And Mary said, “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. Luke 1:46-50 (NIV)
Dear Lord Jesus, I woke up today extremely thankful for the gift of music—especially the songs of Advent, and it’s a “no-brainer” why. Every Advent hymn, carol, and chorus—from your Word, in my hymnal, or on my iPod—fuels my hope and liberates my longings.
I praise you for igniting my heart to sing your praise. I praise you for giving me a reason to sing, Lord Jesus. I praise you for songwriters who capture what I feel, and give me the vehicle for expressing what I long to say to you.
Mary’s story is quite different from mine, and yet I join her Advent refrain today. I can sing her song. I’m compelled to sing her song, for you’ve been mindful of my humble, broken, sinful state, too. I have nothing to boast in but you, Lord Jesus. You came to me when I wasn’t seeking you, and you’re being formed in me as surely as you entered the world through Mary’s womb.
I’m a blessed man because you’ve done great things for me, and you continue to do so. Holy is your name, Lord Jesus. I have no concern for what any generation may say about me. It’s enough to know what you say about me: that I’m yours—forgiven, declared righteous, desired, enjoyed, and as already loved as I will be in the new heaven and new earth.
Your mercy has been extended to my generation, and to me personally. Therefore, my soul glorifies you, Lord Jesus, and my spirit rejoices in you—my God and my Savior. As the gospel goes deeper into my heart, free me from all fears, except the fear of the Lord. Indeed, I want to be filled and freed with by affectionate reverence for you—an awe so compelling I will live and love to your glory, with great joy. So very Amen I sing and pray, in your most glorious and grace-full name.
