A Mary Kind of Joy (Luke 1:46-55) // Sunday, December 13, 2020

A Mary Kind of Joy (Luke 1:46-55) // Sunday, December 13, 2020

#ComeSunday #WorshipBulletin: Read the scripture and download the bulletin to prepare for 10:00 am Sunday worship and Weekly Bible studies!



Luke 1:46-55 (Common English Bible)

46 Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord!
47     In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.
48 He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant.
    Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored
49         because the mighty one has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.
50     He shows mercy to everyone,
        from one generation to the next,
        who honors him as God.
51 He has shown strength with his arm.
    He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.
52     He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones
        and lifted up the lowly.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
    and sent the rich away empty-handed.
54 He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,
        remembering his mercy,
55     just as he promised to our ancestors,
        to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.”


Summary:

This scripture reminds us that Mary sings with joy, not just because she was chosen, but because the coming of Christ meant the anticipated liberation of her people. This Advent season, we to find joy in what Emmanuel is doing in our midst to lead us in being liberated from what ails us today.

The pandemic created new opportunities for Inglewood First UMC in ministry and we followed the Spirit in these strange and disorienting times, finding peace in God in the midst of trouble. This online worship includes a replay of portions of our “Making A Way” worship series in September. Our young people led us throughout the service!

Reflection Questions:

  1. What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
  2. What does this scripture teach you about joy?
  3. What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?