Changed in the Waiting: Finding Peace in God’s Plan

Reading of the Word

Luke 1:46–55 (NASB 2020)

And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord,

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

“For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond-servant; For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.

“For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name.

“And His mercy is to generation after generation Toward those who fear Him.

“He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

“He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble.

“He has filled the hungry with good things, And sent the rich away empty-handed.

“He has given help to His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy,

Just as He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever.”

Prayer of Illumination

Holy and gracious God, As we open Your Word, we ask for Your Spirit to illuminate our hearts and minds. Help us to see Your truth, hear Your voice, and understand Your will for our lives. Just as You filled Mary with wisdom and faith, fill us now with the light of Your presence. May the words of Scripture take root in our hearts, transforming us to live for Your glory. Speak, Lord, for Your servants are listening. Amen.

Introduction

I often reminisce about a road trip I took with my family, where we got lost. Initially, frustration bubbled over, but a beautiful sunset changed our mood. We stopped, took it in, and found joy in that moment rather than lamenting our detour. In the final week of Advent, we can learn from that experience: peace is often found when we choose to appreciate the unexpected turns of our journey, much like Mary embraced God’s surprising plan for her life.

It’s here. We’ve made it to the final week of Advent! In this final week, we are invited to explore the gift of peace. Christmas is so close—and all the excitement and anticipation that come with it, especially when it is only a few days away. But this week, I invite you to continue to live into the anticipation of this last Sunday of Advent.

Often we associate finding with something we do at the end of a journey. This week, I invite you to find peace in the space where you are, rather than hoping it will show up in the space where you want to be. In our journey toward peace, we find ourselves reading Mary’s song this week. These words are a beautiful expression of joy, trust, and peace in response to God’s plan unfolding before her.

“The Magnificat”

Mary’s song of praise is often referred to as “The Magnificat”—which comes from the Latin word for “magnify”—because Mary begins her song by proclaiming the greatness of God.

She magnifies God with all her heart.

Her understanding and emotions were deeply rooted in the teachings of the Old Testament, which guided her actions and thoughts.

Compare this to Hannah’s song of praise in 1 Samuel 2.

This thanks extends to the way God has acted in her own life, such as choosing her to be the mother of the Messiah. (vs. 48-49)

Mary’s response to God’s choice is not one of fear or trepidation. Instead, she bursts forth into a melody of praise.

Her internal transformation now allows her to share her inner knowledge with the world as a form of praise to God.

This highest form of prayer asks for nothing - it simply breathes adoration and thankfulness.

Praise is given because of God's actions and deeds.

How do you respond when God calls you to step out of your comfort zone? Mary said yes without hesitation. Can we do the same when God calls us to something?

The devil will do whatever he can to prevent us from prioritizing our calling over our comfort. By doing this, he influences others in his favor, but he knows he is powerless compared to our all-powerful God.

In understanding God’s favor upon her, Mary sets an example for us all.

Many Protestants believe that mentioning Mary in their churches is inappropriate or sinful.

This is because of the teachings that the Catholic Church holds about her.

She is not to be worshiped. She even proves this in today’s text as she points all the praise to God and exalts him with her soul. She is happy and honored to be called by God to this high calling of being Jesus’ mother.

She needed the mercy of God just like we all do. She “rejoices in God HER Savior.” Jesus came to save her too. It would be the greatest thing the “Mighty One” could do in her life and she was to have a major role in the plan of salvation.

We cannot ignore who she is and what she has done.

What an incredible example she sets for mothers everywhere. She glorifies God with her life, embraces His purpose and plan for her, and cherishes the life and memories of Christ in her heart.

God Chooses Mary

a. Mary was an unlikely choice for mother of the Messiah.

i. She has nothing to offer.

ii. She is a nobody from a lowly family.

iii. She is disgraced because she is pregnant without being married.

b. The only extraordinary things about the person God chose to give birth to Jesus are:

i. her extreme ordinariness.

ii. her insightful understanding and acceptance of her role in God’s plan.

iii. When God mightily uses what the world arrogantly calls foolish, weak, lowly, or despised people, then God alone will receive the glory, as He always must.

c. God’s choosing Mary reminds us that God usually doesn’t choose the person the world would choose.

Jesus does not call the qualified; rather, he qualifies the called. Calling the unqualified has always been God's specialty.

There was a young woman named Sarah, who felt invisible in her corporate job. One day, she noticed a struggling single mom in her office. Rather than ignore her own burdens, Sarah chose to bring cookies and lend an ear. That small act of kindness blossomed into a friendship that changed both their lives. God used Sarah, an ordinary person, to be a beacon of hope during a tough season. Just like Sarah, we have the potential for God to use us in ways we cannot even imagine.

Messianic Hope

a. As we read through Mary’s song, we are reminded that it is a hymn of messianic hope.

i. The long wait for the Jews was coming to an end. God was about to undertake the most humbling and astonishing act in human history: the Creator becoming part of His creation.

ii. This momentous event would break down the barriers separating humanity from the Father.

iii. God was going to reconcile and restore all of creation through the birth of the Messiah, Jesus.

