Wednesday December 6, 2023

Today is Wednesday, December 6 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 Malachi.

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty. But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. Malachi 3:1-2

Pause and Pray

Mary traveled to visit her cousin Elizabeth in the hill country outside of Jerusalem. Two babies were destined to meet while still in the womb – John the Baptist and Jesus. After Mary’s long journey, she entered Zechariah and Elizabeth’s home and greeted her cousin who was six months further along in her pregnancy than Mary. The baby in Elizabeth’s womb suddenly jumped at Mary’s greeting and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:42-45

This encounter between two pregnant cousins in the Gospel of Luke is noteworthy because it records the first time Jesus and John the Baptist meet. Elizabeth not only offered Mary her blessing, she acknowledged that the baby in Mary’s womb was indeed the Messiah. She called the unborn baby Lord and blessed him. John the Baptist already fulfills his role as the one who would identify and point to the Messiah. His prenatal jump was an acknowledgement of who this other baby would be – “one whose sandals I am not worthy to untie” (John 1:27).

Ask: Elizabeth and baby John the Baptist are aware of the presence of the Christ Child, am I aware of the presence of Jesus? Elizabeth and baby John the Baptist react noticeably to the presence of Jesus, how do I react?

Pause and Pray

Holy and Loving God, Mary believed you would fulfill your promises to her. Elizabeth was honored that Mary traveled to come and visit her. She offered her blessing to Mary and the Baby Jesus. Show me how I might grow in my faith and trust. Teach me how I can best respond to the favor and blessings you have provided me. I read the words from Luke again and listen for the message you have for me.

In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:42-45

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 listen to the words of Elizabeth with the ears of my heart, straining to hear the whispers of God’s wisdom informing my journey for the upcoming day. I repeat the word or phrase that stands out to me, record it in my journal and carry its fragrance with me throughout my busy life. In every interaction I hope I can respond like Elizabeth – with humble appreciation, honoring the other person, and offering them blessings in tangible ways. I hope I can recognize Christ in my midst and respond with leaps of profound joy at his presence.

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus, reveal your presence in the ordinary, mundane courses of the upcoming day. Show me how you are at work in the world for good and invite me to join you. You have blessed me richly; teach me how to go and bless others in thought, word and deed. Give me a humble appreciation for the gift of the people I will encounter throughout my day. Amen.

The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. Proverbs 11:25 (MSG)

I leave this time of prayer blessed by a loving God. I go to love and bless others in all that I say and do.

Amen