s we continue 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 continue our Advent journey with a reading from the gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 39 through 56:

Mary got up and hurried to a city in the Judean highlands. She entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. With a loud voice she blurted out, “God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry. Why do I have this honor, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her.”

(v. 46) Mary said,

“With all my heart I glorify the Lord!

In the depths of who I am I rejoice

in God my savior.

He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant.

Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored

because the mighty one has done great things for me.

Holy is his name.

He shows mercy to everyone,

from one generation to the next,

who honors him as God.

He has shown strength with his arm.

He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.

He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones

and lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things

and sent the rich away empty-handed.

He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,

remembering his mercy,

just as he promised to our ancestors,

to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.”

Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months, and then returned to her home.

(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 emotions do you observe and feel within yourself 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 Mary have experienced, knowing that she was to be the mother of Jesus? Imagine the scene in Elizabeth’s home. Sit quietly, placing yourself in the room. Listen to the conversation that must have taken place between Mary and Elizabeth. Imagine Elizabeth saying to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry.” Now, imagine Mary’s response and re-read her words beginning with verse 46. Sit quietly and observe the scene.  Take in and ponder the words and the mindset of Mary.

Reflect again on what you are waiting for in your life. Bring to mind a visualization of that for which you await. In what ways is God blessing you?  In what ways is God caring for you and protecting you as you wait?  Imagine God waiting with you. What will you say to God in this moment?  Will you ask him to hurry? Or will you praise, worship, and magnify God for his provision during your wait?

Prayer

We close our experience in prayer:

“God, I praise and thank you for sitting with me during this waiting period of my life. Thank you for using the story of Mary to remind me of the virtues of patience.  Thank you for reminding me of your care as I wait.  Let me continue to feel your presence, sitting with me, as we wait together. Thank you for being with me. “

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.