Revelation 21:5 NASB 2020

And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

b. Mary’s song is a reminder that God’s kingdom looks completely different from our expectation.

i. Christ comes as a lowly baby, born to a lowly family in a show not of strength and power but of vulnerability.

I have come to love this contemporary Christmas song by 4Him entitled: A Strange Way to Save the World. Listen to the chorus from this song given from the perspective of Joseph. I’ll post the song on our Social Media pages following the service.

Why me, I'm just a simple man of trade Why Him with all the rulers in the world Why here inside this stable filled with hay Why her, she's just an ordinary girl Now I'm not one to second guess What angels have to say But this is such a strange way to save the world

c. Mary’s song praises God for overturning the typical structures of society. Wrongs would be made right.

i. “He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.”

1. Pride makes you an enemy of God. It is often seen as the core sin from which all other sin arises in our soul. But in God’s power, sin was about to be overcome through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

2. Mary doesn’t sing about herself. She only sings of the glory of God for this amazing opportunity and for what this child would do in the future.

ii. “He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.”

1. Those that hunger for spiritual things are satisfied. Those that yearn for worldly things are spiritually empty with a void in their heart.

iii. In God’s kingdom, no one is considered less based on lack of status or power.

1. Christ came to die for everyone. He lived among the lowest social class, making Him a God who is relatable to all people.

iv. God’s kingdom restructures power in a way that allows for a social leveling for all.

1. He came to make the least of these the most important in his Kingdom.

a. The first example I think of is women. They were looked down upon. They didn’t have the same privileges as men did. But Jesus came to change this mindset. Why? Because we are in the same predicament. We are all sinners in need of a Savior.

b. Everyone has the opportunity to accept or reject the gift of salvation offered to all, regardless of gender, status, or background. Jesus came for everyone!

Redemption of the World

a. Mary’s song is a reminder of the God whose love for the world will make creation whole, as seen in the promise of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

i. The person of Jesus is the beginning of God’s promise to God’s people.

ii. The birth of John and the events surrounding it rekindled hope that the Messiah would soon arrive.

b. We are invited to join the revolution that the Messiah brings.

i. This canticle is revolutionary, as it disrupts the world order by threatening established power, status, and values.

ii. The arrival of Christ would turn worldly values upside down to where it would never be the same again. The old way of things would pass and a new order was being ushered in.

c. God’s restorative work begins with a baby in a manger—but that is not where it ends!

i. Come on Tuesday night to our Christmas Eve Service. God has led me to the most unconventional Scripture for Christmas Eve that talks about God’s restorative work.

d. We are called to participate in the restoration and redemption of the world, to be agents of reconciliation and peace for the kingdom of God.

i. In waiting, we are transformed by the peace of Christ—a peace beyond the world's ability to replicate or our capacity to fully understand. Yet, it assures us of our right standing with God and brings peace to our souls. With faith, we trust that when this life ends, we will spend eternity with the Prince of Peace because it is well with our soul.

To Sum It Up: Mary’s Magnificat is a song of praise to God that exalts His mercy, mighty deeds, and faithfulness, while celebrating His choice of the humble to fulfill His redemptive plan, reminding us to respond to His call with faith, gratitude, and a willingness to magnify His glory above all.

Conclusion

Much like Mary, God’s people encounter moments when God’s plan appears to be elusive or outside our expectations. In these junctions, Mary’s example serves as an impetus for us, showing us that our peace is not contingent on our circumstances, and neither does it always align with our desires. Rather, peace is discovered in our surrender—when we yield to God’s unfolding plan with faithful trust.

On this final Sunday of Advent, let this reflection on Mary’s song be an invitation to find peace in embracing God’s promise for our lives. We need to recognize that God’s promises, though often mysterious and unexpected, are the very foundation upon which authentic peace is built. As we journey through uncertainties, may we echo Mary’s resolute truth, finding solace in the assurance that God will lead us with the promise of enduring peace just as God guided Mary through the unknown. May we allow Mary’s song to resonate in our hearts, inviting us to find peace in the embrace of God’s transformative promise.

Prayer After Message

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with a heart full of praise, just as Mary did in her Magnificat. I exalt Your holy name and celebrate Your boundless mercy, mighty deeds, and unwavering faithfulness. Thank You for choosing the humble and the lowly to reveal Your glorious plan of redemption.

Help me to respond to Your call with faith and gratitude, embracing the opportunities to magnify Your glory in my life. May I always recognize Your presence in the everyday moments and share Your love and grace with those around me.

Guide me to live in a way that reflects Your goodness and inspires others to seek You. Let my life be a testament to Your greatness, as I strive to honor You above all.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Benediction

May you go forth this day with hearts magnifying the Lord, proclaiming His greatness and faithfulness. As Mary responded to God’s call with trust and joy, may you also embrace His purpose for your life with courage and grace. May His mercy, peace, and love fill your soul, and may His transforming power guide you to be agents of reconciliation and hope in the world. Go in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.