“He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” (Luke 1:51-55)
What do promises mean to you?
Small children think promises are wonderful. If they ask to go to the park and Mom or Dad says, “We’ll see,” that’s one thing; but if it’s a promise, well, that’s time to celebrate!
As we grow older, we learn that some people can and do break their promises, but not God. When God says something, it comes true.
Mary sings about this. “God has helped His servant Israel,… as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever.” God promised to send Jesus to be a Child of Abraham’s family, and to become a blessing to the whole earth. And now it’s finally happening!
Mary is already carrying Jesus, our Savior. Though she can’t feel Him kick yet, and He is only an inch or two long, God’s plan is in motion. Jesus has started His life with us and for us—the life He will lay down for us at the cross, and then take up again in His resurrection. The life He has promised to share with us, forever, because God’s promises are always strong and true.
Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for keeping Your good promises! Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Tell a story about a promise you remember, big or small.
* Do you find it hard to trust people without a promise? Why or why not?
* How do God’s promises affect your actions in life?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on December 11, 2022
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights reserved