~ My Soul Praises the Lord ~

Sitting here by the fireplace in this beautiful room this morning reading the Word! Oh, how I love reading passages of the Christmas story and allowing The Lord to reveal himself afresh to me! Every time I open this precious Book, it comes alive in a new way. Praise God!

This morning I can't help but focus on Mary's song of praise as she is greeted by Elizabeth. These two amazing women of Christmas both with child and not by traditional means but by true miraculous conception by The Lord Almighty.

Elizabeth in her 6th month of pregnancy, with John the Baptist, and Mary comes to her door. No notice, no warning but look what happens when they see each other:

~ She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.~

Luke 1:38-44 (NLT)

Elizabeth is filled with the Spirit at the sound of Mary's voice and recognizes that this young girl is carrying her Lord! That is truly the work of God! She encourages Mary, which I love! She is her mentor and helps her see why The Lord would choose her!

~ You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”~

Luke 1:45 (NLT)

Did you see that?

She is blessed because she believed God would do what he said he would do!

Hallelujah!

Mary's response is that of a true humble servant and woman of 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 1:44-55 (NLT)

What a beautiful example! Her focus...her attention is not on her circumstances but on what God has done and will do!

My prayer is to be a Mary. To always believe God will do what he says he will do with his praise always on my lips and my focus always on HIM!

Sweet Father, thank you for your Word!