Advent Meditations Week 4

Advent Devotional Calendar
Monday December 19 Luke 1:1–25
Luke writes, he says “an orderly account”, but the account is anything but orderly. Luke goes back, before Jesus, to an old priest and his wife. In looking back to your life, and the generations before you, are there any places where you see the action of God? Have you ever experienced anything so weird—or so holy—that you couldn’t find words to describe it?
Prayer: Holy One, in prayer or in silence, let us always listen for your Word. Amen.


Tuesday December 20 Luke 1:26–38
A song from the Iona community in Scotland puts Mary’s answer to the angel as this: “Tell God I say yes.” In what ways can you say yes to God in this day?
Prayer: Surprising God, give me a heart that always says yes to you, even when it is risky or uncomfortable or challenging. And then, Lord God, by your Spirit, give me strength and courage. Amen.


Wednesday December 21 Luke 1:39–48a (48b–56)
We know that Elizabeth withdrew from society, and remained in seclusion for these months. It is when Mary visits that Elizabeth gets a real, physical confirmation of what the angel had told- the baby “leaped for joy”. Have you ever had a time when you were waiting on the promises of God? What did you think in that in-between time? How did you get through that time?
Prayer: Lord God, most of our lives seem to be lived in the “in-between” time. Time between your promises and the actual confirmation of that promise. Give us grace to wait and see, for with you nothing is impossible. Amen.





Thursday December 22 Luke 1:57–66
“All of them were amazed” the text says. This gospel that Luke is writing is anything but an orderly account. But that is the way God is—overturning the established way of things, making things new in surprising and joyous ways. What surprising things has the Lord done in your life?
Prayer: Lord, be with us, as we draw close to you. Be with us, as we draw close to Christmas. Be with us, as we hear your surprising good news. Amen.


Friday December 23 Luke 1:67–80
Zechariah’s first words spoken after being struck mute are these: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel”. After a daunting experience, seeing an angel, being struck mute, and nine months of derision by his neighbors, Zechariah’s first words are praise. Is praise always our first response? How will you praise God this Christmas?
Prayer: Faithful God, give us mouths that always give you praise. Amen.


Saturday December 24 Galatians 3:26-27
The church in Galatia struggled with what to believe: there were lots of competing messages, many of which sounded good. Paul writes to the people of the freedom and grace given to them—and to us-in Jesus Christ. The old divisions are gone: we are known only as a child of God. A favorite song often sung on Christmas Eve is, “Children of the heavenly Father.” And thanks be to Jesus Christ, that is who we are.
Prayer: Loving and Compassionate God, thank you that through Jesus Christ, you have claimed us as your own. Amen.