The first Christmas carol ever composed rarely appears in a collection of Advent songs. But you will find it in the Bible, Luke chapter one. It’s Mary’s song, shared with her cousin Elizabeth soon after she arrived at the older woman’s home.
Using much scripture, Mary artfully wove this prayer-song to praise God for his work in her life and in the world-at-large, especially now that the Messiah would soon be born.
Mary’s prayer is often referred to as the Magnificat, because in a number of translations it begins, “My soul magnifies the Lord,” as if Mary is holding up a magnifying glass to God’s attributes while she draws attention to each one.
I too have seen God’s attributes at work, and have experienced countless blessings. While contemplating Mary’s song recently, I wondered: could I compose a Magnificat? What follows is the result.
My soul proclaims your greatness, O Lord . . . (Luke 1:46 HCSB)
. . . on display in the wonders of creation, events that defy explanation, and in the transformed lives of people—including my own.
“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples”[1] as needs are met, disasters avoided, and the way forward provided. You alone are omnipotent, with all resources at your disposal.
My spirit rejoices in God my Savior (v. 47 NIV).
I praise you for saving me from the consequences of my sin through the sacrifice of your Son. Upon my last breath, you will take me to heaven to live with you forever. In that moment I’ll be healed of all ailments and released from all adversity.
Until that day, you gladly save me from worry, fear, discouragement and stress when I trust you and follow your ways. Thank you, dear Father!
You have looked [with loving care] on the humble state of your maidservant (v. 48 AMP).
By the world’s standards I’m a nobody–no wealth, no fame, no power. Little do some know my true status, the daughter of the King of the universe, and the numerous delights I enjoy as a result:
- glorious moments in your presence
- generous gifts not even asked for
- friendships with your other children (augmented by your involvement and influence)
- your frequent intervention in difficult circumstances, as only a powerful King could arrange
From one generation to another you have demonstrated your mercy (v. 50 GNT).
I think of my grandparents, each of whom you sustained and helped through difficulty. I think of my parents who also experienced your faithfulness as they were faithful to you.
And now we can testify of your gracious kindness. You have dealt compassionately, especially in times of distress.
Your mighty power has been on display (v. 51 GWT) . . .
. . . through healings that doctors can’t explain, needs met in miraculous ways, monetary gifts arriving just in time, and moments of desperation turned around in an instant.
“You satisfy the hungry with good things” (v. 53, HCSB).
The list is lavishly long: your undeserved love, comforting presence, inexplicable peace, fullness of joy, heartening encouragement, fulfilling purpose, undying hope, sure promises, abundant provision, generous blessings, wise counsel, abiding strength—to mention a few! “In your giving we have a sea without a shore.”[2]
My God, the King, I exalt you for your glorious attributes,
and will praise your name forever and ever.
Your ways are absolutely holy—no one is like you.
You are the God who performs miracles!
Your power is on display in glorious ways all over the earth,
yet you have chosen to do great things for me and those I love.
My heart is filled with joy!
(Psalm 145:1; 77:13-14; 126:3)
[1] Psalm 77:14
[2] Herbert Lockyer, Seasons of the Lord, 255.
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From the Inside Out 
Your magnificat is truly inspiring and uplifting, Nancy. You’ve given all of us reasons enough to praise our Lord and give Him thanks for all His blessings. May you and yours have a Merry Christmas filled with God’s love and blessings!
Thank you, Martha. I pray “a Merry Christmas filled with God’s love and blessings” for you also! (Will you see the granddaughters? If I’m remembering correctly, your Thanksgiving get-together had to count for both holidays. There’s something to be said for a quiet, though, for a contemplative Christmas also–as many of us enjoyed last year.)
What a wonderful idea. We who know Jesus should each have a song of God’s Magnificent greatness to sing! Beautiful
Thank you, Pastor, Pete. You’re right: we should each have a song of God’s magnificent greatness to sing–every day! My go-to hymn is/was my father’s favorite, “Wonderful Grace of Jesus.” Do you know it, per chance?
