Day 3

Scripture to Read: Luke 1:49-50

Today we continue our journey through Mary's song of praise to our Lord. Mary laid out three characteristics of God: His might, His holiness, and His mercy. As she recounted God's might or God's power, Mary exclaimed that our Lord had done great things for her in Luke 1:49. The mightiest act of power, the most incredible work God had done for her, was that He gave her, a virgin, the ability to carry and then give birth to the Savior of our world (Luke 1:34-35). The virgin birth also highlights the second attribute of God, His holiness. God's holiness had to be in the Messiah of our world (Luke 1:35). Jesus Christ proved to be holy, living a sinless life and becoming our spotless lamb, sacrificed on the cross for the sins of all mankind. On the cross, Christ's love showed the brightest (Ephesians 5:2) as the holiness of God was united with the mercy of God. For those who fear our holy God, they find His mercy, not receiving what they deserve for their sin, which is death. The hope of Christmas is a celebration of God's might, who saves through His Holy Savior and offers mercy to all who trust in Him. The question for us is: "Have we feared God and placed our trust in this Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ?" If we have, we are also called to share this Good News of Jesus's coming with those who have yet to believe. What better time than Christmas to share the love of Christ with those who need Him!

Challenge & Application

1. How do we see the power, holiness, and mercy of God in our lives each day? 2. How have you seen the power, holiness, and mercy of God displayed in other believers?

Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!

Devotionals from this week

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Day 1

This week we examine Mary's song of praise. After Mary received the news from the angel Gabriel that she would be the one to give birth to and be the mother of the Messiah, in Luke 1:26-38, she offered thanks to the Lord. Mary's song of praise was a result of what happened inside of Mary's heart. Mary starts Luke 1:46 with, "My soul magnifies...

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Day 2

Yesterday, our focus was on the first stanza in Mary's song of praise as she gave glory to our Lord for His gift of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Today we continue to unpack all of the reasons for which Mary thanked our Lord. First, we read in Luke 1:48, "for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant. For behold, from now o...

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Day 3

Today we continue our journey through Mary's song of praise to our Lord. Mary laid out three characteristics of God: His might, His holiness, and His mercy. As she recounted God's might or God's power, Mary exclaimed that our Lord had done great things for her in Luke 1:49. The mightiest act of power, the most incredible work God had done for...

Read

Day 4

Yesterday we began to look at our Lord for His power and might. The power of God continues as a theme in Mary's praise of our Lord in Luke 1:51, "He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their heart." Mary's words indicate the power of God's might in His judgment. In Luke 1:50, Mary had spoken of God's...

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Day 5

We have read Mary's praise to God for His might in both salvation and judgment in the last two devotions. Today God's salvation and judgment are shown in contrast with one another. In Luke 1:52-53, Mary's praise to our Lord reveals the difference between those who belong to our Lord and those who do not, "52 He has brought down the mighty fro...

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Day 6

As we read Luke 1:54-55, Mary goes beyond personal thanksgiving to our Lord. She proclaims the faithfulness of God by considering His promises to all of His people. The first group Mary mentions is the people of Israel in Luke 1:54, "He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy." In Isaiah 42:1, God gives us a glimpse of how ...

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Day 7

Yesterday we learned that not only was God faithful to His promises for Israel but that His plan has always been to bless all the families of the earth through our Lord Jesus Christ (Genesis 12:1-3). Knowing God's plan helps us better understand the final words of Mary's praise to our Lord God Almighty. Mary finished her words of praise with ...

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