Devotional 12-14-08

“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.”

This beautiful poem, known as “The Magnificat,” is Mary’s song of praise about her relationship with God, found in Luke 1:47-55. Mary, a lowly, young, faithful Jewish teenager, has been selected to bear the Son of God. How can she possibly understand this awesome responsibility? Because she has accepted this role, she can be shunned by her community and family. She can be put to death by her betrothed. What a terrible predicament for anyone. Could we be as sure – as strong – as faithful?

And yet, Mary readily accepts this role of Theotokis - “Godbearer”, and composes this awe-inspiring hymn to the one who is always there in her life – God. Mary knows that God is always grace-filled and merciful – always remembering the lowly and using them to show others the faithfulness of God. Mary is so filled with awe and reverence, that she can only rejoice that God can use her. Mary is right when she says we will continue to call her blessed.

In this season of Advent, let us be like Mary – mindful of our lowliness, yet rejoicing that God can use us - yes even us - to further God’s kingdom, and spread God’s love and care to all of God’s children every where in this world. We are so fortunate that God has selected us to be “Godbearers” - telling others the good news of Jesus Christ our Lord – who was sent to be our perfect example of love and to save us all. What an awesome responsibility for us – but God is always faithful.

Amen!

Rev. Suzanne Ellis