Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 (NRSV)
Read Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 on biblegateway.com
Devotion
The soundtrack to the hit Broadway show, "Hamilton: An American Musical" has been playing virtually non-stop in my house in recent weeks. Thus, this season's re-reading of Mary's Magnificat immediately brings to mind the song, "The World Turned Upside Down." In "Hamilton," the song describes the defeat of the British army at Yorktown, securing the victory of the United States in the Revolutionary War and changing the course of history.
Mary's song also imagines the world as we know it upended. Yet this reversal is not one wrought by military power or political maneuverings; this is the work of God Almighty, who comes to earth as a baby, experiences the joys and sorrows of human life, shows the world power garbed in weakness and defeats death, the greatest enemy of all. Through Mary and her baby, the powers that thrive on suffering and injustice will finally be unseated. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
God of all nations, as we await the coming of Jesus, help us see the fragility in the powers of the world that oppress and harm. Give us courage to proclaim the mercy and justice of your kingdom. Amen.