After hearing of her blessings from the Angel Gabriel, Mary goes to see her cousin Elizabeth, who was also miraculously pregnant at the time. Luke has recorded at least a part of their conversation for us. Of course, this is more than a little bit of “Girl Talk” between cousins, this is the culmination of a faithful Hebrew’s hope for the coming Messiah. These are the words of a woman who recognizes her sin and her need for a savior, and sees him coming quickly. These are the words of a woman who, although she is “blessed among women”, gives all glory to God alone. These thoughts are especially evident in the first five verses of the Magnificat. These verses are most appropriate for a Christian to meditate on as the prepare to celebrate Christ’s first advent, and as we prepare for His second.
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, [Luke 1:46-47 ESV]
The very first thing Mary does is give Glory to God. She uses the events in her own life to put the focus back on the the Lord and the great things that He has done for her. Although the great things were no doubt plentiful, the first thing she speaks of is God has her Savior. This is where her true rejoicing comes from, the God who forgives her sins and grants her eternal life. Even though Jesus had not yet been born, even though she may not have fully understood what his purpose was to be, she was most certainly Christ-Centered in her prayer and her thoughts.
As we look forward to our commemoration of Christ’s birth, we too are able to rejoice in God our Savior. And as we look forward to Christ’s second advent, to Judge the Living and the dead, we too have the privilege of rejoicing in our fate, because our Judge is also our savior and redeemer.
For he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me,and holy is his name.And his mercy is for those who fear Him from generation to generation[Luke 1:48-50 ESV]
The Lord has seen us humans in the depravity of original sin. He has seen us in our true state, as slaves to sin and the Devil. He has seen our inability to do a single thing to rectify our “humble estate.” He saw this long ago in the Garden of Eden when he first promised to send the Messiah. He had compassion for us in out humble state and he did send the Messiah to save us. The Mighty one has done the mightiest thing possible. He has conquered death. He sent his only son to save us and because of this, every generation will call each and every Christian Blessed.
SOLI DEO GLORIA
