Devotions

While there’s a world full of incredible, biblically sound devotionals, there’s something special about a shared experience with those you attend church with. At DCC we want to provide a resource for anyone interested in investing in time with the Lord that they can discuss with others who attend DCC or frequent our website. Devotions are provided during Advent each year, and during the year as special needs arise.

Advent 2025: Devotional for Saturday, December 13 - Love in the Messiness of Advent

December 13, 2025

One of the things I genuinely look forward to at Christmastime is getting together with family. I’ll be honest—this wasn’t always the case. For many years I had to learn to embrace family gatherings rather than dread them. My family can be… well… a lot. And maybe yours can too.‍ This time of year, it seems like everyone is offering advice on “what not to say at the dinner table” or “how to survive the holidays with your in-laws.” Most of us have that parent, sibling, quirky uncle, or cousin who can be a particular challenge to love. Maybe for you it isn’t family—maybe it’s a coworker, someone at church, or even your own spouse.‍ Over time, I’ve become convinced that the Lord places these people in our lives intentionally—not to frustrate us, but to shape us. To teach us how to love.‍ Jesus said, “Love each other as I have loved you” (John 13:34). And Scripture reminds us that love isn’t first a feeling—it’s an action, a way of life.‍ Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:‍ <ul> <li>Love is patient and kind.</li> <li>It does not envy or boast.</li> <li>It is not proud, rude, or self-seeking.</li> <li>It is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs.</li> <li>It does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.</li> <li>It bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things.</li></ul> I’ll admit—these are hard for me. The actions of love often stir up feelings in me that I’d rather avoid. They take intentionality, practice, and more patience than I naturally have.‍ Sometimes I imagine the relational dynamics of the disciples. They came from different walks of life, with different habits, personalities, and opinions. How long did resentment toward Matthew linger after he left his tax booth? Did they annoy each other? Did someone chew too loudly? Did they argue about little things?‍ Loving one another couldn’t have been easy for them either. But we get to see the beauty of who they became as Jesus shaped them along the way.‍ This season can make relational tension feel heavier than usual. It can require extra work, extra patience, and extra grace. But that challenge is also an opportunity—an invitation.‍ Advent invites us to reset. To practice compassion, forgiveness, and understanding. To shift the way we see one another. To let Christ form something new in us. To become, slowly and imperfectly, more like Him.‍ It’s never easy to set aside our own wants, opinions, or frustrations. But we, too, are on a journey of becoming. And as we put in the good work—trusting that God is shaping us—He reminds us that something better is always ahead.‍ May this season be a time of growth, grace, and wholehearted love.‍ Mitchell Andrews Elder

December 12, 2025

Advent arrives in the middle of our plumbing and heating company’s busiest season. The no-heat calls, the burst water lines, the pace of life seems to become more hectic with every passing day. I’m sure we all feel overwhelmed, whether we operate a business or are simply trying to get everything ready for Christmas. Yet, if we pause long enough to look at the children around us, we see something different. Their anticipation of Christmas is filled with wonder, joy, and pure excitement. They aren’t distracted by the busyness of our jobs or the long list of Christmas tasks that must be completed; they’re captivated by the hope of what’s coming.‍ As followers of Christ, we too should pause and experience that same anticipation. Advent should be a time to rekindle our excitement for Jesus. Just as children wait hopefully for Christmas morning, we should wait with hope in the Savior who came to dwell among us and continues to work in our lives today.‍ This season, let us seek something deeper than temporary moments of calm. Let us pursue the lasting peace that Jesus brought into the world, a peace far greater than a feeling or a fleeting sense of quiet. It is the peace that flows from being in right relationship with God, restored and held by His love.‍ In the midst of hectic days and busy schedules, let us pause and invite Christ to fill our hearts. Ask Him for the peace that only He can provide.‍ Merry Christmas!‍ Walter Wieronski Elder

