Merciful to Babies- Lent 5, 2026

John Kass continues his prayer poem column “O Holy Night.


“For every baby who isn’t loved enough and grows up with a hard crust around his heart because there was no one near to plant those kisses and give those hugs.”


How I wish all children were loved and all parents were kind, putting their children ahead of themselves!  Lord Have Mercy!

The Psalmist writes, Psalm 10:14 But You, O God, do see trouble and grief; You consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless…17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; You encourage them, and You listen to their cry, 18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.

Have Mercy, Lord and be Helper of the fatherless and motherless who grow up with parents who–while physically present– live as if they aren’t.  The child’s pain of being passed over and neglected is often equal to the pain of being raised by the grouchy parent.  The pain of never hearing words of affirmation or the gentle “I love you” to communicate a Father in heaven who is Love…even as a generational habit or sin.  Lord, Have Mercy!

Forgive us, Lord, for the times we failed our children.  Grant us grace to make amends while we have breath and opportunity to do so.  Have Mercy, Lord!

Prayer Focus: That God would restore in us His grace to value the littlest of His flock and to show them His lovingkindness and mercy.

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You can find these “Κύριε, ἐλέησον, ‘Lord, have mercy” devotionals here or you can “Like” Seminary Gal on Facebook and they’ll be delivered to your Facebook news feed. Advent and Lenten devotionals remain among my most popular offerings. You don’t want to miss this encounter with God to prepare your heart for Easter!

Understanding that prior years’ devotionals continue to minister, you may want to have access to a full series ahead of time:

Lent 2013 looked at The Letter to the Romans: Paul’s Masterpiece to reclaim foundations of our Christian heritage and began February 13, 2013.

A very special and ever popular offering was Lent 2014’s Be Still and Know that I AM God  which can be obtained through the archives beginning in March 2014. 

Lent 2015 began on February 18, 2015 with a series entitled With Christ in the Upper Room: Final Preparations.  We explored what is often called “The Upper Room Discourse” found in John chapters 13-17

ReKindle, the Lent 2016 series, began on February 10, 2016 and encouraged us to rekindle our spiritual lives.

Light: There’s Nothing Like It was the 2017 Lent series and explored this metaphor often used to portray Christ.  It is archived beginning March 1, 2017.

Lent 2018, we explored the questions of Pi and Chi (the Greek letter beginning the word Christos, which means Christ, Messiah, the Anointed One). We asked and answered the questions “Why?” from the movie Life of Pi as we discovered the uniqueness of Jesus Christ in a world of many faiths.

Lent 2019 gave us a deeper window into Easter “More to the Easter Story” since we miss so much when we rely only on a superficial understanding of the work of Christ. These devotionals are archived beginning March 6, 2019.

Our Lent 2020 devotional series offered prayer points surrounding “Be Thou My Vision” and were aimed at helping us to see God for who He is. The full set of devotionals are archived beginning February 26, 2020.

The theme for 2021 Lent Devotionals was how to live between two worlds while waiting for Christ’s return. Into the gap between the City of Man and its fixation upon sin and the City of God with its demand for holiness, two words minister peace: But God. Praise God for His intervention! They are archived beginning February 17, 2021.

Revelation in 40 devotionals for 2022 offered 40 vignettes, scenes, concepts, and thoughts to inspire us to read the Book of Revelation as it is written and to go deeper. They are archived beginning March 2, 2022.

Created to Display His Image” explored what it truly means to be made in God’s Image and the profound significance of that fact. They are archived beginning February 22, 2023.

“Seeing His Love with New Eyes” was the topic for 2024 and it explored looking at God’s love beyond the superficial and trite notions of love. They are archived beginning February 14, 2024.

“The Way it Had to Be” explored the conversation in Luke 24 by the men on the Road to Emmaus as they walked with Jesus. They discovered their assumption “This is not how it was supposed to be” was precisely what had to happen and had been predicted throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus’ ministry. These devotionals are archived beginning March 5, 2025.

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Selah 1-Lent 2026

The actual meaning of the word Selah is unknown. There is speculation by scholars that it was a musical cue in ancient liturgy to encourage a moment to breathe, to pause and reflect on what one just read or sang, and to serve as an invitation to interrupt both the hurry and the stillness with introspection and praise. When we find it in Scripture, it should prompt us to stop the mad rush to simply get through reading, and instead, to meditate on God’s character, His words, or His actions on behalf of His people. The best true response to God is worship.

