Hope. Advent Devotional 2018

Transcription

1 Hope Advent Devotional 2018 Dear Members and Friends, Greetings and joy this advent season! Most of us love the Christmas season, even while it can also be full of the frenzy of shopping, traveling, and holiday parties. Advent is intended to be a time of waiting, of slowing down and appreciating the longing and anticipation of hopes that have not yet come to be. Last year, Pastor

2 Lauren asked the advent question what are we waiting for? Her Advent guide focused on themes of waiting for salvation, belonging, courage, and grace. This year s Advent devotional, similar to last year s, asks you to slow down for just a few minutes every day, and ask yourselves questions like, What is it we hope for? and, What does God hope for in our world? May this season of Advent be one where you experience the joy and peace of God s love, which is faithful and constant. May this season of Advent also be one where you look outward to reach a hand to others, helping them to see the joy and peace of God s love. In a season where days are short and nights are long, and ending a year that feels increasingly dark, may we look expectantly to God s light, Jesus, who shines in the darkness. With Joy, Kathy Timpte How to use this devotional: In this devotional we will use the lectionary readings for the week (all NRSV translation). Each day will focus on one or two of the four lectionary texts for the week, with some reflections on the scripture s application on our daily lives. The beginning of each devotion starts with a time of centering, and finishes with prayer. Katherine Timpte graduated with her PhD in Biblical studies from Princeton Seminary last May. In addition to teaching at St. Mary s College of California, Kathy has been working in the Spiritual Formation department at LOPC with Pastor Lauren Gully.

3 1st Week of Advent: 1 Thessalonians 3:9 13; Luke 21:25 36; Jeremiah 33:14 16; Psalm 25:1 10 Monday December 3 rd As you begin this study, think of a true friend. Now take a breath, and as you let it out, sigh thank you to God for your friend. Come Lord Jesus, friend of sinners. Read 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13: 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. 11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. 13 And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. There are few things as precious as feeling absolutely at ease with a group of friends. The best of friends help us to be better, more loving, and more gracious people. Whether the family you were raised by was loving and healthy, or dysfunctional and distant, friends can add to or act as surrogates for that inner group of people you can wholly trust, and wholly be yourself with. Who can you name as your true friend? Who might you be a true friend to, in your community? God, we thank you for the friends you have put in our lives. We wait eagerly for those friends we have yet to meet. Help us treasure our friendships. And for those of us who feel alone and friendless, thank you God for being the true Faithful Friend. Come, Lord Jesus, friend of sinners.

4 Tuesday December 4 th As you begin this study, imagine a single candle in a dark room. Now, take a deep breath in, and let it slowly out, taking care to not extinguish the candle you imagined. Come, Lord Jesus, Light of the World. Read Luke 21:25-36: The Coming of the Son of Man 25 There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. The Lesson of the Fig Tree 29 Then he told them a parable: Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Exhortation to Watch 34 Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man. Advent comes at the darkest time of the year, when the days continue to shorten, and when desperation for light and hope is at its greatest. The dark seems to bring out our worries and fears all the more strongly, and this feels particularly true when our fears are the greatest. Luke says in today s passage, People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Yet this fear is exactly when he urges greatest hope: when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. In John 1:5, Jesus is described as the Light. It says, The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it. How can you lift up the light of Christ this Advent season? Where do you need to feel God s light in your life?

5 Lord, we confess that the world feels particularly without light. It seems with every news cycle there are new stories of deep injustice, pain, and loss. We desperately need your light, the Light of the World. Grant us hope, that we might lift our heads. Grant us compassion, that we might bring your light into the dark places. Grant us love, which drives out fear. Come, Lord Jesus, Light of the World. Wednesday, December 5th As you begin this study, focus for a moment on the grief you bear. Now take a breath, and entrust it to Christ as you exhale. Come, Lord Jesus. Help us bear our sorrows. Read: Jeremiah 33:14-16: The Righteous Branch and the Covenant with David 14 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: The Lord is our righteousness. This passage of hope from Jeremiah comes after many chapters of words of condemnation and destruction. In times of desolation, it seems as though God may never turn a compassionate ear towards us. Yet here God promises that God s people will be saved and live in safety. In verse 33:11, it talks about the streets ringing with the sounds of mirth in a city where currently there is only desolation and sorrow. For those of us in times of desolation, may we wait eagerly for God s salvation. And for those of us in times of mirth, may we sing songs of gladness to God, and compassionately pray for those who suffer. Are there things you can do beyond praying for those suffering? Acts as simple as bringing flowers, or writing a card, can be meaningful to those who feel they are alone, and hopeless. How can you bring hope to those in times of grief today?

