This is the season [sometimes the only season!] when Protestants give space for intentional reflection on Mary. We set up our creches and prepare for the coming of Christ, giving thanks for Mary’s faithful witness and her participation in God’s salvific plan for the redemption of the world.
To that end, I offer the following reflection on Luke 1:46b-55, the Magnificat, Mary’s joyful and heartfelt song of faith and trust in God–her response to God’s invitation to bear the son of God.
Mary’s song is our song. It is the song of every baptized Christian, enfolded and carried in the loving power of the Holy Spirit. It is the song of every one of us, every one who has been lifted up, redeemed and restored, and given a role to play in God’s renewal of the world.
I wish you joy and hope in your Advent watching and waiting.
My soul magnifies the Lord.
My heart overflows with yes to the irresistible creativity of the Holy Spirit.
God, your goodness and mercy are astounding.
Your touch has transformed my life.
I praise your lovingkindness and the divine grace that blankets me.
My spirit rejoices
God of wonders, you have made me a co-creator with you, using my ordinary body to bring your life into the world: my hands for service, my mouth for prayer and consolation, my feet to bring good news.
I sing, I celebrate, I shout this joy that will not be hidden, or muffled, or drowned out by the powerful, the rich, those who think they know best.
God has looked upon me with favor
In you, merciful God, I am seen. I am chosen. I am beloved, and cherished.
You have set me on the path of salvation, and your way stretches out before me: not straight, not flat, but the ground beneath my feet is solid.
Before I am anything else, I am your favored one.
God has done great things for me
Forgive me, gracious God, for expecting so little, and being satisfied with crumbs, when the door to your feast is flung open.
I did not dare to dream all I could become; I did not dare to imagine all you could fashion from this rough clay.
Day by day, may I trust your abundance.
God, you have shown your strength
Empires crumble before you; rulers pass away in a breath.
Relentless is your love; your truth triumphs over the world’s falsehoods.
There is no God but you.
You fill the hungry
Precious Lord, your word is sweet in my mouth.
Under your wings, I lack nothing.
You are the bread of life. You are the living water.
With you, the growling emptiness deep within me is satisfied.
You have come to my aid
Without you, O God of my salvation, I stumble; I fall and I cannot rise.
The weight of the world threatens to crush my spirit, but you have heard my cries.
You are a shield between me and those who would condemn me; you are my courage.
You are my refuge and my strength, and in your embrace, I find rest.
You have kept your promise
O God, I do not always know whom I can trust; I have been disappointed before.
But you are steadfast and true.
My hope is in you alone. Though all others fade away, you abide.
Holy are you.
Gracious are you.
You are my soul’s delight, my way-maker,
My rock and my redeemer.
“Here am I, the servant of the Lord;
let it be with me according to your word.”
Happy Lutheran 