By Bungaran Gultom

Many people enjoy singing in the shower, feeling that their voice is at its best. But for me, there is another place where I feel my voice is most meaningful. It is when I sing to someone who is dying in a hospital. As family members of the patient deal with the paperwork, I stay by the bedside and softly sing some hymns. The music moves me to tears when the patient whispers, “Thank you…” and a peaceful expression fills his or her face. For someone who is in pain, singing praises to God is more than just a melody, it is a warm and comforting moment.

Christianity has a long history of singing. In the Old Testament, the Israelites sang and played instruments to worship God. One of them was David, the king and poet who was skilled at the harp. In the New Testament, God used singing to celebrate the birth of Christ. Mary, the humble woman chosen by God to be Jesus’ mother, sang a song of praise to God in Luke 1:46-55. Her song was inspired by the Holy Spirit who filled her heart. This beautiful song shows us who God is and what He has done.

With Hearts Full of Love

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior . . .”

Verse 46 shows Mary’s joy as she praised God for the amazing news that Gabriel told her. He said that she would give birth to the Savior, who was prophesied in the Scriptures. Mary might not have understood everything that the angel said. A Bible commentator explained it like this:

An angel appeared to Mary and explained that, although she was a virgin, she would give birth to the Messiah. Although Mary showed great faith, she undoubtedly also had many questions and uncertainties, as this was something completely different to anything that had ever happened to any other human being.

When someone is confused and unsure about what God is doing, the best thing they can do is to praise God and trust His plan. That is what Mary did when she sang her song. It is also what Paul and Peter did when they were in jail for telling others about Jesus.

Life can be hard to understand sometimes, and even believers can feel confused. But instead of letting confusion make us worry, we can follow Mary’s example. We can come to God with songs from our hearts, trusting that He knows what is best for us. He works everything for the good of those who love Him and for His honor (Romans 8:28). He loves us and cares for us. That is what Mary believed when she sang her song. Notice what she said in her song: He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. . . . His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 

At Christmas, joy and sorrow are beautifully intertwined, and as each event is anchored in the Person of Christ, hearts overflowing with joy will lead believers to praise the God of love.

The God who embraces our fragility

Christmas shows God’s power to the world. Mary said it aptly: He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. Many people in history have been proud and ignored God. They have tried to act like they are in charge. That is what Herod did when he wanted to kill Jesus. He did not know that Jesus is the Son of God who has all of God’s nature in Him (Colossians 2:9). Jesus came to do what God wanted him to do (John 4:34). No one can match Jesus’ power or greatness.

He did not lose His power when He became a baby. He showed God’s power by being God and human at the same time. He was God who lives forever, but He also had a human body that could die. The incarnation was a miracle that showed how humble God is. He is the Creator of everything, but He was willing to be a fragile human being. A baby is a good picture of that fragility. It was the All-Powerful God who became weak in His Son Jesus Christ.

Fragility is a natural part of being human and it comes in various forms. We all know what it means to be weak and human. We face many kinds of problems and pains. But when Christ was born, He did not come to take away our weakness. He came to share it with us. As Christ accepted the weakness of being human, from a baby to Gethsemane and the cross, He invites us to accept our fragility too.

In Jesus Christ, God became human and shared our fragility. Mary’s song reminds us that God understands our need for him in our frailty, as this poem illustrates:

 

On the silent night, the stars shine bright,

On the quiet night, a wondrous birth is in sight.

A little baby in a manger, filled with love,

A gift of divine grace, bringing hope from above.

 

On the holy night, the angels sing,

On the joyful night, they praise the newborn King.

Christ, the heavenly child, came to our frailty,

God blessed the world with His mercy.

 

In the weakness of a human frame,

In the glory of a heavenly name.

Christ, the baby, is the sign of love without end,

He holds the world and heaven in His heart, our truest Friend.

 

Oh, the night of mystery and wonder,

When God’s love came down to our blunder.

In a humble stable, the story of life starts,

A little baby brings hope and peace to our hearts.

 

In him lies the promise of salvation,

In him shines the light of revelation.

Christ, the baby, is the source of eternal life,

He greets the world with laughter and cries.

 

Give thanks for His holy presence,

Give praise for His amazing grace.

In our fragility, we find His power so true,

God’s love, through a little baby, makes us anew.

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Our Daily Bread Ministries in Indonesia is supported by the freewill offering of individuals in Indonesia, who through their gifts enable us to continue to bring the life-changing wisdom of the Bible to many here. We are not funded by any church or organisation.

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