A Magnified Soul

“My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

— from Luke 1:46-47

Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:

• To magnify something means to enlarge or expand it, especially so we can appreciate all its distinct angles and facets.
• In theology, when we speak of God as Savior, we view God as the Source and Substance of all which sustains our lives.  If we want to be “saved” then, all our attention must turn to God, God’s will for us, and how we are being God-guided to live.  
• When we read the full passage in Luke 1:46-56, called “Mary’s Song” or “Mary’s Magnificat,” we also do well to consider how we feel being “humble” and “compassionate.”

Contemplation Questions:

• How am I magnifying God in my own life?
  • List whatever comes to mind, freely and unedited. 
  • Anything from feeding a homeless person to donating thousands of dollars to our house of worship counts.  
  • Remember:
    • The magnification is about generosity and compassion, not about quantity.
    • We magnify God when we share our divine gifts and talents, such as being a master electrician and a devoted friend.

• When I review my list, how are my actions “saving” me from an old way of life or helping me free my soul from some kind of struggle? 
  • List all that applies, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
  • Be specific about what the struggle was and about how you are choosing to be God-guided now.
  • Use at least three (3) adjectives to describe how you now feel “free.”
• Understanding that I am one of God’s beloved children, in whom God is well-pleased, how can I use my faith to more fully trust God’s will for me and for my life?  
  • List at least three (3) things you can do this week and continue adding more as you move through the holidays and into the New Year.
  • Remember:
    • God’s will for us is always for our highest and best, even if our path, like Mary’s, seems challenging or frightening at first.

Give yourself as much time and space as you need to process the text, questions, and your feelings, as you allow new divine ideas, opportunities, and activities to unfold.