Opening Song:  O Come, O Come Emmanuel (YouTube: Chris Tomlin)

Bible Chapter Reading:  Luke 1

Video Lesson: Overview of Gospel of Luke (Bible Project) (podcast 28 Minutes)

Excerpt: “Do not be afraid, Mary; God is honoring you.”

Reflection: Hope begins with God choosing ordinary people like Mary, to do an extraordinary thing for the world. Luke 1 reminds us that hope is not naïve optimism but God’s bold interruption of the ordinary with the promise of something new. As Mary says yes, we are invited into the same hope that God is still breaking in, even now. Where is this kind of bold optimism showing up in your world?

Journal prompt: Where is God challenging you to “not be afraid”? What is holding you back from leaning fully into God’s Hope and not fear?

Spiritual Exercise: Breath Prayer for Hope

     Breathe in: “God of hope…”
     Breathe out: “Be with me.”