Monday 22 December

1 Sam. 1:24-28, Psalm 1 Sam 2:1,4-8, Luke 1:46-56

Babies

We’re given a child for such a short time. We can influence their spiritual life, and build their character, so they might help make a better world. Soon they are adults. Then we must set them free. Hannah gave her son, Samuel, back to God. Mary gave her Son to God via Golgotha.

But she derived much joy in raising him. After meeting Elizabeth, Mary knew her secret was out. She meditated aloud her amazement and humility at receiving God’s favour, and recorded God’s dealings with mankind. This is the Magnificat. We once recited it daily. Now we rarely hear it. Pity.