Please read Luke 1:46-55
Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer has described Mary’s song as “…the most passionate, the wildest, one might even say the most revolutionary Advent hymn ever sung.” While the Magnificat is a song of promise for the world’s poor, brokenhearted, and oppressed, it is not exactly good news for the strong and powerful.
Mary’s song describes a reversal in the status quo: the proud are scattered and the humble honored. The hungry are fed and the rich sent away. The powerful are brought down, and the lowly are lifted up. Mary describes a reordered and renewed world characterized by love and justice. How can such a thing be accomplished? Only through the Christ she carries in her womb.
Mary’s song about lifting up the lowly sets the tone for Luke’s account of the life, teaching, and ministry of Jesus. In Luke’s birth narrative, the Christ child’s life begins with the animals in a food trough because his parents are unable to find better shelter. In his first public sermon, Jesus announces that he brings good news to the poor. Throughout his life, Jesus lifts up the lowly. And Jesus calls those who want to be his disciples into this ministry of reversing roles, of lifting up the lowly and bringing down the powerful.
Speaking truth to power is difficult, even dangerous. Mary’s song goes against the Christian Nationalism that is espoused by many in power today. There are likely some powerful people who would not want us to read it. Did you know that Mary’s song has been banned as subversive by some governments in modern history? It is seen as subversive in its cultural, socioeconomic and political implications. Who would rebel against Mary’s song today?
Mary’s song tells us the promise of the lasting reign of Christ changes everything. There is no unjust system, oppressive hierarchy, or arrogant leadership structure that God will not upend. No promise God will fail to keep. There is no broken, exploited life God will not save.
This Advent and Christmas, think about your part in Mary’s song. How is God magnified through your unique perspective and vision? What words have you found to express the hope of Christ you carry? Share it with the world one person at a time. Share it in actions and words.
Rev. Jeff Taylor
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