My soul glorifies the Lord

A beautiful meeting of two women related by blood and each celebrating the joyous news that they are expecting a child occurs in the first chapter of Luke's Gospel.

For Elizabeth, described as well along in years and barren, this news must have been extraordinary and maybe unbelievable. The angel Gabriel tells her that that she would bear a son named John who would be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth and who would prepare the way for the Lord.

Mary, young, poor, and engaged, is visited by Gabriel and she too receives miraculous news. Mary has "found favor with God," and will give birth to the Son of God. Mary certainly is afraid and wondering how this all could be. She is well aware of her social status and the problems this could bring to her and Joseph.

How was she of such a humble background worthy for such a gift and responsibility? After learning of Elizabeth's pregnancy, this young woman exclaims, "May it be to me as you have said." Mary hurries to Elizabeth to confirm and celebrate.

When Mary arrives, Elizabeth's baby leaps in her womb and she exclaims to Mary - "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." I suspect Mary was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude that she is with a beloved friend who understands and believes in this miracle. She has received blessings from God, Gabriel and now Elizabeth.

What came next has been the subject of works of art and music throughout history. Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi and others have created moving musical pieces; Sandro Botticelli and Tissot Giotto have created paintings all to illustrate Mary's Song of praise and adoration, known to us as the Magnificat.

My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
For he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
For the Mighty One has done great things for me--
Holy is his name.
Luke 1: 47-49

This humble maiden provides a compelling example of submitting to God's will - of surrendering one's self to become a living vessel of God's love. And out of that surrender comes a beautiful song of thanksgiving, gratitude, praise and joy. Her song goes on to describe God's work on earth and indeed predict how Jesus will minister - a ministry of mercy, compassion, "lifting up the humble and feeding the hungry."

And so as we approach Christ's birth, may we each create our own Magnificat - our song of gratitude and celebration for the precious gift of Jesus dwells in each of us.

- CAROL W. DICKINSON

Re-published from "spirit", St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Richmond, VA