Doing more than the minimum - December 22
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 72; PM Psalm 111, 113, 2 Samuel 7:1-17; Titus 2:11-3:8a; Luke 1:39-48a(48b-56)
The reading from Luke this morning includes the song of Mary - what we call the Magnificat. In the lectionary assigned, one could break the reading after the first line "‘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." If we were to do that, we would miss her prophetic components of the song in verses 48b through 55. Point by point, the content of this optional reading could be listed like this:
Others will revere her (Mary) as blessed.
God does much for Mary.
God's mercy is bestowed on those who put God first, time after time.
God is strong and levels those who put themselves first.
God brings life to those who are feeling low and empty.
God is at the center of each way we feel full and cared for.
God is our ever-present help to those who serve the Lord.
God makes promises that are everlasting.
If we read the bare minimum, we miss some good stuff. We miss one young woman's reflections on who God is and how God is in relation to each of us.
There is a lot going on in my day today. I bet you have a lot going on in yours. Let's do what we can to give God our full attention, and not just the bare minimum. We miss some beauty and encouragement if we skim. Though spread thin on these tender days leading up to Christmas, let us lean into God and hear the song being placed upon our hearts.
-- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
What is your priority today? Who is your priority today? How do you use your words and works to show where your priorities lie?
Daily Challenge
Be attentive to the music moving you today. Perhaps it is the clicking of a child's tongue, calling a dog to come in from the cold. Perhaps it is the ringing on bells on the back door. Or maybe it is the Magnificat, the song of Mary, bringing you hope and inspiration in a time of uncertainty.