One of the most beautiful, modern portrayals I have seen of the nativity, and one I feel depicts this verse in an equally beautiful way, comes in the form of the 2023 movie-musical “Journey to Bethlehem.” After Mary is seen going into labor and preparing to give birth, the movie cuts between her and Joseph in the stable and the three wisemen making their way to the manger and stopping in a field with an adult male shepherd and his young daughter, who are seen keeping watch over their flock.

Then, a bright star is seen shining in the sky, and the young shepherd girl begins to sing a verse of “Silent Night”, ending with the line “Jesus, Lord at thy birth”, with her father seen harmonizing with her on the second repeating of this line. Before both the shepherds and the wisemen, the angel Gabriel then appears in the sky, announcing Jesus’ birth, before the music swells to a crescendo and a chorus appears behind him singing a verse of “O Holy Night”. The shepherds and wisemen drop to their knees, some with hands folded in prayer, upon seeing this spectacle. The movie then shows reaction shots of other citizens of Bethlehem reacting to a blinding light encasing them, some initially appearing shocked, but then realizing what this means: that Jesus Christ has been born this night.

During this season of Advent, the beauty of this portrayal of the Nativity resonates with me a bit deeper and is a vision that would not leave my mind while thinking of a topic for this devotion. While we may not know for certain the precise details of the night of the Nativity as none of us were firsthand witnesses, I would encourage you to give this scene in “Journey to Bethlehem” a watch, as it is a beautiful and moving portrayal of this verse and leads you to feel as if you are feeling the same emotions the wisemen and shepherds are feeling in the moment, because even several watches later, I can say that I felt that way.

Let us pray:

Dear God, during this season of Advent, help the brightness of the light the shepherds saw not be lost upon us as we rejoice in the birth of your Son. May we experience the secondhand joy the shepherds and wisemen experienced as we worship him and celebrate his arrival in the manger that fateful night. In your name, amen.

This devotion was written and recorded by Grace Jonas.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Have you ever noticed that when plants produce, they simultaneously produce a gift that is the food of others and the birth of the next generation of their species? Like these seeds, there is an infinite abundance in God’s love and God’s gifts to us that is incomprehensible. God has given us forgiveness and love before we even knew that we needed it. It is there for us, to catch us, when we fall. It is there for us to fill the emptiness when we thought we could do it alone. It is there for us when our wounds won’t heal on their own.

During this season of Advent, let us reflect that God took the Word and made it flesh so that we could see and experience God’s love. As we wait quietly this season in anticipation of the birth of baby Jesus, let us consider the love God shares that is ever-present. If we are to be children of God, then we should nourish our souls on the love that helps us, feeds us, heals us, and forgives us.

Love is such a big topic, and yet it is so small. In every moment of every day, God’s love is present. In every object and every act, God’s love for us is waiting. God’s love was waiting for us before the birth of Jesus. It was present and welcoming us in Jesus. It was in the shadow of the cross waiting for us. It waits for us to follow the path made straight and to follow the example that we have been given in Jesus. It is ever-present and in everything, every person, and every action. It always has been and always will be. God loves us whether we are sinning, confessing, or loving others.

So, be loved. And be loving. Like the seeds that give life through nourishing others and give birth to new plants, we can both be loved into new life and give love to nourish others at the same time. Let us all be amazed and awed at just how powerful this is!

God in heaven, on earth, and in our hearts, may we be the seeds that grow to nourish others. May we be both born again in your spirit and love while also giving life, love, and nourishment to others so that they may live in your spirit and love, Amen.

This devotional was written by Jill Pope and read by Susan Daves.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

One of my favorite Christian leaders always starts his devotions by reminding his listeners to pay attention to what one word jumps out for them when reading scripture. I must have read this passage hundreds of times, and yet, this day, the word “saw” jumped out.

When they saw the star! They must have been searching for a while. Earlier in this chapter, we learn that they had asked King Herod, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. So they had already seen the star, but it seems they were actively seeking it and where it would lead them. When they saw the star, they could hardly contain themselves. They were filled with joy.

This story, revisited, reminds me that joy is always there, though we must be paying attention. I am sure that you have experienced joy. It is actually all around us every day if we are not distracted by the little things. Let’s think of some examples of joyous moments: perhaps milestones in our lives such as graduations, birthday celebrations, reaching a goal; for a child Christmas morning or birthdays might bring joy, weddings and family gatherings can bring us joy, The question for me in light of the word “saw” is “were we looking, anticipating these events or were we just expecting a dose of happiness?

