The Magnificat

Advent seemed a good time to start up the Morning Grace Devotion again. As we begin the New Year, I will (for starters) post once a week on Monday mornings to start your week off. I will also write on important holy days of the church.

The fourth Sunday of Advent is the Sunday in which we celebrate the Annunciation and Mary's song as she joyful anticipates the coming of Emmanuel. Mary's song - the Magnificat - harkens back to the song of Hannah, mother of the prophet Samuel.

Both are songs of praise and joy, but they also speak to the reality of God's breaking in for the "lowly." So they are also songs of rebellion and songs that call to account those who are powerful.

The Gospel of Luke is very much a political work, and beginning with Mary's song, Luke will show over and over again God's care for the vulnerable.

Through her song, we are called to care for the vulnerable as well.

The musician, Marty Haugen, as part of his Holden Evening Prayer, wrote a gorgeous hymn based on the Magnificat. I hope you find it meaningful as we enter Christmas week and prepare for the king who comes in a lowly manger.