Mary and Joy

ADVENT MEDITATIONS: WEEK 4

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
— Luke 1:46-47
 

REFLECTION

 

In this last week of Advent, let us sit with Mary—
who, in her love for God, became the vessel for His greatest gift.
Imagine how terrifying it must have been when the angel came,
and the words that he brought to her.

And yet, she surrendered, “Let it be to me according to your word.”

Mary shows us the strength, the bravery, that can come from a love for and rooted in God. Love is not just a feeling, it is a choice—a choice to trust, to obey, and to embrace God’s plan, even in the unknown.

This love carried her through the joy of Jesus’ birth and the sorrow of His death. It was a love that said yes, not only to a child and an unknown future, but to a path that would bring both blessing and pain. 

And yet, how much stronger must the Lord’s love be for us?

True love is willing to risk, to suffer, and to trust in God’s greater purpose. And true love did all of that, for us, in the coming of Christ and our righteousness fulfilled.

This Advent, may we mirror Mary’s love—a love that welcomes Christ into our hearts, no matter what may come after. May we, like Mary, choose to magnify the Lord with our lives, and open ourselves to the gift of divine love made flesh.

May we ponder the depth of the love that became flesh, and that He became flesh for us.

 

APPLICATION

 

It says that Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Spend some time meditating on scripture, and pick a verse or section to memorize. Consider a psalm or a favorite passage.

 

PRAYER

 

God of love,
As we wait for the coming
of Your Son,

Teach us to trust You
With open hearts,
To say yes to Your call
Even when the path is unknown.

May we have courage
To follow Your will,

And may our lives
Magnify Your love
to a waiting world.

Amen.

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David and Joy