In the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, we read the story of Jesus’ mother, Mary (1:26-56). Mary’s faithfulness and joy is a powerful witness. Yet, the angel’s message must have been frightening. What would it have been like to have to tell Joseph or her parents? I often wonder if she went to Elizabeth as an escape, to “hide” her pregnancy so as not to bring shame to her parents. Whatever fear she may have felt Mary answered the angel, “here am I, the servant of the Lord” (1:38). She submits to God’s will for her to be the chosen mother of God. Her song, called the Magnificat, begins with “my soul magnifies the Lord” (1:46-55). It is a song of joy at being chosen and could be the very first Christmas song. Many Christmas carols bring joy. When things look bleak, or we encounter hard times, can we also sing a hymn of joy? Joy isn’t happiness, and some people may be having a hard time finding Christmas spirit, while others are full of joy already.
The prophet Isaiah foretells a time when “the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:10).
Many stores are playing Christmas music, we sing at church, and maybe even listen to Christmas music at home or in the car. Listen for the joy in the music.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for the joy of the holiday season. We know why we celebrate, and want to keep the focus on you. Fill our hearts with Joy so that we cannot help but share our joy with others. Amen.
Activity: Give/make an angel. In the Christmas story, the angels sing when they learn about Jesus’ birth. The angel you make, buy, or unpack is to remind you of the joy of Christmas!
- Buy an angel, or set out an angel you already have, and set it in a place you’ll see it each day.
- Make an angel with using a paper plate with handprints as wings.
Hand Print Angel
Materials:
Paper plate
Paper
Scissors
Glue
Markers or crayons
- Color paper plate. This is the angel’s body.
- Fold down right and left sides of plate. This will be the angel’s gown.
- Cut out a circle of paper for the head, and draw a face and hair. (Bonus idea: use a picture and cut out the face to make yourself the angel head!) Glue to the top of the plate.
- Trace hands on paper and cut them out. Glue the handprints to the back of the plate for the wings.
Advent Wreath Liturgy for Home
Week 3: JOY
Read: Luke 1:46-55 The Magnificat – Mary’s Song of Praise – And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed: for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His Mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
Light the third candle, the candle of Joy. (This candle is often Pink, but may be the same as the others.)
Reflect: Mary has traveled to be with her aunt, Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Even though Mary has been told by the angel Gabriel that she will be the mother of the Son of the Most High, I can only imagine that she is scared. What does being the mother of the “Son of the Most High” even mean? Will Joseph believe her? What do her parents and other family and friends think? Despite all those questions she may have had, Mary sings a song of praise to God.
Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is a result of a situation, or a mood, but being joyful is deeper than that. Joy is not just about present circumstances, but it is a state of being or relating to the world. Despite any of the fears Mary may have had, she chooses joy. She sings praise to God.
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is evidence of living out our faith. Joy is a movement of the heart, easy and playful, full of love and delight. Choosing joy is a spiritual practice.
Pray: Joyful God, we thank you for the gift of joy. So much about this time of year fills our hearts with joy. Help us to keep that feeling all year long. We pray for all those who are feeling less than joyful. May they be touched by your joy today. Amen.
Redheadedrev 