December 11, 2025

Recently, Ryan spoke of the virtues of a non-anxious presence. For many years, I thought of anxiousness only in terms of Philippians 4:6-7, where Paul instructs us not to be anxious about anything, but to lift up our prayers in order to receive a peace that transcends all understanding. More recently, I have begun to understand the historical importance of a non-anxious presence. It appears from the Old Testament that anxiousness was/is not just an emotion with which we struggle, but a lack of faith and trust in the Lord (Deut. 28:65, Psalm 139:23, Eccl. 2:22). I sometimes find it hard to grasp the concept that my worrying and anxiousness are sins of faith, or a lack thereof. Of course, this realization has not kept me from feeling worried or anxious; however, I now understand that’s not what God wants for me (or you). As we move into this season of the business and busyness of the holidays, remember that the Lord does not want us to be anxious or worry. If anyone should have been anxious, worried, or afraid, it was Mary and Joseph. Angels whose first words were “Do not be afraid,” seemingly impossible conception, marrying a pregnant woman, fleeing the King’s wrath? If we reflect on their faithfulness and non-anxious presence in light of their circumstances, both before and after Jesus’ birth, maybe we can recognize how little we have to be anxious about? Praying for a non-anxious presence and an incomprehensible peace for you this holiday season!‍ Rob Strode Elder

December 10, 2025

Many years ago, Christmas Eve found Cathie and me at K-Mart, in a frenzy; relentlessly hunting and gathering toys, running through the picked-over, blue-lit aisles. Long before Amazon popped up to fill our empty carts with previously unknown needs, wishes, and expectations, there was the time-honored journey to multiple stores in search of the latest, greatest gadget, gear, or toy for those we love, to show our love. Hurriedly wrapped or dumped in a gift bag, we somehow pulled it off, averted the cries of anguish on Christmas morning, but wondered, “Is it really worth all that?” How did the precious gifts of wise travelers, given to a baby after following a providential Star, become this crass commercial travesty? I wonder if the reason Mary and Joseph had to journey to Bethlehem was really to take them away from the parents and grandparents, uncles and aunties, who all had opinions and must-dos for the new parents, with the feasting, baby presents, and stuff we surround ourselves with at such a time. Maybe we literally must “Prepare Him room”, as we sing in Joy to the World. Create space, margins, quiet enough to hear the small still voice. Maybe Jesus doesn’t mean to just fill up the cracks in our time, somewhere between the gifts and the Christmas ham. Maybe he wants to give light to the whole world, beginning with our families. I pray that we will each be able and willing to “prepare Him room.” Joy to the World, the Lord is Come! Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing!‍ Steve Hill Elder

December 9, 2025

From the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a famous scene is when George Bailey is sitting with his daughter, Zuzu, who won a flower at her school. He had just had about the worst day of his career and life, dealing with the quintessential evil villain of the town, and looking at financial and reputational ruin. The joy of his little girl’s flower was lost on him. He distractedly placed broken petals in his pocket and embarked on a journey that night that took his whole life into account.‍ He sought adventure but was shackled by responsibility. He desired unknown places but was surrounded by family and community (again responsibilities) and traditions, along with a hometown and business that felt like drudgery and meaninglessness. He thought of his life as a wasted one. He was trapped; disappointment was a crippling aspect of his life – missed opportunities for an ambitious man.‍ The theme of the story was that, in the end, he had everything important in life. His journey with the Angel, Clarence, took him into what the world would have been like without him to care for those he loved, the town he thought he hated, and the importance of that “responsibility” he so wished to escape. His influence on the lives of people was epic, and he learned his role in life was imperative. He was loved deeply and respected fully.‍ I watch this movie every year, as a reminder that, when life might not seem to be what we hoped or expected, the journey God has us on is maybe not about us. Maybe it’s about doing God’s work and seeing the ripple effects of our faithfulness. Maybe it shows us that responsibility is what forces us to look outside ourselves and onto the faces of Others.‍ Zuzu’s petals, removed from his pocket, reminded him of what mattered, broke his heart, and restored his soul.‍ What “petals” has God placed in your pocket to help you acknowledge meaning in life?‍ Merry Christmas – may you discover God’s treasures through the miraculous birth of our Savior.‍ Jude Mitchell Church Lady

