The Song of Mary is Praise

December 23rd, 2023

In the days leading to Christmas and the New Year let us focus on the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While many debate the actual date of our Savior’s birth, we rejoice that he has come, just as our Father said He would! So as we leave those details aside for men to grapple with, let us focus on the miracle and the fulfillment of Jesus' birth!

SCRIPTURE: "And Mary said: 'My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.'” Luke 1:46-55

The angel’s revelation and Elizabeth’s confirmation lead Mary to an epiphany. When her cousin Elizabeth, while Holy Spirit filled, confirmed the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in utero, this gave rise to Mary’s chorus of praise. The rejoicing in Mary’s heart is clear and evokes our own praise. While we cannot compare ourselves to Mary, the magnitude of God’s impact on her life and ours is certainly undeniable. Each of us has our own Magnificant (Latin for magnifies) testimony and we do well to recite His glorious works. “Oh that we would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and His wonderful works to the children of men.”( Psalm 107:8) How else will mankind know about the goodness of God and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? The prophecy of His appearing, His conception, and birth are magnificent. Like Mary we must draw some conclusions about God and the magnificence of Christ’s birth.

As we approach Christmas, let us make sure to recount God’s Goodness so that our souls can 1) rejoice at how God has regarded our lowly state, 2) recognize His might and the great things He has done for us, 3) acknowledge His holy name, 4) appreciate His mercy on those who fear Him, 5) be amazed at His strength to disperse the haughty 6) be patient for Him to humble those who exalt themselves 7) be thankful that He will supply good things to those who lack 8) trust that God will impute His mercy by providing aid to Israel. Rejoice, Saints and may we, like Mary, magnify the Lord!!

Prayer: Most gracious God our Father, thank You for sending our Lord Jesus in the fulness of time. May we reflect on Your goodness, think about all You have done, and magnify Your name! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!
By Sis. Paula Smith