Mary's Song

Mary's Song is recorded in Luke 1:46-56. It is beautiful worship, expressing joy in God our Savior. He knew well Mary's humble heart and He knows each of us who love and serve Him. God's shows His mercy to all generations and performs [His] mighty works, which may seem upside down to our world. Check this out:

"He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty" (Luke 1:50-53 NIV).

Mary knew Scripture. She knew the character of her God and even as a young woman, she experienced a loving and worshipful relationship with Him.

We may strive for importance, but this is the person God chose to give birth to His Son so He could live among us and show us how to love God and live for Him. When the disciples asked who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, unless you change [from wanting to be important] and become like children [He meant childlike-not childish-innocent and trusting], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:1-5 NIV). 

This picture of Mary shows me the innocence, humility and faith that Jesus talked about. I hope this season you will look at Christmas in a new way, through Mary's eyes to experience true worship, the first step in Advent Conspiracy. God bless you.

Upside Down Advent

Many years ago when Jesus came to earth, He turned the world upside down with the truth about forgiveness and eternal life. He was the fulfillment of Scripture, but His own people who knew Scripture did not recognize Him.

In more than two thousand years since Jesus came as a baby the first Christmas, our gift giving to celebrate His birth has become a mega marketing opportunity for retailers. Our concept of showing love means spending billions of dollars on gifts that somehow end up back in the stores for exchange, in thrift stores or the trash. So how do we resist buying into the big debt and meaningless gifts?

What did Jesus do? He gave Himself. Can we do less? After all, it's all about Jesus, right? And if it's all about Jesus, it begins with worship. Mary set the example for us in her song:

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.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors (Luke 1:46-56 NIV). 

During this advent season, our church is studying a series titled Advent Conspiracy. I hope you will check out the website, the video and resources. I downloaded the audiobook to my iPhone so I can get more spiritually fit while I walk and get somewhat more physically fit. It's all about worship, spending less, giving more (of yourself, time and resources) and loving others.

I would like to know your thoughts about Christmas consumerism. Are you doing anything differently? I have to confess, this may take some adjusting for me. What about you?