Christmas 2017-12-21
- Journal
- Here are some tools to help you with the devotionals:
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Read & Reflect
Luke 1:46–56 (ESV)
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on
the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on
all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud
in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down
the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.
Luke 1:46-49
- Given the practical implications of Mary bearing a child out of wedlock, it’s surprising that she rejoices in praise. What does this show about what Mary regarded as the greatest privilege? What do I most aspire to?
“Scholars have observed that Mary’s praise song ‘echoes language from the Old Testament’” (for examples see Ps. 138:6; Ps. 71:19; Ps. 111:9; Ex. 20:6; Jer. 13:9; Ps. 107:9; 1 Sam. 2:1-10). [1]
Luke 1:46-55
- What impact might Mary’s thorough familiarity with Scripture have had in shaping her character? How can I apply this to my life?
- Consider the parallel between Mary, whom God used to bring Jesus into the world, and the mission of every Christian. Do I share in Mary’s sense of joy over the privilege of bringing Jesus into people’s lives?
- Gratitude Journal & Prayer of Thanksgiving
- Write down three things that you are thankful for.
[1] Darrell L. Bock, Luke, The NIV Application Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996), 65.