6 God, thank you that sorrow ties us to those we love who we may have lost. Help us acknowledge and greet sorrow as friend, without being afraid to also hope for joy. Thank you for being one who bears our sorrows. Come, Lord Jesus. Help us bear our sorrows. Thursday, December 6 th As we begin this study, focus for a moment on any regret you bear. Now take a breath, and as you exhale, entrust this regret to Christ. Come, Lord Jesus. Christe eleison: Christ have mercy. Help us bear our shame. Read: Psalm 25: 1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. 3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. 4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. 5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. 6 Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness sake, O Lord! 8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

7 The Psalmist longs not only for God s protection and guidance, but also for God s mercy. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions : forgive both my past and present sins. We long for absolution from the mistakes we ve made, unintentional and intentional. The Psalmist goes on to declare that God instructs sinners, bringing hope and compassion. May we surrender our shame to the one who came to bear it for us. May we rest in a love that overwhelms but is never overwhelmed. And may we trust in a mercy longing to embrace us. Lord, thank you for bearing our sin and shame. Help us to trust you enough to relinquish it. Come, Lord Jesus. Christe eleison: Christ have mercy. Friday, December 7 th As you begin this study, think of a friend who has particularly inspired or challenged you to take action in the world. Take a deep breath, and exhale decisively, remembering the feeling of empowerment to effect change. Come Lord Jesus, bringer of change. Reread Luke 21:25-36 and 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 (Tuesday and Monday s readings) In both Thessalonians as well as the Luke passage, there is a sense of urgency: stay alert, restore your faith. Luke locates the urgency in the uncertain timing of the full coming of the Kingdom of Heaven. In Thessalonians, on the other hand, it is clear that friends are those who encourage and strengthen faith. Who are the people in your lives that help you to strive to take action to change the world for the better? May we not only seek out those people, but be the people that encourages others to stay alert, and turn our faith into action. God, may our faith in you drive us towards enacting the Kingdom of God, a kingdom of justice. Help us to not fall into the lethargy of current mediocrity, but rather actively bring your transformative love to a hurting world. Come Lord Jesus, bringer of change.

8 Saturday, December 8 th As you begin this study, think of someone who has wronged you. Now take a deep breath, and as you let it out, release your feelings towards that person to God, faithful and merciful. Come, Lord Jesus. Kyrie eleison: God have mercy. Reread Psalm 25, and Jeremiah 33:14-16 (Wednesday and Thursday s readings) Both Psalm 25 and Jeremiah 33:14-16 speak of God s faithfulness, a faithfulness which is utterly trustworthy, even when circumstances seem to deny that faithfulness. Both passages also reveal God s mercy: God gives us better than we deserve. The Psalmist in particular struggles to beg for God s mercy, yet asks for God s judgement on enemies. What a natural struggle that is. I am a great grudge keeper: I remember those who have wronged me, or those I love, and I have a hard time letting go of that grudge. And yet I hope and expect that I will be forgiven when I accidentally hurt others. What grudge are you holding that you might let go of this Advent season? Lord, we confess we sometimes don t wish others to receive your mercy; we would rather they receive your judgement. Help us to see through your eyes. Help us to want to want mercy for all. Thank you that your mercy is bigger than our wrath. Come, Lord Jesus. Kyrie eleison: God have mercy. 2nd Week of Advent: Malachi 3:1 4; Luke 1:68 79; Philippians 1:3 11; Luke 3:1 6 Monday, December 10 th Take a moment to think of a special gift you ve received. As you breathe in, think of the joy you felt experiencing the gift. As you exhale, thank God for the gift, and the person who gave it. Come, Lord Jesus, sanctifier of our souls.

