetting Everything’s Alright”. One that I find most humorous is “Forget Everything And Run”. And perhaps, that’s what the shepherds might have wanted to do when the angel appeared to them, prompting the angel to say, “Do not be afraid!” The angel knew that in being afraid, the shepherds were fearful of what information the angel might deliver. To further calm them, the angel said to them, “…I bring you good news of great joy…” I am always skeptical, nay, fearful when someone mysteriously and sometimes near secretively says, “call me, I got something to tell you!” No subject. No context. Just intrigue. But for me, it is also intensely anxiety-provoking!

Life Application:
As I’ve matured, I’m not as afraid as I might have been in my younger and middle-aged days. Now, when it is said, I immediately center myself to be unshaken and resist the feelings of fear, akin to when I receive information that I am to discern whether it is true or false. I ask for discernment, and God answers with a feeling of comfort that washes over me and washes away my fear. I then know the truth of the matter, and I am no longer afraid because God has blessed me and gifted me with good tidings of great joy! As the lyrics of the hymn “Be Not Afraid” state: “Be not afraid, I go before you always! Come, follow me, and I will give you rest.” So, while I’m still intrigued and curious about the information someone wishes to share, I am more excited to learn the information because, with God, as the angel said, there is no reason to be afraid!

Prayer:
Dear God, I pray for discernment of fear vs truth, and knowing that you are always found where Truth is. Discerning Truth is finding You, and finding the gift of Peace You gave as manifested in the gift of Your Son, Jesus, who is Christ the Lord.

About the Author:
Michael Boucree is the current President of the Governing Council and often serves as Worship Leader. As a pianist, he and his partner of 27 years, and now husband, Bass Baritone Ivan Griffin, have frequently shared their musical talents with the CSM congregation, New Orleans community at large, and beyond.

---

The Seventeenth Day of Advent | December 16th, 2025

by Michael Boucree

Luke 2:13-14 (IB)

Glory and Peace
Suddenly, there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in high heaven! And on earth peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.”

Christ’s birth was announced by an angel to shepherds in the middle of the night. Shepherds were on the margins of society at that time. They lived in the fields with the sheep. Their work was guarding their flocks from predators, weather and other hazards. These particular shepherds had to work night shift. If you have worked night shift, you know that it is not the most sought-after time to work. These shepherds had a dull, low status job, but could also face danger on a moment’s notice, if wolves or other predators attacked.

In the midst of the shepherds’ tedious work, an angel appears and speaks to the shepherds. Luke wrote that the shepherds were “very much afraid” and that the angel had to tell them that they had nothing to fear, because the shepherds were about to hear “news of a great joy to be shared by the whole people.” Luke 2:8-12. Then, the angel is joined by a celestial choir, praising God, offering peace and reassurance that people are favored by God. Surprisingly, the shepherds listened to the angel, went to Bethlehem, saw Jesus, and shared the good news.

Christ repeatedly tells his followers to stay alert and listen for God’s messages, even in the middle of the night. As we sing, “Keep your lamps trimmed and burning.”

Long ago, I worked “graveyard” shift as a security guard at a large hospital. The middle of the night was usually boring, walking rounds and trying to stay awake and alert. If an angel had appeared and spoken, I would have been afraid. I don’t know if I would have listened and acted upon the angel’s message.

Our challenge is to keep listening for good news, act when God is speaking and share God’s messages. We have to stay alert, even when times are tedious or busy or distressing.

Life Application:
God choose to announce Jesus’ birth to marginalized, low status people, who had the “bad luck” to work night shift. This should reassure us that anyone can receive God’s good news, and that anyone can share the good news.

Prayer:
Lord, we are in “the middle of the night” in the midst of tumultuous events. We often feel marginalized and powerless. Help us to stay alert, listen for Your messages, act, and share Your good news.

About the Author:
John Etter claims the Katrina exception to be “from New Orleans” despite growing up on the West Coast, college in the Philadelphia suburbs and many years in Colorado. He has been a member of CSM for many years, is a retired attorney, and is a Deacon.

---

As someone who often describes themselves as “incredibly superstitious” and tends to read into little signs and details in my life, I’ve always loved this story because it shows how following those signs and trusting in both your gut and God can lead the way. I felt comforted by the idea that you could look up and know your way. Well this may not always be quite as literally true, I believe that making the conscious decision to listen to God and let him guide you can create a sort of North Start within you.

Life Application:
Keep your heart open for signs from God and try and recognize the little ways God may have led you so far. Perhaps even meditate and pray on these moments to help you feel closer to God and more present in his plan for you!

Prayer:
Dear God, please help me to recognize your presence in my life. Guide me when I don’t know I am lost and give me the faith to follow your path. I know in trusting you and your journey my path will be one that ends with great comfort and joy. I pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen.

About the Author:
Emma has worked as the Nursery Attendant at CSM for 4 years and recently started working as our Office Administrator. She started at CSM in the Nursery herself, but only sporadically when visiting her Grandparents as her Grandmother, Arlean Fermanis has been a member at Central St Matthew since its founding. Emma has lived in the city since graduating and plans on staying for as long as the city will have her!

---

Week 4: Love

---

The Twenty-Second Day of Advent | December 21st, 2025

by Philip Brockett

John 3:16-17

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him.

“For God so loved the world…” These words, perhaps the most famous in all Scripture, capture the heart of Christmas. On this Christmas Eve, let’s pause to consider the magnitude of this declaration. 

The Greek word “houtos” translated as “so” doesn’t just mean “very much” – it means “in this way,” pointing to the specific manner of God’s love demonstrated through the gift of His Son.

