On this Third Sunday of Advent — Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday of Joy (marked by the pink candle) — Pastor Ron explores the Magnificat, Mary's powerful song of praise in Luke 1:46-55.
In the face of impossible circumstances — a teenage girl from Nazareth, pregnant by the Holy Spirit, facing shame and danger — Mary breaks into joyful song. Why? Because she hears the angel's words: "Fear not", and she responds with total surrender: "Let it be to me according to your word."
Pastor Ron asks: What makes you sing? From childhood tunes like "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" to moments of unexpected joy, we all burst into song when our hearts overflow. But Mary's song is deeper — a declaration that God lifts the humble, fills the hungry, and does the impossible for those who trust Him fully.
Key takeaways:
- Mary was all in — fully participating in God's plan, no matter how improbable.
- She believed nothing is impossible with God, trusting Him completely.
- Her faith didn't just change her life; it impacted generations, fulfilling God's promises to Abraham and bringing the Savior into the world.
In this season of Advent, we're challenged: Are you all in? Do you believe God can do the impossible in your life — healing brokenness, restoring relationships, and bringing joy amid uncertainty?
As Mary sang, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!" May we echo her joy, fearing not, and trusting the God who changes everything through Jesus.