Luke 1:46-55
Then Mary said, My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior because he has looked with favor on the humble state of his servant. Surely, from now on, all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones. He has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, but the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Let us all realize your greatness and the things you have done to restore us to you. Along with Mary, we rejoice in God our Savior, that you have looked with favor on us all. You sent your Son through your maiden Mary, and what a remarkable event for the world. You had promised Immanuel—God with us—that the world would recognize him because he would not have any earthly biological father. You were his Father, and while we may not understand how the miracle of your gift to the world occurred, planting your Son in Mary’s womb, we know that it did happen.
Jesus came in the fulness of the one true God; you embodied your creation through your Son, Jesus. He was both true God and Man in one person. As true God, Jesus destroyed death and took all our sins into himself. Then as true man, he gave up his life on the cross, suffering our punishment. Jesus comes to everyone who believes in him, granting them complete forgiveness of all their sins and removing all the guilt and shame they carry. Through faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit grafts everyone who believes in him into your family; we are Israel.
All the world is blessed because of Mary carrying your Son, and in a Christmas miracle, she bore our Savior. Forgiveness, salvation, and everlasting life are ours because Jesus lived his life perfectly and then suffered an innocent death. As we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth, please allow us to share what this celebration means to those who do not know. So let us share with them the gift you gave that restored us to you—your Son, our Savior. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God used sinful humans to restore mankind. He used prophets—to carry his message, priests—to offer sacrifices, kings—to lead his people, and a humble virgin–to send his Son into the world. Jesus is our King (leading us), Priest (the perfect sacrifice), and Prophet (declaring forgiveness.)