Advent Week 1:

READING:
This morning we light the first candle of Advent. In doing so we begin a series where we examine our
hearts as we expectantly wait for the coming of Christmas. We do this as a church family by looking at 4
characters that demonstrate postures of the heart. The first is Mary.
Mary had many reactions to her newly established role in the cosmic story of the gospel.

In response to the angel’s presence – Luke 1:29 says,
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

In response to her sister, Elizabeth’s, rejoicing – Luke 1:46-47 says
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

In response to the shepherds worship – Luke 2:16-19 says
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this
child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured
up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

In response to Simeon’s statement of joy – Luke 2:33 says
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

Mary’s whole life turned upside down in a few months. The first Christmas was holy, divinely orchestrated
from the beginning of time, and yet was human, complicated and crunched.

Welcome to advent season. It usually is lived out at the corner of sacred and stressed.
Today we learn from Mary, who literally carried the weight of the needs of the whole world at the first
Christmas. She did this while under financial, physical and relational stress. Yet God gave her grace that
she remained still enough in her heart to pay attention and remain curious; taking time to be aware of the
treasure of what was really happening.

PRAYER:

Father,
Grant us grace to be discerning and attentive, deeply present in every moment of this advent
season. Give us wisdom to know what to celebrate, buy, attend and participate in and when to
refrain. Please help these next few weeks be filled with quiet awareness of Your God-with-us
presence. We worship you for the treasure of Christ.

Advent Week 2:

READING:
This morning, we light the second candle of Advent, continuing our journey of examining the postures of the heart through four characters from the Christmas story. Today, we look to the Wise Men.

The Wise Men were not part of the Jewish community, yet their actions reveal a willing heart to seek Jesus. Their response to the star and the Christ child shows a posture of generosity rooted in obedience, worship, and reverence.

In response to the star’s appearance, Matthew 2:2 says: “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

In response to their journey’s culmination, Matthew 2:10-11 says: “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

The Wise Men’s posture of generosity began with their seeking. They prioritized Jesus above their own comfort and convenience. It continues in their worship, bowing low before Jesus in joyful humility. It culminates in their sacrificial giving, presenting gifts of great value, both material and symbolic.

Advent reminds us that generosity is not just a noble heart posture—it originated with God. A generous God sent His only Son, Jesus, to live among us and save us from our sin. Like the Wise Men, we are invited to respond by generously offering Christ our hearts, time, and resources. This Christmas season, let us reflect on their posture—a posture modeled after our generous God Himself. Let’s pray together.

PRAYER:
Father, You are the giver of every good gift, and You showed the ultimate generosity in sending Your Son, Jesus, to save us. This Advent season, may we mirror the posture of the Wise Men—seeking You first, worshiping with joy, and giving sacrificially from hearts of gratitude. Teach us to live generously, not only with our resources but also with our time and attention. Help us to make space in our busy lives to truly honor You. Amen.