Word to the Wise
Monday, December 22, 2025 - December 22
[1 Sam 1:24-28 and Luke 1:46-56]"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed....He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever." [Luke]
The Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) is a song of thanksgiving and praise to God for showing "favor" to her, but it is also a recital of God's care for the poor and lowly and thanksgiving for keeping the covenant made from the beginning with Abraham. Mary sings this song when she is greeted by Elizabeth who acknowledges the identity of the baby in Mary's womb. I think Elizabeth should be included with John the Baptist, who makes an appearance in some nativity scenes!
The point of this is to recognize the broader significance of the birth of Jesus Christ. In celebrating birthdays in the USA, at least, there is usually a cake with candles matching the number of years of age of the honoree. The candles remind us of the bigger picture - the entire life story - of the honoree. Those present on the occasion of the celebration can reflect on the impact of the life of the honoree on themselves and on others. (I have been at parishes that actually sing the traditional "Happy Birthday to youuuu!" on Christmas Day!) Mary celebrates the impact of her role in becoming the mother of Christ but her song places her within the much bigger picture of God's care and plan of salvation. Where do we fit in, especially if we join those figures in our nativity scene? AMEN
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