What do we celebrate today? We celebrate the power of God’s Word. John reminds us that “in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” We remember how God spoke and things came into being. God said “Let there be light” and there was light! We remember how God’s Word was given to the Prophets to proclaim to a people who were rebellious, forgetful, sinful, but still loved by the Almighty.
by Alan P. Swartz
On Christmas Eve let us remember why we celebrate the birth of Jesus long ago.
by Alan P. Swartz
During the month of December we run about to all of our Christmas dinners and parties — we tick off the items on our shopping list as we run from mall to mall and store to store. We get so wrapped up in the commercialism of the season that we forget to prepare ourselves for something that is far greater. To be prepared for that day when our Lord will be manifested in glory.
by Alan P. Swartz
Guest writer Jan Allen tells about how she entered into the Christmas Story at a couple of different levels. She invites us to enter into the story and invites others with us.
by Jan Allen
Carl Herman invites you to “get out your Christmas blanket, slow down, and linger during this season. Take advantage of all the sights, sound, and smells that bring joy and warmth. Sing like no one can hear you, laugh until it hurts, and remember joyful events of days gone by until they make you cry.
And don't forget the story of the Baby Jesus...
by Carl Herman
When we accept Christ as our Savior, everything we do should reflect the master we serve.
by Shelby Kueider
In today's devotional, Beth Zint gives us a change of pace with a poem she has written for the occasion.
by Elizabeth Z. Zint
A search for batteries during the aftermath of a winter storm brings much more in this reflection by Carl Herman.
by Carl Herman
We say that Jesus Christ is Lord, but just what do we mean by that?
by Alan P. Swartz
This is a vision of a Christian community. It is a place where people gather to feast on the body and blood of Christ; to hear his Word; and thus empowered go into the world in his Name.
by Alan P. Swartz
We do have reverence for Christ. We stand in awe before Him. We bow down in sumbission to Him. But we are called to do more. We are called to sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts.
by Alan P. Swartz
Sometimes it is when we are most in need of a blessing that God speaks to us in an extraordinary way, and so blesses us.
by Jo Anne Swartz
John [the Baptist] not only calls on people to repent, but to “Bear fruit worthy of repentance.” Repentance requires a change of action. Things cannot continue the way they have been. A change is necessary.
by Alan P. Swartz
Instead of being worried about what God may ask us to do, let us instead consider the possibilities He has laid before us to serve Him and the Gospel of our Lord.
by Alan P. Swartz
Whenever we are in danger of being bored with the Gospel we need to remember anew the power God gives us to become His children. A power that comes through Christ.
by Alan P. Swartz
During this time of the year we think about preparing. We prepare for Christmas. We prepare ourselves spiritually for Christ. But, why exactly do we prepare? For what?
by Alan P. Swartz
The spoken word... do we really realize what power we truly have in the instrument that God has given us?
Pat Miesner ponders the question.
by Pat Miesner
When we observe Advent we recognize that we live in an in-between-time. Advent means “to come” and we remember not only the coming of our Lord in humility as a baby in Bethlehem, but we remember His promise to come in Glory.
by Alan P. Swartz
One of the themes of Advent is Justice. We remember that Christ came as a fulfillment of God's promise of justice to the poor. It was the rich and powerful who were most threatened by Christ and his ministry.
by Alan P. Swartz
When we involve ourselves in service, do we always serve out of love and faithfulness? Do we expect thanks or are we serving our Lord who has served and blessed us?
by Brenda Davis
Dayne Harrison says that...
During Advent, I'm going to try to remember that this miracle happened because two people responded to God's command that “His will be Done” and they said “OK Lord, here we are, Thy will be Done.”
by Dayne Harrison
In our faith journeys, we must have a center, a point to which we return for guidance or direction, a point of reference which directs us home, and that is exactly who God gave us in the Bethlehem Child.
by William P. Lowdermilk
The Bible assures us we have all been given gifts by the Holy Spirit. But, some people act as though the only gifts they have are for meaness or negativity. How about you? What are your gifts? Do you use them?
In this story by Pastor Swartz these questions are explored.
by Alan P. Swartz
Advent gives us time to reflect, anticipate and appreciate the
most important gift given to each and every one of us. Once
the holiday preparations have been made both in our hearts and
in our homes, the transition from preparation to celebration is
Christmas Service. Coming together with others to celebrate the
birth of Jesus is the high point of the year.
by Beth Brigham
Pastor Swartz recalls a trip he made to Pennsylvania to visit
his dying Grandmother. The experience of that visit triggered
all sorts of emotions in him. Not the least of which was a
yearning for a better place — a place promised by God.
by Alan P. Swartz
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Mebane United Methodist Church
Corner of Holt and S Fourth Street
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919.563.4301