Mary’s Song of Praise | Morning Routine Daily Devotional for December 22

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate…

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. – Luke 1:46-50 ESV

At the beginning of Luke’s gospel, the story of Jesus’ birth begins. A baby was promised to a virgin named Mary who, through a miraculous encounter with the Holy Spirit, would conceive. And before she gives birth, Mary visits her relative, Elizabeth, who was also expecting a miracle baby (who we know as John the Baptist!). When they saw one another, the baby who was in Elizabeth’s womb leaped with joy.

Today’s passage comes just after Mary’s encounter with Elizabeth and, in it, Mary praises the Lord in light of this expectant Son: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.” With these words Mary repeats a principle we find throughout Scripture: God exalts the humble and brings down the proud. She recognizes herself as undeserving of God’s goodness and praises Him for it!

Mary’s song of praise is an excellent example of how to react when the Lord shows His favor to you. This Christmas season, reflect on how God has shown you favor. If you are a parent, you can be thankful for the children that the Lord has gifted to you. If you are working, you can be thankful that the Lord has given you a way to glorify Him through your job. And all of us have reason to praise because we can call Jesus Christ our Lord. As Mary says, “His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.” If you call Him Lord, you have received abundant mercy! This Christmas, remember what the Lord has done for you through the work of Jesus Christ and reflect on how you can realign your actions and motives to bring Him more glory next year.