I've mentioned already that for our family devotions we're using Desiring God's free advent devotional, Good News of Great Joy. Near the beginning, the author of this thought-provoking and challenging devotion, John Piper, shared Luke 1:46-55, a passage known as Mary's Song. It was the song of joy she sang after finding out that she was pregnant with the Messiah - this lowly virgin now blessed to be carrying the Christ in her womb. Mary sings in verses 46-47,
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
Following this passage, Piper penned a short reflection on it, including words on both Mary and her cousin Elizabeth (the mother of John the Baptist) and their humility. He ended with these powerful words,
The only people whose soul can truly magnify the Lord are people like Elizabeth and Mary—people who acknowledge their lowly estate and are overwhelmed by the condescension of the magnificent God.
I felt a pang when I read those words. Am I "overwhelmed by condescension of the magnificent God"? Does humility bring me to my knees? I don't think. Instead I usually make up trite excuses (like being too busy) to avoid spending any time with God. But even when I do, I don't approach Him with condescension, but rather with pride. James 4:6,
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
What a convicting and needed reminder this Christmas. We are to make time for the Saviour, but not just any time. We don't give Him our left-overs or abuse His fellowship. We are to approach Him with humility in the face of His greatness and respond accordingly.