Download Advent Devotional - Free Christian Church

5 downloads 115 Views 652KB Size Report
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones.
Acknowledgments: Cover Art – Dolorosa, Museo de Bellas Artes in Sevilla, Spain, Bartolome Esteban Murillo Type Set & Cover Design – Justin Soderberg, Communications, Free Christian Church Scripture Quotations – New International Version

My Soul Glorifies the Lord Advent Devotional Daily Advent Meditations Our prayer is that through this God would speak to the readers by His Holy Spirit and also unite us as a community as we focus together on these reflections. This has been a beautiful, fruitful tradition in years past that we are excited to continue. If you have used this devotional in the past, you will notice that this year will be a little different. The bulk of the daily writings will focus around one passage, Luke 1:46-55, known as “Mary’s Song” or “the Magnificat”. Daily readings will be centered around phrases from this powerful passage of Scripture. Our sermons for the four weeks of Advent will also focus on aspects of the Magnificat so the hope is that the daily readings will help bolster Sunday worship and vice versa. Jon Paul, Senior Pastor Free Christian Church Free Christian Church Writers Our contributors are all different ages, from different backgrounds and have different ideas but are all from Free Christian Church and were selected to write based on recommendations from staff and lay leaders who have recognized a gift within them. This was a holy experience for our writers. It was an opportunity for us to invite them to share their meditations on an assigned passage and title. They were assigned, not chosen, and therefore required quite a bit of prayer and thoughtful preparation. Each writing is accompanied by a scripture reading. A prayer is provided to capture the spirit of the meditation. You may want to formulate your own prayer, but it is very helpful to keep a specific prayer in mind each day. Begin believing that God will speak through His Word and through the body at Free Christian Church and expect that these reflections will encourage and strengthen you in preparation for the New Year. Thank you to our writers for their honest and truthful submissions. They were willing to give us all a glimpse of themselves – perhaps more revealed than may be comfortable. If you might be interested in writing for future projects please contact me. Kim McElfresh, Editor Executive Minister, Free Christian Church

Luke 1:46-55 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

1st Sunday of Advent, December 1

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Kim McElfresh

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 When Mary learns she will give birth to the Messiah, she sings an aria of freedom. Her song presents no sweet lullaby in anticipation of her baby’s birth but a message of freedom and hope for the homeless, the hungry, the refugee, the abused and misused, the powerless, and the despairing. God with us. Immanuel. What an amazing thought to ponder as we enter this season of anticipation. Charles Wesley captured this theme in the lyrics of the Advent hymn, “Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free.” I find Advent one of the most uplifting and inspiring seasons of the Christian calendar – maybe because I need to hear again that I am not alone in my struggles. Immanuel – God is with Us (well actually with me). And I try to begin my Advent season with questions like, Where did Jesus, God-With-Us, come to me today? I experience all the feelings of a person in need of Immanuel. I often feel homeless, hungry, a refugee, misused and powerless and so I set my eyes on God-With-Us. I see Him in my granddaughter’s loving gaze, in my precious daughter’s gentle way, in the ocean sound, the gulls, the tender way the sun rises, full of anticipation. And when I look for Him – I find Him in the note of thanks, the sudden courage to carry on. The confidence that was shattered within me is, piece by piece, becoming rebuilt – All God-With-Us. And in a difficult period in my life, God-With-Us brought me many Elizabeths to share my joy and many Miriams to sing with me of His wonderful deeds in my life.

PRAYER Thank you God, for Mary’s song of freedom and hope and for her leap of faith. Help me to pray as she prayed. “Here I am, servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Amen.

Monday, December 2

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Myles Hanson

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, Galatians 4:4 This text reminds us that God broke into human history with a plan and a purpose: to provide the final perfect sacrifice for the redemption of His lost children. Paul tells us that the time was “fully come”. In the Jewish tradition, the Father chose the time for his child to become an adult son. The preceding verses, (4:1-3) speak of spiritual immaturity and bondage to the Law. It was time to break the bondage and bring freedom to mankind by sending His Son into humanity, “born of a woman”, fully human and fully divine. Yet, to break the chains of sin and death, Jesus was born under the Law. He kept the Law. He fulfilled the Law, living a sinless life, and so became the final perfect sacrifice, so that we are able to call God “Abba” – Father and receive full rights as heirs of the King of Kings. (4:5-7) How has God broken into your life? During this Advent season, let’s take some time to reflect on God’s plan and purpose in our lives: to break our bondage to sin and initiate a personal relationship with the Savior. As we celebrate Christ’s birth may we proclaim with Mary “… the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is His name.”

