The angel Gabriel shows up and tells Mary that she, an unwed teenager, will become pregnant and give birth – in a barn – to the Messiah. If there was ever a time for someone to say, “Um, I didn’t ask for this…I don’t want it,” this was it.
But Mary hears the news and instead of getting mad or scared – or just flat-out saying “No!’ – Mary gives thanks!
Mary’s beautiful thank-you song is called the Magnificat (Latin for “magnify”). It’s an inspirational song of thanksgiving. But it’s more than that. The Magnificat is also a fiery song about hope and destiny, about justice and righteousness.
This is not just a little thank-you note to God. This is a warrior’s song. This is about transforming fear into power. And it’s a formula we can follow.
This message is excerpted from “This was not on my list.” by Susan Sparks in the November/December 2021 Gather magazine. Today is the Annunciation of Our Lord.
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