9 Read Malachi 3:1-4: The Coming Messenger See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner s fire and like fullers soap; 3 he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years. This passage in Malachi comes after several chapters where God expresses displeasure at the offerings brought before God. Priests have been trying to sneak in disfigured and sickly animals instead of the best of the flocks. So too, people have been giving lip service to God but not acting with justice towards the poor, orphaned, and widowed. God therefore warns that a messenger comes to purify the corruption, like a refiner purifies gold and silver. Only then will the offerings again be pleasing to God. Today, we don t bring livestock to church as an offering to God, but we are still supposed to give our best to God and God s service. If your best includes your time, talents, and treasures, how might you give from your whole heart this Christmas season? God, help us to give you our best, instead of the leftovers of our lives. May we offer up what we most treasure, and act with justice, kindness, and mercy, as you desire most of all. Purify our hearts, Lord God. Come, Lord Jesus, sanctifier of our souls. Tuesday, December 11 th Take a moment to think of a child in your life: a son or daughter, a grandchild, a foster child, a neighborhood or church kid. As you breathe in, hold that child in your heart. Breathe out a prayer of hope for that child, and the life before them. Come Lord Jesus, Beloved Child.

10 Read Luke 1:67-79: 67 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: 68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, 70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 71 that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. 72 Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, 73 the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us 74 that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. 78 By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, is able to speak for the first time since the angel Gabriel announced that Zechariah and his barren wife Elizabeth would have a son, in their old age. Zechariah had asked for a sign from the angel, and he was given one: he was struck mute for nine months. His first act of speaking is an outpouring of praise and prophesy, and it is inspired by the Holy Spirit. It involves a general prayer of thanksgiving to God, as well as a specific recognition of who his son John would grow up to be. John will be the prophet of the Most High, and will prepare the way for the Lord: Jesus. We all have hopes for the children surrounding us. What are some of the hopes you have for them? How might you be a loving presence to a child in your life, and nurture them into becoming all that you hope? God, may we eagerly await the dawning of your son. Grant us the Light of the World. May we nourish and care for the children in our lives, helping them to know how loved they are. Come Lord Jesus, Beloved Child.

11 Wednesday, December 12 th Think of a group of people who bring you special joy: your family, your friends, your small group, and your coworkers. Breathe in the strength they bring to you. Exhale an empowered breath. Come Lord Jesus, Bringer of Joy. Read Philippians 1:3-11: 3 I thank my God every time I remember you, 4 constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, 5 because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. Philippians is known as the letter of joy because of how often Paul uses the word. Here, he talks about the present joy the congregation at Philippi brings him: their encouragement, their shared ministry in the gospel, their holding Paul in their hearts. He also speaks of the hopes he has for them in the future: that they will produce a harvest of righteousness, that they will grow in knowledge, that they will have wisdom to do what is best. There are certain groups of people in our lives that are not only a joy to be around, but also help us to be and to become our absolute best selves. And there are times where that group of people is far away, and only long-distance communication connects us. But Paul makes clear that distance doesn t have to diminish closeness, nor the joy it brings. Think of a friend with whom you ve remained emotionally close to, even when you re separated physically. How might you let that person know just how thankful you are for them? Think about sending a letter, , or gift expressing the joy they bring you. God, thank you for communities, near and far, which bring us joy. Help us to be that community locally, to bring out the best in our families, our neighbors, our coworkers, our friends. Thank you that in times of deepest loneliness, you are always with us. Come Lord Jesus, Bringer of Joy.

