35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.”
Songs and hymns and words of praise surrounding the Birth of Jesus Christ is the topic of this Christmas series. Last week we looked at Elizabeth’s song; today - Mary’s song. Last week we looked at the first words of praise about Jesus’ birth by Elizabeth. After Gabriel visited Zechariah, six months later, he paid a visit by the direction of God to Mary a young woman with the news she was to become the mother of the Son of God.
This is recorded for us in Luke 1:26-40. Nazareth was a small town in Galilee. Mary was young virgin. The common consensus in my reading was Mary’s age was between 14-16 years old, but no one knows for sure. It wasn’t recorded.
The blessing of any woman was to have a baby for her husband. A son meant something special in that society. Can you imagine having to deliver the son of the Most High God? He will be the one who will have the David throne. He will be the one promised to reign over Israel’s kingdom forever. No wonder the angel said, “You are highly favored.”. She was chosen.
How can this be since she was not pregnant and never had a man?
angel revealed to her, God can do anything and He allowed Elizabeth to have a child in her old age. When John the Baptist in the womb of Elizabeth gave recognition of Jesus in the womb of Mary, it was just an added confirmation by the Holy Spirit this was all by God. Mary worshipped.
We sing lots of songs and carols at Christmas, but true worship isn't a bunch of people singing songs about Jesus' birthday. Worshipful music becomes an expression of the heart that honors God. In fact, one of the dangers of the familiar Christmas carols and the hymns we know so well by heart, is that we can sing them without thinking about them.
response to the news of giving birth to the promised Messiah resulted in her response of praise for the tremendous grace of God. Her song included joy over the ways God’s grace was working.
Application: These next few weeks reflect on the words in the Christmas songs you sing and hear.
Prayer: Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay, close by me forever and love me I pray. Bless all the dear children in God’s tender care, and take us to heaven to live with thee there.
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