December 14, 2021

“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. 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.” (Luke 1:46-53)

This is Mary’s song – the Magnificat – after the angel Gabriel comes with the news of her role in God’s great rescue plan. Mary, as is well-known, is the epitome of powerlessness: an unmarried, pregnant, teenaged girl in the middle of a moralistic patriarchy. Were it not for Divine Intervention, Joseph would have called off the wedding.

Here is what Martin Luther says about Mary’s song in one of his Christmas sermons.

“God allows us to be powerless and oppressed so that everyone thinks we are done for, yet even in that very moment God is most powerfully present, though hidden and concealed. When our power fails, the power of God begins.”

He is with you today!

“Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Proper 18 – BCP)