December 23rd Advent Devotional

December 23

Luke 1:46-55

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked with favor on the lowly state of his servant.

Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed,

-Luke 1: 46-48

In our house, we try very hard not to interrupt someone while they’re singing. Whatever we may need to say, or ask, or remind, we’ll come back later. Whether it’s a child sitting on the floor playing with her toys and quietly singing a choir favorite, a teenager getting ready in the bathroom and belting out the most recent K-Pop hit, a mom having some “me time” while her soul joins Sara Bareilles in urging her children to be Brave, or a husband who keeps looping on that same verse of that same hymn about the universe displaying the greatness of God, singing is so often the purest expression of one’s soul.

As Jesus’ mother Mary contemplated His arrival, her soul was filled with song. Mary sang: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior...” Although her mind was occupied by an unanticipated pregnancy, an impending marriage, and an upcoming government-imposed journey to Bethlehem, Mary’s soul praised the Lord. Although her body might have been groaning, Mary’s spirit rejoiced in God. Mary’s song provides an instructive example of devotion to God. Mary demonstrates that we should keep an attitude of praise, not because we are shielded from struggles, trials, and adversity, but because God is present with us through it.

What song, refrain, or mantra do you need to have in your soul to help you glorify the Lord? Conversely, do you have any songs or refrains in your soul that you need to silence? Take a moment to reflect on (and maybe even jot down) what the verses of your Magnificat could be. When your mind or body become tired or burdened, guide your soul to the verses of your glorifying song.

Jim Cotey