Wonderful Testament and Praise Nancy
Thank you, Gary, and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
oh this was a beautiful Magnificat to read, Nancy! Praise the Lord. Amen.
Thank you, Jody. So glad you found beauty here. Merry Christmas!
Wonder-full!!
Thank you, Sheila. Delighted you found wonder here. Praise God for his inspiration!
Your magnificat is inspiring and beautiful. Our loving Father is worthy of our praise! Thank you, Nancy!
You’re welcome, Pam. As I just typed to Sheila above: Praise God for his inspiration! And Merry Christmas to you!
Beautiful!! What a great way to reflect!
Thank you, Alicia. Mary’s song offers glorious starting points for reflection. Merry Christmas to you and your family! P.S. Make sure everyone understands: NO one is allowed to get sick for Christmas!
Yes no kidding!! I have a poor friend whose husband is sick with Covid and so they won’t be gathering with their extended family as planned. Sad reality.
Mary’s song is something I had read last week as part of my Christmas reading plan and I enjoyed the beautiful acknowledgment and praise she gave God after such extravagant news!
I hope that friend’s family is able to postpone Christmas and just celebrate a little later than usual. We might have to do the same–our youngest granddaughter just came down with the flu. Since we don’t know exactly when Jesus was born, that date of December 25th is negotiable! 🙂
Yup that’s very true!! And really we can appreciate and celebrate His birth year round anyway!!
“In your giving we have a sea without a shore.” Oh my, how poetic and powerful is that? Merry Christmas, Nancy!
Isn’t that a wonderful visual Herbert Lockyer created for us? I love it too. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Dave. Take some time to rest and reflect beside your beautiful Christmas tree!
Your Magnificat was the perfect way to start my Sunday morning, Nancy. Thank you for this timely and beautiful reflection on the many ways and reasons we have to praise our God. Blessings, my friend.
So glad this post provided a good start to your Sunday morning, Patty. Merry Christmas blessings to you also!
So inspirational, Nancy! Thank you for this tribute of magnificent praise to our Lord. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you, Lisa. I’m delighted you found inspiration here. Praise God for his influence that brings these posts to fruition each week! A Merry Christmas to you and yours also!
Beautiful Magnificat, Nancy! I love this phrase that you shared: “In your giving we have a sea without a shore.” Perfect description of the Lord’s boundless love!
I love that quote too! Honored that you found beauty here, Cheri. Praise God for his inspiration. And Merry Christmas, my friend!
Beautiful words to intoxicate God.
Thank you, Chris!
Thank you, Nancy for always bringing up a song that brings back good memories. Wonderful Grace of Jesus… Greater than all our sins. Again, Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Yes, between the upbeat melody and uplifting lyrics, Wonderful Grace of Jesus delivers good cheer and encouragement–every time! Merry Christmas to you also, Sam!
What wonderful words of faith and inspiration! And especially valued at this time of year… Thanks for sharing, this post really spoke to me!
Thank you, Ann. Praise God this post spoke to you!
Nancy, once again you inspire me to count the blessings God lays before me daily. His attributes are there for each to see we only need to come with open hearts and humble attitudes. Such a beautiful reminder for this special time of the year. Wishing your and your family a joyful Christmas.
Praise God you found inspiration here, Anita. I pray that YOUR days may be merry and bright as you celebrate the birth of our Savior!
The first carol indeed. And none has ever surpassed it. Merry Christmas, dear friend!
I suppose a whole book could be written, extrapolating from the rich truths Mary included in her prayer-song. My next thought is, surely someone already has! A Merry and meaningful Christmas to you and yours also, Mitch!
Absolutely beautiful and yes, the concept is magnificent! Praise be to God on High! 👍💗🕊😇 Thanks Sis and God Bless!!
Thank you, Roland, and yes–praise be to God on high! “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things” (Psalm 118:15b)!
Nancy,
Beautiful insights. People filled with the Holy Spirit sure have something powerful to say.