MEDITATION:

Written by Bill Gaultiere, a contemporary psychologist, spiritual director, and author.

For two thousand years, Mary’s Magnificat has been a source of daily prayer for Christ-followers who use The Liturgy of the Hours. She exclaimed these words upon hearing her older cousin Elizabeth confirm that she was indeed carrying Christ the Lord in her womb! We seem to have the idea that when Mary sang the Magnificat it was as if the clouds parted, and a divine light beamed into her body, and she burst forth singing with the assistance of a choir of angels! Probably it was more than a moment of sudden inspiration from God. It’s likely that Mary’s song was informed by her readings of the Old Testament and her conversations with family and friends about the coming of the Messiah. For instance, we know that Mary prayed and discussed the great prayer of Hannah in the Old Testament and that Mary’s song has similarities to Hannah’s prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-10). We also know that Mary was a woman who “treasured and pondered in her heart” the things that God showed her (Luke 2:19). Probably she prayed or sang her Magnificat many times throughout her life, perhaps even before her visit with Elizabeth, but especially in the days and years afterward. That makes sense because she certainly needed the blessed words of life that God gave her! For a long time, no one but Joseph believed her story that she was pregnant by a miracle of the Holy Spirit — she was branded with the Scarlet A! Like Jesus, all of her life she lived with the slanderous accusations that were spoken against her (John 9:29). Imagine Mary walking to the village well to get water and people frowning at her and whispering about her. If she looked to them for acceptance, she’d feel embarrassed and insecure, but instead she smiles and quietly hums the words of the glorious song that God gave her! “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord… All generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me…” (Luke 1:46-47). Mary experienced many other trials in her life, like poverty, fleeing to Egypt when Herod wanted to kill baby Jesus, losing her husband at young age, and raising a family without him, and the sword that pierced her heart when her son was scourged and crucified (Luke 2:35). I can imagine Mary praying and singing the Magnificat to help her see with eyes of faith beyond her circumstances and into the spiritual reality of the Kingdom of God where she was indeed blessed, and the strong arm of the Lord Almighty was doing great things for her and through her to others! This is a picture of Mary that I can relate to in the trials that I face. I can practice seeing the unseen Kingdom of God in my midst and putting my trust in the risen Christ who is there with me.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:46-55

MUSIC VIDEO: Magnificat Gregoriano

Performed by Harpa Dei

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MEDITATION:

Written by Ruth Grendell.

I have a collection of Creche ornaments that I have collected over the years. Initial ones were purchased with my childhood allowance at the local Dime Store! Bob made a wood manger to house them. I’ve gathered others from different countries, and a small ornament that is intricately carved from a soft, rough white How-lite stone from Romania that is displayed in its special place all year. Eventually, the collection includes a beautiful set of Lenox figurines. I even have a set of needlepoint figures –that are still in progress! Perhaps that will be my goal for 2022.

Christmas really begins for me when the ornaments are unwrapped, as I reflect on the history of acquiring each one. The grandchildren have heard the stories and have chosen their favorites. Each year an artist friend and his wife send their card with a picture of the creche nestled in a beautiful setting. They travel throughout the world and always looks for a perfect location where he can insert his drawing of Christ’s birth. The one, below, that I have framed has a very prominent place near our Christmas tree.

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 1:24-31

MUSIC VIDEO: Some Children See Him

Performed by Sixpence None the Richer

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MEDITATION:

Excerpted from a writing by John Mark Reynolds, contemporary author and director of the Torrey Honors Institute.

