And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.” Luke 1:46-48
(NRSV)
Mary was very young and from a poor family.
The Angel Gabrielle came to her and told her that she would bear God’s child. At first, she seemed skeptical. She couldn’t understand this message.
Gabrielle shared news about Mary’s relative, Elizabeth. Elizabeth, an older woman was with child. She and her husband Zechariah had not been blessed with children before.
Mary visits Elizabeth in her home. Elizabeth and her unborn son both recognize that Mary is the mother of the LORD.
Mary gives praise to God. She realizes that God makes Himself real to her by His decision to use her in such a special way. She feels God’s presence in her soul and her spirit.
God became real to Mary during the time she carried this special baby. Has God ever become real to you through something He has done for you? Has God become more real to you through someone else by what they said or did to help you through an uncertain time?
As we proceed through the season of Advent, does God become more real to each of us? As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, will we be able to celebrate His arrival on earth? Or will we fall into the hustle and bustle of the modern-day events that seem to supplant the real reason for the season.?
Cecelia Lester has been serious about her writing for over two decades..
She composes Christian essays and posts them to her blog quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/
She has served in a faith-based organization, Grace In Action by writing two newsletters and searching for possible grants.
In July 2017, she published her first book, 'Times of Trouble Bring Rays of Joy.'
She and her husband of 54 years live in central Indiana. They have one grown son.