s we begin our Advent journey, you are encouraged to find a quiet, interruption-free time and place where you can spend time in reflection and prayer. Begin by lighting a candle and spending a few minutes to separate yourself from the busy-ness of the day. You might find it helpful to close your eyes and take several deep breaths to prepare you for your time with God. When you are ready, you may continue.

Reading

We begin our first weekly Advent reflection with a reading from the scriptures. This week’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 30 through 33:

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God is honoring you. Look! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and he will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. He will rule over Jacob’s house forever, and there will be no end to his kingdom.” (Common English Bible)

Read the scripture again. This time, notice the words or thoughts that draw your attention. Pause and savor these words that draw you.

Read the scripture a final time. This time, imagine yourself in the scene that is described in the text. What sights do you see? What sounds do you hear? What aromas do you smell? What do you feel as you experience this event?

Reflection

Next, we reflect on what we have read and experienced. Take yourself back to the scene described in the scripture. Spend some time reflecting on these questions.

What must it have been like for Mary to receive this news? What was it like to be told what will happen but having to wait for it to come to pass? Watch as Mary heard the words of the angel. What was her reaction? What do you notice about Mary as she is taking in this news? Is she frightened? Is she filled with joy and hope? Notice Mary’s response in this moment.

Now, turn the focus of your reflection to yourself. What are you waiting for in your life today? Peace of mind? Less worry? Improved health? A special relationship? The end to a pandemic? What are you experiencing in your mind and heart as you wait? What might you learn from Mary’s time of waiting?

Prayer

We close our experience in prayer:

“God, be with me as I wait for the baby, Jesus, who brings me hope and salvation. Be with me as I wait for the needs and desires in my life. Let me feel your presence, sitting with me, holding me, as we wait together.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,

As it was in the beginning, and now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.