“And Mary said, my soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47).

 We need to keep in balance at all times. On one hand, I highly respect Mary and appreciate her great sacrifice of commitment and obedience. I am really challenged by this young teenage girl who would willingly call herself the servant of the Lord and obey Him even if no one understood. On the other hand, I will never worship Mary. She would never want us to worship her. It is interesting to note that Mary spoke of the Lord being her Savior (1:47). This baby that she was carrying would one day die on the cross, shed his blood, be buried for three days, and would rise again to be not only our Savior but her Savior as well! Mary’s heart was filled with adoration and praise to the Lord. However, she understood her need of salvation. She needed the Savior, and that is the central message of this great Christmas season. The greatest gift was given at Christmas time in the incarnation of God’s own Son. How awesome is that gift of salvation! Have you received God’s gracious gift of salvation?

 For today: The greatest gift that will ever be given and received at Christmas this year is the gift of salvation. Have you received that gift?