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Less well-known than the Magnificat sung by Mary, the Mother of God, Hannah’s song (found in 1 Samuel 2:1-10) is a similar and glorious assertion of God’s power and promises to us. Hannah proclaims boldly, “My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in my God. My mouth derides my enemies because I rejoice in your victory.” As she continues, Hannah’s song points toward the way that God’s power re-orients the world to privilege the lowest over those who sit in places of power or wealth. She sings, “The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low; he also exalts. He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor.”
This is a reminder I need this Advent season. In a year filled with tangible reminders of the ever-growing inequality in our country, I need Hannah’s conviction that God overturns the imbalances of this world and instead creates a kingdom where all have power and a seat at the table. It is this conviction—one that recognizes God’s tendency to turn things upside-down—that celebrates an infant child born in a stable over the most impressive of kings or rulers. It is this conviction that gives me hope when I am faced with the injustices of this world.
This Advent, I wonder: how can I live more fully by the convicted faith with which Hannah sings? In the face of all that alarms me or causes me to stumble, what song will I sing to remind myself of God’s everlasting mercy and grace? May it echo Hannah’s confidence and carve space in my life for the infant Jesus to come and turn everything upside-down.
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