Focus
Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.
Read
2 Hannah prayed and said,
“My heart exults in the Lord;
my strength is exalted in my God.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in my victory.
2 “There is no Holy One like the Lord,
no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
3 Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed.
4 The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the feeble gird on strength.
5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
but those who were hungry are fat with spoil.
The barren has borne seven,
but she who has many children is forlorn.
6 The Lord kills and brings to life;
he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
7 The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low, he also exalts.
8 He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
and on them he has set the world.
9 “He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness;
for not by might does one prevail.
10 The Lord! His adversaries shall be shattered;
the Most High will thunder in heaven.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
he will give strength to his king,
and exalt the power of his anointed.”
Reflect
It’s getting close to the big day! Soon our churches will be hanging the green, we will be lighting the advent candles, we will be fellowshipping. We will be doing this because of a child that was born miraculously in a manager over 2,000 years ago. Our text today is called Hannah’s song. It reminds us very much of Mary’s song we read about in Luke 1:47-55 when she was told that she would give birth to a son who would be named Jesus. For our devotion today I want to encourage us to prepare our hearts for the wonderful season coming up. Both of these women gives us an example of how we approach this most holy season.
First, both of the women magnify or exult the name of God. We need no reminding that the Christmas season is all about Jesus and how Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to humanity. As we enter this season prepare your heart for praise.
Second, both of the women acknowledge God’s goodness to them. We too prepare our hearts by remembering all the blessings and goodness of God in our lives.
Third, both of the women acknowledge the sinful systems of the world that allow for oppression of the lowly. In our rush to get that perfect gift or make the perfect meal, let us remember those that are not as fortunate as us.
Pray
God as you prepared these two women to give up their children to your service, so prepare our hearts and hands to give ourselves up to your service. Amen
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