Luke 1:46-55 (NRSV)
Read Luke 1:46-55 on biblegateway.com
Verse 46And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, Verse 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, Verse 48for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; Verse 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Verse 50His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. Verse 51He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. Verse 52He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; Verse 53he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. Verse 54He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, Verse 55according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."
Devotion
The Christmas cards can’t capture it. A lovely angel with delicate pure wings doesn’t touch it. A beautiful, virginal girl peacefully listening to the news isn’t adequate. The lovely classic image of Madonna and Child can’t even express it. “The Mighty One has done great things for me,” Mary claims. Gabriel promises Mary that the son she will bear “will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High and the Lord will give to Him the throne of His Father, David, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” God’s kingdom come, Christmas gift in utero. Thanks be to God.
Prayer
O God, let your kingdom come to us, we pray. And let us live by its light in the darkness of our world. Through Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.