In our paintings we most often find her kneeling, head and shoulders bent in humble submission. Certainly, Mary lived surrendered to God’s plan. When an angel dressed in light burst into her bedroom, her spirit had the muscle memory to declare, “May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).
But bent is not the only posture the Savior’s momma knew how to carry herself with. It’s also safe to picture her with her feet planted, her back straight, and her arms outstretched, boldly declaring the goodness of God.
It’s true she scuttled over to her cousin Elizabeth’s house—perhaps to withdraw from the limelight that must have accompanied her claims of an immaculate conception—but once there she found her voice. She used it to sing boldly of the God who had gifted her with the gift of His Son.
Strip away the gauzy sweetness with which you’ve trained your mind to picture the scene. Leave room for the possibility that the news of the Messiah was met with boisterous worship.
In those days Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
—Luke 1:39–42
Elizabeth’s baby gives us a clue about how we are made to respond to our Savior. He didn’t simply kick a little foot or jam a tiny elbow into his loving mother’s rib. He leapt! Can babies leap? This one did.
What did Elizabeth do? She exclaimed…loudly.
Then she exclaimed with a loud cry.
—Luke 1:42
Jesus is not news to be received with nodding heads and polite smiles. His presence draws us to our feet. Our very cells are ready to stand at attention and burst into praise.
And praise Mary did.
This young, ordinary girl who had just received the most extraordinary news burst into song. Those who have only ever pictured Mary as quiet and unassuming have surely never read the Magnificat (Mary’s Song from Luke 1:46–55). Mary’s words are bold. We have every reason to believe that she delivered them boldly. And she didn’t toot her own horn. She didn’t ball up her first and rail against her oppressive government or her wayward culture. She sang loudly and spoke boldly of Jesus. Isn’t that refreshing?
My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
—Luke 1:46–47
Picture her lungs expanding and then pushing these words out with deep conviction and awe. Imagine her saying this loudly, not hiding the miracle that God had promised but shouting it from the rooftops. Imagine her singing it out like a show choir.
What turns old women into exclaimers and young moms into proclaimers? Jesus!
Don’t let anyone tell you this is only the season of silent nights. It is a time for raucous celebration. Let’s get rowdy! Our King has come! He is coming again! Dance. Sing. Tell it on the mountains. Mary’s song is our song. Now and forevermore.
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118 thoughts on "Mary’s Song of Praise"
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Wow! I never realized this! I love the boldness Mary grew and developed in Him.
Rejoice Rejoice Emmanuel!! ❤️
Boldness! oh to declare the wonders of God from one generation to another, boldly, not quietly! Thank you for that picture of the noisiness of the stable and Mary’s loud, bold, praises of God.
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I’m scrambling getting things ready for tonight. I wanted to say Merry Chirstmas to all of you!
Amen
Amen!
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@mercy:, thank you for your descriptive post and prayers.
I can’t tell you how today’s reading & message was needed. Matthew 5: 3-10 was powerful and humbling. You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope-with less of you there is MORE of God. Amen. Please Lord Jesus see me…..hear me…… help me. Take all of me. Lead me. I pray for all of the women here reading these words and ready for MORE of You. Mary is a role model to how ready we are for your directions, your plans. Thank You Lord for choosing Mary and giving us the blessing of your pure son. What an honor to be part of this advent with so many amazing women.
Amen..♥️
Yes! Strong, faithful women!
I love the reminder that Mary’s praise wasn’t quiet or cautious, it was bold and full of joy!This encourages me to celebrate Jesus openly and let my praise be lived out loud, not held back. Mary’s song really is our song ❤️
Marys song is our song.. i felt that..♥️
I have always loved Mary’s Song in the passage from Luke. Such humble, faithful, submissive, beautiful words. Mary’s heart posture just always stands out to me. And such a great devotional for today. I like this line that Erin said….”What turns old women into exclaimers and young moms into proclaimers? Jesus!” I think within the words of Mary from scripture and then also from what Erin shared, I see a challenge to seek to pursue exemplifing the heart, character and nature of Mary in my own life and as Erin stated, to truly proclaim the Good News of Jesus.
