The Bungee Cord 11-24-25

Hello,

For centuries Christians have taken four weeks to prepare themselves for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus, these four weeks are called Advent. At our church we light a candle each week on an Advent Wreath to experience the increasing brightening of our world that culminates in Jesus’ birth. As the Gospel of John says, “the light (Jesus) shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”

As part of that candle lighting, some sort of devotional meditation is read. This year, I am going to share those readings that I have written with you in my Bungee Cord, and I invite you to create an Advent wreath in your home and light a candle each week as you and a friend or family join in the devotion. You needn’t go and buy something fancy, placing four candles on a table, either in a straight line or in a square works fine. That is what we do in our home.

Before dinner, my wife and I sequentially light a candle each week and spiritually prepare ourselves for Christmas. As the waning sun darkens our world, a world that is already dark enough, I invite you to discover the power of Jesus’ promised presence gaining light in your life. The devotion for the first week of Advent focuses on Mary, the mother of the Son of God:

Mary, the mother of the Son of God

Prepare ye the way of the Lord, Prepare ye the way of the Lord. (Sing the Godspell tune, you can google it)

God : Hey, Mary.

Mary: Yes. Is that you, Lord.

God: It’s me, alright, and I have a job for you.

Mary: Why are you talking to me, Lord? I’m surprised that you know my name. I’m just a simple girl from Nazareth.

God: Well, I do know your name, you're one of my chosen people, and I have chosen you to birth my Son into the world.

Mary: What? Say that again.

God: I’ve chosen you to birth my Son into the world. Jesus will be his name, and with divine power he will reign forever and ever.

Mary: Sounds like something too big for me to do.

God: Maybe too big for you, but not too big for me.

Mary: Ok, Lord, but hold onto me tightly.

God: I’ve got you. Let’s get to work!

Light the first candle, Mary’s candle.

Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Prepare ye the way of the Lord.

(continue singing as the Advent wreath is lit)

Have a great week.

God’s grace and peace,

Pastor Jerry Nuernberger