Luke 1:46-50 - And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord"

And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, or he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation."

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation..

And Mary said: "My soul exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. "For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. "For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. "AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM."

Luke 1:46-50

Commentary

This proclamation occurs during the meeting of a pregnant Mary with her pregnant relative, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a miracle pregnancy because she is beyond childbearing age. Mary is a miracle pregnancy because she is a virgin. The angel of the Lord set up this meeting, and the event has dramatic impact. They find great strength in each other and their circumstance. Elizabeth's miracle encourages Mary. When we face overwhelming circumstances, the power of encouragement can't be underestimated. The verse that we see here indicates a woman who is engulfed with relief! Her faith in God is reaffirmed. As hard as it will be, she is on the right track. Many times all we need is someone to say to us, "Stay with it, you're doing what God wants you to do." This gives us the strength to carry on in difficult circumstances.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

Luke 1:30-31 - Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus."

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

The angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus."

Luke 1:30-31

Commentary

Mary was an amazing woman. Think of the situation: a 13 - 15 year old virgin is told that she has favor with God. Favor? She will be pregnant and have to convince her fiancée that she was not unfaithful. She will have to endure the gossip that will follow her for the rest of her life concerning the birth of her son and the timing of her wedding to Joseph. In the culture of her day, unwed mothers were quietly "put away" (see Matthew 1:18-19). Yet God DOES give Mary favor: He reveals to her the unique role that she plays in God's purposes. And she embraces that role, even though it will come a great personal cost. We want God to fit into our story, yet Christmas is a reminder that our story is never really understood until it's seen in the light of God's story. Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King!

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC