May 30, 2025 • 15 mins
Welcome to the Christmas series! Overwhelmed yet full of purpose, Mary sings a song to the Lord. A divinely woven melody of redemption and promise.
Sign up for special devotionals at StoriesoftheMessiah.com.
As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel.
They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history.
For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app.
To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Mary said, my soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit has
rejoiced in God, my Savior. Luke one forty six and
forty seven, Dear Heavenly Father, in the quiet moments of
this Christmas season, we will pause to lift our souls
in praise to you. Like Mary, we rejoice in your
(00:23):
goodness as we decorate our homes, share gifts, and gather
with loved ones. Let our souls continue to glorify you
and remember that you are the greatest gift of all.
Help us to remember that the joy we feel is
not just the festive atmosphere, but the profound truth that
(00:47):
our Savior has come. May this joy be a well
spring from our souls, an enduring testament of our gratitude
and love for you. Father. Let our spirits echo Mary's
song throughout this season and all year round, glorifying you
(01:08):
and rejoicing in the salvation you have brought through Jesus Christ.
In the precious name of our Savior, we pray. Amen.
Thank you for taking time to pray today. Get ready
to dive back into the Christmas story with stories of
the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Night had fallen over Zachariah and Elizabeth's house, wrapping the
world in a blanket of cool serenity. The skies were
adorned in splendor, with splashes of light covering the firmament
like paint to a canvas. It was as though nature
was leaning in to partake in the divine story below.
The home was quiet and unperturbed except for the slight
(01:58):
stirring of Mary. The nausea of pregnancy kept her awake,
groaning and staring blankly at the walls. She took deep breaths,
attempting to relieve her stomach's churning, but nothing would do.
I just want to sleep, Mary sighed to herself. She
tossed and turned, but sleep eluded her. Finally, she wrapped
(02:19):
herself up and stepped outside. The air was cool and crisp,
hearkening to the beginning of winter. She could see her
breath leaving her mouth. The fresh air was soothing and
gradually relieved her nausea. She looked outward, feeling a tug
towards the hill. God was calling her forward.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
Hello everyone, and welcome to pray dot Com Stories of
the Messiah podcast. I'm Rabbi Schneider from Discovering the Jewish Jesus.
This season, we are immersing ourselves in the drama, depth,
and devotion of the Christmas story. People often recognized the
Christmas story as Mary, Joseph, and Jesus and a baron
surrounded by shepherds and wise men, but the story has
(03:01):
many more layers than that. There was eternal conflict, cultural pressure,
and the threat of violence around every corner. Today we
find ourselves in the middle of Mary's story. She is
still wrestling with her role in God's grand plan and
has sought refuge in her cousin Elizabeth, who is also
a child. Elizabeth and Zachariah welcomed Mary and gave her
(03:25):
space to ponder God's plan. Their acceptance and warm home
became a haven for Mary as she contemplated her future.
Let's face it, the Christmas story can become almost too
familiar to us, so familiar that we forget the human
struggle of these characters. Mary had a tremendous existential weight
(03:47):
on her shoulders, yet throughout her journey she remained unwavering
and steadfast. You may be going through something in your
life right now that feels like the weight of the
world is pressing down upon you. But like Mary, who
is able to walk faithfully through the struggle and the
(04:08):
hardship that she was facing, so can you as you
relye on and cling to the Father and to Jesus
just like she did. This episode will showcase Mary struggles
with her identity. She's a young woman from an unremarkable town.
She didn't come from royalty or riches, nor was she
(04:30):
more eloquent or charismatic than the others. In the coolest
of night under the stars, Mary asked why me. Her
question reflects the sentiment of many who feel unworthy of
God's grace. Several of you may think your past, sins,
or status might exclude you from the grace of God
(04:50):
in your life. Today, Mary will realize that God doesn't
call the qualified, but rather he qualifies the called. Let's
dive back into our story where Mary's prayers turned into
a beautiful hymn of worship and redemption. Afterward, we will
unwrap the story together and discover new Christmas themes.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Mary looked up. The sky was radiant, glowing with heavenly beauty.
Mary was drawn to the light above her, as if
an unseen thread of destiny pulled her upward. Her feet
led her to a secluded spot. Up a winding path,
she weaved through some trees to a small clearing. Bathed
in the star's shimmer, The delicate fragrance of night jasmin
(05:35):
lingered in the air. She felt as if she was
on wholly ground. She was alone, yet far from lonely,
the rhythm of her heart in sync with her child's.
She looked up at the stars and held her belly.
