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
Zechariah
In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years. Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Zechariah said to the angel, "How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years." The angel replied, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur." Luke 1:5-20
The First Week of Advent:
THE CANDLE OF
Hope
A CANDLE IS BURNING
A candle is burning, a flame warm and bright, a candle of hope in December’s dark night. While angels sing blessings from heaven’s starry sky, our hearts we prepare now for Jesus is nigh.
Daily Readings Sunday, November 30 Read: Isaiah 40:1-5 Prayer Focus: In today’s reading, God instructs his angels to speak a message of comfort and hope to His people in exile in Babylon. Even though most of us have never been in exile in a foreign land, we sometimes feel alone and isolated. Ask God to speak a word of comfort and hope to you today and shine His light in the dark areas of your life. Monday, December 1 Read: Isaiah 40:28-31 Prayer Focus: During the Christmas season, we often become tired and weary, sometimes to the point of exhaustion, from participating in nonstop holiday activities. We are busy shopping, attending parties, baking cookies, and decorating. While there is nothing inherently wrong with these activities, Advent calls us to a better way – to sit at the feet of Jesus as Mary did while her sister, Martha, worked. Pray for God to help you “wait for the Lord” (translated “put your hope in the Lord” in the NIV) and strengthen your resolve to seek the better way this Advent season by making communion with Him your first priority.
Tuesday, December 2 Read: Psalm 33:13-22 Prayer Focus: Where do you find hope? We live in a culture that encourages us to put our hope in power, prestige, and wealth, but today’s reading reminds us that putting our hope in these things is vain. Our true hope is found in God and God alone. Invite God to reveal to you the false gods and earthly treasures in which you put your hope and help you hope and trust more fully in Him. Wednesday, December 3 Read: Jeremiah 29:10-14 Prayer Focus: God has a plan and “a future with hope” for you! He reveals His plans when we seek Him with all our hearts. Call upon God to bless your efforts to seek Him and help you discover His plan for your life. Look to Him to fill you with hope as you anticipate the future He has planned especially for you. Thursday, December 4 Read: Romans 5:1-8 Prayer Focus: From a human standpoint, we expect optimism and hope to spring from a trouble-free life. However, in today’s reading, we find the opposite. Paul tells us that “suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope”. Ask God to use the suffering and disappointments of today to lead you toward hope for tomorrow. Friday, December 5 Read: I Thessalonians 4:13-18 Prayer Focus: In this season of “Joy to the World” and “Jingle Bells,” some people find themselves grieving instead of feeling merry. Whether it is the death of a loved one, the world in turmoil, or the loss of a dream, today’s reading teaches us that grief is a part of the human experience. However, as Christians we grieve differently than the rest of the world; we grieve with hope. Turn to God and walk with Him through your grief, trusting Him to help you find the hope only He can give.
Saturday, December 6 Read: John 14:1-6 Prayer Focus: Heaven is ultimate hope of all Christians. Through God’s gifts of grace and mercy, we, who deserve only hell, are given heaven. The word “hope” is not found in today’s reading, yet it is a passage filled with hope as we receive Jesus’ promise that we will be with Him one day. Call upon God to fill your heart with the hope of heaven knowing that regardless of what this life brings your way, God is preparing you for an eternity of joy in His presence. NOTES:
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:
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.
The Angel Appears to the
Shepherds
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” 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.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Luke 2:8-20
The Fourth Week of Advent:
THE CANDLE OF
Love
A CANDLE IS BURNING A candle is burning, a candle of love, a candle to point us to heaven above. A baby for Christmas, a wonderful birth, for Jesus is bringing God’s love to our earth.
