Mary's Song

Mary’s song is the most beautiful response to the Holy Spirit ever recorded. The context for the song is Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and Mary sang in answer the Holy Spirit message spoken through Elizabeth.

"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, even as he said to our fathers." (Luke 1:39-56)

The Spirit spoke and Mary sang even though she was navigating the most difficult passages of her young life. Pregnant, engaged but unmarried, Mary and Joseph’s reputations were on the verge of ruin. Their plans for a typical Judean life lifestyle were like small shards of broken glassware, strewn in disarray without hope of regaining what had been so promising. And yet, Mary sang!

Mary sang from the depth of her being, "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." Songs that sustain and strengthen for life challenges cannot be learned with a few repetitions, pasted to the memory like decals on window panes. The songs that magnify the Lord, which give and sustain life, are planted by the Spirit in the depth of our spirit, cultivated with life experience, and often watered with tears before a crisis challenges security and sanity.

Mary’s song is an affirmation of faith. Your time and my space is limited, but I suggest that a review of the four "He has . . ." statements in Mary’s song. If we sing of the Almighty’s activity, our spirits will take wing and faith will soar above the immediate circumstances. Yes, "HE HAS . . ." and because of what He has done, my song and faith remain unshakeable. I write from experience. Some of our days are difficult. But, our song remains!

Mary’s song is filled with the future! 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. Nothing is better than living with an assurance, a hardy hope and certain conviction that One born in Bethlehem’s stable remains in charge of all world affairs and our family for generations!

In a few days our three generations will gather with a song that begins deep within and which finds joy-filled expression – regardless of the circumstances.

Pat and I trust that your family knows and has adopted Mary’s song as your own!