Mary's Song

I read the following passage from Luke this morning. I have read it, or had it read to me, several times over the past months, as part of the Christmas story. But, today, I read it as a mother. As a woman who has been pregnant and given birth under normal circumstances.

Did Mary speak these words as a pregnant, unwed teenager, with fear and devoid of hope? No, she wrote as a woman, praising her Lord for His gift. She spoke as a woman who was soon to bear a son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. This boy, her son, would be the savior of the world. Despite her less than ideal circumstances, in a culture where she could legally be put to death for her current state, she praised God!

Mary responded, 

“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. 

He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. 

His mighty arm has done tremendous things! 

He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. 

He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. 

He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. 

He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. 

For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.” 

- Luke 1:46-55 (NLT)

What lesson do you take from Mary's words today?