A Song of Joy: Magnifying the Lord this Christmas Luke 1:46-47, 49
Introduction
As we journey through Advent, we anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth and the joy it brings. Today, we turn to a beautiful passage known as Mary’s Song or the Magnificat. Found in Luke 1, it’s a hymn of praise that magnifies the greatness of God. Let’s focus on three verses:
Luke 1:46-47, 49 (NLT): "Mary responded, 'Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour! For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.'"
In Mary’s response, we see profound truths about worship, joy, and God’s mighty deeds. Our focus today is on Magnifying the Lord this Christmas. We will explore three key truths:
The Source of Our Joy.
The Holiness of Our God.
The Greatness of His Works.
1. The Source of Our Joy
Luke 1:46-47 "Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!"
Mary had just received the incredible news from the angel Gabriel that she would give birth to the Messiah. She visited her cousin Elizabeth, who confirmed this divine promise. Mary’s song bursts forth from a heart overwhelmed with gratitude and awe. The word magnifies (Greek: megalunei) means to glorify or exalt.
Mary’s joy stems from her personal relationship with God, whom she calls "my Saviour." This acknowledgment reflects her humility and need for God’s grace.
Mary’s joy wasn’t rooted in her circumstances—she was a young, unwed woman facing uncertainty—but in her trust in God’s promises. Similarly, our joy should transcend temporary challenges and rest in the eternal truth of who God is.
Philippians 4:4 reminds us: "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!" Joy in the Lord is not superficial happiness but a deep, abiding confidence in God’s character and faithfulness.
Think of a child receiving a heartfelt gift. The joy isn’t just in the gift itself but in the love of the giver. Our joy in God springs from recognising Him as the ultimate Giver.
Pastor John Piper writes, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."
This Advent, let us anchor our joy in the unchanging nature of God, our Saviour.
2. The Holiness of Our God
Luke 1:49 "For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me."
Mary’s song shifts to reflect on God’s holiness. The term holy (Greek: hagios) signifies God’s absolute purity, righteousness, and otherness. Mary’s recognition of God’s holiness elevates her praise, acknowledging that His actions are rooted in His perfect nature.
In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!" This repetition emphasises the unparalleled holiness of God.
God’s holiness reminds us that He is set apart from sin and corruption. At Christmas, we marvel at the miracle of the Incarnation—a holy God stepping into our broken world. In John 1:14, we read: "So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness." Jesus, the Holy One, entered our humanity to redeem us.
Consider a pristine white garment. The smallest stain would ruin it. God’s holiness is infinitely pure, and yet He made a way for sinful humanity to be cleansed through Jesus.
R.C. Sproul states, "When we understand the character of God, when we grasp something of His holiness, then we begin to understand the radical character of our sin and our hopelessness without Him."
This Advent, let us approach God with reverence, celebrating His holiness and the gift of His Son.
3. The Greatness of His Works
Luke 1:49 "For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me."
Mary reflects on the mighty works of God. The term "Mighty One" (Greek: dunatos) conveys God’s power and authority. In her personal life, Mary experienced this greatness through the miracle of the virgin birth. Yet, her words also echo the broader works of God throughout history—His faithfulness to Israel and His unfolding plan of salvation.
Psalm 126:3 declares: "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." This verse connects God’s past deeds with His ongoing faithfulness.
God’s greatness is displayed in creation, redemption, and transformation. At Christmas, we celebrate the ultimate act of greatness: the birth of Jesus, God’s gift of salvation. Romans 8:32 assures us: "Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?"
As we reflect on God’s mighty works, let us respond with gratitude and trust. Just as Mary submitted to God’s plan, saying, "I am the Lord’s servant" (Luke 1:38), we too are called to align our lives with His purposes.
Imagine a sculptor chiselling away at a block of marble. What appears rough and incomplete is gradually transformed into a masterpiece. God’s great works in our lives often unfold over time, but they are always perfect.
Tim Keller writes, "Christmas is not simply about a birth but about a coming. God came to us in Jesus Christ to do the greatest work of all—to rescue and redeem."
This Advent, let us remember and proclaim the greatness of God’s works.
Conclusion: Magnify the Lord This Christmas
Mary’s song invites us to magnify the Lord with our whole being. As we:
Find our joy in God, our Saviour.
Stand in awe of His holiness.
Celebrate the greatness of His works.
Let us respond with worship, gratitude, and obedience.
Call to Action:
Church, will you magnify the Lord this Christmas? Take time this week to reflect on His greatness. Share His joy and message with those around you. And if you have not yet trusted Jesus as your Saviour, today is the day. Romans 10:13 promises: "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Come to Him, the Holy One who has done great things for you. Let’s pray together.
