Mary's Song - Luke 1:46-55

INTRO

The Glosson’s love Christmas!

Working retail I actually loved Christmas because it was a change in the monotony of the Walmart playlist.

I’ve always loved Christmas music.

you sound better in your head or the shower

I was made fun of because I sang in a Christmas program at church and little Billy hadn’t learned how to not sing through his nose.

So as we move into this season of Advent we are going to look some Christmas songs

This is the first week in a sermon series titled 'Christmas Playlist.'

Inspired by Alistair Begg's insightful book, this series takes us on a unique journey through the Gospel of Luke, focusing on the four extraordinary songs that echo the essence of the Christmas season.

These are songs, heard before, during, and after the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ,

they offers us a window into the hope, joy, and promise that surround this glorious event.

Each week, as we explore one of these melodies, we will discover how these ancient songs resonate with our modern lives.

So here is my challenge this morning as we come to our first track in the play list.

Open your hearts and minds to the messages these songs carry, allowing their timeless truths to stir and transform us this Christmas season.

Today we will look at Mary’s song.

Think about this: everyone has their own picture of who God is.

Maybe to you, He's a distant concept, a kind of cosmic force that's everywhere yet nowhere.

Or perhaps, He's this ever-loving presence, or, on the flip side, a stern judge.

Your image of God could be a blend of family traditions, a gut feeling, something you've read in a book, or a philosopher's musings.

It's interesting, isn't it?

Some of us spend hours, days, even years grappling with the idea of God—His existence, His nature.

For others, God is just a fleeting thought, brushed off amid the hustle of daily life.

But no matter where we stand, we all have some notion about God.

But here's the question: How can we be sure that our perception of God is on the mark?

Now, imagine this: What if you had a moment, a real, tangible encounter with God that made everything fall into place?

No more guessing games about His existence or character.

That would be nothing short of transformative.

And guess what?

That's exactly the kind of experience that sets the stage for most nativity plays.

It's the spark behind the very first song in Luke's narrative of the first Christmas—a song that paints a vivid picture of the true nature of God.

We're talking about Mary's song.

Birthed from her unique role in the Christmas story, this isn't just any song.

It's not about her; it's about God.

It's a heartfelt outpouring, brimming with emotion.

And today, we're diving into this song to unravel our Big Idea.

Big Idea: 'Magnify the Mighty God Who Cares for Us.'

This is more than just a line; it's a revelation of who God is and what that means for us.

So let’s go to the song and see first

1. God Is Mindful of Us

Luke 1:46–50 (ESV)

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

And his mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation.

As we start into this song we need a little bit of context.

Mary, a young woman who hasn't been with a man, gets this wild news—an angel telling her she's going to have a baby.

And not just any baby, but the Messiah.

Her response is nothing short of incredible.

She says 'yes' to this mind-blowing news without hesitation.

And of course like any of us would do Mary goes to confide in someone.

Mary goes to visit Elizabeth, her relative, who's also expecting a miracle baby—John the Baptist.

Picture the moment they meet: Elizabeth's baby leaps in her womb the moment he hears Mary's voice.

What happens next? Mary bursts into song, a powerful anthem of praise.

Now, let's pause and think about Mary's life up to this point.

She comes from a humble background, a life marked by poverty but rich in faith.

Life hasn't been easy, but her unwavering belief that 'God is good' has been her rock.

When the angel tells her about her extraordinary role in God's plan, she doesn't know what lies ahead.

Her future is a big question mark.

But clinging to the angel's words, 'For nothing will be impossible with God,' she steps forward in faith.

'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary declares. 'May your word to me be fulfilled.'

Just imagine that level of trust.

She's faced with possible shame, scandal, and uncertainty.

Yet, she embraces it all.

Why? Because she knows God's faithfulness.

She's heard the stories, felt them in her bones.

Think about Hannah's song in the Old Testament—it's likely that Mary knew it by heart.

And now, here she is, chosen by God, and her response? Worship.

She magnifies God, even in the midst of what could be a scandalous situation.

That's faith. That's trust. That's a heart tuned to God's unfailing love.

