‘From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.’ (vv48b–50) Luke 1:39–56
Happy Christmas! The rush towards Christmas has ended. We awake to the hushed silence of the feast of Christ’s birth. What’s true of our physical experience is also true for our spirit.
Mary, after all the shocking events of Gabriel’s annunciation, ‘hurried’ to visit her cousin Elizabeth (v39). Looking for reassurance for the bold ‘yes’ she has given to God, He confirms His word at the first greeting between the two women. Elizabeth prophesies over Mary and Mary responds, singing God’s promise.
Christmas is about our encounter with God. It’s easy to fall into a habit of treating it as an observance, of following a religious custom; all activity, no substance.
Christmas sweeps past us with a flurry of celebration, with little or no room left for Jesus. I understand the challenge. With our daughter, Christmas Day began with a birthday cake and candles; with us singing happy birthday to Jesus together.
We wanted her to know whose day this was, and she loves cakes and candles. Mary declares that the impact of this first Christmas will resonate throughout history until Christ returns.
What song will we sing this Christmas, what gifts will we present before Christ’s throne (Heb. 4:16)? The physical silence that marks the start of our Christmas offers a moment to pause and surrender once more, as Mary did, to the priority of God’s purpose in our life.
SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Isa. 9:1–7; Luke 1:26–38,57–80; Eph. 2:11–22.
AN ACTION TO TAKE: What will you bring to Jesus this Christmas? Find your voice and sing an anthem of praise and promise from your heart.
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, my soul glorifies You, ‘and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour’ (see vv46-47). I am grateful that You continue to be mindful of me every day. Amen.’
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