12 Thursday, December 13 th Think of a prophetic voice who particularly speaks to you one of the Old Testament prophets, or a modern voice like Martin Luther King Jr. As you breathe in, inhale the passion and commitment that prophet communicates to you. Exhale powerfully, emboldened to likewise act passionately for justice. Come Lord Jesus, bringer of change. Read Luke 3:1-6: The Proclamation of John the Baptist 3 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; 6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. One of the fun and unique things about Luke s Gospel is that he includes John the Baptist s birth story: not only is he a radical preacher, dressed in outrageous clothing, but also he is tied to Jesus via family relation and miraculous birth. In doing this, Luke emphasizes the Spirit of God s work in John the Baptist, lending and extra weight to his message of repentance. The passage in Isaiah further tells us about John: he is the voice of one crying out in the wilderness. John the Baptist is sometimes uncomfortably radical: most of us don t want to look and act in ways so removed from societal norms. But prophets throughout the Bible consistently remind us that while devotion to God can take many forms, quiet or loud, big or small, passionate commitment to justice and righteousness is essential. How might you, in your daily life, practice kindness, mercy, and justice?

13 Lord, help us to follow you, even when it makes us uncomfortable. Help us to recognize your prophets, even when they make us uncomfortable. Help us have the courage to enact your kingdom, a kingdom of justice, righteousness, and truth. Come Lord Jesus, bringer of change. Friday, December 14 As you take a breath in, think of your true self, good and bad. Remember that God knows and loves you just as you are. Exhale, being motivated to be authentic with others. Come Lord Jesus, True God and True Human. Reread Malachi 3:1-4 (from Monday s devotion), and Philippians 1:3-11 (from Wednesday s devotion). Have you ever tried to trick a child into eating something they don t like by disguising it as something else? My mom once tried to sneak broccoli into my sister s favorite casserole. The look on my sister s face when she recognized the taste of the hated vegetable, and my mom s deception, is something I will never forget. Horror, disgust, and most of all reproachful condemnation came out of that six year old s furrowed brow. While the passage in Malachi and the passage in Philippians are completely different in tone (Malachi condemning, Philippians joyful), both share the common theme of authenticity: don t try to hide halfhearted worship as true devotion, says Malachi, and Philippians says to be pure and blameless, growing in righteousness. In each case, the model for this authenticity is God: the true, authentic creator, the one who compassionately cares. Philippians will go on to describe Christ as true God and true human, showing us how to worship with a pure spirit. How might we be more vulnerable in our daily lives, showing our true selves to those we trust? How might we be the sort of people whom others feel enabled to be vulnerable around? God, may we worship you in spirit and in truth. Help us to be authentic as we admit our failures, and yet strive towards worshipping you with our whole hearts. Thank you for the example of Jesus. Come Lord Jesus, True God and True Human.

14 Saturday, December 15 th Reread Luke 1:67-79 (from Tuesday s devotion), and Luke 3:1-6 (from Thursday s devotion). Think of the hopes your parents had for you. Some might be wonderful, some oppressive. Take a breath in, and as you exhale, release those hopes to the God who already knows and loves your every ways. Come Lord Jesus, Hope of the World. It is fun to pair these passages together, because we see Zechariah s prophecy about his son John in Luke 1:67-79, and then get to see some of the fulfillment of that prophesy in Luke 3:1-6. There is also intentional symmetry between the prophesy from Isaiah, quoted in Luke 3, and Zechariah s own prophesy in Luke 1: John the Baptist will prepare the way. He is the Forerunner of Jesus. All of Zechariah s prophecy comes true of his son John, but not all of it is happy and lighthearted. The relationship between parent and child is often loving and warm, and sometimes filled with pain and suffering. Parents are sometimes disappointed in their children, whether for good or bad reasons. Think of your own parents. Whether your relationship with them was positive, negative, or a mixture of both, pray that your opinion of them might be filtered through God s mercy. And thank God especially for being the parent whose love is unconditional, overwhelming, and eternal. God, may we represent you wherever we go. Help us to fulfill your hopes in us, that we might act with love, compassion, and justice in the world. Come Lord Jesus, Hope of the World. 3rd Sunday of Advent: Zephaniah 3:14 20; Isaiah 12:2 6; Philippians 4:4 7; Luke 3:7 18 Monday, December 17 th Think of your favorite song: hymn, classical piece, rap single, musical number. As you take a breath, think of the feeling the song brings you. Exhale, and thank God for music s ability to express emotions bigger than words alone.

