Elk River Lutheran Church-ELCA
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Sarah Chur

12/24/2020

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The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 
John 1:5
 
Well into my adulthood, we always celebrated Christmas Eve with my big extended family on my dad’s side. After candlelight services, my family of six, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins would gather at one of our homes. After the food was put away and the dishes were done (which took forever from a child’s perspective), we would all cram together as best we could into the room with the Christmas tree. Before we could open gifts, there would be a program. Someone would read the Christmas story from Luke, we would sing several Christmas hymns (always including a verse or two of Jeg er sa Glad), and then the kids each would be asked to stand up and recite their Christmas program parts from that year. Always at the end of this, my dad would announce that he, too, had a piece and would proceed to stand up and say his line from so many years’ previous: “Let’s all be little lights for Jesus.” This was always accompanied by his pointer finger held high, demonstrating the light.
 
This is a very different Advent season, and there’s no doubt Christmas will be different, too. In the dark of December, and in the depths of what's been a difficult year, how we can we, too, be little lights for all those we encounter: family, friends, teachers, colleagues, and one another?
 
Dear God,
Help us to have courage in the dark and help us to be lights for Jesus. Bring us hope, and remind us that after this long darkness, there will be light. Amen.
​
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    To the Writers

    of this devotional: 
    thank you for sharing 
    the stories from 
    your Advent and 
    Christmas journey.

    Your  courage 
    is a blessing 
    to others 
    and we pray you 
    will be blessed 
    by this as well.

    With gratitude,
    Pastor Nathan Mugaas and Intern Pastor Jeremy Hallquist

    Categories

    All
    Barbara Burandt
    Bob Burtness
    Cedric And Marlys Olson
    Conni Natwick
    Ellie Hallquist
    Jean Cook
    Jeremy Hallquist
    Jim Hecker
    John Natwick
    Karen Maher
    Kari Christianson
    Kari Osmek
    Linda Nielsen
    Lisa Sampson
    Lorie Schulstad-Werk
    Milo Christianson
    Myron Grams
    Pastor Nathan Mugaas
    Paula Donnelly
    Ron Stricker
    Ruth Lemke
    Sarah Chur
    Vicki Simpson

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  • Welcome
    • I'm New Here
    • Worship Times & Location
    • Our Story
    • What we Believe
    • ERLC Staff
    • LGBTQ+ Affirming >
      • Shower of Stoles Project
    • Calendar
    • Baptism
    • Capital Appeal 2020-2022 >
      • Appeal Key Dates
      • Major Tenants of Appeal
      • Architectural Renderings
  • Staying Connected
    • Worship Bulletins
    • Lent 2021
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • LiFT! Online
    • Resources >
      • Understanding Racism
    • ERLC Fall 2020 Update
    • Reopening Policy and Procedures >
      • ERLC Response to Coronavirus
    • Small Group Building Usage Form
    • WayOutAA
  • Give
  • Ministries
    • Children, Youth, and Family Ministry >
      • LiFT!
      • Taking Faith Home
    • Adult Ministries
    • LIFE Groups
    • Caring Faith
    • Music Ministries
    • 2019 Capital Campaign
    • Prayer Requests
    • Mission Endowment Fund
  • Contact Us
    • Forms
    • ERLC Council
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Severe Weather Policy
  • Events
    • Drive-In Church
  • News
    • Calendar
    • Media & Downloads
    • Council Minutes and Annual Reports
  • Elk River Lutheran "Powered By Love" Merchandise