2nd Day of Christmas “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 Then came the next day: The heavenly voices were silenced, and shepherds were back in the fields. Perhaps the stable owner discovered quite a surprise when he came to care for the animals. People were talking downtown about the things…Keep Reading

CHRISTMAS DAY The journey to Bethlehem had been long. A wearied trip, swollen ankles, and a wrestling match between fear and faith, had just about been more that she could handle. “Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” And now it is the morning, a baby coos along with the dove on the rafters above. A child is born, a Son is given. He has…Keep Reading

CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING “…I was a stranger and you invited me in.” Matthew 25:35 “No Vacancy,” a weary traveler doesn’t want to see those words. The Gospel of Jesus begins with “no room in the inn.” Joseph and Mary were stranded, left in a helpless position. Christmas always means travelers; and many have their own stranded story. There was an overbooked flight, severe weather, a broken down car, or whatever…Keep Reading

ADVENT Day 23 “And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah, for out of thee shall come a Governor (Jesus), that shall rule my people Israel” Matthew 2:6 Many towns like to boast that they are the birthplace of some person of notoriety. Small towns especially find pride when a citizen becomes famous for making a positive contribution to the world….Keep Reading

Pastor Will Shewey, Shades of Grace United Methodist Church Link to YouTube Video – John 13:36 Pastor Will Shewey Saturday morning worship for the fourth weekend of Advent has ended. Today’s love candle joined those representing faith, hope and joy. A good crowd participated, and several families are dealing with illness and unable to attend. Officer Tom Patton was present and provided security. for the service. Ms Dee has been…Keep Reading

ADVENT Day 21 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20 It is the first day of winter, and the shortest day of the year. Today the year is an infant; who knows what it will grow to be. Advent is just about over for another year. The word for today is “Maranatha” (Come Lord Jesus). Just as surely as…Keep Reading

ADVENT Day 20 “… when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 3:11b There are wrong reasons to give a gift: obligation, to impress, to get something in return. The Bible is clear about why and how we give. The first Christmas gift was not carried by the Magi, but came from Heaven: “For God so loved the world that he…Keep Reading

ADVENT Day 19 “You say, Oh what a weariness!” (Malachi 1:13) “Let us not become weary in doing good…” (Galatians 6:9) Perhaps the world hasn’t changed as much as we may think. The Christmas story began with the taxation of people who felt oppressed enough already. Times were hard, often corrupt, and always busy. Tidings of comfort and joy also came with plenty of worries for the young parents. It…Keep Reading

ADVENT Day 18 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Luke 1:38 Our Christian life will never exceed our belief. If at any point in the Bible we say, “I don’t believe this,” that is as far as we can walk on the path of Christian experience. I firmly believe that Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit and was born of the…Keep Reading

ADVENT Day 17 “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again–my Savior and my God!” Psalm 43:5 He looked as though the street had been his home far too long. With his head looking down where his meager survival seemed to come from, he made his way across the walk. She was older and in somewhat…Keep Reading

ADVENT Day 16 “An ox knows its owner, and a donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” Isaiah 1:3 “Why lies He in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding?” The passage in Isaiah isn’t well known to many, but it is appropriate for Christmas. It is believed that it is the reason for the ox and donkey in the Nativity…Keep Reading

Pastor Will Shewey, Shades of Grace United Methodist Church Link to YouTube Video – Luke 1:39-56 – 3rd Sunday of Avent: Joy Pastor Will Shewey Saturday’s Advent JOY service was quite unlike any other we’ve recently experienced. I might describe it more as a scavenger hunt as the people searched for JOY. We laughed, we groaned, we stumbled, and a few wept. Through it all, as folk departed from worship,…Keep Reading