The Magnificat: Mary’s Song of Praise

Mary’s Song of Praise Can Inspire You to Live a Joyful Life

Discover the secrets of the Magnificat and how you can apply them to your everyday challenges and blessings

Luke 1:46-47 records the words of Mary, the mother of Jesus, when she visited her relative Elizabeth, who was also pregnant with John the Baptist.

Mary’s song, known as the Magnificat, is a beautiful expression of her faith and joy in God’s salvation.

Mary recognised the greatness of what was about to happen.
Mary was a humble young woman from Nazareth, who was chosen by God to be the mother of the Messiah.

She accepted God’s will with obedience and trust, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).

She knew that God was fulfilling his ancient promises to Israel through her son, who would be called “the Son of the Most High” and “the Son of God” (Luke 1:32, 35).

Mary also knew that her pregnancy would bring her many challenges and difficulties. She was not married yet to Joseph, who initially planned to divorce her quietly (Matthew 1:19).

She would face the scorn and suspicion of her community, and the hardship of giving birth in a stable (Luke 2:7).

She would also suffer the pain of seeing her son rejected, persecuted, and crucified (Luke 2:35; John 19:25-27).

Yet, in spite of all these, Mary praised God for his grace and mercy. She did not focus on her problems, but on God’s power and goodness.

She did not complain, but rejoiced. She did not doubt, but believed.

In that moment she allowed her soul to magnify the Lord and to see His greatness.

Mary’s song begins with the words, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47).

The word “magnify” means to make something appear larger or more important. Mary was not making God bigger or better than he already is, but she was declaring his greatness and glory to others. She was also enlarging her own vision of God, and seeing him more clearly and intimately.

Mary’s soul and spirit were fully engaged in worshiping God. She did not just praise him with her lips, but with her whole being.

She did not just sing a song, but she lived a life of gratitude and devotion. She did not just acknowledge God as her Savior, but she experienced his salvation in her personal and historical situation.

It was a moment when her spirit rejoiced in God her Saviour.
Mary’s song is full of joy and wonder. She marvels at how God has looked upon her lowly condition and chosen her for such a high honor.

She celebrates how God has done great things for her and for his people. She proclaims how God has shown his mercy, strength, holiness, and faithfulness.

She remembers how God has helped his servant Israel, and kept his covenant with Abraham and his descendants.

Mary’s joy was not based on her circumstances, but on her relationship with God. She rejoiced in God, not in herself or in her son.

She rejoiced in God, not in her wealth or status. She rejoiced in God, not in her comfort or security.

She rejoiced in God, not in her plans or expectations. She rejoiced in God, who was her Savior, her Lord, and her God.

Let your soul and your spirit be filled with His glory and start rejoicing.

Mary’s song is not only a personal expression of her faith, but also a universal invitation to all who hear it.

It is a call to join her in magnifying the Lord and rejoicing in God our Savior. It is a challenge to see God’s greatness and glory in our lives and in our world. It is a reminder of God’s salvation and promises for us and for his people.

Let us, then, follow Mary’s example and respond to God’s grace with praise and joy. Let us allow our souls and spirits to be filled with his glory and start rejoicing.

Let us sing with Mary, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47).