Shelby Olive, Communications Associate 1 Samuel 2:1-10 Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in my God. My mouth derides my enemies,  because I rejoice in my victory. 2 “There is no Holy One like the Lord, no one besides you;     there is no Rock like our God. 3 Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. 4 The bows of the mighty are broken,  but the feeble gird on strength. 5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,     but [...]

Martha Hill Jamison, St. Luke’s Member since 1985, staid church lady Psalms 47:1  (New Century Version) Clap your hands, all you people;    shout to God with joy. Reflection: “That’s a good yahoo, son.” What a high compliment given in the movie “City Slickers” by the rancher to one of the “dudes,” Ed. Ed is so excited at the prospect of doing actual cowboy work while at the ranch that he cries out: “Ya---hoo!” This is the unrestrained, spontaneous expression of joy that God so wants to hear from us at Advent. The Christ Child is coming! Ya---hoo! Whereas [...]

Erin Campbell Naman, church member since 2009, member of Children’s Council, member of Lay Leadership Council Psalm 96 (NIV) “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.  Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.  Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.  For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.  For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.  Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and [...]

Warren Fisher, Staff-Parish Relations Chair, Genesis Sunday School Co-Leader, Member since 1988 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (New Revised Standard Version) Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The [...]

Rev. Cliff Ritter Luke 2:8-12 (NRSV) 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: [...]

Erin Manning Verducci; St. Luke’s member since 2004; Chancel Choir President Isaiah 60:1-3 (NIV) Arise, shine, for your light has come, And the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth And thick darkness is over the peoples, But the Lord rises upon you And his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your dawn. Reflection: It was late morning on November 15, 2012, my youngest son’s fifth birthday.  I had rearranged my schedule so I could take him to lunch. As I rushed out of [...]

Karen McCarver, Member of St. Luke’s for 16 years and Kids Hope Director for 11 years Matthew 2:9-11 (NKJV) 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body [...]