Mary’s Song

As we approach the last Sunday of Advent, I’d like to draw our attention to the words of a young teenage girl who just received news that she would become pregnant. 

⁴⁶ And Mary said: 
“My soul glorifies the Lord 
⁴⁷ and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 
⁴⁸ for he has been mindful 
of the humble state of his servant. 
From now on all generations will call me blessed, 
⁴⁹ for the Mighty One has done great things for me— 
holy is his name. 
⁵⁰ His mercy extends to those who fear him, 
from generation to generation. 
⁵¹ He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; 
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 
⁵² He has brought down rulers from their thrones 
but has lifted up the humble. 
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things 
but has sent the rich away empty. 
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel, 
remembering to be merciful 
⁵⁵ to Abraham and his descendants forever, 
just as he promised our ancestors.”

Luke 1:46–55 NIV

Rather than dread, and fear, Mary sees her life mission as a blessing. But look specifically at how she saw this as a blessing. First, she acknowledges that God has chosen to use someone of a “humble state.’ (v. 48) We know from Luke that Joseph and Mary lived in poverty (Lk. 2:24, Lev. 12:8). Second, she realizes this is a reversal of the power structure. Thrones will be toppled and humble (poor) will be elevated, the starving are filled and the rich are not. (vv. 52-53) The last statement I want us to consider is vv. 54-55. Within her womb resides the help of Israel, the mercy of God, and the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham, and subsequent promises to his “descendants.” (Gen. 12:3)

This is the moment the prophets foretold, and would confirm again at the temple (Lk. 2:25-38). This is the promise of a Savior, of a King, of a Messiah. It is something brand new, and yet very old. It is the end of centuries of waiting, and the beginning of more. It is a moment on which everything that was, everything that is, and everything that will be hinges. 

Praise our faithful God! He has come, and He is coming again!

Sermon Text for 12/22/19 – Psalm 113; Psalm 146; Luke 1:67-80; Luke 1:46-56; Luke 2:1-14