Welcome to Church of the City, New York's Advent Devotionals.

Jesus was good news in the first century, and he is still good news today.

In the Christmas stories recounted in Scripture, people always responded to Jesus with

amazement and praise. This response came from deep longings and heartbreak being met with God breaking in to

fulfill his promises, offer his forgiveness, bring his justice and peace, and extend his love.

This Christmas, we hope you will have your own encounter with the person of Jesus and the

good news of his birth.

And like those of old, let your song of praise resound to the world around you.

Today's reading comes from Luke chapter 1, verses 46 to 55.

And Mary said, My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on, all generations will call me

blessed, for the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm. He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost

thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the

hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his

servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised

our ancestors. Mary's song turns both inward to her own heart and outward to all of God's people.

She begins her song by rejoicing and remembering

what God has done for her. It's so personal, so specific. She says God has been mindful of her.

In Greek, this word means to look upon with focus attention or to give special regard to in a way

that the sight moves the beholder. Mary's words are full of

reverence. She refers to herself as God's servant, and to him as the mighty one who has done

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