5 Reflections on Mary's Song for Adventનમૂનો

Let’s take a step back and see where Mary’s song has led us. The pride of humanity is in pieces, and corrupt rulers have been dethroned. God’s humbled people are lifted up, and the hungry are satisfied. That all sounds rather wonderful. But what’s it got to do with real life? Maybe people go from rags to riches in fairy stories, but what does Mary’s song speak into our lives with all their disappointments and our world with all its pain?

It’s easy to think that the way things are now is the way it’s going to end. Proud rulers remain on the throne. The greedy continue to have it easy. God’s people stay humbled. At this point in the story, Mary’s song can grate a bit. Singing “he has filled the hungry with good things” and “lifted up the humble” rings hollow when Christians are among those caught up in famine or when they languish in prison for their faith.

But Mary’s song is God’s way of pointing to the time, reminding us that the story isn’t over yet. We’ve not yet got to the final chapter. There’s one dramatic twist to come—a twist to eclipse anything in a Christmas soap opera special! Jesus is going to turn the whole world upside down. “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel,” says Simeon in Luke 2:34. The way things look now is not the way things will be.

But to share in the future which Mary promises, to be lifted up into the presence of the Most High God, we first need to humble ourselves. We need to admit our need and come to God for his favour and grace.

Use the following verses from the carol Once in royal David’s city to reflect:

Once in royal David’s city

Stood a lowly cattle shed,

Where a mother laid her baby

In a manger for his bed:

Mary was that Mother mild,

Jesus Christ her little Child.

And our eyes at last shall see him

Through his own redeeming love,

For that Child so dear and gentle,

Is our Lord in heaven above:

And he leads his children on

To the place where he is gone.

Cecil F. Alexander

(1823–1895)