MARY’S SONG
By
Lydia E. Harris
We met with our daughter and her husband for dinner at a restaurant.
As we finished the meal, our daughter handed us a wrapped gift.
"What's this?" I asked. "It's not a special occasion.” (It was too early for a Christmas
gift.)
"Open it and see." They both
grinned.
Inside we found a photo frame
inscribed with, "I love Grandpa and Grandma." It was indeed a special occasion—the unexpected announcement that we would
become grandparents, which would be new titles for us. What exciting news—our firstborn expecting her firstborn.
I then thought of Christmas,
the birthday of our Savior, and of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She heard her surprise announcement from an angel, but her circumstances
appeared less than ideal. As an unmarried virgin, she would face rumors and stigma. When her fiance Joseph heard the news,
naturally he planned to break the engagement.
What was Mary's response to
this life-changing news? Did she wring her hands, complain, or ask, "Why me?"
No, Mary sang, “My soul
praises the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior...for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His
name” (Luke 1:46 & 49, NIV). She glorified the Lord and her spirit rejoiced in her Savior. Mary also recognized
God's sovereignty and acknowledged His plan to bless future generations through her.
I am humbled by Mary’s
jubilant response. When our daughter announced her pregnancy, it was easy for me to praise God. But how would I have reacted
if Mary were my daughter or if I were Mary? Would I have accepted such a crazy notion about a virgin? Would I have believed
the Lord would accomplish what He said? (See Luke 1:45.)
Do I praise God when He allows
unexpected events into my life? I want to remember Mary’s song:
"My soul
glorifies the Lord...
for the
Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is
His name.”
Sovereign Lord, thank you for the example of Mary, who was willing to fulfill Your purposes. Thank
You for her song of praise that shows us how to worship You. Help us, like Mary, to see the unexpected things that enter our
lives as occasions to praise You.
____________
Lydia E. Harris is a freelance writer in
Seattle, Washington. She writes book reviews, devotions, articles, and the column, "A Cup of Tea with Lydia." Praising God
helps her cope with ongoing illness. You may contact Lydia at her e-mail address: Lm.harris@verizon.net.
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Joy and peace to you this Christmas and always,
Brenda Mayfield
Prayer Support for Women
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