Advent Devotional - Day 6

Luke 1:47:   My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

Christmas songs and popular retellings of the Christmas story romanticize the challenges Mary faced.  We like to think of angels, bells, sheep, Magi, and ‘lowing’ cattle.  It is easy to lose sight of the fact that she was living in a dangerous time and place, and that scandal could cost her life.  Add in the fact that there would be no rulebook on how to raise the one through whom the world was created, and she would have responsibility to protect and parent this little one who would be the ‘Hope of the World.’

Yet called by God, she offered a humble, modest and willing affirmation in praise.

We may not be called to parent Jesus, but as believers we have the honor of bearing His image in our lives.  We are called to demonstrate His Love as we deal with others in our daily walk.  Would that we, like Mary could respond in confidence and joy to the opportunities placed before us.

Rev. Chuck MacPherson, Honorably Retired