Week Two

Blue — Blessing and belting out the blues!

The next bright colour in our All is Bright series is blue — a colour often associated with Mary in artistic depictions of the nativity. Historically there are a number of reasons for this, but some of it stems from the fact that blue is a notoriously difficult and expensive pigment to use and as result was often associated with the transcendent and divine and reserved for special subjects. One consequence of this is the bright visual legacy of ‘Marian blue’ in art.

But what about Mary’s audio legacy, in the… blues! Riffing on Hannah’s protest song in the Old Testament, this week we join Mary visiting Elizabeth and her powerful song of social justice, the Magnificat. 

There is a bright light that shines throughout history of those who stand up for and sing with one another, banding together against injustice. In the darkness of modern day poverty, injustice and inequality there is the brightness of solidarity, support and kindness, when we link arm in arm, singing together. 

SEEDS TO SOW: This week consider how you can support organisations like Christians Against Poverty (CAP) that work to end poverty and give people hope.

Read Luke 1: 39-45 + 1 Samuel 1: 24-28

Mary + Hannah

Getting that support and encouragement must have been enormous for the young Mary who has just been thrown for a loop by the Angel Gabriel!

Before Mary plugs her guitar into the amplifier, let’s rewind the tape to the Old Testament and Hannah, who also belted out the blues.

What similarities and differences do we notice between these women? 

They are separated by centuries but what do you think a conversation between the two of them might have been like? 

Read  1 Samuel 2: 1-5 + Luke 1: 46-51

The power of song to tell us about God.

Do the opening lines of these songs remind you of any other songs you love?

There are a lot of similarities between these two songs. In the genre of blues music people often revisit, reinterpret and reimagine old tunes and lyrics in new ways.

What words stand out to you in these songs listening to them this Christmas?

Read 1 Samuel 2: 6-10 + Luke 1: 52-55

The Old Testament and the New Testament against poverty!

What is similar between these two songs and how is Mary’s remix different from Hannah’s? 

Finally, what line from one of these songs would you like to carry with you this Advent?