Waiting: Day 15

Sunday December 14, 2025

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 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. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Luke 1 46-55, English Standard Version

These words of Mary comprise what many refer to as The Magnificat, an exclamation of praise that has been utilized by Christians as a prayer and a hymn. It is Mary’s response to the reality of the ensuing birth of her own baby, but also a response to the affirmation she has received through Elizabeth.

As I read it, The Magnificat is what spills forth as Mary begins to truly grasp the significance of the Baby she will bear. It’s one thing to hear such news, one thing to nod her head and say that she’s willing to go along with the plan, but it’s another for the reality to really sink into her heart and take root. This child-her son-will be God’s Son, which means that God is going to do things which are greater than she can imagine.

There are those moments in life when our only response is praise. It may be out loud, or it might be in the stillness of our minds and the quiet of our hearts. Something, whatever it is, just hits us and all we can do is to express our gratitude to God and then sing His praises for His goodness. For Mary, it’s about what He has done for her and what He will do for the world through her Baby. And she has absolute confidence that God will do exactly what He has promised to do.

Each of us would do well during this Advent season to pause and consider the blessings of our lives. Then, we should offer thanks for those blessings, and our absolute praise for the God who has given them. We might discover that we are echoing the very words of Mary- “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior . . .”

That is praise at its very best.