Now here is something fascinating about Mary's song.

She starts off on a really personal note.

She's in awe, saying, 'God has noticed me—little old me!'

Think about that for a second.

God could've gone for royalty, someone with power and status, living it up in a palace.

But no, He turns His gaze to Mary, a young girl without any claim to fame or worldly significance.

Here’s the deal: Mary is struck by the fact that God is 'mindful' of her.

And what does 'mindful' mean? It's like God is keeping her in His thoughts, holding her in His care, remembering her.

Mary is blown away by this. She's saying, 'God is thinking about me, caring for me. I'm on His mind!'

And that’s why she can’t help but sing about God’s greatness, why her heart is just bursting with joy in God her Savior.

Now, let's not miss the punchline here: In the world's eyes, Mary might be a nobody, but in the eyes of the Creator of the world, she's valued, she's important.

That's a game-changer. It’s not about social status or your qualifications it’s about how the God of the universe sees you, knows you, remembers you.

Mary gets this, and it flips her world upside down—in the best way possible.

But here's where the plot thickens in Mary's song.

She shifts gears from just talking about herself to talking about her people, Israel.

It's like she zooms out from her personal story to the big, epic narrative of God’s people.

She's singing, 'God's not just looking out for me; He's got His eyes on all of us—on Israel, remembering His mercy, just like He promised our ancestors.'

Now, let's get this straight: Mary's own story is part of this massive, centuries-old promise God made.

She's a piece of this giant puzzle.

To get the full picture, we need to hit rewind, way back, before Mary's time.

Genesis 3:15 (ESV)

I will put enmity between you and the woman,

and between your offspring and her offspring;

he shall bruise your head,

and you shall bruise his heel.”

Fast forward and Abraham enters the scene.

Genesis 12—God calls Abraham out and makes this blockbuster promise: 'I'll make you a great nation, bless you, make your name great, and through you, all nations on earth will be blessed.'

Fast forward through the Old Testament, and this promise is like a repeating chorus.

God keeps telling Abraham’s descendants, the Israelites, 'I remember you. I haven’t forgotten the promises.'

He even sends prophets to hammer the point home.

Isaiah 9:6–7 (ESV)

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

A son is coming who'll make all these promises a reality.

God's still mindful of us.

So, when Mary sings her song, she's not just celebrating a personal blessing.

She's marking this moment where the ancient, grand-scale promise of God is coming to life in her life.

It's like all of history has been building up to this, and she’s right in the middle of it.

Talk about being part of something bigger than yourself!

Mary, this young, ordinary woman, hits us with something profound.

She's saying, 'God's noticed me, and by noticing me, He's showing He's got His eye on all of us.

The promised Son is here, and all those ancient promises? They're about to come true.'

This is the kind of God we're talking about.

He's not some distant, detached figure.

He's deeply involved, personal, right in the thick of humanity.

He's all about bringing blessing, hope, and security to 'all peoples on earth.'

The real wow factor of God's greatness?

It's not in Him being far off; it's in His closeness, His intimacy with us.

Now, we've got this tendency to think greatness means isolation.

You know, the more cash you have, the longer your driveway gets.

You put up fences, hire security.

The more clout you have, the more you pull away from the everyday crowd.

People need to go through a bunch of channels just to get a word with you

But God? He flips that script.

His greatness is all about how well He knows us, how close He is.

He knows my name, your name.

He's aware of every heavy burden you carry, every hidden disappointment, every worry that keeps you up at night.

He's in tune with your dreams, your joys, the things that make your heart beat faster.

That's our Creator—mindful, caring, intimately involved in our lives.

That's where our true value lies, regardless of how the world sees us or treats us.

And here's a thought: we all have this mental image of God.

A lot of us turn away from believing because the God we picture is distant, uncaring, unhelpful.

I get it.

Honestly, I wouldn't believe in that kind of God either.

But the God of Christmas, the God of history? He's in a different league.

This is a God who knows you personally, cares deeply about you, makes promises to you, and actually moves to help you.

