Friday December 1, 2023

Today is Friday, December 1 and we are studying what the Bible says about the Incarnation.

As I enter this time of prayer, I still my mind, slow my breath and draw my heart near to God. As Christmas approaches, I prepare my soul and wait for the coming of my Lord Jesus with quiet anticipation.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, I come here to listen for your voice speaking to me from the sacred words of the Holy Bible. Remind me of the truth of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ and the miracle of your Word made flesh for the salvation of the world. Amen.

I praise God and seek his eternal truth in the ancient words of the prophet Isaiah.

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. Isaiah 35:5-6

Pause and Pray

The word incarnate is from the Latin words “in” and “carne” which mean made into flesh. John tells us Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh who dwelt among us (John 1:14). Luke tells us how this Incarnation of the human and divine came to be. A young virgin named Mary was chosen for an essential task, a human woman to bear the Son of God on Earth. The angel Gabriel came to give her a message, a message that would change her life and change the world forever.

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:29-33

The archangel Gabriel made three appearances in the Bible – to Daniel (Daniel 9:20-27), Zechariah (Luke 1:5-25) and Mary (Luke 1:26-38). In all three instances he said, “Do not be afraid.” Certainly his appearance must have been frightening and overwhelming. He gave Mary a message. She is to have a baby. This baby will be “Son of the most High” whose kingdom will never end. This baby will be a king and reign on the throne of his ancestor David. He will be more than an earthly ruler, this king is the Son of God and will rule a heavenly kingdom without end. This will be no ordinary baby. This will be no ordinary king. This was no ordinary message.

Ask: If I were Mary, how might I react to the appearance of an angelic messenger? What is the good news of Gabriel’s message?

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, thank you for the message of Gabriel who came to announce the coming of your Son, Jesus into our broken world. Thank you for Mary who found favor in your eyes and was willing to participate in the miracle of the Incarnation. Thank you for Jesus who sits on the throne of David and whose kingdom reigns forever. Help me understand the Incarnation and its meaning for my life and the world. I read the words from Luke again and listen for the message you have for me.

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:29-33

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

This is a familiar passage of scripture, read every Christmas season. Generations of Christmas children’s pageants have recited the words. Songs have been sung, lyrics have been written, sermons have been preached, prayers have been prayed. Yet these oft-repeated biblical words continue to speak to each heart today. What is God saying to me through the words of the archangel Gabriel? As I stand near to young Mary and hear the angelic voice, what difference might it make in my life, in my world, and in the course of the upcoming day?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, I invite you into my circumstances. Come and reveal whatever I am lacking today and supply that which I need most. Grant me wisdom and peace, knowledge and understanding, comfort and assurance. Walk beside me during the course of my day and speak truth to my soul. I am listening. Amen.

The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10

I leave this time of prayer listening for the voice of God. I go to speak love and truth into the lives of others.

Amen