Monday December 21

Scripture

My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
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 powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
According to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.
 -Luke 1

Hymn - Hark, a Herald Voice is Sounding

Wakened by the solemn worning,
let the earthbound soul arise;
Christ our sun, all sloth dispelling,
shines upon the morning skies.

Meditation

Mary is rejoicing because she has been entrusted with bringing Christ, the Son of God, into the world. The Eastern Orthodox Church calls her the theotokos, the “God-bearer.” She is truly blessed with the sacred responsibility of this task. Like our sister, Mary, we too are “God-bearers,” entrusted with bearing Christ into the world. What does it mean to bring forth the light and goodness of our lives? How can we accomplish this?