The Gift of Presence: Advent Devotional – Week 3

Advent Devotional – Week 3

It’s the 3rd week of Advent. Advent is a time set aside for us to turn toward reflective preparation, sacred anticipation, and a faith-stirring season rooted in the story of Jesus’ birth.

 

This week’s advent readings are: 

Luke 2:10-11: But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Luke 1:39-45: At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

 

Thoughts to consider this week:

+ Checking in with myself, how am I coming into this time of advent reading and prayer? Is there anything specific that is surfacing for me?

+ What can I bring to God in prayer with complete honesty and vulnerability today?

+ John 14:27 says, “peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…” Invite the peace of God to rest upon you. If you are experiencing any anxiety during this time, release it to God. Invite Him to carry it with you. Ask for the peace of God to reveal the beauty that exists around you.

 

We invite you to linger a little longer in this posture of reflection. We encourage you to set a timer for 2 minutes to sit in stillness & silence. Giving your mind and heart a moment to reflect on the prayer, questions, and scripture we just read.

This week’s Advent Prayer:

God of peace and presence,

In whom or what shall we fear?

Your coming ushered in joy and the most excellent news, in the darkest of nights.

Remind us today of your nearness. There is nothing that can separate us from Your love.

Come, Holy Spirit.

May our song arise, be it lament or praise, you are in all things, with us.

And if our hearts feel heavy or our minds full of burden, be the lifter of our heads and the peace

that calms our souls.

Again we remind ourselves, whom or what shall we fear?

God of peace.

God of presence.

Come, Holy Spirit as we live in this time of Advent.

Amen