We celebrate Christmas with exuberant song and praise, which is not unlike the events around Jesus’ actual birth. They, too, were punctuated by song which we have recorded for us in the gospels.
These songs are beautiful in their grandeur and magnitude of what they proclaim. They are worth taking in during this season. Here are the songs given to us:
Elizabeth’s song, as she broke out in joyful exclamation on seeing Mary with child.
And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:41-45
Elizabeth confirmed that the child of Mary is from God. And she addresses Him as her Lord.
Mary then responds with what we’ve named the Magnificat
My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
And His mercy is for those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
He has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” Luke 1:47-55
Mary affirms that God is fulfilling His promise and He is bringing shalom and justice to the humble who fear Him.
Song of Zachariah
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for He has visited and His peopleand has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of His servant David,as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old,
that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us;to show the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember His holy covenant,the oath that He swore to our father Abraham, to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to His people
in the forgiveness of their sins,because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on highto give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:68-79
Zachariah also attests that God is fulfilling His promise through Mary’s child (for whom his own son prepares the way) and bringing salvation to His people.
Angels singing to the Shepherds
And suddenly there was with the angel a heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” Luke 2:14
The angels bring good news to the shepherds – the unprivileged outsiders - peace, shalom, here on earth.
Simeon’s Praise
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32
Simeon declares with the confidence of a faithful watchman who is a first-hand witness - Salvation has come as God promised - for all peoples.
Each of these “Christmas” songs bring a ringing truth that we can sing out as an advent devotion or even celebrate year-round. God is a promise keeper. He brings justice and peace to all peoples, including the low and powerless. His salvation has come and it is for all who call on Him. Hallelujah! Glory to God in the Highest!
