Merry Christmas Advent to Epiphany: A Devotional Inspired by Nature: Volume 3

By Shirley D. Andrews and J. Michael Fuller

I am often asked to write an endorsement or a forward for a new book, but this time, I begin this endorsement with a “feeling of excitement.” I absolutely loved the idea of linking nature to a devotional. Nature has always been inspiring to me, and I often talk to God as I walk through the beauty of God’s creation around me. How can you possibly see the beauty and wonder of our planet and our universe without being inspired by the God who made it.

So, when I looked at even the very idea of this manuscript I was inspired. I read the book and then I sat down to write this. I first took a walk through the wonder and beauty of God’s creation around me. As always, l can not walk through the trees or along a creek or stream without being inspired. Therefore, as I write these words I am inspired not only by this book, but by my last encounter with nature.

As I read the pages, I met an author who through the beauty of her writings has linked nature and Divine inspiration and truly inspired me. Just to think about nature and talking to God brings inspiration to my whole being.

So, with anticipation and great emotion, I endorse MERRY CHRISTMAS by Shirley D. Andrews. As I looked at the beautiful pictures I saw nature, but I also felt the hand of God. As I read the words of this manuscript, I knew that this author would introduce me to God, because like the artist inside of me, I would feel and experience God by what I was about to read, and I did. Thank you, Shirley for introducing me again to the God who spoke nature into existence.

You must experience this book and see the God who not only has his eye on the sparrow, but made the sparrow. Shirley, you will truly inspire the world.

— Dr. Thomas F. Reid

I love the way Shirley brings us into the presence of our “EXTRAORDINARY” Lord through what we mistakenly consider the ordinary. Thank you Shirley for helping us to see God and draw closer to Him. Job 12:7-10 & Romans 1:20

— Rev. Jay Richmond

President, Renewal Prayer Network

Albany, NY

Volume 3 of Shirley Andrews’ daily devotions highlights the wonderful works of God in nature and recognizes His gracious work in our lives and relationships. Shirley invites us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

— Pastor Dave Martin

Elder, Upper New York Annual Conference

Hope United Methodist Church, Troy, New York

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Apr 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781973685784

Shirley D. Andrews

Shirley is a graduate of Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, and has a master’s degree from the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY. She taught elementary public school music for 31 years. Most of those years were in the Scotia-Glenville School District. She also taught music education classes at Schenectady County Community College. Shirley loved her career in teaching. She has two children and two grandchildren. After retirement and the death of her husband, Shirley pursued a second career as a Certified Lay Minister in the Adirondack District of the United Methodist Church (UMC), and has held leadership positions at Porter Corners UMC, Ballston Spa UMC, and led worship at Woodlawn Commons in the Wesley Community. At present, she is the keyboard accompanist for the Galway UMC in Galway, NY. Shirley continues to be passionate about devotional writing for God lovers, God seekers, nature lovers and the family altar; hoping that more families will use these books to worship and pray together. “MERRY CHRISTMAS – Advent to Epiphany,” A Devotional Inspired by Nature: Volume 3 is her third project. Future writing may include “DIVINE LOVE - Ash Wednesday to Pentecost,” A Devotional Inspired by Nature: Volume 4.

Book preview

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Part One: Advent

The King of Love is Coming to Earth

Part Two: Christmas

The King of Love is Born in Bethlehem

Part Three: Epiphany

Jesus is Ruler of the Kings of the Earth

The Faith of Christmas

The Faith of Christmas

Go Tell It On The Mountain

Photographer

Author

References

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I offer a special thank you to those who have lifted this project to God in prayer and have continually given me words of encouragement. Your prayers and support were essential in taking this devotional from vision to reality. I am especially appreciative of:

J. Michael Fuller, photographer extraordinaire and praying friend, whose photography inspired my writing in each part of MERRY CHRISTMAS – Advent to Epiphany, A Devotional Inspired by Nature: Volume 3."

Johanna Calabro and Sharyl Backus, loving friends and intercessors, for their prayers and encouragement along this journey of faith, especially their prayers.

Kendra McDonald, my loving granddaughter, who designed the cover for this devotional.

Carrie Boyer, a loving friend and technology-savvy administrative minister in the Adirondack District of the United Methodist Church in the Upper New York Conference. I will forever be grateful for her masterful editing.

Cliff Fontana, a loving friend and my marketing consultant for on-line advertising and virtual reality applications for this project.

And a special thank you to those whose endorsements have blessed me and encouraged me to keep moving forward in a writing ministry for the purpose of making disciples for the transformation of the world:

•The Rev. David Martin, elder, Upper New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and pastor of the Hope United Methodist Church in Troy, NY.

•The Rev. Jay Richmond, President of Renewal Prayer Network, Albany, NY.

•Dr. Thomas F. Reid

Shirley D. Andrews

John 10: 9-10

PART ONE

A D V E N T

THE KING OF LOVE IS COMING TO EARTH

The Prophet Isaiah is famous for his prophecies from long ago that were fulfilled at the birth of Christ on the first Christmas. Here are the wonderful words that make Advent so important, beautiful and life-changing. These scriptures were written about 680 B.C. (before Christ was born). We meditate on Bible scriptures, like the ones in this Devotional, in preparing our hearts to worship the Messiah, Jesus Christ, born on Christmas Day.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

Isaiah 9: 2

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.

Isaiah 9: 6-7

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord, and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.

Isaiah 11: 1-4a

In America, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Eve. On the first Sunday of Advent, four special candles are placed in an Advent wreath. The Advent wreath is a circular garland of evergreen branches representing eternity. A large white candle is placed in the center and is called the Christ Candle. One candle is lit each Sunday until all four are glowing on the fourth Sunday, showing that the next corporate worship will be on Christmas Eve, the night before Christmas Day. The Christ candle will be the last one to be lit at the Christmas Eve worship service.

The first candle is the Prophecy Candle. It represents the HOPE we have in Jesus Christ. The second candle, the Bethlehem Candle, represents the LOVE we receive in our hearts through Jesus Christ. The third candle, the Shepherd Candle, represents the JOY we have in Christ, our Savior. The fourth candle, the Angel Candle, represents the PEACE we find in our relationship with Jesus. The Christ Candle represents Jesus Christ, the LIGHT of the WORLD. He came in the flesh so we could relate to Him and know Him and make Him known to many, and to help Him build His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. King Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary on the first Christmas, is the ruler of the Kings of the earth.

Revelation 1: 5

HOPE – "There the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."

Isaiah 7: 14

LOVE –This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

Luke 2: 12

JOY – And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’

Luke 2: 8-11

PEACE – "Suddenly a great company of