Anyway, since Christmas is just a week away I wanted to share something about this special holiday. So I read this describing Mary’s response to her unique gift – the mother of God’s Son!
Mary’s Song of Praise by Anne Alexander
“Mary’s song of praise is an amazing expression of adoration for her Savior—especially in light of the fact that she was a young teenager! Let’s look at the circumstances that preceded her praise.
God sent Gabriel to tell Mary His plan, and her response to this incredible news demonstrated wisdom and obedience far beyond her years. “I am the Lord’s slave…May it be done to me according to your word.” Shortly thereafter, Mary went to visit her elder cousin, Elizabeth, who was also pregnant. Upon hearing Mary’s greeting, “the baby leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she exclaimed with a loud cry: ‘You are the most blessed of women and your child will be blessed! How could this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?’” (Luke 1:41-43)
Through Elizabeth’s words, Mary had further confirmation that God had already done what He promised—she would be the Messiah’s mother. Mary remained humble after she acknowledged that she was an unlikely person to be given this honor and responsibility.
The reality of this extraordinary privilege caused her heart to overflow with gratitude in a joyful song of praise. She praised God for His favor on her, His power and holiness, His mercy through generations, His exaltation of the lowly, and His special favor on His people. Young Mary’s knowledge of the Scriptures is evident through her song of praise.”
Luke 1: 46-55
And Mary said,
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has brought down the mighty from there thrones and exalted those of humble estate;
he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.
Deeper Walk – read Psalm 71
So, how evident is your knowledge of the Scriptures when you’re faced with unexpected circumstances?
Do you truly believe that the Lord will do what He has promised?
Can God trust you to remain humble when He gives you an extraordinary privilege?
Reading Mary’s story and song of worship shows me her remarkable faith and trust in God. She was human, and surely had fears, yet she chose to worship rather than worry. Maybe this would be one of Mary’s modern day worship songs:
Bring The Rain by Mercy Me
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