Speaker 4 (05:48):
How could it be that the maker of the stars
would dwell.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
Within me, she thought. Mary was overwhelmed with the thought
the Almighty chose her. As she looked up at the
heavy she wondered what Abraham must have felt long ago
when God chose him to bear the promises of God.
Speaker 4 (06:07):
But I am.
Speaker 2 (06:07):
Lowly, she whispered to the Lord.
Speaker 4 (06:10):
I am, I am nothing.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
The wind picked up, slightly, caressing Mary's cheek.
Speaker 4 (06:17):
Yet you call me blessed.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
The branches behind her began to rock with the breeze,
and the cold wind blew petals of jasmine up and
around Mary. Her silent prayers soon began to morph into
something more elaborate and beautiful. In her heart, a melody
started to form a cascade of notes, flowing freely from
the wellspring of her spirit, a hymn inspired by the
(06:41):
divine assurance growing within her. The words escaped her lips,
rising in the chill night air.
Speaker 4 (06:48):
Oh, my soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit rejoices in
his name. In his grace, he saw his humble servant.
And forever now I am called blessed, and will proclaim
his wonderful, spectacular name. From now on, all generations will
(07:13):
call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great
things for me.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Holy, Holy, Holy is his name.
Speaker 4 (07:24):
His mercies for those who believe.
Speaker 5 (07:29):
He has shown his strength with his mighty arm, scattered
the proud, humbled the heart. He toppled the mighty from
their thrones, lifted the humble, and said them apart. For now,
all generations for call me blessed, for the Mighty One
(07:53):
has done great things for me.
Speaker 6 (07:56):
Holy, Holy, Holy is his name. His mercy is for
those who believe. He fills the hungry with the good,
sends away the rich.
Speaker 4 (08:11):
With empty hands. In his love, he remembers Israel in mercy,
he fulfills his eternal tears.
Speaker 6 (08:22):
From now on, all generations will call me.
Speaker 5 (08:25):
Blessed, for the Mighty one has done great things for me.
Speaker 6 (08:30):
Holy, Holy, Holy is his name. His mercy is for
those who believed. He spoke to our father, lay behind
to his offspring. His promise forever stands. So my soul
magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in his hands.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Her voice was a river of sad, flowing forth in
harmonious strains that seemed to dance with the twinkling stars.
In her solitude, Mary sang. She sang not just with
her voice, but with her soul. Her song was a
testament to her growing faith. Her melodies echoed throughout the
silent night. They were a psalm born from the heart
(09:19):
of a young woman who had accepted her divine purpose
with humility and grace. The stars seemed to lean closer
as she sang. Drawn by the strength and conviction of
her voice, she could feel a peace descending upon her
with every word. Praise was the antidote to her fear.
She was merry chosen among women destined to bring the
(09:41):
Savior into the world, and despite the challenges and trials
she knew would come, she embraced her destiny. In that moment,
Mary's song eventually drifted into the silence yet its echoes lingered,
interwoven with the knight. She turned back towards Elizabeth's house,
her heart a light with newfound confidence. She it was
no longer just Mary of Nazareth. She was marry mother
(10:03):
of the Messiah, a beacon of faith, chosen to fulfill
a divine prophecy. The cold night no longer chilled her. Instead,
it felt like a comforting shroud, wrapping her in a
blanket of divine purpose and destiny. As she slowly returned
down the hill, she heard a faint cry in the distance.
The voice cried out. Mary quickened her pace to see
(10:25):
Elizabeth's maid servant rushing through the door. A smile curled
over Mary's cold cheeks. Elizabeth was going into labor.
Speaker 3 (10:34):
In the Nativity narrative, we find a gem of worship
and faith, Mary's Magnificat, a passionate song of praise found
in Luke I, Verses forty six through fifty six. This
passage reveals much about the theme of worship and the mental, emotional,
and spiritual wellbeing of believers as we reflect upon this
(10:57):
magnificat during the Christmas season. Worship is not merely an
active ritual. It's a profound expression of love, adoration, gratitude,
and surrendering to God. Mary song epitomizes this. It springs
from a heart full of awe and wonder at God's goodness.
(11:21):
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God,
my Savior. As Mary worships, she can genuinely realize her identity.
This happens to us as we give honor and praise
to God. What we worship forms and informs our identity.
The worship of money changes people into greedy and prideful people.
(11:46):
The worship of substances changes people into shells of their
former cells and slaves to addiction. Worship of God transforms
us from aimless wanderers to children of purpose. During the
Christmas season, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we're
(12:06):
reminded to pause in the busyness of the season to
take moments to worship, as Mary did, to marvel at
God's love for us revealed in the gift of his son.
