God’s Mercy At Work
One of the blessings I look forward to during the yuletide season is the music and preaching centered on the birth of Jesus—elements of worship we especially highlight during this time of year. Today we are particularly blessed to experience this through the ministry of the San Diego Academy family, led by Principal Shawn Thomas, and the musical talents cultivated under the leadership of Rhonda Gozo, Music Teacher. We warmly welcome our student participants, their parents, family members, teachers, and Board members. Thank you for joining us in worship and for ministering to us through musical gifts honed for the Lord’s glory and for the blessing of others.
As I reflected on Mary’s poetic praise in Luke 1:46–55, I wondered whether she ever intended it to be sung. Its form, as arranged by the Gospel writer, resembles a Hebrew worship song—so much so that it later became part of Christian liturgical worship as early as the second century. The message of Mary’s words highlights the saving work God would accomplish through Jesus, in continuity with Old Testament prophecy (see 1 Samuel 2:1–10; Psalm 107). Yet what captured my attention even more is the reason behind God’s saving action: “…in remembrance of His mercy” (v. 54, NKJV).
God promised to deliver Israel from their enemies and to reverse their fortunes because of His mercy and grace. Faithful Jewish believers held onto this hope for generations, and Mary—this young, soon-to-be earthly mother of the Savior—gives voice to that long-awaited anticipation. Across the corridors of time, this same reality of God’s mercy at work continues to be experienced by the human family. Our yearly remembrance of Jesus’ birth only confirms that God’s mercy remains alive, active, and available.
Today, through our worship theme and our participation together, we rehearse this same unchanging mercy of God—extended from generation to generation and now into our own. What a blessed truth to remember! May this shape our reflections and lift our worship in praise to the Lord, whose desire is to extend mercy to all so that we may fully experience His saving grace. My hope and prayer for each of us is to cherish this divine intention and respond with humble submission to His leading in our lives—showing the same spirit of mercy to those around us, especially our families, loved ones, and all whom we encounter day by day.
“From generation to generation, His mercy is on those who fear Him” (Luke 1:50, NKJV)
—Pastor Lim Liwanag.
