“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”
— Luke 1:46–47
Mary’s response in Luke 1:46–55 to the angel Gabriel’s announcement concerning the conception and expectant birth of God’s Son (see Luke 1:28–33) has been given the Latin title Magnificat. This title is based on the Latin translation of the first Greek word in Luke 1:46 which means “[my soul] exalts” or “magnifies.” Her response is hymnic in nature, blending quotations and allusions to messianic Psalms and Old Testament prophecy. Most translations arrange it in strophes like poetry.
If Mary’s hymn of praise (see Luke 1:46–55) tells us anything, it’s that she did not consider herself exalted (or “venerated”) in any sense of the word, but rather a person much like the rest of humanity, a sinner in need of a Savior. Nevertheless, Mary is worthy of our admiration for two good reasons:
God chose to honor her among all women to bring the Christ child into the world (see Luke 1:39–45). Despite her imperfections, God saw fit to choose her as a qualified vessel to bear His Son.
Mary chose to set aside her own aspirations of a normal life to accept the complications of obedience. No other soul in Nazareth had received an angelic visit like Mary, so as a consequence of answering God’s call in her life she’d have to endure the sting of false accusations and the ridicule of being misunderstood. God’s blessings notwithstanding, Mary had accepted an extremely difficult assignment.
If we venerate Mary for any reason, let it be for her remarkable example of faith and obedience. This young imperfect figure from Nazareth was faithful enough to essentially pray as Jesus later prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Not my will, but Thine be done” (cf. Luke 22:39–46). May we in daily surrender do the same.
FURTHER READING: Luke 1:46–55
Enjoy 25 MORE Exclusive Devotional Readings for Advent when you purchase Ron Metheny's "'Twas The Devotional Before Christmas" (eBook/Kindle-version) for only $1.99 (FREE with Kindleunlimited) from Amazon!
Comments