Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 21, 2024

Date: Saturday of the 3rd Week of Advent

Scripture Text: Luke 1:39-45

Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recounts Elizabeth’s response to Mary’s visit as recorded in the Gospel of Luke.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I open to the guidance and gifts of the Spirit? Do I recognize Christ when I encounter Him in others?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, as we near the celebration of your beloved Son’s birth to us as our Savior, send your Spirit to guide us and to gift us so that we might better recognize your Son in our midst. He promised “I am with you always.” Grant that we may see Christ in others; help us to welcome Christ more fully into our minds, our hearts, and our lives. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.