Advent Devotion from Society of St. Andrew "Advent Devotions 2016" of Big Island, Virginia, United States for Friday, December 9, 2016 "Grace, Not Fear, in the Midst of Change" Scripture: Luke 1-2
Luke 1:1 Dear Theophilos:
Concerning the matters that have taken place among us, many people have undertaken to draw up accounts 2 based on what was handed down to us by those who from the start were eyewitnesses and proclaimers of the message. 3 Therefore, Your Excellency, since I have carefully investigated all these things from the beginning, it seemed good to me that I too should write you an accurate and ordered narrative, 4 so that you might know how well-founded are the things about which you have been taught.
5 In the days of Herod, King of Y’hudah, there was a cohen named Z’kharyah who belonged to the Aviyah division. His wife was a descendant of Aharon, and her name was Elisheva. 6 Both of them were righteous before God, observing all the mitzvot and ordinances of Adonai blamelessly. 7 But they had no children, because Elisheva was barren; and they were both well along in years.
8 One time, when Z’kharyah was fulfilling his duties as cohen during his division’s period of service before God, 9 he was chosen by lot (according to the custom among the cohanim) to enter the Temple and burn incense. 10 All the people were outside, praying, at the time of the incense burning, 11 when there appeared to him an angel of Adonai standing to the right of the incense altar. 12 Z’kharyah was startled and terrified at the sight. 13 But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Z’kharyah; because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elisheva will bear you a son, and you are to name him Yochanan. 14 He will be a joy and a delight to you, and many people will rejoice when he is born, 15 for he will be great in the sight of Adonai. He is never to drink wine or other liquor, and he will be filled with the Ruach HaKodesh even from his mother’s womb. 16 He will turn many of the people of Isra’el to Adonai their God. 17 He will go out ahead of Adonai in the spirit and power of Eliyahu to turn the hearts of fathers to their children[Luke 1:17 Malachi 3:23–24(4:5–6)] and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready for Adonai a people prepared.”
18 Z’kharyah said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man; my wife too is well on in years.” 19 “I am Gavri’el,” the angel answered him, “and I stand in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, to give you this good news. 20 Now, because you didn’t believe what I said, which will be fulfilled when the time comes, you will be silent, unable to speak until the day these things take place.”
21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Z’kharyah; they were surprised at his taking so long in the Temple. 22 But when he came out unable to talk to them, they realized that he had seen a vision in the Temple; speechless, he communicated to them with signs.
23 When his period of his Temple service was over, he returned home. 24 Following this, Elisheva his wife conceived, and she remained five months in seclusion, saying, 25 “Adonai has done this for me; he has shown me favor at this time, so as to remove my public disgrace.”
26 In the sixth month, the angel Gavri’el was sent by God to a city in the Galil called Natzeret, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Yosef, of the house of David; the virgin’s name was Miryam. 28 Approaching her, the angel said, “Shalom, favored lady! Adonai is with you!” 29 She was deeply troubled by his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Miryam, for you have found favor with God. 31 Look! You will become pregnant, you will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Yeshua. 32 He will be great, he will be called Son of Ha‘Elyon. Adonai, God, will give him the throne of his forefather David; 33 and he will rule the House of Ya‘akov forever — there will be no end to his Kingdom.” 34 “How can this be,” asked Miryam of the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered her,
“The Ruach HaKodesh will come over you,
the power of Ha‘Elyon will cover you.
Therefore the holy child born to you
will be called the Son of God.
36 “You have a relative, Elisheva, who is an old woman; and everyone says she is barren. But she has conceived a son and is six months pregnant! 37 For with God, nothing is impossible.” 38 Miryam said, “I am the servant of Adonai; may it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
39 Without delay, Miryam set out and hurried to the town in the hill country of Y’hudah 40 where Z’kharyah lived, entered his house and greeted Elisheva. 41 When Elisheva heard Miryam’s greeting, the baby in her womb stirred. Elisheva was filled with the Ruach HaKodesh 42 and spoke up in a loud voice,
“How blessed are you among women!
And how blessed is the child in your womb!
43 “But who am I, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy! 45 Indeed you are blessed, because you have trusted that the promise Adonai has made to you will be fulfilled.”
46 Then Miryam said,
“My soul magnifies Adonai;
47 and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior,
48 who has taken notice of his servant-girl
in her humble position.[Luke 1:48 1 Samuel 1:11; 2:1]
For — imagine it! — from now on, all generations will call me blessed!
49 “The Mighty One has done great things for me!
Indeed, his name is holy; 50 and in every generation
he has mercy on those who fear him.[Luke 1:50 Psalms 103:17; 111:9]
51 “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm,
routed the secretly proud,
52 brought down rulers from their thrones,
raised up the humble,
53 filled the hungry with good things,
but sent the rich away empty.
54 “He has taken the part of his servant Isra’el,
mindful of the mercy
55 which he promised to our fathers,
to Avraham and his seed forever.”
56 Miryam stayed with Elisheva for about three months and then returned home.
57 The time arrived for Elisheva to have her baby, and she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard how good Adonai had been to her, and they rejoiced with her.
59 On the eighth day, they came to do the child’s b’rit-milah. They were about to name him Z’kharyah, after his father, 60 when his mother spoke up and said, “No, he is to be called Yochanan.” 61 They said to her, “None of your relatives has that name,” 62 and they made signs to his father to find out what he wanted him called. 63 He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is Yochanan.” 64 At that moment, his power of speech returned, and his first words were a b’rakhah to God. 65 All their neighbors were awestruck; and throughout the hill country of Y’hudah, people talked about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard of them said to himself, “What is this child going to be?” For clearly the hand of Adonai was with him.
67 His father Z’kharyah was filled with the Ruach HaKodesh and spoke this prophecy:
68 “Praised be Adonai, the God of Isra’el,[Luke 1:68 Psalms 41:14(13); 72:18; 106:48]
because he has visited and made a ransom to liberate his people
69 by raising up for us a mighty Deliverer
who is a descendant of his servant David.
