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
Joseph
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25
The Third Week of Advent:
THE CANDLE OF
Joy
A CANDLE IS BURNING A candle is burning, a candle of joy, a candle to welcome brave Mary’s new boy. Our hearts fill with wonder, and eyes light and glow as joy brightens winter like sunshine on snow.
Daily Readings Sunday, December 14 Read: Luke 1:39-45 Prayer Focus: In today’s reading, The Message says, “The babe in my womb skipped like a lamb for sheer joy.” How remarkable that the unborn child in Elizabeth’s womb experienced such delight being close to the baby Jesus in Mary’s womb! When is the last time you experienced sheer joy at being in the presence of Jesus? Pray for God to cast aside your inhibitions and worship Him with unbridled joy. Monday, December 15 Read: Luke 1:46-55 Prayer Focus: Mary’s song of praise, often called the Magnificat, is her response to the news that she will bear God’s Son. The angel’s announcement was something she certainly did not expect, and it must have been a scary and confusing time for a teen-aged, unmarried girl. Still, she turned to God with a song of rejoicing. Invite God to give you a song of joy even though you may be facing unexpected or difficult circumstances.
Tuesday, December 16 Read: Luke 15:8-10 Prayer Focus: It is easy to think of angels as Biblical beings in another time and place. However, the same angels who brought the news of the great joy of Jesus’ birth to shepherds in the field also rejoice in heaven each time a sinner repents. Give the angels a reason to rejoice today – let the Holy Spirit convict you, confess your sins to God, seek His forgiveness, and turn to walk in His ways. Wednesday, December 17 Read: Psalm 98:1-9 Prayer Focus: Psalm 98 calls us to make a joyful noise to the Lord and reminds us that all nature joins in our songs of praise. As you make a joyful noise to the Lord today, consider going outdoors to meditate and pray and ask Him to open your senses to the various ways nature praises Him. Thursday, December 18 Read: I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Prayer Focus: Sometimes it seems almost impossible to rejoice. However, God’s will is for us to “Rejoice always.” How is joy different than happiness? Can you experience joy in the Lord during sad or troubling times? Meet God in prayer wherever you are today. If you are joyful, tell Him. If you are in the midst of a difficult time, share your concerns with God and invite Him to turn your tears into shouts of joy. Friday, December 19 Read: I Chronicles 29:10-22a Prayer Focus: In today’s reading, David praises God for the offerings given joyously to God by the people for the building of the temple. Likewise, God wants each of us to give with a joyful heart. What does God call you to give during this Christmas season? With the expectation that He will answer, ask God to show you and then follow His leading and give with a joyful heart. Saturday, December 20
Read: Isaiah 12:1-6
Prayer Focus: What better reason could there be for singing with joy than the gift of salvation? During Advent we prepare for the birth of Jesus – God’s gift of salvation sent to earth in the form of a tiny baby. Ask God to give you a song of joy as you remember all He has done for you, rejoice in His gift of salvation, and share the joy of salvation with someone you meet today.
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