December 23, 2019
Luke 1:46-55 New Living Translation (NLT)
Every day I praise the Lord, because I see just how blessed I am by God. He is good and his favor rests upon me to keep me encouraged and fulfilled as I seek to lovingly lead his people. I am surrounded by devoted followers of Christ and I have the privilege of sharing life with them. My life is not always easy, but I am always blessed. Many people think about the word “blessed” and connect it to a life of comfort, but in our passage today, Mary calls herself blessed and nothing about her situation is comfortable.
Many times our blessings come in the shape of a cross; we must bear the burden in the strength of God. But in that connection with God, we can trust and know the divine presence and gain a greater understanding of his perspective of love and life. Wherever you find yourself this Christmas, please let Mary’s song of praise encourage you. Take time to look for the blessings in your life and praise God for them.
Luke 1:46-55The Magnificat: Mary’s Song of Praise
46 Mary responded,
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
47
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
48
For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49
For the Mighty One is holy,
and he has done great things for me.
50
He shows mercy from generation to generation
to all who fear him.
51
His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
52
He has brought down princes from their thrones
and exalted the humble.
53
He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away with empty hands.
54
He has helped his servant Israel
and remembered to be merciful.
55
For he made this promise to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his children forever.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for taking notice of my heart and blessing me. I praise you for your goodness; I thank you for your mercy and strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.