Advent Week 4

The story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, symbolizes submission, trust, and incomparable worship. Her journey begins with a divine announcement by the Angel Gabriel that forever changes her life. Her response is what is known as Mary’s Magnificat, which is one of the Bible’s most beautiful songs of praise. Found in Luke 1:46-56, this song reflects Mary’s faith, understanding of God’s nature, and willingness to submit to His plan. Mary’s Magnificat is not only an extraordinary act of worship but also a declaration of trust and a testament to her acceptance of God’s will.

The Virgin Mother
The virgin birth highlights the miraculous nature of Jesus’ conception and God’s sovereignty in His plan of salvation. The immaculate conception—a term often used to describe Mary’s unique role—fulfills Old Testament prophecies that foretold the Messiah’s birth from a virgin. Isaiah 7:14 declares, “All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” Mary’s conception by the Holy Spirit confirms this prophecy, setting the stage for the birth of Jesus as God incarnate.

The Gospel of Luke captures this miraculous moment when the angel says, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35). Unlike any other human being, Jesus entered the world through divine means, emphasizing His dual nature as both fully God and fully man. Mary’s role as the Virgin Mother is unparalleled; she is the chosen one called to bear the Savior of the world, a responsibility that no one else in history has ever shared. This remarkable calling, however, also brought challenges and uncertainties that Mary would navigate with grace and faith for the rest of her life.

The Mother of God
Mary’s title, Theotokos (“God-Bearer”), given to her at the Third Ecumenical Council in Ephesus in 431 AD, captures her unique relationship with Jesus. As the mother of the Messiah, Mary’s role extends beyond merely giving birth. She nurtured, taught, and cared for Jesus during His childhood, fulfilling her maternal responsibilities with devotion and faith. Often, we focus on the public ministry of Jesus and overlook the formative years He spent under Mary’s care simply because we do not know much about his childhood. However, it is safe to assume that during these years, Mary’s faith, wisdom, and care played a crucial role in shaping the human experience of the Savior.

The title Theotokos also reflects the mystery of the Incarnation. By carrying Jesus in her womb, Mary bore the very presence of God. This sacred responsibility highlights her unique position in salvation history, but it also serves as a reminder of her humanity. She was a young woman from humble origins, chosen because of her faith and willingness to obey God. In her song, the Magnificat, Mary acknowledges her lowly state and praises God for choosing her: “For he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:48).

Luke 1:46 - 56

Trust and Worship in the Magnificat
The Magnificat expresses Mary’s trust in God and her worship of Him. This hymn, recorded in Luke 1:46-56, is more than a song; it is a theological declaration that reveals Mary’s understanding of God’s nature and His work in the world. Structured like a Jewish psalm, the Magnificat reflects Mary’s Scripture knowledge and deep spiritual maturity.
Mary begins her hymn by praising God for who He is:

• He is Savior (v. 47): Mary recognizes God as her personal Savior, acknowledging her own need for His grace and redemption. This humility underscores her deep faith and her understanding of God’s redemptive plan.
• He is Full of Grace (v. 48): She marvels at God’s gracious choice to elevate her, a humble servant, to a position of unmatched significance in His plan of salvation.
• He is Mighty (v. 49): Mary celebrates God’s power, recognizing His ability to accomplish the impossible, including the miraculous conception of His Son.
• He is Holy (v. 49): She exalts God’s holiness, emphasizing His moral perfection and His excellence.
• He is Merciful (v. 50): Mary acknowledges God’s enduring mercy, which extends to all who fear Him and spans generations.
  
  

The second half of the Magnificat focuses on what God has done:

• ·       He scatters the proud (v. 51): Mary highlights God’s justice in humbling the arrogant and opposing those who exalt themselves.
• He brings low the mighty and exalts the humble (v. 52): God reverses societal expectations, lifting up the lowly and dethroning the powerful.
• He feeds the hungry and sends the rich away empty (v. 53). Mary praises God for His provision for the needy and challenges those who hoard wealth and resources.
• He helps Israel (v. 54): Mary celebrates God’s faithfulness to His covenant people, emphasizing His unchanging promises.
• He fulfills His promises to Abraham and his descendants (v. 55): The Magnificat concludes with a reminder of God’s covenantal faithfulness, underscoring the continuity of His redemptive plan.
  
  

Through the Magnificat, Mary not only worships God but also demonstrates her steadfast trust in His plan. Her words reflect a deep understanding of God’s character and His work throughout history, revealing a personal and reflective faith.
 
 
Submission to God’s Plan
Mary’s submission to God’s plan is one of the most remarkable aspects of her story. When the angel Gabriel announces that she will conceive and bear the Son of God, Mary responds with humility and obedience: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). This response reflects her complete trust in God, even in the face of uncertainty and potential hardship.

Mary’s acceptance of God’s plan was not without cost. She understood the societal implications of her pregnancy. As a young, unmarried woman, she risked shame, rejection, and even danger. Her betrothal to Joseph could have been jeopardized, and she faced the possibility of being accused of adultery, a charge punishable by death under Jewish law. Despite these risks, Mary obeyed God, trusting He would protect and guide her.

Mary’s submission to God’s will is a powerful example of faith and obedience. She fully embraced her role in God’s plan, even when it required sacrifice. Her willingness to say “yes” to God reflects her deep trust in His goodness and sovereignty. As Emily Hunter McGowan writes in her book CHRISTMAS: The Season of Light and Life, “Mary’s Magnificat is not just a song of praise but a radical declaration of trust in God’s justice and mercy.” Her faith reminds us that submission to God often requires courage and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

Lessons from Mary’s Magnificat
Mary’s Magnificat offers timeless lessons for believers. Her example challenges us to:

1. Recognize God’s sovereignty: Mary’s song acknowledges God’s control over history and His ability to bring justice and redemption. In a chaotic world, her faith reminds us to trust in God’s plan.
2. Worship God for who He is and what He has done: Mary’s praise focuses on God’s character and actions, inviting us to do the same. Her Magnificat encourages us to reflect on God’s grace, mercy, and faithfulness in our lives.
3. Submit to God’s will: Mary’s willingness to obey God, even at significant personal cost, challenges us to trust Him in all circumstances. Her example reminds us that true faith requires surrender.
4. Focus on God during Christmas: The Magnificat calls us to center our celebrations on Christ. Amid the busyness of the holiday season, Mary’s song invites us to worship the Savior, the true reason for Christmas.

Conclusion: A Call to Worship
Mary’s Magnificat is a powerful reminder that worship lies at the heart of the Christian life. Her song of praise reflects her trust in God, her submission to His will, and her recognition of His sovereignty and grace. As we reflect on Mary’s example during Advent, we are reminded that the original Christmas began with worship—and so should ours.

The story of Mary teaches us that faith is personal and requires a willing response to God’s call. Just as Mary trusted God and surrendered to His plan, we are called to do the same. Her Magnificat challenges us to examine our hearts and priorities, asking: What or who do we worship? Are we willing to submit to God’s will, even when it requires sacrifice?
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As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us follow Mary’s example by making worship the foundation of our Christmas celebrations. Let us glorify God through our words, actions, and lives, embodying the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat as we await the fulfillment of His promises. Just as Mary proclaimed God’s greatness and faithfulness, may we, too, declare His glory and trust in His plan, both now and always.
 

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