by Dr. Natalie Atwell My daily Bible reading and study do not follow a yearly plan. I simply read from start to finish, and then begin again—regardless of the time of year or season. This process has removed the pressure of finishing the Bible in a year and helped me finish reading God’s Word cover to cover years ago. With that said, I rarely read the story of the birth of Christ in December—but this year I did. One cold morning as I was reading and reflecting on God’s word, I tried to imagine what it would be like to be a fourteen-year-old, engaged, virgin girl who had an encounter with a divine being—an angel. Would I, like Mary, wonder what type of encounter this is  (Luke 1:29)? Would I be troubled even if I heard “You are highly favored. The Lord is with you…” (Luke 1:28)? Think about the scene for a moment. Mary encountered an angel are not described by Scripture as the sweet, little figurines at your grandmother’s house. She was told something encouraging, yet still was “troubled,” likely wondering what was next. The angel then told her not to fear. She was told she was “highly favored” and would “conceive the Son of the Most High God”—the one whose kingdom would never end. As a young Jewish girl, she had learned about a coming Messiah. But now, as a fourteen-year-old girl, she responds to the news of being the one to conceive the Son of the Most High God by saying the following:

Luke 1:46-55 (NIV) Mary’s Song “Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. 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, but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful  to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

There is so much to unpack in this beautiful passage. However, I want to encourage you to reflect on the year you’ve experienced and the year ahead. Take time to reread this passage as you do so.

• How has your life glorified the Lord?
• How has God been mindful of you this year?
• Will the generations after you know you are blessed, and why?
• In what ways has His mercy been extended this year?
• How have you been humbled this year?
• How has the Most High helped you as a servant this year?

Mary’s song was specific to her story, but it has implications for us today. We are blessed as a result of the Lord’s favoring her as well. People still talk about her. I imagine it is because people told and retold the greatest story ever told. We must remember to do the same. I pray that you will take time this winter to reflect and prepare your soul to glorify the Lord every day until He returns. Blessings of the Most High, Dr. Natalie Atwell _________________________________________________________________________________________ Insightful and personal with an intense desire to find biblical answers to mental health concerns, Dr. Natalie Atwell brings over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health. From her role as a practice owner and clinical director to her educational endeavors in college teaching, Dr. Atwell has been able to encourage individuals, groups, and organizations by sharing hope and healing from God’s word. Currently, she leads a private counseling practice in the Charlotte, NC, metro area and enjoys teaching as an adjunct faculty member at Liberty University in the clinical mental health and school counseling programs. She is committed to serving her community, serving on her local county Human Trafficking Task Force, and collaborating with several non-profits.