Monday December 4, 2023

Today is Monday, December 4 and we are studying about the birth of the Prince of Peace.

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 the Lord Jesus Christ.

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 promise of peace he brings to the world. Amen.

I praise God and seek his eternal truth in the ancient words of Psalm 80.

Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself. Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name. Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. Psalm 80:17-19

Pause and Pray

God sent an angel named Gabriel to a small town in Galilee called Nazareth. A young woman was pledged to be married to a man named Joseph. Her name was Mary. Gabriel greeted her and told her to not be afraid. God favored the girl and he came to give her an extraordinary message. She was to become pregnant and bear God’s Son. This child would reign over Israel and it would be a kingdom that would never end. He would fulfill the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah – a child born from the house of David.

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:34-38

Luke communicates the familiar Christmas story. I have heard it again year after year, yet it speaks to me fresh once more and the words leap off the page to confront my senses. “How will this be?” Mary asks. I am reminded that in Mary’s life and in mine, what is impossible for humans is possible for God. Gabriel affirms that God’s word will never fail. God’s word is truth. It is filled with wisdom for life and solid promises on which I can rely. Despite the extraordinary message, Mary responds to Gabriel’s message with humble affirmation. She gives herself to the noble task God has offered her.

Ask: How have I given myself to be God’s servant? When have I trusted God and when have I doubted?
Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord God, the angel’s message to Mary was an extraordinary one. Despite her curious question, she believes you and gives herself over to your will. Help me understand your will for my life and embrace the daily tasks I am assigned. Grant me the gift of humble trust, giving myself to you and waiting patiently for your word to be fulfilled in my life. I read the words from Luke again and listen for the message you have for me.

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:34-38

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

God endeavors to speak to me through these words of scripture. The encounter between Mary and the angel Gabriel is a familiar one, yet I listen for the wisdom the Holy Spirit offers me this morning. Perhaps I have a question for God about circumstances in my own life. I might also ask God, “How will this be?” Maybe God wants to guide me into my future and I am resistant. Perhaps God wants to grant me wisdom for my relationships and I am not listening. Maybe God wants to supply me exactly what I most need and I am not ready to receive his answer.

Pause and Pray

Come, holy and loving God, enter into the curious wonderings of my heart. Where there are questions, bring answers. Where there is fear, bring assurance. Where there is loneliness, bring companionship. Where there is heartache, bring healing. Where there is doubt, bring trust. Where there is turmoil, bring peace. Amen.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

I leave this time of prayer to seek the Prince of Peace. I go to share his love and be a peacemaker in the world.

Amen