Mary’s Hymn of Praise

“And Mary said: ‘My soul magnifies the Lord'” – Luke 1:46

Mary, overwhelmed with joy at what God was doing in her life, lifted her voice in a hymn of praise that directed all glory to Him. She declared that all generations would call her blessed, not because she was holy in herself, but because of the One who is holy and mighty. In verse 47 she calls God her Savior, reminding us that even Mary needed redemption and grace. Scripture never exalts her as “the mother of God,” but instead presents her as a humble servant who magnifies the Lord. Her song is not about her greatness, but about the greatness of God who chose her as His vessel.

Every line of her hymn points upward, exalting God’s mercy, His power, and His faithfulness to His promises. Mary’s response challenges us to examine where our praise is directed. Too often we magnify ourselves, our accomplishments, or even other people, but true worship magnifies the Lord alone. Mary’s hymn reminds us that blessing comes not from who we are but from who God is. Even in her youth, facing misunderstanding and risk, she chose to lift her voice in praise. How many of us, when faced with uncertainty, can still sing, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46–47)?

As Mary returned home, three months pregnant with Jesus, she carried not only the Child but also the testimony that God is faithful to His word. Her hymn is a model for us: to magnify God, to rejoice in our Savior, and to live as people who point all glory back to Him. Just as Mary proclaimed God’s greatness in the midst of uncertainty, we too must learn to lift our voices in praise, trusting that His promises never fail. Let us be people who magnify the Lord in every season, rejoicing in His salvation and declaring His faithfulness to the world.

“The language of the Magnificat is a striking example of how the most holy and blessed among women saw herself only as a debtor to divine grace. Mary magnifies the Lord, not herself. She rejoices in God her Savior, acknowledging that she needed mercy as much as any other sinner.” – J. C. Ryle