A
ngels appear in many stories in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Angels witnessed creation (Job 38:7), served as God’s messengers (Judges 6:11-24), attended to Jesus in the wilderness (Mark 1:13) and on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:43), were present at the resurrection (Luke 24:4-7) and ascension (Acts 1:9-11), and guided the early apostles including Philip (Acts 8:26), Cornelius (Acts 10:3-8), Peter (Acts 12:6-11), and Paul (Acts 27:21-26). Angels are most widely known, however, for their role in the Christmas story. Appearing to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, the angels proclaimed words of hope, peace, joy, and love. During Advent we prepare for the coming of the Christ Child in Bethlehem and for the rebirth of Jesus in our lives. During this season, we are busily preparing our homes for Christmas and can easily overlook the importance of preparing our hearts for the coming Savior. This devotional guide is designed to help you focus your heart and mind on the words of the angels and the gifts their announcements bring. Each week begins with an account from the Bible of heaven reaching down to earth as the angels announce the unfolding Christmas story to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. Reflect on these stories and think about what the angel’s words meant to the people to whom they were spoken and the meaning they have for you today. The themes of the daily readings correspond to the candles of the Advent wreath. Read each scripture and, using the prayer focus, spend time meditating and praying for your heart and mind to be opened to the gifts of Christmas – hope, peace, joy, and love. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”
Advent
Will you use this season to prepare your heart to receive the gift of the Christ Child?
The Angel Appears to
Mary
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38
The Second Week of Advent:
THE CANDLE OF
Peace
A CANDLE IS BURNING
A candle is burning, a candle of peace, a candle to signal that conflict must cease: for Jesus is coming to show us the way, a message of peace humbly laid in the hay.
Daily Readings Sunday, December 7 Read: Isaiah 9:2b-7 Prayer Focus: Isaiah’s oracle promises the birth of a child who will sit upon the throne of David and establish a kingdom of endless peace. His name will be “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Ask God to open your heart this Advent season to welcome Jesus and to help you to more fully understand the meaning and significance of each of His names. Monday, December 8 Read: Isaiah 52:7-10 Prayer Focus: Over the centuries, God’s messengers of peace have included the angels, the prophets, and Jesus himself. Who are God’s messengers of peace today? Could God be calling you? Invite God to give you a message of peace to proclaim to the people you meet today because everyone can use an encouraging word of peace.
Tuesday, December 9 Read: Micah 5:2-5a Prayer Focus: Prior to the birth of Jesus, Bethlehem was a small, insignificant town known primarily as the hometown of David. David was anointed as king over Israel, but his reign was marked by war and conflict. Today’s reading proclaims that another ruler from Bethlehem “shall be the one of peace.” Enthrone God as king of your heart, let Him rule in your life, and rest securely in His peace. Wednesday, December 10 Read: Matthew 5:1-12 Prayer Focus: It is easy to look to professional diplomats or world leaders to be peacemakers. Yet, as children of God, each of us is called to be a peacemaker. Ask God to show you how to be a peacemaker in this world so desperate for peace. Pray for God to strengthen the world leaders who seek peace and bless their efforts. Pray also for the leaders and terrorists who seek war and destruction – may God open their hearts to receive His gifts of grace and mercy during this holy season and turn their hearts to Him. Thursday, December 11 Read: John 14:25-27 Prayer Focus: Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” How does Jesus’ peace differ from worldly peace? Pray for God to grant you a deeper understanding and experience of the peace He offers. Friday, December 12 Read: Ephesians 2:11-22 Prayer Focus: Jesus is our peace; He came to reconcile each of us to God through His death on the cross. As members of the household of God, we are called to be one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world. Call upon God to open your eyes to the relationships in your life needing reconciliation and grant you the wisdom and courage to seek it.
Saturday, December 13 Read: Philippians 4:4-9 Prayer Focus: How do you comprehend “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding”? How can God’s peace “guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”? Spend time meditating on today’s reading, trust God to shine a light on your understanding, and pray for His peace guard your heart and mind. NOTES:
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