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, I woke up today grateful 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 memory, fuels my hope and liberates my longings. Thank you for igniting my heart to sing your praise. Thank you for giving me a reason to sing. Thank you for songwriters who capture what we feel, and give us the vehicle for expressing the wonders of your love and the riches of your grace.
Mary’s story is quite different from ours, and yet we join her Advent refrain today. We can sing her song—we’re compelled to sing her song, for you’ve been mindful of our humble, broken, sinful state, too. We have nothing to boast in but you, Jesus. 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. Thank you.
Like Mary, you’ve done great things for us, too, and you continue to do so. Holy and worship-worthy is your name, Jesus. We have no need for future generations to say anything about us. It’s enough to know what you say about us: that we’re yours—forgiven and declared righteous, greatly desired and fully enjoyed, and as loved as we’ll be in eternity. Hallelujah!
Stir our hearts for your second Advent; and until you return, may we live and love, sing and serve to your glory. Even this very day, use us as conduits of your mercy and grace, kindness and care. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and triumphant name.