Luke 1:46-55
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowly state of his servant. Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name; indeed, his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. He has come to the aid of his child Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” Luke 1:46-55 (NRSVUE)
Luke 1 ESV - Dedication to Theophilus - Inasmuch as - Bible Gateway
The link above is to the entire chapter of Luke 1 for you to read if you choose to do so. It’s the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth and of Mary learning she is to be the mother of Jesus. The verses from 46-55 are Mary’s praise to God.
In 2025, we would consider Mary to be a very young woman, but in Mary’s time young women were expected to be betrothed to their future husband. Mary was betrothed (promised) to Joseph, who was a descendant of David, but they had not yet married.
So here is Mary - chosen to be the mother of Jesus. She is not married; she is a virgin. In this reading, Mary is visiting her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant herself. As Mary and Elizabeth talk, Mary breaks into her song of praise.
How can Mary praise God at a time such as this?
Evidently Mary has been raised in the Jewish faith and finds strength in her faith. She has received and accepted the message from God’s angel. In her song, Mary praises God for the blessing received for her to become the woman who is to bear the son of God.
She continues to praise God for all the things God has done for her people all the way back to Abraham. She praises God for his mercy and his strength. And Mary knows that God’s mercy is for all who fear him from generation to generation.
Question for Reflection:
- Oh, to have the faith and trust of Mary. How can you and I develop and live such a faith?
Prayer:
Gracious God, we honor and praise you for all the blessings we receive daily. We praise you for the love you offer us. Thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus, and for Mary, his mother. We ask you to be with us today and all days in this Advent season and always. Amen.
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