December 12:
B.C. verse: Luke 1:46-56
A.D. verse: Psalm 139; Revelations 4:8b
Christmas hymn: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
Hymn for today: “Revelation Song” by Phillips, Craig, and Dean
In the space of a few months, Mary goes from engaged teenager to a
pregnant woman who has been specifically chosen to carry the Savior of the
world. She has spent most of those months “chillin’” with Elizabeth, a very
old, pregnant woman. They seem as unlikely a pair as possible. It’s not like
Elizabeth could give Mary much advice on pregnancy and childbirth since this
was Elizabeth’s first time around too.
Even so, hanging out with Elizabeth probably served two very useful
purposes. First, staying with Elizabeth and Zechariah allowed Mary to prepare
for the changes in her own life. To explain, Elizabeth had lived many years and
was reported to be a righteous woman; it just follows that she was wise as
well. Elizabeth was just the right person to come along side and fortify Mary’s
faith and spiritual resolve. Secondly, on a practical level, Elizabeth and
Zechariah’s home was just the right “hideout” to get Mary out of the limelight
until she had developed thick enough skin to deal with the gossip and public
scrutiny, which would ultimately accompany her condition.
In the verses for today, Mary finally gets a moment to herself, and we
get a privileged glimpse into her thoughts. Her life is about to get as
complicated and stressful as it’s ever been, and what does she do? She sings. .
.a song of praise. She thanks God for choosing her, “a lowly servant girl” (Luke
1: 48). She says, “Oh, how my soul
praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!” (46-47). She continues
to talk about all the things that God has done for her and His people.
Likewise, in Psalm 139, David does the very same thing:
O Lord, you have
examined my heart and know everything about me (1).
Such knowledge
is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand (6).
You saw before I
was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment
Was laid out before a single day
had passed (16).
How precious are
your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! (17)
I think that they are on to something. Using Mary’s song as a template,
I am going to create my own song:
Oh, how I believe, respect, and trust you even
when the world tries to me not to.
Hearing
Your Voice speak to me through Your Word and in the wee hours of the morning brings me
contentment and peace that I find difficult to describe.
For
you to bother with me, an opinionated, prickly mess whom others find
irritating, I am humbled and grateful - that you care about
my character, that you challenge me to my limits to improve my character, that you
truly, genuinely know my heart.
For
the Mighty One is holy, And
He has done great things for me.
He
shows me that pride is a stumbling block that needs to be removed So
that I can move when He tells me to.
His
mighty arm has done tremendous things!
He
has given me two strong-willed children to teach me humility.
He
has brought me to a career that seemed so unlikely for me – Every experience
and encounter has been a divinely-ordained stepping stone in
my faith walk.
He
has filled my mind and heart with persistent dreams, of which only He and I are aware. He does not laugh at me, ignore me, insult
me, hurt me or tell me no; He understands with a compassionate, encouraging
heart.
He
has helped me to find the answers in the most unlikely places; His time, Will,
and purpose
is perfect. He erases my doubts, one by one.
For
He has shown me that He is the only path to fulfillment and joy.
The end of David’s song (Psalm 139: 23-4)
is the perfect end for mine:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me
and know my anxious thoughts.
Point
out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting
life
Daily Challenge: Adopt a soldier overseas today and send him/her
something – a note, package, etc.
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