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 Lord Jesus,
Your mother knew there was nothing in her that gave her greatness. It was by Your grace and mercy she was chosen to be the one who would bring You into the world. She cared for You when You were a baby, made sure You were fed, and raised You so that You could carry out Your mission to redeem the world.
She is blessed not for anything of her own doing; Your word has recorded instances where she was not perfect. She came to You asking a favor of You at Cana’s wedding; You had to remind her that Your time had not yet come. Again, when she brought your siblings to find You, You responded that those who believe in You are Your mother, brothers, and sisters.
These incidents show that while Mary was the one who brought You into the world, she had her moments of weakness like the rest of us. Despite those moments, her prayer articulates her love for You and Your love for all people, and she was blessed because she carried her Savior into this world.
You have come into the world for all people to lift them from the emptiness of their sins, but for those who reject You, thinking they have everything they need, in the end, they are sent away empty.
You remembered and kept your promises to the Old Testament fathers; You have brought salvation and eternal life for all who believe in You. So we thank You for your mother, Mary, because we are blessed by Your holy life and innocent death on the cross; You delivered salvation to us through the forgiveness of sins. So may we also share this good news of your love and forgiveness with those who do not know you, and may they be filled with your grace and mercy. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God’s love and mercy are for all who trust in him; by God’s grace, Jesus was sent to take on the flesh of his creation. So, through Jesus’ death, he gave eternal life and saved souls.