Daily devotional · November 28
Mary's Song of Joy
“Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is His name. His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful, as He promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.””
Mary is a young woman facing an uncertain, even frightening future, and yet her first response to the news is a song. She praises God who has looked on His humble servant, who lifts up the lowly and fills the hungry with good things. Her joy is grounded not in her circumstances but in who God has been to His people throughout history. This passage is often read as Advent draws near, and it invites us to make room for wonder before the season fills with noise. Notice that Mary sings before she can see how the story will unfold. Today, set aside a few minutes to write or say your own short song of praise, even if it is only two or three lines. Thank God for how He has looked on you, and let joy have room to speak before you know how things will turn out.
Prayer
Lord, my soul praises You. Make room in my heart for wonder as this season approaches. Amen.