Like Mary, We Ponder--Dec. 20, 2017

We ponder on this:

In what do you take delight,

O God?  What wins your favor?

Not the strength of a horse,

nor speed of a runner.

Might does not prevail;

Mary was not rich or famous,

not worldly wise or learned--

but in your steadfast love

she hoped, in faith and

with endurance.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 50; 147:1-11; 53; 17

1 Sam. 2:1b-10

Titus 2:1-10

Luke 1:26-38

Selected Verses

Ps. 147:10-11

His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
          nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,
          in those who hope in his steadfast love.

1 Sam. 2:9

"He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,

          but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness;

          for not by might does one prevail.  …"

                        [Hannah's prayer]

Titus 2:2

Tell the older men to be temperate, serious, prudent, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.

Luke 1:28-29

And [the angel Gabriel] came to [Mary] and said, "Greetings, favored one!  The Lord is with you."  But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.