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Daily Devotions for the Advent and Christmas Seasons
Monday, December 21
Luke 1:39-56
by Dave Soohoo
After being informed by an angel that she will be carrying the Son of God, Mary was truly troubled, especially since she wasn’t married. She didn’t really know where to turn, so she headed for the hills and went to visit Elizabeth. She set off with much trepidation, but when she got there, her heart was filled with joy. At her happiest moments with child, she declared that her whole being rejoiced with praise for God.
Today’s passage appears to be what God wants to happen to us in our own relationship with him. We should all be ready to praise God.
An important theme running throughout the New Testament is that God chooses lowly people to accomplish divine purposes. Mary’s words remind us that it is the weak, the poor, and the sick the God chooses over those who are powerful, rich, and healthy.
Mary calls herself a handmaiden and a servant. She was the low person on the totem pole. She was nothing more than her father’s property as long as she was part of his household, and she was engaged to Joseph. But she’s the one God chose.
Prayer
Renew in us daily Mary’s sense of joy and happiness as we anticipate the birth of the Christ Child. May we remember that just as you chose Mary, you chose us and called us to be your people. Bring comfort to those who are sick, dying, depressed, lonely, homesick, or defeated. May all those who need the love of Christ find comfort. Amen.