And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior …” Luke 1:46-47
Mary had a lot to ponder. Almost as soon as Mary hears the news from the angel that she is going to give birth to the Savior of the world, she signs a song of praise to God. We should note that her song – the Magnificat as found in Luke 1:46-55 – is about what God has done throughout history to bring salvation to the world.
Even when Mary does mention herself, she says, “from now on all generations will call me blessed.” She doesn’t say that she is better or more worthy than anyone else – in fact she admits her own sinfulness when she calls God “my Savior.” The Magnificat does exactly what she is saying – it glorifies God by telling what He has done to save us. The words are beautiful and are just as true for every Christian today as they were for Mary.
Truly all generations of Christians can call Mary blessed for being chosen by God to be the mother of our Lord, yet all who believe in Jesus as Savior are even more richly blessed. Jesus is the mighty one who has done great things for you and me and all people. Jesus deserves all the praise and glory because He has accomplished for us what we could not – salvation from our sins.
Prayer: Gracious God, we bless Your holy name for bringing joy to the world by sending Your Son, Jesus, to take away the punishment for our sins and reconcile us to You. Amen.
© 2006 Lutheran Hour Ministries
These devotions have been written by Rev. Paul and Kaye Wolff. Rev. Paul Wolff is a 1996 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He has served as a pastor in the Detroit area for 10 years. He and co-author wife, Kaye, live in Southfield, Michigan.
Kaye Dumas Wolff is Chairperson of the Black Ministry Church Planting Task Force and a Mission Affiliate of LCMS World Missions where she serves as a training facilitator for laity in evangelism and mission work. Kaye serves on the Advisory Council of the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and she is a presenter for Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Equipping to Share Workshop.
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Today's Bible Readings: Ezra 8-10 Revelation 15
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