Topical Bible: Joy: Holy: The Virgin Mary

◄ Joy: Holy: The Virgin Mary ►

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The Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, holds a significant place in Christian theology and devotion. Her life and role in the divine plan of salvation are marked by profound joy, holiness, and obedience to God's will. The Scriptures provide insight into her character and the joy she experienced as the chosen vessel for the Incarnation of the Son of God.

Joy in the Annunciation

The Annunciation is a pivotal moment in Mary's life, where the angel Gabriel announces that she will conceive and bear a son, Jesus, who will be called the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:31-32). Despite the initial fear and confusion, Mary's response is one of faith and joy. Her acceptance of God's plan is encapsulated in her words, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me as you have said" (Luke 1:38). This moment marks the beginning of her journey of joy, rooted in her trust in God's promises.

The Magnificat: A Song of Joy

Mary's joy is further expressed in the Magnificat, a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God, found in Luke 1:46-55. In this song, Mary exclaims, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47). The Magnificat reflects Mary's deep joy in God's faithfulness, His mercy, and His mighty deeds. It highlights her humility and recognition of God's work in her life and the lives of His people.

Joy in the Nativity

The birth of Jesus is a moment of great joy for Mary. The Gospel of Luke describes how Mary "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19) after the shepherds visited and shared the angelic announcement of the Savior's birth. This joy is not merely emotional but is deeply spiritual, as Mary witnesses the fulfillment of God's promises and the arrival of the Messiah.

Holy Obedience and Joy in Suffering

Mary's holiness is evident in her unwavering obedience to God's will, even in the face of suffering. Simeon's prophecy in the temple foreshadows the sorrow she will endure, telling her, "A sword will pierce your own soul as well" (Luke 2:35). Despite this, Mary remains steadfast, finding joy in her role as the mother of the Savior and in her participation in God's redemptive plan.

Joy in the Resurrection

Mary's joy reaches its culmination in the resurrection of Jesus. Although the Gospels do not explicitly describe her reaction, it is understood that the resurrection brought profound joy and fulfillment to Mary, as the ultimate victory over sin and death was achieved through her Son.

Mary as a Model of Joy and Holiness

Throughout the Scriptures, Mary exemplifies a life of joy intertwined with holiness. Her joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in her relationship with God and her acceptance of His will. As the mother of Jesus, she is honored and revered, serving as a model of faith, obedience, and joy for all believers. Her life invites Christians to embrace the joy of the Lord, even amidst trials, and to pursue holiness in their walk with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 1:47
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Second Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary.
... addressed her with the announcement of a joy which all ... and said to her, "Fear not,
Mary, for thou ... all the heavenly powers hail thee, the holy virgin: yea rather ...
/.../the second homily on the.htm

The First Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary.
... says, "I will see you, and ye shall rejoice; and your joy no man ... without mutation,
from the pure, and chaste, and undefiled, and holy Virgin Mary; perfect in ...
/.../the first homily on the.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... more standing round the Blessed Virgin's bed and praying. Mary's face was radiant
with smiles as in her youth. Her eyes were raised towards heaven in holy joy. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

The Third Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary.
... On the Annunciation to the Holy Virgin Mary. [550] Again have we the glad tidings
of joy, again the announcements of liberty, again the restoration, again the ...
/.../the third homily on the.htm

Of a Holy Brother to whom the Mother of Christ Appeared when He ...
... and with great devotion, the glorious Virgin Mary, Mother of ... a great multitude of
angels and holy virgins, and ... experienced the greatest comfort and joy both in ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xlvii of a holy.htm

The Holy Family in Bethlehem after the Departure of the Kings.
... How moving it was to see their joy when the Blessed Virgin carried the ... Some of the
three holy kings' beautiful carpets were spread on the floor and table ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiv the holy family in.htm

The Book of John Concerning the Falling Asleep of Mary.
... a stream of light [2628] coming to the holy virgin, because of ... be transferred to
paradise, and thy holy soul to ... brightness, where there is peace and joy of the ...
/.../unknown/revelation of john/the book of john concerning.htm

Table of Contents
... CHRIST'S BIRTH 212 1. GREAT JOY IN NATURE. ... APPEAR DURING THE BIRTH OF CHRIST TO THE
THREE HOLY KINGS.221 8 ... ESSENE WOMEN RENDER SERVICE TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/table of contents.htm

The Papal Definition of the Immaculate Conception of the virgin ...
... the authority of Christ and the holy Apostles Peter ... excommunication, 'that the most
blessed Virgin Mary, in the ... Roman Catholic world thrilled with joy over the ...
/.../ 28 the papal definition.htm

How St Clare Ate with St Francis and his Companions at St Mary of ...
... Angels, and having devoutly saluted the Virgin Mary, before whose ... prepared for them;
so that, the holy meal being ... sisters received her with great joy, as they ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xv how st clare.htm