Martha and Mary moment #5

Mary says, in Luke 1:46:

" My soul exalts the LORD"

or as another translation reads:

"My soul praises the LORD".

Perhaps she was quoting Psalm 34:2:

"My soul will boast in the LORD

let the afflicted hear and rejoice."

alternatively translated:

"My soul shall make its boast in the LORD

The humble shall hear it and rejoice."

Psalm 34 is a beautiful Psalm on which to meditate. I lingered on verse 5.

"Those who look to Him are radiant

their faces are never covered with shame."*

Mary, faced with the staggering privilege and responsibility of carrying the Son of GOD in her womb - and the shame of being pregnant before marriage - looked to GOD. She praised Him; exalted Him. Despite and because of her circumstances.

Based on Psalm 34:5 we know her strength came from the LORD and was reflected in visible, radiant joy. Her soul exalted the LORD. What a wonderful example she has set for us!

~~~~~~~~

The phone rang yesterday. On the line was a friend from Bible study. She wanted to minister to her neighbor ladies during this Christmas season. Her idea was to invite them over for a Christmas tea.

"I'd like you to come give a short devotional and play a few Christmas carols so we can sing together." she said.

How could I say 'no' to that? (I couldn't.) We had to find a mutually available date and agreed on this Saturday. On my way to choir last night, a detailed devotional outline 'happened' to pop into my head. I love how the LORD works! I fleshed it out during some sleepless moments during the night and will polish it today.

I think her idea of sharing Christ with her neighbors is a wonderful one, that maybe some of the rest of us can copy. Kind of a Martha/Mary moment combo.

And here is another idea, of the crafty variety. Our blog friend Lady Farmer made a cute, cute, cute Nutcracker out of terra cotta flower pots. Go see~

*see also Exodus 34:29-35