Christian Reflection and Prayer

Read Luke 1:46-50. TEXT: (Mary said) "And His mercy is for
those who fear Him from generation to generation" (Luke 1:50).

Advent    Mary is overwhelmed by all God has done for her. For
the visit of the angel Gabriel, for the Christ Child growing in her
womb, for Elizabeth's Spirit-led greeting. Now she can't keep
her gratitude and praise inside.

She begins, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices
in God my Savior." That word "magnifies" is interesting. It
means that Mary's perception of who God is has grown
significantly. She speaks about her former "humble estate."
Perhaps she felt as we do at times--lost in the shuffle of life,
unnoticed by God. But in an amazing way God has noticed
and done great things for her, choosing her to be the mother
of His own Son.

Mary testifies that God has mercy on those who fear Him.
What exactly does it mean to fear the Lord? Is it to fear Him
as a tyrannical, impulsive ruler? Is it to think of Him as an
abusive father? Mary is talking more about the kind of fear
we feel toward a good-hearted father we love and respect.
We fear to stir his anger by breaking his rules, even more,
we fear disappointing him, letting him down.

Those who don't love and fear God treat His holiness and
laws indifferently, treading His works and ways underfoot.
But for us who love and fear Him, who humble ourselves
before Him, God is merciful. He knows our weakness and
failings, but He sends His Son to save us.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, give me Your Holy Spirit that I may love,
fear and trust in You for the sake of Your Son Jesus Christ.
I pray this in His Name. Amen

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Read Luke 1:39-45. TEXT: In those days Mary arose and
went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah,
and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted
Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-40).

Advent    One of the greatest blessings of the Christmas
season is the chance to visit with friends and family. These
are excellent times to renew old friendships, and bask in
the presence of our loved ones. But we often face an
awkward time when we first meet. Our lives naturally drift
in different directions, and we may find we share less in
common now. Sometimes it's hard to find anything to talk
about. It can all be a little daunting.

Mary may have felt that fear and intimidation standing
before the door of Zechariah's house. Mary knew her
pregnancy was innocent and pure, but would the priest
and his wife believe it? Would they scold her, perhaps,
even reject her?

If she was afraid, God quickly removed that fear. The
instant Mary's greeting reached Elizabeth's ears two things
happened. The Holy Spirit-filled baby growing in Elizabeth's
womb leapt for joy--and the Holy Spirit rushed into
Elizabeth. Instantly, she knew Mary was pregnant, and with
Whom.

"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of
your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother
of my Lord should come to me?"

All awkwardness was gone, and Elizabeth's warm and
enthusiastic greeting was an assurance to Mary.

Do you have travel plans this Christmas? Do you have friends
or family to visit? The thing that made Mary's visit to Zechariah
and Elizabeth so special was the presence of the Christ Child.
Likewise, the thing that will make your Christmas visits so
special is the presence of the Christ Child with you. Be sure
to keep your focus on Him. After all, He is the Reason for the
season!

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, make my Christmas visits joyful and
meaningful as I bring along the Christ who offers us peace, joy
and eternal hope. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Read Psalm 65. TEXT: "Behold, I am the servant of the
Lord; let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).

Advent   When Mary awoke this morning, she undoubtedly
expected things to go as they always had. Her betrothal
to Joseph would continue; her wedding day would be a day
closer. Things would be as they were yesterday, and
tomorrow will bring more of the same.

She didn't awake thinking an angel would suddenly appear
and that God's plans would shake up her life drastically.
Yet for all that, in simple faith, she willingly casts aside
her plans, eager to serve God's good pleasure.

Sometimes life seems like it's going according to schedule,
cruising along the way we expect. We may have a precise
timeline with all our steps carefully laid out, but suddenly
things change. Health problems arise, jobs are lost, and
friends disappear. It can be frustrating, frightening or
exhilarating. For Mary, this news is life-changing. But the
Holy Spirit has given her faith and confidence to accept
God's changes. He gives us that same trust to believe
that whatever God is doing, He is still working to make
all these things turn for our benefit.

That is precisely what God promises you and me. In
Romans 8:28a He assures us, "We know that for those
who love God all things work together for good ...."

This Christmas is a reminder that God doesn't stand back
and let things go by themselves. We aren't victims of
chance and circumstance; rather, God is carefully
arranging everything for good. This is just as He arranged
everything to send His Son into this world by the
Virgin Mary.

THE PRAYER:

 Heavenly Father, forgive me for questioning and
doubting the wisdom of Your will. Still my heart when
change comes, and give me humble, quiet faith so that I
may serve You in awe and watch Your mighty deliverance.
Through Jesus Christ, Your Son, I pray. Amen.

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)