AWE and JOY
Close your eyes for a minute and think back to when you were 12 or 13 years old. What were you concerned about at that age? What were your thoughts about your life and your faith? They probably included what brand of clothing the cool kids were wearing; how you looked that day; that cute person you were attracted to; and what you could get away with, when no one was looking.
Now open your eyes and read the following scripture lesson attributed to Mary, a lowly 12 or 13 year old girl, upon learning that she was pregnant with the Son of God.
A short time later Mary hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea. She went into Zechariah’s home, where she greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, her baby moved within her. . . . . . . .
Mary said,
“With all my heart I praise the Lord, and I am glad because of God my Savior.
God cares for me, his humble servant.
From now on, all people will say God has blessed me.
God all-powerful, has done great things for me, and his name is holy.
He always shows mercy to everyone who worships him.
The Lord has used his powerful arm to scatter those who are proud.
God drags strong rulers from their thrones
and puts humble people in places of power.
God gives the hungry, good things to eat, and sends the rich away with nothing.
God helps his servant Israel and is always merciful to his people.
The Lord made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his family, forever!
Luke 1:39-55 Contemporary English Version
Most people, no matter what their age, would probably be asking – How did all of this happen? Why was I chosen? What am I going to do next? How can I explain this – especially to my family and Joseph?
But rather than be concerned about these types of pressing issues, Mary goes to be with her cousin Elizabeth, who immediately recognizes that Mary is pregnant with God’s son. Elizabeth is now filled with awe and joy as her baby leaps within her.
And Mary is so filled with awe and joy, that she begins praising God as Savior, as well as prophesizing about the future of her life and the child she is carrying, in these verses found in Luke. All of this is coming from a 12 or 13 year old child who has such depth of faith and understanding, that she rejoices in the work of God. No questions, no concerns, just awe and joy, as well as acceptance and trust, in God and God’s plan for her and this special child that is within her.
Faith and love – awe and joy – God is our Savior. Mary shares so much with us. Open yourself to God and God’s love for you, so God will be a part of all you do, and you will be filled with awe and joy as well.
In the hymn, Mary Did You Know, this awe and joy that Mary feels, is so beautifully expressed. Please use these words of the last verse, as your prayer for this day.
Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy was Heaven’s perfect Lamb,
And the sleeping Child you’re holding is the Great I AM?
Mary did you know?
Words and Music by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene
Rev. Suzanne Ellis
Now open your eyes and read the following scripture lesson attributed to Mary, a lowly 12 or 13 year old girl, upon learning that she was pregnant with the Son of God.
A short time later Mary hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea. She went into Zechariah’s home, where she greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, her baby moved within her. . . . . . . .
Mary said,
“With all my heart I praise the Lord, and I am glad because of God my Savior.
God cares for me, his humble servant.
From now on, all people will say God has blessed me.
God all-powerful, has done great things for me, and his name is holy.
He always shows mercy to everyone who worships him.
The Lord has used his powerful arm to scatter those who are proud.
God drags strong rulers from their thrones
and puts humble people in places of power.
God gives the hungry, good things to eat, and sends the rich away with nothing.
God helps his servant Israel and is always merciful to his people.
The Lord made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his family, forever!
Luke 1:39-55 Contemporary English Version
Most people, no matter what their age, would probably be asking – How did all of this happen? Why was I chosen? What am I going to do next? How can I explain this – especially to my family and Joseph?
But rather than be concerned about these types of pressing issues, Mary goes to be with her cousin Elizabeth, who immediately recognizes that Mary is pregnant with God’s son. Elizabeth is now filled with awe and joy as her baby leaps within her.
And Mary is so filled with awe and joy, that she begins praising God as Savior, as well as prophesizing about the future of her life and the child she is carrying, in these verses found in Luke. All of this is coming from a 12 or 13 year old child who has such depth of faith and understanding, that she rejoices in the work of God. No questions, no concerns, just awe and joy, as well as acceptance and trust, in God and God’s plan for her and this special child that is within her.
Faith and love – awe and joy – God is our Savior. Mary shares so much with us. Open yourself to God and God’s love for you, so God will be a part of all you do, and you will be filled with awe and joy as well.
In the hymn, Mary Did You Know, this awe and joy that Mary feels, is so beautifully expressed. Please use these words of the last verse, as your prayer for this day.
Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy was Heaven’s perfect Lamb,
And the sleeping Child you’re holding is the Great I AM?
Mary did you know?
Words and Music by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene
Rev. Suzanne Ellis
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