Our scripture this week is Luke 1:46-55, taken today from the English Standard Version (ESV).
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
God has made special promises called covenants with His people throughout history. He gave us the earth to manage in His name, but we didn’t uphold our part of the covenant and could no longer live directly in His presence. He made covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses and David. In all of these God showed His love for us and pointed us to a future with Him.
Through Mary, God came to be with us as the baby Jesus. The people He created had turned away from Him, but He didn’t abandon us to sin and death. He came to be one of us that we might know His love and be saved.
God reaches out to each of us, making a new covenant with us personally. He has never given up on us, even when we went our own way. Hear His call on your life, feel the joy of being connected with Him, and go tell the Good News, spreading His love to everyone.
Gracious God, in Your love and mercy You came to us in order that we might know You and walk in Your way. Fill us with the Holy Spirit as we celebrate Your arrival, renew us and send us forth to proclaim Your kingdom. Amen.