Recently, I have witnessed real joy, sheer joy, pure love, and delight. Someone very close to me has become a grandmother for the very first time. She chooses happiness and a positive attitude the majority of the time, though life has not always been easy. She amazes me as she seeks joy in the everyday.

Recently, I saw a video of this new grandmother with her grandson. The pure joy of their interaction touched me beyond measure. She was looking straight into the eyes of her grandson and leaning in to laugh, giggle, and give him a kiss. Much like a game of peek a boo, she was playing with him. He was giggling. Such a real treasure to hear that deep, infectious laugh from both of them. They saw each other, they saw love, and I, as the observer, also saw that joy! I wasn’t expecting it, but I was blessed to see that beautiful connection and the joy those two found in their hearts. Sheer joy!

They could hardly contain themselves. The reality is, I was gifted to witness this moment and was reminded that I “saw” this joy because I was searching for joy for this new grandmother. Filled with joy, I know I am blessed and find myself seeking joy-filled moments in the ordinary much more often. Let us seek joy in the ordinary and never overlook the “wonders of His love.”

Loving God, you surround us with joy every day. Help us to search and see joy in our daily lives. In this season, help us to focus on the wonders of your love and sing out “Joy to the world!” Lord, we know you are the real source of all our joy, and we ask that you guide us as we share and radiate joy to others. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Lisa Blackwood.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread...

This is the beginning of Mary’s response to something told to her by her cousin Elizabeth. What makes Mary’s response here so remarkable is what comes just before it. When Zechariah heard Gabriel’s message, he asked, “How can I be sure of this?” A reasonable question on the surface, but one rooted in doubt. Mary didn’t ask for proof. She asked how God would do it, not whether God could.

And then something else happened. Before Mary could say a word to Elizabeth, Elizabeth already knew. She greeted Mary not with suspicion or side glances, but with joy: “Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her.”

That’s a stunning reversal of what Mary might have expected. In a situation that could have cost her everything—her reputation, her safety, even her life—God provided confirmation not through angelic fireworks, but through the quiet conviction of another believer.

I think of the times I’ve been misunderstood, those moments when I knew I hadn’t done anything wrong but people assumed otherwise. My instinct has been to defend myself, argue my case, and prove the truth. Mary didn’t do that. She didn’t scramble to manage optics or fight for her reputation. She centered herself in the God who already knew the truth.

Her song flows out of that trust.

She rejoices not because her situation is safe or simple—it isn’t—but because she believes the One who made the promise will keep it.

Maybe you’re in a season where someone has misread your motives or judged you unfairly. Mary reminds us that our security isn’t in convincing people. It’s in the God who sees clearly, speaks through unexpected voices, and confirms His work in ways we couldn’t orchestrate if we tried.

Father, when doubt rises in others, or in ourselves, anchor us in Your faithfulness. Teach us to trust Your promises even when circumstances feel uncertain. Give us Mary’s steadiness, her willingness to believe You first, and her freedom from needing to control how others see her.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Donn King.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

A few years back our denomination split. It was a difficult time for all of us, extremely contentious and sometimes painful as we saw good friends and sometimes even family go in different directions over differences in how we view the lessons of scripture.

So, for those who remain in fellowship together, are we all of one accord on everything? Not at all! We cover the spectrum when it comes to theology, social issues, politics, age, status, musical preferences, methods of worship, and virtually any other measure you can think of. We are far from a homogeneous collection of believers.

So, what keeps this assemblage of misfits together? As Paul said in our scripture for the day, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

When we worship together, all differences fade away. When we approach the communion table, we come as one body. When we study and discuss together, we have one common purpose; that is to grow in faith together. When we welcome kids from the Junior High on Tuesday mornings, it is with a common desire to provide them with an opportunity for fellowship and devotion to start their day.

And when we serve together, there are no theological or social boundaries that divide us. We put differences aside to serve meals on Thursday nights, to minister recovery on Wednesday nights, to fill the blessing box, to stuff flood buckets, to pack 10,000 meals to go overseas, to minister to those with dementia, to go and do and serve and serve and serve. Together.

All these things bring us together as one body in love without regard to differences. We have chosen to be and worship and serve as one. What a blessing that is!

Father God, thank you that we can be together the body of Christ. We celebrate all that brings us together and holds us together. We know that we can be stronger together and witness to our community that your love and our love for each other and for our neighbors will keep us together as one. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Charlie Barton.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

You are listening to Grace for All, a daily devotional podcast produced by the people of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee.