This kind of worship is crucial for our spiritual, mental,
and emotional health. It draws us closer to God, reorients
(12:28):
our perspective towards gratitude and helps us to manage life's
challenges with faith and hope. Mary's song mentions Abraham in
Luke one fifty four and fifty five. She sings, he
has helped to serve in Israel in remembrance of his
(12:49):
mercy as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and
his offspring forever. If you visit discovering the Jewish yis
dot com, you will find plenty of resources to see
parallels between the Old and New Testaments. This moment in
Mary's song is one of them. Mary's faith, like Abraham's,
(13:11):
was not based on sight, but on the promises of God.
God promised Abraham that it would be the father of
many nations in Genesis fifteen five, Abraham, looking up at
the stars, believe God even though he was childless. Then similarly, Mary,
looking at her own condition, accepted the angel's proclamation and behold,
(13:35):
you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall call his name Yeshiah or Jesus Luke
one thirty one. Her faithful response was, behold, I am
the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to
me according to your word. Luke one thirty eight. Like Abraham,
(13:59):
Mary leave God's promise despite her circumstances. Her faith was
confirmed and celebrated in her song of worship when she said,
He has helped his serve in Israel in remembrance of
his mercy as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham,
and to his offspring forever. As we celebrate Christmas, let
(14:21):
us be reminded of the faith of Mary and Abraham.
They look beyond their circumstances to the promises of God,
trusting in his goodness and faithfulness. Their examples of faith
filled worship continue to inspire us nurture our spiritual, mental,
and emotional health.
Speaker 4 (14:42):
So as we.
Speaker 3 (14:43):
Gaze upon the Nativity see this Christmas, let us lift
our own songs of praise and magnify the Lord for
his indescribable gift. Let us, like Mary and Abraham, have
faith in God's promises, rejoice singing his faithfulness and goodness
to us during Christmas and throughout all our lives. This
(15:06):
episode left us with the cries of Elizabeth, who's about
to give birth to a very important figure, John the Baptist.
Join us for our next episode of Stories of the Messiah,
as we explore the greater depths of the Nativity. Are
you interested in further exploring the presence of Jesus in
the Old Testament. If so, head over to our website,
(15:28):
discoveringthe Jewish Jesus dot com. And if you enjoy today's broadcast,
leave us a review and share it with a friend.
We want the story of the Bible and the hope
of Jesus to be spread worldwide and to make prayer
priority and hear more stories to inspire hope. Visit pray
dot com.
Mary said, my soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit has
rejoiced in God, my Savior. Luke one forty six and
forty seven, Dear Heavenly Father, in the quiet moments of
this Christmas season, we will pause to lift our souls
in praise to you. Like Mary, we rejoice in your
(00:23):
goodness as we decorate our homes, share gifts, and gather
with loved ones. Let our souls continue to glorify you
and remember that you are the greatest gift of all.
Help us to remember that the joy we feel is
not just the festive atmosphere, but the profound truth that
(00:47):
our Savior has come. May this joy be a well
spring from our souls, an enduring testament of our gratitude
and love for you. Father. Let our spirits echo Mary's
song throughout this season and all year round, glorifying you
(01:08):
and rejoicing in the salvation you have brought through Jesus Christ.
In the precious name of our Savior, we pray. Amen.
Thank you for taking time to pray today. Get ready
to dive back into the Christmas story with stories of
the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Night had fallen over Zachariah and Elizabeth's house, wrapping the
world in a blanket of cool serenity. The skies were
adorned in splendor, with splashes of light covering the firmament
like paint to a canvas. It was as though nature
was leaning in to partake in the divine story below.
The home was quiet and unperturbed except for the slight
(01:58):
stirring of Mary. The nausea of pregnancy kept her awake,
groaning and staring blankly at the walls. She took deep breaths,
attempting to relieve her stomach's churning, but nothing would do.
I just want to sleep, Mary sighed to herself. She
tossed and turned, but sleep eluded her. Finally, she wrapped
(02:19):
herself up and stepped outside. The air was cool and crisp,
hearkening to the beginning of winter. She could see her
breath leaving her mouth. The fresh air was soothing and
gradually relieved her nausea. She looked outward, feeling a tug
towards the hill. God was calling her forward.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
Hello everyone, and welcome to pray dot Com Stories of
the Messiah podcast. I'm Rabbi Schneider from Discovering the Jewish Jesus.
