December 23, 2021
Mary responds to God
An excerpt from Luke 1:46b-49 (NRSV)
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”
Reflection from Butler Sharpe:
Our prayers should be like that of Mary’s, in our response to God. In the Spirit world, there are no small tasks, only holy ones. We must be attentive to God’s call in our daily lives, with our self, family and community. Yes, even with our enemies. God wants to use us.
Stained glass window from the Nave of Trinity Church
For further study and prayer, the readings assigned for today are:
Luke 1:46b-55; Micah 4:6-8; 2 Peter 1:16-21
Music:
“Magnificat” Oratorio
by J.S. Bach
This is a Baroque musical setting of
the Magnificat text. It is a well-known,
relatively short Christmas oratorio
that deserves to be as well-known
as Handel’s Messiah!