Meditation

Hi there,

The first thing you'll note in today's lines is how clearly they recall the lines we copied from Isaiah 9: 6-7 last week. Telling Mary in terms, she would have fully understood just who her son would be, and importantly, that he would not only be her son but, more than that, he would also be the "Son of the Highest."

Unlike Zacharias, whose questioning of the angel reveals his doubt at the truth of his word, Mary's reaction is to wonder "how," not "if" the message would come true.

She accepts the explanation faithfully, uncomplainingly (becoming pregnant before marriage would put her in a difficult position socially), and with humility, acknowledging her position as the 'handmaid.'

Confirming the healthy spiritual disposition so much in evidence in the passage we copied yesterday.

In modern society, where we are apt to regard this season as a time for excitement and festivities, Mary's submissive and cautious response of humbled awe gives a better guide to the true weight of the responsibility she bears and to the events to come.

Today's passage is Luke 1:31-34, 38 (and is shown in black)

I've included yesterday's passage for additional context.

Luke 1

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her

Encouragement

Today's Carol is "Personent hodie" a Christmas carol originally published in the 1582 Finnish song book Piae Cantiones, a volume of 74 Medieval songs with Latin texts.

Be Encouraged. Join our 1000 strong Facebook Group

Post a picture of your completed page to our Facebook Group today.

Join over 1000 club members doing the same. Your pictures will be a great encouragement to everyone else in the club

...and don't worry about your handwriting.

It is as unique as you are, and God's word looks beautiful in it.

P.S. BCC is even better when shared

If you know someone who would also benefit from Bible Copy Club's daily prompts to copy out scripture by hand, please forward them this ​link​.​