December 13, 2024 - Active Partner with God

 Active Partner with God

Friday, December 13, 2024

by: Patricia Lamb

Scripture: Luke 1:46-55

Most all Christians know the first part of the Song of Mary:

And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord

     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

     for he has been mindful

     of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

     holy is his name.

These words conform with our perception of Mary as a young teen who accepts God’s words as truth and her joyous response. Her initial action is to travel to visit her cousin Elizabeth who is pregnant in her old age, perhaps because it is easy to talk with someone you respect and feel respected by. Elizabeth responds to Mary’s arrival:

As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb [John] leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

The Visitation by Amber Knorr

But Mary is so much more than a receptive vessel. Mary goes on to say in verses 50-55

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

     from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

     but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

     but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

     remembering to be merciful

     to Abraham and his descendants forever,

     just as he promised our ancestors.”

Mary knows the history of her people and God at work. She knows Scripture and trusts in God’s words. Her song is a reflection of the songs of Miriam, Deborah, and Hannah.

1. Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, was a prophetess who sang of the Israelites deliverance from Pharaoh - the visible work of God.
2. Deborah, the only female judge recognized in Scripture, used her authority to order an attack on the Israelites’ oppressors; her song of victory celebrates freedom from oppression - God’s concern for our material wellbeing.
3. And Hannah, a childless old woman abused in her own family, becomes pregnant with Samuel and sings praises honoring God as one who overturns the powerful and uplifts the oppressed - God delivers justice.

But Mary takes their songs and brings God close enough to touch. After all, she is carrying the Son of God.

I begin to understand the strength and intelligence of Mary. More than a humble, meek girl, Mary knows the work of God among her people, and that the role she has been called to play will not be easy. However, Mary chooses not only to accept but to be an active partner with God to bring Jesus, Emanuel, to be the Light of the World.

Breathe

The season of Advent reminds us that even as we wait for the birth of Christ in our lives and world, God is always with us. Right here, right now—wherever we are and with the ones we love. Take a deep breath and breathe in the presence of God.

Respond

How can you bring hope to others today?

Heart-Word Prayer

Take a moment to listen to the one word your heart is saying right now. Say that word out loud. Close by saying, “Amen.”

From Community of Christ.org - Daily Bread - Mary's Song