**Daily Devotional** **December 18** *48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. - Luke 1:48-50 (KJV)* The Christmas Story continues. This is Mary, the mother of Jesus, speaking to Elisabeth regarding Mary’s miraculous impregnation by the Holy Ghost. Mary’s comments show that she was a humble person, and that is probably one of the reasons that God chose her to be Jesus’ mother, as God exalts the humble (Matthew 23:12). Mary knew that all people would call her blessed to be the mother of Jesus and she was certainly correct. The Jewish people had been looking forward to the Messiah for a long time, and for her to be the chosen one to bring Him into this world, was sure a great blessing. Mary could not help but praise God for choosing her to be the mother of Jesus and she certainly was right in doing so. We can all learn a lesson from Mary, as when God blesses any of us, we need to praise Him, and glorify His holy name. One of the signs of the end times, is that people will be unthankful (2 Timothy 3:2), and that is certainly happening now, as it is all about us. Be thankful, and give thanks for any blessings, both from God, and others. God’s mercy is certainly upon those that fear (reverence) Him, and we need to keep in mind that there is only one God, and we are not him. It seems that this “me” generation we are now in, that most people are only concerned about what they want, instead of putting others first. Give yourself completely to Jesus, and let your light shine out into this dark world (Matthew 5:16), and praise God for Jesus. Devotional by Pastor Joe W. Green, www.infinite-faith.com