10 D E CE MB E R
MOSAIC OF BEAUTY
Faithful God, I praise You that You are faithful to Your promises. I put my trust in You for now and all the days ahead. Amen.
L UKE 1 : 46 –5 5 And Mary said:
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‘My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, 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. 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 for ever, just as he promised our ancestors.’ 50
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S
itting in the courtyard of the Church of the Visitation in Ein Karem, Israel, I was overwhelmed with the beautiful display of sixty-seven mosaics containing the words SPIRIT REJOICES IN of Luke 1:46–55 in as many languages. Traditionally known as the Magnificat from the GOD MY SAVIOUR. Latin “to magnify”, these verses are Mary’s LUKE 1:46–47 joyous response to the announcement that she will be the mother of the Messiah. Each plaque contains Mary’s words, including: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. . . . For the Mighty One has done great things for me” (LUKE 1:46–49). The biblical hymn etched in the tiles is a song of praise as Mary recounts the faithfulness of God to her and the nation of Israel. A grateful recipient of God’s grace, Mary rejoices in her salvation (V. 47). She acknowledges that God’s mercy has extended to the Israelites for generations (V. 50). Looking back over God’s care for the Israelites, Mary praises God for His powerful acts on behalf of His people (V. 51). She also thanks God, recognising that her daily provision comes from His hand (V. 53). Mary shows us that recounting the great things God has done for us is a way to express praise and can lead us to rejoice. This Christmas season, consider God’s goodness as you reflect on the year. In doing so, you may create a mosaic of great beauty with your words of praise. o LISA SAMRA
MY SOUL GLORIFIES THE LORD AND MY
Read today’s passage again. Make a list of all the ways God has blessed you this year and reflect on it with Him. Is there someone you can share the story of His goodness with?
Father, I praise You for the great things You’ve done in my life. I rejoice in Your eternal mercy and care for me.
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