PRAYER Gracious Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for your gift of freedom through your Son, Jesus. As I go through this advent season, help me to take time to reflect on the many things you have done and are doing, even today, in my life. Amen.

Tuesday, December 3

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Laurel Sweeney

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Galatians 4:4-5 When my sister and brother-in-law brought their adopted son and daughter home, we all celebrated! But bringing them home was just the first step. The day when those final adoption papers were signed and sealed – that was a really joyous occasion because they were now legally part of our family - forever. In Galatians 4:4-5, I am reminded that, through Jesus, we are “adopted as sons.” Paul was writing to people who were under the rule of the Roman Empire. They understood the very special meaning of this word – huiothesia – which means, literally, “that you had the same rights and privileges as a naturally born son.” The law also granted the one who adopted that son the full rights and responsibilities of a father, full authority over the adopted son, and full responsibility to care for him. What a wonderful picture this paints for us as Christians. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, we know that not only, through His blood, we’ve been redeemed from sin, we also have been adopted by God as his own. And, what’s more, this adoption is secure. John 1:12 tells us, “As many as received Him, to them he gave the right, the authority, to become the children of God, even to those who believe on His name.” We have the right to be called the sons of God, because that is in fact what we are, and no one can take it from us. Now that’s a cause for celebration.

PRAYER Thank you, God, for the privilege of calling you Father. Thank you for the gift of your son Jesus through whom I can be called your child. May your love and power shine through me this Christmas season and throughout the year. Amen.

Wednesday, December 4

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Mandi Bickel

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord Luke 1:46 As I think about Mary receiving the incredible news that prompts her to start her song, I have to imagine that her soul is probably the only thing that could respond. No doubt during her journey to visit Elizabeth her mind was racing, her knees weak under the weight of the love that was just bestowed on her and her hands shaking at the excitement of the marvelous angelic visit. I imagine her bursting with such joy that she just HAD to let the world know who this Lord was and how faithful he was to fulfill his promises. I also like to imagine that this song of Mary’s was Jesus’ first lullaby. I’m sure it was repeated often and was a familiar reminder of an enormous turning point in Mary’s life. I know I have songs like that; ones that remind me of a certain place or time. Even as I’m reminded of those songs, the feelings and emotions I had experienced come back with the haunting melodies. This Advent season as things get hectic, may the words of Mary’s song be a reminder to quiet our souls back to their one true purpose…to glorify the Lord.

PRAYER (Psalm 146:1-2) Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Lord, you alone are worthy of the praise and my soul will glorify you. Thank you for loving me enough to send a Savior. Amen.

Thursday, December 5

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Carlos Mingeli

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, Luke 1:47 Everyone goes through their own journey in their relationship with God, We all have a story. It doesn’t matter who you are or how different we are according to our culture or ethnicity. There’s one thing that never changes and that is God and the way His will is done upon his children. We all go through the same process of understanding that He is God and that we are mere humans who depend on Him. Reading these verses reminds me of who God is and what He does when we humble ourselves and let him take control of our lives. To be honest, trusting someone with your life isn’t easy because we don’t want to get hurt, but what other choice do we have? What we need to understand is that God isn’t a mere human, when He says that He will do something even though time may pass us by and make us think that He has forgotten about us (in our finite minds that is) He will actually do it. Not in our time, but in his time. And that humbles us and puts God where he belongs and us where we should be as well. God gets the credit and we enjoy the blessing. Sounds easy but it isn’t. I can just imagine Mary’s miracle, the awe of carrying God in the flesh, what a blessing. The thoughts of what people may say, The inner questions of why or how can God do such a miracle. How can these events not humble you? People may never understand what God is doing in your life but at the proper time He will bless you, no matter how much you’ve waited or how long it took, at the end you will understand.

PRAYER Let’s take this time of reflection to humble ourselves before a God that is faithful, a God that has a plan and future for us, like Mary, let’s proclaim that He has indeed lifted the humble. Amen.

Friday, December 6

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Ali Watt

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. Luke 1:48 In 1719, Isaac Watts wrote a hymn based on Psalm 116. The first stanza is this: “I love the Lord; He heard my cries, and pitied every groan: Long as I live, when troubles rise, I’ll hasten to his throne.” These words echo the very core of David’s praise and Mary’s song. They are the revelation of how we ourselves can declare an honest love for God and why our hearts become involved when we interact with him. As Hagar learned in her wild escape before Ishmael was born (Genesis 16), God is not only the God who sees but he is the God who saw her. He sees you. He sees me. It is utterly personal at this point. He is mindful of the humble state I am in. I worship God because he is holy. I revere God because he is. I love God because of the way he has shown compassion to me when I find myself in life’s hard places. I need his help daily and daily he gives it to me. With people who are broken, God has proven throughout history that he is the God who knows, cares and can be trusted. He is the God who can take someone who is downcast and raise their spirits to unimaginable heights. He is the God we serve. He fills our lives with hope.

