And Mary sang: “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 his descendants forever. ” Luke 1:46-55.
And so we come to the last part of Mary’s song. In this last sentence she speaks of God’s help, God’s mercy and God’s promise. These are three good things to take with us into an uncertain year ahead. Mary would certainly need God’s help, mercy and promise on more than one occasion in the months ahead of her. As will we. Where do you need God’s help? Where have you seen God’s mercy? What promise of God gives you encouragement as you move into the future? Take time to write and pray about this before the end of the year.
It has been a good practice for me to memorize Mary’s song over the past few weeks, and it has been a challenging discipline to post on this blog everyday as I reflected on what the words I trying to learn by heart. Doing so has forced me to take time away from the seasonal busyness to slow down and do some thinking and praying. For those of you who have walked through this advent journey with me, thank you for your quiet companionship. I hope your hearts are feeling more prepared for the coming celebration.
And now it is time to celebrate! Christ’s first coming is such good news it needs a great festivity and some beautiful music. Sing and celebrate heartily tomorrow on Christmas eve.
I will take a break from posting over the rest of the month but will back after the new year. Blessings!
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