Advent Devotions – December 18 to 24
Journey to Bethlehem – Advent Week Four
Are we there yet?
Daily Devotional Meditations for Spring Branch Presbyterian Church
Sunday, December 18, 2011
The Word:
“And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I…”
— Luke 1:36-38, NRS
Reflection:
As a child, it seemed like Christmas would never come. Even now, I am not very good at waiting. We live in a culture that feeds off of our impatience: fast food, fast service, instant gratification – these are the name of the game. But some things in life you cannot hurry, like the birth of a baby.
Have you ever noticed the curious way that Luke begins his gospel? It is a whole chapter, 80 verses, before we ever get to the familiar words, “In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus….” Luke intertwines these beginning verses with the expectation of not just one child but two. The first is “…to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
Luke seems to know us too well, even today. We need time to get ready – and distance, too – between what we know for certain and what is about to take place. The world is about to explode with an unbelievable, extravagant mystery that will keep unfolding throughout all eternity.
The question is not “Are we there yet?” but “Are we ready?” Will we ever be? Or, does the young girl who simply answered, “Here am I,” show us the way?
Traveling Mercies!
Laurey Murphy
Prayer:
Lord, be with us every step of the way. For it is only by You that we behold the mystery of Love for us all.
Journey to Bethlehem – Advent Week Four
Are we there yet?
Daily Devotional Meditations for Spring Branch Presbyterian Church
Monday, December 19, 2011
The Word:
“And he will go before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of righteous – to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
— Luke1:17 NIV
Reflection:
In this fourth week of Advent, we must ask ourselves, “Are we a people prepared for the coming of the Lord?” This scripture was speaking of John’s role in Jesus’ ministry. But today, it is our responsibility to prepare our hearts anew for His coming and to show others the way on this journey to Bethlehem.
Prayer:
Lord, still our hearts, and thoughts, that we may indeed be a prepared people. Prepare us to embrace the Forgiveness, Love, Hope and Joy that Christ’s coming makes available to us.
Journey to Bethlehem – Advent Week Four
Are we there yet?
Daily Devotional Meditations for Spring Branch Presbyterian Church
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The Word:
The angel went to her and said “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
— Luke 1:26-27 NIV
Reflection:
So often we are just like Mary. The Lord speaks to our hearts, and we start to worry – wondering what is in store for us. We worry about how to handle things, what to say, what He is calling us to do. Most of us find that worrying comes easy. The hard thing is to say, “Yes, Lord!” instead of, “But Lord, you don’t understand!” We will find the Peace and Joy the Lord has for us only when we can turn loose of our worry and in prayer grab hold of His hand.
Prayer:
Lord, we ask You, as we continue our journey to Bethlehem, to calm our spirits. Help us to let go of all the things that worry our minds. There are many pressures that crowd out Your voice, help us to shut them out. We want to hear Your voice and feel Your presence.
Journey to Bethlehem – Advent Week Four
Are we there yet?
Daily Devotional Meditations for Spring Branch Presbyterian Church
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
The Word:
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
— Luke 1:38 NIV
Reflection:
Mary understood her relationship to the Father. We should all approach the Father with the spirit of a servant. We have ample opportunity at this time of the year to demonstrate that we are His servants. There are any number of things we can do, needs we can meet. We can give of our time, talents, or financial resources. Though all those things are good and necessary, perhaps we best demonstrate our servant relationship when we take time to remember whose we are.
Prayer:
As the end of our journey to Bethlehem draws ever closer, may we, like Mary, show You our servant spirit. Thank you for drawing us ever closer to You.
Journey to Bethlehem – Advent Week Four
Are we there yet?
Daily Devotional Meditations for Spring Branch Presbyterian Church
Thursday, December 22, 2011
The Word:
And Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
— Luke 1:46-47 NIV
Reflection:
In the midst of the hustle and bustle that always seems to come with Christmas, how do we take the time to let our spirit rejoice? For me the songs of Christmas remind me of the precious gift that was given and the assurance, peace and joy that the Christ child came to provide each of us. As we give glory to the Lord on our journey, our spirits will be better able to rejoice.
Prayer:
Father, as we think about the priceless gift that Christmas brings, we can’t help but thank you and rejoice.
Journey to Bethlehem – Advent Week Four
Are we there yet?
Daily Devotional Meditations for Spring Branch Presbyterian Church
Friday, December 23, 2011
The Word:
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.
— Luke 1:68 NIV
Reflection:
Redemption – what a marvelous thought. We all need redemption. As we draw ever nearer to the end of our journey, our hearts are filled with awe and praise for the One who makes our redemption a reality. All through history God has been seeking to draw His people to Himself. He finally came to us, so we might understand the depth of His love for us.
Prayer:
Lord, we praise You for the way You seek us and the redemption You offer us. May we be ever aware of Your great love for us. Open our eyes to see that Love in the manger.
Journey to Bethlehem – Advent Week Four
Are we there yet?
Daily Devotional Meditations for Spring Branch Presbyterian Church
Saturday, December 24, 2011
The Word:
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
— Matthew 1:21 NIV
Reflection:
The journey is nearly over. As we approach the manger scene, may we see this baby Jesus for what He is – The Promised One, our Savior, the completion of God’s plan for His people. May that revelation fill our hearts with joy and our mouths with praise to God.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for Your perfect gift of love. Hear our hearts as we lift them to You in praise and thanksgiving for this great gift.
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