“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… The Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name.” — Luke 1:46-49
Have you ever been so overjoyed that you burst out in song? Perhaps when your team won the big game? Or when you fell in love or were reunited with family members? Mary was so thrilled about being miraculously pregnant with the Messiah that she sang the Magnificat!
But when the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would give birth to a son her initial response was not to sing! She was “greatly troubled at his words” because she was not yet married (Luke 1:29). Then angel said her aunt Elizabeth, who was quite old and had been unable to have children, was also pregnant “for nothing is impossible with God!” (Luke 1:37)
Of course, when Mary tried to explain her pregnancy to her fiancé Joseph, her family, and her neighbors nobody believed her. She was alone and publicly branded with a Scarlet A for “adulteress” — until she visited her aunt and found that indeed she too was pregnant by a miracle! Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaimed words of blessing over Mary and the Messiah in her womb.
Then Mary sang! And the words of her song were probably words she’d been meditating on for some time as they are quite similar to Hannah’s earlier prayer (2 Samuel 2:1-10). Mary sang of the greatness, power, and mercy of God who had blessed her and all people with the Lord Jesus Christ.
What has God done in your life that you can thank and praise him for? Especially if you’re going through some tough times it would do great good for your soul and the people around you if you enthrall your mind with God’s word as Mary did and sing of your love for God and his Son Jesus! You could start by reciting Mary’s song out loud with enthusiasm. Better yet, make up a tune and sing from your heart!
Prayer: Dear God, please forgive me for when I’ve complained about what’s wrong in my life and help me to focus my thoughts on the many instances of your generosity and kindness to me. Most of all, I thank you sending Jesus Christ! I praise you as a God of love. Amen.
Advent Resources
Devotional and Prayer Cards for Advent will help you appreciate anew the coming of Christ!” Each meditation includes an Advent passage of Scripture, picture, reflection, and Breath Prayer from the Bible. This is designed for personal devotions, small groups and holiday gatherings.