Psalm 3:8 From the LORD comes deliverance. May Your blessing be on Your people. Selah

Selah acts much like “Κύριε, ἐλέησον” in the Greek Orthodox liturgy: Lord, Have Mercy! Lent Devotionals will resume tomorrow after today’s Sabbath rest to reflect, refresh, and worship Him. Selah.

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Merciful to Little Children-Lent 3, 2026

The poem/prayer column I’m utilizing as my Lenten devotionals framework for prayer, “O Holy Night” by John Kass, continues,

And for all the children who should be loved always, but especially on this night, with our arms wrapped around them and a long goodnight kiss on the temple, a kiss more precious than anything that could ever be wrapped in a box.”

It resonates so powerfully with those of us who have been blessed to be parents. 

Jesus loves little children—all people, yes–but there’s something about the innocence of children that moves God’s heart in a special way. 

He grieves over the myriad assaults upon the innocence of children regularly occurring in our world.  Fears of kidnapping, being trafficked or abused, being trained for violence and hate, being devalued and forced to serve as a human shields in assaults, being groomed for gangs or to be victims of adult sexual deviancy, having their innocent minds indoctrinated and confused regarding how God lovingly created them, and forcing the “adultification” of their youth through neglect (or intent) so adult decisions rest upon those whose brain maturity is insufficient for the task.  They’re just children.

Psalm 139 speaks of God’s awareness of the vulnerability of children. Be merciful to all Your children, Lord!

Especially for those in desperate circumstances.  You see them.  You know these precious ones.  Protect them by Your grace.  Lord, Have Mercy!

Prayer Focus: That You, our Lord and God, would please protect the little children.

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You can find these “Κύριε, ἐλέησον, ‘Lord, have mercy” devotionals here or you can “Like” Seminary Gal on Facebook and they’ll be delivered to your Facebook news feed. Advent and Lenten devotionals remain among my most popular offerings. You don’t want to miss this encounter with God to prepare your heart for Easter!

Understanding that prior years’ devotionals continue to minister, you may want to have access to a full series ahead of time:

Lent 2013 looked at The Letter to the Romans: Paul’s Masterpiece to reclaim foundations of our Christian heritage and began February 13, 2013.

A very special and ever popular offering was Lent 2014’s Be Still and Know that I AM God  which can be obtained through the archives beginning in March 2014. 

Lent 2015 began on February 18, 2015 with a series entitled With Christ in the Upper Room: Final Preparations.  We explored what is often called “The Upper Room Discourse” found in John chapters 13-17

ReKindle, the Lent 2016 series, began on February 10, 2016 and encouraged us to rekindle our spiritual lives.

Light: There’s Nothing Like It was the 2017 Lent series and explored this metaphor often used to portray Christ.  It is archived beginning March 1, 2017.

Lent 2018, we explored the questions of Pi and Chi (the Greek letter beginning the word Christos, which means Christ, Messiah, the Anointed One). We asked and answered the questions “Why?” from the movie Life of Pi as we discovered the uniqueness of Jesus Christ in a world of many faiths.

Lent 2019 gave us a deeper window into Easter “More to the Easter Story” since we miss so much when we rely only on a superficial understanding of the work of Christ. These devotionals are archived beginning March 6, 2019.

Our Lent 2020 devotional series offered prayer points surrounding “Be Thou My Vision” and were aimed at helping us to see God for who He is. The full set of devotionals are archived beginning February 26, 2020.

The theme for 2021 Lent Devotionals was how to live between two worlds while waiting for Christ’s return. Into the gap between the City of Man and its fixation upon sin and the City of God with its demand for holiness, two words minister peace: But God. Praise God for His intervention! They are archived beginning February 17, 2021.

Revelation in 40 devotionals for 2022 offered 40 vignettes, scenes, concepts, and thoughts to inspire us to read the Book of Revelation as it is written and to go deeper. They are archived beginning March 2, 2022.

Created to Display His Image” explored what it truly means to be made in God’s Image and the profound significance of that fact. They are archived beginning February 22, 2023.

“Seeing His Love with New Eyes” was the topic for 2024 and it explored looking at God’s love beyond the superficial and trite notions of love. They are archived beginning February 14, 2024.

“The Way it Had to Be” explored the conversation in Luke 24 by the men on the Road to Emmaus as they walked with Jesus. They discovered their assumption “This is not how it was supposed to be” was precisely what had to happen and had been predicted throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus’ ministry. These devotionals are archived beginning March 5, 2025.