70 It is just as he has spoken
through the mouth of the prophets from the very beginning —
71 that we should be delivered from our enemies
and from the power of all who hate us.
72 “This has happened so that he might show
the mercy promised to our fathers —
that he would remember his holy covenant,
73 the oath he swore before Avraham avinu
74 to grant us that we, freed from our enemies,
would serve him without fear,
75 in holiness and righteousness
before him all our days.
76 You, child, will be called a prophet of Ha‘Elyon;
you will go before the Lord to prepare his way[Luke 1:76 Malachi 3:1; Isaiah 40:3]
77 by spreading the knowledge among his people
that deliverance comes by having sins forgiven
78 through our God’s most tender mercy,
which causes the Sunrise to visit us from Heaven,
79 to shine on those in darkness, living in the shadow of death,[Luke 1:79 Isaiah 9:1(2)]
and to guide our feet into the paths of peace.”
80 The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he lived in the wilderness until the time came for him to appear in public to Isra’el.
2:1 Around this time, Emperor Augustus issued an order for a census to be taken throughout the Empire. 2 This registration, the first of its kind, took place when Quirinius was governing in Syria. 3 Everyone went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 So Yosef, because he was a descendant of David, went up from the town of Natzeret in the Galil to the town of David, called Beit-Lechem, in Y’hudah, 5 to be registered, with Miryam, to whom he was engaged, and who was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth; 7 and she gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him in cloth and laid him down in a feeding trough, because there was no space for them in the living-quarters.
8 In the countryside nearby were some shepherds spending the night in the fields, guarding their flocks, 9 when an angel of Adonai appeared to them, and the Sh’khinah of Adonai shone around them. They were terrified; 10 but the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, because I am here announcing to you Good News that will bring great joy to all the people. 11 This very day, in the town of David, there was born for you a Deliverer who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 Here is how you will know: you will find a baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” 13 Suddenly, along with the angel was a vast army from heaven praising God:
14 “In the highest heaven, glory to God!
And on earth, peace among people of good will!”
15 No sooner had the angels left them and gone back into heaven than the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go over to Beit-Lechem and see this thing that has happened, that Adonai has told us about.” 16 Hurrying off, they came and found Miryam and Yosef, and the baby lying in the feeding trough. 17 Upon seeing this, they made known what they had been told about this child; 18 and all who heard were amazed by what the shepherds said to them. 19 Miryam treasured all these things and kept mulling them over in her heart. 20 Meanwhile, the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen; it had been just as they had been told.
21 On the eighth day, when it was time for his b’rit-milah, he was given the name Yeshua, which is what the angel had called him before his conception.
22 When the time came for their purification according to the Torah of Moshe, they took him up to Yerushalayim to present him to Adonai 23 (as it is written in the Torah of Adonai, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to Adonai”[Luke 2:23 Exodus 13:2, 12, 15]) 24 and also to offer a sacrifice of a pair of doves or two young pigeons,[Luke 2:24 Leviticus 12:8] as required by the Torah of Adonai.
25 There was in Yerushalayim a man named Shim‘on. This man was a tzaddik, he was devout, he waited eagerly for God to comfort Isra’el, and the Ruach HaKodesh was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Ruach HaKodesh that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah of Adonai. 27 Prompted by the Spirit, he went into the Temple courts; and when the parents brought in the child Yeshua to do for him what the Torah required, 28 Shim‘on took him in his arms, made a b’rakhah to God, and said,
29 “Now, Adonai, according to your word,
your servant is at peace as you let him go;
30 for I have seen with my own eyes your yeshu‘ah,
31 which you prepared in the presence of all peoples —
32 a light that will bring revelation to the Goyim
and glory to your people Isra’el.”
33 Yeshua’s father and mother were marvelling at the things Shim‘on was saying about him. 34 Shim‘on blessed them and said to the child’s mother, Miryam,
“This child will cause many in Isra’el to fall and to rise,
he will become a sign whom people will speak against;
35 moreover, a sword will pierce your own heart too.
All this will happen in order to reveal many people’s inmost thoughts.”
36 There was also a prophet named Hannah Bat-P’nu’el, of the tribe of Asher. She was a very old woman — she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage 37 and had remained a widow ever since; now she was eighty-four. She never left the Temple grounds but worshipped there night and day, fasting and praying. 38 She came by at that moment and began thanking God and speaking about the child to everyone who was waiting for Yerushalayim to be liberated.
39 When Yosef and Miryam had finished doing everything required by the Torah of Adonai, they returned to the Galil, to their town Natzeret.
40 The child grew and became strong and filled with wisdom — God’s favor was upon him.
41 Every year Yeshua’s parents went to Yerushalayim for the festival of Pesach. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up for the festival, as custom required. 43 But after the festival was over, when his parents returned, Yeshua remained in Yerushalayim. They didn’t realize this; 44 supposing that he was somewhere in the caravan, they spent a whole day on the road before they began searching for him among their relatives and friends. 45 Failing to find him, they returned to Yerushalayim to look for him. 46 On the third day they found him — he was sitting in the Temple court among the rabbis, not only listening to them but questioning what they said; 47 and everyone who heard him was astonished at his insight and his responses. 48 When his parents saw him, they were shocked; and his mother said to him, “Son! Why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been terribly worried looking for you!” 49 He said to them, “Why did you have to look for me? Didn’t you know that I had to be concerning myself with my Father’s affairs?” 50 But they didn’t understand what he meant.
51 So he went with them to Natzeret and was obedient to them. But his mother stored up all these things in her heart.
52 And Yeshua grew both in wisdom and in stature, gaining favor both with other people and with God.
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Change scares me. So often, when something forces me off my well-trod path, I really “freak out.” I don’t think I’m alone in that.