Heavenly Father may these be so in my own life. May my very soul magnify you Lord, my voice loudly proclaim the hope, peace, joy, love and saving gift of Jesus. Amen
love this! May it be so 8n my life as well
Amen! ❤
I love Marys song of praise too. joining you in your prayer, Wendy, if i may..♥️
What a coincidence that last night I was browsing on what to watch, and I clicked on the Christmas Specials by the Chosen, and this exact scene was playing. Young and sweet Mary said this “my soul magnigfies the Lord” as she was going through labour pain, contractions, she praised. Joseph asked, what are you saying, a psalm of David? She said no, she said its just something for myself, and she kept it. Then another scene, later, the elder mother Mary gave these praises verses to Mary Magdalene to pass on the doctor Luke, and she cautioned her, I trusted that you would get this right. So powerful.
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What stood out to me is the Beatitudes. I never realize this before, fresh manna from the Lord today for us. This is a progressive map of spiritual formation. Jesus is describing here what life in the Kingdom of God actually does to a person over time. Growth in the Lord is not drifting, it is intensifying. As maturity increases, so does clarity, separation, and resistance. The Beatitudes are sequential, not random.
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“Blessed are the poor in spirit”. This is the entry point into the Kingdom. Poverty of spirit is not weakness; it is spiritual realism. There is little resistance at this stage because humility is often invisible to others. This is the foundation because without it, nothing else follows.
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“Blessed are those who mourn”, mourning follows awareness. As one becomes poor in spirit, one begins to grieve sin, injustice, and brokenness—first personally, then corporately. This mourning is evidence of spiritual sensitivity. Resistance begins internally here: the flesh resists repentance, and the world resists conviction.
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“Blessed are the meek”. Meekness is strength under submission, not passivity. The person has power, insight, and conviction—but chooses God’s way over self-assertion. At this stage, resistance becomes more external because meekness exposes pride. The meek inherit the earth because they are no longer enslaved to it. .
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”. This is where intensity accelerates. Righteousness is no longer theoretical; it is pursued. A righteous hunger confronts systems, norms, and compromises.
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“Blessed are the merciful” (v.7). Maturity produces visible fruit, and visible threat. Mercy flows from transformation. Mercy requires discernment, boundaries, and costly grace, this will cancel out the cycles of revenge, shame, and exclusion. Both the unforgiving and the self-righteous resist mercy. Mercy challenges those who rely on moral superiority.
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“Blessed are the pure in heart” (v.8). At this stage, motives, desires, and intentions are refined. This purity brings clarity, “they shall see God.” Purity often provokes hostility because it reveals hidden motives without accusation.
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“Blessed are the peacemakers” (v.9). Peacemakers confront false peace and unresolved sin. This is why it’s so tough for them. They stand between opposing forces to reconcile people to God. This position is inherently dangerous. Have you seen people in our times have endured this danger? True peacemakers are often misunderstood, resisted, or rejected because they refuse to align with partial truth.
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And then the climax…drum roll…
Persecution, which is the absolute evidence of maturity. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (vv.10–12). I remember Charlie Kirk’s message ( a reel I stumbled upon, praise God, a nugget of gold) he said, “if you are not persecuted yet, step up your game, this is the time”. Amen Charlie. And Charlie finished his race at this stage, at persecution. Let those who have eyes see and understand. Hats off to those who don’t just know the gospel theoretically but walk it. This is the logic outcome of the Beatitudes. When humility becomes conviction, when mourning becomes holiness, when purity confronts darkness, persecution becomes fierce. Persecution is not proof of failure, nada, far from it, it is confirmation that the Kingdom is manifest, in you, through you, God in us. Resistance intensifies with growth. Matthew 5:3–12 mirrors Christ Himself : Humility → suffering → submission → righteousness → mercy → purity → reconciliation → persecution → glory. Matthew 5:3–12 is a progressive map of spiritual maturity that reveals why resistance intensifies as one grows in the Lord. Each stage produces greater alignment with God, and greater friction with the world.
