The Early Years

MARY'S SONG

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, even as he said to our fathers"   (Lk. 1:46-55).

You can tell a lot about a person from the music they sing, listen to, and enjoy.  Just push the buttons on a person's car 
radio and you will get a glimpse inside their life.  On the other hand, listen to the words of a songwriter and you will peer 
through a window into their soul.

Songs are the poetry of the heart and soul.  With songs, writers share thoughts and emotions that prose and even poems 
cannot communicate.  That's why three thousands years later, the words of Psalm 23 still comfort more people during 
difficult times than any other words of the Bible.  There is just some magical about "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not 
be in want."  Is there any wonder that David—the author of Psalm 23 and many others—is described as a man after 
God's own heart (1 Sam. 13:14)?

Perhaps it is surprising, however, for many to find Mary authoring a song of praise to God.  Obviously inspired by the 
Spirit of God and her astonishing welcome by Elizabeth, she breaks out in spontaneous praise of God and what He is 
doing in her life.  

I suspect it never made it to the top of the charts of the music industry in Jerusalem, and few "oldies, but goodies" stations 
were drawn to it.  In fact, it never won a Grammy or brought in great royalties.  But it did make it into the Spiritual Music 
Hall of Fame—the Bible!

Read the song again very slowly.  Try to imagine Mary singing the song.  What insights into her soul do you find?

"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, 
even as he said to our fathers." 

What did you hear and feel?  Excitement!  Joy!  Humility!  Wonder!  Reverence!  Gratitude!  Amazement!  Knowledge of 
Scripture!  Love of country!  Wise for her years!  Sympathetic to the downtrodden!  Aware of God's promises!  Proud to be 
a part of God's plan!

Wow!  No wonder God chose Mary to be the mother of His Son and our Savior.  What song has God placed in your heart 
lately?

See you next week!