2023 Wrapped
And Mary said:
"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.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Luke 1:46-55
INSIGHT
At the end of this year, the music streaming service Spotify will send out to its subscribers "Your 2023 Wrapped." It's a fun way to relive your year in music. From how many minutes of music you streamed to your favorite genre, they highlight every stat imaginable. Considering my family of four shares one account, our look back list presents us as if we were the most eclectic music listener ever. We go from teen pop to 90's grunge music and then over to 70's classic rock and finish it off with either gangster rap, electronic, country, or indie folk.
Each of us have certain songs we play over and over again. The melody captures our emotions while the words articulate something happening deep within us. They stir our soul, make us think, and bring us to a certain place as soon as we put our earbuds in and listen.
This morning, we have the words of Mary. In this intensely personal passage, we get to witness how she processed the events that were happening around her. We catch a glimpse of the way in which she received the call God placed on her life. She put her emotions and her feelings into words and a song.
At the beginning, Mary speaks about how her soul glorifies God. Her heart senses the work God is doing within her. She expresses how honored she feels that God would notice her, let alone trust her with this task. Line by line we see her humble reception of God's work and God's will. Mary is more than willing to take a step of faith and trust.
What struck me the most from her song was how articulate Mary was in the midst of her world getting turned upside down. I, on the other hand, come across as a bumbling fool when someone asks me what God is up to in my world. Even though I know God works in my life, often I am so rushed that I fail to take the time to listen to God's still voice and let that change everything about me.
A few verses before her song, Mary responds to the startling news from an angel that she's pregnant by saying, "Let it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Uttering a prayer like this is dangerous, but necessary, especially if we hope to experience God's faithfulness first hand. God wants to use us in ways we cannot imagine or realize. But, we will miss these promptings and opportunities if we don't slow down and pay attention.
We must take the time necessary to put words to what the Gospel and our encounter with Christ mean to us. Being proactive in this way not only helps us understand His work in our lives, but enables us to share it more eloquently to those around us looking to experience the love of a Savior.
REFLECTION
Let it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:38). In what situations do you need to utter these words?
PRAYER
Lord, I will reflect and receive Your truth and let it do its work within me. May I allow Your will to be done in my life. Use me in any way You see fit. I will focus my eyes on You so I will be ready to respond with faith and courage. I desire to put into words what is going on inside my heart, but this can only take place if I slow down. Today, I will. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.