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Prayers for dear hearts:
MARTHA HIX- safe travel grace to Waco and wonderful time.
RHONDA J- aww thank you sister. Praying for your gathering in jail ministry and feeding the homeless at the park to be fruitful. Don’t know how you do all this. Hugs and love sister.
OUR SHES- praying as Christmas coming close, may you take some breathers to rest and praise the Lord. As MARY said, my soul magnifies the Lord. May we praise Him for His goodness. May your soul be refreshed, burdens lightened, unspoken pressure released and gone. May true joy and peace be restored in HIS presence.
Be blessed dear sisters.
Beautiful, Mercy! ❤ Your message to us: back atcha! ☺❤
This was so so beautiful, Mercy. thank you. and a very very Merry Christmas to you and yours.♥️
I read the Enduring Word commentary on the Beatitudes. It was similar to what you explained. I’m not sure I ever understood the Beatitudes as being somewhat of a ladder—increasing in intensity and following a logical progression of faith.
Loved your comments Tami. Since it 1 pm here and I am just now posting it’s obvious that I’ve had a fair share of interruptions today. Haha. Your timely reminders have lifted my spirits. Joy to all She’s
What a beautiful picture of a rejoicing worshipping Mary.
I’m ready to belt out “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and a newer favorite I’ve been blasting, dancing and singing with my girls “Feels like Joy” by Micah Tyler!
Yes, I love “Feels like Joy…joy,..joy too! I am gonna have to add it to my Week 3 Advent playlist!
Thanks, Nicole! I am not familiar with that song. ❤
I heard it on the radio this evening before I had a chance to stop and search for it! love it! ☺❤
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Amen!
Mary trusted the Lord better than most.
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Thank you Erin Davis for this fresh perspective on the Magnificat. I don’t think I will ever read Mary’s song the same way. “Picture her lungs expanding and then pushing these words out with deep conviction and awe. Imagine her saying this loudly, not hiding the miracle that God had promised but shouting it from the rooftops. Imagine her singing it out like a show choir.”
Loved this so much. I have been a labor a delivery nurse for 27 years and have seen many babies born in many situations. Mary had the Lord and I bet she felt comfort surrounding her. We do need to surrender all day everyday.
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Love to all my She sisters… I am thankful for you all and the inspiration that you are. I appreciate your valuable insights, commentaries, and prayers that are shared.
Blessings to you all and praying for your requests. ❤️
I’m leaving for Waco today and will be checking back in and thinking about you all!
Merry Christmas dear Martha! You are still in my prayers often! (I think it is b/c it is my madre’s name as well!)
Martha Hix, blessings right back atcha!
Merry Christmas to you and yours.♥️
Loved the devo and all your comments this morning! If you want something to listen to while you prepare for the next few days, the Gospel Coalition has a podcast called “The Deep Dish” and there is a bonus episode called “Preparing for a Holiday That Will Disappoint.” They talk about how people/events will disappoint us as well as the possibility that we will be the source of someone else’s disappointment. It was both encouraging and convicting, and just what my heart needed to hear. ❤️
I listened to that one too–so good.
This!! Thank you Lord for using Mary, a humble servant, to bring us our savior!! May I be bold and loud celebrating your precious gift❤️
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Amen!!!!
My church has a beautiful version of this wonderful song.
“The Magnificat” by Northway Collective
Yes and Amen! Thank you Erin Davis for this reading!
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“She didn’t ball up her first and rail against her oppressive government or her wayward culture. She sang loudly and spoke boldly of Jesus.” And what an oppressive government she lived under – Roman rule! Yet that’s not where her focus lie, her focus was on her Savior. I think we can all take lesson from this. We can rant and rave all day about our government, but where will that get us? More angry, more depressed? Instead we can sing loudly and speak boldly about our Jesus. He is where our hope lies. He alone gives us reason to sing and rejoice. O come let us adore Him, Christ our Lord! Let us all declare, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
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Praying God goes before me this morning as I bring my cookie gifts, and the gospel to the workers at Shoprite. May He prepare their hearts to hear and receive the truth.
