1. The ABC’s of Advent December 13th
N is for Noel, Kathy Hayes
O is for Oil Phyllis Patton
P is for Presents Phil Bolinger
Q is for Question, Sandy Gellert
R is for Rejoice, Lynn Degler
S is for Shepherd, Pat Nielsen
T is for Time, Betty Moore

2. The Morman Tabernacle Choir
N is for Noel
The Morman Tabernacle Choir
“Noel, Noel, let us sing Noel”
Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. From my early memories, the sound of Christmas carols, the smells of evergreen and the rustling paper would set my heart beating wildly. My mom recalls that I would become so excited that I would “lose my cookies,” so to speak. Christmas, in my growing up years, was much more simple but still included special traditions with church, family and friends. I always knew that when I had my own family, Christmas would continue to be a special time of the year.
Imagine my surprise when our first child, due in January, decided to come the day after Christmas. As a result we named her “Heather Noel” the best Christmas present ever. “The First Noel” had always been a favorite carol and now even more so.
That year, Advent was especially meaningful. My thoughts were…

3. N is for Noel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTyuW1Q2oxU
on Mary, the mother of Jesus. How did she feel as she prepared for the coming birth? How did she survive the trip on a donkey and the delivery in a stable? There were so many unknowns yet she trusted God in all things. Her faith remained steadfast and strong as she brought Jesus into the world. Never did she waver.
Is my faith strong? Do I trust God wherever he leads? May this Advent season be a time of renewed faith and trust as God leads us through difficult and rewarding circumstances in our lives. And may we sing with more confidence and wonder and joy.
“Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.”

4. Kathy Hayes & Heather Lineburger
N is for Noel
Kathy Hayes & Heather Lineburger
Dear Lord, I thank you for this Advent season as we anticipate the arrival of Christmas. May this be a meaningful time of preparation and reflection in my life. Help me to be renewed in my faith and trust in you and, like Mary, give me the strength and determination that only you can give. Bring a sense of peace and assurance at this time of year as I sing my “Noels” to you. In your name…Amen

5. O is for Oil Romans 12: 10 Love one another with brotherly affection.
There is a story of a little man who carried a little oil can with him everywhere he went, and if he passed through a door that squeaked, he poured a little oil on its hinges. If a gate was hard to open he oiled the latch. Thus he passed through life lubricating all the hard places and making it easier for those who came after him.
People called him eccentric, queer, and cranky, but the old man went steadily on refilling his can of oil when it became empty, and oiled the hard places he found.
There are many lives that creak and grate harshly as they live day by day. Nothing goes right with them. They need lubricating with the oil of gladness, gentleness, and thoughtfulness. Have you your own can of oil with you? Be ready with your oil of helpfulness in the early morning to the one nearest you. It may lubricate the whole day for him. The oil of good cheer to the downhearted one – oh how much it may mean. A word of courage to the despairing – speak it.

6. O is for Oil
Our lives touch others but once, perhaps, on the road of life; and then, maybe, our ways diverge, never to meet again. The oil of kindness has worn the sharp hard edges off many a sin-hardened life and left it soft and pliable and ready for the redeeming grace of the Savior. A word spoken pleasantly is a large spot of sunshine on a sad heart. Therefore “give others the sunshine, tell Jesus the rest.”
(From “Streams in the Desert” by Mrs. Charles E Cowman)

7. O is for Oil
May our daily prayer be that when God opens a door of opportunity to spread sunshine, we willingly show kindness and helpfulness or a word of encouragement in this Advent season.
Phyllis & Jay Patton

8. P is for Presents
When we were children most of us associated Christmas with presents. Our advent was the preparing for Christmas by hinting about gifts we wanted and being “good” so Santa would come to our home. Very little knowledge about the true meaning of Advent was known or talked about in the home I grew up in. Our Christmas was essentially about what we were receiving. Yet it was an exciting, wonderful time.
As we grew older and many of us married our advent changed from receiving to attempting to make our children’s Christmas to be the exciting, wonderful Christmases we anticipated when we were children. We had by then become more aware of at least the dictionary meaning of advent but yet our major emphasis was on giving and receiving.
Gradually those of us who attended church started to realize that Advent/Christmas was more than giving and receiving. We began to notice people were friendlier and seemed to be happier during the “Christmas Season.” Then we started seeking a greater meaning for us in Advent.

9. P is for Presents
The Scriptures told us about the promises the God of the Old Testament had made to believers. That a Savior would be born to us and be the Christ. As we learn more about the promise the Advent took a new and wonderful meaning. We received the only present that really matters directly form God, our Savior Christ.
As we prepare for Christmas, let us be like the wise bridesmaids of Jesus’ parable Matthew 25: Let us be in the spirit of expectation, of anticipation, and preparation for His coming. And let us be joyful for God’s present to us.

