Focus
Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.
Read
Luke 1:46b-55 (NRSV)
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
Reflect
Such profound words from a mere girl! Scholars think Mary may have been only about 12 years old when the angel appeared to her and told her she would have a baby, God’s own son. Think about any 12-year-olds you know. How do you think they would handle such a situation? My guess is not very well.
Mary was not married but found herself with child. Many of us are old enough to remember when such an event caused the tongues to wag and judgment to be brought down around the mother and child. Mary was facing even worse judgment. Joseph would have been within his rights to set her aside, leaving her to find for herself and the child. She could have been stoned for her sin. Yet here she is praising God for the gift she has received.
When have you received a gift from God and wondered if it was truly a gift? How did you see God use that gift in you? At what point were you able to offer praise for God’s gift? If you have not yet done so, offer praise to God for the many gifts God has give you. Use those gifts for God’s glory.
Pray
God, thank you is not enough to show our gratitude for the gifts with which you have showered us. We know that you expect us to accept those gifts on faith, as Mary did, and use them. Help us to embrace those gifts and use them for your kingdom. Amen.
