Open yourself to the divine chaos and wonder that Advent brings. "Do not be afraid, Mary," the unwed teenage peasant girl is told by a strange visiting angel. Her courageous response -- and what happens next -- still shapes our world and our faith more than two thousand years later. In this new Advent devotional, join young Mary as she experiences the surprise, confusion, fear, anticipation, and blessing that follows her brave response to God's call: "Here am I, Lord." Listen carefully, and you may hear that call in your own life. From the first Sunday of Advent through Christmas Day, each daily devotion includes a scripture verse, a reflection, and a prayer. I Am Mary also features an Advent candlelighting service as a free download. Best-selling author and minister Carol Howard Merritt leads us on a remarkable Advent journey with the blessed ordinary girl who becomes the holy and revered Mother of God.

Author Biography

Rev. Carol Howard Merritt is a pastor and the award-winning author of three books: Healing Spiritual Wounds, Reframing Hope, and Tribal Church. Carol is a frequent contributor to books, websites, magazines, and journals. She also writes for the Christian Century where her blog is hosted.