December 8, 2025

A few years ago, my family toured the Glenwood Caverns. During the tour, the guide turned off the lights so we could experience absolute darkness. In Summit County, we pursue dark skies ordinances to limit electric light impact in the night sky. Regardless, there is a lot of ambient light to guide our way through the night and shield us from natural darkness.‍ With only stars and moonlight to pierce the inky darkness of the night sky, can you imagine being a shepherd in the hills outside of Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth? In an instant, an angel of the Lord appeared, surrounded by the Glory of the Lord—brighter than daylight. “Terrified” is probably not descriptive enough!‍ As humans, we have a hard time believing things we cannot touch, see, or hear. Yet, there are broad swaths of the light and sound spectrums that we cannot perceive. I suspect there are angels and heavenly “hosts” all around us that we simply cannot see or hear without God’s intervention. In this way, God can be bigger than all life and immediately beside us at the same time. While hard to comprehend, this concept should reassure believers everywhere.‍ Growing up, my mother insisted on simple white lights on the Christmas tree. There was a distinct “Shalom” peace and calmness to the tree’s nighttime presentation, a subtle reminder that we are lost without Jesus, the light of the world. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)‍ Bruce Butler Elder

December 8, 2025

Walking into a home filled with the smell of a turkey roasting in the oven, tamales steaming, gingerbread cooking, the woody fresh fragrance of a freshly cut lodgepole pine, or the smoky smell of a fire in the woodstove can take us right back to memories and times we treasure. Each scent can trigger a story or memory – recipes passed down, favorite tunes playing in the background or sung around the piano, worn hands working to make the days special as they care for us or wrap a present, words read from a well-handled leather Bible.‍ God’s ways of linking our thoughts to simple things like a scent can be magical. Hopefully the memories triggered are sweet ones that anchor us to our faith and our family. Some of us carry harder stories, and Christmas can sting. God knows.‍ Ecclesiastes 3:11 says how God has made everything beautiful in its time, and He has planted eternity in our hearts. Yet no one of us can fully grasp what God is doing from beginning to end. While we may not understand the gifts God gives us, I love that he has created us with curiosity to know more, to keep reaching for more of Him. This holiday season don’t lose the wonder, remember the magic. Let the smells, the songs, the stories, and the memories of our faith and family remind you that Jesus stepped into every culture, every kitchen, every broken and beautiful life of ours and those sitting next to us in the church pew. He is still making all things new. So bring your recipe, your memory, bring your hurt or your joy, and set an extra place at the table.‍ Kathy Jo Pfeifer

December 6, 2025

Somewhere tonight, a candle burns in a cold room. Someone is wrapping their arms around themselves for warmth. Someone wishes that they had the comfort we often take for granted, like family, laughter, joy, and a safe place to rest. As Christmas lights begin to glow bright in our town and neighborhoods, it’s easy to overlook the blessings we enjoy. We should be grateful to God who provides good gifts and honor him.‍ Somewhere there’s a heart that’s heavy. Somewhere a prayer is being whispered through tears, and somewhere someone is asking God for the very things we already have.‍ This season reminds us that comfort doesn’t mean being complacent. The season is meant to make us compassionate towards those who have less. The Bible says, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” Our blessings should be invitations to pray, to give, and to help someone’s story with the love of Jesus.‍ As we celebrate the birth and coming of our Savior, let us pause and ask: Who can I help, who can I bless, who can I pray for? There’s someone who has nothing and someone that God has not forgotten.‍ Somewhere right now, hope is waiting to be delivered, maybe through us.‍ We pray that the Lord will make us grateful, make us aware, and make us generous this Christmas season.‍ Steve Miller Elder

