The Magnificat—Mary’s song of praise
Luke 1:46-56
After Mary learned that she would be the mother of Jesus, she visited her cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. When Elizabeth heard the voice of “the mother of my Lord,” her baby leaped in her womb for joy. Mary then praised God with what became one of the earliest Christian hymns, called the Magnificat. It is a poetic outpouring of praise, joy, and trust in God. It has been set to music by Claudio Monteverdi, Johann Sebastian Bach, and, more recently, by John Rutter.
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And Mary said,
My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house. |