45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
Mary received the news that she was chosen to bear the Messiah with great joy and understandable fear. She went to visit the one person who might understand, her cousin Elizabeth, who greeted her with gladness and encouraged her. Mary responded with an ageless song of praise and trust.
The truth of the incarnation should stagger us and move us to join Mary in exalting, rejoicing and reflecting back to God any glory which He has shed upon us. His love and mercy are beyond our comprehension.
As you meditate on the incarnation, how does your soul and spirit respond?
God’s glory is like a weight which displaces what is untrue and impure. Think about the areas in your life which need to be displaced by God’s glory. How does His glory and mercy carry you through difficult circumstances?
Like Elizabeth, to whom can you give a timely word of love, acceptance and encouragement?
