My Soul Magnifies the Lord

She was the first Christmas caroler. That young virgin girl from Israel! She praised God for Jesus! Numerous song composers have followed her example since then. What a magnanimous gift Christ is. When Mary got the news that she was pregnant with the Messiah, she rejoiced in God our Savior.

As a boy, my family attended the annual community Christmas concert in LaPorte, Indiana. All the praises were to Jesus. The final selection was always Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. It was the choir’s way of saying, “Jesus, we are so glad You came the first time, but we look forward to Your second coming when the world becomes Yours and You rule forever. The Hallelujah Chorus was sung so beautifully and with such enthusiasm that I got goose bumps every time I heard it.

Mary praised the Lord with the following words, “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.” [1] God looks with favor on the humble. They seek not to BE worshipped, but to GIVE worship to God.

Mary had great foresight. She saw that all generations would call her blessed. If Mary had not served God, she would be unknown today. As it is, many girls are named after her.

Years ago, Jesus provided for me opportunities to share His story with a lady named Paulette. She came to church on the Sunday before Christmas. She gave her life to Jesus. She died three months later. However, in the three short months prior to her death she made great impact on others. The church was packed out on the day of her funeral. Paulette was little known before she met Jesus, but well-known afterwards.

We all need JESUS. The greatest military in the world, can sink suddenly like a Titanic without God. But if we are at our most vulnerable point and attacked from multiple sides, Immanuel, God with us, can save us.

Mary declared that God did great things for her. The greatest thing God did for us is JESUS.

Jesus can be born in us today. Not as a baby inside us, but spiritually! We need not be without God. Christmas is not just for Mary. Christmas is for us! We too can sing God praises. For Mary’s miracle is our miracle too!

[1] Luke 1:46-49