Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Luke 1:47 And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
MY SPIRIT REJOICES
There is so much sadness around us. Because of sin in the world there is destruction and famine, pain and sorrow. Two thousand years ago it was not any better, and yet we find Mary saying, "My spirit rejoices . . ."
The other day I caught a newspaper headline speaking about the "underground" Christian churches in China. The author of the article was simply amazed that those people could be singing "Joy to the World" while they suffered such persecution and terror from a nation so hostile to Christianity. "How can they be joyful?" the writer wondered.
The writer didn't understand that the Christians' joy does not come from within themselves, nor does it come from their surroundings. It is found in the same place Mary found it -- in God the Savior.
The Christ becomes our brother, taking on human flesh so that He can die and rise again to win for us eternal life. Looking to this everlasting joy, our spirits too are filled with rejoicing.
Light and life to all He brings, Ris'n with healing in His wings.
Mild He leaves His throne on high, Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth; Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 94:3)