This is Scripture Saturday, a time when we pause and reflect on the scriptures we have read throughout the week. If you missed any of our devotionals on these passages, you can find them on our website at 1stChurch.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Now, we invite you to listen and receive Grace. Welcome and thank you for joining us.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Psalm 103 reads like a litany of blessings, or like a shower of blessings. Listen to the benefits of God the psalmist recites:

God forgives, heals, redeems, crowns with love and compassion, satisfies, and renews. God works righteousness and justice for the oppressed.

God is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

In fact, God’s love is so great, it is as high as the heavens are above the earth. God’s love is great enough to remove our sins such that the distance between us and our transgressions is as far as the east is from the west.

God’s compassion is not abstract. It is tangible, like the compassion of a father for his children.

The psalmist lists many blessings from God, but begins with a directive to his soul to bless God. Hebrew blessings are short prayers spoken to God to offer thanks for daily events, and the Talmudic rabbis believe it is forbidden to enjoy such things without offering a blessing. In fact, the Talmud states, “If you enjoy something in this world without saying a blessing, it is as if you stole it.”

I am convicted by the thought that I might steal God’s blessings when I forget to, in response, bless God. How might this day be transformed if I practice such a blessing? Bless the Lord, O my soul, for the beautiful sunrise. Bless the Lord, O my soul, for a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning. Bless the Lord, O my soul, for a kind word from a stranger. Bless the Lord, O my soul, for brightly colored leaves, scattered on the ground. Bless the Lord, O my soul, for the gifts of God’s mercy and lovingkindness.

Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. God, as I go through this day, tune my heart to sing your praise for the many gifts you shower over me, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Today’s devotional was written and read by Greta Smith.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

For 10 years, my commute to work was 28 miles from my house in Walland to my job in the Seymour area. Most mornings, I'd catch the sunrise spreading across the sky—brilliant oranges and pinks painting the Tennessee hills. Sometimes I'd notice them, even pull over to photograph one when it was particularly spectacular. But looking back, I realize that even when I noticed them, I rarely paused to thank God for them. I'd think, "That's beautiful," and keep driving, already making mental to-do lists and rehearsing my day. I saw some of those sunrises, but I rarely came into God's presence with gratitude for what he was showing me each morning.

This verse is part of a larger call to worship in Psalm 95. The psalmist is inviting God's people to gather together, but notice how he tells them to come—not with a list of demands or complaints about how things should be different, but with thanksgiving.

The word "come" here suggests movement, intention. We don't stumble into God's presence by accident with gratitude. It's something we choose to do, a posture we actively adopt before we even open our mouths.

Thanksgiving isn't about pretending everything is perfect. This same psalm later warns about hardening our hearts and includes some serious reminders about Israel's past failures. The psalmist knows life is complicated. But he's saying that our entry point into God's presence—the way we approach him—should be marked by gratitude.

There's something powerful about starting with thanksgiving. It reframes everything that follows. When we lead with what we're grateful for, our requests sound different. Our frustrations find their proper size. Our perspective shifts from what's missing to what's already been given.

I think about how different my prayers would sound if I really followed this pattern. Too often, I barrel into God's presence like I'm filing a complaint with customer service. "Here's what's wrong, here's what needs fixing, here's what I need you to do about it."

But what if I came the way the psalm suggests? What if I started by acknowledging the good things already present—the breath in my lungs, the people who love me, the second chances I didn't deserve, the ordinary mercies that showed up today without fanfare?

The second part of the verse adds music and song to the mix. There's something about expressing gratitude that wants to go beyond just words. It wants to rise up, to celebrate, to make a joyful noise. Thanksgiving naturally moves toward praise.

Maybe you're thinking, "But I don't have much to be thankful for right now." I get it. Some seasons are harder than others. But even in the difficult times, there's something to bring before God with gratitude—even if it's just the fact that he's still there, still listening, still holding space for your honest prayers.

The practice of thanksgiving changes us. It doesn't necessarily change our circumstances, but it does change how we experience them. It trains our eyes to look for God's presence rather than just cataloging his absence.

So, before we launch into today's requests, today's worries, today's long list of what needs fixing, what if we started with thanksgiving? What if we came into God's presence by first naming what's already good, already beautiful, already sufficient?

You might be surprised how that simple shift changes everything else that follows.

Father, teach us to come into your presence with hearts full of gratitude. Help us see the gifts we've been given before we focus on what we lack. May our thanksgiving rise to you like music and song. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Cliff McCartney....