There was a pastor visiting an elderly man, long bedridden with painful rheumatism.

He walked into a quiet room, save for the soft ticking of a clock and the occasional rustle of pages as the old man turns his Bible with trembling hands.

The pastor looked at his Bible…each page telling a story – not just the biblical narrative, but also the personal journey of a believer who has walked with God through the highs and lows of life.

As the pastor approached, he notices something remarkable: in the margins of the well-worn Bible, the word 'proved' is written repeatedly.

It was like a testament to a life intertwined with the promises of God.

The pastor asked if he could see the Bible.

He flipped through the pages, each 'proved' marking an encounter, a moment where the promises of Scripture were not just words, but tangible experiences.

'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,' the pastor reads aloud.

Next to it, 'Proved.'

It’s more than a note said the old man; it’s a declaration of God’s unwavering presence in the midst my trials.

The pastor continued, finding 'proved' next to John 1:12 – a reminder of the day the old man embraced Christ and became a child of God. It's not just a memory; it's the reality of a promise fulfilled, a life transformed.

John 1:12 ESV

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

As the pastor sat beside the man, their conversation weaves through stories of faith tested and faith affirmed.

Each 'proved' marks a chapter where God’s mindfulness was evident – in joy and in pain, in doubt and in certainty.

This old man’s Bible is more than a collection of verses; it’s a map of a journey walked with God.

Each 'proved' is a milestone, a reminder to the pastor, to the old man, and to all of us that God’s promises stand the test of time and experience.

In every believer’s life, there are – or can be – countless 'proved' moments, testifying to a God who is not distant, but intimately involved in the intricate details of our lives.

That’s the God we're talking about at Christmas.

He's not aloof; He's attentive.

That's the beauty of the Christmas story—it introduces us to the God who is mindful.

Psalm 8:3–4 (ESV)

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,

and the son of man that you care for him?

This is the staggering reality we can't just brush over:

the Creator of everything, the Architect of galaxies, pays attention to you personally.

It's not just a broad, sweeping glance.

God's care for you is intricate, intimate, and incredibly specific.

This tells us something profound about our God.

He's not a distant deity; He's deeply invested in the details of our individual lives.

Every worry, joy, hope, and dream you have is on His radar.

So what do we do with this?

1. Embrace Your God-Given Worth:

In moments of doubt or when you feel lost in the crowd, remember this: your worth isn't anchored in worldly achievements or others' opinions.

It's rooted in the reality that you are seen and valued by the Creator Himself.

You are not just another part of creation; you are a deliberate and cherished work of the Creator.

2. Lean into His Sovereignty:

When life throws curveballs, it's easy to feel like you're going through it alone.

But acknowledging God's mindfulness means trusting in His overarching sovereignty.

He's not oblivious to your struggles;

He's actively weaving them into a greater narrative, one that we might not fully understand now but can trust is for our ultimate good and His glory.

3. Seek His Purpose for Your Life:

The specific care God has for you implies a specific calling and purpose.

It might not align with your initial plans, but it's a journey designed by the One who knows you better than you know yourself.

In this light, every decision, every step becomes an act of faith, trusting that God's unique plan for you is unfolding.

So, take this to heart:

You're not just a random stroke on the canvas of creation.

You are intentionally designed and lovingly crafted by God.

In a culture that often measures value by external success, our true value lies in being intimately known and loved by God.

This knowledge isn’t just a source of comfort; it's a call to a vibrant, purposeful life.

Every day is an opportunity to live in alignment with the unique design God has for you.

Embrace this journey with the confidence of someone who is deeply cared for and meticulously planned for by the Creator of everyone and everything.

____ ____

Mary moves from how intimately God cares for each of us, to turn her attention to the awe-inspiring truth of His unparalleled might:

Let’s see second:

2. God is Mightier Than Us.

Luke 1:51–55 (ESV)

He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of humble estate;

he has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Mary's song echoes with the theme of God's mighty power, but it's not just about raw strength.

She reveals God as a mighty warrior, yet His battles are against human pride and self-reliance.

Let's unpack this a bit.

