The Magnificat

Last week in our Advent sermon series, we worked our way to Luke 1:45. Mary has been told by Gabriel that she is carrying Jesus in her womb, despite being a virgin. It is a miracle of the Holy Spirit! Gabriel told her that her older cousin, Elizabeth, had a similar miracle in her old age. We left off with Mary and Elizabeth together, presumably through the end of Elizabeth's pregnancy.

This Sunday we are going to skip ahead to the birth of John the Baptist, but I don't want to ignore what happened in between (we will revisit this passage on Christmas morning). In Luke 1:46-55, we see Mary speak (or sing??) in response to Elizabeth's prophesy. It is such a cool scene! Zechariah, the husband of Elizabeth and a priest, has been silenced by Gabriel. And therefore, the Holy Spirit chooses to speak through these two women. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit when her baby leaps in the womb at the presence of Christ in Mary.

In response to Elizabeth, we see the Magnificat, Mary's Psalm or prophesy. It is called the "Magnificat" because of the first line: My soul MAGNIFIES the Lord. It is a beautiful passage of Scripture. Mary, a 12 year old little girl...likely illiterate...poor and insignificant...from the no name place of Nazareth, has the privilege, not only of raising God's Son, but also to be the human voice of this passage of Scripture (God-breathed through her). It makes me pause to see how God can work through anyone...and usually does. So often God works through those we might consider too old or young or insignificant.

Mary's words are full of meaty theology! "For He has looked on the humble estate of His servant (she recognizes who she is in their society)...for behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me (having Jesus will not make her life easy!) and holy is His Name. And His mercy is for those who fear Him..."

During this season of anticipation, I encourage you to spend a few moments in the Magnificat, and consider how God has done a similar work in your heart as He did in Mary's.