What is Your Song?
“Everyone’s soul magnifies something. That is part of being human. We magnify things and give them a large place in our life…. What you magnify becomes your song.”
– Tony Walliser
Read Luke 1:46-55
What Is Your Song?
In the Bible we find a wide assortment of songs. The book of Psalms consists of many of them, dealing with different themes – some of praise and celebration, others of lament and despair, and still others of repentance and regret. Psalm 81:1 says, for instance, “Sing for joy to God our strength; shout joyfully to the God of Jacob.” Throughout the Old Testament we find songs the Israelites used for worship, reverence, and thanksgiving.
During the Christmas season we sometimes think of what is called “the Magnificat,” Mary’s song of wonder and worship recorded in Luke 1:46-55. After receiving the announcement by the angel Gabriel that she is to become the earthly mother of Jesus, the Son of God, this startling news is confirmed by her cousin Elizabeth. In response, Mary expresses a song that is a glorious form of praise, protest, and promise.
It starts with, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior….” Then she proceeds to recount some of God’s divine acts and attributes. Is it any wonder that the words of this simple yet devout young woman remain so beloved today?
What kind of singer are you? God has gifted some with beautiful singing voices, while others among us regard it a challenge even to sing in the shower. But no matter: like Mary, we can have a song in our hearts that reflects our love and devotion to the Lord who has done so much for us, not least of which was to save us by dying on the cross for our sins.
Most significant about Mary’s song was not the specific words she expressed, or the melody she chose as she sang. It was the attitude of her heart.
Can you imagine what was going through her mind as the angel appeared and announced the Lord had chosen her, among all the women in the world at that time, to give birth to the Son of God? It might have seemed confusing, fearful, and overwhelming, but she humbly accepted her awesome calling, saying, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word” (Luke 1:35,38).
Some men reading this know God has called them to special areas of ministry. But the truth is, He has given each one of us a unique calling, one that cannot be filled by anyone else – to be godly husbands, fathers, grandfathers, and “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20) where we work, in our neighborhoods and communities, and anywhere else we spend some of our time.
There’s no better time than this Christmas season for us to prayerfully consider and ask ourselves, “What is my song?” What has the Lord done in your life which moves you to praise – whether aloud or silently in your heart – humbly recognizing His promises, some of which are already accomplished and some yet to be fulfilled?