Scripture: Luke 1:46-47
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…”
Thought for the Day: I write this with Christmas music playing in the background. Though most of it falls into what I call the category of secular Christmas music (reindeer, snowmen, and wanting to stay close to the fire), it gets me to thinking about these words we call the Magnificat. This is the beginning of Mary’s song, and I imagine how she was caught-up in the moment – inspired and full of joy. Everything that had occurred in the short period of time (days or weeks) prior to her arrival in Elizabeth’s home had to have been whirling around in her head. Her emotions must have been on a pendulum – back and forth. Yet in this moment it sure appears as if she is caught in the updraft of the Spirit’s movement and she has no choice but respond. Some people have said that this is how worship should always be, and though it is a beautiful moment, I imagine it to be exhausting. To be at that level every week, or even more often, could kill someone. The hope is for us to know such a moment at least once in life. Whether Mary ever knew that experience again or not, don’t you imagine that she was able to draw upon her memories for the rest of her life. A new moment of inspiration and joy can always be special, but don’t dismiss your memories…even if one such memory stretches back to a high school church camp worship service where the images and sounds and smells can still be enjoyed to this day.
Prayer: Whether it is the present moment or the savoring of an inspired moment years ago, I trust that such experiences – infused with you, O Lord – will continue to lift my spirit and engage my faith. Amen.
REMEMBER
Congregational Meeting
This Sunday
Immdiately After The 9am Service
(around 10:05am)
