Focus

Take a few minutes to push the “pause” button on whatever is going on around you and be still with God.

Read

Luke 1:46b-55 (NRSV)

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Reflect

Have you ever been so happy or excited that you just burst into song? This is exactly what Mary did! Her joy could not be contained and like Mary the fullness of the Spirit should lead us to joyful praise in our lives perhaps not in a song but in the way we live our lives. Mary’s song is called “The Magnificat” for it was her desire to magnify the Lord and not herself. When Mary declares, “from now on all generations will call me blessed” she is not being prideful; she is accepting the gift and the blessing that God has bestowed upon her.

What talent or gift do you have that can be of service to the kingdom of God? I believe there are many gifts that need to be uncovered, nurtured, and given the opportunity to grow. How much faith do we exude when we only continue to do those things that are comfortable to us?

During this season of gift-giving, let us reexamine the gifts that we can offer Christ. Perhaps God would like a new gift from us this year. Look deep into your heart. What new avenue of service can you lay on the altar? Remember the best way to thank God for a gift (both that of the Son as well as the many other ways we have been blessed) is to give it back. May our lives sing with praise, “My soul magnifies the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

Pray

Gracious and loving God, the reason for our song, create in us hearts of joy and service that we may give willingly and wholeheartedly of ourselves with grateful appreciation for all that you have given us. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Go with God!