15 Come Lord Jesus, Song of God. Read Zephaniah 3:14-20: A Song of Joy 14 Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! 15 The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. 16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. 17 The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing 18 as on a day of festival. I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it. 19 I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. 20 At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the LORD. This passage from Zephaniah resounds with joy: God promises that the Daughter Zion, a personification of the people of Israel, will dance with joy, for God not only will take away God s judgement from her, but also rescue her from her enemies. In Israel, the two often went hand in hand: the book of Judges, for instance, consistently states that the punishment of the Israelites sin is that they will be oppressed by enemies. But here, God promises that disaster will

16 be no more, and that God will sing loudly in exaltation over God s people. I love singing, and every Sunday in church a portion of our worship is singing songs to God. The reversal of God singing over us is therefore a surprising and particularly beautiful one to me. How might you use song (or music) this week to help express your deep emotions, whether joy, love, pain, or anger? God, thank you for music. Thank you for the way it gives voice to our fears, our anger, our sorrows, our joys. God, thank you for your mercy on us. Thank you for loving us enough to forgive our sins, and also to sing loud songs of joy over us. Come Lord Jesus, Song of God. Tuesday, December 18 th There are times we feel confident in God, and others, we have no such assurance. Think of a time where confidence in God was easy. Take a deep breath, and exhale the hope that such confidence will come again (or continue!). Come, Lord Jesus, who is our strength. Read Isaiah 12:2-6: 2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the LORD GOD is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. 3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted. 5 Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. 6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

17 This passage from Isaiah wholeheartedly praises God, attributing qualities to God like strength, might, salvation, and holiness. The author likewise encourages its listeners to praise God, assuredly predicting that they will joyfully proclaim that God is exalted. The Bible can be a comfort to us, in that we can read stories and prayers of praise even when we doubt and fear. The community of believers, both present and past, allows us to rest in the confidence of others, even when we feel no such thing. If you are in a time of doubt, how might you use take comfort from this passage in Isaiah? And if you are in a time of confidence, how much you reach out a hand to those in times of doubt? God, may we hear the prophet Isaiah s voice, and use the words written hundreds of years ago to praise you: great in our midst are you, Lord God. Your name is indeed exalted. Come Lord Jesus, who is our strength. Wednesday, December 19 th Think about your present worries. Take a deep breath, and as you exhale, present them to God. Come Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace. Read Philippians 4:4-7: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. This short but sweet passage in Philippians returns to the theme of joy rejoice in God always. It then moves to a topic many of us struggle with: worry. For me, the bold proclamation that we should not worry about anything is a little off-putting. Now I m worried about how much I worry! However, the phrase don t worry is paired with more manageable advice: don t worry, but rather talk to God through prayer about your worries, hopes, and requests. In return, we are promised the peace of God. Worrying can therefore be a trigger for praying.

18 God, we sometimes don t know how to stop worrying. Thank you for being the never-failing listener of our worries and keeper of our fears. Help us to experience the peace that you promise, a peace that surpasses understanding. Come Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace Thursday, December 20 th Think of a time where someone convinced you to change your unhealthy actions. Think of how the words were likely uncomfortable, but also brought truth to your life, and real change. Inhale, and exhale a prayer that God will keep your heart open to truth, even when uncomfortable. Come Lord Jesus, Word of God. Read Luke 3:7-18: 7 John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, We have Abraham as our ancestor ; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 9 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 10 And the crowds asked him, What then should we do? 11 In reply he said to them, Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise. 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, Teacher, what should we do? 13 He said to them, Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you. 14 Soldiers also asked him, And we, what should we do? He said to them, Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages. 15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16 John answered all of them by saying, I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire. 18 So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