This season, we are immersing ourselves in the drama, depth,
and devotion of the Christmas story. People often recognized the
Christmas story as Mary, Joseph, and Jesus and a baron
surrounded by shepherds and wise men, but the story has
(03:01):
many more layers than that. There was eternal conflict, cultural pressure,
and the threat of violence around every corner. Today we
find ourselves in the middle of Mary's story. She is
still wrestling with her role in God's grand plan and
has sought refuge in her cousin Elizabeth, who is also
a child. Elizabeth and Zachariah welcomed Mary and gave her
(03:25):
space to ponder God's plan. Their acceptance and warm home
became a haven for Mary as she contemplated her future.
Let's face it, the Christmas story can become almost too
familiar to us, so familiar that we forget the human
struggle of these characters. Mary had a tremendous existential weight
(03:47):
on her shoulders, yet throughout her journey she remained unwavering
and steadfast. You may be going through something in your
life right now that feels like the weight of the
world is pressing down upon you. But like Mary, who
is able to walk faithfully through the struggle and the
(04:08):
hardship that she was facing, so can you as you
relye on and cling to the Father and to Jesus
just like she did. This episode will showcase Mary struggles
with her identity. She's a young woman from an unremarkable town.
She didn't come from royalty or riches, nor was she
(04:30):
more eloquent or charismatic than the others. In the coolest
of night under the stars, Mary asked why me. Her
question reflects the sentiment of many who feel unworthy of
God's grace. Several of you may think your past, sins,
or status might exclude you from the grace of God
(04:50):
in your life. Today, Mary will realize that God doesn't
call the qualified, but rather he qualifies the called. Let's
dive back into our story where Mary's prayers turned into
a beautiful hymn of worship and redemption. Afterward, we will
unwrap the story together and discover new Christmas themes.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Mary looked up. The sky was radiant, glowing with heavenly beauty.
Mary was drawn to the light above her, as if
an unseen thread of destiny pulled her upward. Her feet
led her to a secluded spot. Up a winding path,
she weaved through some trees to a small clearing. Bathed
in the star's shimmer, The delicate fragrance of night jasmin
(05:35):
lingered in the air. She felt as if she was
on wholly ground. She was alone, yet far from lonely,
the rhythm of her heart in sync with her child's.
She looked up at the stars and held her belly.
Speaker 4 (05:48):
How could it be that the maker of the stars
would dwell.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
Within me, she thought. Mary was overwhelmed with the thought
the Almighty chose her. As she looked up at the
heavy she wondered what Abraham must have felt long ago
when God chose him to bear the promises of God.
Speaker 4 (06:07):
But I am.
Speaker 2 (06:07):
Lowly, she whispered to the Lord.
Speaker 4 (06:10):
I am, I am nothing.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
The wind picked up, slightly, caressing Mary's cheek.
Speaker 4 (06:17):
Yet you call me blessed.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
The branches behind her began to rock with the breeze,
and the cold wind blew petals of jasmine up and
around Mary. Her silent prayers soon began to morph into
something more elaborate and beautiful. In her heart, a melody
started to form a cascade of notes, flowing freely from
the wellspring of her spirit, a hymn inspired by the
(06:41):
divine assurance growing within her. The words escaped her lips,
rising in the chill night air.
Speaker 4 (06:48):
Oh, my soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit rejoices in
his name. In his grace, he saw his humble servant.
And forever now I am called blessed, and will proclaim
his wonderful, spectacular name. From now on, all generations will
(07:13):
call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great
things for me.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Holy, Holy, Holy is his name.
Speaker 4 (07:24):
His mercies for those who believe.
Speaker 5 (07:29):
He has shown his strength with his mighty arm, scattered
the proud, humbled the heart. He toppled the mighty from
their thrones, lifted the humble, and said them apart. For now,
all generations for call me blessed, for the Mighty One
(07:53):
has done great things for me.
Speaker 6 (07:56):
Holy, Holy, Holy is his name. His mercy is for
those who believe. He fills the hungry with the good,
sends away the rich.
Speaker 4 (08:11):
With empty hands. In his love, he remembers Israel in mercy,
he fulfills his eternal tears.
Speaker 6 (08:22):
From now on, all generations will call me.
Speaker 5 (08:25):
Blessed, for the Mighty one has done great things for me.
Speaker 6 (08:30):
Holy, Holy, Holy is his name. His mercy is for
those who believed. He spoke to our father, lay behind
to his offspring. His promise forever stands. So my soul
magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in his hands.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Her voice was a river of sad, flowing forth in
harmonious strains that seemed to dance with the twinkling stars.
In her solitude, Mary sang. She sang not just with
her voice, but with her soul. Her song was a
testament to her growing faith. Her melodies echoed throughout the
silent night. They were a psalm born from the heart
(09:19):
of a young woman who had accepted her divine purpose
with humility and grace. The stars seemed to lean closer
as she sang. Drawn by the strength and conviction of
her voice, she could feel a peace descending upon her
with every word. Praise was the antidote to her fear.
