The hope of advent centers around a pregnancy and ultimately the birth of the Messiah who would not only fulfill the promise of Abraham, but also offer redemption for the entire world. Nothing signifies hope more than a pregnancy: hope of a future child, a hope of what is to come.
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:39-43
This is such a cool moment! In those wombs are two babies that were knitted together by God, like we read in Psalm 139:13-14. Two babies who will fulfill prophecy after prophecy, who will ultimately face untimely deaths and give their lives up to save others. How awesome is it that just hearing Mary’s voice sends John the Baptist leaping? What a fulfilling moment to have Elizabeth cry out in joy and bless Mary.
We know Mary breaks out in song at this point–and who wouldn’t, right? But I think first it is important to see that Mary is not the first woman to play a significant role in God’s plan by being a mother.
Throughout the Bible, we see the roles of women and their significance in God’s plan. From the beginning, God said he would send a seed who would rescue mankind. We know that seed was placed in Mary and ultimately Jesus was that Savior. But it starts with the promise to Eve in Genesis 1:28. While Mary’s role is to raise up Christ to serve God, we also see in the Old Testament that the life of Hannah is a foreshadowing of Mary.
Both Mary and Hannah have two miraculous conceptions as Hannah’s womb had been closed by the Lord and Mary was a virgin. We see that both Hannah and Mary were willing servants of God. Both would give birth to sons who would become prophets to the nation of Israel and both glorified God with songs of praise. In fact, the two songs are so similar, some believe that Mary knew the scriptures of Hannah and used those words spontaneously.
Mary’s song is known as the Magnificat. The name comes from the first word of the Latin translation, which begins, “Magnificat anima mea Dominum” (“My soul magnifies the Lord”).
Hannah’s Prayer
And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation.
“There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.
Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength.
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger.
The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn.
The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts.
He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world.
“He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail.
The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them he will thunder in heaven.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.”
Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
Luke 1:46-55
Hannah is a type, or foreshadowing, of Mary who knew Samuel did not belong to her, but to God. Mary rejoices in the privilege of giving birth to the promised Messiah. She glorifies God for His power, holiness and mercy. She looks forward to God transforming the world and she exalts God for faithful promise to Abraham. Both women magnify the love of God and their love for God.
Family Activity
Today as a family, spend time singing to the Lord in praise. Song choices do not matter at all-just enjoy time together worshipping the Lord!
