2024 Advent Devotion: Day 22

Sunday, December 22

Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:46b-55; Hebrews 10:5-10

Mary’s Hymn of Praise . . .

“My soul praises the greatness of the Lord, and my Spirit rejoices in God my savior, because He has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and His name is Holy” (Luke 1: 46-49).

This beautiful passage of scripture is familiar to all Christians and a part of every Advent season. It has its beginning in a passage of scripture found in Micah 5:2: “Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah, one will come from you to be ruler over Israel for me. His origin is from ancient times.”

Micah wrote this Messianic prophecy some 700 years before the birth of Jesus. His prophecy is detailed and exact. He gives the city and region of Christ’s birth and His mission to be a ruler over Israel. What we see in Mary’s hymn of praise is a fulfillment of this prophecy.

The celebration of Advent has many different events taking place resulting in the birth of Jesus. This can be seen in the information given by Luke in Chapter 1 of his Gospel. The angel Gabriel was sent by God to Zechariah and to Mary. In each appearance, both Zechariah and Mary had similar reactions, one of disbelief: “How can I know this?” Zechariah asked the angel. Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?” In each case Gabriel responded with assurance, “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Mary was willing to obey God. “I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it be done to me according to your word.” Many Christians today have the same doubts and fears and find it difficult to trust God. However, only by trusting in God can we share Mary’s hymn of praise.

Another event that took place is Mary’s visit with Elizabeth. It is really Elizabeth who triggers Mary’s hymn of praise. When Mary greeted Elizabeth two things happened. Her baby leaped within her womb, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit, signaling that both John and Elizabeth acknowledged Mary as mother of the Lord Jesus. Elizabeth then blessed Mary.

In closing, I would like to emphasize what Mary said in verses 46-50. “My soul praises the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, because He has looked with favor on the humble condition of His servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and His name is Holy. His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him.” We can all share in this hymn of praise because God has extended it to us. We celebrate Advent by lighting candles and reading verses and sharing Christ. May we all have a wonderful Christmas season in 2024.

Jeremy Luther
Head Men’s Basketball Coach