Most Highly Favored Lady!

Besides the most obvious thing to dwell on during Christmas time ( Jesus birth and His purpose for coming) I also really like to think about Mary and everything she went through. I can only imagine! It would be as if an Angel came to me today and said that the Holy Spirit conceived a baby inside me. Besides that, that baby would be the Savior of the world! Mary was an ordinary girl just like me, but all at once she became the mother of our Lord. Now Mary didn't think so at the time, but God knew what He was doing when He picked Mary. We can see that in Luke chapter 1: 35-38, Mary had questions, but she didn't doubt God's will. I mean who wouldn't ask how they got pregnant and still be a virgin? But Mary offered herself to  God's plan and trusted in it. Not very many people do that, back then or now. 
I think the most beautiful passage in the WHOLE Bible though, would be what Mary sang to Elizabeth when she cam to visit: 46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Lets just go through some of this real quick!

Mary glorifies the Lord, she is thankful for this gift. She doesn't worry that her family and friends would probably estrange her. She rejoices that the Spirit has come over her. She humbles herself before God and thanks God for thinking of her, for giving her this privilege. She doesn't say "Oh look at me, I'm the mother of the Messiah". No! She can't believe that God found favor in her. I wish everyone could be that humble. She praises Him endlessly for how great and mighty He is, she says "The Mighty One has done great things for me". She found favor in God's eyes because she feared Him (verse 50). She lists off all that God does to help His servant Israel (54): to bring down those who are exalted by those of the world, to provide for those who hunger and thirst, and to remember to be merciful. Mary remembers God's promise and how He never fails to keep them. 

Mary gives us a very good lesson: trust in the Lord always, keep in His Word and in prayer. Remember His promises!

Merry CHRISTmas! 

Melody :)