has done great things for me

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

1 Samuel 1:24-28 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8 Luke 1:46-56

Luke 1:49  for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

I think that if I had to sum up Mary's song, this verse would do it.  Christmas is more than just about a miracle birth, or a precursor to the resurrection.  It is a demonstration of God's mercy.  The humble circumstances demonstrate that God can and does great things, and Holy is his name.  Mary exemplifies the gratitude that we should have for what God has done for us.  This is a prayer of thanks.  At Christmas we give thanks to God for his mercy and grace.  The miracle birth is the evidence of that grace.  So we celebrate the miracle birth.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to be truly thankful for what you have done for me.  Help me to realize that you can do great things even in the most humble of circumstances.  Help me to keep faith regardless of how hopeless things may look to human eyes.

Amen