Saturday, December 17

Luke 1:46-49

Eloise Smith

Many were the Jewish girls who dreamed of becoming the mother of the Messiah!  The Savior of Israel!  Even those who were not rich or princesses could be chosen.  However, to be chosen was not so simple.  The Angel Gabriel had been so sure!  And Mary, a girl of about 14, was willing to be obedient to God.  But… how would Joseph react?  Her parents had betrothed her to him and said he was a good man.  Still, the punishment for an unwed pregnant girl was death by stoning should Joseph refuse to marry her.

She sought comfort.  Mary hastened to see her Cousin Elizabeth, finally with child after being barren for so long.  Elizabeth’s baby leapt in her womb at Mary’s voice.  Gabriel was sure and now Elizabeth and her baby also!  Mary burst out in a song of praise to God: from the depths of her heart she praised God.  Her words are recorded as a beautiful poem we know as the “Magnificat”.

“My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior . . . for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.”  (Luke 1: 46-49)

Have you ever felt great uncertainty or great dependency on someone else?   And yet, Mary magnifies the Lord.  She holds God in greater esteem than ever before.  She has no idea what this whole experience will bring, but she is willing to put her trust in God.  Doesn’t she set an example for us?  In all circumstances we are to praise the Lord and trust in him to deliver us.

Dear Heavenly Father, We, too, praise and magnify Your name.  We thank You for what Mary’s faith has meant to us and for the fact that You are trustworthy.  We would remember especially at this time what it means to pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.