Before I came to Society of St. Andrew, my previous job had become increasingly unfulfilling. It was during the recession. With my hours slashed, the work, which had once been creative and challenging, had become routine. Although I was unhappy, I stayed because change felt overwhelming. I clung to the parts I still liked. When a large company bought our tiny company, I knew my days there were numbered, and I was terrified! Then I found this job, and four years later, I would tell anyone that it’s the best and most meaningful job I’ve ever had.
In the first two chapters of Luke, Zechariah, Mary, and the shepherds each are offered a life-altering and mind-blowing change! But the angel always reassures: “Do not be afraid.” If only each of us could keep the angel’s voice in our ear when we hear of a job change, a health scare, a cross-country move. Often, those things that frighten us, that shake us out of our ruts, are the very things that bring us new opportunity. Not all change is good, of course, nor is most bad. But how much better our lives would be if we could approach it from an attitude of grace, not fear!
Prayer: God, help us to be unafraid in the face of life-altering changes. Let us see opportunities to do your work. Amen.[Jean Blish Siers, Charlotte, North Carolina]
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Thursday, December 8, 2016 "The Message Then Is the Message Now"
Scripture: Luke 1:11-13, 26-30 Luke 2:8-10
Luke 1:11 when there appeared to him an angel of Adonai standing to the right of the incense altar. 12 Z’kharyah was startled and terrified at the sight. 13 But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Z’kharyah; because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elisheva will bear you a son, and you are to name him Yochanan.
1:26 In the sixth month, the angel Gavri’el was sent by God to a city in the Galil called Natzeret, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Yosef, of the house of David; the virgin’s name was Miryam. 28 Approaching her, the angel said, “Shalom, favored lady! Adonai is with you!” 29 She was deeply troubled by his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Miryam, for you have found favor with God.
2:8 In the countryside nearby were some shepherds spending the night in the fields, guarding their flocks, 9 when an angel of Adonai appeared to them, and the Sh’khinah of Adonai shone around them. They were terrified; 10 but the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, because I am here announcing to you Good News that will bring great joy to all the people.
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Pre-teen girls may be among the most imaginative people in the world. Certainly that was true for my friend Francine and me when we were 11 years old. One night during a sleep-over, we decided to pretend we were angels. Why angels? I have no idea. But apparently we envisioned ourselves as beautiful, graceful, and ethereal. Most certainly, neither of us would have thought we should be afraid of an angel! However, just as certain was our lack of biblical knowledge—angels in the Bible are nowhere described as we pictured.
When an angel appears to Zechariah in the temple, he is “terrified; and fear overwhelm[s] him.” When the angel Gabriel comes to Mary saying, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you”, she is troubled, perplexed, and confused. Likewise, when the angel of the Lord stands before shepherds “keeping watch over their flock by night”, they are scared beyond words. In the Bible, angelic visits mean something serious—good or bad—is about to happen. But to Zechariah, Mary, and the shepherds, whatever is coming is more likely to be the latter. To ease their fears, each is told, “Do not be afraid.”
“Do not be afraid” is one of the greatest Biblical messages offered. Given the degree of turmoil in the world today along with any personal distress we have, it is a message we need to hear. Even if we are never encountered by an angel, those same words, “Do not be afraid,” are ours to have and to hold. Indeed, while the gift of imagination is wonderful, the gift of the Word of God, ever-vibrant, ever-new, and ever-true is by far, much, much better!
Prayer: O God, open each of us to the message brought by your angels to those first fearful hearts. Throughout this holy season of Advent and beyond may we also hear “Do not be afraid” and be truly filled with hope anew. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. [Chris Suerdieck, Emmitsburg, Maryland]
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Wednesday, December 7, 2016 "DNBA"
Scripture: Luke 1:11-20
Luke 1:11 when there appeared to him an angel of Adonai standing to the right of the incense altar. 12 Z’kharyah was startled and terrified at the sight. 13 But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Z’kharyah; because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elisheva will bear you a son, and you are to name him Yochanan. 14 He will be a joy and a delight to you, and many people will rejoice when he is born, 15 for he will be great in the sight of Adonai. He is never to drink wine or other liquor, and he will be filled with the Ruach HaKodesh even from his mother’s womb. 16 He will turn many of the people of Isra’el to Adonai their God. 17 He will go out ahead of Adonai in the spirit and power of Eliyahu to turn the hearts of fathers to their children[Luke 1:17 Malachi 3:23–24(4:5–6)] and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready for Adonai a people prepared.”
18 Z’kharyah said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man; my wife too is well on in years.” 19 “I am Gavri’el,” the angel answered him, “and I stand in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, to give you this good news. 20 Now, because you didn’t believe what I said, which will be fulfilled when the time comes, you will be silent, unable to speak until the day these things take place.”
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The world is full of fear. Fear of terrorists, government oppression, fear of change. I’m talking about the world in the days of Zechariah, of course. Did you think I meant today?
My congregation once studied the passages in the birth narratives of Jesus, where angels told various people “Do not be afraid.” We realized that God knew how scared they really were, and reminded them that they were not alone—over and over and over again.
During that study, to remind our church that God was with us, we had wristbands printed, with our church’s name and the letters “DNBA” on them, for “Do Not Be Afraid.” Instead of the more popular “WWJD,” that asks “What would Jesus do?,” we focused on what we were supposed to do because we knew Jesus. I needed the reminder, but I had no idea that our church members would wear those wristbands until the letters faded away.
Sometimes we need help, whether angels or wristbands, to remind us that we are not alone. God is with us. We need not fear!
Prayer: Holy God, help us to know that you are with us and that we are not alone. Empower us to share that good news with others! In Jesus’ name, Amen.[Jacob Sahms, Midlothian, Virginia]
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Tuesday, December 6, 2016 "Storms of Life"
Scripture: Isaiah 41:10, 43:2-3a, 5a
Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you;
don’t be distressed, for I am your God.
I give you strength, I give you help,
I support you with my victorious right hand.
43:2 When you pass through water, I will be with you;
when you pass through rivers, they will not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire, you will not be scorched —
the flame will not burn you.
