A Mother's Song

While we do not begin the season of Advent until December 1, like the rest of the world, we are rushing a bit by beginning our Advent series early: Songs of the Season. Songs permeate our society this time of year; carols, beloved Christmas hymns, and music which puts us in the holiday mood. Modern music and traditional classics enrich our time of celebration. But let’s go back to the originals. These are the poems of our faith which surround the birth story. While most of these poems have not been set to music, they still are the heartbeat songs of scripture and are the songs of those who first met Jesus, with the chorus of their response continuing to echo in our hearts through the ages. Mary, Zechariah, the shepherds, and Simon all offered song in response to God’s work around the birth of Jesus and in their poetic offerings we are renewed for this Advent season.

We begin with Mary’s Song (Luke 1:39-56). This song is Mary’s response to God’s call upon her life to be the mother of Jesus. She acknowledged God’s grace in her, a lowly servant, being chosen as the mother to God’s child. Mary also thanks God for answering the prayers of His people in sending the Messiah. It is a beautiful song of gratitude and humility. As you prepare for the Advent season, spend some time with Mary’s song, considering God’s invitation to ministry in your life. How is God inviting you to usher in the work of the Jesus this Advent?

May the sound of God’s invitation be yours this Advent season!

Rev. Sherri