At the time of Jesus, the nation of Israel was expecting a Messiah that would come and depose the Romans and rule the nation with a mighty arm. Mary would have been no different. In the final section of her prayer, Mary continues to look back on God's mighty acts for the nation. Let us look at the final verses of her prayer as see what we can learn as Christmas approaches.
Mary's Reflection
The Greek of the first part of verse 54 paints a picture more beautiful than any of the English translations. The word translated as "given help" (antelabeto) literally means to be taken by the hand and helped up. The picture is of a nation that could not help itself, being lifted up by the mighty, merciful hand of God. All done in accordance with the prophecies and promises spoken to the nation through Abraham and his descendants.
Here Mary is likening her miraculous pregnancy to God's continued merciful acts. The greatest act of grace and mercy that God could do for the nation, He was about to do through Mary. An act that she saw as a fulfilment of prophecy.
Mary's prayer is a remembrance of God's mercy, not only in terms of His actions, but in terms of His character. God by nature is merciful. Though at times we may not see it, He is always acting mercifully towards His people. As she looked back into the history of the nation, Mary remembered God's many acts of mercy towards the nation. From the time of Abraham, to the Maccabees, God had continually acted mercifully towards the nation of Israel, and indeed to the rest of the world as a result. And Mary also recognised that this mercy was going to continue.
Mary's prayer is also a remembrance of God performing according to His promises. God's mercy was not only acted out, but it was also declared, spoken by God since creation (see Genesis 3:15), through the time of the patriarchs, David, and the prophets. Mary understood that what God has spoken about, He will perform. He had in the past in other areas, and He will in the future.
Our Reflection
How often do we look back over our lives and thank God for His acts of mercy towards us? How often have we been in a situation where there was absolutely nothing we could do, and God reached down with His mighty hand and rescued us? Times of despair and depression, hopeless situations that seemed would never end?
How often do we thank God for His fulfilling the promises and prophecies dispersed throughout the Bible? And following from that, how much hope do we have for the fulfilment of the prophecies and promises concerning His second coming? Do we truly trust Him, like Mary did, that He will continue to do what He said He will do?
But more importantly than that, how often do we thank God for His greatest merciful act towards us, our salvation? Through Mary, God provided a way for our sin to be dealt with. He reached down and pulled us out of the darkness, saving us from the judgement that is to come.
This Christmas, let us put aside all the stuff and nonsense that so easily fills the season. Though it is good to be with family, enjoy a meal together, and to give gifts, let us not make them the most important part of the day. Rather let us look back and remember what God has done in our lives. Let us give thanks that the birth of Jesus ultimately lead to His death, because if He had not died, we would still be living in darkness and sin.
Let Christmas be a day we remember God's mercy and character, and His reconciling us to the Father.
Just a Thought!
© 2012
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