Songs of Christmas -- Mary

Mary Sings

A lot has been said about Mary, but today we let Mary speak for herself. After meeting Zechariah, with his nine months of silence, and a never-speaking Joseph, it is good to hear the words that flowed from the mouth of Mary when the angel told her she would be the mother of the Son of God. After a bit of discussion, she told Gabriel, "Yes, I see it all now; I'm the Lord's maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say" (Luke 1:38, The Message).

Mary left immediately to be with her cousin Elizabeth, who, in her old age, was already six months pregnant with her son John. Upon arriving Elizabeth recognized her as the mother of God's Son. Even John, in his mother's womb, leapt with joy at Mary's presence.

Mary, with her knowledge of scripture and prophecy; Mary, who knew Messiah was coming but didn't know she would be part of his story; Mary, with her humble, obedient heart -- Mary sang this song of praise, found in Luke 1:46-55, The Message:

"I'm bursting with God-news,
I'm dancing the song of my Savior God.
God took one good look at me, and look what happened --
I'm the most fortunate woman on earth!
What God has done for me will never be forgotten,
the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.
His mercy flows in wave after wave
on those who are in awe before him.
He bared his arm and showed his strength,
scattered the bluffing braggarts.
He knocked tyrants off their high horses,
pulled victims out of the mud.
The starving poor sat down to a banquet;
the callous rich were left out in the cold.
He embraced his chosen child, Israel;
he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.
It's exactly what he promised,
beginning with Abraham and right up to now."