During Advent, the theme of love weaves through our reflections, culminating in the profound expression of God's love in Jesus Christ. Luke 1:39-55, often called the story of Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth and Mary’s song of praise, the Magnificat, provides a beautiful lens to explore this love—a love that moves through relationships, communities, and the divine plan. It is a love that not only connects Mary and Elizabeth but also reveals God’s far-reaching intentions for humanity, challenging and inspiring us to respond in kind.
Mary’s journey to visit Elizabeth is an act of love in itself. Having just received the astonishing news of her own divine pregnancy, Mary sets out—likely on a difficult and lengthy trip—to be with her relative, Elizabeth. This journey demonstrates the relational aspect of love: it seeks connection and mutual support. Elizabeth, experiencing the joy of her own miraculous pregnancy, greets Mary with words that resonate deeply with encouragement and faith. Her exclamation, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:42, NRSV), not only celebrates Mary but also reinforces her trust in God’s promise. This moment between the two women highlights the sacredness of shared faith and the joy of recognizing God’s work in one another’s lives.
The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) deepens this exploration of love, shifting our focus to its transformative and communal power. In her song of praise, Mary magnifies God’s love for the humble and the overlooked, proclaiming a divine vision of justice and mercy. Her words, “He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly” (Luke 1:52, NRSV), speak of a love that does not conform to the status quo but actively seeks to overturn systems of oppression. The Magnificat reveals a God whose love is revolutionary, prioritizing those who are often forgotten by society and ensuring their inclusion in God’s unfolding kingdom.
Mary’s song challenges us to consider how this radical love calls us to act. It is not a passive emotion but a force that moves us to engage with the world’s brokenness. As we light the Advent candle of love, we are invited to reflect on how this divine love manifests in our own lives. Are we, like Mary and Elizabeth, creating spaces where mutual encouragement flourishes? Are we, as individuals and as the church, lifting up the lowly and embodying the justice-filled love that Mary proclaims? In our United Methodist tradition, we emphasize “putting love into action,” a principle that finds expression in our Social Principles and ongoing mission work. Whether through advocating for systemic change or participating in acts of kindness and generosity, we are called to live out the love that transforms.
Moreover, Advent is a season of waiting, but it is not a passive waiting. Mary’s journey and song remind us that waiting for Christ’s arrival means preparing our hearts and our world for His presence. This preparation is rooted in love—a love that sees the inherent worth in every person and seeks to bring about God’s vision of peace and justice. Through the lens of the Magnificat, Advent becomes a call to action: to nurture relationships, support the marginalized, and anticipate the ways God’s love will continue to break into our lives and communities.
In our modern lives, we can adapt this Advent theme of love by seeking tangible ways to express it in our daily actions and relationships. For example, we can emulate Mary’s journey by reaching out to someone who needs support or encouragement, whether through a phone call, a visit, or a thoughtful gesture. Elizabeth’s affirmation reminds us to recognize and celebrate the gifts and faith of others, fostering a culture of gratitude and mutual respect. Additionally, Mary’s Magnificat challenges us to examine the ways we can participate in creating a more just and loving society. This might mean volunteering at a local food pantry, advocating for policies that uplift the marginalized, or simply showing kindness to a stranger.
Advent also invites us to pause and reflect on how God’s love is active in our lives. In a world often marked by division and busyness, taking intentional time to pray, meditate, or engage in acts of service can center us in God’s transformative love. As we prepare for Christmas, these small but meaningful acts of love ripple outward, reflecting the hope and joy of the season.
As we journey together toward Christmas, let us draw inspiration from the faith of Mary and Elizabeth. Their story invites us to consider how we, too, can participate in God’s story of love. By affirming one another, lifting up those in need, and embodying the hope and justice of the Magnificat, we reflect the light of Christ’s love in a world longing for it. This Advent, let us remember that the story of God’s love is still being written—in our actions, our relationships, and our communities. May we, like Mary, sing a song of love that resonates far beyond this season, echoing into the lives we touch and the world we help shape.
Bibliography
The United Methodist Book of Worship. Nashville: United Methodist Publishing House, 1992.
The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).
The General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church. “Social Principles of the United Methodist Church 2021-2024.” https://www.umcjustice.org/what-we-care-about/social-principles
Seasons of the Spirit: Advent. “Reflections on Luke 1:39-55.” Wood Lake Publishing.
LiturgyTools.net. “Advent Candle Lighting Liturgies.” https://www.liturgytools.net/advent
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