Hope in Song

Monday - December 7th

"Hope is Here" Advent Devotionals - Day 7

Scripture to Read Today: Luke 1:46-56

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And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in

God, my Savior."

Luke 1:46-47

God blessed the world with the gift of music. When contemplating the handiwork of God in nature, we often focus more on the physical parts of creation and forget some of the non-physical things. How incredible it is to take in the wonder of a brilliant sunrise, the beauty of a fresh rosebud, or the majesty of snowcapped mountains. All give evidence to the fingerprints of God in creation.

The gift of music also gives evidence of the generosity and blessing of God to humanity. Notes, tones, rhythms, and scales are all a part of what God made. We could have had the breath-taking sunrises, rosebuds, and mountains without music. Thankfully God gave us the gift of music as an expression of His beauty and our hearts.

The longest book of all the Bible, the Book of Psalms, contains ancient poems. These poetic lyrics have been set to music from the first generation to embrace them. They still are being put to music today.

It is no wonder that after Gabriel tells Mary about the baby to be born to her, she responds in song. Her heart is overwhelmed by three things. First, she can't process the idea that she will conceive and give birth to a son without ever being with a man intimately. Second, the news that she has found favor with God and been chosen to be the mother of the Messiah humbles her. Third, she struggles to understand how she can give birth to the Son of God.

None of us can blame Mary for being overwhelmed. Even with the weight of all that the angel says, she responds in belief, trust, and song. You can read her beautiful lyrics in Luke 1:46-56. Today, Mary's song is known as the Magnificat. Various arrangements have been used over the centuries to put her poetry to music. From Bach to modern hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty, many have arranged music to match Mary's song's tone and spirit.

My favorite phrase that Mary sings is, "He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant." To me, her acknowledgment that God had noticed her and noticed her servant-like humility reminds me that God sees us. He notices our attitude and posture of life, not just the good and bad things we do. I want to be found humbly living and loving like Jesus by God. After reading her words recorded in Luke chapter one, what verse or verses stand out to you? Why did that section stand out to you?

Mary's lyrical response to Gabriel's words teaches us a lot about believing, trusting, and obeying God!