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Reminder: February 18, 2026, Lenten Devotionals “Κύριε, ἐλέησον” Begin

I was particularly moved at a Christmas Eve message by former Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass. He writes a similar column every year, and it’s a tradition he maintains on his blog even in retirement.  It’s entitled “O Holy Night” and reads like a prayer.

In recent years, he has faced many health challenges, and I support his ministry (as that is what it is), his ministry of words often leaning into culture and politics that reprove, correct, educate, and encourage people. It’s power is proof that Jesus doesn’t want us to withdraw from the world, our politics, or our culture but to light it with His illuminating truth.

I will be using John’s column as a prayer framework for 2026 devotionals for Lent, “Lord Have Mercy!,” because I was struck by how much of it touches the heart not just at Christmas, but also at Lent. It is powerful for guided introspection!

You can read his original column here: https://johnkassnews.com/o-holy-night-2025/

We will engage in self-examination and pray for God’s mercy upon our lives, our hurts, our culture, our nation, and the world. Please consider joining me for “Κύριε, ἐλέησον, ‘Lord, have mercy”

 Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (February 18, 2026).

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You can find these “Κύριε, ἐλέησον, ‘Lord, have mercy” devotionals here or you can “Like” Seminary Gal on Facebook and they’ll be delivered to your Facebook news feed. Advent and Lenten devotionals remain among my most popular offerings. You don’t want to miss this encounter with God to prepare your heart for Easter!

Understanding that prior years’ devotionals continue to minister, you may want to have access to a full series ahead of time:

Lent 2013 looked at The Letter to the Romans: Paul’s Masterpiece to reclaim foundations of our Christian heritage and began February 13, 2013.

A very special and ever popular offering was Lent 2014’s Be Still and Know that I AM God  which can be obtained through the archives beginning in March 2014. 

Lent 2015 began on February 18, 2015 with a series entitled With Christ in the Upper Room: Final Preparations.  We explored what is often called “The Upper Room Discourse” found in John chapters 13-17

ReKindle, the Lent 2016 series, began on February 10, 2016 and encouraged us to rekindle our spiritual lives.

Light: There’s Nothing Like It was the 2017 Lent series and explored this metaphor often used to portray Christ.  It is archived beginning March 1, 2017.

Lent 2018, we explored the questions of Pi and Chi (the Greek letter beginning the word Christos, which means Christ, Messiah, the Anointed One). We asked and answered the questions “Why?” from the movie Life of Pi as we discovered the uniqueness of Jesus Christ in a world of many faiths.

Lent 2019 gave us a deeper window into Easter “More to the Easter Story” since we miss so much when we rely only on a superficial understanding of the work of Christ. These devotionals are archived beginning March 6, 2019.

Our Lent 2020 devotional series offered prayer points surrounding “Be Thou My Vision” and were aimed at helping us to see God for who He is. The full set of devotionals are archived beginning February 26, 2020.

The theme for 2021 Lent Devotionals was how to live between two worlds while waiting for Christ’s return. Into the gap between the City of Man and its fixation upon sin and the City of God with its demand for holiness, two words minister peace: But God. Praise God for His intervention! They are archived beginning February 17, 2021.

Revelation in 40 devotionals for 2022 offered 40 vignettes, scenes, concepts, and thoughts to inspire us to read the Book of Revelation as it is written and to go deeper. They are archived beginning March 2, 2022.

Created to Display His Image” explored what it truly means to be made in God’s Image and the profound significance of that fact. They are archived beginning February 22, 2023.

“Seeing His Love with New Eyes” was the topic for 2024 and it explored looking at God’s love beyond the superficial and trite notions of love. They are archived beginning February 14, 2024.

“The Way it Had to Be” explored the conversation in Luke 24 by the men on the Road to Emmaus as they walked with Jesus. They discovered their assumption “This is not how it was supposed to be” was precisely what had to happen and had been predicted throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus’ ministry. These devotionals are archived beginning March 5, 2025.

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Announcing Our 2026 Lenten Devotionals, “Κύριε, ἐλέησον” (Lord, Have Mercy)

Throughout Lent last year, I watched with a certain dismay as a local church engaged in a weekly vanity project in lieu of meaningful sermons to prepare God’s people for holy self-examination. By doing so, it squandered a whole season meant by God for preparation. I was sad for the pastor, for the church, for all the people who might have heard a message of repentance, turned from their sins, and been saved.  Not that God was thwarted in His mission because He is not limited by what man will do. But I was sad because I’m also certain that this is not the only church in America squandering Lent.

