The Magnificat, also know as The Song of Mary, is found in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:46-55).
It is a song that overflowed Mary’s heart as her faith burst forth in joy. After receiving the words of promise from the angel Gabriel that she would bear a son, she traveled to be with her relative, Elizabeth, who spoke to her of God’s miraculous working in bringing life where there had been barrenness.
Elizabeth confirmed what the angel Gabriel had told Mary ... that she was with child by the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit. As Elizabeth spoke these words, “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord,” Mary’s song burst forth.
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
For He took notice of his lowly servant girl,
and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One is holy, and He has done great things for me.
He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear Him.
His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands.
He has helped His servant Israel and remembered to be merciful.
For He made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and His children forever!”
It is a song of personal praise, worship and rejoicing ... a song declaring the wonderful character and actions of God toward all people ... and a song speaking of the fulfillment of Israel’s promise of a Messiah!
Blessed be the Lord! Rejoice with me in the wonders and miracles of Christmas — past, present and future. Jesus Christ came, is present, and is coming again!
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever. — Hebrews 13:8
Louis J. Locke is pastor of Fountainhead Foursquare Church in Carson City. For more information, go to www.ffccarson.org.