Today’s Advent passage comes from Luke 1:46-55. Mary praises God for the blessing of being chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. This passage is known as the Magnificat, as it is Mary’s response of praise to God for His blessing. Marvel with me at the words Mary uses to describe God and His works in the world,

⁴⁶ Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
⁴⁷     How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
⁴⁸ For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
    and from now on all generations will call me blessed. God’s blessing caused Mary to rejoice and marvel at being chosen.

⁴⁹ For the Mighty One is holy,
    and he has done great things for me.
⁵⁰ He shows mercy from generation to generation
    to all who fear him. Mary knows that God is mighty, holy, eternal, and merciful to those who know Him.
51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
    He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
52 He has brought down princes from their thrones
    and exalted the humble. Mary knows that God is sovereign over all, even princely powers.
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things
    and sent the rich away with empty hands. Mary knows that God provides justly to all.

⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel
    and remembered to be merciful.
⁵⁵ For he made this promise to our ancestors,
    to Abraham and his children forever.” Mary knows that God keeps his promises.

If you were writing a song of praise to God, what would you include? Would you acknowledge His power over all things, His great provision for you, His character and how He has blessed you specifically? Mary’s praise starts with her own knowledge of God’s blessing. It has to start with us. We need to acknowledge His grace and mercy towards us and humbly accept Him into our lives. He has marvelous wonders to work in our lives as we submit to Him. Mary is our example.

May our praises this Advent season be reflective of His grace in our lives and reach to those around us.

Linda