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My soul magnifies the Lord

“My soul magnifies the Lord…”

Nativity. Tole painting by Billie Tolbert

Mary proclaimed the greatness of the Lord, His glorious and mysterious ways, His tender mercy. Hers was a song of spontaneous worship, grounded in the word of God and the history of His people. A welling up from all she had taken in when the angel came to her. A joyful outpouring at her cousin Elizabeth’s confirmation that what had been spoken to her would be fulfilled.

In the days and months that followed, did she hum the tune to remember? “My soul magnifies the Lord…”

When a foreign government’s mandate disrupted the young mother’s nesting instinct, did she sing the song again for comfort and assurance on the rocky road to Bethlehem?

Olive wood from Bethlehem

As they were turned away from the inn and found makeshift quarters in a dirt-floor stable, in the midst of animal smells and hay dust, did she remember “My soul magnifies the Lord…”?

The time came for her to give birth. Far from home, far from extended family, far from the familiar, she went into labor. And there in the simplest of surroundings, she gave birth to the Son of God. I wonder at the timing. As her newborn gave His first cry, did she hear the glorious sound of angel song in the distance? “My soul magnifies the Lord…”

Waiting. Watching. Wondering. Worshiping.
Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. Pakistan

Mary treasured many things in her heart during those first months. Angels and shepherds. The extraordinary words of Simeon and Anna in the temple. Wise men who journeyed from the East, bearing gifts for her Son, the King. The sudden journey to Egypt, escaping the violence of cruel Herod.

“My soul magnifies the Lord…”

The song of your soul

In this season, what is the song of your soul? Are you waiting and watching for the work of the Lord? Are you recounting His faithfulness in the midst of change and upheaval? Have you looked back to remember the promise of His Word, to simply worship Him for who He is?

Joy to the world! The Lord has come.

Merry Christmas, friends.

One more thing: In December 1993 as I considered the things Mary treasured in her heart, I wrote a song.  Check my YouTube channel for lyrics and the recording: Mary’s Song

[See Luke 1:26-56; Luke 2; Matthew 1:20-23; Matthew 2]

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