December 5, 2025

When we switch our clocks to standard time at the beginning of November, there is a stark transition in which we find ourselves in early darkness that seems to creep in too soon, and makes us wonder if we should eat dinner at 4:30! Light and radiance are good things, and during the 400 years of prophetic silence between the Old Testament and the New Testament, the wait for the light and radiance of a savior continued.‍ When we celebrate Christmas, it’s filled with twinkling lights and candles shining in our homes through the darker days of the year to remind us that the Light of the World is coming. The early darkness of December is filled with glowing color and sparkle – the light piercing through the night on the houses and trees. Maybe instead of thinking about which houses did a good job decorating for the celebration, I should contemplate just how much light came into the world on that day so long ago.‍ I grew up in a tiny little town about 20 miles outside of Chicago. As early as I can remember, the whole town prepared for Christmas Eve by going to the hardware store and purchasing kits for the Luminaria that would be lit precisely at 6:00 on the 24th. Our whole village would come alive all at once with streets illuminated with candles in bags – a tradition some say to light the way for the Christ child’s arrival. I prefer to think of it as the arrival of Jesus Christ, suddenly cracking the darkness with the brilliant light of His presence.‍ “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12‍ Lynne Tarras Elder

December 4, 2025

The small group gathered close, rumors and whisperings moving softly through the air. Those huddled in the dim room carried the same scent as their surroundings—hay, grain, and the dust and dander of nearby animals. The packed mixture of dirt and livestock dung, swept out morning and evening, left familiar smells that no one even noticed anymore.‍ But what drew them there was anything but ordinary. They were gathered for the arrival of the King—the Creator, the Messiah, the Hope of the world. Angels had announced His birth not to the powerful, but to the humble: shepherds in the fields who were suddenly surrounded by heavenly glory that flooded them with joy, peace, hope, and love. Compelled by the message, they hurried to see Him for themselves—a newborn lying in a manger, wrapped in cloths, with Mary and Joseph nearby, treasuring every moment in their hearts.‍ The shepherds eventually returned to their flocks, glorifying and praising God, sharing with everyone they met the wonders they had seen and heard.‍ Israel had waited generation upon generation for this moment—the coming of Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.‍ And as we now look forward to His return, we too should be filled with joy, peace, hope, and love—not sparked by a chorus of angels, but stirred within us by the heavenly presence of the Holy Spirit.‍ Jim Anderson Elder

December 3, 2025

Advent is a special season of waiting. Not the hard kind – like waiting in a long line – but joyful waiting. Joyful waiting because we know what is coming. All throughout scripture, God promised the same message: "I will send a Savior." When the time was just right, God kept that promise through the birth of Jesus. Imagine the darkest night you've ever experienced. So dark you can't see your hand in front of you. Then someone lights a single candle, and suddenly you can see! That's what Jesus did when he came into the world. Jesus is that great Light. He came to bring Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love to every person trusting in him. (Isaiah 9:2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light." ) As we count down to Christmas, we remember that Jesus did not stay a baby in the manger - He grew up to rescue us from sin and restore our relationship with God. Advent helps our hearts slow down, look up, and remember that God always keeps his promises. This week, take time to notice "light moments" with your family. Moments where you see kindness, forgiveness, joy, or peace. Each one reminds us that the light of the world has come and continues to shine brightly. Rachael Tapper Children’s Ministry Director

December 2, 2025

As Advent approaches and the pace of life hopefully slows for each of us, I’ve found myself reminiscing through family photos, reflecting on life and on the joy those memories created. Now that my daughters are older, the anticipation of them coming home for the holidays brings a different kind of joy, one rooted in appreciation and the awareness of the importance of time with family and friends. Their return reminds me of why we pause to celebrate. Advent is not only about reflecting; it’s about recognizing the incredible gift we receive through the grace of Jesus, a gift that shapes our lives and prepares us for the challenges we will face throughout the year. A gift that will someday unite us with our Lord and Savior.‍ Brett Confer Elder

