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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 8: The Angel’s Announcement
Take a deep breath. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts through today’s reflection.
What in your life might feel overwhelming this season?
When Mary heard the angel’s announcement, I imagine feelings of overwhelm washed over her—especially because of the words the angel used to describe her future son. Mary’s son would be “son of the Most High.” He would have the “throne of His father, David,” and his “kingdom will never end.”
What did all this mean? For Mary, she probably understood quite a bit as a Jewish girl familiar with the Old Testament law and prophets.
First, God alone is “Most High” (Gen. 14:18–20) and this title was reserved for him alone. Second, God made a promise (what the Bible calls a covenant) with King David. God would build David’s house—not one made with stone and cedar, but a house of people—his children and their children, continuing down generation after generation.
One day, one of these children, a “son of David” would rule as a forever king. His kingdom would never end (2 Sam. 7). This points to the promise of a coming Messiah, our Savior, Jesus.
So, when the angel stood before Mary and proclaimed to her that she would give birth to a son and that he would be called Son of the Most High and be given the throne of David to reign forever—we can confidently imagine she knew exactly who the angel talked about: Mary would give birth to the Messiah.
What overwhelming news for a young girl, pledged to be married, living in the outskirts of Israel in a humble town. But God was with her, and God would do it through her. All she needed to do was yield to him.
The same is for us. Whatever feels overwhelming at times in our lives, let’s remember: God is with us. God can move through us. All we need to do is yield to him.
Read: Hear from God
You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:31–33).
Reflect: Focus on God
Have you ever faced something that felt overwhelming? What in your life right now might feel as overwhelming as Mary might have felt at this announcement?
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. Lord, you are powerful and do the impossible. You even chose a young girl from a poor neighborhood in Galilee—a woman of little means and low social status—as your mother! Right now, I am as overwhelmed as I imagine Mary might have felt. God, please help me with _______________ . I know you are with me and will show me the way forward like you showed Mary. 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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