The Matron of Christmas : Mary Mother of Jesus

“My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour” (Luke 1: 46) Mary’s Song is known as the Magnificat after the Latin “Magnificat anima mea Dominum”

A faith that takes risks for God (1:26 – 38) Risk of shame Risk of ridicule Risk her life 1.1) Is ours a “risky” faith or a comfortable faith? Do we fit ourselves into God’s plan or do we expect God to fit Himself into our life’s plans? What role are we playing for God’s Kingdom?

A wisdom that is anchored in the word of God (1:46-53) Mary is so acquainted with Scripture that her song literally borrows Hannah’s Song (1 Sam 2:1-5) as her own.

Hannah’s Song Mary’s Song (1 Sam 2:1-5) Mary’s Song (Luke 1:46-53) V1 My heart exalts in the Lord…I rejoice in your salvation V46 My soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour V2 There is none holy like the Lord V49 Holy is His name

Hannah’s Song Mary’s Song (1 Sam 2:1-5) Mary’s Song (Luke 1:46-53) V4 The bows of the mighty are broken but the feeble gird on strength V52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree V5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. V53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has send away empty.

2.1 Do we have a dichotomized wisdom – one for church, another for our everyday life? 2.2 How often are our speech and thoughts coloured by the words of Scripture?

Roman Catholic Church’s Hail Mary (Ave Maria) prayer: Hail Mary, full of grace. Our Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

The Issue of The Veneration of Mary 3 key doctrines Immaculate Conception Perpetual Virginity Bodily Assumption to Heaven 2) No scriptural teaching on above. None of the church or pastoral epistles indicate any practice of the veneration of Mary. Apostle Paul’s single reference to her was that Jesus “was born of a woman”.

The Issue of The Veneration of Mary Luke 1:46 declares Mary requires a savior and refutes the teaching of the immaculate conception that she is not conceived in sin. Luke 8:19-21 infers that Mary had other sons and refutes the teaching of her perpetual virginity.

The Issue of The Veneration of Mary No scriptural record of evidence of her apparent bodily assumption to heaven. How does one differentiate the practice of veneration of Mary and worshipping her, which is idolatry. New Testament warns us against exalting Mary and others that will take attention away from Christ. Luke 8:19-21, Luke 11:27-28, John 3:30

3) A joy that is indebted on the words and character of God and not on self gain. 3.1) Holy: vs 49. Expressed by God exalting the lowly and abasing the haughty. Humility: vs 50-52. Exemplified in the advent and nativity. Hope: vs 53. Extolled in the promises to God fulfilled in the birth of Messiah.

BLESSED One Man With the Divine In a Garden