3 For I am Adonai, your God,
the Holy One of Isra’el, your Savior —
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Ethiopia and S’va for you.
43:5 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
I will bring your descendants from the east,
and I will gather you from the west;
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Recently, throughout the U.S. and world, we have heard of devastating earthquakes, flooding, tornados, and unseasonal hail storms. We hear and read about the devastation these storms have caused, and we are concerned about the survivors. We grieve for the lost lives. We hope and pray that the government, insurance companies, and the church will be there to help.
Besides the physical storms, many of us have gone through or are going through emotional tsunamis. It is at these times that we rely on God’s promise found in Isaiah 40, 41 and 43. We hear God admonishing us not to be afraid. Through the prophet God tells us that when we “pass through the waters, through the rivers, and through the fires, do not be afraid, I am with you.”
This past year has been a tsunami year in my life. My wife had a recurrence of mouth cancer requiring reconstructive surgery. And we faced three family deaths, those of my sister, my mother-in-law, and our daughter, at the age of 53. We were not able to travel to be with family for any of those deaths. It was in these times that God’s promise to strengthen us, help us, and hold us in his strong hands, came to bear through the help and prayers of colleagues, friends, and parishioners. We felt and continue to feel God’s presence through all this.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your strong hands that are sustaining us through our tsunami. For those who wait and trust and depend on the Lord will renew their strength, run and not be weary. They will fly like eagles. Amen. [Sam Ramirez, Lakeland, Florida]
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Monday, December 5, 2016 "Be a Soul Singer"
Scripture: Luke 1:39-56
Luke 1:39 Without delay, Miryam set out and hurried to the town in the hill country of Y’hudah 40 where Z’kharyah lived, entered his house and greeted Elisheva. 41 When Elisheva heard Miryam’s greeting, the baby in her womb stirred. Elisheva was filled with the Ruach HaKodesh 42 and spoke up in a loud voice,
“How blessed are you among women!
And how blessed is the child in your womb!
43 “But who am I, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy! 45 Indeed you are blessed, because you have trusted that the promise Adonai has made to you will be fulfilled.”
46 Then Miryam said,
“My soul magnifies Adonai;
47 and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior,
48 who has taken notice of his servant-girl
in her humble position.[Luke 1:48 1 Samuel 1:11; 2:1]
For — imagine it! — from now on, all generations will call me blessed!
49 “The Mighty One has done great things for me!
Indeed, his name is holy; 50 and in every generation
he has mercy on those who fear him.[Luke 1:50 Psalms 103:17; 111:9]
51 “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm,
routed the secretly proud,
52 brought down rulers from their thrones,
raised up the humble,
53 filled the hungry with good things,
but sent the rich away empty.
54 “He has taken the part of his servant Isra’el,
mindful of the mercy
55 which he promised to our fathers,
to Avraham and his seed forever.”
56 Miryam stayed with Elisheva for about three months and then returned home.
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Mary, engaged to Joseph, has been visited by the angel Gabriel. She has been given an unbelievable message: she will become pregnant with the Son of God. To this message, she has given an equally incredible answer: “Here, I am, the servant of the Lord.”
Fear compels Mary to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, and she finds comfort when Elizabeth is anointed by the Spirit to say to her, “Blessed is she who believed.” Mary’s worries give way to hope. Her hope causes her to sing a song that begins, “My soul magnifies the Lord...”
Each of us, in whom Christ has been born through faith, has a song of hope in our soul. That song often gets drowned out by the commercial jingles that flood the air this time of year. Those catchy tunes would have us believe that hope lies outside us, and can be purchased.
The truth is that, just as fear lies deep within us, so does fear’s antidote: Christ lives within our hearts. Be a “soul singer” this Advent and Christmas season. When fear comes, sing your song from your soul. You may not know the words to your song yet. Sing hymns and learn from other troubled souls. You will find that our troubles are spoken as sentences. Our victories are sung as poetry and song. “I am frightened,” is a sentence, but “I am not alone,” is a song. “God is with me,” is the chorus to that song.
Prayer: God, cause my heart to sing. Amen. [Norman Tippens, Lexington Virginia]
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Sunday, December 4, 2016 "Joy from Fear"
Scripture: John 16:21 (CEV Preferred)
John 16:21 When a woman is about to give birth, she is in great pain. But after it is all over, she forgets the pain and is happy, because she has brought a child into the world.
John 16:21 When a woman is giving birth, she is in pain; because her time has come. But when the baby is born, she forgets her suffering out of joy that a child has come into the world.
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“We have to get that baby out!” the attending obstetrician shouted to everyone in the delivery room. Then he looked down at me and said, “We don’t have time to redo the epidural; I need to use general anesthesia.”
“Okay,” I said; though okay was not how I felt. My pregnancy, filled every day with the signs of miraculous growth of new life, had been uncomplicated. But these hours of labor had been complex. And now things were moving quickly, from home-like birthing suite to operating room, from focused concern to emergency action. Thoughts and prayers raced through my mind: “O God, I’ve never had anesthesia. What if I die and Harold has to raise this child alone? Please don’t let it hurt the baby!”
As I counted backwards from 100 while I breathed with the mask over my nose, I knew we were in territory not charted in our childbirth class. I would not witness or even be aware of the actual moment of our child’s birth. Harold would not be beside me holding my hand (indeed, he was stopped at the door, though fully scrubbed, because of the use of full anesthesia). I was afraid.
In the recovery room I learned all was well. Joel Thomas had been safely delivered. How thankful to God I am for that joy from fear.
Prayer: O holy, birthing God, be with all who labor. Lessen the fear and increase the joy. We pray in the name of Jesus, born among us, Amen.[Kathleen Overby Webster, Roanoke, Virginia]
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Saturday, December 3, 2016 "Trust God"
Scripture: Psalm 56:3
Psalm 56:3 (2) Those who are lying in wait for me
would trample on me all day.
For those fighting against me are many.
