“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.” Luke 1:46-50

“The Greek word for joy is chara. Joy is the natural reaction to the work of God, whether promised or fulfilled. Joy expresses God’s kingdom—His influence on earth “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Romans 14:17.”- www. Gotquestions.org. We cannot seek the Lord without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit…therefore, joy is a gift from our gracious and loving heavenly Father!

God is faithful to every single promise; we can experience the promise and/or fulfillment of His divine will.  Many of the old saints received the messianic promise with joy, yet it was way after there time that Jesus came into the world. Isaiah wrote over 700 years “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7. Over 2000 years later we are still waiting with joy on the fulfillment of the ultimate revelation to this prophecy of our Lord’s return and His reign forever!

Mary experienced both the joy of promise and fulfillment of our Lord’s birth.  She expressed her joy in the Lord In what is known as the Magnificat “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.” Luke 1:46-50

The meeting with her cousin Elizabeth was even greater confirmation of the Holy Spirit’s work in her life to bring our Savior into this world; she rejoiced that she had been given the privilege and glorified God for His power, holiness, and mercy.

What wonderful testimonies and expressions of joy to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises . . . let us pray for the steadfast and assured faith in God’s promises as these old Saints did. Isaiah did not say a child would be born unto us…but a child is born unto us; Mary states that His mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. These are affirmations of that which is already done!

Every promise that God has made and will ever make is already done my friends…He is eternal, and time moves according to His will. We simply need to trust and wait on the fulfillment…as Mary said my soul doth magnify the Lord! All that is within me humbly recognizes His greatness and sovereign power to fulfill His work in and through us now and forever… therefore my soul shouts forth with praise, honor, and glory to His name… that is unspeakable joy!

Rest in the assurance of His promises . . . “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” Psalm 23:6. It is already done!

Blessings and grace be with you always.