My soul proclaims your greatness, Lord;
I sing my Savior's praise!
You looked upon my lowliness,
and I am full of grace.
Now ev'ry land and ev'ry age
this blessing shall proclaim—
great wonders you have done for me,
and holy is your name. (vs. 1)
Evangelical Lutheran Worship #251
“My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness” isn’t a hymn that I would, at first hearing, think of as one prepares for the coming of a tiny vulnerable baby. A baby born exposed to the elements on a cold winter nigh. A lullaby tune seems more fitting. But this tune is not a lullaby. This hymn, whose composition is that of an English folk tune, booms of the lower keys and quite resembles a march. It is bold and forthright. Even more compelling is that this tune is attached to a text that is based on the Magnificent (Luke 1:46-55/ see also “Holden Evening Prayer) which is Mary’s song of response to the news that Gabriel has just delivered to her about her bearing the Son of God- the one to be called Jesus! It is not necessarily a “sweet” tune.
Maybe this is the best way of remembering, preparing and keeping a look out for this one who is to come—for in our lifestyle of today there is a lot of competition, lots of other voices, lots of distractions, lots of activities that get our head whirling and we often have to make hard choices of which “things” to participate in. Our daily “multi-tasking” seems to double and we continue to be inundated with “buying power”, and we listen (if we choose) to commentaries on everything from politics to reels on food preparation. We have multitudes of “things” that via for our attention. Maybe a good old English folk tune is just what we need to tune into the incredible message of the season- Jesus is coming- and our call or business is to proclaim this good news!
In fact, we continue the story, because Jesus has come, breaking through all the distractions of our daily life. Jesus has come and our souls can proclaim his greatness- he is greater than anything. JESUS is with us- daily in our faith walk. JESUS comes to us through the water and word once and for all. JESUS comes to us in the wine and the bread- sustaining us through all that comes our way! JESUS comes to us in promise- the Words spoken; sung, prayed, accompanying us in community guided by the Holy Spirit, in forgiveness, salvation and eternal life. “My soul proclaims your greatness, Lord.” Indeed let it be so!
May God bless and guide us as we move forward with boldness and forthrightness; focusing on the Gospel, come to us in the manger- being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit- recognizing the gift that we have been graced with! Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. Blessings to you, Trinity Lutheran Church and friends!. Celebrate and listen this Advent- for he is coming! Celebrate and receive this Christmas- He is coming!
Pastor Carol
