The Incarnation and the Exultation: An Advent Devotional Introduction - Friday, Third Week of Advent – A Servant’s Song of Praise

This short essay is taken from the book, The Incarnation and the Exultation: An Advent Devotional. This devotional reflects on the scriptures of incarnation and exaltation in order to take you on a journey of thoughtful self-reflection. It is meant to draw you more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s coming into the world to help you walk your own inner path toward the season of Christmas. As you celebrate the coming of Christ into your lives during Advent and spend time reflecting on the readings in this devotional, may the light and love that entered our world lead you to the cross in wonder and thanksgiving. May you find joy and discover strength as you walk this wondrous journey to Bethlehem, always holding within your heart the image of the Hill of Calvary and the hope of the Age to come when Christ will return to call his people home!

Incarnation – And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” (Luke 1:46-49)

Exaltation – “For behold, days are coming, says the LORD, when I will restore the fortunes of my people, Israel and Judah, says the LORD, and I will bring them back to the land which I gave to their fathers, and they shall take possession of it.” (Jeremiah 30:3)

The Magnificat was a personal prayer and a prophetic word that burst forth from the lips of Mary. She who had submitted completely to the call of God could not contain the profound truth and incredible joy that had filled her heart. Like the words of the prophet Jeremiah, her sweet song sang of coming home, of restoration, salvation, and eternal glory. It was a deep and profound message for all who would experience the Savior. Mary’s words echoed the words of the Old Testament saints; and yet, they were her own. Through her servant’s heart, these words have become our words as well!

Mary “glorified” the Lord. Her life and spirit reflected the grace she had been given and her words lifted that glory up to heaven. All that had happened or would happen had come from the power of the One she called, “Holy!” God had shown regard for the low estate of Mary and indeed for all who had waited for the coming of the Messiah. Now the ancient promises would be fulfilled. Mercy would be born, scattering the proud and filling the lowly with good things. God had remembered his covenant and would carry it out in a way that no one could have ever imagined!

These words teach us that we too need a Savior as we long to come home. They show us that God keeps his promises and works out his plan in the perfection of his great love. We become a link on the long chain of salvation history, connecting to the eternal through the coming of the baby of Bethlehem. We become God’s servants and carry the Christmas message to all the world as we live out the power and presence of the Savior in our lives. What a tremendous blessing that is!

Prayer: Father, teach me through Mary’s Magnificat how to place all things past, present, and future, in your hands. May the song of my heart reflect the wonders you have done in my life and lead me to praise your name to all the world…Amen!

Virgin Mother, lowly handmaid,

Sings a servant’s song of praise.

Man’s true home and restoration,

Holy Peace and End of Days!