Mary's Song

By Denise Trio

“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.’”—Luke 1:46–55 (NIV)

What’s your memory like? If I don’t write it down, I’m going to forget. I make lists everywhere, send e-mails to myself, and ask people to remind me of things. In the busyness of life, and especially in this season, my short-term memory doesn’t function at full capacity. But there’s Someone whose memory is perfect. Let’s discover Who that is.

In today’s verses, Mary sings a song. It’s a song of joy, humility, and thankfulness. It’s referred to as the Magnificat, taken from the Latin translation of the first few words of verse 46. Remember, she had just been visited by the angel Gabriel, telling her she would give birth to the Messiah. Then, her cousin Elizabeth reinforces this miracle by calling her blessed. In response, Mary sings! This should be our response when we encounter something miraculous.

Picture Mary. She’s a teenager, growing up in a culture where women weren’t valued. Instead, they were mistreated and viewed merely as property. The expectation society placed on women was to marry as soon as they were able, bear children, and care for their families. There was no career to aspire to in Mary's life. Ordinarily, no one would remember her after a generation or so had passed. Women were not invited into the temple or encouraged to study. But when Jesus came, Luke took great intentionality to include Mary, and He reversed societal norms and honored women, including this woman who was called to be His mother.

Mary’s song is significant because it indicates that somehow, despite cultural restrictions, she knew the Word of God. First of all, it parallels the song that Hannah sang. Hannah was barren, so she prayed for a son, and the Lord remembered her plea (1 Samuel 1:19). Her song in 1 Samuel 2:1–10 was her response to the Lord’s remembrance. In addition, Mary makes no less than 12 Old Testament references to significant events in Israel’s history. She threads these events through the lens of God’s power, faithfulness, and mercy.

The Bible is one big story about God, and Mary is humbled to be a part of His work. She refers to herself as a servant and acknowledges her need for a Savior. How humbling to be the one called to give birth to the Messiah. How incredible that the Sinless One would come through her, a woman who was fully human and liable to the effects of sin. She declares that the Mighty One has done great things for her, calling her blessed. That, in effect, is the power of the gospel, which transforms sin into righteousness through Christ’s blood shed on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). Everywhere the gospel is preached, this humble young woman will now be remembered throughout the world because her name is associated with Jesus’ name, the Savior of the world. The humble will be raised. Oh, how great a mercy!

Even though humans are forgetful, God doesn’t forget His promises. He was faithful to the covenant He made with Abraham, and His covenant loyalty endures forever. Forever includes anyone who follows Jesus, and that is why we celebrate His birth every year.

This Christmas, may your heart overflow with joy, humility, and thankfulness like Mary. Burst out in song! Turn up the radio! Humble your heart before the Mighty One, our Savior, who has come to be with us. He is merciful and keeps His promises—and that is good news!

Pause: How have you seen the promises of God play out in your life?

Practice: Turn on your favorite Christmas carols playlist, look up the lyrics, and sing them aloud, taking note of their biblical and doctrinal significance!

Pray: Thank You, Jesus, that You came for us. Thank You for Your remembrance and faithfulness. Thank You for including this song in the Bible through Mary’s words. May our souls magnify You, Lord, and may our spirits rejoice in You, God, our Savior. I pray this posture will not just be one we take during the Christmas season but throughout the year. Amen.