Most High, 4 (3) when I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
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Change is always difficult. I spent 14 years teaching for the public schools and I enjoyed that work—and that regular paycheck! However, there was a point at which I felt God calling me to church work. Although teacher pay was never very high, it was certainly a bigger salary than I would receive in the church. Yet, my calling was bigger than myself, and I felt a desire to respond.
In fact, my response to this calling was, “God, from here on out, I am going to commit myself to full-time church work.” But my actions didn’t quite mirror my words. For the first few years, I kept a foot in the door of the public schools. Anytime I felt fearful in my work for the church, I leaned back on the schools by taking on part-time work. In my mind, I felt that I needed a back-up plan just in case the church work did not work out. That type of lifestyle eventually became tiring. I came to the time when I realized I was not facing my fears and putting my trust in God. I began to pray daily over my fear. Once I began to put my trust in God confidently and feel His presence, my fear of ending one season to begin another began to dissolve.
I have since stopped working completely in the schools, and have embraced full time work in the church. There is now a sense of peace and balance not only for me, but also for my family. To me, church work is simply amazing and delightful Kingdom work.
Prayer: Holy God, thank you for calling each of us to do your work. Empower us to respond faithfully and fearlessly, by trusting in you through the grace of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.[Tianna Durbin, Dulles, Virginia]
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Friday, December 2, 2016 "The Light Still Shines"
Scripture: Isaiah 60:2-5
Isaiah 60:2 For although darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness the peoples;
on you Adonai will rise;
over you will be seen his glory.
3 Nations will go toward your light
and kings toward your shining splendor.
4 Raise your eyes and look around:
they are all assembling and coming to you;
your sons are coming from far off,
your daughters being carried on their nurses’ hips.
5 Then you will see and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with delight;
for the riches of the seas will be brought to you,
the wealth of nations will come to you.
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In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the world bombards us with the command to “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas” and tells us, ad nauseam, that “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” The reality, however, is that many people struggle with great loss and do not simply have “A Wonderful Christmastime.” Whether by death or distance, the separation from friends and family at Christmas means sorrow and sadness for them.
Sadder still, they are often afraid to tell others how they feel. Fearing they may be seen as a Scrooge, they put on false Christmas cheer to hide the tears. Those who are hurting need to hear “Fear not. Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning.”
A Longest Night or Blue Christmas Service—offered at our church and many others around the country—tells people they need not be afraid to acknowledge this sadness. Surrounded by others, in this more contemplative time, they recognize that they are not alone; they can find support from others experiencing similar pain. And, most importantly, they are reminded that the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ—offers true joy to the world even in the midst of our pain and sorrow.
Prayer: Loving God, in the midst of our celebrations, sacred and secular, give us eyes that see and hearts that feel the pain of those who are hurting during these holy days. Give us arms that reach out in compassion. Amen.[Joe Phipps, Fairfield, Iowa]
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Thursday, December 1, 2016 "God is Not Surprised!"
Scripture: Luke 1:30
Luke 1:30 The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Miryam, for you have found favor with God.
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I was writing a song for my unborn child. As I sat on my sofa composing lyrics, the thought came unbidden. “What if she has a birth defect?” I knew it was common for pregnant women to experience fear about the health of their soon-to-arrive baby, so I ignored the thought and kept composing until another thought surfaced. “What if she has a cleft palate?” The question was not blatantly shouted in my mind, nor was it an accusation. It was simply a soft inquiry, what if? God was initiating a conversation with me. It was completely unexpected, and it seemed enormously important to stop what I was doing and ponder the possibility. Time passed, and my answer came... If that happens, it will be okay. God’s grace would be enough, whatever life would bring for me and my first child.
The day she was born, the doctor told us, “I have bad news and good news for you. Your daughter has been born with a cleft palate that will need to be repaired when she is older. That’s the bad news. The good news is that one of only three pediatric specialists in the nation practices in this city. I have already spoken with him and he will take care of her.”
As the doctor was speaking, the most amazing sense of peace washed over me. I learned that day that God is never surprised by life. Weeks in advance, God had revealed to me what the doctor found only at our daughter’s birth. I knew it would be okay. Over the years, a specialist’s proximity to our home happened multiple times, wherever God placed us within an itinerant pastoral ministry. God takes care of her far beyond anything we could ever do. Our daughter has learned from us how to overcome fear and persevere through life’s difficulties, by depending on a God who knows what the future holds. We know God is not surprised, even when we are.
Prayer: God of life and love, when an uncertain future increases our fears remind us that You are never surprised. May we hear your voice, saying, “I am with you... Do not be afraid.” Amen.[Kathy Bennett, Gochenour Lottsburg, Virginia]
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Wednesday, November 30, "Fear and Good News"
Scripture: Luke 2:10 (KJV Preferred)
Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luke 2:10 but the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, because I am here announcing to you Good News that will bring great joy to all the people.
Excuse the King James language, but that’s how I always think angels speak. And the first thing they always have to say is “Fear not.” Every time an angel shows up in the Bible the first thing they have to tell people is, “Don’t be afraid.” Unlike our current image of angels—wings, white gowns, great beauty—those biblical angels must be a pretty fearsome thing to behold. And just suddenly appearing in the midst of people would be pretty scary, too!
However, almost every time angels show up and tell people not to be afraid, they tell them they have good news. Mary will bear Christ. It’s okay for Joseph to marry Mary. Jesus is not in the grave. Good news!
It’s that way in our life, too. Usually the most fearsome thing we face ends up somehow bringing us good news. We just have to face the fear and listen to what God is saying. Family problems? Listen to God speaking to bring you through. Health issues? God is with you, strengthening you. Job loss? God is your provider. Impending death? In Christ we have eternal life.
