This week we’re beginning our worship focused on Advent. These are short reflections to help focus our hearts and minds for Christmas!

Here’s a challenge: How many Christmas songs can you name in 1 minute?

For advent, we are going to look at a song that was first sung by a young woman who lived in a forgotten part of an ancient, occupied country. And I’d argue that this was the first Christmas song ever made.

This song was sung by Mary, mother of Jesus, and we find it in Luke 1:46-55.

Has anyone ever been a part of a Nativity play? What character did you play? 

Vigin Mary with baby Jesus flickr photo by ThiênLong shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

Mary is often seen in nativity plays as a polite, quiet character with no speech to share. However, in the original text we read of a bold woman whose voice was recorded to be heard. It was Mary’s point of view that is recorded in the book of Luke.

Read through her song, which is called a ‘Song of Praise.’ Mary captures the heart of the Christmas story, celebrating how God came to be present with us on Earth, showing grace and mercy. 

Once you’ve read through (or sung) her song, choose one short phrase and chat about what it shows us about Christmas.

Mary's Song of Praise
Mary said,
“My heart praises the Lord;
   my soul is glad because of God my Savior,
   for he has remembered me, his lowly servant!
From now on all people will call me happy,
   because of the great things the Mighty God has done for me.
His name is holy;
   from one generation to another
   he shows mercy to those who honor him.
   He has stretched out his mighty arm
   and scattered the proud with all their plans.
   He has brought down mighty kings from their thrones,
   and lifted up the lowly.
   He has filled the hungry with good things,
   and sent the rich away with empty hands.
   He has kept the promise he made to our ancestors,
   and has come to the help of his servant Israel.
   He has remembered to show mercy to Abraham
   and to all his descendants forever!”

Let’s Pray,
God of Love, your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. He is a sign of your love.

Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming.

We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior.

Amen