Here is a theme that could be developed over four weeks in Advent. It is based on the Gospel lesson from Luke, where Mary says ”My soul magnifies the Lord.”
Object: A magnifying glass—we are invited to LOOK where God works. We know that sometimes our eyes look in the wrong places for God’s activity, when we assume popularity, power, and success are divine avenues. But God gives us the GRACE MAGNIFIER to see that God IS working in ways, places, and people we may not anticipate or expect.
BACKGROUND: Let’s tackle the word “magnify” first, which shows Mary’s song (Luke 1:46-55).
While the “Magnificat” may be familiar as a portion of the liturgy (My soul magnifies the Lord…), the word ‘magnify’ is now frequently translated as ‘praise’ or ‘glorify.’
A LITANY POSSIBILITY
The litany (or psalm responses) for the week(s) could be based upon the “Magnificat” (Luke 1:46-55). Here are two adaptations that allow for the congregation to share exuberant Hallelujahs:
- THE MAGNIFICAT set to “Do You Hear What I Hear?” After the leader/cantor says: “we see that God cares for us,” the congregation can erupt with “Hallelujah!” Some birthday party noisemakers would be a great addition.
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?
Verse 1
Do you see what I see? God cares for me, God’s humble servant. From now on, all people will say, God has blessed me here today. We see that God cares for us: Hallelujah!
Verse 2
Do you see what I see? God All-Powerful has done great things for me. Wow, God’s name is holy to see. We see that God cares for us: Hallelujah!
Verse 3
Do you see what I see? The Lord shows mercy and love to each of us, who worship in God’s name. We see that God cares for us: Hallelujah!
Verse 4
Do you see what I see? The Lord has used His power and great strength, to scatter those who are proud. We see that God cares for us: Hallelujah!
Verse 5
Do you see what I see? God pulls bad rulers from their thrones, and lifts the humble to power. We see that God cares for us: Hallelujah!
Verse 6
Do you see what I see? God fills the hungry with good things, and sends the wealthy away. We see that God cares for us: Hallelujah!
Verse 7
Do you see what I see? The Lord shows mercy and love to each of us, who worship in God’s name. We see that God cares for us: Hallelujah!
Verse 8
Do you see what I see? The Lord, I AM, has kept his promises to Sarah and Abraham. We see that God cares for us: Hallelujah!