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@Tara B – praying for your Christmas and that your children will see Christ in it. Praying God’s comfort on the Stewart family in their loss.
@Eileen Dowd – praying for unity in your home as your family gathers.
@Traci Gendron – I know Christmas is still really hard for you, praying God’s peace and comfort.
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Happy Christmas Eve Eve!
Amen! Praying in agreement for these and for your deliveries to be received with open hearts and minds.
Check out my reply to Sally on the quote you highlighted. ☺❤
Much love Sharon, covered in prayers that your sharing was most wonderfully received..♥️
Good morning ladies. I think you will appreciate this:) sent to me by a friend.
“….. you don’t have to evacuate your actual life to encounter God.
1. God is present in hospital waiting rooms and East River sunsets
2. God calls you to discern within your actual capacity.
3. God shows up in Target as readily as in cathedrals.
Integration isn’t about making your life peaceful enough to notice God. It’s about learning to notice God in the interruptions.
Mary didn’t light an Advent candle and sit in quiet contemplation waiting for the angel. The angel interrupted her ordinary day.
The shepherds didn’t plan a wilderness retreat. Angels interrupted their night shift.
Joseph didn’t schedule a spiritual direction session. God interrupted his sleep with a dream.
The Magi didn’t map out a pilgrimage years in advance. A star interrupted their astronomical observations and they followed it.
Every single person in the nativity story encountered God through interruption.
If Advent prepares us for Jesus’s return then learning to meet God in our daily interruptions might be exactly what Advent is for.”
Look at how the angel shows up to Mary.
She’s engaged to Joseph. Her life is mapped out: betrothal, marriage, children, household management, aging into the role of village elder. Clear. Predictable.
Then an angel appears. “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
Luke says Mary was “much perplexed.” The Greek word—διαταράσσω (pronounced dee-ah-tah-RAH-so)—means to disturb greatly, to throw into confusion.
The angel’s announcement isn’t comforting. It’s disturbing. “You will conceive and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.”
This is extraordinary news. It’s the most sacred calling imaginable, to be the mother of the Messiah. But it’s not safe news…”
I’m praying for us this morning. Over the things we’ve hoped for and been disappointed in, the things we intended and dropped the ball on, the plans we’ve made that have needed reworking. In all of this God IS with us. And may we allow the interruptions with grace and in hope that He who has begun a good work in us and bring it to completion.
ADRIENNE – praying
RHONDA – you are a blessing to your butterflies
MERCY – wow, your comment yesterday! And thank you for remembering me in your prayers
SHARON – love the cookie idea! Praying for their hearts to be moved. Can you add an invite to church?:)
BRANDI – thank you for the reminder that our children are our gifts! Mamas of young ones need to hear this and mamas of big ones like me.
Thank you for sharing Tami! ❤️
Yes, talk about divine appointments! And remember also Saul on the road to Damascus!
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❤️ Thanks for sharing! Such a great perspective!
Thanks for this Tami. ❤️ I will look at interruptions differently. Who knows what God might be accomplishing through them?
Thank you for this, Tami!!
My day was full of interruptions yesterday and I did some ranting and raving! I should have been praising and looking for God in those interruptions- did I miss something He had for me?
I pray I will learn the lessons and find grace in the interruptions.
Praying for all you sisters as we prepare ❤️✨❤️
Thank you for this reminder @Tami!!! Such a beautiful reflection of advent!!
So good Tami, thank you for sharing!
So good! Thank you for sharing this, Tami!
Thank you Tami!
I am going to be more mindful now in the interruptions- I had plenty to practice in today! lol. Praying for your nieces.
Wow i never thought of how the Magi mapped out their route..through a star..talking about blind faith on a super long unknown journey. This is so good! Thank you TAMI.
This is so good… thank you, Tami. ♥️
I always pictured Mary fearful and quietly praying. But this reading showcases the joyful news she too experienced. May I sing loudly & speak boldly of the true meaning of Christmas. ✝️
“It is a time for raucous celebration.”