God 'scatters the proud in their inmost thoughts,' Mary says.

It’s a vivid image of how God disrupts those perched on the heights of self-importance.

It's not just about bringing down the haughty;

it's God’s intervention to remind us that our achievements aren’t solely our doing.

Sometimes, the struggles we face, which we might attribute to bad luck or society, are actually God's mighty hand at work, realigning our perspective.

Then, Mary sings of God bringing down rulers from their thrones.

Throughout history, we see this pattern repeat: the mightiest empires eventually crumble.

It's a powerful reminder that earthly authority and power are fleeting, and that true sovereignty rests with God.

But it doesn’t stop there.

Mary also talks about God sending the rich away empty, while filling the hungry with good things.

It’s a striking reversal of fortunes.

The rich, typically seen as fulfilled, are depicted as lacking.

It's a profound truth about the emptiness that can come with wealth, a void that material possessions can't fill.

Even if you're wealthy, you might recognize this emptiness.

It's a testament to the fact that wealth can’t buy happiness or escape from mortality.

Now, you might think, how does we balance this with a God who cares?

It’s precisely because He cares that He exercises His might in this way.

God’s actions are not vindictive but purposeful.

He shakes the foundations of our self-sufficiency and pride to bring us back to a place of reliance on Him.

In times of comfort and success, it’s all too easy to think we’ve outgrown the need for God, to believe we’re self-made and invincible.

But it's in these moments that we have to remember our mortality and the eternal nature of God.

Mary's song challenges us to recognize our limitations and remember the God who is truly mightier than us.

In a world that often equates power with success and wealth, Mary invites us to a deeper understanding of strength — one that is found in recognizing our dependence on the Almighty, the God who cares deeply and acts mightily.

Next time you're at the zoo, do a little experiment.

Notice where the crowds gather, where the buzz is loudest.

We often breeze right by the deer and antelope, giving them a quick nod for their elegant strides.

If there are kids in tow, maybe we'll stop for a chuckle at the playful seals or the monkey business.

But then, there's this magnetic pull towards the big guys – the lions, tigers, elephants, gorillas.

Ever wonder why?

Here's a thought: deep down, we're drawn to what's bigger, stronger, more awe-inspiring than us.

It's like a reality check, but in a good way.

Standing there, dwarfed by these majestic creatures, we get this humbling yet weirdly comforting reminder: we're not the end-all, be-all.

There's something greater, more powerful than us.

It's this craving for awe, this hunger for a brush with something grand and magnificent, that drives us.

It's a soul thing, a deep-down itch for a glimpse of our true place in the grand scheme of life.

And if we can't scratch that itch in church, believe me, we'll go hunting for it elsewhere.

Because one way or another, we're wired to seek out those moments that take our breath away, that remind us we're part of something way bigger than our day-to-day hustle.

This is where the might of God really comes into play:

He 'scatters the proud' not as an act of wrath, but as a means of grace, an invitation to engage with Him in this life.

Reflect on your own life for a moment.

Can you see how He might be doing this, even now?

How will you respond to it?

It’s crucial to understand that God doesn't conform to our preferences or priorities—and that's actually incredible news!

He's far greater, mightier, and more real than our limited expectations.

God scatters the proud for a purpose: to bring them to a place of humility, from where He can lift them up.

It's about getting to that point where we admit, 'I don’t have it all figured out.

I don’t have all the answers.

I’m facing struggles that I can’t handle alone.'

This is where God steps in, filling 'the hungry with good things.'

Once you realize that you’re yearning for something beyond what this world offers, that's when you're truly ready to receive the fullness that God provides.

So, when you think about God, what comes to mind?

Mary would probably say, 'God is mindful of us, and mightier than us.'

And it's this combination of His all-encompassing care and His overwhelming power that made her heart burst with joy.

It's a timeless truth, one that continues to inspire joy in hearts even today.

CONCLUSION

As we wrap up, let's soak in these powerful words: 'He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.'

It's clear, isn’t it?

God is on the lookout for those who are hungry for Him, bypassing those who think they’ve got it all figured out.

