Mary’s Song is not just about what God had done for her or for her cousin Elizabeth. Her song is about what God has done for us.
Here’s a transcript:
As we approach the fourth Sunday in Advent, I’m thinking about the first chapter of Luke (Luke 1:39-55): the Magnificat, Mary’s Song.
Mary spoke or sang this song (it’s hard to tell) when she visited her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth was also expecting a child somewhat unexpectedly, a child who would turn out to be John the Baptist. Mary, of course, would become the mother of Jesus. And Elizabeth, greeting her, praised her for being the mother of the Savior. And so Mary responded with this song.
The song has relatively little to say about Mary’s own situation. It doesn’t mention the prospect of becoming a mother; it barely refers to any kind of Messiah. Instead, this is a song about the things that God has already done and, by extension, the things that God may do in the future.
It is a profound reversal of fortunes, that the poor are lifted up, and the rich sent away empty.
Appropriately, our worship this week will not include a sermon from yours truly. Instead, we will be having something of a reversal. The message will be brought not by somebody with gray hair, but by the youngsters amongst our congregation, as they present the children’s pageant, the children’s Christmas pageant.
And it’s not just about cuteness. It’s also about the reality that “a little child shall lead them.” It’s about the way that God does unexpected things amongst human beings, the way that God disregards those whom we call great and important, and works through those whom we would dismiss or disregard.
“My soul magnifies the Lord and my soul rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done wonderful things for us.”
That’s what I’m thinking. I’m curious to hear what you’re thinking. Leave me your thoughts in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you.