Today is December 22 in the final week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. 
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Luke, chapter 1. 
 

And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
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.”  



Mary’s song, known as the Magnificat, spills out with awe, gratitude, and praise for God’s faithfulness. Despite Mary's simple and humble position she recognizes that God has seen her, chosen her, and is fulfilling His promises through her. This passage reminds us that God lifts up the lowly, satisfies the hungry, and keeps His promises across generations. Mary's response invites us to glorify God not only for what He has done in history but for what He continues to do in our lives today... working through the humble, showing mercy, and turning the world's values upside down. How have you experienced this reality? 
 
As we approach Christmas day, how are you experiencing the reality of Christian hope? How are you experiencing our call to love, to faith, or to joy? Is your heart feeling full, or parched? Take a moment to examine the condition of your heart right now. Offer yourself to the Lord, and ask you listen to mary’s song, find encouragement in her awareness of the goodness of God
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God always remembers to be merciful. We are in a world that is in such desperate need of mercy! Is your heart inclined towards mercy? Are there places you are harboring judgement, or anger, or bitterness? Give the Lord time today to pour His mercy into you, and through you to others. As we anticipate Christmas, commit yourself towards being a person of mercy to those around you. 
  
…
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus,
 born to set thy people free;
 from our fears and sins release us,
 let us find our rest in thee.
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Christ The King" - Heaven and Earth Worship