Luke 1:46
46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord.
Mary was paying a visit to her cousin Elisabeth. During their meeting, she erupted in a song, magnifying the Lord. The first line of this song states the purpose of her song – “My soul doth magnify the Lord”. Hence, this song has come to be known as “Mary’s Magnificat”.
Both Mary and Elisabeth were two humble ladies who loved their God wholeheartedly. Their devotion to God was evident in their salutations and conversation. Their hearts were filled with great joy and thanksgiving to the Lord for the blessings of the babies that their wombs were carrying. The hallowed presence of the Spirit of God was also with them. Their hearts and minds were wondrously aroused to exalt the Lord. Mary burst forth with sacred praise; she sang unto the Lord with gladness. How wonderful it will be if our conversations with other Christians also culminate in the praise of our God!
Mary testified of her personal joy and gratitude to the Lord. “My soul”, declared Mary, “doth magnify the Lord”. Certainly, her unique delight was that the Saviour would be born of her. Though the Saviour was not yet born, she believed by faith what the Lord had revealed to her concerning His birth. The Lord’s angel had declared to her, “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS” (Luke 1:30, 31). It was also told to her that “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). She responded to that wonderful revelation that she would bring forth the Holy Child by saying, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). By faith, she yielded to the Lord’s will without any hesitation.
Mary could have given in to anxiety about the many problems that would arise if she were to be found with a child. Such fear could have made her unwilling to yield to God’s will. However, she rejoiced that the Lord had chosen her to be His handmaiden to bring forth the Saviour to the world. Her faith in the Lord was submissive and yielding. Like Mary, every humble and submissive soul will rejoice in the worship of the Lord. True and joyful worship flows out of believing and obedient souls.