Commanded Incarnation Rejoicing (Zechariah 2:10-13). God doesn’t ask, but commands us to shout and be glad. To respond to God with singing and rejoicing is believing that God’s promises are true. We should be celebrating that God comes to be with us and for us.

#dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Advent

Faithful Family Vocations (Luke 2:41-52). Jesus is raised in the context of family. God is doing his holy work through Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Our family chores are not grumbling duties, but the opportunity of faith lived out for others. How are you doing God’s holy work in your family?

#dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Advent

World Abused Innocents (Matthew 18:1–14). The innocents of this world are being damaged and slaughtered by this sin-soaked world. Are we aghast at this faithless world preying on children? How are we protecting children by leading them in faith? (see Matthew 2:13-18)

#dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Advent

Victorious Agape Victory (1 John 5:1-12). If you believe Jesus is the Anointed Son of God your faith has been born of God. We have victory, we overcome the world by believing the Incarnation and our lives are on the new operating system of faith.

#dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Advent

Triggering Table Waiter (Acts 6:1–7). Stephen the deacon is called up to serve the faith community. His service leads to a deeper witness of his faith. The opponents revile him for saying he can see Jesus.

(see Acts 7:54-8:8) #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Advent

Life Transforming Benedictus (Luke 1:67–80). Zechariah celebrates the overwhelming reality of God coming to us. He proclaims the true God who establishes his faithfulness over us by binding himself to his promises. By Christ we are freed up to serve God with joy, not fear.

#dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Advent

Dangerous Geriatric Mission (Luke 1:57-66). The Lord’s hand is upon Elizabeth goes through a dangerous pregnancy. Do we trust God in risky tasks? When Zechariah obeys in dedicating his son as a prophet he is able to sing praises. Is your mouth and tongue freed up to glorify God?

#dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Advent

Heavenly Magnificat Triumph (Luke 1:39-56).  Mary knew the identity of child: he was the Gospel. Mary sing of God’s mercy and triumph even in the midst of a sin-shattered world. God comes for sinners who need rescuing, for the humiliated who need lifting up and empty people who need filling.

#dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Advent

Blessed Inconvenient Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38). The blessing and highly favoring of God doesn’t necessarily translate into earthly contentment or success. The angel comforts with the promises of God to send the Messiah. The Word of God that creates, saves and resurrects will never fail.

#dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Advent

Startled Rejoicing Mute (Luke 1:5-25). Are we startled and fearful when the LORD calls us to his work? Do we question if God can be certain of his call on our lives? Yet, we find even in our deficiency the LORD is working and  can exclaim the Lord has done this for me!