Today’s scripture: Luke 1:39-45 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Tammy Mills):
Advent (from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming”) is a liturgical season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus. It begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent marks the beginning of the Liturgical year.
Each Monday during Advent, Be Still and Know will explore some of the themes of the season.
It was exactly this time last year I was waiting expectantly for my third child to arrive — my own personal Advent.
I remember well the days of December, 2007. Every day I wondered when my child would be born! Every day I did things to prepare for the baby’s birth — everything from practice “hospital runs” to taking birthing classes to calling my partner every 15 minutes to see if it was time yet! I like to think Mary had some of the same feelings. Perhaps she and Elizabeth waited and prepared together for the birth of their sons. Last December was a powerful time of expectant waiting.
It is that time of expectant waiting that we celebrate and remember during the season of Advent. For me, Advent reminds me to open my spirit to light, to hope and to surprises! It is easy for me to get so caught up in the routine of everyday, that I forget to expect miracles, expect light, and expect surprises. Advent 2008 is a time to open ourselves and to prepare our hearts for the “surprise” that our soul desires.
Each Sunday, as candles are lit in Advent wreaths all over the world, we have the opportunity to pause and prepare our soul for the gift of light, the gift of hope, the gift of peace, the gift of love, and the gift of joy. I pray the light of each candle awakens my Advent spirit, and yours, too! Advent calls us to wait and prepare for the amazing gift that comes at the end of Advent.
Thought for the day: What are you doing during Advent to prepare your soul for the coming gift?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.