Scripture
With all my heart I praise the Lord and I am glad because of God my Saviour.
Observation
Mary's heart is full of praise for God. I'm sure she hasn't got a clue of what her journey will be like, but she is joyful because God has touched her.
I am always surprised by this passage that Mary's song of praise rapidly changes from “He always shows mercy to those who worship him” to “The Lord has used his powerful arm to scatter those who are proud.” This seems a clash for us between mercy for personal repentance and the judgement on the more societal kinds of sins. It seems that God is as interested in social mercy as He is in personal mercy.
Application
Christmas is a reminder that God is no respecter of persons. He came as a baby to parents of modest means, in a backwater if the Empire. People both rich and poor, pious and pagan came to adore him.
The important thing with God is that our hearts are totally dedicated to praising him and serving him. That principle applies to everyone regardless of social status.
We also have a responsibility to live in that same way- the path of allowing God to pull down all the barriers and hierarchies which keep people separated. This can only be done in the anointing of the Holy Spirit and must not be seen as a church “justice programme.”
Prayer
Father let my heart be as constant in praise of you as Mary's. May I experience your joy in this Christmas season. Amen.
Very beautiful story!
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