December 18

Scripture Reading

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.”

Devotion

In the hustle of the season, when the lists are long and the expectations high, let’s pause for a moment of sacred reflection. Nestled like a treasure within the Gospel of Luke, we find Mary's Magnificat. It's a moment when the heart of a young girl from Nazareth becomes the canvas for God’s grand masterpiece of grace.

Mary’s song, the Magnificat, begins,

"My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."

Notice her choice of words: soul and spirit. This is not just a song from her lips but a chorus from the depths of her being. In this busy season, may our worship echo Mary's, coming from a place deep within, where the Holy Spirit dwells and stirs us to sing of the Savior.

Mary marvels,

"For He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant."

Isn’t it just like God? To take notice of the unnoticed. To choose what the world overlooks. Mary, a young maiden, the least likely in the eyes of her people, is chosen for one of the highest honors. In a world that often celebrates the grand, God treasures the humble. This Christmas, let’s take a lesson from Mary’s story. Let’s look around for those who are often forgotten and extend a hand of kindness, just as God did through Jesus.

The song speaks of mercy, stretching from one generation to the next, reminding us that the Father's heart is always turned towards us. How fitting at Christmas to remember that the mercy of God didn’t just cradle Mary's baby but was embodied in Him. Jesus is the mercy of God in human skin.

Mary sings of God's strength, who scatters the proud and lifts the lowly, fills the hungry, and sends the rich away empty. This melody of reversals calls us to a different rhythm of life, one that finds the beat in service, giving, and love—just as Jesus came not to be served but to serve.

She ends with a note of remembrance, for God is not forgetful of His promises. The baby Mary would bear was the fulfillment of a promise made long ago. And the promises made are promises kept. May we all remember and rejoice in God's faithfulness this Christmas.

As we enter this Christmas season, let us carry Mary’s song in our hearts. Let it be more than a carol we sing; let it be the truth we live—magnifying God, rejoicing in His service, and loving others with the mercy He has shown us.

May your days be merry and bright, and may your heart be filled with the eternal joy of our Savior’s love.

Reflection

1. God has chosen the weak, the foolish, and the undeserved for his glory and purpose. That includes you. What is our response to his choosing?

2. Like for Mary, God has a specific purpose for your life. Are you fulfilling that purpose?

   
   

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Notes

Song: Breath of Heaven, Amy Grant.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Picture: Visitation, by Domenico Ghirlandaio (1491), depicts Mary visiting her elderly cousin Elizabeth.