Praise be to God (Mary's Song in Luke 1:46-55)

A Reflection for the third Sunday of Advent by Pastor Katherine Mayer 

Lectionary reading for 12/14/25: Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:5-10; Luke 1:46b-55;James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11; Selected passage for reflection: Luke 1:46b-55 (NRSVUE)

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Luke 1:46b-55 (NRSVUE)

Mary’s Song

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 of 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 by Lauren Wright Pittman, 2016

Reflect 

Mary’s song occurs after Mary is not only told that she will become pregnant with Jesus, but also after she has visited Elizabeth. Mary is taking time to praise God for what God has done not only for her but for His people. This sweet girl has just been told that she will give birth to the Messiah, and instead of becoming filled with pride or ego, she is humbled.  She takes time to praise God.  In a moment when Elizabeth is spotlighting her and the favor she has found, Mary takes the spotlight to put it back on God.  Once again, Mary is reminding Elizabeth and those to come of all that God has done.  She is showing that this is just another beautiful moment where God has given his people what they need.  

During this season, some of us might not feel hope, love, or joy, but instead are filled with anxiety, stress, and worry.  For others of us, this season might be a mixture of both.  Regardless of where you find yourself this Advent season, may we reflect on what God has done.  May we take time like Mary to look at how God has fought for us.  May we take time to look at how God has provided for us not just as individuals but as a community, as a country.  May we take time to remember that God has fought for us and continues to fight for us.  That justice will be found in the name of the Lord.  This is good news.  

In moments when we feel as though God has forgotten us or those around us, may we remember that could not be further from the truth.  May we take the time to pause and spotlight what God has done.  In a time when ego and pride surround us, may we be sure to focus on bringing praise to God.  How has God shown up for you?  Where can we give God praise today? 

Today, I give God praise for the fact that I am not alone.  I give God praise for how he not only loves me but loves everyone.  I give God praise for how he sees those in need.  Today I praise God for how he will continue to make his presence known.  May we find ways to give God praise as Mary did.  May we hold onto the ways Mary gives God praise and see that her words ring true today.  Go forward in Advent knowing that you have a God who loves you deeply and that alone is worth giving God praise. 

Respond 

Pause and take a deep breath. Take a moment to reflect on how God has shown up for you this Advent season.  What can you give God praise for? Now take what comes to the surface and write either a song, poem, letter, or simply the words.  Keep them close, and in moments of stress, reflect on how you can praise God this Advent season.

Rest 

May we rest in the knowledge that we are loved. May we take a moment to breathe in the breath of life.  This Advent season, may we cling to the fact that we know God is good.  May we hold firm to the reminder that God is fighting for us.  May we give God praise even when it is hard.

About the Author 

Katherine Mayer is a pastor, wife, mom, and Spiritual Director. Last fall, she stepped down from her position at her church, serving as an Associate Pastor, to focus on raising her kids and her own health.  Being called out of her position was not something she expected, but it has been an unexpected gift from the Lord.