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| Advent 2013 ~ Bethlehem Candle |
Old Testament: "In that day you will say, 'I will praise you, O Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song.'" Isaiah 12:1-2
No, that is not a type-o. When a phrase is repeated, it is given extra emphasis to show it's importance. A repeated name shows endearment. The Lord is my strength and my song.
New Testament: (Mary's Song Continued...) "'He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.' Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home." Luke 1:51-56
Mary's song is filled with triumph. It reminds me of Psalm with it's proclamation of God's faithfulness and acts of majesty. You can hear Mary's spirit rejoicing and praising God. Even before the birth and life of Jesus, The Kingdom of God is all about being "upside-down." God's very own son was going to have a simple birth to a quiet, young girl in a lowly manger in Bethlehem. The Savior of the world, the Son of God, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Lamb of God is going to be born to this humble, young girl. God reaches out to the ordinary, downcast and simple of society. Mary's song pits rulers against humble people and the hungry with rich. Mary's Magificant rejoices at God working through ordinary people to bring about extraordinary tasks.
I pray God opens your eyes today to see the meek, weak and humble of society. Human life is so very valuable- let's remain humble and seek to serve even the least of these.
No, that is not a type-o. When a phrase is repeated, it is given extra emphasis to show it's importance. A repeated name shows endearment. The Lord is my strength and my song.
New Testament: (Mary's Song Continued...) "'He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.' Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home." Luke 1:51-56
Mary's song is filled with triumph. It reminds me of Psalm with it's proclamation of God's faithfulness and acts of majesty. You can hear Mary's spirit rejoicing and praising God. Even before the birth and life of Jesus, The Kingdom of God is all about being "upside-down." God's very own son was going to have a simple birth to a quiet, young girl in a lowly manger in Bethlehem. The Savior of the world, the Son of God, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Lamb of God is going to be born to this humble, young girl. God reaches out to the ordinary, downcast and simple of society. Mary's song pits rulers against humble people and the hungry with rich. Mary's Magificant rejoices at God working through ordinary people to bring about extraordinary tasks.
I pray God opens your eyes today to see the meek, weak and humble of society. Human life is so very valuable- let's remain humble and seek to serve even the least of these.
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