Christmas Folk Praising

Mary’s Joy Song – her Magnificant – Luke 1:46-55

46-47 And Mary said:

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.
50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.”

Mary’s Magnificant (Joy Song) unpacked:  

     “I” Glorify God and Rejoice in God!

            “I” Exalt God and Celebrate God!

Such should be our heart, our voice and our posture:

Adoration, Celebration, Amazement, Excitement, Praises, Exaltations and heartfelt Worship!

We love our God!  We are enthralled with our God!  We are passionate about our God!

AND WHY?

Why should I give God such great honor and high praise?

1. He is personal – saw me, called me, used me and has done great things in me!
2. He is holy – pure, perfected, sinless, awesome!
3. He keeps His word – Gen 3:15, Gen 12:1-3, II Sam 22:50-51, Micah 7:18-20
4. He is merciful – to many and for generations
5. He is engaged in my world – He deals with evil and bad and helps the lowly
6. He sees the poor and gives them blessings – maybe not with cars and mansions, but…
7. He is committed to my people (children, kin and friends) and despite their rebellion, He helps them.

God is worthy of great praise!!  Do so daily!

And the praises of Zacharias – the father of John:

Zacharias’ Benedictus – Luke 1:68-75

1. Praises for redemption and mercy – 68, 72
2. Praises for the power (horn) to bring salvation – 69
3. Praises that God keeps His word – 70, 72-73
4. Praises for rescue from enemies – 71, 74
5. Praises for the privilege to serve God without fear, in holiness and in righteousness – 74-75

Zacharias’ Prophecy over his son, John – Luke 1:76-79

1. To serve God as a Prophet – the last of the O.T. prophets – God’s Word is critical!
2. To prepare and point to the Messiah – Isaiah 40:3.
3. The Messiah is He Who will forgive sins and in mercy bring a new day with light, hope and peace – the Messiah is necessary for life, help and hope!