Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
The Mary of Luke’s gospel was no fearful wall flower. This was a woman of Israel who understood the dire situation her people were in. The good news announced by the angel Gabriel was water to a parched community. Mary’s joy at the news cannot be contained. Her song voiced the desperate pleas and clinging hope of her people.
There are so many desperate voices crying out in this world today. I think of war-torn Aleppo that has suffered for years. I think of the black community whose young men are dying and imprisoned at an inequitable rate.
I think of girls and women imprisoned by human trafficking with little hope for deliverance. As I prepare for a warm, cozy, love-filled Christmas with family and friends, I remember those voices. I pray for their deliverance. I pray that God will send to them a word of hope like the one young Mary received on behalf of her people.
God, send women today the power of your deliverance. Guide us to be strong, loving, and wise. Amen.