Lord, Have Mercy!

Lent is for setting aside our vanities, resting our devotion to frivolous concerns or political machinations of this life, and for taking our cues from the One who was steadily marching—resolutely—toward the Cross on which He would die for humanity’s sins.

It’s why I write devotionals for Lent in addition to Advent.  Shouldn’t we be at least as prepared for Jesus’ return in judgment as we were preparing for Christmas?

Please consider joining me as we pray our way through Lent “Κύριε, ἐλέησον, ‘Lord, have mercy”

 Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (February 18, 2026).

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You can find these “Κύριε, ἐλέησον, ‘Lord, have mercy” devotionals here or you can “Like” Seminary Gal on Facebook and they’ll be delivered to your Facebook news feed. Advent and Lenten devotionals remain among my most popular offerings. You don’t want to miss this encounter with God to prepare your heart for Easter!

Understanding that prior years’ devotionals continue to minister, you may want to have access to a full series ahead of time:

Lent 2013 looked at The Letter to the Romans: Paul’s Masterpiece to reclaim foundations of our Christian heritage and began February 13, 2013.

A very special and ever popular offering was Lent 2014’s Be Still and Know that I AM God  which can be obtained through the archives beginning in March 2014. 

Lent 2015 began on February 18, 2015 with a series entitled With Christ in the Upper Room: Final Preparations.  We explored what is often called “The Upper Room Discourse” found in John chapters 13-17

ReKindle, the Lent 2016 series, began on February 10, 2016 and encouraged us to rekindle our spiritual lives.

Light: There’s Nothing Like It was the 2017 Lent series and explored this metaphor often used to portray Christ.  It is archived beginning March 1, 2017.

Lent 2018, we explored the questions of Pi and Chi (the Greek letter beginning the word Christos, which means Christ, Messiah, the Anointed One). We asked and answered the questions “Why?” from the movie Life of Pi as we discovered the uniqueness of Jesus Christ in a world of many faiths.

Lent 2019 gave us a deeper window into Easter “More to the Easter Story” since we miss so much when we rely only on a superficial understanding of the work of Christ. These devotionals are archived beginning March 6, 2019.

Our Lent 2020 devotional series offered prayer points surrounding “Be Thou My Vision” and were aimed at helping us to see God for who He is. The full set of devotionals are archived beginning February 26, 2020.

The theme for 2021 Lent Devotionals was how to live between two worlds while waiting for Christ’s return. Into the gap between the City of Man and its fixation upon sin and the City of God with its demand for holiness, two words minister peace: But God. Praise God for His intervention! They are archived beginning February 17, 2021.

Revelation in 40 devotionals for 2022 offered 40 vignettes, scenes, concepts, and thoughts to inspire us to read the Book of Revelation as it is written and to go deeper. They are archived beginning March 2, 2022.

Created to Display His Image” explored what it truly means to be made in God’s Image and the profound significance of that fact. They are archived beginning February 22, 2023.

“Seeing His Love with New Eyes” was the topic for 2024 and it explored looking at God’s love beyond the superficial and trite notions of love. They are archived beginning February 14, 2024.

“The Way it Had to Be” explored the conversation in Luke 24 by the men on the Road to Emmaus as they walked with Jesus. They discovered their assumption “This is not how it was supposed to be” was precisely what had to happen and had been predicted throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus’ ministry. These devotionals are archived beginning March 5, 2025.

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O, Holy Night-Advent 25, 2025

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Til He appear’d and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.

by Adolphe Adam. English lyrics by clergyman John Sullivan Dwight
and performed by Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo

This hymn, often sung at midnight on Christmas Eve, goes by several different names: “Minuit, Chrétiens” meaning “Midnight, Christians”, the “Cantique de Noël” meaning “Christmas Hymn,” and “O Holy Night.”  It reverently calls us to the manger, to see the King of kings and worship Him.

Principle: Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Aim: To understand that Jesus is the Holy One, the only Divine Son of God, and that He came to save us. He lived life as the perfect “second Adam” who paid for the sins of the first Adam and Eve. Aim to worship Him only!

