Monday after Advent 4

Luke 1:46-55
And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And 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 mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

I’m amazed that Mary so calmly accepted God’s will for her life even though her unplanned pregnancy would cause a major scandal. And more than accepting God’s will, she praised and thanked God for His mercy, for keeping His promises, and for blessing her with carrying baby Jesus. She was a teenaged girl in a society when men were the ones who had religious training. Yet she knew Scripture, she knew God’s nature, and she knew His promises. She didn’t weigh the cost of fulfilling God’s will—she thanked them that she was chosen as a vessel for Him to use.

Lord, give me a heart like Mary to rejoice that You are in control and You always keep Your promises. Take away fear, embarrassment, and confusion so I clearly see what You want me to do and boldly do what You ask. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

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