Following the Star 
Pause
To the God who keeps promises:
Hear us.
Help us.
Restore us.
Listen
Mary said,
“With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name. He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God.”
Luke 1:46-50
Think
The first chapter of Luke reads like a musical theater script: drama, pronouncements from angels of the Lord, and a character who literally breaks into song to express her emotions. Today’s passage is the first half of that song, also known as Mary’s Magnificat.
The Magnificat is an honest expression of the faith of a young peasant girl who has just gotten the surprise of her lifetime. The angel Gabriel and her cousin Elizabeth have called her blessed among women. Mary understands her blessed status is not because of anything she has done but because God has done great things for her.
This is one of the few biblical passages where a woman is speaking in the first person. From the depths of her being, she rejoices in a God who sees her. God has an important role for her to play even though the world might discount her because of her sex, socioeconomic status, or lack of important connections. Mary declares that God is holy and merciful. Mercy is freely extended to those who honor God.
Jennifer Hawks
Question to Ponder:
How does my life glorify the Lord?
Pray
God, when Mary faced the greatest challenge of her life, she rejoiced and glorified the Lord. May I have Mary’s faithful response when I face life’s challenges and uncertainties. Amen.
Go
God sees your worth even if the world can’t. Each and every day, God chooses you. May God’s strength and mercy shine through you today so that you can share God’s love with those around you.
