“Everybody was singing. Too much music,” complained one high school student. About the movie Wicked. Someone probably explained to him that the movie is a musical. Melanie and I were surprised by a musical years ago. I turned to her and sang, “This is a musical.” She sang back, “Let’s get out of here.”
Luke’s story of the incarnation is a musical. Mary spoke or sang the “Magnificat,” beautiful poetic words in response to Elizabeth. What was the theme of her song? God. God was her Lord, her Savior, and the Mighty one who showed her mercy. Notice the counterintuitive way God worked. Humbled by the reality that God had chosen her, she saw Jesus’ birth as confirmation of the great reversal. God exalts the humble and humbles the exalted. He fills the hungry and empties the ones who are full of themselves. Best of all God helps his people and keeps his promises. Jesus’ arrival confirms all of these things.
I have been listening to the ancient O Antiphons, set to different music by composers. These prayers captured different dimensions of the promised Messiah. In ancient worship, the early Christians chanted the O antiphons before and after they read Mary’s words. I am inclined to do the same. Worship the Lord with these poetic words today. Read Mary’s song aloud. Let your heart join her in wonder and praise.
