Mary's Song (Part 1)

She begins in praise.

We’re slowly walking through Mary’s song (AKA The Magnificat) over the next four days. It’s a good reminder again to note that Luke seems to have certainly talked with Mary quite a bit as he wrote his gospel (to the best of our knowledge, Luke was not ever present with Jesus as a disciple or otherwise). What a credit to him to think, “If I’m going to write well about this guy, I should probably check in with his mother.”

One of the benefits of this is that we are recipients of Mary’s Song. It’s a powerful statement, even prophetic. You will not find in it nostalgic details of a silent and holy night or animals grazing or angels singing.

Rather, Mary’s song speaks of the specific deliverance by God of those broken down by people with power. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

In today’s short portion, Mary is simply praising God. When we think of her perspective and posture, it’s no wonder. Mary has been lifted up. She is feeling the deliverance of God, empowered to do his work.

Luke 1:46-47

Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.”

Isaiah 61:10

I surely rejoice in the Lord; my heart is joyful because of my God, because he has clothed me with clothes of victory, wrapped me in a robe of righteousness like a bridegroom in a priestly crown, and like a bride adorned in jewelry.

Prayer

God,

Lift up the lowly. Perhaps I feel low sometimes (maybe even today). But I know I’ve significant position in life. So help me to be a part of your work in the lifting up of those who are down, dejected, defeated, demoralized.

Lead me, drag me, to the realization that this will cost me. Give me both the grace and courage to open my hands and to release my heart. All along, remind me that you are with me and as Grandpa Wesley says, “That this is the best of all.”:

Emmanuel.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.