As Advent 2025 begins, worship readings turn to Matthew’s Gospel. We will hear about Joseph’s experience of the birth of Jesus Emmanuel but not so much about Mary’s story. I’d like to share one of the particularly lovely hymn interpretations that gives voice to Mary’s Magnificat.
- My soul now magnifies the Lord; my spirit leaps, by joy possessed.
You keep me in your kind regard; all generations called me blessed. - For you alone, O God of might, have done amazing things for me.
Your mercy flows; your name like light remains in time perpetually. - Your arm is strong; your strength is great. You scatter those of proud intent
and cast them down from high estate; then give the low your nourishment. - You feed the hungry as your own; the wealthy leave with empty hands.
You give your help to Israel; your gracious promise always stands. - Sing glory to the Holy One, give honor to the Incarnate Word,
And praise the Pow’r of God most high, from age to age by all adored.
- ELW 573, Text: Stephanie K. Frey, b. 1952, alt., based on the Magnificat ext sts. 1-4 © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Text st. 5 © 1955 Augsburg Fortress. Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #737666-A.
Advent Gift
Give online or make your check payable to SW MN Synod Advent Gift and mail to:
SW MN Synod, PO Box 499,
Redwood Falls, MN 56283.
This past August, as the synod staff prepared to move from the east side of our office building to the west, our hearts were drawn to gratitude. This transition—made to welcome our new tenant, Anfinson Thompson Financial, and to more faithfully steward the gift of this building—became an occasion to pause and give thanks. Before we fully transitioned, we gathered for a brief service, offering prayers for all who have worked and served in this sacred space over the past 37 years. Slowly, and with plenty of storytelling, we walked from room to room, office to office, naming and remembering the good and faithful staff who spent so many hours here, offering their lives in service to God’s Word. We named and gave thanks for administrative staff, synod ministers, and bishops.
Among those we named was the author of the hymn text above, Rev. Stephanie Frey, previous Synod Minister, now retired. It is a joy to give thanks for her years of partnership and service. Her biblical knowledge, Lutheran theological depth, preaching, and grace-filled imagination are evident in this fresh interpretation of Mary’s Magnificat.
The Magnificat is not only a song of ancient hope—it is a hymn for these very days. Our faith is stretched by the complexities of life, growing political division, the pain of intolerance and fear, and the strain of economic and food insecurity. Yet into this very moment, God’s mercy shines. God’s strength lifts. God’s light breaks in. In Jesus, the Incarnate Word, we see the steadfast love that holds us and the power that renews us.
This is the Word you carry into the world. In every congregation, in every city, farm, and small town of this synod, you bear Christ’s presence where God has planted you. Together, as one church, we lift our voices to glorify and praise God, the Holy One.
This year’s Advent Appeal supports the ongoing ministries of our synod that accompany, encourage, and strengthen you and your congregation. We offer heartfelt thanks for your faithfulness, witness, and
generosity—especially in these demanding days.
May your Advent waiting be filled with holy expectation and with song, praising Jesus – Emmanuel - whose name,
“like light, remains in time perpetually.”
+ Grace, peace, love, and joy in Christ,
Rev. Dee Pederson, D.Min.
Bishop, Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA
