This Sunday we continue in the songs of praise which revolved around the birth of Jesus. Our Gospel reading is what has been known as the Magnificat, or Mary's song of praise. Her song begins with these words:
"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 all me blessed." Luke 1:46-48
Mary has received all kinds of attention through the years. She is depicted in paintings and in sculpture. She is prayed to and also "sightings" of her have been recorded. For us as Lutherans, while we do not pray to her, we do seek some sort of balance of honoring her for being the mother of our Lord and also for her desire to be part of God's plan to bring the Messiah into our human context.
What ought to stand out for us is Mary's faith and how she breaks out in praise to God. I wonder if we have this same enthusiasm as we approach the time to remember our Lord's birth? While we can get caught up in gift giving and parties, can we also draw our attention to the greatness of God? It is where nothing else can compare to what God is doing in sending Jesus into our world.
I would invite you to reflect on these words or possibly read through the entire Magnificat as recorded in Luke 1:46-55. You might also want to listen to a musical recording of the Magnificat and let that be part of your preparation for Sunday's worship.
Pastor Marty
"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 all me blessed." Luke 1:46-48
Mary has received all kinds of attention through the years. She is depicted in paintings and in sculpture. She is prayed to and also "sightings" of her have been recorded. For us as Lutherans, while we do not pray to her, we do seek some sort of balance of honoring her for being the mother of our Lord and also for her desire to be part of God's plan to bring the Messiah into our human context.
What ought to stand out for us is Mary's faith and how she breaks out in praise to God. I wonder if we have this same enthusiasm as we approach the time to remember our Lord's birth? While we can get caught up in gift giving and parties, can we also draw our attention to the greatness of God? It is where nothing else can compare to what God is doing in sending Jesus into our world.
I would invite you to reflect on these words or possibly read through the entire Magnificat as recorded in Luke 1:46-55. You might also want to listen to a musical recording of the Magnificat and let that be part of your preparation for Sunday's worship.
Pastor Marty
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