Remember what Jesus said? 'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.'

That's real satisfaction, not just a fleeting feeling.

Here’s the thing: God often flips our expectations upside down. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 puts it like this:

He chooses the foolish to shame the wise, the weak to shame the strong.

It's like He's saying, 'Your emptiness? That's exactly where I can work my wonders.'

The church isn’t a club for the self-sufficient; it's a home for the hungry, the hurting, the 'not-enoughs.'

It’s like when David was on the run, and who rallied around him?

Scripture tells us it was the distressed, the debt-ridden, the broken in spirit. These are the folks God is searching for.

He's got a heart for the overlooked, the sidelined.

God pledges Himself to those who know they're lacking, who feel like the last picks in the world's game.

He shows mercy to the undeserving, elevates the humble over the high-and-mighty, finds the hungry, and fills them up.

God sides with those who can't fend for themselves.

Our pride, wealth, power – they're just smoke and mirrors, making us think we're self-reliant.

But the truth? We're all broken, all in desperate need.

Mary got it.

Her song captures this beautifully.

She ends her song acknowledging how the ancient promise to Abraham is being fulfilled right there in her womb.

The snake-crusher has come to the world.

We, left to our own devices, are on a path to ruin.

But Jesus—He came to show us what true humanity looks like.

Jesus spent time with the needy, healed the sick, kicked out demons, and announced a new kingdom.

And then, in the ultimate act of love, He took our brokenness, our failures, and nailed them to the cross.

And when He rose again?

He showed that once and for all our sinful state has been dealt with our eternity purchased and secured.

How amazing is that?

Emmanuel has come. He’s liberated us.

And guess what? He's coming back.

So, as we go from here, let's carry this awe-inspiring truth in our hearts: the God who fills the hungry and sides with the needy has made His home in us.

Would we Magnify the Mighty God Who Cares for Us.

How have I experienced God being mindful of me in my personal life? Can I identify moments where His mindfulness has been evident?

Can I see examples in my life where God used my weaknesses for His purpose?

Am I able to acknowledge my own brokenness and need for God? In what ways am I hungry for what God alone can provide?

How does the anticipation of Christ's return shape my daily actions and decisions? What changes might I need to make to align my life more closely with this hope?

Certainly! Crafting discussion questions that are both personal and relevant to leading a community group, especially in the context of John 10:1-15, can be a meaningful way to engage the leaders. Here are some questions that focus on this passage, personal reflection, and the role of a community group leader:

1. **Understanding the Shepherd's Voice**:

- "In John 10:1-15, Jesus describes Himself as the 'good shepherd.' How do you personally distinguish the voice of Jesus, the 'good shepherd', from other voices in your life?"

- "As a leader, how can you help your group members learn to recognize and follow Jesus' voice?"

2. **Leading Like the Shepherd**:

- "Considering the attributes of the 'good shepherd' that Jesus describes, which of these qualities do you find most challenging to embody in your leadership?"

- "What are some practical ways you can nurture these shepherd-like qualities in your own leadership style within your community group?"

3. **Fostering a Deeper Connection**:

- "Jesus emphasizes the deep connection He has with His sheep. How do you foster a similar deep, personal connection with members of your group?"

- "What steps can you take to ensure that each member of your group feels known and cared for, similar to how the shepherd knows his sheep?"

4. **Responding to the Shepherd’s Call**:

- "How has responding to Jesus' voice personally impacted your life and leadership?"

- "In what ways can you encourage your group members to actively respond to Jesus' call in their daily lives?"

5. **Navigating Challenges as a Leader**:

- "Jesus speaks of protecting the sheep from thieves and robbers. As a leader, how do you deal with challenges or negative influences that might affect your group members?"

- "What are some strategies you’ve found effective in guiding your group through spiritual or communal challenges?"

6. **Discipleship and Outreach**:

- "Jesus' mission was to bring life to His sheep. How do you balance nurturing your existing group while also reaching out to potential new members or those who do not yet know Jesus?"

- "How can your group more effectively engage in making disciples, as commanded in Matthew 28:19?"