Day 1: The Magnificat

Mary said,

“With all my heart I glorify the Lord!
    In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.
He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant.
    Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored
        because the mighty one has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.
    He shows mercy to everyone,
        from one generation to the next,
        who honors him as God.
He has shown strength with his arm.
    He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.
    He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones
        and lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things
    and sent the rich away empty-handed.
He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,
        remembering his mercy,
    just as he promised to our ancestors,
        to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.”

—Luke 1:46-55

---

We begin the Advent season by lighting the candle of Hope:

hope
in a young girl's song;
fearful,
determined,
hopeful,
bursting.

hope
in a mother's song;
tender,
embracing,
challenging,
stern.

hope
is god's song;
curious yet timid,
playful and wondering,
coming among us again.

we light a candle for hope.