Nobody knew her name, but then she burst into history after a long life. Elizabeth was a failure by the standards of her culture, but God loved her. Just when most friends thought her time had passed, Elizabeth found herself at the beginning of Christmas. There is hope in her life for any of us. God acts when the time is right and can empower anyone, at any time, in any place to do His will. Elizabeth loved God and God did not forget her… Elizabeth faced the surprise Advent visit of a very pregnant Virgin Mary. She faced this guest while very pregnant herself with a husband who had been cursed by an angel. When Mary discovered she was pregnant, she knew where to go. Most anybody would guess, gossip, or judge her swelling belly, but Elizabeth would take her into a home and keep Mary safe… She had been judged by others, but she refused to prejudge Mary. The older woman had longed to be pregnant and now an angel had promised her a son… Elizabeth models the possibility of knowledge that comes from within by faith in God’s promises…Elizabeth is always joyful, joyful in greeting Mary, and joyful at the birth of her son. Some of us might demand more from God, but Elizabeth was delighted with her one great blessing. She knew what she should want and that she was bound to get it and so could be content. Elizabeth valued properly and history has given her proper value. The old woman must have died happy as her son and his great relative, God’s son, grew up. The baby grew and became a man, the forerunner to Messiah. Mary would face pain so great that it would be compared to a sword thrust through her heart, but Elizabeth likely was not there for the conclusion of the life of her son John and Jesus. She did not have to go to the foot of the cross. We have no record of her during John the Baptist’s ministry.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:24-25; 39-45; 56-66

MUSIC VIDEO: Mary, Did You Know?

Performed by Wanda Viola

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MEDITATION:

Written by Will Graham, grandson of Billy Graham and Vice-President and Associate Evangelist at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

It’s hard not to be intrigued and impressed by Mary. She was just a teenager, some estimates say between 13 and 16 years old, when an angel appeared to her. I can just imagine how a teen today would have reacted if an angel of the Lord showed up in their room. My guess is that the immediate response would be fear, screams or crying. The sheer overwhelming nature of the experience would be enough to cause that reaction. However, when the angel appears and brings a joyful message—“Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”—the Bible says that Mary was “troubled.” The angel even encouraged her with, “Do not be afraid.” One would expect that Mary would struggle with this revelation and abrupt change in her life’s path. After all, things seemed to be going okay. She was even engaged to a man named Joseph, but now she would be the gossip of the town. A scandal like an unwed pregnancy would not go unnoticed and answering the critics by saying that an angel visited her would likely cause more questions than answers. But Mary was clearly no normal teenager! After her initial response, Mary embraces her calling as the earthly mother of Jesus. In what is called “The Song of Mary”, we see a young woman who considers herself blessed, who rejoices! Of course, the story doesn’t end there, and things don’t get any easier. Mary, at the end of her pregnancy, must endure the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem, at the end of which she delivers the Christ child in a manger. Was she bitter? Did she shout at God, “You did this to me, and now you can’t even give me a decent place to give birth? Not even one room?” No, as she held her child, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, she pondered all that had taken place, keeping it in her heart. As you enter this Advent season, maybe this year hasn’t gone how you planned. Maybe you expected your life to be much different than it is. Perhaps you’re even mad at God and blame Him for your circumstances. If so, it’s okay to be troubled, but I invite you to do as Mary did, and rejoice in the midst of your pain. Lay it all at the feet of the One who came to save you, whose birth we celebrate. Despite the struggles, Mary considered herself blessed because of what God did for her, and you can too as you ponder how He has blessed you.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:34-38

MUSIC VIDEO: Mary, Did You Know?

Performed by Pentatonix

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MEDITATION:

Written by Jamie Janosz, a contemporary author.

According to several recent polls, more Americans believe in the existence of angels (55 percent) than in global warming (36 percent). In August 2007, a Pew poll found that 68 percent of Americans believe that “angels and demons are active in the world.” The story of the Nativity features one of these angels, Gabriel. His name means “the strength of God,” and he is often seen delivering messages of God’s kindness. The angel Gabriel is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, first to Daniel (Dan. 8:15–16) and later in the New Testament, predicting the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. The passage tells us that the angel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth in the “sixth month,” referring to the pregnancy of Elizabeth (1:36). The angel had previously appeared to Zechariah, and now was sent on a second birth announcement mission to Mary. To this young girl, a virgin, the angel Gabriel appears and addresses her with great respect: “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you” (v. 28). Like most humans receiving a heavenly visitor, Mary was “troubled” by the angel’s appearance. Gabriel repeated that she has found “favor” with God (v. 30). The fact that God has favored or chosen her should allay her fears. He then told Mary the reason for his visit: she will bear a son, in a supernatural way, and name Him Jesus. This will not be an ordinary baby, because His destiny will be to reign over the house of Jacob forever (vv. 31–33). Jesus would not be the son of an earthly man, but the “Son of the Most High” (v. 32). The announcement of this baby certainly warranted an angelic messenger.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 1: 26-33

MUSIC VIDEO: The Angel Gabriel

Performed by All Angels

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MEDITATION:

Written by Derrek Busha a contemporary pastor of counseling and Brynn James, a contemporary author.

