MONDAY, December 17
Your Christmas Song, Part One
The Birth Narrative of our Savior contains rich, encouraging and sacred truths of God’s entrance into humanity. A significant piece of the story details the response of Mary when she was told of her role in the Messiah’s advent.
The angel’s announcement that Mary, as a virgin, will give birth to the Messiah, overwhelmed this young and devoted follower of Yahweh. Luke 1:39-45 provides the record of Mary and Elizabeth meeting: Elizabeth, who was 6 months pregnant at this time, was filled with the Holy Spirit and announced that at the moment she heard Marys’ voice, her unborn baby (John the Baptist) leaped in her womb. Elizabeth then spoke a clear and sincere blessing of affirmation over Mary. Mary’s response to all these events came forth in the form of a song. Yes, her fears were conquered by the immense joy and the undeserved privilege of being chosen to deliver the Messiah; her response was a song (Luke 1:46-55).
We are not told that she literally sang these words, but the poetic structure of her words becomes like a sacred hymn orchestrated on the backdrop of the greatest miracle ever: the virgin birth of our Savior. Luke 1:46 gives the introduction to the Song of Mary: “My soul exalts the Lord.” Other translations interpret, “My soul glorifies the Lord” (NIV), “My soul doth magnify the Lord” (KJV), and “Tell out my soul the greatness of God” (NEB). The Latin translation of the Bible uses the term “magnificat,” simply interpreting that Mary magnified, exalted, and blessed the name of God for His blessings in bringing to us the Messiah.
Today, as you meditate on the goodness of God in sending us His Son, take a moment to truly glorify Him in your heart. To glorify Him is to exalt Him, to celebrate His great Name, and to praise Him for His goodness. In the midst of a season that can present unfortunate opportunities to be tired, frustrated, and perhaps even depressed, take a moment to remember that this season has but one simple purpose: to thank God for sending us His Son. Take a moment to sing your own personal “magnificat.”
Luke 1:46-55