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| Advent 2013 ~ Bethlehem Candle |
The second week of Advent, we light the Bethlehem Candle to remind us that the Son of God would be born in a humble stable in Bethlehem.
Old Testament: "On that day they will say to Jerusalem, 'Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:16-17
New Testament: "And Mary said: 'My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.'" Luke 1:46-50
Interesting that the Greek word blessed, "makariousi," is in a future tense meaning that Mary would be blessed by future generations. This makariousi verb is the word Elizabeth uses when she sees that Mary has believed that the Lord will fulfill His Promise through Mary (v.45 - "And blessed (makariousi) is she who believed..."). The meaning of makarios is to be indwelt by God and thereby to be fully satisfied. The use of this "blessed" word by Mary shows that she is declaring that because she was indwelt by God, this fact would cause her to be blessed by future generations. Fascinating side-note: when Elizabeth first greets Mary she says, "Blessed among women are you..." This "blessed" is an entirely different word! This blessed is "eulogeo" meaning, "to speak well of," like a eulogy. When we bless (eugoleo) God, we are speaking well of Him which is asking Him to not merely to approve our plans but to interfere in our lives.
May God interfere in your life today.
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