BIBLE READING
Luke 1:26–35, 38, 46–55 & 2:19, 51.
The angel addressed the holy mother as “highly favored,” “the Lord with thee.” God’s presence in her life was a reason why she could be trusted with the greatest responsibility ever given to a woman, to bring up, to teach and guard the most wonderful child ever born. Contrast how royal princesses are seldom entrusted with the care and training of future kings and emperors.
Vs. 46–55. Mary’s appreciation of what God had done for her personally,—her wider vision of what her experience was to mean to the world. She accepted the trust and believed the amazing promise, (v. 38) but realized that the present and future generations were to share in the blessing (vs. 48, 54, 55.)
Ch. 2:19, 51. Mary kept in her heart all the strange, wonderful occurrences, pondering them, trying to understand God’s dealings, and to bring herself and her actions into line with them. She realized that hers was an unusual task, and set herself to watch and understand its meaning.