Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas. God prepared for centuries to come to earth to reveal the heights and depths and breadth of God’s grace for all the world. We have the privilege of living on this side of Christmas. That means hope, joy, and peace! Here are several passages pointing to God’s gifts in Christmas.

PRAYER

O God of gracious gifts, open the packages of hope and joy and peace in my heart this Christmas season. Amen.

Monday – Luke 1:5-25

Christmas does not just happen. Christmas involves lots of people who invest their lives in what God is doing. How did Zechariah and Elizabeth invest their lives in God’s mission? How do they become an example for us to prepare for Christmas this year?

Tuesday – Luke 1:26-38

Ah, the plot thickens! Mary was an unmarried teen ager. For her to embrace God’s call was a bold and risky act of faith. She could not have imagined what it would mean for her hopes and dreams, for her life. Yet, she responded with joy and faith. How can you say “Yes” to God this Christmas?

Wednesday – Luke 1:39-56

Women seem to have this instinct for recognizing the mystery of God so quickly. And remember, this is a patriarchal world. So it was scandalous for Luke to report that the women played such an important role in God’s plan of salvation. Elizabeth was one of the first to recognize God’s mission through Christmas! How can you and me recognize God’s mission this Christmas?

Thursday – Luke 1:57-66

Back to speechless Zechariah…. How does he demonstrate his faith in God’s mission? When Zechariah could speak, what did he do with this gift? And what role did this baby play in God’s plan? In God’s scheme of things, what role will you play in God’s plan?

Friday – Luke 1:67-80

Zechariah speaks, and it is memorable! How does he retell the story of God’s plan of redemption in Christmas? What phrase leap out at you? How will you retell the story of God’s plan of redemption in this Christmas?

Saturday – Psalm 27

This song was likely written by King David, not Zechariah.But I suspect Zechariah knew the Psalm.How does Christmas bring light and salvation to your family and your world?What does it mean to dwell in the presence of the Lord?