Reading familiar Scriptures from a fresh perspective helps God's Word come alive for me. Katy Nichole's Christmas song "O What A King" is sung from Mary's perspective and caused me to revisit the details of Christ's birth with her in mind. Let's read these familiar passages together again with a new emphasis. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Remembering people described in the Bible were real Start with God Make a list Compare and contrast Consult an overview Recognizing while we are focusing on Mary's story this week, the GRAND story is always about Jesus Rereading the Christmas account with an emphasis on Mary's perspective A question every believer can ask is, "Who am I that you would choose me?" - Psalm 8:4 Identifying a very human response to an angel speaking Mary's name Making a list of Mary's responses Meditating on Mary's song - Luke 1:46-55 Consulting an overview of Luke 1-2 - BibleProject.com Comparing and contrasting Mary's song in Luke to Hannah's song in 1 Samuel 2 The idea that while Mary wasn't quoting the Old Testament, she was so steeped in Scripture that it was a natural overflow Allowing this song to be a poetic rendering, but also recognizing that Mary may have known what a gift Jesus was, but was also human enough to forget from time to time May we be so steeped in Scripture that our thoughts and words overflow with the very words and thoughts of God. More Than a Song Playlist Additional Resources Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com My new favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link Overview of Luke 1 & 2 - BibleProject.com "Meditation on the Magnificent" - Sermon by John Piper This Week's Challenge Reread Matthew 1-2. Reread Luke 1-2. This time read with an emphasis on Mary. What she said and did, and what she may have been thinking. Follow the cross-reference to 1 Samuel 2 and compare and contrast Mary's song with Hannah's song. Then turn up the volume and sing along with Katy Nichole as we magnify the song of God. O, what a King!