Luke 1:39-56 (NIV)
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Reflection
“O Holy Night” . . . “Joy to the World” . . . “O Come All Ye Faithful”. . . These classic carols have been around for ages, but there is a song that comes straight from God’s word. It is the song of Mary. It pours out praises and worship onto the One who blesses and gives. As Mary was affirmed by Elizabeth about all that was to come, Mary sang a song that went beyond just her own joy but proclaimed truths that would bless many to come. Revealing His strength and power, the Mighty One reverses the places of honor by bringing down the rich and powerful and raising up the poor, broken and humble. His kind mercy extends to those who fear and trust Him. He fills the hungry with good things. He chooses the lowly to fulfill all of His promises to His people, His church.
Response
The Mighty One has done great things for us. He has come near to us. May our souls glorify the Lord and may our spirits rejoice in God our Savior. He has been mindful and loving towards us and blessed us beyond our understanding. He has given us His Son. Let’s lift up praises and thank Him for the great things He has done.