PRAYER Great God, thank you for seeing me. Thank you for choosing and loving me. Please fill me with your hope again this day. Amen.

Saturday, December 7

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Ronni Cavener

From now on all generations will call me blessed, Luke 1:48b At Curriculum Night, my husband and I chatted with our son’s kindergarten teacher who had taught our daughter two years before. She laughed and said good-naturedly, “Oh, Peter! You can tell he’s a Cavener all right.” I thought, surely she’s referring to his great mind and big brown eyes, but she continued, “In the morning, he comes in and there’s one shoe over here, one over there, his coat is in the middle of the floor. Jill was the same way!” My husband and I exchanged a telepathic look. We are the Caveners. And you will know us by the explosion of personal belongings that precedes us. Though the teacher’s comment was kindly made and hilarious, this mark of a Cavener was a surprise to me. What other marks are there? There are days when it feels like the world is ready with its assessment of me as a mother, wife, and worker. At my best, I know that these assessments are self-imposed and nobody is really spending their time thinking about me. At my worst, what I am “called” seeps in and discourages me. But luckily, the truth is my identity in Christ. Because of Him, I can shed my old self and become brand new. “From now on all generations will call me blessed.” From now on is from the moment I believed in Him. From now on is anytime I offer Him my sins and weakness. I have the ear and heart of my Lord and He gives to me freely the most precious gifts. He died so I could be made holy and blameless. I am marked as His and I am richly blessed.

PRAYER Thank You, Lord, for Your eternal blessings. I pray that my faithfulness and joy will mark me as Yours. Please equip me to teach my children of Your love. Amen.

2nd Sunday of Advent, December 8

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Mike Veatch

for the Mighty One has done great things for me Luke 1:49 When I was new in town and picking up the pieces after a long-time relationship ended, a buddy from work invited me to share a rental with him, an act of kindness I will never forget. He listened to me, brought me to his family celebrations, and included me when I needed to make some new acquaintances. It was a big deal to me at the time because I was feeling adrift. Today’s passage is about a bigger act of kindness that was harder to accept. I like how The Nativity brings Mary’s tenuous situation to the screen. She could have been afraid, disappointed, or after Elizabeth’s greeting she might dare to be proud. Instead she accepts it: “done …for me.” What about us? Do I really believe God is mighty in my life and has done great things for me? If we pattern our relationship with God after everything we’ve learned about relating with people, we will miss the great thing. Healthy relationships, even with our elders, are based on a balance: we are equally valuable, endowed with rights, and there is give and take. Mary sees her relationship with the Mighty One differently. She is his servant. She calls her entire nation his servant. There is no give and take. She does not make herself great. Reading this verse, I realized that I have not been thinking about how much God saved me from. God’s salvation, which started at Christmas, is an amazing ending to a hopeless situation. Jesus says of what he came to do, “How can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man?” (MT 12:29) Today, may I be more honest with myself, and realize how great a thing God did in forgiving me and loving me first.

PRAYER Lord, as I think of gifts today, thank you for the gift of forgiveness. Help me to take joy in how much you have done in my life. Amen.

Monday, December 9

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Nina Di Trapani holy is His name Luke 1:49b

God is holy and His name is holy. In his holiness, God exists apart from the world he has made. We too are called to be holy. “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy”. Leviticus 19:1-2 But how could I be holy? I feel so unworthy to even mention His name, let alone try to be holy. Oh, don’t get me wrong. I try! I try to do the right thing and at times, it appears I even succeed! I try to follow the commandments, love the Lord with all my heart, strength, soul, and mind, and love my neighbor as myself. But at the same time, I know I fail miserably at almost every turn. At times I wonder if God really understands what it’s like to deal with difficult people at work, friends, or family members and then I remind myself that Jesus, the incarnate Lord himself, did live on this earth and dealt with the very things I am dealing with on a daily basis. Yet, Jesus remained holy and without sin. I cannot make that claim. The only way I could be holy is purely by the grace of the Holy Spirit within me. This passage has inspired me to look deeper into my personal life and determine areas in my character, actions, or speech that I need to address. There is a perfect correspondence between God’s holy nature and His actions as expressed in His holy name, and I pray that I will be more able to closely match this in my own life as well.