When the scary thing happens this Advent season, don’t run away. Stop and listen. Listen until you hear the words of the angel, “I bring you good news…”
Prayer: O God, teach us to face the scary things in life, knowing that you bring us good news through them. Amen.[Michael Henderson, Florence, South Carolina]
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The Society of St. Andrew is a national nonprofit hunger-relief ministry that rescues 25-30 million pounds of fresh, nutritious, excess produce each year that would otherwise go to waste for various marketing reasons. This food is then distributed to critical feeding agencies across the country at no cost to the agencies or the hungry people they serve. More information about the Society of St. Andrew and its hunger-relief programs - Gleaning Network, Potato & Produce Project, and Harvest of Hope is available online at EndHunger.org.
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Thursday, December 8, 2016 "The Message Then Is the Message Now"
Scripture: Luke 1:11-13, 26-30 Luke 2:8-10
Luke 1:11 when there appeared to him an angel of Adonai standing to the right of the incense altar. 12 Z’kharyah was startled and terrified at the sight. 13 But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Z’kharyah; because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elisheva will bear you a son, and you are to name him Yochanan.
1:26 In the sixth month, the angel Gavri’el was sent by God to a city in the Galil called Natzeret, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Yosef, of the house of David; the virgin’s name was Miryam. 28 Approaching her, the angel said, “Shalom, favored lady! Adonai is with you!” 29 She was deeply troubled by his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Miryam, for you have found favor with God.
2:8 In the countryside nearby were some shepherds spending the night in the fields, guarding their flocks, 9 when an angel of Adonai appeared to them, and the Sh’khinah of Adonai shone around them. They were terrified; 10 but the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, because I am here announcing to you Good News that will bring great joy to all the people.
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Pre-teen girls may be among the most imaginative people in the world. Certainly that was true for my friend Francine and me when we were 11 years old. One night during a sleep-over, we decided to pretend we were angels. Why angels? I have no idea. But apparently we envisioned ourselves as beautiful, graceful, and ethereal. Most certainly, neither of us would have thought we should be afraid of an angel! However, just as certain was our lack of biblical knowledge—angels in the Bible are nowhere described as we pictured.
When an angel appears to Zechariah in the temple, he is “terrified; and fear overwhelm[s] him.” When the angel Gabriel comes to Mary saying, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you”, she is troubled, perplexed, and confused. Likewise, when the angel of the Lord stands before shepherds “keeping watch over their flock by night”, they are scared beyond words. In the Bible, angelic visits mean something serious—good or bad—is about to happen. But to Zechariah, Mary, and the shepherds, whatever is coming is more likely to be the latter. To ease their fears, each is told, “Do not be afraid.”
“Do not be afraid” is one of the greatest Biblical messages offered. Given the degree of turmoil in the world today along with any personal distress we have, it is a message we need to hear. Even if we are never encountered by an angel, those same words, “Do not be afraid,” are ours to have and to hold. Indeed, while the gift of imagination is wonderful, the gift of the Word of God, ever-vibrant, ever-new, and ever-true is by far, much, much better!
Prayer: O God, open each of us to the message brought by your angels to those first fearful hearts. Throughout this holy season of Advent and beyond may we also hear “Do not be afraid” and be truly filled with hope anew. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. [Chris Suerdieck, Emmitsburg, Maryland]
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Wednesday, December 7, 2016 "DNBA"
Scripture: Luke 1:11-20
Luke 1:11 when there appeared to him an angel of Adonai standing to the right of the incense altar. 12 Z’kharyah was startled and terrified at the sight. 13 But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Z’kharyah; because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elisheva will bear you a son, and you are to name him Yochanan. 14 He will be a joy and a delight to you, and many people will rejoice when he is born, 15 for he will be great in the sight of Adonai. He is never to drink wine or other liquor, and he will be filled with the Ruach HaKodesh even from his mother’s womb. 16 He will turn many of the people of Isra’el to Adonai their God. 17 He will go out ahead of Adonai in the spirit and power of Eliyahu to turn the hearts of fathers to their children[Luke 1:17 Malachi 3:23–24(4:5–6)] and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready for Adonai a people prepared.”
18 Z’kharyah said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man; my wife too is well on in years.” 19 “I am Gavri’el,” the angel answered him, “and I stand in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, to give you this good news. 20 Now, because you didn’t believe what I said, which will be fulfilled when the time comes, you will be silent, unable to speak until the day these things take place.”
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The world is full of fear. Fear of terrorists, government oppression, fear of change. I’m talking about the world in the days of Zechariah, of course. Did you think I meant today?
My congregation once studied the passages in the birth narratives of Jesus, where angels told various people “Do not be afraid.” We realized that God knew how scared they really were, and reminded them that they were not alone—over and over and over again.
During that study, to remind our church that God was with us, we had wristbands printed, with our church’s name and the letters “DNBA” on them, for “Do Not Be Afraid.” Instead of the more popular “WWJD,” that asks “What would Jesus do?,” we focused on what we were supposed to do because we knew Jesus. I needed the reminder, but I had no idea that our church members would wear those wristbands until the letters faded away.
Sometimes we need help, whether angels or wristbands, to remind us that we are not alone. God is with us. We need not fear!
Prayer: Holy God, help us to know that you are with us and that we are not alone. Empower us to share that good news with others! In Jesus’ name, Amen.[Jacob Sahms, Midlothian, Virginia]
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Tuesday, December 6, 2016 "Storms of Life"
Scripture: Isaiah 41:10, 43:2-3a, 5a
Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you;
don’t be distressed, for I am your God.
I give you strength, I give you help,
I support you with my victorious right hand.
43:2 When you pass through water, I will be with you;
when you pass through rivers, they will not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire, you will not be scorched —
the flame will not burn you.
3 For I am Adonai, your God,
the Holy One of Isra’el, your Savior —
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Ethiopia and S’va for you.
43:5 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
I will bring your descendants from the east,
and I will gather you from the west;
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Recently, throughout the U.S. and world, we have heard of devastating earthquakes, flooding, tornados, and unseasonal hail storms. We hear and read about the devastation these storms have caused, and we are concerned about the survivors. We grieve for the lost lives. We hope and pray that the government, insurance companies, and the church will be there to help.
