The Magnificant

My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond slave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.

For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name.

And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him.

He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things; and sent away the rich empty-handed.

He has given help to Israel his servant, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever. Luke 1:46-55

Mary’s song of praise began with words of gratitude for God’s work in her life, but quickly moved beyond herself to others. She proclaimed that the Lord intervenes for the down trodden, the poor, the hungry, and humbles those who think they have it all. She saw herself as one of the lowly, needing intervention from a caring God.

She had no false humility, for her humility lay based on the recognition of the God above all gods, whose character stood above reproach and embodied all that is holy, true, and loving. She did not compare herself to any other; she submitted herself to the authority of God. She acknowledged that God blessed her and that all blessings come from God. She saw a glimpse of the bigger picture and marveled at her part in it.

As time passed, the bigger picture revealed itself in ways she did not expect. She gave birth to her baby in a stable away from family and friends. Shepherds came with an awesome story of a visit from heavenly hosts. Simon and Anna, important people at the temple, prophesied over her child. Magi from the east came bearing expensive gifts, with another story about a star guiding them to the right place.

This was not a normal birth experience. Mary’s response to the unusual events, “And she pondered these things in her heart.”

Trusting God is not always easy. Just when we think we know what God has planned for our lives, something out of the ordinary comes our way. My immediate response is usually doubt. Did I miss God somewhere along the way? Mary chose to ponder. She gave serious and careful thought to all the words spoken and all the events. Then she chose to continue to trust in God her Savior.

Take time to ponder what God is doing in your life and in the people around you. Thank God that He is working on the bigger picture. Acknowledge His hand that is guiding and directing you. Then be a blessing to all you meet.