Magnificat

Revolution

(NRSV)

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, This is Mary’s song. She is able to humble herself and accept just how blessed she was to be called to serve. Do you think that Mary was able to do this in the very beginning? (NRSV)

28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. Perplexed, is that the word you would have used?

(NRSV)

34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” In the beginnings, we can be confused about the plan God has laid out for us. But what we are looking at today is the effects of belief. Belief that what God has called you to, he will get you through.

Do you realize just how revolutionary her song of joy is? (NRSV)

48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name (NRSV)

50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. During this time it was all about the establishment. The Sadducees and religious leaders were the establishment and to speak such things was truly amazing. (NRSV) (NRSV)

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

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

52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; Mary speaks here about the establishment. That which she has been blessed with will bless the lowly, that believe.

from generation to generation. .

49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,

William Temple, warned his missionaries to never read the Magnificat publicly. Because its words were so revolutionary that he feared what might happen to them if they did.

and lifted up the lowly;

and holy is his name.

How can we digress from Mary finding the courage to speak her heart, to missionaries being told not to read her message publicly? We, as Christians, must live out our faith. Mary was overwhelmed by her desire to flee from the responsibility that was given to her, but soon realized that it was a great blessing.

Yes, it is a blessing to be favored by our God. (NRSV)

53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

and sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,

in remembrance of his mercy,

55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Christmas is all about Him, not us. In a way, Mary went from self-centered thought, “woe is me” to being all about what He will do for His people.

to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

(NRSV)

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. Where will you be this holiday season?