Sing in exaltation

I remember sitting in the living room when I was younger, messing around with my brother and sister when suddenly we would hear the most beautiful sound coming from the front door. As we all rushed trying to be the first one to get to the door, I was never successful with me being the youngest at the time.

As my mum would come and push us back, making sure she was first to open the door… “come and behold him, born the King of angels” – the sound of joyful voices would fill our home, with eyes that looked at us with love and smiles that were warm. I didn’t know why they were doing what they were doing, but just that it was beautiful.

I now look back and see those joyful voices were not just at my door to make me smile, but to share a message of Jesus, and in singing they were also honouring and exalting the Living God (Ephesians 5:19).

Before the birth of Jesus, his mother sang a spontaneous song of praise to the Lord. Mary, knowing that she had heard and received the call of God to conceive Christ, in the presence of her cousin Elizabeth (the mother of John the Baptist) shares her praises for the Lord.

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, 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.”

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.” (Luke 1:46-56)

What faith, what trust, what hope, what obedience, and what confidence Mary has in God. That while God is lifting Mary up from her humble beginnings to a person that will be called blessed by all generations she still gives the glory back to our God who has done great things.

It’s time for us to get our praise on like Mary, to unashamedly declare that our God is able. It’s time to sing out in confidence of who God has called us to be in the body of Christ.

Mary’s song is one of hope, that while there was still some waiting to do, God’s promises of a Saviour were clear. Even now as we wait on the Lord, we know that his word never fails (Luke 1:37) and his promises still remain clear to us today.

This and every advent, let us remember that we’ve already received the best gift obtained by grace through faith in Jesus. May we allow that to stir us up in spirit to sing praise to what God has done for us.

Lord, we thank you that you are mindful of us, that you know the plans that you have for us. Would we be reminded of the song of Mary through every season, that you God are forever faithful and always keep your promises. 

 

Written by Bolade. Bolade is a civil servant, currently working at the Department for Work and Pensions and also serving as a trustee of Hope Church Newham.