Christian Reflection and Prayer

Read Luke 1:46-50. TEXT: (Mary said) "And His mercy is for
those who fear Him from generation to generation" (Luke 1:50).

Advent    Mary is overwhelmed by all God has done for her. For
the visit of the angel Gabriel, for the Christ Child growing in her
womb, for Elizabeth's Spirit-led greeting. Now she can't keep
her gratitude and praise inside.

She begins, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices
in God my Savior." That word "magnifies" is interesting. It
means that Mary's perception of who God is has grown
significantly. She speaks about her former "humble estate."
Perhaps she felt as we do at times--lost in the shuffle of life,
unnoticed by God. But in an amazing way God has noticed
and done great things for her, choosing her to be the mother
of His own Son.

Mary testifies that God has mercy on those who fear Him.
What exactly does it mean to fear the Lord? Is it to fear Him
as a tyrannical, impulsive ruler? Is it to think of Him as an
abusive father? Mary is talking more about the kind of fear
we feel toward a good-hearted father we love and respect.
We fear to stir his anger by breaking his rules, even more,
we fear disappointing him, letting him down.

Those who don't love and fear God treat His holiness and
laws indifferently, treading His works and ways underfoot.
But for us who love and fear Him, who humble ourselves
before Him, God is merciful. He knows our weakness and
failings, but He sends His Son to save us.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, give me Your Holy Spirit that I may love,
fear and trust in You for the sake of Your Son Jesus Christ.
I pray this in His Name. Amen

( Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)