A Simple Advent Meditation

Since I was a child, at least once every year I have read the account of the angel announcing to Mary that she has been chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. But only in recent years have I deeply reflected on what Mary must have experienced. Her life as she knew it was divinely disrupted. And she graciously received what God was offering - “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Luke‬ ‭1:38‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

A Simple Advent Meditation

In whatever you are experiencing this Advent season, I invite you to set aside some quiet space to draw near to God and reflect with him on the questions below.

Begin by reading Luke 1:26-38.

• What disruptions you are experiencing in this season of Advent?

• Is there an invitation from the Lord in the midst of the disruptions?

• How will you receive what He is offering?

Let your reflection on these questions inform your prayer of response to the Lord.

As I sat with these questions myself, I named the disruptions in my Advent season - mostly that it is very full and without much margin. The Lord invited me to see what He is offering: community - when I am working, serving in my church, lunching with friends, or hosting/attending Christmas gatherings (a LOT of Christmas gatherings). He helped me notice my resistance to this very full season. And He gently offered an observation - that I am not graciously receiving His gifts of meaningful moments with others. My prayer of response to the Lord was to accept the fullness of the season as a gift from Him, and to include Him in every aspect. This posture of receiving has made all the difference for me. My days are still full. The list of things to do and people to see seems endless. But these are not burdens, they are blessings, and I am grateful.

Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash