When Mary went to stay with Elizabeth and Zachariah, Elizabeth spoke these words to Mary after her baby recognized that the one Mary was carrying was the Lord. Luke 1:45^” You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” The passage that follows is know as the Magnificat, as it is Mary’s response of praise to God for God’s blessing. Marvel at the words Mary uses to describe God and His works in our world,

⁴⁶ Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
⁴⁷     How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
⁴⁸ For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
    and from now on all generations will call me blessed. God’s blessing caused Mary to rejoice.

⁴⁹ For the Mighty One is holy,
    and he has done great things for me.
⁵⁰ He shows mercy from generation to generation
    to all who fear him. God is mighty, holy, eternal, merciful to those who know Him.
51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
    He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
52 He has brought down princes from their thrones
    and exalted the humble. God is sovereign over all, even princely powers.
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things
    and sent the rich away with empty hands. God provides.

⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel
    and remembered to be merciful.
⁵⁵ For he made this promise to our ancestors,
    to Abraham and his children forever.” God keeps his promises.

If you were writing a song of praise to God, what would you have included? Would you acknowledge His power over all things, His great provision for you, His character and how He has blessed you specifically? Mary’s praise if complete and starts with her own knowledge of God’s blessing. It has to start with us. We need to acknowledge His grace and mercy towards us and humbly accept Him into our lives. He has marvelous wonders to work in our lives as we submit to Him. Mary is our example.

May our praises this season be reflective of His grace in our lives and far reaching to those around us.

Linda