It’s been 400 years since Israel has heard from Yahweh. They have hung on to the promise that the day of the Lord is coming. They believe that there will be a Messiah and one who precedes him to prepare the way.  This is where we find Zechariah. He is faithfully tending to his duties in worship at the Temple when he encounters an angel, who brings the good news that the old Zechariah and his barren wife shall finally have a son. The angel tells Zechariah that his son’s name is to be John, and that John will fulfill God’s promise! 

You would think that Zechariah would respond with joy and gladness at the angel’s news. But instead, he seems skeptical, almost doubtful, as he responds: “How shall I know this? I am old, and my wife is advanced in years.” The angel informs him that because of his disbelief, he will be struck with muteness, unable to speak, to explain, or communicate what is happening until his son arrives.  So, Zechariah is left to wait—for nine months. He is left to ponder. All he can do is wait with intense hope and anticipation—anticipation that grows in strength all the way up to the day that his son arrives. 

Zechariah gets to speak again when his son is born. And the words that he speaks are of even better news to come. Zechariah’s waiting reminds us of Israel’s waiting. But unlike his growing anticipation, Israel’s doubt festered over a long period of time. There should have been anticipation while waiting on God to act. But because of their disbelief, they are left to wait a bit longer, and a bit longer…until the right time for God to enter back into their story. Like Zechariah, Israel doubted. But God’s Word was able to fill them with hope and salvation. This Advent, may we find hope and encouragement. And may we also find words to proclaim that God has broken the silence and has given us his Word in Christ.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 1: 5-23; 67-79

MUSIC VIDEO: Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart

Performed by Tapestry Chamber Singers

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MEDITATION:

Written by Arlene Stamper

It was fall of 1969. My husband and I and our two-year-old daughter were living in a one-bedroom apartment in Anaheim CA. We were blocks away from Disneyland where we would watch the fireworks in the evenings from our little patio. 

After walking my daughter in her stroller one day, I spotted a hobby shop. They had the most beautiful nativity scene out on display!  Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus. The three Wisemen and the Shepherd. The statues were each about a foot tall and burnished a rich gold.

Being a young married couple, Jerry and I did not have many Christmas decorations. In fact, we were still using the aluminum foil Christmas tree my folks had purchased in 1959!  So, I went into that hobby shop and signed up to make that nativity! I took weekly classes and learned how to make a wire form for each figure, drape and form the fabric for their clothing, and then finally burnish them. It was a proud moment when I applied the gold leaf just in time for Christmas!

This nativity has travelled to three different homes we have lived in over the years. Although we have received and purchased many Christmas decorations over the years, our first Nativity continues to bless and remind me of the real reason for Christmas.

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 7:10-14

MUSIC VIDEO: O Holy Night

Performed by Home Free

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The History of Nativities

MEDITATION:

Excerpt from an article written by L.V. Anderson, a contemporary news editor.

St. Francis of Assisi is credited with staging the first nativity scene in 1223. The only historical account we have of Francis’ nativity scene comes from The Life of St. Francis of Assisi by St. Bonaventure, a Franciscan monk who was born five years before Francis’ death. According to Bonaventure’s biography, St. Francis got permission from Pope Honorius III to set up a manger with hay and two live animals—an ox and an ass—in a cave in the Italian village of Greccio. He then invited the villagers to come gaze upon the scene while he preached about “the babe of Bethlehem.” (Francis was supposedly so overcome by emotion that he couldn’t say “Jesus.”) That nativity scenes had enormous popular appeal. Francis’ display came in the middle of a period when mystery or miracle plays were a popular form of entertainment and education for European laypeople. These plays, originally performed in churches and later performed in town squares, re-enacted Bible stories in vernacular languages. Since church services at the time were performed only in Latin, which virtually no one understood, miracle plays were the only way for laypeople to learn scripture. Francis’ nativity scene used the same method of visual display to help locals understand and emotionally engage with Christianity. Within a couple of centuries of Francis’ inaugural display, nativity scenes had spread throughout Europe. It’s unclear from Bonaventure’s account whether Francis used people or figures to stand in for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, or if the spectators just used their imagination, but later nativity scenes included both tableaux vivants and dioramas, and the cast of characters gradually expanded to include not only the happy couple and the infant, but sometimes entire villages. The familiar cast of characters we see today—namely the three wise men and the shepherds—aren’t biblically accurate… Nowhere in the Bible do the shepherds and wise men appear together, and nowhere in the Bible are donkeys, oxen, cattle, or other domesticated animals mentioned in conjunction with Jesus’ birth. But early nativity scenes took their cues more from religious art than from scripture.

