And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.  Luke 1:46-55 (KJV)
(Alternate reading for the Third Sunday in Advent, Year B)

The Magnificat! The Song of Mary! I remember singing this as a child and a teenager as part of the Vespers Service. There are many versions today, as hymns and as various translations of the scripture, but of course, the words I learned are the ones I remember best, and, even if some of the words seem antiquated and unfamiliar, they help to reinforce the majesty of the song.

The Magnificat is Mary's joyous prayer in response to her cousin Elizabeth's greeting. There is something serenely beautiful about this song, an acknowledgement of God's gift to Mary, and the acceptance of the Gift. The angel had invited her to rejoice and Mary now expresses the exultation of her spirit in God her Savior. Her joy flows from the personal experience of God's looking with kindness upon her, a poor and lowly person. The humility of her heart allows God to work through her to show God's love and mercy towards all people. .A young woman, barely an adult, is about to become responsible for the Son of God. Mary journeys to visit her cousin, Elisabeth, who will shortly give birth to the "announcer", the herald of the Savior to be born. Even the unborn baby John is excited by the anticipation as he "jumped in the womb" when Mary came up the road. In her own way, Mary was a prophet; one who utters divinely inspired revelations.

We, too, should jump for joy with the expectation of the Blessed Event. And yet, we are often so bogged down with the usual preparation - gifting, cooking, decorating, entertaining - that our joy is overshadowed with these non-essentials.

How are you preparing for the birth of Christ this year? As you set up the crèche in your home, think about each character in the drama - even the cattle and the sheep. How did each character greet the newborn babe and pay homage to the infant King? Think about the words to those familiar carols announcing and celebrating the holy day.

Can you take time out from your busy schedule to sit and contemplate what His coming meant to the world in those Bible times? ...and what His coming means today?

Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the words of your prophets, that, anointed by your Spirit, we may testify to your light; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and foreve

Contributed by Rosemary
Sunday December 14, 2008
Liturgical Year B Week 2
Sunday Gospel reading:
Third Sunday of Advent