Week Two

Because of the brokenness of this world and the weight of our own sin, life can be a struggle; however, the good news of the Gospel reminds us that Jesus came as our help. Christ came to lift from us the weight of our sin and to offer us grace and mercy through the cross.  As you spend time in this week’s readings and activities, be sure to reflect on how Jesus is our ever-present help; the one that has come to carry our burdens.

Every Good Gift Prayer Box

As a family or in your own quiet time, grab 2 small pieces of paper and write down a sentence or phrase that answers the following:

How has God been your help this year?  Think of a specific time or event. Write it down and celebrate it.

Where are you currently seeking God’s help?  Write it down and pray about it.

Place those pieces of paper in the box to be opened on Christmas day.

Help

Luke 1:46-57

In this week’s text Mary sings a beautiful song immediately after Elizabeth confirms for her the words that were spoken by the angel Gabriel. This song gives us a glimpse into what Mary is thinking in this pivotal moment, but I would like to take a moment to try to get into Mary’s headspace. She is from a people group that has been conquered, she is from a family that was not wealthy or powerful, and as such she has virtually no status in her culture. On top of it all, Mary now finds herself as a young, pregnant woman who is engaged but not married at a time when pregnancy and childbirth itself was dangerous.
I imagine that while on the 70-mile trek to Elizabeth’s house Mary had plenty of time for doubt to sneak in. She may be hearing a familiar voice whispering questions like, “Did God really say…?” (Gen 3). But Mary also had time to meditate on the words of God from Scripture that she was so clearly familiar with. This song captures her response to these competing voices in her mind.

Mary begins by recounting the things that God has done for her personally. He has seen her “humble estate” and has blessed her greatly and “has done great things” for her. She declares that she has a mighty God that has blessed her greatly in the face of all of her doubts and fears. Mary is confident in the words of the Lord spoken through Gabriel and trusts that God will work it all out for her good and for His glory.

Mary then moves on and reminds us of what God has done for Israel as a people; exalting those who have been brought low and filling those who were hungry. Mary’s song is reminiscent of similar songs of faith throughout the Scriptures (see Exodus 15 & 1 Samuel 2). By reflecting on the stories of how God delivered her ancestors in the past, Mary is able to trust that God can and will do for her what He has done in the past.

Mary is in a position where she needs a God who is mighty to save and willing to help His people; and Mary is able to see that God’s work in her life now, though less than ideal, is a part of His promise to help set His people free.

Mary’s story is good news for us today because, like her, we need a God who is mighty to save and willing to help His people. When we have been brought low by our sin and when the darkness of life in a broken world overwhelms us, we can rejoice in this reminder that God fulfilled His promise to deliver His people. He is our help and He has broken through the darkness to deliver our salvation!

Family Activity

It’s important in this season to share the joy we’ve experienced through Jesus. As a church, we have an opportunity to help others through Angel Tree with The Salvation Army. If you haven’t already, pray as a family and select an angel from a tree in the lobby. If you’re reading this during the week and haven’t yet picked up an angel, feel free to reach out to our staff and arrange a time to stop by and grab one.

Spend time together shopping for gifts to help a family in need. While you shop, talk about the importance of a gift. Here are a few questions to get you started:

How do you feel when you receive a gift?

What’s your favorite gift you’ve been given?

How would you feel if you didn’t get anything for Christmas this year?

Why is Jesus the perfect gift?

How does the gift of Jesus help you?

Pray that the gifts you are giving would demonstrate God’s love for the child who will receive them.

Want to go further? Here are some additional ideas for helping others this season and throughout the calendar year: Toys for Tots, Compassion International, Operation Christmas Child, Love Where You Live, Children’s Hunger Fund

Daily Reading