11 December - Sing like Mary this Christmas

11th December 2021

Luke 1:46-56
Mary’s Song 46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Luke 1:46-56

Mary’s Song

46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Sing like Mary this Christmas

Consider everything Mary has experienced…her astounding visitation by the angel, Gabriel…the incredible revelation of her miraculous conception of the Son of the Most High God…her formerly barren cousin, Elizabeth, amazingly bearing a child in her old age…and the beautiful affirmation Elizabeth gave Mary.

Who can fathom Mary’s joy and awe at the Lord in all these things? Known as her Song of Praise or Magnificat, Mary’s heart bursts forth with praise and rejoicing for God, her Saviour. That the Lord would, of all women, look upon Mary’s humble estate and bless her with the honour coveted by the daughters of Israel. Of course, all generations will call her blessed.

Yes, the world expects that only those of prominent position, those of mightier stature should be selected for the highest honours. God, rather, abhors the proud and those mighty in their own eyes, but He exalts the humble and lowly. His mercy is toward those who fear Him. The blessing granted to Mary, was not for her achievements. It was an ancient promise fulfilled…an act of profound mercy from God toward His people, Israel…toward the world…through this humble maiden.

The same mercy that granted Mary the privilege of being the mother of her Saviour, is extended to all who, like her, recognise their own need of this promised Saviour, who saves us from our sin. If we pause to contemplate His mercy this season, perhaps our own hearts will burst forth with joyful praise and sing gratefully to God for sending us His Son.

Ryan and Clare McKernan