Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. Luke 1:46–50 (NLT)
Lord Jesus, thank you for creating music, and for giving us copious reasons to sing and make music to you in our hearts. As I meditate on this passage this morning, and offer my prayer, Advent music fills my den and soul. Thank you for fueling our hope, liberating our longings, and giving us joy.
Mary’s story is quite different from ours, and yet we join her Advent refrain today. The gospel is the glorious demonstration of how you have been mindful of our humble, broken, sinful state, too. We have nothing to boast in but you, Lord Jesus. Apart from your mercy and grace, we are destitute and bankrupt. You came to us when we weren’t seeking you, and you’re being formed in us, as surely as you entered the world through Mary’s womb (Gal. 4:19).
We are blessed beyond measure, because you’ve done great things for us, and you continue to do so. Give us seeing eyes, grateful hearts, and words of praise. Holy is your name, Lord Jesus.
We have zero concern for what any generation might say about us. It’s enough to know and rest in what you say about us, Jesus. We are yours—fully forgiven and declared righteous, greatly desired and as loved now as we will be in heaven.
Your mercy has been extended to our generation, and to us personally. Therefore, we glorify you, Lord Jesus, and we greatly rejoice in you, our God and Savior. As the gospel goes deeper into our hearts, free us from all fears, except the fear of the Lord. We want to be filled and freed by your Spirit, to live and love to your glory. So very Amen, we sing and pray, in your most glorious and grace-full name.