Welcome to our on-line worship for the second Sunday in Advent. This week we’ll be thinking about Mary’s song, the “Magnificat”. Mary’s response to Gabriel’s stunning announcement, after asking a question and receiving his answer, was “Let it be to me according to your word.” The Christian way in a nutshell. We begin, as always, by singing God’s praises:

Down the ages people have said “Yes” to God and sought him in prayer : let’s pray now:

We light our second Advent Candle:

Mary went to see Elizabeth – it was quite a journey, into the hills, and stayed there about three months. Luke 1:39-55 tells us a little about that visit.

46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring for ever.”

Let’s sing:

Talk by Glyn – Mary’s Song.

Here’s audio version if the video doesn’t work for you?

We bring to God our prayers for the church and the world:

Mary’s child is good news for us all – let’s close by singing his praises in words inspired by the Magnificat:

And now we say the grace for each other: