Do You Know?

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear

and put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40:3 

Psalm 40 is a beautiful prayer extolling our mighty God, pleading for forgiveness and help, and words of exhortation to turn to Him, the God of wonders. This particular verse caused me to think of another beautiful song, appropriate to usher in the CHRISTmas season.

And Mary said:

“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,

even as he said to our fathers.”

 Luke 1:46-55

Do you notice that Mary's FOCUS is not so much on what has happened to her as it is praise and worship of the God who dwells inside her womb.  This young girl, one who could easily be shunned by her future husband, stoned as a harlot, or ostracized from society, instead gives a statement of praise to the God of glory for what He has done.

As we go through the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holiday season, buying for the kids or grandkids, decorating the tree--and the house and yard, and even the car!--where is our real FOCUS?  Is it on what is happening around us, to us, and for us, or is it what has happened IN us?  Is our FOCUS on the earth-born child who is the Savior of the world, the God of all creation, the ONE who was conceived by the Spirit of God in a young teenaged girl, was born in an obscure village in a dirty manger,  lived among sinful men, died on a cruel cross, and gave Himself up for your sins and mine? Is HE our FOCUS?

I must confess that I find it difficult to stay focused in the material world in which we live.  I find it difficult to limit my spending on the 13 precious grandchildren, to remember that visiting those in need is more important than my own wants, and that this rather pagan holiday should be celebrated as the birthday celebration of our Lord, my  gaze on Him and a glance only on this world. 

Mary, Did You Know?

As we turn our FOCUS to Him,

Gloria