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. 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. – Luke 1:46-55
This proclamation comes after Gabriel appears to Mary and tells her she will conceive Jesus. She asks “How will this be?” and Gabriel tells her that her cousin, Elizabeth, who was aging and barren, was also bearing a child. This was done so she could glimpse God’s power, and believe. Mary rushed to see her cousin, and the child in Elizabeth’s womb leapt for joy. This child was John the Baptist. Mary knew then that the Lord would fulfill His promise to her and proclaimed “My soul glorifies the lord.” How impossible does all this sound? A virgin and a woman of 88 years would conceive? An unborn child (John) would know the presence of Christ in Mary, and spend his life preparing the way for Him? God would take on our lowly state in order to heal us and die for us? Yet we know it to be true.
This verse is often called “Mary’s Song.” I like to think of it as the first Christmas carol. All those after it echo the same themes of joy and great promise beyond our understanding. It reminds me of the line in O Holy Night: A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. No matter how uncertain the night may be, we can hold on to the promise of a glorious morning. Christ’s birth brings us renewal. A time when the mighty are brought low and the humble are lifted up. When wrongs are made right and that which is impossible becomes reality. His mercy is yours, now and forever, and He has done great things for you.
Do you keep faith in God’s promises, even when they seem impossible? Do you rejoice, even when you’re weary? I pray that you have eyes like Mary. That no matter how dark and uncertain the night, you see the True Light of the world and glorify His holy name.
George Soter, Director of The Table