December 1, 2025

Every year, as the Christmas season approaches, we remember the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ. But have you ever paused to consider the incredible journey from Mary’s perspective?‍ Imagine being a young woman, visited by an angel who brings unthinkable news: “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.” For nine months, Mary carried not only a child but the hope of the world. Each day brought new challenges—traveling to Bethlehem while pregnant, finding no room at the inn, and giving birth in humble circumstances. Yet, through it all, Mary remained steadfast, knowing she was part of God’s promise of salvation. On that holy night, Mary welcomed her son into the world. She cradled Jesus in her arms, marveling at the miracle before her. What awe she must have felt, realizing the hope and love her child would bring to all people. As Mary gazed upon her newborn, she may have whispered prayers of gratitude and longing. She trusted the One who had chosen her, knowing that her child would change the world. Through joy, uncertainty, and wonder, Mary teaches us to respond to God’s call with open hearts and unwavering faith. Merry Christmas!‍ Michele Thompson Elder

November 30, 2025

There are many different ideas about Advent and what it means to us as Christians. Perhaps we need TIME to reflect on how we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christ’s coming. Advent should be a season of joyful preparation, a season of great hope, a celebration of peace that only Jesus brings, a time to open our hearts in appreciation of God’s love for us in the gift of His son. These things help us center on the true spirit of Christmas. Focusing on what Advent really means can help us clear everything in our way that distracts us from Jesus’ coming past, present, and future! Our Missions Committee recently took TIME to handwrite personal notes; words of hope, love, and encouragement, thanking each of the DCC-supported missions/missionaries for all they are doing to share the love and hope of Jesus around the world. One card (from The WORD of Christmas) offered reflections for the gift of TIME:‍ “Somewhere in the flurry of the season, may we find TIME TO DREAM About that Blessed Holy Night that changed the world… TIME TO WONDER About the Awesomeness of the day He comes again… TIME TO REMEMBER The truths He taught and everything he has done for us… TIME TO GIVE THANKS WITH ALL OUR HEARTS That GOD so loved the world… John 3:16”‍ Wishing you the GIFT of TIME to share with HIM at CHRISTMAS and all through a Blessed New Year. AMEN‍ Cindi McDonald Elder & Missions Committee Chair

Dillon Community Church

Devotions

Advent 2025: Devotional for Saturday, December 13 - Love in the Messiness of Advent

December 13, 2025

Advent 2025: Devotional for Friday, December 12 - The Peace We Long For

December 12, 2025

Advent 2025: Devotional for Thursday, December 11 - A Non-Anxious Advent

December 11, 2025

Advent 2025: Devotional for Wednesday, December 10 - Christmas Eve at K-Mart

December 10, 2025

Advent 2025: Devotional for Tuesday, December 9 - Zuzu’s Petals

December 9, 2025

Advent 2025: Devotional for Monday, December 8 - Peace and Light

December 8, 2025

Advent 2025: Devotional for Sunday, December 7 - Share the Magic

December 8, 2025

Advent 2025: Saturday, December 6 - Somewhere

December 6, 2025

Advent 2025: Devotional for Friday, December 5 - The Light of Advent

December 5, 2025

Advent 2025: Devotional for Thursday, December 4 - The Shepherds’ Wonder, Our Anticipation

December 4, 2025

Advent 2025: Wednesday, December 3 - A Special Kind of Waiting

December 3, 2025

Advent 2025: Tuesday, December 2 - A Season to Recognize the Gift We’ve Received

December 2, 2025

Advent 2025: Monday, December 1 - Have you ever considered Christmas from Mary’s perspective?

December 1, 2025

Advent 2025: Sunday, November 30 - Taking TIME for Advent Reflections

November 30, 2025