The Mighty One Has Done Great Things for Me

This post is the fourth in a series adapted from Anticipating His Arrival, a family Advent devotional by Rick Brannan. We will be posting one devotional a day through Christmas.

Luke 1:46–55

And Mary said,
“My soul exalts the Lord,
and my spirit has rejoiced greatly in God my Savior,
because he has looked upon the humble state of his female slave,
for behold, from now on all generations will consider me blessed,
because the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for generation after generation
to those who fear him.
He has done a mighty deed with his arm;
he has dispersed the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
and has exalted the lowly.
He has filled those who are hungry with good things,
and those who are rich he has sent away empty-handed.
He has helped Israel his servant,
remembering his mercy,
just as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Discussion Questions

Why is Mary rejoicing?

Response: Mary is rejoicing because, despite her “humble state” (v. 48), she has been blessed by the Lord. The mercy of the Lord that she experienced is overwhelming and undeserved (vv. 49–50), and she praises his name because of it.

How does this relate to joy during the Advent season?

Response: The mercy we receive as a result of Jesus’ first coming is similarly overwhelming and undeserved—and we should rejoice because of it! It also leads us to rejoice all the more at the thought of his second coming.

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