Christmas Message – The Magnificat
24th December 2025
In Luke 1:46-55 we find a poetic prayer spoken by Mary when she visited her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth was pregnant with John and Mary was pregnant with Jesus. The Magnificat was Mary’s response to a blessing that Elizabeth had just given to her. Elizabeth recognised that Mary’s pregnancy was the fulfilment of what the Lord had told Mary through an angel. In Luke 1:30-33 we read about the angel Gabriel telling Mary that she will conceive a son in her womb who is the long-awaited Messiah and He is to be called Jesus. The remarkable thing about this is that Mary was a virgin who was not yet married. Yet Mary accepted what Gabriel told her when she said, “may it be done to me according to your word.”
Magnificat is a Latin word that means magnify, glorify or exalt. And so, in her prayer Mary is magnifying or exalting God for His greatness, mercy and faithfulness. The Magnificat is in effect a hymn of praise. Mary begins her hymn of praise by expressing her gratitude for what God has done for her, knowing that she is indeed blessed. She exalts God whilst acknowledging that she is lowly and humble; a mere bondservant. She then goes on to speak of God’s mercy and justice. God is merciful to those who fear Him, He exalts the humble and He feeds the hungry. And finally, she remembers His faithfulness to Israel. God’s blessing, mercy and faithfulness are all fulfilled in Mary being pregnant with Jesus.
The way that Mary responds to the Lord’s blessing for her has an important lesson for all believers today. When the Lord blesses us, we too should be grateful and praise Him. We should acknowledge His work in us and exalt His greatness. Like Mary, we should say, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour.” So, as we remember the birth of Jesus this Christmas let’s follow Mary’s example and magnify the Lord always.
Peace be with you.
Mike and Suzanne Ashton