PRAYER Blessed, praised, honored, exalted, extolled, glorified, adored, and lauded be the name of the Holy Blessed One, beyond all earthly words and songs of blessing, praise, and comfort. Amen

Tuesday, December 10

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Kathy Shannon

His mercy extends to those who fear him Luke 1:50a It was many years ago now that I took the Network course, a class that FCC offered to explore your spiritual gifts. I learned as much about myself from the spiritual gifts that I scored poorly on as the ones that ranked high on my list. Mercy was one of the gifts I scored low on. I remembered being sad when I scored poorly there. I shared my results with my husband. He proceeded to reminded me about the time he was sick with strep throat. After a couple of days of him on the sofa my mercy quota was in line with the score on my assessment. (Ouch!) I decided then to pray that God would bless me with a bigger dose of mercy for my husband and all others in my life. God has answered that prayer often in my life since and I am grateful. God on the other hand extends endless, abounding mercy to us, favoring those who respect for his authority, his role as creator and judge. Just like a child who has a healthy fear of his loving parents, God values that trait in us and rewards us with his mercy from generation to generation. God demonstrates his mercy for us through his unconditional love, his constant provision, his healing power in our lives, and his promise to forget our sins “as far as the east is from the west”. But His greatest act of mercy was sending his son, Jesus Christ, into this world to die for our sins and bless us with eternal salvation.

PRAYER Dear Heavenly Father, Creator and most merciful God. I thank you this Advent season for sending your son, Jesus, into this world to die for my sins and for the blessing of eternal life. Father help me to be as merciful to others as you are to me. Open my eyes to their needs and help me to extend the gifts of mercy and love generously. In your holy name, Amen

Wednesday, December 11

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Amy McConnell

His mercy extends to those who fear him from generation to generation Luke 1:50b “They did not choose us, nor we them; we never knew them, nor they us; yet we are inextricably bound together for all eternity, and there is no law in the universe, no metamorphosis physical or spiritual, that can ever alter this inalienable truth.” ~Roy Stockdill, professional genealogist Tracing one’s genealogy has become very popular in recent years. And with the advent of the Internet, researching one’s ancestry has become easier than ever. Proceed with caution, however. I’ve heard that when it comes to genealogy, what starts out as an innocent hobby may soon turn into an obsession. Why is genealogy so fascinating? The simple fact is, our ancestors made us who we are. Their nations of birth, their choices of spouse, and the geographic places they settled are all factors that helped shape us. Their very existence allowed us to come into being, so it’s only natural to be curious about them. Mary’s song in Luke reminds us of that intimate connection to our ancestors. Just as God’s mercy was bestowed upon each of them, it is given to us, too—just by being born. And God has promised to extend that mercy to every one of our descendants. What a precious gift! By teaching my children to fear the Lord as I do, I can take comfort in knowing that they—and my grandchildren, and my great-grandchildren, and so on—will be under God’s merciful care long after I’m gone.

PRAYER Dear Father, thank you for your gift of mercy. Thank you for Jesus, whose sacrifice made this gift possible. Help me to recognize opportunities where I can extend mercy to others. Amen.

Thursday, December 12

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Amy Cook

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; Luke 1:51a Mary’s heartfelt worship of our Lord rings loud, clear and true as this beautiful song magnifies and glorifies Him! In verse 51a, we read a figurative description of God’s power –“He has performed mighty deeds with his arm” – the strength of God’s arm is to be praised! However, “God is spirit”(John 4:24), without a body, so where does Mary’s conviction of this certain truth come from? And how do you and I know and believe that God’s power is real? Mary accepts God’s grace, with amazement and humility that she is chosen to carry His Son, Jesus Christ. She knows that only with God’s protection and by the strength of “his arm” can she deliver Him into this world. You and I can trust in God’s power as He walks beside us, then lifts, holds and carries us in “his arm” in times of trial, of need, of hopelessness, of fear, of joblessness, of grief, of sickness. He then, brings us out the other side, defeating whatever obstacles stand in our way, against all odds so that we can give God all the glory and praise in the big and small things of life. Let’s celebrate these victories – maybe write our own song of praise or certainly tell our friends and family how God has worked great and mighty deeds in our life! God’s quiet yet firm voice that whispers, “Everything will be alright” or “Keep going” or “Speak my Truth in love” assures us of His promise to never leave us nor forsake us, that He is the victor over all. His arm, His love, His might is endless, knows no bounds and will wrap itself around each and every one of us as we continue to look to Him and to worship His incredible power and strength in our lives.

PRAYER Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the love that you show us each and every day. Help us to see and trust the work of your “arm” in our lives and to give you all the glory, honor and praise. Amen.

