December 15

Today in worship we sing the song of Mary. 

Today we hear words that have been repeated by faithful Christians for two millenia. 

Today, we hear Mary sing a song of praise to God – to the God who sets the captive free, who fights against evil, who brings hope to the hopeless. 

Mary has quite a role to play in God’s story.  Not only is she the mother to the savior – not only does she give birth to God-in-the-flesh – but she also is a prophet in her own right.  She hears God call her – she receives a mission from God – and she does not shy away from it.  God steps into her life and turns her life upside down – making everything more complicated – and she says “here I am. Send me.” 

As we continue our journey towards Christmas, I invite you to hear these words from Mary, as recorded in the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke.  These are words that Mary spoke (sung!) after she discovered she was pregnant.  We will read them in worship today.  Read them carefully, and ask yourself, “if this is what Mary thinks the birth of Jesus means, what does that tell me about who God is? What does it say about how Jesus wants me to live my life?” 

Luke 1:46-55 

Mary said, 

“With all my heart I glorify the Lord! 

    In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. 

He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. 

    Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored 

        because the mighty one has done great things for me. 

Holy is his name. 

    He shows mercy to everyone, 

        from one generation to the next, 

        who honors him as God. 

He has shown strength with his arm. 

    He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations. 

    He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones 

        and lifted up the lowly. 

He has filled the hungry with good things 

    and sent the rich away empty-handed. 

He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, 

        remembering his mercy, 

    just as he promised to our ancestors, 

        to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.”