Magnificat
Mary’s song begins, “My soul doth magnify the Lord,” and it has been sung for centuries under the Latin name Magnificat, which simply means “magnifies.” She sings in Luke 1:46-55 after the angel’s news. The song is about God more than about herself: he notices a humble servant, shows mercy to those who fear him, and turns things upside down. “He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.” It ends by remembering the promise made to Abraham. Read it aloud, slowly, and notice how many lines are about what God has done.
10 verses
Luke
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.