God

Mary concludes her prayer with the reminder that God had not forgotten His people, Israel. His promise to the nation’s ancestors was about to be fulfilled. The Messiah was on His way!

The visit from the angel Gabriel was frightening and the news was unbelievable, but Mary surrendered to God’s will. When the angel’s words to her were confirmed by her visit to Elizabeth, who was with child in her old age, Mary burst into song. Her song is filled with Scripture and truth about God

In a song known as the Magnificat, Mary proclaimed her thankfulness and love to the Father. This song teaches several things about Mary.

“The Lord saves.” That’s exactly what Jesus was sent to do. He would do great and powerful things. He would be God in the flesh, “the Son of the Most High.” He would rule as king and His kingdom would be an eternal one.

God chose a small-town girl for a big-time mission. John Donne described it as “immensity cloistered in thy dear womb.” Through Mary, the eternal God made His way into the temporal world. Indeed, the Lord was with her.

Some promises from God are hard to believe. In fact, many—like this one, a baby born to parents past childbearing age—are outside the realm of human explanation. Christmas is filled with such miracles.

God has the same promise for you. He is working in your heart to do great things for Him. Every believer lives with the power of the Holy Spirit. You have everything you need to do what God has called you to do.

Maybe you can relate to the emotions of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Maybe a longing of your heart has not been fulfilled. I challenge you to keep believing. God is not finished writing your story. He may still meet the longing of your heart…or He may give you a new dream.

Jesus always provides another chance. God has not written you off. He has not cast you aside. Your failure is not final. While you must acknowledge and repent of your sin, Jesus waits with open arms to welcome you back, reinstate you, and use you.