Advent: December 7th

The Magnificant.

After hearing Elizabeth’s Spirit inspired words of affirmation and praise, Mary responds with her own Spirit filled worship.  This section is often called the Magnificant, The Conical of Mary, or Mary’s Song of Praise. Magnificant means to make great, to see as magnificent, impressively beautiful, very good, or excellent.

As Mary processes all that has happened; the great promise that has been made to her, and her part in bringing about the Messiah; she is rightly overcome with praise.

In the Magnificat, Mary states her overwhelming joy and need to exalt God in praise- the God who she knows and trusts to save! She confirms the promise given to her. Mary is a young girl of little means and social standing but she has been given an unbelievable honor, one that will span cultures and generations of all mankind for, of ALL women, she is chosen to bear the Christ.

All of this causes her to cry out, “Holy is His name.” She talks about the great ability of God, His might and strength and power to humble those who are proud and mighty.  She acknowledges His ability to take the lowliest and most humble and elevate them to a place of status and honor.  No doubt she is thinking of herself, but she would also have in view what this means for all of Israel. For here she makes the connection to God’s great promise given to the father of their nation, Abraham.

“He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” Luke 1:54-55

Anyone would be overwhelmed, but isn’t it amazing that such a young woman had the faith and the humility to show such patience and trust as God worked out His plan for the salvation of man.  May we also trust God as Mary did, with patience and endurance. May God’s great promises and character cause us to be overwhelmed with praise and adoration this Christmas season.