19 I always enjoy the final verse in this passage from Luke: after a series of threats, exhortations and words of judgement from John the Baptist, the author of Luke sums up the passage by saying that he proclaimed the good news to the people. At first glance, the news seems anything but good. The Greek word, however, can also be translated as Gospel John is proclaiming the Gospel to the people. While the Gospel is ultimately and unimaginably good news, it is not always easy or happy. John the Baptist preaches a message of social upheaval: those who are inside will find themselves as outsiders, and those who have always been on the margins will finally find themselves a community and a home. For all, therefore, radical transformation is necessary. How do you feel God seeking to transform you? Are you open to God s transformation, or resistant? God, we confess that we would much rather your Gospel be news that is just happy and lighthearted. We find it hard that your news requires change. Help us to transform to be what you desire. Help us to accept your good news, even when it looks like John the Baptist s preaching. Come Lord Jesus, Word of God. Friday, December 21 st As you inhale, think of a specific prayer request you ve had that was answered unexpectedly. Exhale, and thank God for God s love for you. Come Lord Jesus, Shepherd of the Lost. Reread Zephaniah 3:14 20 (Monday s reading) and Isaiah 12:2 6 (Tuesday s reading). Both the passage in Zephaniah and the passage in Isaiah are wholehearted praises of God. Not only is God generally described as good, powerful, and merciful, but God is specifically thanked for concrete forgiveness and love. In Zephaniah, God is even described as the one who creates a home for those who don t have one, and gather up the outcast. Together, Isaiah and Zephaniah s readings form a beautiful symphony of praise. Sometimes God doesn t seem to answer our prayers. But other times, a small or great thing will happen that we ve been praying for. It is at these times that it is easiest to praise God loudly. How might you praise God at this moment in

20 your life, whether you re in a moment of seeing God s answer to prayers, or a moment where you re still waiting? God, it is hard for us to wait for your answers. Thank you that sometimes answers to our prayers comes quickly and obviously. Help us to recognize those times that your answers come as quiet, small moments, that we might praise you better. Come Lord Jesus, Shepherd of the Lost. Saturday, December 22 nd As you inhale, think of a time you were honored and celebrated in a way that was so touching you didn t know what to do with yourself. As you exhale, remember that feeling of grateful humility, and thank God. Come Lord Jesus, Son of Mary. Read Luke 1:46-55: Mary s Song of Praise 46 And Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.

21 Mary s Song of Praise is also called the Magnificat (from the first word in the Latin, meaning magnifies ), and has been used by the church for centuries as one of the major songs of praise to God. Mary has just learned that she has been chosen to bear Jesus, and her outpouring is both touching and strident. She acknowledges her lowly stature, and that people one day will call her blessed. This gives a sense of her awe at the honor bestowed upon her. But then, in a somewhat surprising twist, she goes on to emphasize the upheaval that God has planned: the right and proud will be struck down, but the lowly will be lifted up, and the hungry will be filled. This song is full of power and confidence in a God who will right injustices by lifting up the lowly, and humbling the proud. Usually we think of gentleness or humility as being the opposite of powerful. But Mary encapsulates both in her song. How might you embody these qualities together? Are there ways this week that you can lift up the lowly or fill the hungry? God, thank you for the example of Mary, God-bearer. May we learn from her humility, awe, and wonder, as well as from her powerful declarations of your justice. Bring your justice to our world: protect the helpless, and overthrow the powerful. Come Lord Jesus, Son of Mary. Christmas Eve: Monday, December 24 As you inhale, think about the meaning of the Incarnation God becoming flesh, God becoming an infant child. Exhale a joyous thanks to God the Lord has come. Come Lord Jesus, True God and True Human. For today s meditation, there are four readings, finishing with Luke s narrative of Christ s birth. Each of these readings connects with one another as they proclaim the impact of God s love for humanity, throughout the centuries. Rejoice as we celebrate Jesus coming to earth as both fully God and fully human. This is the great mystery of the Christian faith, and one of its greatest joys. How do you pray this Christmas season that God might be real to you? How might you bring Christ to others in a tangible way? Come Lord Jesus, True God and True Human.

22 Isaiah 9:2-7 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Psalm 96 Praise to God Who Comes in Judgment 1 O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples. 4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;

23 he is to be revered above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 6 Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts. 9 Worship the LORD in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth. 10 Say among the nations, The LORD is king! The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity. 11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 12 let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy 13 before the LORD; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth. Titus 2: For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12 training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are selfcontrolled, upright, and godly, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14 He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. Luke 2:1-20 The Birth of Jesus 2 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son

24 and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. The Shepherds and the Angels 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us. 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.