Author: Kirstyn Mayden

Day 21: Worth the Wait Reading: Luke 2: 25-35 While Mary and Joseph were at the temple, a man named Simeon was there. He was full of the Holy Spirit and knew that Jesus was the Messiah he had waited for so long. The Lord told him he would not die until he saw the Messiah, and… Read more

Day 20: A Humble Sacrifice Reading: Luke 2:21-24 In accordance with Israelite tradition for firstborn sons, Jesus is circumcised and presented to the Lord in the temple at Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph offered a sacrifice of two young pigeons. Luke 2:24 tells us they offered “a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the… Read more

Day 19: Treasure it Up Reading: Luke 2:16-20 After hearing of the birth of Jesus, nearby shepherds hurried to find Mary and Joseph and told them everything that happened. This word of confirmation would have been a blessing to Mary and Joseph who sacrificed much to bring Jesus into the world. While many were astonished at the… Read more

Day 18: Peace on Earth Reading: Luke 2:8-15 While Mary and Joseph welcomed their Son Jesus into the world, His birth was announced to shepherds in a nearby field. An angel of the Lord appeared before the shepherds to tell them of the good news. Then the angel was joined by more angels saying: “Glory to God… Read more

Day 17: A Child is Born Reading: Luke 2:6-7 While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus, as had been promised hundreds of years before. Luke 2:7 reads: “She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.”… Read more

Day 16: Following God’s Lead Reading: Luke 2:1-5 While Mary was pregnant with Jesus, a census was taken throughout the entire Roman Empire. This caused Joseph and Mary to leave Nazareth to be counted. Luke 2:4 tells us: “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David,… Read more

Day 15: The Way Prepared Reading: Luke 1:67-80 Instead of doubting that God would give him a son, Zechariah now uses his words to prophesy over the life of his son, John. Zechariah says in Luke 1:76-77: “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to… Read more

Day 14: A Promise Fulfilled Reading: Luke 1:57-66 Elizabeth gives birth to her promised child that Gabriel foretold would come. Her neighbors expected her to name the child after his father, Zechariah, but she tells them the child’s name is John. Zechariah confirms, and when he does, this happens: “And immediately his mouth was opened and… Read more

Day 13: Mary’s Praise Reading: Luke 1:46-56 We can learn what Mary believes about God by reading the praise that she gives to God at Elizabeth’s home in Luke 1:46-56. This portion of scripture is called The Magnificat (mag·ni·fuh·kaat) which roughly translates to “praises” or “magnifies” in the English language. Instead of thinking about the challenges that… Read more

Day 12: Blessed is She Who Believes Reading: Luke 1:39-45 When Mary visits her relative Elizabeth, who is also pregnant, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In the Spirit, Elizabeth exclaimed:  “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from… Read more