Mary's Song

Read Luke 1:46-56

What makes you sing? Ideas and experiences have always been expressed through song in deeper ways than words alone can manage. Songs speak from heart to heart in ways that articulate the deepest human longings. In these verses, Luke tells us that the baby within Elizabeth (a.k.a. John the Baptist) leaped for joy within her at the greeting of her cousin, Mary. The presence of Jesus, still in Mary’s womb, was already fulfilling human longing and bringing joy to the world!

At this, Mary’s soul burst forth in song as the words of "The Magnificat" flowed from her lips, exalting the uniqueness of her Savior. This song subverts our expectations about what it means to be in relationship with God. It's by grace and not merit, through weakness and not strength, through humility and not power-plays, by admitting our need instead of striving for self-sufficiency. If your relationship with God depends on what you bring to the table, the likelihood is that your heart won’t be overflowing with joy anytime soon. So, make Mary's words your own by praying the Magnificat daily for the remainder of Advent. See if a song begins to bubble up in your heart, too!

QUESTIONS:

1. What is your basic mode-of-operation with God? Do you approach Him out of duty, entitlement, or rather grace? What symptoms or signs typify each approach?

2. Self-sufficiency is the enemy of relationship with God, but the hallmark of Western society. How does this tension impact your ability to follow Jesus daily?

PRAYER:

God, with empty hands outstretched, I seek Your presence, Your favor, Your joy. Let these gifts overflow me to bless others in Jesus' name. Amen.

Jeff Morlock