Reading Luke 1:39 – 80 Magnificat (Luke 1:46 -55)

Similar to the prayer of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Mary breaks out in praise towards God and expresses the divinity of her unborn child.

“And Mary Said,

My soul magnifies (to hold in great esteem or to respect) the Lord,

And my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, For he has looked with favour (approval, gracious kindness) on the lowliness of his servant.

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed: for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

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 powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

He has helped this servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Mary knows she is blessed and her relative Elizabeth has confirmed the annunciation. They are excited because they know things are about to change in the world. The child she is carrying is about to change the world by: bringing down the powerful, lifting up the lowly, filling up the hungry, leaving the rich empty handed. His arrival will be a reminder of the promises God had made to their ancestors.

Zechariah makes known to everyone that things are about to change, not with the birth of his son John, but with the arrival of another child. The arrival of Jesus is the fulfillment of the ancient promises made to their ancestors. It’s a powerful prophecy letting everyone know that the oppression and mistreatment will indeed end.

Zechariah lets his baby boy John know that there are big plans ahead for him. He will be the one to prophecy and prepare the way for the Lord. What will John’s message be: to let people know there is salvation available to all through the forgiveness of sins. According to Zechariah those who are in darkness will now see the light and this light will guide their pathway to peace.

QUESTIONS:

Will you be like Mary and Zechariah and proclaim to the world that there is light in the darkness?

Will you be like Mary and Zechariah and see the arrival of Jesus as a sign that God is faithful with his promises?

Will you be like Mary and Zechariah and see your children as heirs to the message and promises made by God?