5 Reflections on Mary's Song for Adventනියැදිය

Mary’s Magnificat is a version of the Cinderella story. It’s a rags-to-riches tale. The first reason that Mary glorifies the Lord is that “he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant” (Luke 1:48). Nobody at the centre of political power in Rome, nor the centre of religious power in Jerusalem, had heard of Mary. Not many people in her own village would have known her name. Like millions of ordinary people across the world, she’s overlooked by the powerful and the wealthy—but not by God. God has been attentive to her humble state.

The second reason that Mary rejoices is that “the Mighty One has done great things for me”. It’s the angel Gabriel who has declared those great things to Mary in the story of the annunciation. Lowly Mary is about to give birth to “the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:32). It’s a dramatic reversal of fortunes.

God has chosen Mary despite her humble origins. But more than that, God has chosen Mary because of her humble origins. Her one qualification for being the mother of our Lord is that she has no qualifications! God takes the lowly and works through the weak to magnify his own grace and glory. This is why Mary adds, “[And] holy is his name.” This is not a human way of operating; this can only be God at work. In choosing Mary, God is doing something that no one would ever dream of doing.

Use the Magnificat to reflect:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;

he has looked with favour on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed;

the Almighty has done great things for me

and holy is his name.

To reflect on all the songs Sung at the birth of Christ in Luke’s gospel, read Tim Chester’s 24-day Advent devotional, With Heart and Soul and Voice. The beautiful song featured in these devotions, 'Holy is his name', is a version of the Magnificat set to music written by Tim Chester and Emu Music. The audio file has been supplied with kind permission from Emu Music. You can download it yourself, along with the sheet music from Emu Music.