Daily Devotional - United Church of Christ

Holy Dysfunction

Matthew Laney — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 00:00:05 -0500

God enters the world in infinite ways. For Christians, the most important way was through a blended, non-traditional family with very imperfect ancestors.

Turn on the Lamps

Martha Spong — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 00:00:01 -0500

We want a glimpse of the face of God, reassuring us that we are not alone, that the cycle of death and rebirth has not stalled but will continue.

With or From?

Quinn Caldwell — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 00:00:02 -0500

Invasive species tend to take over and cause all kinds of problems, and there’s no species more invasive than humans. We’ve left no corner of the planet untouched.

Delights of Discipline

John Nelson — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 00:00:03 -0500

‘Discipline’ can be overused when it comes from a disciplinarian with an axe to grind. But discipline – the steady practices of disciples – can lead to wonders, too.

Advent’s Thirst

Talitha Arnold — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 00:00:05 -0500

A week before Christmas, we may know the psalmist’s thirst. We may feel their loneliness. If that’s true for you, take time to drink and drink and drink in the river of God’s love.

Wherever This Water Flows

Kenneth Samuel — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 00:00:04 -0500

Changing times always call for changing strategies, but certain things remain consistent. The thirst for the Love and Grace that regenerates the soul is immutable.

The Mother of the Forest

Molly Baskette — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 01:38:18 -0500

The Mother cries out, not in death throes but in labor pains, which are just beginning. Hopeful scripture reminds us that at every turning we can call out evildoing.

Bowling for Tyrants

Jennifer Brownell — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 02:17:29 -0500

In each generation we face tyranny and inequality, famine and oppression. In each generation, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to do our part to knock them down.

Grace

Marchae Grair — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 00:00:03 -0500

My friend could have written me off, but I’m so blessed she didn’t. I’m unsure who I would be if she had only seen me for who I was and not for who I could be.

Lights in the Darkness

Anthony Robinson — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 00:00:02 -0500

Advent is a season but also a way of life. As a way of life, it means trusting that God is coming even when the evidence of God’s presence and power may seem in short supply.

And All the Merry-Hearted Sigh

Mary Luti — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 00:00:05 -0500

In Advent, we kneel in this devastated wasteland of our own making, and thirst and thirst until we finally feel how much we need a savior.

Word Power

Phiwa Langeni — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 00:00:02 -0500

Instead of tweets, status updates, and word-slinging in the comments section, we can rehumanize the digital distance between our keyboards and people’s screens on the other end.

Glow-in-the-Dark What?

John Edgerton — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 00:00:01 -0500

Having faith in God’s promises doesn’t let us off the hook. Instead, faith frees us from paralyzing fear and despair. Faith frees us to take courageous action.

A Wild and Interesting God

Donna Schaper — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 00:00:01 -0500

Sometimes you can’t really find the center, because the center is a wheel in the middle of the wheel, which is in the middle of a wheel. Core is lost. Corazon is lost.

Protect the Herd

Kaji Dousa — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Until the day when Isaiah’s vision comes true – that the wolf lies down with the lamb – we’ll only get glimpses of peace. But those glimpses are worth it.

Desolation or Restoration

Marilyn Pagán-Banks — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 00:00:01 -0500

The same ol’ same ol’ holiday preparations just won’t do in times such as these. If the Church does not boldly lead in the work of healing and restoration – there will be no peace.

Solvable

Molly Baskette — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 00:00:05 -0500

What can one person do to heal the earth? A lot, it turns out. Simple habits and commitments can have wide impact. Any earth-healing activity lays a red carpet for Christ’s return.

Burning for Christmas

Matthew Laney — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 00:00:04 -0500

What sort of person ought you to be while we wait for the holy fire to be kindled: pessimistic or hopeful, grumpy or grateful?

More Solid Than a Rock

Kenneth Samuel — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 00:00:03 -0500

When that which seems unmovable is removed, and when the earthly foundations of our stability prove to be insecure, the love of God still holds us steady.

What If

Marchae Grair — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Advent is a time when we think about the coming of Christ and the promise that this arrival brings. But the danger of Advent is resigning to inaction as we wait.