Advent reflections – Page 2

December 22 🌟 Mary’s Visitor (Luke 1:26-38)

In a moment, Mary learned from her visitor (the angel) how her life, and ours, would be changed forever. As we prepare our hearts for Jesus’ coming, both his birth and return, this passage will always be pivotal and precious.

Imagine a young bride-to-be caught up in the excitement of planning a wedding and starting a new life with the man of her dreams. Now in Mary’s time and culture, it’s not necessarily a given that she would be head over heels in love with her husband to be. But in my imagination of the scene, she was feeling a bit giddy for the big day. This visit from the angel would have been quite a game changer, leaving Mary with so much to ponder.

December 21 🌟 Immanuel (Isaiah 7:10-16)

Read Isaiah 7:10-16

Immanuel means “God with us.” It’s one of the names we use for Jesus, especially at this time of year. Just let that little nugget resonate with you for a moment. In just a few short days we’ll be celebrating the birth of Jesus, our Immanuel. Because of Jesus, we have God with us. Do you believe that?

This prophecy from God through Isaiah may have a double fulfillment. We are most familiar with Matthew’s quoting the portion that refers to Jesus’ mother. “The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” From our perspective, Jesus fulfills this without question.

December 20 🌟 Will You Be Sleeping? (Micah 5:2-5a)

Read Micah 5:2-5a

Bethlehem manger scene with nativity and star

I was just thinking today about how many things had to fall into place to put Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem at the right time. When Micah declared these words, did he realize he was predicting the birthplace of the Messiah hundreds of years later? What a marvelous orchestrator God is! How can we ever doubt him!

The promised eternal king in David’s line would come to live as a man. He will “stand to lead his flock with the Lord’s strength, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.” This prophecy was referred to by Herod’s advisors when he was greeted by the wise men of the east after Jesus’ birth. This small, obscure little town has made history and will forever have a place on the map!

December 19 🌟 Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Read Isaiah 9:2-7

peace sign made out of pink and white flowers with a wacky design as background

Peace. What does that mean to you? I know that’s a big question. When is the last time you really felt peace? I mean, really felt it?

This is one of my favorite passages from Isaiah. There is so much to cling to here, one could get lost in these words for days. Perhaps, if you haven’t felt full of peace or peaceful recently, you can spend some extra time with these verses and just let the breadth of each word strengthen you, refresh you, and bring you peace.

December 18 🌟 The King of Glory (Psalm 24:1-10)

Read Psalm 24:1-10

Jesus riding a white horse with battle around him

We’ve reflected through these Advent devotions about God’s promise to King David. God gifted David to be a mighty warrior and king, but the King of glory David speaks of in this psalm is not an earthly king at all. David can envision the LORD as King over all things.

The study notes in my Bible suggest this psalm may have been a song sung in call and response style. Picture the worship leader asking the question, “Who is the King of glory?” and the people singing out, “The LORD strong and mighty.” Indeed. The King of glory is the Messiah himself.