Note: This devotion material was purchased digitally from YM360 to be used for the Advent Season of 2024.
Day Eight: Mary’s Song of Hope
“And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has
looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me
blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And 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 thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their
thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich
he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he
spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” — Luke 1:46-55
looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me
blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And 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 thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their
thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich
he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he
spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” — Luke 1:46-55
The best songwriters in the world write from a place of passion or heightened emotion. Relationships, experiences, and the desire to tell a story (and more!) can all drive the songwriting process. Whenever something unbelievable happens, you can’t help but break out in song!
That’s exactly what happened to Mary when she learned that she would be pregnant with Jesus. Can you imagine what Mary must have been feeling at the time?! These verses are often referred to as “Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat.” Mary pours out her heart to God in worship. She recognizes that she is just a normal person who God has chosen to do something extraordinary, and chooses to praise Him even more. Mary gives all glory back to God. She knows that He is the one worthy of praise, especially for sending His Son into the world.
That’s exactly what happened to Mary when she learned that she would be pregnant with Jesus. Can you imagine what Mary must have been feeling at the time?! These verses are often referred to as “Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat.” Mary pours out her heart to God in worship. She recognizes that she is just a normal person who God has chosen to do something extraordinary, and chooses to praise Him even more. Mary gives all glory back to God. She knows that He is the one worthy of praise, especially for sending His Son into the world.
Many famous Christmas songs draw inspiration from Scripture. One particular hymn, “The Song of Mary,” is a song that puts music to The Magnificat, the verses we read above. The Scripture and the lyrics of this song help us understand how Mary was feeling. We can’t help but join in the song that gives all glory and honor back to God.
Questions:
1. Mary recognizes that God has done great things for her. In what ways has God done great things for you?
2. During this Christmas season, what’s one thing you can do to remember what God has done by sending Jesus to Earth?