And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy. His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him. He has done a mighty deed with his arm; he has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts; he has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he spoke to our ancestors. —Luke 1:46-55
“See, I am the Lord’s servant…May it happen to me as you have said.” —Luke 1:38
Joy flows from
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…” —Luke 1:46-47
God is the
“…because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant.” —Luke 1:48
“Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them.” —Luke 2:19
Joy comes by being
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” —Colossians 3:2
“Blessed are you who are poor, because the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are hungry now, because you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, because you will laugh.” —Luke 6:20-21
“All great spirituality is about letting go.” —Richard Rohr
“Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy.” —Luke 1:48-49
“Prayer enlarges our imagination and makes us grateful, joyful participants in what has been and what is yet to come.” —Eugene Peterson
God is
“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.“ —John 15:11
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.” —Matthew 25:23
For further study:
Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1-10; Luke 1-2; Philippians 2:6-7
Resources: “Advent and Christmas Wisdom” from Henri Nouwen
To prepare for next week: Meditate on 2 Samuel 7:4-9, Luke 1:54-55