READ

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.” Luke 1:46-49 (NLT)

REFLECT

Mary’s response - called The "Magnificat" - to Gabriel’s announcement that she would carry Baby Jesus is both brilliant and bold. It is brilliant in the sense that it contains several references to Old Testament prophecy, something that is surprising for a young Jewish girl to be educated in, much less aware of. It’s bold in its humble acceptance of God’s plan for her not-yet-formed family. The outlandishness of what Gabriel told her would happen goes against logic and would make most of us question, but Mary chose simple obedience. Her beliefs about God shaped her response in a way that changed eternity.

RESPOND

Jesus, thank you for Mary’s willingness to let your human body grow inside of her. Thank you that she both knew you through the Word and intimately. Grow my understanding of you through your Word so that my intimacy with you grows also.