Instead of our normal email blast, this week we wanted to
provide a special devotional tool as we contemplate the birth of Jesus. We
encourage you to sit down and reflect on Mary’s song.
THE NEED FOR A REDEEMER
READ: Romans 8:19-23
The world God made is filled with wonder and blessings and joy, but because of sin, it is also cursed with tragedy and heartbreaking sadness. The world has been turned upside down by sin. Nothing is what it was intended to be.
THE PROMISE OF A REDEEMER
READ: Isaiah 9:6-7
The prophets pointed to a Messiah who would come to deliver God’s people and give hope to the world. Mary knew God’s loving promises and was waiting expectantly for Him to fulfill them.
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;
Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Hymn by Charles Wesley, 1745
THE TIME HAS COME: GOD IS ACTING IN HISTORY
READ: Luke 1:26-35
God chose Mary to bless all of us by bringing the Messiah into the world. Imagine the severity of Mary’s predicament. At best, she would be ostracized for the rest of her life. At worst, the law allowed for her to be stoned. She knew her life would never be the same. Her part in God’s plan would be personally painful and yet reflect on Mary’s response.
READ: Luke 1:46-55
How do you think Mary had developed the faith and trust that allowed her to respond to the angel this way?
THE BIRTH OF JESUS
READ: John 1:1-4,14
Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Let earth receive her King!
JESUS CAME TO MAKE INDIVIDUAL HEARTS RIGHT WITH GOD
The Messiah coming as a baby was the beginning of many surprises for God’s people. In fact, Jesus’ earthly ministry disappointed many. The Jewish leaders expected their Messiah to praise them, but Jesus condemned their hypocrisy. Jesus’ followers often didn’t understand what He was saying. They expected Him to free them from Roman oppression, but Jesus had a different mission. Instead of turning the entire world right side up, He came to turn individual hearts right side up.
Sometimes God works in ways we would not expect in order to accomplish His redemptive plan. How has God worked in surprising ways in your life this year? How can we prepare for the future surprises He has in store?
As Mary contemplates being the mother of “God her Savior” and all that will mean for her personally, her people, and the world, her love and trust in God’s plan is unwavering. She was going to be a part of God’s redemptive plan!
Think about God’s redemption in your own life. What would your life be like without it? Consider a prayer of gratitude for our Savior who came into the world to save us.
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