Filled with Hope and Gratitude (ACS 907, Verse 1)
1 Filled with hope and gratitude and filled with very God,
I sing with soul and spirit exultation,
for God has smiled upon the humble
servant who will give
her own sweet milk to Christ, the world’s salvation.
Text: Paul Damico-Carper, b. 1981, based on Luke 1:46–55
Text © 2013 Augsburg Fortress
Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A730924
Devotion
Once again we turn to Mary’s song, remembering in these beautiful words the mothering nature of our God. Anyone who has ever nursed an infant knows the rush of joy that comes when one relaxes into the act of breastfeeding. Even in the confusion, uncertainty, and anxiety of being a new parent, there can be hope and gratitude and exultation as milk begins to flow and a babe on the breast quiets into feeding.
Prayer
Mothering God, help us to relax into your forgiveness, to breathe in your grace and to breathe out our sinfulness. As we await yet again the birth of your son, help us to recognize our brokenness and also lean into the comfort of your promises of eternal life. Amen.