Begin with 2 minutes of Silence
Scripture: Luke 1:35-38
35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.
36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.
37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”
38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
Devotional
By Emma Pagels
“Be·hold: to see or observe a thing or person, especially a remarkable or impressive one.”
In the verses above, the word ‘behold’ is used twice, the first time was spoken by the angel in reference to Elizabeth who conceived a son despite her old age. This was a miracle, and the angel told Mary about it to remind her of the power of God; to behold the impressive power of God.
The second use of behold was with Mary, and in this situation she was saying it of herself. Something that stood out specifically to me from this was Mary’s attitude to this life-altering moment. Mary was only a young girl, scholars believe she could have been as young as 12 years old. This sort of revelation must have been terrifying and astonishing, yet Mary handled it with grace. Her heart was postured to Christ, and she was willing to lay aside her own reputation and plans to be a servant of God.
Her heart was postured to Christ, and she was willing to lay aside her own reputation and plans to be a servant of God.
In my own life I have found it incredibly easy to begin to turn my heart away from Jesus, and to instead focus on my own wants and needs. When this begins to happen, I notice how everything in my life begins to be about me and my own good. But there is so much more to life, and Jesus invites us to enter into that again and again. To behold his glory in the world and to be amazed that he chose us to servants despite our shortcomings.
Question to Consider
Where are you currently serving, or where have you served in the past, and what was your attitude towards it? Which direction is your heart postured this Advent season?
Prayer
God, this Christmas may I set aside time to spend with you. Help me to turn my heart away from all the distractions in my life so that I can turn towards you. Remind me everyday of your glory and wonder, and help me to rest and know that you are in control. May I serve out of love for you, ever in awe that you would choose me to be your servant. Here I am, use me. Amen
End with two minutes of silence