Mary’s Song
Mary’s “song” was voiced during a visit with her kinswoman Elizabeth, who in her advanced age was to give birth to John the Baptist. That visit had a significant impact on Elizabeth, who pronounced blessings on Mary. The visit also occasioned Mary’s response.
“Magnificat,” the first word of Mary’s song in the Latin Vulgate, has served as its title. From there, as recorded in Luke 1:46–55, we can discern several theological truths as we approach another Christmas.
In its strictest sense, theology has to do with the person and work of God. The very term “theology” has as its root the Greek term for God (theos). Several truths about God shine forth from Mary’s magnificent song, which has sometimes been termed a hymn of messianic rejoicing. From it, we are reminded that the promised Messiah was sent into the world to be the Savior of sinners as expressed in verse 47 (“God my Savior”).
‘Mighty and holy’
From the Magnificat we are reminded of the truth that God is both mighty and holy (v. 49). To be mighty without being holy would be potentially dangerous in someone other than God. To be holy without being mighty would be to encase God in His holy place without the ability to accomplish His designs for His creation. That God is mighty and holy gives sinners the potential of being forgiven and transformed. Hence, He is the doer of great things (v. 49); He is merciful to those who fear Him (v. 50); but resists those who are proud (v. 51). God also is faithful to His promises (vv. 54–55).
Not only does Mary’s song say much about God’s nature and actions, it also provides insight into the magnificence of praise. Our praise is magnificent when it comes from deep within our hearts and is filled with genuine feeling (v. 47). It is magnificent when it flows out of a saving relationship with God and is offered from a submissive and humble heart (vv. 48–49). Praise is magnificent when it extols and exalts the Lord rather than being a melodious “selfie” inviting others to admire and applaud us.
As with Mary, praise that magnifies God is that which rejoices the heart while uplifting and blessing others.
In summary, we might say that true praise is more than a matter of words or songs, though these are appropriate to genuine praise. At its heart, praise is a matter of our hearts. Praise that bypasses the inner being is shallow, if not unreal. Heartfelt rejoicing is the core of true praise.
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