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Despite the hardship that was to come for surrendered obedience, Mary’s song reflects how God gives His grace to move forward in His calling.
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TARA – Praying for the Stewart Family.
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SHARON JERSEY GIRL – Praying your deliveries are well received and their hearts would be moved to respond to the Bread of Life.
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ADRIENNE – Praying your husband’s eye heals quickly.
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FOSTER MAMA – continued prayers for the families being considered to adopt your foster son and his siblings.
That stoid out ti me, too. Remember my comment earky in the study re:being joyful vs. being quiet? (or something like that.)
Agreeing with you in prayer for these and for your mom! ❤
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My soul magnifies You today, Lord,
because You are the Mighty One who has done great things for me.
Your name is holy, and Your reach is longer than my wandering.
You don’t look for the powerful or the self-assured;
You look for the hungry, the empty-handed, and the quiet of heart.
You take our “not enough” and turn it into a testimony of Your strength.
Thank You for a love that doesn’t wear out,
a faithful, enduring love that finds us in the deserts we create.
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You are the God who restores what was broken,
who breaks down the gates that keep us captive,
and leads us into a kingdom where the humble are finally home.
I praise You for Your grace that excludes no one,
for the way You lift the lowly and fill the starving with good things.
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My hope isn’t in my own power, but in Your Greatness.
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Holy is Your name ✨
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This is beautiful. Thank you Kimberly.
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Kimberly, this is so very heart warming and beautiful.. thankbyou for sharing..♥️
This Advent and Christmas is hitting me differently this year. Maybe it’s because I am 53 and the things I cared about in my 20s are not at all important.
It’s different for me this year,too. It’s been so busy with church gatherings and the work involved there, I didn’t get my decorations up and I am way behind on food prep.
Praying we find a turkey breast at the store today!
We just got the tree out last night so at least we have lights. I have missed my Christmas village and other cheery reminders, though! ❤
Praying you find a turkey breast. I roasted a small chicken once and it was exquisite too.
❤ Thank you, dear Mercy! The store had lots of fresh ones- not frozen! ❤
Thank you, Erin Davis, for yet another wonderfully written devotional reading. My mind immediately went to the song by Chris Tomlin, “How Can I Keep From Singing”. With everything God has done for us, how can we not shout it from the rooftops? We post on social media about a great book we read or a wonderful restaurant we went to. And yet, do we ever share how wonderful God is? My pastor often reminds us of that.
“Jesus is not news to be received with nodding heads and polite smiles. His presence draws us to our feet Our very cells are ready to stand at attention and burst into praise.”
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Hmmm. I replied earlier but it isn’t here.
I just listened to this ‘new to me’ song. Thanks so much for sharing it!
By Chris Tomlin:
“How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing”
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Luke 107:50-
His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him.
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Excerpts from HE READS TRUTH:
“God’s not looking for my résumé. He’s looking for my surrender. And surrender often starts in moments I’d never choose—”
“When the unexpected hits, may my first step be toward gratitude, not grumbling.”
“Mary’s song isn’t just a moment in the Bible. It’s a response for real-life moments. Praise when it’s hard. Give thanks when it doesn’t make sense. Trust when you feel out of control. Because those humble places are often where He does His best work in you and through you.” – Jameson Barker (He Reads Truth)
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“What turns old women into exclaimers and young moms into proclaimers? Jesus!”- Erin Davis ❤
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Pentatonix – Mary, Did You Know? (Official Video)
Last verse:
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
Is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
That sleeping child you’re holding is the great, I Am
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Love, hugs, and prayers!
As we prep and clean for the ‘big’ celebration’ in our homes, may wr hold dear in our hearts the Great I Am!
“God’s not looking for my résumé. He’s looking for my surrender. And surrender often starts in moments I’d never choose—” That’s good!
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Oh my goodness this song got me every time. The gospel and the tender mother’s heart all in one. Ms. Reba McIntyre sang this last week on the Voice with a great contestant and I was so touched at their performance. The world is hearing the gospel.
