Tues., Dec. 22: 1 Sam 1:24-28; Luke 1:46-56

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. Stop. Put down the shopping list. Step away from the baking. Take a deep breath and simply exult in the wonders of the Lord. Enjoy the splendor of God’s favor. Delight in the Lord’s coming. We spend so much time preparing for the holidays that we may let them pass without savoring their message and their meaning. If we don’t take the time to contemplate the joy of this moment and react like Mary in utter exuberance at how blessed we are, then we make this season of grace a time of deadlines and drudgery.

*Let us raise our voices in joyful hymns for God’s wondrous favors, we pray.