At Christmas, a prayer: Lord God, we praise You that this hymn reminds us of the holiness of that moment when Your only Son Jesus of Nazareth, Son of Man, Son of God was born.  Only this one time in all of human history did such holiness break into our world for salvation purposes and offer us such glorious hope.  We praise You that the story does not end here at Your birth but You inaugurated hope to a weary world. That is because You came to die for the wretchedness of mankind, for Your people steeped in sin and violence. But now for those who love and follow You by repentance and believing the good news, we will see the New Heaven and New Earth where there will finally be Peace forever, and we will worship You, exalt You, glorify You as our Prince of Peace and King of kings!  Come, Lord Jesus!  Amen.

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It Came Upon the Midnight Clear-Advent 24, 2025

It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good will to men,
from heaven’s all-gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
to hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come
with peaceful wings unfurled,
and still their heavenly music floats
o’er all the weary world;
above its sad and lowly plains,
they bend on hovering wing,
and ever o’er its Babel sounds
the blessed angels sing.

And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,
whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way
with painful steps and slow,
look now! for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
and hear the angels sing!

For lo! the days are hastening on,
by prophets seen of old,
When with the ever-circling years
Shall come the time foretold
When the new heav’n and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace, their King,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.

By Edmund H. Sears and duet performed by Hound and Fox

The hymn writer, Edmund Sears, paints a vivid picture of a world in darkness, time dragging but the years flying, a weary world toiling away “beneath life’s crushing load,” our bodies fatigued and our minds no less so.  Doesn’t it sound like our Babel world today of human striving and mock omniscience of AI?

It’s midnight on the doomsday clock.  It’s always midnight.  Until the Light comes.

I like what author Arthur Waskow says about Hanukkah which I apply to Jesus. 

While Hanukkah is not a commanded religious festival (2 Chronicles 8:13) like Tabernacles or the Passover, Jesus pointed out: “As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I AM the Light of the world.” (John 9:4-5) In fact, if you read John 9 and 10, Jesus also restores the sight of the blind man. It’s all connected.

On His way to this Feast of Dedication, Behold! See! Jesus points others to Himself, proclaiming, “I AM” the Gate, the Good Shepherd, and the Light of the world. He came to give sight to the blind. Can you see this?

Principle: It is into such a deep darkness that His Light shines the brightest.
Aim: To focus on the hope present in the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, and go light up your world with this good news.
At Christmas, a prayer: How we praise You, Lord Jesus, that You came first for salvation and then You will return in Judgment!  Our dark world should tell every person alive that Your Return is near.  It’s midnight in our world!  Fix our eyes on the horizon of Your Return so that we will be ready by repenting and believing the good news that angels proclaimed at Your birth.  Amazing!  We love You!  Amen.

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What Child is This? Advent 23, 2025

What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
Chorus:
This, this is Christ, the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
[Chorus]
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
[Chorus]

Written by businessman W. Chatterton Dix and performed by the Piano Guys

Not all those who write Christian hymns or Christmas carols (or even preach and teach) are clergy or music ministers.  One of the beautiful things about Christianity is that the same Holy Spirit dwelling in the hearts of pastors and worship leaders also dwells in the hearts of average men and women of faith.  Yet when they are inspired by His illumination, gifted with His power and skill, they too can be powerful witnesses for Christ.

At Jesus’ birth, who came?  Shepherds, unschooled average shepherds.  Later, “to the house” (Matthew 2:11), who came? Magi, wise men, scientist/priests “from the East” who knew astronomy, astrology, interpreted dreams, and had great wisdom, perhaps even served as royal advisors. They were also educated enough in other religions to know there was biblical prophecy about the King of the Jews.  These were not Jewish men.  They were Gentiles.

The manger scene announced by angels and revealed to Jewish shepherds, later to the house where Gentile wise men would seek Him is a picture of the Good News going out from the Jews to include the Gentile world.  “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16)

Principle: The Messiah came for all who would repent and believe.

Aim: To understand that Jesus is from the Jews but meant also as a Light to the Gentiles.

At Christmas, a prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your birth, Your life, Your death and resurrection, for Your faithfulness, Your mercy, and Your plan from before Creation.  Thank You for Your inclusiveness regarding Your Image-bearers throughout all nations and being a Light to us all.  We praise You for the good news of Messiah so that You can draw people from every nation to repent and believe what You have done for all people.  While we know that some will refuse to repent, refuse to believe, and refuse to acknowledge You as Lord, we are grateful that each man, woman, and child upon this earth throughout all time will have been given opportunity to see You for Who You are.  Wise men and women still seek You as Savior.  We praise You at Christmas and always.  Amen.

