What Mary Knew

A Reflection for Monday, December 22 by Sarah Roquemore Day

Lectionary reading for 12/22/2025: Luke 1:46b-55; Isaiah 33:17-22; Revelation 22:6-7, 18-20; Selected passage for reflection: Luke 1:46b-55

Read

Luke 1:46b-55

Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat

46 And Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord,

47   and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48  for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

49  for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

51  He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

52   he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;

53   he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

54   He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,

55   as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Reflect

If, like me, you grew up evangelical in the 90’s, you’re probably familiar with the CCM holiday hit “Mary Did You Know?” Even if you weren’t raised in the church, I’m sure you’ve heard one of the many covers of the popular holiday ballad. Melodically, the tune has become iconic: after Michael English laid the original track in 1991, the song has been covered by everyone from Mary J. Blige to Dolly Parton, to Pentatonix. 

Theologically, however, the song loses the plot. It dwells on the future, wondering exactly how much Mary could predict about her son’s life, death, and resurrection. But whether Mary knew Jesus would walk on water or heal the blind is irrelevant. Mary didn’t need to know the future. She experienced God’s presence in the moment and was empowered because of it.

Mary’s song is declarative and powerful. Like Hagar and Hannah before her, she has met with a  God who sees her. She is not, as “Mary Did You Know?” seems to imply a naive young mother, ignorant of the holy power growing in her womb.  Though her gender and age would have given her little earthly power or agency, the Creator of the Universe “looked upon her” and chose her to carry the gift of restoration, healing, and hope for the whole world. Empowered by this blessing, Mary’s voice rises with the authority of a prophet, boldly declaring the arrival of a God whose way would upend the unjust systems of the earth.

Years before Jesus feeds the five thousand, sends the rich young ruler away without answers, or rebukes the pride of the Pharisees, Mary celebrates God’s mercy, care for the poor and hungry, and rejection of the rich and prideful. Mary may not have known every detail of her son’s life and ministry, but she knew his nature and proclaimed his power to transform the world.

Respond 

Take a moment to meditate on verse 48: “He has looked on the humble estate of his servant.”

Mary’s confident declaration is rooted in the encounter she has had with God. How does knowing that God saw and blessed Mary in her “humble estate” transform your perception of who God is and how they see you?

More questions to consider: 

• When have you experienced being “looked on” by God? 

• Are there any areas of your life in which you feel small or unseen? 

• What humble spaces in your life can you invite God to see you in?

• What would it look like for you to rejoice and have confidence in God’s presence today?

Rest

God of Mary, Hannah, Hagar, and every woman who longs to be seen and known. 

You are El Roi, the God who sees. You see us when we feel small and insignificant, when our labor goes unnoticed, when we feel unseen & undervalued, powerless in the face of oppressive systems. 

Where the world fights for power, you offer mercy. Where the world exalts cruelty, you give grace.

 May our hearts be humble and open to your leading today. 

May our spirits rejoice in your compassion. 

May our souls magnify your holy presence. 

Free us from the pull towards pride and worldly power, and work within us to bring your upside down Kingdom to life on earth as it is in heaven. 

Amen

About the Author 

Sarah Roquemore Day is a middle school drama teacher who sometimes writes, too. Growing up, she drove Sunday school teachers and youth pastors crazy with her constant questions and need for further information. Today, she continues to be curious about the complex nuances of scripture and theology, reading the Bible critically while staying open to the mystery and wonder of the Holy Spirit. Sarah lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband Bob. She has recently entered her auntie era and loves doting on her precious nieces, Kellyn and Kai-Ling.