Mary’s Christmas Song: A Prayer of Humility

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.” -Luke 1:46-48

Father God, as Mary acknowledged her humble estate, her awe that you would look upon her and choose her to mother the Savior of the world, so I acknowledge my undeservedness that you, Lord of the universe, came to us in the incarnation we celebrate at Christmas.

I have done nothing to merit your love

Nothing to deserve your mercy

Nothing to receive your salvation

And so Lord, in awe and gratitude, I thank you for coming to us, and I echo Mary’s words:

My soul magnifies the Lord!

My spirit rejoices in God my Savior!

“For he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.” -Luke 1:49-50

God, you came to a world that did not deserve you, and your beautiful character was put on display in your condescension.

In your might, you orchestrated salvation for the world. In your holiness, you secured this salvation in perfect love. And in your mercy, you extend this salvation to the undeserving, to all who fear you, who understand their great need and your great love.

“He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.” -Luke 1:51-53

God, when you sent Jesus to earth, you overturned the world’s value system. As Mary declared: you scattered the proud, you brought down the mighty, and you sent the rich away empty. But the humble, you exalt. The hungry, you fill with good things.

Lord, humble me. Open my eyes to my great need. Empty me of my pride and self-sufficiency, that I might receive more of you this Christmas.

“He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” -Luke 1:54-55

O Lord, Christ’s coming to the world was a continuation of the plan you have been working on since the beginning of time. For Jesus to come to us and secure salvation for the world fulfilled your ancient promises. In seeing your faithfulness revealed in the act we celebrate at Christmas, God I place my hope in your continued faithfulness. I believe you will come again and make all things new.

Thank you for your faithfulness to those who are humble and trust in you.

Amen.