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An Advent Devotional Study from Caring.
Christmastime can carry many mixed emotions—and lots of stress. But this year will be different.
Reserve five minutes a day to read the daily devotional entry in this series and journey through the Christmas season with peace, perspective and hope.
This “Hope and a Future: Advent Devotional Study” will guide you through the month of December to ponder afresh the story of the Bible with Jesus’ birth as the focus. Find daily a reflection, highlighted Scripture, meaningful questions and a prompt for prayer.
Connect with God this Christmas season and experience hope for the future.
December 13: Mary’s Song
Take a deep breath. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts through today’s reflection.
What is your favorite Christmas song?
Music expresses more than words can—maybe that’s why we listen to our favorite songs over and over; or spend way too much money for a ticket to see our favorite band.
Music also expressed Mary’s heart when she heard Elizabeth’s greeting.
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” (Luke 1:46-55).
Mary’s song resembled Miriam’s song from the Old Testament, the music Moses’ sister sang as she led women in worship after Israel’s deliverance from slavery (Ex. 15). Yet, something even greater than the parting of waters was here: the Savior for all people was on his way; the one through whom God’s mercy would extend from Abraham (the father of our faith, Gal. 3:7)—down to us.
Read: Hear from God
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful (Heb. 10:23).
Reflect: Focus on God
God is faithful to do what God says he will do. His plan of salvation from the beginning is seen in the history of the people of Israel, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and expressed by Mary’s song.
How does the truth of God’s faithfulness and his provision of Jesus bring you hope this Christmas?
Pray: Talk to God
Talk to God about your reflections above. If you would like a sample prayer, here is one to follow:
Father God, I worship you. Thank you for your Word which reminds me that you are faithful to do what you say you will do in your Word. Sometimes, I want you to be faithful to do what I want you to do—even when I’m not sure it’s your plan. Help me to trust your faithfulness in the details of my life too. Amen.
Do Good:
- Looking for a meaningful way to prepare your family for Christmas? Try our new, classic downloadable Advent Paper Chain. For 25 days, reflect on the love we receive from God and give to others during the holiday season.
- Join us in making a difference with The Salvation Army this season and help families in your community during the holidays and beyond.
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