The Song Of Mary Series

And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” - Luke 1:28

Weddings are beautiful and exciting events with an abundance of anticipation. There is so much to do. The “who, what, where, how and why” questions all need to be answered. The bride’s dress needs to be just perfect for her. The bridesmaids’ dresses are to be considered and ordered. Flowers need to be ordered. The guest list must be made and invitations sent. Registration for gifts at different stores should be processed. Oh, and don’t forget the groom and his company must be given their lists! A flurry of excitement abounds!

Young Mary of Nazareth (Luke 1:26-27) was pledged to be married to Joseph. It was a commitment of love, faith, and loyalty to her future husband. Everything had to be “just perfect” when the time came for the wedding. Her desire was for nothing less.

On one fateful night her world turned upside down. Everything changed! According to the scriptures (Luke 1:26-38) an angel appeared to Mary with an announcement from God. She had been selected as the entrusted woman to give birth to the Messiah of Israel…and the whole world. Flashing through Mary’s mind was this incredible and sobering news. Luke states that Mary was greatly troubled at his words and unsure of what he meant. Being a faithful and spiritual Jewish woman, she wasn’t sure how this would happen. Catch her confusion as Luke recorded the conversation, “How will this be since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34).

Gabriel gave her the specifics, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the most high will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God…for no word from God will ever fail” (Luke 1:35-36 NIV).

Her response should be the response of every faithful follower of God. “I am the Lord’s servant…May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38 NIV)

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After the Holy Spirit impregnated Mary, she realized that this would not be understood by her parents or Joseph. As time passed Mary asked to go visit her relative and friend, Elizabeth who lived in a town in the hill country of Judea far enough away from Nazareth where there would be no questions. Mary desperately needed someone to confide in, get wise counseling and someone to share her secret with whom she could trust.

As Mary knocked on the door and was let in by Elizabeth, the baby inside of Elizabeth kicked and made her feel good about all that was happening. According to scripture it wasn’t just a good feeling, but a confirmation as she was filled with the Holy Spirit. She exclaimed in a loud voice of excitement, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear...Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”(Luke 1:40-45 NIV).

The word, “blessed,” describes happiness to those whom God favors or smiles upon. At that moment Elizabeth encouraged Mary’s faith, and after this spontaneous blessing Mary began a song of praise and servanthood. Theologians call this song the “Magnificent” and it is dedicated to the adoration of Mary’s closest friend and ally, Jehovah God, himself.

Today we want to look closely at Mary’s song and what it meant to her and to us. She gave her life, and surrendered to our God. Luke 1:39 to 59 as God’s servant, she sings songs and praises God with happiness, glorifying, and with one faith.

Mary’s song is one of happiness (Luke 1:39-45):

She greeted Elizabeth. - Luke 1:40. Mary greeted Elizabeth with happiness. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greetings of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Actor-comedian Dom DeLuise, whose friendly nature made him a popular actor for decades with movie and television audiences as well as directors and fellow actors, tells that there was a dark time in his life when little made him smile. He stated that everything was wrong and it seemed that life was hopeless and that he was feeling useless. As Christmas was approaching, his son asked what his dad wanted as a Christmas present. The actor reluctantly replied, “Happiness…and you can’t give it to me.” On Christmas day came and as the family opened their gifts, the boy handed his dad a piece of cardboard with one word written on it…HAPPINESS. The son said, “See pop, I can give you happiness!’ DeLuise laughed and he said at that moment his depression lifted.

What brings you happiness in life? “The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for. - Joseph Addison