Daily Devotional

-December 16, 2020-

Good morning, happy Wednesday,

-Mary’s Song Of Praise To The Lord-

“And Mary said: ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior’” (Luke 1:46-47).

“For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name” (Luke 1:49).

This section of Scripture, Luke 1:46-55, is commonly called, “Mary’s Magnificat.” It is also called the “Song of Mary,” or we call it, “Mary’s Song of Praise.” Mary, the mother of Jesus, was filled with praise to God and gives Him all the glory for all His blessings on her and the people of Israel. She would be so upset if she knew how many today worship her and pray to her. She regards herself in verse 48 as “His maidservant” yet recognizes that all generations will henceforth call me blessed.”

God uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary things. Mary says in verse 48, “He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant.” She realized how great the Lord is. In verse 49 she says, “For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.” She was so humble and gave all the glory to God. She didn’t consider herself worthy. In her song, she spoke of God’s mercy, strength, and help for all Israel.

It reminds us of the great things God has done for us: in saving us, forgiving us, in giving us the gift of eternal life, and in giving us all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places in Christ. The Psalmist wrote, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad” (Psalm 126:3).

It is no wonder Mary overflows in praise to God. She says in verses 46-47, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God in God my Savior.” There are so many examples of praising God in song in the Scriptures: Moses wrote a song of praise after God delivered him and the Israelites from the Egyptians at the Red Sea. Miriam, his sister led the praise for the women there also. Deborah and Barak sang praises to God after the wonderful victory over Sisera and the Canaanites in Judges 5. David, Asaph, the sons of Korah and others wrote psalms of praise to God for who He is and what He did for them.

May the Lord help us to join Mary in praising God for all He has done for us. Let us honor her part in the birth of Christ and call her blessed. We are so blessed to be Christians and to serve Him humbly and dependently. The Christ Child grew up and became our sin bearer, shed His blood, and died in our place. He rose again and ascended back to heaven. Christmas is the greatest love story showing God’s great love for man.

Have a blessed day praising God. Merry Christmas. Stay safe and healthy.

Dean