The Advent Season

Mary’s Song—God’s Gift to the World This Advent and Christmas

You are invited to prayerfully ponder one story—the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus—and how her song inspires faithful discipleship.

There once was a young woman named Mary who found favor with God. The angel Gabriel was sent by God to deliver a message to this favored one:

“Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you…Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. “(Luke 1:28, 30-33 NRSV)

Her cousin Elizabeth confirmed the truth, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb… And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” (Luke 1:42, 45 NRSV

Mary’s Song—The Magnificat

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness 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.

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 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 helped his servant 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 NRSV