12/24-
Christmas Eve- Luke 1:46-56, 2:7- Mary
46And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” 56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
46And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” 56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Thoughts: The mystery of Christmas Eve in many ways would
not happen without Mary. Her consent and
faith are amazing. Yet she knew her
willingness to do God’s will would mean her being lifted up. Who has not heard of Mary the mother of Jesus
today? Mary amazed everyone with her
joy, faith and hope at the news that she was pregnant out of wedlock. No matter what anyone else said, Mary
believed the angel. She risked her
marriage, her reputation, her wealth and hope in order to have this child. It
did not make sense but it was the most reasonable and greatest thing she could
do. Mary went into exile into Egypt
later to keep Jesus safe from the terrorism of Herod the King who wanted to
kill all the babies of Bethlehem. No
doubt she “pondered in her heart” the things that pointed to the kingship of
Jesus because otherwise the kings would rise up and try to kill him. Jesus was not rich. But Jesus helped care for
Mary after Joseph died and until the day of his death. Mary had a special place in Jesus’
heart. We should also respect and honor
(but not worship) Mary. Her example of
humility, hope, and hanging-on are great examples to us in a day of
problems.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be faithful to you in the midst of
the problems of life. Let me believe
that you will lift us up when we are faithful to you – in this life or the
next.
Song: Gentle Mary laid her child lowly in a manger. There he lay the undefiled, to the world a
stranger; such a babe in such a place, can he be the Savior? Ask the saved of all the
race who have found his favor!
Activity: Come and see. The shepherds left their fields to worship Him. We are called this Christmas Eve to leave and worship Him too. Go to worship to honor Him.
No comments:
Post a Comment