Daily Readings Sunday, December 21 Read: Matthew 22:34-40 Prayer Focus: Love is a word we use casually and sometimes carelessly. We “love” chocolate or playing basketball or cool mornings followed by warm afternoons. But what does it mean to love in a Biblical sense? What does it mean to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind”? Open you heart, soul, and mind and invite God to show you what it means to love Him with all your being. Monday, December 22 Read: I Corinthians 13:1-13 Prayer Focus: Paul writes, “I will show you a still more excellent way.” Those words are followed by this chapter expounding the priority of love over the spiritual gifts of speaking in tongues, prophecy, faith, and giving. Without love, the other gifts mean nothing. Think about the gifts you will give this Christmas. Ask God to show you how to wrap each one in love so the recipients will see not only your love for them, but God’s love also.
Tuesday, December 23 Read: John 15:12-17 Prayer Focus: Every day we encounter people who need love. Some are family and friends, and others are strangers; some are easy to love and quick to return our love, and others are not. Jesus doesn’t make any distinction. He commands us to love everyone we meet just as He loves each of us. Look for God’s direction as He leads you to someone who needs your love today and ask Him to let His love shine through you.
Christmas EVE A CANDLE IS BURNING We honour Messiah with Christ-candle’s flame, our Christmas Eve candles glad tidings proclaim. O come, all you faithful, rejoice in this night, as God comes among us, the Christian’s true light. Wednesday, December 24 Read: I John 4:7-16 Prayer Focus: God is love, and, when we love one another, God’s love is made compete. As we gather for Christmas Eve services, we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus, God’s gift of love to a tumultuous world. Prepare for worship by asking God to clear your mind of all distractions and focus your attention on Jesus. Pray for God to open your heart to receive the gifts He gives to each of us this Christmas – hope, peace, joy, and love – and follow as He leads you to opportunities to share these gifts with everyone you meet so His love may be made complete.
Christmas DAY O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. Come and behold him, born the King of angels; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. Yea, Lord we greet thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to thee be all glory given. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. Christmas Day • Thursday, December 25 Read: Luke 2:1-7 & John 3:16 Prayer Focus: The whole Christmas story, in fact, all the good news of the Gospels, is epitomized in one beloved verse: “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.”
John 3:16
reminds us that the core characteristic of God’s being is love. God does not force His people into submission; He woos them with love. Furthermore, God loves the whole world – the people who love Him and the people who reject Him, the rich and the poor, kings and shepherds, and people of every race, language, and nation. God loves the whole world collectively and each of us as individuals. As St. Augustine said, “God loves each one of us as if there was only one of us to love.” God loves you! Today we celebrate the manifestation of God’s love in the birth of a tiny baby over 2,000 years ago. No greater love has the world ever known. Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn. Is there room in your heart and home for Him today? Spend time with God in prayer giving thanks for the birth of Jesus, asking Him to give you a deeper understanding of this indescribable gift of love, and inviting Him into your heart on this glorious Christmas Day and every day. O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray; cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!
For
Christmas the Year Round
Lord Jesus, we thank Thee for the spirit shed abroad in human hearts on Christmas. Even as we invited Thee on Christmas to be born again in our hearts, so wilt Thou now go with us throughout the days ahead, to be our Companion in all that we do. Wilt Thou help each one of us to keep Christmas alive in our hearts and in our homes, that it may continue to glow, to shed its warmth, to speak is message during all the bleak days of winter. May we hold to that spirit, that we may be as gentle and as kindly today as we were on Christmas Eve, as generous tomorrow as we were on Christmas morning. Then if – by Thy help – we should live through a whole week in that spirit, it may be we can go into another week, and thus be encouraged and gladdened by the discovery that Christmas can last the year round. So give us joyful, cheerful hearts to the glory of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Peter Marshall
Chaplain of the United States Senate (1947-1949)
Notes The Scripture readings are taken from the New Revised Standard Version. The words to “A Candle is Burning” were written by Sandra Dean and printed in Voices United, The Hymn and Worship Book of the United Church of Canada (1996). The words to “O Come, All Ye Faithful” were written by John F. Walsh and printed in The United Methodist Hymnal (1989). The prayer “For Christmas the Year Round” was written by Peter Marshall and printed in The Prayers of Peter Marshall, edited by Catherine Marshall (1954). The words to “O Little Town of Bethlehem” were written by Phillips Brooks and printed in The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
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