29th November 2023
Weekly Meditation Verse: Psalm 150 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”
This morning I was reading in Luke 1 firstly, Zechariah has a visit from the Angel, then Mary. It was quite obvious how their reactions differed, the old priest questions what he is being told and loses the power of speech as a consequence whereas the young girl replies, “I am the Lord’s servant” an amazing reaction to the most unbelievable news! We then read Mary’s song or the Magnificat:
46 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.”
Two very different reactions but I love that Mary’s song glorifies the Lord. As we embark soon on the season of advent, perhaps think of Mary’s response when you are watching a nativity, singing a Carol – let all creation praise the Lord!