Amen! I saw that too! Best part of the show for me. ❤❤
Love , hugs and prayers right back..♥️
By the way, the He Reads Truth devotional today is so wonderful! And I love other perspective it gives to today’s Scriptures.
Just reading comments now after posting mine and saw your rec. I agree and shared some excerpts! ❤
It was thst good i commented!♥️
Such a nice way to look at the Magnificat today!
What a beautiful devotion today. The Magnificat always feels so immense in significance because to me it feels this is when Mary comes into her reality fully— she will birth the son of God. And I also loved Psalm 107; I haven’t read this psalm before so I was moved by how it is descriptive of the character of Jesus when He comes, and what He will do when He grows up. Thank you, Father. I am so grateful that in this baby, you had a plan to redeem us from our sins and make us whole… make us Yours.
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I feel like I should encourage the mammas this morning. Like Mary, those wonderful children, no matter their age or stage of development are your gifts. They are handpicked for you by the Lord Himself. I pray for you No matter what difficulties or even horrible diagnoses you may have received. God, like Mary chose you and I am so excited about how He will strengthen you, uphold you and guide and direct you as you raise them being led by Holy Spirit! Praying for all the mammas today!
Thank you! This on top of today’s study had me weeping. ❤️
Thank you Brandi! Your words on top of today’s study had me weeping and set my heart back at the foot of the cross! ❤️
I receive this
I needed this today Brandi! Such a fun time of year with young children, but also so many emotions to help them manage!
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The faith of Mary must have been so incredible! It would be such an overwhelming situation for a young girl.
I so often focus on Mary’s faith that I neglect to see all the faithful people that she was surrounded by as well.
Joseph stepped up in his own faith. What if he had turned Mary away?
Elizabeth was also faithful. Imagine if she had turned away or scolded Mary when she arrived? What if Elizabeth hadn’t reacted as moved by the Holy Spirit? Would Mary still have song her song with such confidence?
I am so amazed by Mary’s faith and so grateful for the faith and obedience of those who supported her in her time of need.
Yes, so many observations/ponders.
I appreciate this perspective. I hadn’t thought of that. Everyone around Mary would not have believed her. It would have been a lonely time for her. God so graciously always gives us everything we need. Elizabeth in her early days of pregnancy and then Joseph to support her through the end. Those who would come alongside her and give her strength perhaps at times when she was ridiculed.
Agreed! Thanks for letting us know ❤️
Did anyone else notice that we have an early version of the Prodigal Son in the passage from Psalms? Some wandered, they where they were hungry and thirsty. But they then cried out to the Lord and he rescued them! He led them by the right path. His wondrous work
I did not, but thank you for drawing it to our attention! ❤️
Yes! I prayed that over my sons and our prodigals this morning, proclaiming that God has redeemed them from the power of the foe!
HRT is really good today.
Agreed ❤️ Thanks for sharing – I often forget about that resource!
What is HRT?
He Reads Truth
He reads truth, the men’s version of SRT, what we are reading.
Yes it is really inspiring! Thank you for sharing❣️
Agreed! ❤ Glad to see others sharing that today as well. ☺❤
I was just over there, beautiful devotional. ❤️
Amen!
This stepped on my toes a bit this morning, Ladies – “She [Mary] didn’t ball up her first and rail against her oppressive government or her wayward culture. She sang loudly and spoke boldly of Jesus.”
Father, help me leave the oppressive government and wayward culture to You, and be boldly singing and speaking of Jesus!!
This study has been such a great reminder that Christmas did not start in the manger, but all the way back in Genesis in the garden and it will come to a glorious finale when Jesus comes again!
Hallelujah and thank you SRT for another great Advent season!
❤ Good point. Kind of a foreshadowing of Jesus’ response to the tyranny. He kept His focus on His purpose and trusted God through it all. Thanks for bringing that up, Sally, as that thought about Jesus didn’t hit me the first time I read that line. ❤
This stood out to me today too!