There is no more fitting hymn for the Advent season than the Magnificat, the song which flowed from the heart of Mary after Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, announces how blessed Mary is to be favored with carrying the Christ child. It is fitting because the Advent season is a season of honest reflection and a season of hopeful anticipation.

 He has looked with favor on the humble state of his servant. What was the humble state of Mary? It would be too simplistic to think here that she was referring to living a life of poverty and want. When she, and when we, rightly survey our own hearts, we see we are wanting spiritually. We have nothing we can bring before the Lord to garner His favor. We only have sin.

His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. What does it mean for Mary to fear God? Oh, how our hearts long to believe that she is merely referring to a reverent fear for the Almighty. But her fear, and our fear, cuts more deeply. We stand inadequate before the Holy God. We tremble because He has every right to cast us from His presence forever. This is the conclusion we must arrive at when we undertake an honest reflection.

He has looked with favor on the humble state of his servant. What hope can the lowly Mary look forward to? The God who rescued His people from Egypt, though they grumbled and complained, has looked upon her with favor. The God who led His people into the Promised Land, though they needed 40 years of repentance, has looked upon her with favor. The God who rescued the remnant of His faithful from Assyria and Babylon, though they often ignored His prophets, has looked upon her with favor.

And this same God, the God who fulfills all His promises, looks upon us with favor. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. What hope can the humble virgin find in these words? The God who showed mercy to Abraham when he lied and called his wife his sister will show Mary mercy. The God who acquitted David of his sins of murder and adultery will show Mary mercy. The God who showed mercy to Elijah when he fled to the wilderness in fear will show Mary mercy. And this same God, who will not snuff out a smoldering wick, looks upon us with favor. This is the reason for our hopeful anticipation of our Immanuel in this holy season.

Blessings as you reflect,

Frank Van Brocklin Principal and Staff Minister

 Upcoming in the Immanuel Lutheran School week:

v  December 17 Children’s Christmas Service - 6:30 PM

v   December 21 Basketball Practice

v  December 23 - January 2 Christmas Break - No School