“Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed.”
Mary’s Magnificat, Luke 1:48 (NRSV)
Divine Delight
The word “blessed” means “divine joy and perfect happiness.” There is a steady serenity in this kind of happiness, a supernatural quality that flows from the Holy Spirit deep within. Like love, this joy of blessing can be accessed even during times of trouble and sorrow, for it is the Lord’s own life shared with us, God’s infinite and eternal blessedness.
Mary understood at least something of the magnitude of what was happening within her. Archangel Gabriel had called her a favored one, whom the Lord was with. Soon after, Elizabeth exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Years later, during one of Jesus’s sermons, a woman called out from the crowd, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!” Jesus clarified that the true blessing comes from having heard God’s word and obeyed it.
And this was the truth about Mary. She heard God’s word, believed in faith, fully yielded herself to God’s will, and bore fruit that will last for all eternity.
Jesus would later teach the blessedness of those who being right with God know how to be right with people too. Making peace is active, having courage to walk with others through trouble and sorrow and bring God’s truth out, being willing to persevere in love as they deal with the turbulence of their travail, until the process has been completed.
Christmas Carol
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
“Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” Charles Wesley (1739)
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for blessing us with heavenly peace, and persevering with us throughout life.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Jesus’s Beatitudes, Matthew 5:9 (NRSV)
Greetings and peace to you and your family. We are interested in your ministry and organization with us in Nigeria. We also invite you and your team to visit us in Nigeria by June this year. Blessings, Revd Asaha Udom, Nigeria.
Grace and peace to you in Christ, and thank you for your kind invitation!
Though I am unable to travel to Nigeria, I offer all that is on this website for free as my ministry before the Lord.
May the Lord bless and keep you and all those in your care, Joanne