Light of the WorldSýnishorn

Have you ever been so overwhelmed with joy that you burst into song? Maybe something incredibly good just happened out of the blue, or you were so full of contentment that a verse of your favorite song or a spontaneous tune flew from deeply within your heart, through your lungs, and out of your mouth?

This is exactly what we see happening to Mary in Luke 1:46!

Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, has just proclaimed blessings upon Mary at recognizing she will be the mother of the Most High. And in that moment of joy, Mary utters the most humble and beautiful prayer, the song of her heart. In fact, Mary’s prayer is so pure and powerful that it has become known as the Magnificat and is recited by Christ followers to this day.

In her hymn of praise, Mary praises God, seeking only to magnify His name and His goodness. She recognizes in this moment that God is fulfilling a promise to His people from the beginning, and He is choosing to use the humble and lowly rather than the proud and powerful. Every word she utters is filled with recognition and worship. As we read her “hymn of praise” today, may our hearts find the same posture; may we all be overwhelmed by the joy and hope we have in the Messiah who came.

“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.” | Luke 1:46-48 (NLT)

Question:
Can you recall a moment where you were so overwhelmed with the goodness of God you could not contain your praise and worship? Reflect on that moment.

Application:
Make Mary’s song your song this holiday season. Spend a moment each day reciting this passage and reflect on the goodness and faithfulness of God.