Friday, December 13

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Jeannie Card

He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. Luke 1:51b I was struck by the contrast between the humble and the proud throughout the Magnificat. The humble are referred to in several ways: bond slaves, servants, those who fear God. The message is clear of the blessings bestowed on the humble but we can’t ignore the references to the proud in this passage. He “scatters” those who are proud in the thoughts of their heart. It’s a message to those who reject God’s love & provision for their sin, and who feel they know a better way (this can be Christian & non-Christian alike!) They want to live life on their own terms rather than acknowledge God as the sovereign and all-wise Ruler that He is. The warning is dire that these people will be “scattered”. If they want to live life on their own terms He will leave them to their own devices, allowing them to learn the hard way that His way is best. I’ve been there (“scattered”) and definitely prefer the blessing that came to Mary as she humbly acknowledged God for who He is, willing to seek Him and serve him with her whole heart. I often feel I have a way to go until I am unequivocally surrendered to His will, but I will never cease praying for the humble heart that Mary had for it is the key to life and brings pleasure to God.

PRAYER God give us still more grace to see our desperate need for you so that we will walk in complete surrender. Amen.

Saturday, December 14

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Jeff Rask

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. Luke 1:52 I never feel lower than when I catch myself trying to seem important. It’s such an “obvious” sin, but for me, it is an easy one to get suckered into. It feels great when my kids think I’m great, when my friends think I’m great, when my wife thinks I’m great etc… It’s when I let all that “greatness” go to my head - that’s when the problem begins. I can fix this. I can do that. I don’t need your help. I don’t need God’s help. I can do it all! When I read this verse the first few times, I might as well have added a “like me” after the word “humble”. I’m bad. I like my throne. Here’s what I need to be constantly reminded: God is powerful - yield yourself, be humble and he will lift you up. When I am humble, my heart is calm, my motives are pure, and my eyes are on God. He lifts me up with the knowledge that he thinks I’m great and that he loves me. All that I have and all that I can do is a gift from God.

PRAYER Heavenly Father, you are the source of all power. You are the giver of all gifts. You are my strength. You are my resources. Father please remind me, moment by moment, that you are all I need. Also, give me the courage to give you the credit for the blessings I have received. Amen.

3rd Sunday of Advent, December 15

A Pause for Perspective

Take this day to pause and write your own ìMagnificatî With these words of praise, Mary, the mother of Jesus, ushers in her time of pregnant waiting. The child in her womb will turn the world upside down. Her pregnancy begins a process of events that completely change the personal lifevision she previously entertained. Life will no longer be as carefully planned as she may have envisioned at one time. God’s wisdom will impact her life more than she could ever have imagined. Her whole perspective on God’s ways will journey back to her spiritual roots and extend forward to a kingdom yet to be experienced. There will be a shift in perspective – a looking back and a looking forward at the same time. Mary’s “yes” opens the way for a divine revolution. How might God’s wisdom, His Holy Presence, broaden your perspective on some aspect in your life this advent? For instance, think of a time when you were aware of God’s radical wisdom intervening in your life – a yes that opened the way for something to shift in perspective. Maybe this was an ah-ha moment of insight, a release into difficult forgiveness, a conversation in which you connected in that place of internal knowing, or the certainty of a decision made. Take a moment to sit with that and listen to God. Sit with the Lord. As you reflect on God’s presence and anticipate His wisdom this advent, write your own version of the Magnificat. As you integrate your own life story, looking back over your journey, noticing where you are today, and looking forward to what is next, use Mary’s prayer as a template, filling in your own words. Let this be your prayer. In Jesus, amen.

Monday, December 16

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Ken Cossingham He has lifted the humble. Luke 1:52b For the purposes of this devotion, I want to focus on the word “humble.” God has a lot to say about the humble. For example: “This is the one I esteem: He who is humble and contrite in spirit.” Isaiah 66:2 “He guides the humble in what is right.” Psalms 25:9 “He gives grace to the humble.” Proverbs 3:34b “Whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12b “(God) gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 and I Peter 5:5, quoting Proverbs 3:34b above And our verse: “He has lifted the humble.” Luke 1:52b God lifts, guides and gives grace to the humble. Does humble here refer to an economic state, or an attitude of the heart? I think that God is saying that reliance solely on our own ability or accomplishments taints and corrupts the humility before God that He seeks. One does not have to be poor or unaccomplished to be humble. The most accomplished and successful are called to be humble before God too. God calls each of us, regardless of our finances, to be humble by relying on and trusting in Him. It is a matter of the heart, not the checkbook. Mary is the very picture of humility before God. Despite the fact that the message she had received was difficult to grasp, and hazardous to Mary, she humbled her heart and submitted to God’s will and plan. God is looking for you and I to humble our own hearts, and pray with Mary: “May it be to me as You have said.” I pray that we may each be as humble in our own heart.

