MADE TO WORSHIP

THE MAGNIFICAT

 

(Latin for: My soul magnifies) —also known as the Song of Mary, is found in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:46-55).  It is one of the eight most ancient Christian hymns and perhaps the earliest Marian hymn.  The words were spoken by the Virgin Mary upon the occasion of her visitation to her cousin Elizabeth. After Mary greets Elizabeth, who is pregnant with the future John the Baptist, the child moves within Elizabeth's womb. When Elizabeth praises Mary for her faith, Mary sings what is now known as the Magnificat in response.

 

Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat

 And Mary said,

 

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.

And his mercy is for those who fear him

    from generation to generation.

 

He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
he has filled the hungry with good things,

    and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

 

Mary's response to the news of her new child could have been completely different.  She had every right to respond in other ways such as anger, frustration, confusion etc.  Mary chooses to respond by seeing the blessing that has been given to her.  Her immediate response is to glorify God and to rejoice in the news.  Mary realizes that the history of her people; the promise of the Messiah, or Emmanuel (God with us), the king from the line of David, the one whom the prophets fortold of would be born through her!  She understands what a blessing it is to be a vessel of God's love for His people.  She proclaims God's mercy and desire to see His people redeemed, reconciled and restored to Him.  

 

Mary proclaims the greatnes of God.  He is above all earthly kings, kingdoms and powers.  Through Jesus, God will redifine what it means to have power.  Jesus will ultimatley show power through his humility and suffering conquering both sin and death.  The covenants made with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and David will all be fulfilled.  Christ has come to bring a new covenant, a better covenant for His people.