I have always been amazed by the story of Mary in Luke 1:26-55. That this young woman, most likely a teenaged girl, would be given such a sacred responsibility stretches my mind. It challenges my spirit. She is a role model for women, teenagers, and for any person (woman, man, youth, child) who wishes to serve God and to be a person of faith and faithfulness.
The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) makes my heart leap for joy everytime I read it. It is Mary’s song of praise for what God had done through her. Praise is a marvelous, empowering gift to the one who praises -- and it is pure worship for the God who is worthy of all such adoration and praise. And here Mary puts words to the blessing she was living.
God found favor in her, because of her humility and her purity of heart, and had Gabriel and her cousin Elizabeth announce that Mary was to be the Theotokis—the God bearer. What a shock that must have been to her! Mary reacted with real humanity --"How can this be? I am a virgin!" But after the angel told her the foundational truth -- "All things are possible with God", she made a great statement of faith -- "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."
Her soul overflowed with praise because the Mighty One had done a great thing in her. Mary’s song declares God to be majestic, holy, abundantly good, and rich in mercy and kindness. It is laced with faith in the Word, as Mary extols the greatness of the God who keeps His promises --"He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy,according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."
And so it is that God will fulfill the Messianic prophecies in the One whose Heart beats in her womb. He will bring salvation to His people. For this beginning realization of the hope of the ages, Mary sings praises.
It seems that no matter what our circumstance in life, we each have something to sing about. Christmas Eve reminds us that God works miracles in ordinary lives to bless ordinary people. Because of Mary’s blessing, we too can experience the music of life. God gave us, through Mary, the greatest gift of all in the person of his Son, who died for our sins.
At Christmas we should rejoice in the birth --and life and death and resurrection and ascension -- of the King of King and the Lord of Lords,the Prince of Peace, who is Wonderful, and our Savior. Now that is something to sing about! God's great amazing love and the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!
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