PRAYER Father, may you find me humble in my trust for and reliance on You In the name of your Son. Amen.

Tuesday, December 17

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Patti & Leah Hamann

He has filled the hungry with good things Luke 1:53 Leah, my daughter, and pray daily and recognize the “good things” that God blesses us with, and we are humbly grateful for His abundant grace and mercy. As we read this verse together, both literally and figuratively, we were both reminded, that in the same manner that the hungry are humbled and desperately seek, we too should humbly and desperately seek to know and serve Him more and more each day. In turn, God who hears our prayers and knows the deepest desires of our hearts will bless us with “good things” that we need to fulfill His purpose. We were also quickly reminded of the responsibility that we have to share these “good things” with others—that is the ultimate blessing. It is more blessed to give than to receive and with the holiday season upon us, we are also reminded of our call to model Jesus’s example of servant hood and to share God’s blessings with those in need. We also have frequent conversations about “good things” and purpose. Our conversations are usually in the context of work and school, which we are both blessed to have. We should approach each of them with a God-given purpose. It is very easy for us to get distracted and caught up in the rising expectations and demands of others at work and school. Those distractions very quickly cause us to lose sight of our real purpose in life. We need to constantly remind ourselves that God has placed us in our respective work and school environments for a greater purpose. And, as we humbly seek and hunger for God above all else, He will bless us with “good things” and make us successful (in God’s terms) at work and school.

PRAYER Father, as we enter this Advent season, may the desire of our heart be that you fill us with your Holy Spirit, and that the great love that you showed us by sending us your Son will spill over into the lives of everyone that we encounter this holiday season, so that they too might hunger for a closer relationship with you and fulfill your purpose for their life. Amen.

Wednesday, December 18

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Nick Warne

but He has sent the rich away empty. Luke 1:53b In verse 1:53b, Mary continues to contrast God’s mercy on those who fear Him - the humble and the hungry, with those whom He scatters – the proud, princes and their thrones and finally the rich who are sent away with empty hands. This contrast echoes the prayer by Hannah after she delivers the young Samuel to the priest Eli as described in 1 Samuel 2. God is consistent in His love and His actions to care for the lowly, the humble and those who call to Him. The text does raise a question for us – which side am I on? We are often taught by parents, teachers, coaches and employers to be independent, selfsufficient and self-made men and women. While this approach is nurtured and rewarded, it is in sharp contrast to a God who wants us to focus on not only worshiping Him but also being dependent on Him. The phrase ‘sent the rich away with empty hands’ is concerning because, largely, we can easily fall into the trap of being ‘the rich’ especially when we are rewarded for our hard work, perseverance and cleverness. I have constant reminders in my life, especially in circumstances with my children, which are completely beyond my so-called control. Our youngest child, for example, had major surgery at the age of 5 days. We were completely at the mercy of God and His servants (friends, family, surgeons, nurses and others who supported us). This was a significant reminder that God is in charge and that, as I continually turn to Him and don’t rely on my own abilities, I’ll be fine. I’m not in control.

PRAYER Dear Lord, I pray that I am aware of the many blessings you have given me and that I use these blessings to Your glory and in the service of others. Amen.

Thursday, December 19

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Lynette Hickey

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful Luke 1:54

When I make a promise to my children, they are sure to remember it, and likely to remind me several times of the promise I made. If I were to break that promise, they would lose faith in my word, my ability, and perhaps even in my love for them. When I keep my promises, their faith and trust in me is reinforced. That bond is strengthened. How much greater is God’s love for us? How faithful he is to keep His promises to His children! In Genesis, God promised Abraham that the Israelites would have a land to call their own, and He brought them to Canaan. He promised that they would be made into a great nation, as innumerable as the grains of sand on the seashore, and they multiplied abundantly. He promised that all people would be blessed through Israel, and that a savior would be born among them, who would become the ultimate sacrifice -- and He sent us Jesus. We are a part of God’s covenant with Abraham. In Galatians 3:29, Paul says “If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” God our father is always merciful. We stumble along the way, but He remains, with enduring love, ever faithful. He remembers his promises to his children, and we are blessed to be called the children of God.

PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank you for your promises. Thank you for your mercy, and for your faithfulness. Help me to serve you daily, so that I may retain the promise of your blessing. Amen.

