Blessings Go Beyond You
Luke 1:50-55
“His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones;
He has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
He has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.” (NIV)
God did a great thing for Mary, but He did a more wonderful thing for all of us.
This is how God works!
He blesses us in order to become a blessing to others through us.
Anyone who has ever read Genesis 12:3, knows this.
God believes in the trickle down effect.
God blesses those who pass on blessings they receive, rather than those who clutch their blessings.
There are two types of prayers in the world. Those who pray for themselves and those who pray for others. The happiest ones are the ones who are always praying God’s blessings for others.
Mary thanked God for what she did … for the world … giving mercy, doing mighty deeds, lifting up the downcast, filling hungers, and remembering His merciful promises.
Christmas can be either a season for getting or giving.
While we nurture the getting in children with stories of Santa’s sleigh ride, we find boorish those who think only about what they can get,
Mary was blessed because God knew she was willing to be a servant, that one day she’d have to give up her child for the salvation of the world. She did!
Her giving spirit became the source of eternal blessing for you and me.
No wonder we call her, “Blessed.”
Prayer: Lord God, please give me the spirit of giving and sharing so that I may become a vessel for your blessing of the world. Amen.
Bread Crumbs - Devotions for Life 
a great Christmas blessing!