Besides the physical storms, many of us have gone through or are going through emotional tsunamis. It is at these times that we rely on God’s promise found in Isaiah 40, 41 and 43. We hear God admonishing us not to be afraid. Through the prophet God tells us that when we “pass through the waters, through the rivers, and through the fires, do not be afraid, I am with you.”
This past year has been a tsunami year in my life. My wife had a recurrence of mouth cancer requiring reconstructive surgery. And we faced three family deaths, those of my sister, my mother-in-law, and our daughter, at the age of 53. We were not able to travel to be with family for any of those deaths. It was in these times that God’s promise to strengthen us, help us, and hold us in his strong hands, came to bear through the help and prayers of colleagues, friends, and parishioners. We felt and continue to feel God’s presence through all this.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your strong hands that are sustaining us through our tsunami. For those who wait and trust and depend on the Lord will renew their strength, run and not be weary. They will fly like eagles. Amen. [Sam Ramirez, Lakeland, Florida]
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Monday, December 5, 2016 "Be a Soul Singer"
Scripture: Luke 1:39-56
Luke 1:39 Without delay, Miryam set out and hurried to the town in the hill country of Y’hudah 40 where Z’kharyah lived, entered his house and greeted Elisheva. 41 When Elisheva heard Miryam’s greeting, the baby in her womb stirred. Elisheva was filled with the Ruach HaKodesh 42 and spoke up in a loud voice,
“How blessed are you among women!
And how blessed is the child in your womb!
43 “But who am I, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy! 45 Indeed you are blessed, because you have trusted that the promise Adonai has made to you will be fulfilled.”
46 Then Miryam said,
“My soul magnifies Adonai;
47 and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior,
48 who has taken notice of his servant-girl
in her humble position.[Luke 1:48 1 Samuel 1:11; 2:1]
For — imagine it! — from now on, all generations will call me blessed!
49 “The Mighty One has done great things for me!
Indeed, his name is holy; 50 and in every generation
he has mercy on those who fear him.[Luke 1:50 Psalms 103:17; 111:9]
51 “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm,
routed the secretly proud,
52 brought down rulers from their thrones,
raised up the humble,
53 filled the hungry with good things,
but sent the rich away empty.
54 “He has taken the part of his servant Isra’el,
mindful of the mercy
55 which he promised to our fathers,
to Avraham and his seed forever.”
56 Miryam stayed with Elisheva for about three months and then returned home.
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Mary, engaged to Joseph, has been visited by the angel Gabriel. She has been given an unbelievable message: she will become pregnant with the Son of God. To this message, she has given an equally incredible answer: “Here, I am, the servant of the Lord.”
Fear compels Mary to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, and she finds comfort when Elizabeth is anointed by the Spirit to say to her, “Blessed is she who believed.” Mary’s worries give way to hope. Her hope causes her to sing a song that begins, “My soul magnifies the Lord...”
Each of us, in whom Christ has been born through faith, has a song of hope in our soul. That song often gets drowned out by the commercial jingles that flood the air this time of year. Those catchy tunes would have us believe that hope lies outside us, and can be purchased.
The truth is that, just as fear lies deep within us, so does fear’s antidote: Christ lives within our hearts. Be a “soul singer” this Advent and Christmas season. When fear comes, sing your song from your soul. You may not know the words to your song yet. Sing hymns and learn from other troubled souls. You will find that our troubles are spoken as sentences. Our victories are sung as poetry and song. “I am frightened,” is a sentence, but “I am not alone,” is a song. “God is with me,” is the chorus to that song.
Prayer: God, cause my heart to sing. Amen. [Norman Tippens, Lexington Virginia]
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Sunday, December 4, 2016 "Joy from Fear"
Scripture: John 16:21 (CEV Preferred)
John 16:21 When a woman is about to give birth, she is in great pain. But after it is all over, she forgets the pain and is happy, because she has brought a child into the world.
John 16:21 When a woman is giving birth, she is in pain; because her time has come. But when the baby is born, she forgets her suffering out of joy that a child has come into the world.
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“We have to get that baby out!” the attending obstetrician shouted to everyone in the delivery room. Then he looked down at me and said, “We don’t have time to redo the epidural; I need to use general anesthesia.”
“Okay,” I said; though okay was not how I felt. My pregnancy, filled every day with the signs of miraculous growth of new life, had been uncomplicated. But these hours of labor had been complex. And now things were moving quickly, from home-like birthing suite to operating room, from focused concern to emergency action. Thoughts and prayers raced through my mind: “O God, I’ve never had anesthesia. What if I die and Harold has to raise this child alone? Please don’t let it hurt the baby!”
As I counted backwards from 100 while I breathed with the mask over my nose, I knew we were in territory not charted in our childbirth class. I would not witness or even be aware of the actual moment of our child’s birth. Harold would not be beside me holding my hand (indeed, he was stopped at the door, though fully scrubbed, because of the use of full anesthesia). I was afraid.
In the recovery room I learned all was well. Joel Thomas had been safely delivered. How thankful to God I am for that joy from fear.
Prayer: O holy, birthing God, be with all who labor. Lessen the fear and increase the joy. We pray in the name of Jesus, born among us, Amen.[Kathleen Overby Webster, Roanoke, Virginia]
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Saturday, December 3, 2016 "Trust God"
Scripture: Psalm 56:3
Psalm 56:3 (2) Those who are lying in wait for me
would trample on me all day.
For those fighting against me are many.
Most High, 4 (3) when I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
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Change is always difficult. I spent 14 years teaching for the public schools and I enjoyed that work—and that regular paycheck! However, there was a point at which I felt God calling me to church work. Although teacher pay was never very high, it was certainly a bigger salary than I would receive in the church. Yet, my calling was bigger than myself, and I felt a desire to respond.
