December 11, 2022 . . .

In Luke 1:39-56 we continue the story of Mary’s faith in the Lord and the task that He gave her, that of becoming the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. We can only imagine the JOY that filled her heart as Luke tells it. The JOY of the Holy Spirit, of the fulfilled promise, and of God’s presence. In Verses 46-55, we find what is typically called “Mary’s Song.” When you read these heartfelt words, you can get a perspective of Mary’s great faith. Her song teaches us several things; about theology and God, about salvation, and about doxology or worship. God “with us” is Emanuel in the person of Jesus Christ. Salvation is something we all need, including Mary. Worship is how we recognize all the ways God blesses us. In Verses 54-55, we find that God is fulfilling His Old Testament promise to Abraham and to us. Just as Elisabeth proclaimed that the baby John leapt for JOY in her womb as Mary greeted her, we should also be filled with JOY as we greet this celebration season of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What brings you JOY? What a wonderful JOYFUL gift we have been given from our God most high!