And Mary said, my souls magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
Luke 1:46-47
During my early morning walk, just before Thanksgiving, I heard a single cricket frog singing a melancholy song. Above, in slate gray skies, a crane was on a journey towards warmer weather. Across a frosty field, a well feed deer lingered munched on debris. We all had something in common, we were alone.
It’s days just before Thanksgiving. The holidays are upon us. Six weeks of nonstop action. Family reunions, gift giving, delicious food and memories are all bundled up in one great package.
Yet, there are those who will be alone and might not even leave their homes. It may have been a tough year for many people. They may have lost a loved one, lost their job or just lost any hope for the future. The holidays to them will be a time of isolation and pain.
In these early weeks of the holiday season I find myself in the book of Luke. It is in this book of the Bible we find Mary alone and in a rather challenging situation.
Mary was visited by an angel and told she would be the mother of the long-awaited Messiah. How lonely she must have felt. Mary went to visit Elizabeth and is greeted with great praise and encouragement. Some of Mary’s fears pale in light of knowing someone else knows her secret.
How does Mary react to Elizabeth’s praise?
Mary’s words, in her song of praise, are saturated with scripture from the Old Testament. She knew the word of God. Deuteronomy asks us to teach our children of God. To teach them at all times in preparation for what God has planned for them. However, we cannot teach what we don’t know. Being in the Word is life to the soul. It brings us through the lonely times.
Mary then gives God the credit for His salvation. She recognizes her own need for a Savior, even though she was the mother of the Savior. There is no greater gift which we could give to a loved one than to share Jesus Christ this Christmas. To explain Jesus’ great sacrifice at the cross. To spend time praying their hearts are open to hear the great news!
This holiday season spend time in the Word of God. Whether you are celebrating alone or gathering with several people find time with God. We are never alone. God is always available for the person willing to come to Him. Remember to share this good news of Jesus Christ with a loved one.
Happy Thanksgiving, P. Wolf
Patti Wolf 