Friday, December 20

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Javier Roche

to Abraham and his descendants forever. Luke 1:55 This is it. This is Mary’s conclusion to the Magnificat. Her son, The Son, our Lord and Savior was being praised with much joy, gladness and hope. And Mary was the physical bearer of The Good News! Consider the words Mary used to conclude with: to Abraham and his descendants forever. She was referring to the covenant made with Abraham hundreds of year prior and she beheld that promise in her womb. It was a game-changer for Mary and for humankind. Wow! I remember when my wife first told me she was pregnant with our first child. The emotions I felt cannot be described. As soon as the realization that I would be a father began to settle in, I knew my life would never be the same. The good news of our little bundle filled me with joy, gladness and hope. If I could put it into a song, I would. But, I can’t; so I won’t. However, I can truly say it was a game-changer for me. Though my son isn’t a savior, I pray that he will grow up to be the man that GOD so desires him to be. The same goes for our second child as well. My hope is that they can be game-changers for others by living out the Gospel and representing the love that Jesus has for us all. Mary wasn’t just excited for herself; she was thrilled for others. In the same way, my children fill me with joy; yet I am hopeful that they will bring GOD’s unending joy to others. Know this: You are also GOD’s bundle of joy. His Holy Spirit dwells within you. Share that Good News with others.

PRAYER Almighty GOD, thank You for all that You are. Thank you for the joy of your salvation. Thank you for fulfilling the Covenant through the gracious work of the Cross. May we accept Your love for us and be vessels of that unending Love for others. Amen.

Saturday, December 21

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by John Givens

just as he promised our ancestors. Matthew 19:14 Recently my father asked me to help him sort through boxes of accumulated possessions he had stored in his garage. He is 92 and has a strong desire to “travel light” in the years ahead. Most decisions were fairly easy, either discard or donate. Then we came across a personal King James Bible that my father had used during an early period of his life and ministry. It was well worn, underlined and marked. I remember my father using it when I was very young. We didn’t make a decision about this Bible, but in the past few months I have thought about the significance of it. Like the streams of water nourishing the tree in Psalm 1, my father’s life of faith was fed by countless hours meditating on God’s Word. Ultimately, this was the source of his strength in life. I witnessed that faith in action, most significantly in his response to difficult circumstances. Through his faith I learned about God’s patience, kindness, forgiveness, and love. We accumulate a lot of stuff in life, most of which will be discarded some day. But the life of faith in God and his promises, lived by real people in real time and in real places, can’t be stored in a box. It can only bear fruit through the power of the Holy Spirit to future generations of believers.

PRAYER Thank you, Lord, for your mercy, your love, and your unchanging faithfulness from generation to generation. Give us the strength to live our lives as testimonies to your grace. Amen.

4th Sunday of Advent, December 22

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Reid Merrill

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, - and the government will be on his shoulders. Isaiah 9:6a If I told you that “the best Christmas gifts I ever got were the ones I gave” you might think these were gifts that I gave to myself ! Very funny, but not so. Selecting those presents took thought and time, weeks, even months ahead of Christmas spent visiting and knowing my family better. The giving did involve a little bit of fun, Christmas morning scavenger hunts, little things hidden in big boxes, storytelling to mislead the shakers of wrapped presents. Memories of these gifts freely and thoughtfully given are a nugget of lasting joy in my spirit. Jesus was pointing to this joy when he said “It is more blessed to give than receive”. (Acts 20:35) This joy of giving is the heart of Isaiah 9:6. God’s word is clear from the start about whose name is on the gift, “For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given”. This gift is ours Lord? Really? Amazing love how can it be? Not just a gift to us, but a gift for us, “and the government shall be on his shoulders”. Ever wonder why the government should be on a King’s shoulders, rather than under his feet or in the palm of his hand? Is not Godly government supervision exercised for the good of the whole body? Is it not an act of caring service rather than a declaration of privilege? God knows that sin separates us not just from him, but from each other as well. Lovingly he provides the perfect cure in the gift of life and fellowship with his Son Jesus. I think God is having some fun in his gift giving, first we find something huge wrapped in such a small package, then the scavenger hunt starring the 3 wise men, finally the prophecies that make us want to shake the present trying to guess what’s inside. The gift is opened to the praise of God Almighty, Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior, our Hope and our Eternal Joy.

PRAYER Lord Jesus you are fully revealed in this simple verse as the great giver, the lover of our souls and the servant leader of us all, may we be more like you this day. Fill our hearts with the joy of giving and receiving your love, we pray in your name, Amen.