She was merry chosen among women destined to bring the
(09:41):
Savior into the world, and despite the challenges and trials
she knew would come, she embraced her destiny. In that moment,
Mary's song eventually drifted into the silence yet its echoes lingered,
interwoven with the knight. She turned back towards Elizabeth's house,
her heart a light with newfound confidence. She it was
no longer just Mary of Nazareth. She was marry mother
(10:03):
of the Messiah, a beacon of faith, chosen to fulfill
a divine prophecy. The cold night no longer chilled her. Instead,
it felt like a comforting shroud, wrapping her in a
blanket of divine purpose and destiny. As she slowly returned
down the hill, she heard a faint cry in the distance.
The voice cried out. Mary quickened her pace to see
(10:25):
Elizabeth's maid servant rushing through the door. A smile curled
over Mary's cold cheeks. Elizabeth was going into labor.
Speaker 3 (10:34):
In the Nativity narrative, we find a gem of worship
and faith, Mary's Magnificat, a passionate song of praise found
in Luke I, Verses forty six through fifty six. This
passage reveals much about the theme of worship and the mental, emotional,
and spiritual wellbeing of believers as we reflect upon this
(10:57):
magnificat during the Christmas season. Worship is not merely an
active ritual. It's a profound expression of love, adoration, gratitude,
and surrendering to God. Mary song epitomizes this. It springs
from a heart full of awe and wonder at God's goodness.
(11:21):
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God,
my Savior. As Mary worships, she can genuinely realize her identity.
This happens to us as we give honor and praise
to God. What we worship forms and informs our identity.
The worship of money changes people into greedy and prideful people.
(11:46):
The worship of substances changes people into shells of their
former cells and slaves to addiction. Worship of God transforms
us from aimless wanderers to children of purpose. During the
Christmas season, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we're
(12:06):
reminded to pause in the busyness of the season to
take moments to worship, as Mary did, to marvel at
God's love for us revealed in the gift of his son.
This kind of worship is crucial for our spiritual, mental,
and emotional health. It draws us closer to God, reorients
(12:28):
our perspective towards gratitude and helps us to manage life's
challenges with faith and hope. Mary's song mentions Abraham in
Luke one fifty four and fifty five. She sings, he
has helped to serve in Israel in remembrance of his
(12:49):
mercy as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and
his offspring forever. If you visit discovering the Jewish yis
dot com, you will find plenty of resources to see
parallels between the Old and New Testaments. This moment in
Mary's song is one of them. Mary's faith, like Abraham's,
(13:11):
was not based on sight, but on the promises of God.
God promised Abraham that it would be the father of
many nations in Genesis fifteen five, Abraham, looking up at
the stars, believe God even though he was childless. Then similarly, Mary,
looking at her own condition, accepted the angel's proclamation and behold,
(13:35):
you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall call his name Yeshiah or Jesus Luke
one thirty one. Her faithful response was, behold, I am
the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to
me according to your word. Luke one thirty eight. Like Abraham,
(13:59):
Mary leave God's promise despite her circumstances. Her faith was
confirmed and celebrated in her song of worship when she said,
He has helped his serve in Israel in remembrance of
his mercy as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham,
and to his offspring forever. As we celebrate Christmas, let
(14:21):
us be reminded of the faith of Mary and Abraham.
They look beyond their circumstances to the promises of God,
trusting in his goodness and faithfulness. Their examples of faith
filled worship continue to inspire us nurture our spiritual, mental,
and emotional health.
Speaker 4 (14:42):
So as we.
Speaker 3 (14:43):
Gaze upon the Nativity see this Christmas, let us lift
our own songs of praise and magnify the Lord for
his indescribable gift. Let us, like Mary and Abraham, have
faith in God's promises, rejoice singing his faithfulness and goodness
to us during Christmas and throughout all our lives. This
(15:06):
episode left us with the cries of Elizabeth, who's about
to give birth to a very important figure, John the Baptist.
Join us for our next episode of Stories of the Messiah,
as we explore the greater depths of the Nativity. Are
you interested in further exploring the presence of Jesus in
the Old Testament. If so, head over to our website,
(15:28):
discoveringthe Jewish Jesus dot com. And if you enjoy today's broadcast,
leave us a review and share it with a friend.
We want the story of the Bible and the hope
of Jesus to be spread worldwide and to make prayer
priority and hear more stories to inspire hope. Visit pray
dot com.
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