SCRIPTURE: Colossians 3: 12-17

MUSIC VIDEO: A Hymn of the Nativity

Performed by Julia Doyle and the City of London Choir

If using an advent wreath, light the first purple candle, which symbolizes hope and is called the Prophet’s Candle. The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Kimberly Matthews, a certified lay minister and author. She also writes under the name Sandpiper.

This morning I picked up a book by Paula Gooder called The Meaning is in the Waiting. I haven’t started the book itself yet, but I did read the forward by Lauren F. Winner. “She says this: We are told, by advertisements and by our Blackberries, to squeeze time dry, to use it well, to maximize it. The church tells us a different story about it (time) — it is God’s and there is enough of it, more than enough. The church’s narrative about time is never clearer than during Advent when we are invited to spend our time very foolishly indeed. We are invited to wait. Just to wait.” Take a breath. Take some time. Waste it. Waste it during a season when everything around you demands that you make the most of your time. Wait on God. Lauren Winner tells us that something amazing happens when we do. We find that God is waiting on us. The image that came to my mind was of a parent waiting up at night for a teenager to come home. God is waiting for us. “The Lord waits to be gracious to you.” I find myself in a time that feels like limbo. Thanksgiving has come and gone; Advent has yet to come. We are waiting to begin waiting. My devotional challenge to you this week is to give some thought to Advent. What will you do as you wait for God? How will you prepare yourself to begin? My commitment this Advent is to find some quiet time each day for devotionals and prayer. I commit to more spiritual reading during this month. I want to draw closer to the Truth during this time of waiting, and I am going to be intentional about it. It is God’s time, and there is enough of it. Do what seems wasteful and wait for God.

PRAYER:

Written by Kimberly Matthews, the author of today’s meditation

Creator God, who stretches a hand across the heavens and spreads the stars in the sky, meet us in our waiting. Loving Son, who came and comes and will come, come today and meet us in our waiting. Abiding Spirit, who waits with us, speak to us in our waiting. Loving God, grant us the courage to wait for you and the grace to realize you wait for us. Amen.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Calvin Hoogendoorn, a contemporary pastor and author.

The great hymn “Amazing Grace” summarizes biblical faith well: “Grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” If grace reveals that joy is a gift, then prayer is the Lord’s gracious means through which he daily sustains that joy. We sometimes believe we are independent, self-sufficient people. Our tired minds, aching backs, and callous hands that produced a successful career and a comfortable home seem to affirm that myth. But what if corporate restructuring takes away the paycheck, or terminal illness robs our strength and vitality? Anxiety, worry, and fear set in, taking the place of our pride. Life comes from the Lord, and so does daily help. We come to the Lord through prayer, and the fruit of prayer is peace. Yet prayer is not a mantra, and we can’t use it to try to manipulate God. Prayer is a divine gift to strengthen the bonds of love between us and God. The act of prayer itself affirms our dependence on him for peace and joy. Peace is knowing that death is overcome by resurrection, falsehood by truth, confusion by wisdom, hatred by love. This is the joyful fruit of believers who seek the Lord! Then, when all else has failed, we can still say, “I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:18).

PRAYER:

Written by Jennifer Rothschild, a contemporary author and speaker.

Lord, when my heart is overwhelmed, overwhelm me with Your peace. Lead me to You, my rock. Guide me to Your Word which gives me strength and refuge. Help me not to run to lesser things. Draw me to run to You first. Help me get into the habit of taking my “overwhelmed” and placing it under your will. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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