Advent Day 10
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.”
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Luke 1:50-56
We are anticipating the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, our Lord. This is advent. And this year we are following Luke’s gospel as he passes on to us the eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life.
We find ourselves today in the middle of Mary’s ‘Magnificat’, her wonderful song of praise to God in response to bearing God’s Son.
As with all good Christian songs, Mary’s song reminds us of the gospel. And particularly that Christ’s birth hasn’t come out of nowhere. Jesus is the fulfilment of promises made to Mary’s ancestors.
This is hard for us to understand or feel because we live on this side of Jesus’ fulfillment. But let’s have a crack.
Have you ever had to wait a long time for something? Something that would be wonderful and life changing? I promised my kids a few years ago that I would take them to where our family is from in Italy. They’ve been waiting.
Imagine waiting almost a thousand years. That’s how long it has been since God’s promises to David. Two thousand years since His promises to Abraham. That’s how long God’s people had been waiting for the Messiah, for Jesus.
He has arrived. And as Mary says, He hasn’t come to destroy us. Or to abuse us. Jesus is God’s mercy to us. There’s a reason to sing.
For Today:
Pray:
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.”
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Luke 1:50-56
We are anticipating the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, our Lord. This is advent. And this year we are following Luke’s gospel as he passes on to us the eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life.
We find ourselves today in the middle of Mary’s ‘Magnificat’, her wonderful song of praise to God in response to bearing God’s Son.
As with all good Christian songs, Mary’s song reminds us of the gospel. And particularly that Christ’s birth hasn’t come out of nowhere. Jesus is the fulfilment of promises made to Mary’s ancestors.
This is hard for us to understand or feel because we live on this side of Jesus’ fulfillment. But let’s have a crack.
Have you ever had to wait a long time for something? Something that would be wonderful and life changing? I promised my kids a few years ago that I would take them to where our family is from in Italy. They’ve been waiting.
Imagine waiting almost a thousand years. That’s how long it has been since God’s promises to David. Two thousand years since His promises to Abraham. That’s how long God’s people had been waiting for the Messiah, for Jesus.
He has arrived. And as Mary says, He hasn’t come to destroy us. Or to abuse us. Jesus is God’s mercy to us. There’s a reason to sing.
For Today:
- What’s something you are waiting for in hope?
- How does seeing this help us trust God’s promises?
- How has Jesus changed your life? What’s one way?
Pray:
- Praise the Father that He is faithful to His promises.
- Give thanks for Jesus who is God’s mercy to us.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others rejoice in God’s faithfulness and mercy today.
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