Advent Devotion, 12/17/22
LUKE 1:46-55
46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
It’s hard not to be impressed by Mary. She was just a teenager, somewhere between 13-16 years old, when an angel appeared to her. I can imagine how this would go if an angel appeared to a teenager today. There would be screams or crying and a response of fear. But clearly, Mary was no normal teenager! Rather, Mary embraced her calling as the earthly mother of Jesus in what we call “The Song of Mary” and considers herself blessed. She endures a trip to Bethlehem near the end of her pregnancy and there is no place to deliver the child.
Was she bitter? Did she shout at God, “You did this to me, and now you can’t even give me a decent place to give birth? Not even one room?”
It’s possible that 2022 hasn’t gone how you planned. Perhaps you’re even mad at God and blame him for your situation. It’s ok to be troubled. Mary was. I invite you to lay it all at the feet of the One who came to save you.
REFLECT
In what ways has the past year been a struggle? How have you seen God work through your situation?
PRAY
Dear God, Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus, and the hope that He gives us. Even when our lives take difficult or unexpected turns, we can still find our joy and peace in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
ADVENT PLAYLIST SONG
“Magnificat,” Maeve, “The Soul Felt its Worth”
|  |  |
