Read a message from Traci Rabenstein, a self-allocation report reminder, and a Messenger magazine quote in this week’s issue.
Christmas
Respond like the Shepherds
Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight, Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia. Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born! Luke 2:8-20 When I think about Christmas’s spent in Nigeria, I remember fondly the Christmas play which was performed every year. When the angel visited the shepherds,
Devotions (EYN Daily Link) December 20 – 26, 2015
DAILY LINK WITH GOD 2015 A Daily Devotional Guide from the EYN (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) EYN leaders in Nigeria believe prayer is one of the most important ways to support the Nigerian people and the Church. These daily devotions were written by EYN members and published by the Church of the Brethren
Hey! It isn’t Christmas yet
The most counter cultural thing a Christian can do today is to refuse the drive to Christmas. If you watched the Macy’s parade on Thanksgiving, Santa came riding in at the end of the parade with the bold symbolic statement that Christmas has come. The commercialization of Christmas is obvious. “Santa has come, the Christmas season is
Stories from Nigeria: Churches – What a difference a year makes
By Roxane Hill, co-director of Nigeria Crisis Response On a bright sunny day last February, Carl and I attended a dedication service for a new church (Local Church Branch) of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) just outside of Michika. The atmosphere was festive and the people were excited
Stretching Exercises
Not seeing today’s post? Hit the “refresh” button on your browser. Psalm 125 To ponder: As I left the grocery store, a man stretched out his hand and asked me for several dollars to buy some food. Keeping his eyes on the sidewalk, he explained that his family was hungry and he didn’t have any
Parting Words
Not seeing today’s post? Hit the “refresh” button on your browser. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 To ponder: Sometimes we place such high expectations on ourselves and others as Christmas approaches! We strive to decorate our homes, prepare tasty holiday treats, and finish shopping for everyone on our lists even as we carry out our everyday tasks
Implications
John 1:14 Prayer for the day: God of grace and truth, thank you for coming to earth in a form that I can relate to, as a human of flesh and blood. Thank you for showing me your love in such a personal way. Help me offer that same love to others. In the
Carry the light
Matthew 2:9 Prayer for the day: God, help me follow you today, trusting as you lead, grateful for the calling, joyful in the journey. Question for reflection: Where is the Christ star guiding you today, and as you enter this new year? ~ Jonathan Shively, Executive Director, Congregational Life Ministries Congregational Life Ministries of
Whenever the doors are open
Luke 2:22- 24, 39- 40 Prayer for the day: God, help me with simple obedience. In the routines of following you, help me see the importance of common acts of worship, humble service, and faithful follow-through. Like Mary and Joseph, make me consistent in “regular” things, open to your wisdom, full of the grace