Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)

Today’s passage brings us to what a lot of us grew up calling “The Christmas Story.” The long-awaited Messiah is coming, and the chosen vessel for his formation is a young unwed virgin. Again we look to Mary, we take in her story, we try to get inside her head and heart, and we ask the Lord to give us even a fraction of her faith.

As you listen to the passage today, try to hear it with fresh ears. Take in the words in light of the previous days and weeks of Advent, in light of the story of Israel, in light of the longing, the lament, and the hope we are invited into. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the heart of Mary who said, “Let it be in me, according to your word.”

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1. What did you hear in the passage? Was there a word or phrase that stood out to you?

2. What encouragement did you find in today’s passage? What situations in your life do you need courage and faith like Mary’s to be able to offer yourself to God with open hands?

3. Take some time today to sit with the words of this passage. If there is something specific God has spoken to you, take some time to process that alone or with a friend.

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Living The Christian Year by Bobby Gross >>

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