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Mary, Did You Know? Advent 22, 2025

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby
You kiss the face of God
Mary, did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
Is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
That sleeping child you’re holding is the great, I Am
Mary, did you know? 

by Mark Lowry (lyrics) and Buddy Greene (music) performed by the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own”

Among the more popular modern carols is “Mary, Did You Know?” The questions asked reflect good theology about who Jesus is, but the obvious answer to any of the questions is “No.” Mary did not.

Mary had not the slightest pre-understanding of the Incarnation that we have on this side of history, with a New Testament to explain things. For her, it would have been moment after moment filled with wonder, maybe a bit of confusion and curiosity, mixed with a realism of how normal He seemed. The Virgin will be with Child is in Scripture, but that could have happened by God making an embryo within a virgin or the Jewish understanding of a “young woman” not even a virgin. But even that was not within the Jewish expectation of the Messiah as a fully human descendant of David. As a mighty leader, a warrior-king, He would save His people and establish peace. Mary’s strong theology about the Messiah probably carried her during the times of confusion or even doubt because nowhere in the Hebrew Bible did it ever talk about God becoming man.

One of the most powerful lines is “Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God.”

Principle: Jesus is mysteriously fully God and fully man.

Aim: To neither sacrifice His humanity nor neglect His divinity.

At Christmas, a prayer: Lord Jesus, we give thanks to the Father for calling such a woman of faith and submission to be Your earthly mother. We praise You for her sacrifice, for bearing likely insults and ignominy for one decision to say, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38). We thank You also for preparing Joseph for his unlikely role and for his faith. We understand they are not superheroes or superhuman, yet each of us can look to them as role models for our faith. May our faith be like Mary’s and Joseph’s so that we may bring glory to You in all we do. Amen.

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Acknowledging inquiries about an entire season’s devotionals for your study group’s planning purposes, Seminary Gal’s prior seasons’ Advent devotionals can be accessed via the search feature to the right and are as follows:  

  • “Visitation Principles” was the theme of last Advent’s devotional series. It delved into reasons Jesus came as outlined in the Book of Hebrews. They are archived beginning December 1, 2024.
  • From the Jews for the World” was an important devotional exploration of how Jesus’ Jewish heritage was necessary for the salvation of Gentiles, too. It is archived beginning December 3, 2023.
  • Awaken Remnant” was the devotional topic for 2022. It began November 27, 2022, and highlighted the remnant found throughout Scripture as evident in Jesus’ lineage.
  • The multi-faceted Interlude between the promise of a Deliverer and the birth of our Messiah and King was the theme of 2021’s devotional series. It is archived beginning November 28, 2021.
  • 2020’s Devotional Series Divine Intervention began on November 29, 2020 and explored God’s activity on behalf of a hurting world and nations in tumult– Intervention for you and for me when our status as sinners required nothing short of a miracle.
  • God’s Christmas list explored what might be on God’s Christmas list, learning what He wants from us. It began December 1, 2019.
  • Storyteller began December 2, 2018 and entered into the Christmas story through its telling.
  • The 2017 series Still Christmas, began December 3, 2017 and was the Advent complement to the Lenten series, Be Still and Know that I AM God.
  • The 2016 season devotionals were called Timeless: The Message of Christmas for All Ages” and explored how the message of Christmas is timeless truth, for all ages of people, and for all ages at all times.  Timeless hope, encouragement, grace, peace, and love as we looked into the Word, saw the face of our Lord Jesus, and experienced restoration in His presence.  His goodness and His Gospel are truly Timeless. The 2016 devotionals began November 27, 2016.
  • The 2015 season devotionals were titled Incarnation and involved digging deep–and yes, I mean deep– in this important mystery of Christian theology.  They began November 29, 2015.
  • Carol Me, Christmas! remains one of my most popular offerings and tells the Christmas story through our most beloved Christmas hymns and carols.  You can access all of the numbered devotionals from 2014 via the archives.  They began November 30, 2014.
  • The 2013 series was Emmanuel: When LOVE Showed Up in Person and examined the Prologue to the Gospel of John.  It began December 1, 2013.
  • The 2012 series focused on Expecting the Unexpected…the unexpected, unlikely, and uniquely divine qualities of God’s perfect plan outlined in Luke’s account of the Christmas story.  It began December 1, 2012.
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