Christian Reflection and Prayer

Read Psalm 122. TEXT: And Mary remained with her about
three months and returned to her home (Luke 1:56).

Advent       Three delightful months. Mary and Elizabeth had
three months together to speak about God's gracious work
In their lives. They could talk about the future when their
sons would step forward and proclaim the grace of God. It
was a wonderful time of comfort, support and spiritual growth
for Mary.

But all good things must come to an end. Three months went
by and Elizabeth reached full term. With the birth of John due
any day, it was time for Mary to leave that sanctuary and return
home--to her betrothed husband Joseph, who will consider
divorcing her when he learns she is pregnant
(see Matthew 1:18-25), where neighbors might well gossip
and falsely judge her.

Christmas is drawing close, and we should take time to pause
and relish the wonders of this season. Though our neighbors
may not realize it, their Christmas lights point us to Jesus
Christ, the Light of the world. Their decorations remind us that
Jesus Christ has beautified us with His own holiness and purity.

Soon enough church decorations will go back into storage and
our lives will return to normal. Now is the time to bask in the
glory and wonder, especially as we approach the soft, warm,
wonder of Christmas Eve, and the joyous celebration of our
Savior's birth Christmas morning. Why not plan to spend those
special hours with your family in Christ, coming to His house
to remember and celebrate His birth for you?

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, help me treasure these days and moments
when we celebrate Your unfathomable love and grace in
sending Your Son. Gather us together into Your house this
Christmas Eve and Morning so that together--as Your family-
-we might fill each other with joy, love and peace, through
Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen.

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant. O come ye,
O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, born
the King of angels.

O come, let us adore Him
 
    Christ, the Lord!

John Francis Wade made his living copying manuscripts
by hand.  Wade become famous for his artistic callgraphy,
and he had a knack for copying music as well.  Scholars
have debated whether Wade merely copied this Christmas
hymn, or whether he actually wrote it.  But recent
scholarship indicates that he did, in fact, write the hymn.

    It was originally written in Latin as "Adeste Fidelus."  
Wade was a Roman Catholic, and all services in the church
were conducted were in Latin.  In 1750 he slipped the hymn
into a manuscript he was copying for the English Catholic
College in Lisbon, Portugal.  Over thirty years later in 1785,
it was sent to the Portuguese chaped in London.  The Duke
of Leeds heard it sung there and included it in the repetoire
of his own singing group.  It soon become known around
the world.
(Read Luke 2:15-18)

Read Luke 1:51-55. TEXT: (Mary said) "He has brought down
the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble
estate" (Luke 1:52).

Advent   Mary continues her song of praise to God. She points
out something her Son Jesus will frequently speak about in His
ministry: God humbles those who exalt themselves, and He
raises up those who bow themselves low.

Many people are proud of themselves and their accomplishments.
They brag and puff themselves up, always trying to impress people.
They think God is the same way. But God is completely different.

He gives His Law to make us honest with ourselves, to humble us
with the realization that we fail to live the lives He demands of His
creatures. None of us can stand in confidence before God. It is the
purpose of His Law to break our hearts, and put us on our knees.

But that isn't where God wants to leave us. The good news of
Christmas is that in His love our Heavenly Father sent His dear
Son Jesus Christ to lift us to our feet. Jesus forgives our sins and
takes the punishment for our disobedience upon Himself.

Mary's wonderful song of God's goodness and salvation has been
picked up by the church and incorporated into its order of worship
or liturgy for centuries. You may well sing it during midweek Advent
services.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank You for humbling our pride through Your
Law so that You may lift us up by Your grace in Jesus Christ, Your
Son. Open my heart to the wonder of Your mercy shown so clearly
as You sent Your Son Jesus to be one of us. In His Name. Amen.

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)