Christian Reflection and Prayer

And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my
spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47)
Read Luke 1:46-55.

 

One year in early December our old black-and-white
console television conked out on us. Mom covered
it with a white cloth and set up the manger scene on
top. On Christmas morning my parents lifted the
white cloth from the front of the set and suddenly we
had a brand new color television. Seeing all the
programs in color for the first time was amazing.

Mary had an experience something like that. First,
the angel's message, and now Elizabeth's greeting.
In response, she bursts out in praise, "My soul
magnifies the Lord!"

 

What a curious thing to say. She obviously doesn't
mean her soul or spirit has made God greater than
He already is. She means her mental image of God
has grown significantly. Previously, she thought
God would have sent His angel to the high priest's
daughter in Jerusalem or to a girl from a powerful,
influential and wealthy family. She surely didn't
think God would send an angel to a girl like her with
no fame, wealth or influence.

 

But God had noticed her -- a young, unknown girl
from an insignificant, little town that is never
mentioned throughout the entire Old Testament.
God chose her to be the mother of His Son.

When we recognize our unworthiness, our sin, our
failings, then God is ready to magnify Himself in our
eyes too. That's the secret of Christmas: the Christ
Child came to our world to take away our sin and
the punishment we deserve for it. Today He comes
to your house to live with you, give meaning to your
life, guard your ways, and even lead you through
death to life everlasting.

 

THE PRAYER:

 

Heavenly Father, I am amazed You would concern
Yourself with someone like me. Thank You for
sending Your Son to save me and promising me
eternal life for His sake. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

(Advent Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)