And I’ve been thinking about some of the ways we wait in song – Pt. 3
On the Fourth Sunday of Advent the church lectionary gives us Luke 1:46-56 as one of our texts. The song of Mary, traditionally known as “the Magnificat,” might be the most “advent” of all scripture.
(Now, you might have a different opinion, but I’m certainly not going to make a case against Jesus’ mother. No one has ever anticipated the advent of Christ more than the woman who held him in her womb.)
The song of Mary is a song that proclaims the greatness of God. A greatness displayed by how the Most High looks at a lowly servant girl. A greatness seen through the remembering mercy he reveals from generation to generation. A greatness realized in the justice he has brought and will bring about.
Mary sings of the God of justice and mercy who fills the hungry and empties the bloated. The God who comes to save the world because he hasn’t forgotten a single word he has said to anyone. He keeps the promises he made to the generations of old, their father Abraham, and to his seed. The seed carried within her womb.
There is nothing quite like the song of Mary. We catch a glimpse into the heart of the young mother of Jesus. And in her song we hear the heartbeat of God.
How does she come to this place of wisdom? How is she this prepared to house the infant Lord?
Subscribe to continue reading
Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.
Jason Martin 