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
What can it mean for our God to smile upon the humble? Far too often we see ourselves as the humble, rather than recognizing all of the ways in which we sin by wreaking havoc upon others. Advent is a time of anticipation, yes, anticipation of God’s entry into our lives through the birth of Jesus the Christ. Yet Advent must also be a time of preparation, of recognizing the many ways in which we continue to hurt others, participate in oppression, and abuse Creation. The words of our song remind us in a special way that God smiles upon the humble. Now is a season for remembering what true humility can be, for accepting God’s power in our lives and living into the depth and width of God’s justice and love.
Prayer
Mothering God, draw us to your breast as any parent draws a toddler who tantrums. Help us to calm our fears and face our brokenness, nourished always by your loving forgiveness. Help us to breathe in your love and forgiveness and to breathe out our brokenness and hurt. Amen.