Who Is Mary?

Christians are not of one mind on many things, Mary being one of them. We agree that Mary gave birth to Jesus. We acknowledge her lineage, the birth story in the Bible, and other details of her life. She was an important presence to the disciples and the early church. In the centuries since, some churches have developed a complex web of theology and liturgical practice around Mary, and she remains a commonly portrayed subject in many art forms.

We United Methodists have avoided Mary-theology while embracing Mary's place in Scripture and history. Our two ancient creeds, Nicene and Apostles,' affirm that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, while none of our other official creeds mention Mary.

The third Sunday of Advent is also known as Gaudete Sunday, referring to the Latin word for "rejoice." Many churches observe this Sunday by lighting a pink candle in the Advent wreath and making this Sunday an occasion for remembering Mary and the joy of the coming birth.

As with so many things, we can learn what we believe, teach, and celebrate from the contents of our hymns and songs. Here's what we find in The United Methodist Hymnal and The Faith We Sing (numbers above 2000):

"The Canticle of Mary" (Magnificat), no. 199, is a hymn of joy sung in response to the angel's announcement to Mary that she will bear Jesus (Luke 1:31-32) and to Elizabeth's blessing (Luke 1:42). In it, Mary declares God's greatness and favor shown to her, as well as God's care for the humble, poor, and the lonely. Hymns related to the Magnificat are: "Ye Who Claim the Faith of Jesus" (197), "My Soul Gives Glory to My God" (198), "Tell Out My Soul" (200), "To a Maid Engaged to Joseph" (215), "Lord, Now Let Your Servant Depart in Peace" (225), "That Boy-child of Mary" (241), and "The First One Ever" (276). From these and other hymns we learn:

• Mary is more blessed by God than the chosen people from whom Jesus came (197).
• We should "sing the honor of her name" (197).
• Mary was a human mother (241).
• Mary was the first to know of Jesus and to believe (276).
• Mary bore Jesus, our Savior, to show God's love (216).
• While Mary, Joseph, and Jesus slept in Bethlehem, the angels kept watch (230).
• Mary was mild (237), a loving mother (250), pure, lowly, and wise (272).
• Mary was given constant love by Jesus (272).
• Jesus gave Mary great joy and gladness, but also caused her sadness and pain (272).
• Mary is glorious, now rewarded with a crown by Jesus. Her name is blest in every land (272).
• God sent the gift of the power of the Holy Spirit upon Mary (542).
• Mary gave birth to the King of Kings (626).
• Mary was the pure daughter of her holy mother, Anne (2093).
• Mary was a virgin (2098).
• Mary prayed that God would reward Joseph in paradise (2099).
• It was to Mary, a gentle girl in Galilee, that the Spirit came, promising a child of peace, and Mary sang the Spirit song within her heart (2122).
• Mary nurtured and taught Jesus in his role as savior, and gave him great love (2189).