Gratefully Graduating
- Thank God by rejoicing in His goodness.
Luke 1:26-39
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. 39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,
Luke 1:46-47
46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
Rejoice in God’s mindfulness of you.
Luke 1:56
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Luke 1:48
48 …for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,
Psalm 8:4
…what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
- Thank God by recounting His greatness
Luke 1:49
49 …for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.
See Psalm 139
Rejoice in how God has been mighty on your behalf.
- Thank God by reflecting on His grace.
Luke 1:50
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
See Psalm 23
Rejoice in how merciful God has been toward you.