Light a candle
Read Liturgy Out Loud
Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.
Prayer
Read Luke1v46-55 as a prayer.
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
Experience
Watch: The Chosen Scene: Mary Remembers Jesus’ birth (3.5 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhJEd2Cit_Y
Mary holds the child close, marveling at His tiny form. “Nothing like I expected,” she recalls. He came with goop and gunk and roaring cries.
The Messiah, not in splendor but in humility—a fragile baby in her arms. The weight of it fills her heart. He came as a baby so that we may all be saved. In His smallness, we experience the greatness of God’s love, a love willing to enter the messiness of life to redeem it all.
Listen
Mother of God – The Brilliance
Reflect
- What do you feel as you watch the scene from Chosen? What comes to mind as she retells the story?
- What unexpected things has God done in your life through this Advent series?
- How would you describe your relationship with Jesus this Advent season?