Mary sings a beautiful song of praise in Luke chapter one upon seeing her cousin, Elizabeth, and in response to her visit from the angel Gabriel and her conception of Jesus. I think it is quite clear that Mary understood the magnitude of her pregnancy. I’m always amazed by her words in Luke 1:46-55. Her song is literally saturated with Old Testament allusions and language; Mary knew the Scriptures well. She sings of God as the covenant maker and the promise keeper. It is clear to her that just as God promised to bless all nations through Abraham’s line, hers is the womb from which that blessing will come. She sings because she knows that God has done this great thing both through her and for her – she knows the child in her womb will be both our Savior, and hers. We can indeed call her blessed. Our God does not forget his people, and his steadfast love was made incarnate in Mary’s womb.
Scriptures to consider:
Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. Galatians 3:7-9
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:30b-33
Hymn to enjoy:
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
Mary, in Luke 1:46-55
The Type B Mom 