I recently heard that it is suggested to recite Mary’s Song daily during Advent. As any slack Christian would do, I brushed this proposal aside–I have so much to do. 

I hurriedly sat down in the church pew this week to the Processional Hymn, “Lo! He comes, with Clouds Descending,” whose lyrics are based on apocalyptic Revelation visions (Rev 1:7, 5:11-13) and a rousing doxology to Christ.

 Yes, this Advent hymn is about preparation for the second coming. But I have so much to do. 

The first reading was from Isaiah 2, “..and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks…”,  and the second reading was Romans 13, “Love does no wrong to a neighbor.” Oh yes the neighbor gifts, so much to do. 

The choir sang Psalm 122 as a gradual and I took a deep breath—one of my favorites. 

“I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the LORD.” 

At this point I needed to quiet myself and be ‘glad.’ I was starting to get uncomfortable. A Charles Wesley processional and a favorite Psalm sung by the choir, what next, God? You know I have so much to do.

The gospel lesson: Luke 1:46-55, Mary’s Song. This slacker was captured. 

The sermon proceeded to remind me: 

1. The Holy God sees me in my circumstance (v.46)
2. I am cast in the biggest story ever told and playing a part of what Jesus does daily. (v.49)
3. God’s future breaks in through me. Trust His promises.(vs. 50-55)

I will be reciting Mary’s song.  ‘From generation to generation’–so much to do. 

Prayer: 

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for God has looked with favor on the lowliness of the Almighty’s servant.

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for the Mighty One has done great things for me,

and holy is God’s name.

God’s mercy is for those who fear God

from generation to generation.

God has shown strength with God’s arm;

God has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

God has brought down the powerful from their thrones,

and lifted up the lowly;

God has filled the hungry with good things,

and sent the rich away empty.

God has helped servant Israel,

in remembrance of God’s mercy,

according to the promise God made to our ancestors,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever. 

Luke 1:46-55