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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 7: Mary’s Troubled Heart
Take a deep breath. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts through today’s reflection.
The unexpected shocks us sometimes. It might look like a texting teenager crashing into your rear fender at a stop light—or an anonymous co-worker slipping you a gas card when your tank is nearly empty. Good or bad, the unexpected surprises us.
So, we can only imagine the jolt of surprise Mary experienced when an Angel appeared to her. Just picture it in your mind. Was Mary washing laundry? Walking to fill a jug with water at the well? Was she kneading dough or mending clothes?
I imagine her lost in thought while working with her hands and then someone suddenly appears. But not just somebody—a majestic Angel.
Then the Angel speaks! “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28).
I always imagined Mary responding with a shriek—but the Bible text simply states that Mary was deeply troubled. The fact is, as a Jewish young lady, she probably knew that if anyone came into God’s presence, they were subject to judgment. She probably knew the stories about those who mishandled the temple service or sacred items—they were struck dead (2 Samuel 6:6–7, Leviticus 10:1–2). So, when she heard the words, “The Lord is with you,” maybe her trouble was from fear of being in the presence of God’s holiness and the fear of taking a wrong step.
But without a word from Mary, the angel offered comfort, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:29).
Mary found favor with God.
The only way she could be in God’s presence and not die—was because of his favor. Another English word for this kind of favor is grace. Grace is getting what we do not deserve: God’s forgiveness and presence.
And, friend, the Lord’s favor is also with you. If you believe in Jesus, the Lord is with you like he was with Mary through the presence of the Angel Gabriel—but even in a greater way because we have the gift of his Holy Spirit living in us by faith.
So, whatever unexpected situation you might be facing this Christmas season, may the truth of his favor (grace) strengthen you. And may all the good unexpected blessings come your way.
Read: Hear from God
The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God (Luke 1:27–30).
Reflect: Focus on God
Think about God’s gift of grace that we can be in his presence through faith and repentance. How does this truth strengthen or comfort you in whatever you are facing?
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 grace which allows me to seek you and rest in your presence. Help me to not be afraid of drawing near to You. In Jesus’ name, 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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