Sunday, December 15, 2019
Luke 1:46-55
“And Mary said, “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.”
On this Third Sunday of Advent my church celebrated “JOY.” It was a wonderful service filled with hymns and songs of the Advent season. With all of the focus on the baby Jesus coming it can be easy to push Mary aside. Mary’s response to being chosen by God to give birth to the Savior of the world was praises to God and faithful rejoicing. Mary has found favor with God and her life was about to take on some major changes. Had she not considered how others would react; did she sense the implications of being pregnant and unwed (?); did she realize that she could lose her future husband and cause disgrace to her family…maybe she did and maybe not, the important part of the story is that she listened and followed in faith the things that were told to her my the angel. Her response to the Lord’s message was PRAISE!
It is through Mary we are able to learn of God’s grace and mercy; most importantly this grace and mercy took human form in a newborn baby boy. It is through Mary and this baby boy, the world would never be the same again.
Step out in faith and everlasting joy to God’s call in your life. This week spread JOY wherever possible! Be the light of Jesus to friend and family but most especially to strangers.
Prayer:
Lord, you called Mary to a large task, At the time it may have seemed to be more than she or anyone else could handle. Yet through her, Emmanuel would come and change the world. During this season of preparation and anticipation, work within me, to be your agent of divine change. Look upon me with favor and send me. Let this season of Advent be one of your in-breaking, not in sentimentality, but in a reordering of the world to your will and your kingdom. ~Amen.
~Hope-Peace-Joy~
References:
https://www.themissiondsm.org/message/marys-magnificat
Why not the Magnificat? Mary’s song of humble joy ought to be our song, too
HOPE SEEKER 
I love that song – “Mary Did You Know?” Thanks for posting it. I love the JOY of this season. Your post explaining the importance of this Advent Sunday was very much appreciated. I WILL step out in JOY to spread the Good News. I’m so glad you are doing so, too!
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