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Thursday (Day 12)

VERSES: Luke 1:46-56 and 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

All too often, Christmas is a season when we compare ourselves to others. As kids, we compared our presents to those of our siblings or friends. As adults, we compare the decorations we place on the outside of our homes with our neighbors. As workers, we may compare end of year bonuses with other employees. Sadly, the Christmas season can be a time of comparison.

All comparisons must have a point of reference. If a gift is said to be inexpensive, we must ask, “Inexpensive compared to what?” If we say our house is plainly decorated, we must ask, “Plain compared to what other home?” Our point of reference matters.

In today’s reading, we see Mary’s response to the news that she is pregnant with Jesus. This is not her initial reaction … we got that in Luke 1:38, which we read two days ago, when she said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” In today’s reading, we get her reaction after reflection … several weeks later as the baby is growing her womb. Her response is called the “Magnificat” (Latin for “magnify”) which is what Mary is doing as she responds to her circumstances. But what is Mary magnifying?

Was she magnifying the challenges that she and Joseph had to work through as she was pregnant with Jesus? Was she magnifying the sideways looks she must have been receiving at the marketplace as a pregnant woman not yet married? Was she magnifying the discomfort that comes from carrying a child? No, Mary was not magnifying any of those things. Instead, Mary was magnifying the Lord.

Mary’s point of reference was God Himself. And compared to the greatness of God, Mary’s problems were relatively small. By magnifying the Lord, Mary found joy and mercy in the midst of trying circumstances.

Will we also follow Mary’s example? May we find in the Lord our God a reference point on which to assess all circumstances? God has done great things for us in Jesus. THAT is a big gift! Spend some time magnifying the Lord today regardless of what circumstances you are facing.