Contemplative Christmas

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Advent: Love, Day 4

Reading:

“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.’” [1]

Reflection:

This passage from Luke is referred to as Mary’s Song of Praise, or The Magnificat. It is Mary’s response to learning she is carrying the Son of God, the Messiah. According to the biblical accounts, Emmanuel comes to earth through Mary. Being young, unmarried, and pregnant would not have been good news to women of her era. However, the angel Gabriel assured Mary she had been chosen to birth the one who would become known as God’s son. She found favor with God, meaning God loved and trusted her enough to use her in a very special way. The news filled her with joy, in spite of the challenges it would present.

God’s favor still falls on us today. When God chooses to take on human flesh and walk among us, that adventure begins as a baby, born of a human mother. It was a physical birth for Jesus, as it is for all of us. While Jesus’ birth through Mary was physical, the Christ’s birth within us is from the Spirit, as was the case with Jesus. Emmanuel, the true gift of Christmas, is God with us. Once we become consciously aware that God is with us, God can work in and through us. The gift of Emmanuel is given freely to all who will accept it. God’s favor is given to us, and we respond to God’s favor by passing the blessings it brings on to others.

Closing Meditation:

Reflect on the ways God’s favor has manifested in your life.

Journal the thoughts and feelings that arise.

Optional Music Video: The Magnificat

This daily series, Contemplative Christmas, is replacing my weekly Life Notes until January 6, 2025, when my weekly blogwill resume. The thoughts expressed here are mine. To engage with me: ghildenbrand@outlook.com

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[1] Luke 1:46-48