Sunday, December 22, 2013

Advent Reflections: Mary

A couple of years ago, I wrote out a self-published e-book of Advent Devotions. You can still buy it from Amazon.com here: Advent Reflections. However, I’m going to re-use the whole thing for daily blog posts here on the blog this year. This week features double-posts to finish by Christmas.

Hymn numbers are from the 2008 Baptist Hymnal/Worship Hymnal from Lifeway.

Week Four Day Two: Mary

“Behold, the bond-slave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38 (NASB95)

The focus on people in the story of Christmas has to include Mary. Though we cannot cross the line and attempt to place her equal with the Lord Jesus Christ, she is still critical to message of the Gospel. Her willingness to carry and deliver a child echoes as an example of sacrifice to this day. She alone could testify to the truth of His being born of a virgin, fulfilling Isaiah 7:14. She alone would know for certain how special her Son was, knowing who His Father was.

Her words are recorded in Luke and remembered in these days as The Magnificat. Her words remember the work that God had done and look ahead to what He will do. I will let her speak for herself in today’s Scripture passage.

Scripture passage for the day: Luke 1:46-55 (NRSV) The Magnificat

And Mary said, “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.

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for 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 the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,

and lifted up the lowly; 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.”

Hymn for the day: Silent Night #206

Special Music: I would highly recommend that you acquire a copy of Brad Paisley and Sara Evans’ duet “New Again.” The single file can be downloaded or the song is on the CD Playlist: The Very Best of Brad Paisley. If you can get that disc for under $8, as it is available online, then the price is worth it for that song.

Prayer: Almighty Father, I understand that You do not need another Mary in Your plan. I thank You for her willingness to serve You and bear Your Son. I ask that You guide me and use me to do whatever is critical in Your plan. I will serve and glorify You in it all, for Jesus Christ is my Lord and in His name I pray, Amen.

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