In fact, my response to this calling was, “God, from here on out, I am going to commit myself to full-time church work.” But my actions didn’t quite mirror my words. For the first few years, I kept a foot in the door of the public schools. Anytime I felt fearful in my work for the church, I leaned back on the schools by taking on part-time work. In my mind, I felt that I needed a back-up plan just in case the church work did not work out. That type of lifestyle eventually became tiring. I came to the time when I realized I was not facing my fears and putting my trust in God. I began to pray daily over my fear. Once I began to put my trust in God confidently and feel His presence, my fear of ending one season to begin another began to dissolve.
I have since stopped working completely in the schools, and have embraced full time work in the church. There is now a sense of peace and balance not only for me, but also for my family. To me, church work is simply amazing and delightful Kingdom work.
Prayer: Holy God, thank you for calling each of us to do your work. Empower us to respond faithfully and fearlessly, by trusting in you through the grace of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.[Tianna Durbin, Dulles, Virginia]
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Friday, December 2, 2016 "The Light Still Shines"
Scripture: Isaiah 60:2-5
Isaiah 60:2 For although darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness the peoples;
on you Adonai will rise;
over you will be seen his glory.
3 Nations will go toward your light
and kings toward your shining splendor.
4 Raise your eyes and look around:
they are all assembling and coming to you;
your sons are coming from far off,
your daughters being carried on their nurses’ hips.
5 Then you will see and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with delight;
for the riches of the seas will be brought to you,
the wealth of nations will come to you.
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In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the world bombards us with the command to “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas” and tells us, ad nauseam, that “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” The reality, however, is that many people struggle with great loss and do not simply have “A Wonderful Christmastime.” Whether by death or distance, the separation from friends and family at Christmas means sorrow and sadness for them.
Sadder still, they are often afraid to tell others how they feel. Fearing they may be seen as a Scrooge, they put on false Christmas cheer to hide the tears. Those who are hurting need to hear “Fear not. Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning.”
A Longest Night or Blue Christmas Service—offered at our church and many others around the country—tells people they need not be afraid to acknowledge this sadness. Surrounded by others, in this more contemplative time, they recognize that they are not alone; they can find support from others experiencing similar pain. And, most importantly, they are reminded that the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ—offers true joy to the world even in the midst of our pain and sorrow.
Prayer: Loving God, in the midst of our celebrations, sacred and secular, give us eyes that see and hearts that feel the pain of those who are hurting during these holy days. Give us arms that reach out in compassion. Amen.[Joe Phipps, Fairfield, Iowa]
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Thursday, December 1, 2016 "God is Not Surprised!"
Scripture: Luke 1:30
Luke 1:30 The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Miryam, for you have found favor with God.
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I was writing a song for my unborn child. As I sat on my sofa composing lyrics, the thought came unbidden. “What if she has a birth defect?” I knew it was common for pregnant women to experience fear about the health of their soon-to-arrive baby, so I ignored the thought and kept composing until another thought surfaced. “What if she has a cleft palate?” The question was not blatantly shouted in my mind, nor was it an accusation. It was simply a soft inquiry, what if? God was initiating a conversation with me. It was completely unexpected, and it seemed enormously important to stop what I was doing and ponder the possibility. Time passed, and my answer came... If that happens, it will be okay. God’s grace would be enough, whatever life would bring for me and my first child.
The day she was born, the doctor told us, “I have bad news and good news for you. Your daughter has been born with a cleft palate that will need to be repaired when she is older. That’s the bad news. The good news is that one of only three pediatric specialists in the nation practices in this city. I have already spoken with him and he will take care of her.”
As the doctor was speaking, the most amazing sense of peace washed over me. I learned that day that God is never surprised by life. Weeks in advance, God had revealed to me what the doctor found only at our daughter’s birth. I knew it would be okay. Over the years, a specialist’s proximity to our home happened multiple times, wherever God placed us within an itinerant pastoral ministry. God takes care of her far beyond anything we could ever do. Our daughter has learned from us how to overcome fear and persevere through life’s difficulties, by depending on a God who knows what the future holds. We know God is not surprised, even when we are.
Prayer: God of life and love, when an uncertain future increases our fears remind us that You are never surprised. May we hear your voice, saying, “I am with you... Do not be afraid.” Amen.[Kathy Bennett, Gochenour Lottsburg, Virginia]
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Wednesday, November 30, "Fear and Good News"
Scripture: Luke 2:10 (KJV Preferred)
Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luke 2:10 but the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, because I am here announcing to you Good News that will bring great joy to all the people.
Excuse the King James language, but that’s how I always think angels speak. And the first thing they always have to say is “Fear not.” Every time an angel shows up in the Bible the first thing they have to tell people is, “Don’t be afraid.” Unlike our current image of angels—wings, white gowns, great beauty—those biblical angels must be a pretty fearsome thing to behold. And just suddenly appearing in the midst of people would be pretty scary, too!
However, almost every time angels show up and tell people not to be afraid, they tell them they have good news. Mary will bear Christ. It’s okay for Joseph to marry Mary. Jesus is not in the grave. Good news!
It’s that way in our life, too. Usually the most fearsome thing we face ends up somehow bringing us good news. We just have to face the fear and listen to what God is saying. Family problems? Listen to God speaking to bring you through. Health issues? God is with you, strengthening you. Job loss? God is your provider. Impending death? In Christ we have eternal life.
When the scary thing happens this Advent season, don’t run away. Stop and listen. Listen until you hear the words of the angel, “I bring you good news…”
Prayer: O God, teach us to face the scary things in life, knowing that you bring us good news through them. Amen.[Michael Henderson, Florence, South Carolina]
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The Society of St. Andrew is a national nonprofit hunger-relief ministry that rescues 25-30 million pounds of fresh, nutritious, excess produce each year that would otherwise go to waste for various marketing reasons. This food is then distributed to critical feeding agencies across the country at no cost to the agencies or the hungry people they serve. More information about the Society of St. Andrew and its hunger-relief programs - Gleaning Network, Potato & Produce Project, and Harvest of Hope is available online at EndHunger.org.FacebookTwitterPinterestsosapr@endhunger.org
3383 Sweet Hollow Road
Big Island, Virginia 24526, United States
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