The Wonder of Mary

December 13th, 2024

Have you ever noticed how much we love to sing during the holidays? As soon as Thanksgiving ends, Christmas music fills the air. At my house, it’s like a musical festival: Mariah Carey makes her yearly comeback, Bing Crosby and Darlene Love take the stage, and we all sing our hearts out for 25 straight days.

I bet you can relate. Whether it’s singing carols door to door, belting out classics in the car, or worshiping through song at church, there’s something about the Christmas season that makes us want to sing.

But have you ever stopped to wonder why?
Why do we sing at Christmas?

Maybe it’s the joy of the season, the beauty of the melodies, or the nostalgia of songs we’ve known since childhood. Or maybe it’s because that’s exactly what the first Christians did at Christmas.

In the first two chapters of Luke’s Gospel, we find three different songs: the Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55), the Song of Zechariah (Luke 1:67-79), and the Song of Simeon (Luke 2:28-32). It’s as if the arrival of Jesus was so miraculous, so life-changing, that the only response was to burst into song.

Let’s focus on the very first Christmas carol ever written—Mary’s song, often called the Magnificat.

The Setting:

Mary, a young woman from a humble background, receives the most incredible news imaginable: she will bear the Son of God. Overwhelmed, she visits her cousin Elizabeth, who confirms this miracle. And in that moment, Mary’s heart overflows with gratitude. But she doesn’t just speak—she sings.

Her words, recorded in Luke 1:46-55, form a beautiful hymn of praise to God.

Luke 1:46-55 – “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. 51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. 54 He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed forever.”

Mary's song reveals three powerful truths about her life—truths that continue to inspire and challenge us today.

1. Mary’s Life Was Scripture-Centered.

The first thing that stands out about Mary’s song is how saturated it is with Scripture. As she begins, she says, “My soul doth magnify the Lord” (Luke 1:46), which mirrors the words of Psalm 34:3, “O magnify the Lord with me.” It doesn’t stop there. Verse after verse of her song draws from the Psalms, Job, and even the promises made to Abraham in Genesis.

Vs 46 is a restatement from Psalm 34.
Vs 47 is a restatement from Psalm 35
Vs 48 is a restatement from Psalm 138
Vs 49 is a restatement of Psalm 22
Vs 50 is a direct quote from Psalm 103:17.
Vs 51 is a restatement of Psalm 98:1
Vs 52 is a restatement of Job 5:11
Vs 53 is a direct quote from Psalm 107:9
Vs 55 is a restatement of the Abrahamic promise in Gen. 17

Mary didn’t just know Scripture—it was woven into the fabric of her heart and mind. And here’s the amazing part: Mary didn’t own a Bible. In those days, Scripture was stored on scrolls in synagogues, not sitting on nightstands or apps. Mary didn’t have a study Bible, commentary, or Bible app. Yet her song is filled with Scripture because she had immersed herself in God’s Word.

What about us? We have incredible access to Scripture—Bible apps, podcasts, devotionals, and more. Yet how often do we let it sink into our hearts and shape our thoughts? Mary’s example challenges us to not just read Scripture but to meditate on it so that it becomes part of who we are. As Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

2. Mary’s Life Was God-Centered.

The second truth we see is that Mary’s life was God-centered. In her song, she mentions God 17 times in just nine verses. She celebrates His power, holiness, mercy, and faithfulness. Mary’s focus wasn’t on her situation or challenges but on God and His greatness.

Let’s be honest: It’s easy to get caught up in ourselves. We focus on our worries, desires, successes, and struggles. But Mary’s song invites us to shift our perspective.

What would it look like to live with a God-centered mindset? Maybe it’s starting each day with a simple prayer: “God, help me see You at work today.” Maybe it’s pausing in the middle of a busy moment to say, “This isn’t about me; it’s about You.” Or maybe it’s looking at life’s challenges and saying, “God, I trust You to use this for Your glory.”

Mary recognized that her story was part of something much bigger—God’s story. And when we make God the center of our lives, everything else falls into place.

As A.W. Tozer said, “As God is exalted to the right place in our lives, a thousand problems are solved all at once.”

3. Mary’s Life Was Relationship-Centered.

Finally, Mary’s song reveals that her life was relationship-centered. She begins by saying, “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). Notice the personal language: my soul, my spirit, my Savior.

Mary’s song wasn’t just a general statement of faith; it was a deeply personal expression of her relationship with God. This is the heart of the Christian life. It’s not about religion or rituals—it’s about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Mary’s song reminds us that Christmas isn’t just about celebrating a historical event; it’s about knowing the One who came to save us.

This Christmas season let’s take a cue from Mary. Let’s fill our hearts with Scripture, center our lives on God, and cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus. When we do, our hearts can’t help but sing.

The same God who inspired Mary’s song is ready to inspire yours.