Thursday 20 December, 2018

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.” 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

In this passage, Mary has just arrived at her relative Elizabeth’s and in response to her greeting Mary sings a song of praise and amazement to God for the position that she is in. She acknowledges God’s power and faithfulness – her insignificance in comparison yet she is grateful that He has chosen her to keep His promise to Israel.

I can’t in any way relate to Mary and what it must have been like for her, knowing Israel’s history and now her place in it, all the relationship issues with her parents and Joseph, all her personal changes in having a baby, all overwhelming in so many ways. But she does do something I can do. I too can sing praises to God, I’m grateful He’s my saviour, I’m overwhelmed that He notices me, I’m thankful that He’s involved in my life & yet He’s the creator of the Universe!

I’m forever grateful.

Written by Suzie Hodgson