Luke 1:26-80
Memory Verse: Luke 1:46-47 - “And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…”
Song: Yesterday, Today and Forever - Passion, Kristian Stanfill
One of the most distinct moments of joy amid darkness (and from unlikely places) is found in Mary, Elizabeth, and Zechariah. More specifically, Mary and Zechariah’s songs bring to light the joy of the Spirit they are experiencing as they are miraculously made vessels for carrying out specific tasks. Observing the Evangelical and especially the Catholic realms of society, you may have noticed these stories' specific role in celebrating and remembering the Advent events. These stories do more than fit the holiday season aesthetic, though, and draw our eyes to the character of God and the secure hope we can place in Him. As we consider joy during our life circumstances, let the remembrance of our hope be our souls' true source and delight.
Many traditions would dive into the depths of the differences between the songs, even giving them specific names (Magnificat and Benedictus) and creating ritualized practices around them to commemorate the culmination of Advent. Initially, reading through these texts, you might have noticed some of these differences. Mary’s song is personally reflective, acknowledging the fruit of her humility and God’s mercy to her individually and what will come of the child she will bear as it pertains to the salvation of her nation. On the other hand, the Benedictus begins corporately, acknowledging God’s steadfast character and love for Israel, then shifts to praise God for how He has impacted his life personally with the birth of His son. Considering their circumstances, though, this was less than a festive experience for them. Zechariah was made silent for the entirety of Elizabeth’s pregnancy (v.20), and some commentators believe Mary was vulnerable to shame from society as everyone knew her to be a virgin; what would they make of her surprise pregnancy? Enduring Word’s commentary on Luke 1 suspects her immediate departure to visit her cousin Elizabeth (who was a great length away and visited for a sizeable amount of time) was out of the belief that she might be the only person who could understand her circumstance (Guzik, 2018).
Upon Mary’s arrival, the Spirit does the rest from there. The two are filled with Spirit at the presence of each other's company and the recognition of God’s mercy. Aside from randomly being made pregnant, how is Mary able to make such lofty claims about Israel like that of verses 54 and 55? “He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.” Sure, this song is primarily given in the past tense. She knew God’s mercy to His people before it was even born. At the birth of John, Zechariah’s song is more directly telling of what will happen. He holds a baby in his hands and yet proclaims the deliverance of Israel and the coming of our salvation. They were looking forward as the people of faith in the Old Testament did; they just happened to be witnessing the coming of what we would eventually look back on Jesus Christ.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” - Hebrews 13:8
To look forward with unspeakable joy, they had to remember God and His character with help from the spirit. He alone provides salvation, extends mercy, performs mighty deeds, silences the proud, exalts the humble, fills the hungry, keeps His word, and so much more. Looking back to the works of Christ is not merely to equip ourselves with stories or intellectual knowledge to make us feel good. Our relationship with Him is active right now and doing much more. Meaning the character we see on display through the Old Testament, Luke 1, and all scripture is true right now just as it was for them. I don’t know if this Christmas season is as magical and wonderful for you as its reputation would declare, if you are just holding out for more sunlight, or if an incredibly difficult life circumstance has you in a deep valley. God’s mercy extends out to you, and He will never turn away those who call on Him in the name of Christ Jesus. His love endures forever, and ultimately, we have eternity with Him to look forward to, which speaks of our time once we’re off this planet and for the rest of our lives here.
As you remember Christ's birth, consider the things you need God’s mercy for and present those to Him. Ask the spirit to help you take joy in God’s character and nearness through this season.
