The following post features two days of readings from The World Rejoices: The Good News of Christmas Devotional by Eliza Huie, Cyndi Logsdon, Brook Taylor, and Ashley Arey. This devotional is written for individuals and families, encouraging a slower December pace while counting down the days to Christmas. Each short daily devotional thought and Scripture reading from the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. There are also fun and engaging activities interspersed throughout the book, offering the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the season for a few minutes.
“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
~ Luke 1:45
The word “blessed” in this passage is sometimes translated “happy.” The Lord spoke to Mary, she believed what he said, and she was truly happy—she was “blessed.”
Do you long for lasting happiness? Do you long for the deep contentment and satisfaction that can be found in walking with God even on really hard days? If you want to be blessed, what should you do? Believe the Lord when he speaks.
The Old Testament is filled with priests and prophets who bring messages from God to his people. But what about today? Do you ever wonder if the Lord still speaks to his people?
Today, God speaks to his people through his Word. The original authors wrote the Bible under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. That means that when we read God’s Word, we are hearing God “speak”!
We should take comfort in what we read because God’s words are sure and trustworthy. He always keeps his promises, and what he says will indeed come to pass. Like Mary, if you want to be blessed, take God at his word. You might begin by meditating on these promises from God:
God is near to his people.
(See Psalm 119:151; 145:18; Romans 8:11; James 4:8.)
God forgives the sins of those who repent and believe.
(See Isaiah 43:25; Acts 10:43; Romans 10:9.)
God brings comfort and peace to those who are in Christ.
(See Psalm 119:76; Matthew 11:28–29; 2 Corinthians 1:3–4.)
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.
~ Luke 1:46-56
Why Me? Have you ever asked yourself that question? We usually ask it with a sigh of discouragement when something disappointing happens to us. But this question can be asked with a completely different motivation. It can be asked from a heart of humility and gratitude. When you receive kindness that you don’t deserve or when you are shown unmerited favor you can find yourself asking, Why me? This kind of question might have crossed Mary’s mind when she was told she would be the mother of the Messiah.
Mary was an ordinary girl with a heart deeply devoted to knowing her God. Her song of praise overflows with her knowledge of him. Did you notice how little of the song is about herself? Instead, she sings about her great God and how he cares for his children from generation to generation. She wasn’t an amazing leader or a charismatic pillar among believers. She was a girl who loved God—and he saw her devotion and faith. He looked on her lowly estate.
God sees you, too. You don’t have to write a book, preach a sermon, lead a movement, or make a significant contribution to some special cause to be seen by God. He sees the faith of all who humbly trust and obey him. He sees and he shows himself to be a merciful God who is kind to his children.
Have you experienced the blessing and grace of God in your life? Has God’s goodness surprised you in ways that made you ask, Why me? Take some time to write out a personal song of praise to God (on the following page) in response to the ways he has blessed you. Let Mary’s song inspire you. Your song doesn’t have to be poetic or artistic. Let it simply be an overflow of your gratitude that he sees you as you seek to follow him day-by-day.
Excerpted from The World Rejoices: The Good News of Christmas Devotional © 2024 by Eliza Huie, Cyndi Logsdon, Brook Taylor, and Ashley Arey. Used with permission of New Growth Press. May not be reproduced without prior written permission.
The World Rejoices
The World Rejoices is a practical resource for individuals and families, encouraging a slower December pace while counting down the days to Christmas. Each short daily reflection and Scripture reading from the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke guides you toward a deeper connection with Jesus and a meaningful understanding of the Christmas story. Engaging activities interspersed throughout the book will give you a few minutes to unwind and enjoy the season.
