The Christmas Carols: Past, Present, & Future HopeSample

Day 11

Breath of Heaven

Read: Luke 1:5-25; Luke 1:39-45

Do you want a “blessed” life? Of course you do! Who doesn’t, right? Only a hardcore atheist who does not believe in a “Bless-or” is repelled by the concept of being blessed by their Creator. However, what does the blessing of God look like, and how do we get on the blessed list?

After Mary was visited by Gabriel and told she was carrying the Son of God, she visited her relative Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45). At that time, Elizabeth declared to Mary that she was indeed “blessed” by God (Luke 1:42). Of course, the blessing Elizabeth was referring to was the Baby Mary was carrying in her womb . . . but a closer reading of this passage (in context) also reveals to us another way Mary was blessed in Luke 1.

After speaking with the Angel Gabriel, Mary was mostly left in isolation to ponder her new found pregnancy. Her parents would have been concerned. Her betrothed, Joseph, was considering a divorce. Who would believe her? Did she really hear the Angel correctly? These were probably some of the questions Mary was asking.

So, where does she go? How does God provide and bless Mary in the midst of her situation?T he Lord has Mary walk 50-70 miles to the hills of Judah to visit Elizabeth, the only other woman in the world who would understand miraculous pregnancies (see Luke 1:5-25)! The Lord blessed Mary through another person - her cousin Elizabeth’s company!

1. Can you imagine what Mary may have been thinking as she walked to Elizabeth’s house? The song “Breath of Heaven” shares a fictionalized perspective from Mary as she made that trek. Listen to this song as you relate Mary’s circumstances.
2. Realize that the “Breath of Heaven’s” blessing that fell on Mary at that time was not a second angelic visit, but a cup of coffee with her cousin.

Are you longing for the supernatural provision of God? Have you ever stopped to think that the blessing of God . . . the breath of heaven . . . may be coming to you by another member of the Body of Christ who lives down the street, or is in your small group, or is just a phone call away. The supernatural blessing of God is often wrapped in natural paper.

Breath of Heaven

I have traveled many moonless nights,
Cold and weary with a babe inside.
And I wonder what I've done.
Holy Father, You have come,
And chosen me now to carry Your Son.

I am waiting in a silent prayer.
I am frightened by the load I bear.
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now, be with me now.

Breath of Heaven, hold me together,
Be forever near me, breath of Heaven.
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness,
Pour over me Your holiness, for You are holy,
Breath of Heaven.

Do you wonder as you watch my face,
If a wiser one should have had my place?
But I offer all I am,
For the mercy of Your plan.
Help me be strong, help me be, help me.