December 6
Hope Fulfilled
Luke 1:46–55
“46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
Mary’s song rings with confidence in a faithful God. The One who has “helped his servant Israel” will surely help this young teenager too. It’s as if she opens her mouth but sings from her heart. This kind of faith is a mystery in that the only assurance Mary had was the voice of the angel and the work of God in previous generations. But it is more than enough for her. In fact, faith and hope often accompany one another. Hope sings when faith believes.