Advent Devotional 12.22.21

 

 

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

 

 

 

Promise-Miracle-Hope

Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited his people and redeemed them.  He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised.  

Luke 1:68-70a

 

When I reflect on this passage and the role it plays in the events that were to follow, three words immediately come to my mind and heart – ‘promise,’ ‘miracle,’ and ‘hope.’ There is the promise of deliverance from our enemies and a Savior to lead us. The ‘miracle’ encompasses both the birth of John to the barren Elizabeth and the birth of Jesus by immaculate conception, and hope for the world – hope that is as needed by collective humanity today as much as it ever was.

Promise – miracle – hope. The very thoughts that Mary may have had the first time she looked into the eyes of her newborn…and that each of us who is a parent can recognize from having participated in the experience of bringing new life into the world.

 

Prayer

Dear God, as we approach the Christmas season once again, help us to focus on the miracle of Jesus’ birth, the fulfillment of Your Promise to the children of Israel, and to be an active advocate for sustaining hope for our future through prayer, outreach, and gratitude for the greatest gift that any of us will ever receive.

Amen

Marge Weil