December 18 — Luke 1:46–56

Then Mary said:

  “My soul magnifies the Lord,
    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
  For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant.
    From now on all generations will call me blessed.
  For the Mighty One has done great things for me.
    Holy is His name.
  His mercy extends to those who fear Him,
    from generation to generation.
  He has performed mighty deeds with His arm;
    He has scattered those who are proud
    in the thoughts of their hearts.
  He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
    but has exalted the humble.
  He has filled the hungry with good things,
    but has sent the rich away empty.
  He has helped His servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful,
  as He promised to our fathers,
    to Abraham and his descendants forever.”

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
— Luke 1:46-56


Mary’s song—often called the Magnificat—is one of the most beautiful expressions of praise in all of Scripture. It rises from a young woman whose life has been turned upside down by God’s calling, yet whose heart responds not with fear but with trust and worship. Advent beautifully captures this posture. It invites us to see God’s work not merely as interruption but as blessing, not merely as responsibility but as joy. Mary magnifies the Lord not because she understands everything ahead, but because she knows who God is: faithful, merciful, mighty, and attentive to the humble.

The Magnificat reveals that God’s coming in Christ is not only a personal blessing to Mary—it is a world-transforming act of justice and mercy. God overturns the patterns of human power: the proud are scattered, the mighty are brought low, and the humble are lifted up. He fills the hungry and remembers His covenant of love. Advent reminds us that the coming of Jesus changes everything. In Christ, God’s mercy breaks into the world’s hardships, and His strength works quietly but powerfully in ways that uplift the lowly and renew the weary. Mary’s song becomes a declaration of what God has already begun and a promise of what He will complete.

As you reflect on Mary’s praise, consider these questions: What part of Mary’s song speaks most to your heart today—God’s mercy, His strength, His faithfulness, or His attentiveness to the humble? How has God “looked with favor” on you in ways large or small? Where do you see Him overturning the patterns of fear, pride, or discouragement in your life? And how might your own spirit “magnify the Lord” today—not through perfect words, but through gratitude, trust, or acts of love?

For today’s practice, take a moment to write a short “song” or prayer of praise modeled after Mary’s—just a few sentences naming God’s goodness, mercy, or the “great things” He has done for you. Let it be simple, honest, and joyful. If writing is not possible, speak these praises quietly to God. Throughout the day, return to one phrase—perhaps “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior”—and let it become a gentle refrain that lifts your heart toward worship.


Heavenly Father, 

Like Mary, I want my soul to magnify You and my spirit to rejoice in Your presence. Thank You for Your mercy, Your strength, and Your faithfulness in my life. Help me see Your work with eyes of trust and respond with a heart of praise. 

All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

-

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