Monday, December 23

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by John & Jane Mulcahy

And He will be called Wonderful Counselor Isaiah 9:6

Two out of our five children did not have names the first few days of their lives. One of the twins was “Baby B” for a while, until we could pin down a name. Our youngest child was the 4th boy in a row that we had, so we were out of names. We sat there that night holding this brand new baby wondering what we would call him. Mary knew the name of her child and she gloried at the revelation of this miracle, not only that she was found worthy to serve, but that the depth of God’s love was such that He would reach down to earth and mercifully save His people. “His mercy extends from generation to generation.” When Isaiah prophesied the Messiah he describes what it will be like when the Wonderful Counselor comes to us....a light dawning on the shadow of death, increased joy, an enlarged nation, rejoicing as at the time of harvest, the yoke that burdens us will be shattered along with the rod of our oppressors. The infant that God gives to us at Christmas is the Wonderful Counselor, who comes to bring you new life. He comes to increase your joy and enlarge your ministry....He brings such joy it is as if you have no troubles to consider....He removes the burden of sin and debt in our lives and makes us new, white as snow, pure again. He invites us to sit at His throne of Counsel, where He advises us in exceptional ways & proves His love at the cross. What a gift the Christ child is!

PRAYER O Wonderful Counselor, how excellent is your name in all the earth. I praise you for the tangible ways I see you at work in my life...thank you that I am the beneficiary of your grace. Amen.

Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Jonathan Paul

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Isaiah 9:6 Many children will go to bed tonight in eager expectation of a special visitor. The man has a lot of names: Chris Cringle, Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Saint Nick. I can relate. People often ask me, “what should I call you- Jon? Jon Paul? JP? Pastor Jon?” I encourage people to call me whatever they want. But of all my names and nicknames, the one that I treasure the most only two special people in the world people get to call me: Daddy. That name means the world to me as God has called me to be the loving father of my son and daughter. And my children didn’t need to do anything to earn my love- I simply love them because they have special status as son and daughter. On this Christmas, as we remember God’s amazing breakthrough into history in taking on human flesh in Jesus Christ, we remember that our Mighty God is not distant and cold. God is close to us and desires to love us as our perfect, Everlasting Father. That is great news except for the fact that we aren’t worthy to be God’s children- we fall too short of God’s standards. But thanks be to God that He has provided the way for us to be His children. Jesus, God’s son, lived the perfect life we could not live and died the death that we deserved to die on the cross, taking all of our sin and shame, and he rose again from the dead that we might also receive new life by faith in him and become children of God. …to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God… (John 1:12). How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1) God’s Holy Spirit confirms this in us: The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. (Rom. 8:16). This Christmas, embrace the fact that you are loved and accepted by God as His dear child.

PRAYER Father God, may I never forget my identity as your child. This Christmas, may I rest in Your perfect, fatherly love. I know I can’t gain Your favor by living up to Your expectations; I can’t be “good enough” to earn Your acceptance. I thank you for the gift of Jesus for He is the one who has secured for me Your love and acceptance. By faith, I cling to the gospel promise that I am Your adopted child. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I grasp this amazing truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25

My Soul Glorifies the Lord by Susan Hanson Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6 Peace can be hard to find on Christmas Day. Perhaps you are reading this early in the morning before the kids wake up, bracing yourself for the day ahead. Maybe you are sitting by yourself looking at empty chairs around the table, separated from loved ones by loss or distance, feeling empty and alone. Maybe it is the end of a long day filled with food and family and exhaustion and if the Prince of Peace has come, you’ve missed him. Today is about gifts; the ones you gave, the ones you’ve received and all the hopes that go with each gift: will it satisfy, will they feel loved, and will they rejoice. A gift was given to you today, an unexpected one, a child, a son. God has entered in to His own creation the way we all do, as a baby. But He comes bringing all the fullness of God with him, in Him. He brings the father we all need and yearn for whose love for us is everlasting. He is the Prince of Peace and brings the deep, abiding calm that holds us together through all the troubles of life. He brings the wonderful counselor, the Holy Spirit, to live in us and advocate for us so we can experience the fullness of the power and might of God. Whatever the day has been for you, remember this gift is yours and He is hoping that it will satisfy, that you will feel His love and you will rejoice.

PRAYER Lord Jesus, You didn’t have to leave the glory that was yours but you did. You didn’t have to come as a baby and a poor one, at that, but you did. I didn’t know I needed a savior but you did. I didn’t know you loved me but you did and now I know, too. Thank you. Amen.

Merry Christmas!

Luke 1:46-55 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

31

one church, two locations Andover Campus 31 Elm Street Andover, MA

No. Andover Campus 1600 Osgood Street North Andover, MA

978.475.0700 • freechristian.org