PBPC Advent Devotional, Week 3 - Wednesday
Wednesday
Luke 1:46-55
46 And Mary said,
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever." (NRSV)
Mary understood that her baby was more than just any human baby. As she watched the miracle grow within her, grasped that this was God himself who was coming to restore the world. While she delighted when she felt her baby move within her, even more she delighted in what she came to realize God was really doing!
What does Mary seem to understand and what does she not understand about what Jesus' life and purpose on earth will be? What does it feel like to be used by God to accomplish his purposes? When does it feel joyful and when does it feel downright scary?
Daily Practice
Find a safety pin. Pin it somewhere on your shirt. Maybe it reminds you of a diaper pin. But let it remind you all day of being God's servant: the poke of the pin is the part that hurts, the clasp of the pin is the part that feels safe and joyful.
Add to your gratitude list. Today, list three relationships for which you are grateful. They are God's gift to you: thank him for them.
