An Overflow of Joyful Praise

By Samantha Rodriguez

“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.’”—Luke 1:46–55 (NIV)

Think about one of the most joyful moments you’ve experienced in your life! Perhaps it was getting engaged or married, receiving a scholarship to your dream school, or having a child. Maybe it was walking into a surprise party for your birthday, seeing a beautiful new place with family on vacation, or graduating from high school. Whatever that memory is, I want you to go back and remember what it felt like. One of my most recent joyful memories is from one of my best friends' wedding. Walking out of the chapel after the ceremony, we all just squealed like little girls, jumping up and down with so much joy and excitement. We couldn’t contain it! The joy overflowed because of the love we had for her and her husband, the love they had for each other, and the love they had for us.

I tell you this because today’s Scripture is a key moment of overflowing joy and praise in Mary’s life! After the angel Gabriel tells her about Jesus being born from her, she goes to her cousin Elizabeth’s house who was also miraculously pregnant in her old age. Upon entering and greeting her, Elizabeth’s baby jumps within her. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and knows that Mary’s carrying the Messiah. She blesses Mary for her faith and this honor she’s been given, and then Mary responds in praise. Her song echoes the song of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1–10, who worshiped God for giving her a son. Their worship reflects the same heart of gratitude and awe. They give glory to God with every word! Here are some attributes of Mary’s praise that we can learn from.

Her worship is God-centered.

Her worship is humble.

Her worship is grateful.

Her worship recalls God’s character as mighty, merciful, and righteous.

Her worship remembers His faithfulness.

As we approach Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, take a moment today to still your heart and truly reflect on the goodness of God. Ask Him to fill you with the same joy as Mary, remembering His faithfulness in your life! Recall the moments of awe in your life that left you speechless or jumping for joy. Consider how God was present in the midst of those moments. This Christmas, bring your worship to the Lord because He’s so good and so worthy!

Put It To Practice: Pray

Prayer is about talking to God. You can pray anywhere, whether you’re in the car, in your room, or walking in the grocery store! You can pray on your own in quiet or with others. You can pray out loud to God or in written words. You can kneel, sit, walk, you name it, and God will be there to listen and communicate with you. Today, practice prayer by writing down a prayer of praise reflecting Mary’s song. Read it out loud to God and keep it with you throughout the day.

For the Family

Today’s Main Idea: God’s always worthy to be praised with all my heart.

Ask Together:

1. What’s something God has done for you that makes you want to thank or praise Him?
2. How can you show joy and gratitude to God this week, just like Mary did?

Prayer

Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness! You are so strong, good, trustworthy, and true. I’m not deserving of Your grace and mercy, but You continue to see me, guide me, and provide for me. I pray You’d continue to cultivate a heart of worship in me during this season. You have my attention. Amen.