She was thinking about the implications and complications of this birth. Interestingly, with all the problems associated with this birth, the Magnificat is full of thanks for what God has done.
In the eyes of the world, she was insignificant –poor, young and female. Of what use for anything of import could she be?? But, as is God’s specialty – she was the perfect person to bear the Son!
“And Mary said; ‘My soul praises the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant…” Luke 1:46-48.
Thus the start of the Magnificat – one of the earliest Christian hymns – from the lips of a teenaged girl. In the eyes of the world, she was insignificant –poor, young and female. Of what use for anything of import could she be?? But, as is God’s specialty – she was the perfect person to bear the Son! She was chaste, deeply spiritual and had the big picture in mind – just read the verses through to verse 55. Here was a person who was not vacuous but thoughtful. She was thinking about the implications and complications of this birth. Interestingly, with all the problems associated with this birth, the Magnificat is full of thanks for what God has done.
We talk a lot here at the church about Engagement in Christian ministries. It always costs something to engage in God’s work – it certainly did with Mary –but it also includes fresh Encounters with God. And in the process, God allowed her to stay with her mentor, cousin Elizabeth, who was of one mind with her. Unexpected blessings.
We are coming to the end of the year and thinking about 2023 right on our doorstep. As you do, how could you engage in the Lord’s work this coming year? Perhaps in this engagement the Lord will encounter you in fresh ways!
Have a listen to this musical rendition of the Magnificat.
Oh – and have a great Christmas!
Pastor Leon Throness
