December 23
"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant... He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever." -Luke 1:47 & 53-55 (NRSV)
Peace must have flooded Mary's soul when she reached the shelter of her aunt Elizabeth after a long dangerous journey from Nazareth. She immediately burst into a prophetic song of joy. We don't often think of Mary as a prophet yet she clearly was as her song shows. Her prophetic vision in this Advent Season is inspiring. We can see fulfillments of Old Testament prophecies and yet encounter peace in Mary's Song of Rejoicing. Through her son, God is intent on changing the priorities of the world because:
• God looks with favor on the lowly and humble
• God scatters the proud in the imaginations of their hearts
• God brings the powerful down & sends rich away empty.
Yet we must also wonder how our lives today reflect Mary's prophetic vision? A check- up list of questions would include:
• Are we loving yet humble servants so God can also look on us with favor?
• Does our pride or own agenda ever interfere with what God seeks to accomplish through us?
• Do we sometimes let needs for power or control interfere with God's work?
• Are we ever rich in things and poor in soul?
As our Lord's coming draws near, may we test and examine our ways and daily draw closer to God. May true Peace then have a place to grow and dwell within your thoughts, spirit, and soul.
Prayer: God, Grant peace amid problems all around. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: Light an Advent candle of Peace.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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