Monday, December 6, 2010 Ninth Day of Advent

Monday, December 6^th

Luke 1:26-30 – http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=158553929

Favor with God

When I read this story, I imagine Mary at prayer when the angel visited her.  I see her praying in a quiet stillness, one that was only broken by her prayerful whispers.  Suddenly, the angel of the Lord appears out of nowhere, breaking her peaceful silence with a life-changing greeting: “favored one, the Lord is with you.”  No wonder she trembled at the angel’s presence!  Who wouldn’t be startled by the grandeur of an angel?  Who wouldn’t be blown away by such a greeting from God?  She – a young, ordinary girl – chosen by God for an important task?  Unheard of!  But indeed, God chose Mary, a young and ordinary girl, to be a holy vessel to bring God into the world.  And God chooses you, an ordinary person, to be a vessel of God’s love and hope. 

What ways might God be calling you, as a vessel, to pour out God’s love and hope?  To find out, we must listen for God, we must join Mary in her quiet prayerfulness and wait for God to interrupt our ordinary life with a life-changing word.  Today, I invite you to give away your time to God.  Spend 15 minutes in silence, listening for God’s voice in the quiet stillness.

Kid Challenge: Ever notice that it's hard to hear what a friend is saying when you are talking at the same time?  Sometimes that happens in our prayers, too.  It is good for us to talk to God like we would a friend, but its also good for us to listen to God.  God speaks to our hearts – usually without words – but we have to be quiet and listen in order to hear God.  Your challenge is to spend five minutes today being still and quiet.  Sit in a quiet room for five minutes and ask God to speak to your heart. 

Advent Blessings,

Laura

This Christmas, give the gift that only you can give,

                              ...give yourself this Christmas!   (Peter Mayer)