Tuesday December 5, 2023

Today is Tuesday, December 5 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 the prophet Isaiah.

A voice of one calling, “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together.” Isaiah 40:3-5a

Pause and Pray

Mary’s cousin Elizabeth was married to a priest named Zechariah. The devout couple had no children and had grown too old to conceive. They lived in a town called Ein Karem in the hill country just west of Jerusalem. Once when Zechariah was serving as priest he went into the Temple to burn incense. An angel appeared to him near the altar of God. Zechariah was startled but the angel told him to not be afraid. The angel had an important message to deliver. His wife Elizabeth was to conceive and bear a son and they were to name him John. Even though this seemed impossible, Elizabeth soon became pregnant.

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:39-41

The distance from Nazareth to Ein Karem is about 87 miles. Mary would have journeyed several days on foot through the hill country of Judea to visit her cousin Elizabeth. We are not sure if she traveled alone on the journey but the Bible records that she remained there for three months (Luke 1:56). I consider why Mary would have hurried to be with Elizabeth. Perhaps it was because the angel Gabriel mentioned the miracle that had recently occurred in her cousin’s life. The two women had a lot to share about their miraculous experiences and concurrent pregnancies. They needed to spend some quality time together.

Ask: Who in my life do I need to spend quality time with this Christmas season? What relationships would bless me if I invested time with them this year?

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, I know you want what is best for me and you wish to bless me this holiday season. Reveal the relationships in my life that truly matter, show me how I can prepare to spend quality time with friends and loved ones. Help me prioritize my visits and let me hurry after the things that are most important. May I give others the love and joy which you have given me. I read the words from Luke again and listen for the message you have for me.

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:39-41

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

I consider the emotions this passage of scripture evokes in me. Do I feel Mary’s energy, excitement, hurry and anticipation? Do I connect with Elizabeth’s welcome waiting and receptivity? Perhaps I am the one to visit someone and bring them a special gift this Christmas. Maybe I am the one who longs for a visitor to bring me a message of love, hope or peace this Christmas. How might the connection between these two women inform the relationships in my own life? When am I to give and when am I to receive?

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit, and inform my relationships this Christmas season. Reveal those who are longing for me to visit – perhaps sending a message of love, bringing a word of encouragement, or offering a comforting gesture. Reveal those who I am missing most this year – I pray for a deepening of relationships and opportunities to share love and good cheer. Amen.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

I leave this time of prayer blessed by my relationship with the Living God. I go to share his love and sow his peace into my relationships with others.

Amen