Think about the most precious thing you own – perhaps a family heirloom, an irreplaceable photograph, or a cherished memory. Now imagine willingly giving it up for someone who might not even appreciate it. I would be hard pressed to do that, wouldn’t you? But God’s gift was infinitely more costly – God gave God’s only Son, not for friends, but for a world that had gone its own way and that frequently ignored or rejected God.

Next consider the phrase “whoever believes.” This phrase reveals the universal scope of God’s gift.  It’s like a parent who keeps the porch light on and the door unlocked, waiting for their child to return home. God’s invitation is for everyone it isn’t restricted by nationality, race, social status, or past mistakes – it’s open to all who will receive it.

Verse 17 adds a crucial dimension: “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world.” We live in a culture that is quick to condemn and we are prone to also condemn others, but God’s approach is different. Instead of sending a judge, God sent a Savior. A friend of mine was once spending an afternoon on the beach when he heard a strange and distant sound, rising to his feet, and staring over the waves he saw a person struggling in the water and obviously calling for help. In that moment he did not consider whether this person deserved to be rescued, he jumped in that water and rescued them! Drowning people don’t need someone who is focused on whether they deserve rescuing they need someone to save them. Jesus did not come to point out our failures but to provide the way to salvation. Truly this is Love’s greatest gift

Life Application:
How does understanding God’s motivation of love, rather than condemnation, change your perspective on God and on your relationship with  others.

Prayer:
Loving God, on this Christmas Eve, we’re overwhelmed by the magnitude of Your love. Thank You for demonstrating Your love not just through words, but through the incomparable gift of Your Son. Thank You that Jesus came not to condemn but to save. As we celebrate Christ’s birth may we be reminded that the baby in the manger came with the express purpose of showing us Your heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

About the Author:
Philip Brockett has been Pastor at Central St Matthew since 2015. He is husband to Olga and father to Natasha, and 3 grown children -Hayden, Gillian and Noel.

---

The Twenty-Third Day of Advent | December 22nd, 2025

by Allan Eickelmann 

John 1:1-5 and 14 (The New Oxford Annotated RSV) 

In the beginning was the Word.  And the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him and without him not one thing came into being. In him was life and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not over come it… And the word became flesh and lived among us and we have beheld His Glory, the Glory of the Father’s only Son, filled with grace and truth. 

Sometimes someone will ask, “What is the good word of the day.” As Christians, we probably should say, the same as it was yesterday and will be tomorrow. It is Christ Jesus. Wait! How can a person be a word? Well, you see, he is the Living Word. “Now you are only confusing me more”. 

He is the Logos. This is the Greek word for word, but it also means reason, order and logic. In other words, Christ is everything. He is all things and he is in all things. He is not just the reason for the Season, he is the reason for everything. He overflows with meaning and purpose for you and for me. 

For the writer of the Gospel of John, it is not just as if God got carried away one day and ended up conceiving a son. No! Christ was with God and was God from the foundations of everything that is. He is Cosmic. You could say he is Cosmic Consciousness. 

When Kathleen, Michale and Norm read scripture, at the end of the reading they will say “The Word of the Lord.”  Why don’t they say the words of the Lord? That is what they just read. It is because they are not referring to the literal words of the Bible, but to Christ who is the Living Word, who we find in the Bible.  

This Christmas Season I wish you a Merry Christmas, a Merry Christ Worship, a Merry Christ Consciousness. Breathe! Know that you are breathing in The Word of the Lord.  

Life Application:
This Christmas Season I wish you a Merry Christmas, a Merry Christ Worship, a Merry Christ Consciousness. Breathe! Know that you are breathing in The Word of the Lord.  

Prayer:
May the Consciousness of Christ become our consciousness, as we endeavor to become One with Him. Amen

About the Author:
Allan Eickelmann was the. pastor of old Saint Matthew UCC from 1988 to 1992. He is currently on the faculty of the University of Southern Mississippi. The greatest thing that ever happened to him happened on June 4,1989 when The Rev. John Pecoul joined him in marriage with Margene Minor. Miraculously, she has been putting up with him ever since.  

---

The Twenty-Fourth Day of Advent | December 22nd, 2025

by Norman Robinson

Luke 2: 1-5 (NIV)

in those days Caesar Augustus issued issue a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman World. And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David , because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was pregnant with child.

The Journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem is a spiritual symbolism, representing a transition from an ordinary life to the fulfilment of divine destiny. Lord give us the strength,courage and compassion to be ever mindful of the divine nature of your of presence which compels us to live our lives not as ordinary but as disciples of divine destiny.

Life Application:
Currently, during the dark days of chaos and dissension, we are faced with doubt and confusion.  But as we look to the Advent , I am reminded of the turmoil and , seemingly, insurmountable challenges faced by Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem and the inevitable difficulties with finding a place stay; as there was no place at the inn.  Our savior was born in a lowly manger.  This reminds us that no matter hardship and struggle, you are always there to protect and provide.  As you were with Mary and Joseph, you are here with us now, no matter the chaos and confusion of the  world.

We know that you are the same today as you were in the beginning.  When I am at my lowest point, I harken back to this knowledge which strengthens my faith and eases my fears about the current state of the society in which we live. The birth of Jesus, grants us Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.

Prayer:
Our most gracious Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your only begotten son who came to grant us, not only life, but life abundantly. Keep us mindful of the divine purpose of our obligation to the welfare of our fellow human beings: To comfort, to clothe, to feed, to shelter the homeless and to heal the afflicted. Help us summon the compassion, that Jesus blessed us with by sacrificing his life on the cross at Calvary.

About the Author:
Norman Robinson is a Member of Central St Matthew UCC since 2014
Church Lector,
Retired Broadcast Journalist,
Husband, Father,
Grandfather,
Great Grandfather