10. Phil and Doris Bolinger
P is for Presents
Gracious Father, be with us in this season and help us to live an Advent oriented life. May we be fully aware of the wonderful present you have given each of us. Please help us to live a life that will be pleasing to you and helpful to all the people we interface with. Thank you, God, for giving us you Son and our Lord…Amen
Phil and Doris Bolinger

11. Q is for Question
In the Bible, questioning Jesus and his authority as the Son of God appears many times. In Matthew 21: the chief priests and elders of the people confront Jesus as he is teaching and say, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gives you authority this authority?” In Mark 8: 11 the Pharisees come out and begin to dispute him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, testing him. In Luke 23: 8-9 Herod hopes to see some miracle done and questions Jesus with many words, but Jesus doesn’t answer. In John 8: 6-7 the Pharisees question Jesus about the law related to the woman caught in adultery, hoping to have something with which to accuse him; but Jesus writes with his finger in the ground, as though he does not hear them.
Thirty one years ago, I found myself questioning God and Jesus in a personal way. My husband and I was pregnant with a third child. The pregnancy was full tern and a son, Stephen, weighing just over 7 pounds was born. However, he was born with a badly malformed heart and passed away in 48 hours. Why did God let me carry a child full term only to take him away so quickly? Like the people in the Bible, I questioned God’s authority. Where was Jesus the Great Healer, for this child? Over the years, my faith has helped me understand that God was there. How do I know that? First, Stephen…

12. Q is for Question Dear Lord,
Sandy Gellert
lived long enough to be baptized in the hospital. Second, my husband and I divorced five years after Stephen’s birth and death. God already knew that I was to be a single mother with two other young children to rear. Taking Stephen to be with Him was a healing action. It took me time to understand and accept. God gave me a personal angel.
During this season of Advent, let us think about how and when we have questioned God’s and Jesus’ authority and plan for our lives.
Dear Lord,
Help me to recognize and understand God’s ultimate authority; that he knows what will happen before it happens; and has a plan for our lives. Teach me not to question him but to celebrate the birth of his son, Jesus, during this season of Advent…Amen

13. R is for Rejoice Gracious God,
Everyday events bring a feeling of joy. We celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. We cheer when our team wins. We praise achievements and promotions. We can be glad!
But the birth of the long awaited Messiah brings deeper, richer joy. Jesus’s birth is cause for joy for all mankind. What a marvelous, magnificent gift from God-salvation for all! Let us rejoice! Advent is a time to prepare for God’s gift. Christmas is a time for celebration in our souls. We respond with wonder, praise, and thanksgiving to God. Let us rejoice and be glad.
Gracious God,
Help me set aside a quiet time to reflect on your wonderful gift, Jesus. Let my heart and soul rejoice…Amen
Lynn Degler, Great Valley Math & Sunday School Teacher May 13, 2010

14. S is for Shepherd
A shepherd is literally one who herds and takes care of sheep. Throughout scripture, we find figurative references to shepherds who care for other people. The people of Israel called God their shepherd, for God led them and cared for them. When we read about shepherds, we tend to have a positive image of them.
But when Jesus was born, shepherds were considered the lowest of the lows. No shepherd was allowed to give evidence in court at that time. They would have traveled around with their flocks asking farmers for use of their fields for grazing. The farmers would agree so that the sheep would fertilize the land. The shepherds would have been strangers. They were not trusted. Yet, God instructed his angels, the instruments he used to announce his message, to take the news to the shepherds in the fields. (Luke 2: 8-14) the Good News from the very highest sources was sent to the lowest people around! These shepherds who could not give evidence in court, were trusted to spread the most important news of all time! No wonder that Jesus ministry was also provided to the lowest members of society. Jesus was following the method of his Heavenly Father.
Jesus came to be seen as our shepherd as well. We are his sheep…

15. S is for Shepherd
and cares for us very much, even to leave the 99 and search for the 1 that is missing. (Luke 15: 4-7). Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep..” (John 10: 11) And he did lay down his life for us! In this season, how might I be a bearer of good news to others, no matter how lowly I may feel, or how lowly I consider others?

16. S is for Shepherd
Pat Nielsen
Heavenly Father, I thank you for being a shepherd to your people Israel and for sending your son, Jesus Christ, to be my Good Shepherd. May I never forget that the shepherds were considered lowly and yet you used them for the most precious purpose, to spread the Good News of the birth of your son. I am also lowly, yet I know that you have considered me worthy to follow your son. I thank you for that gift…Amen

17. T is for Time

18. T is for Time

19. Lydia Circle shows love for Betty Moore…and Christmas Sweaters
T is for Time
Lydia Circle shows love for Betty Moore…and Christmas Sweaters
Time is what we never have enough of in the season of Advent. It seems like there is so much to do to get ready for the birthday of Jesus. There are extra parties, along with shopping, planning, and baking. It gets so overwhelming and we forget the real reason for the season, Jesus. I love the Advent season but I get so exhausted and stressed out by Christmas Eve. So I have started cutting back and concentrated on enjoying the services at church. The services for hanging of the greens, the children’s pageant, and especially Christmas Eve help me remember the reason for why we do this. I advise others to do this.

20. T is for Time
Betty Moore
Dear Lord, Help us to slow down this Advent season and focus on the real meaning. Help us to remember that Jesus will be born even if we do not wear ourselves out getting ready…Amen

21.
This takes 6:54