In response to Elisabeth’s pronouncement of blessing, Mary’s full heart overflowed with a song of praise. We have come to know her words as “The Magnificat.”

Mary rejoiced that day in her personal Saviour: “My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” This is one of the great miracles in the story of Christ’s birth. Often those of high spiritual privilege or of honored position do not realize their personal needs. Paul observed that truth and spoke of it to the Corinthians: “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called” (I Corinthians 1:26).

Having recently met with an angel who guaranteed her God’s favor, it would have been human to glory in her spiritual attainment. Instead, Mary broke forth into a song of thanksgiving and praise. Only the humble can be truly thankful, and Mary’s humility was evident as she poured out her heart before God: “For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed” (Luke 1:48). Her feelings toward her Lord were revealed as she praised Him for His might, His mercy, His grace and His goodness.

In concluding the Magnificat, Mary gave praise to God for His Word. She remembered His promises to Abraham and the other patriarchs of Israel. She gloried in the fact that God’s Word is dependable. She had undoubtedly heard the promises of the coming Saviour all her life. Now she was assured of the fulfillment of that promise through the One who would be born of her.

The promises of God had become first-hand information: Mary’s promises… and yours!