Reading Plan:
Luke 1:39-56


Our Thoughts:
I love this painting of Mary comforting Eve by Sister Grace Remington of the Sisters of the Mississippi Abbey.
It comforts me because while I’d love to be more like Mary—trusting, obedient, surrendering; I’m so often more like Eve—doubting, disobedient, self-preserving.
I’ve often wondered what Mary might have whispered to Eve, given the opportunity. I’d like to think Mary might have reassured Eve with some version of this song, "Good & Loved" by Travis Greene:

“What was and is,
is covered by the One who was and is;
you’re covered by Love…
(God) is good. You are loved.”

Today’s reading is about another song, Mary’s song. I believe it’s our song too—every single Eve (and Adam) just like me.
Luke tells us that Mary, not wasting one moment after hearing the news from Gabriel, got up and went to Elizabeth’s house. The Message translation reads that "upon arriving there, Mary was “bursting with God-news” and broke out into song!"
Her song is one of deep faith and sincere gratitude for who God is, for what He has done, and for what He will do. And her song is set to the melody of God’s mercy, love, and grace.
A daughter of Eve herself, Mary understood that in His mercy, God remembered her, and out of His covenant love, He remembered Israel. In her song, she worshipped God who would, out of His generous grace, fulfill His promise to all generations. This grace, not based on human goodness or merit but based on His goodness and character; “freely given us in the One He loves” (Ephesians 1:6).
Mary sang:

“My soul glorifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for He has been mindful
of the humble estate of His servant
…the Mighty One has done great things for me—
Holy is His name.
His mercy extends
…from generation to generation.”

Mary understood that this gift in her womb —unearned, undeserved—had been freely given to her. She also understood that the purpose of this gift was that the world and even future generations might experience God’s mercy, love, and grace through Jesus.

Paul describes this in Ephesians 2: “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved!”
This morning when you look into the mirror, if you see Eve—head down, ashamed, ensnared by some serpent lie, clinging tightly to the fruit of your own efforts to be good or good enough, be reminded of God's gift of hope. If you’ve forgotten how loved and completely forgiven you are, be reminded of God's gift of rest for your weary soul. As barren-womb, virgin-birth impossible as God's grace may seem to you, be reminded that ...
Because of God’s loving mercy to us through Christ Jesus, you do not have to be afraid (ashamed, hopeless, lost). Like Mary, you have found grace with God. His name is Jesus and because of Jesus, whatever it is you cling to or carry, it’s covered. God is good. You are loved. In the words of Gabriel to Mary, “nothing is impossible with God.”
So, Beloved of God, “when you forget, just lift your head. His banner over you is LOVE…” (Good & Loved, Travis Greene)
Mary’s God is Eve’s God—and He is our God. And because He is mighty, loving, merciful, and gracious, in Christ, Mary’s song is our song, too.


More Questions:
• What has God done that makes you want to sing? What has he done in your life that compels you to worship?


Prayer:
Take a few moments and quietly reflect on the mercy and love and grace of God over your life. When you are ready, turn to Luke 1:39-56 and read Mary’s song as your prayer of faith and gratitude to the Lord this morning. Mary’s song is your song, too.

Author: Lauren Strickland