The Christmas story is all about the most special delivery, the birth of the Messiah. Heaven delivered message after message, beginning with Gabriel’s appearance to Mary and the announcement that she would be with child, and the child would be the Son of God. This news was shocking and frightening. Mary was young, engaged, but unwed, and facing real danger, gossip, and uncertainty. Yet in the middle of fear and confusion, she trusted God completely and surrendered her future, magnifying the Lord instead of magnifying her circumstances.

The birth of Jesus has inspired more music than any event in history. From classical composers to modern artists, songs have risen to celebrate the Light of the World, the reason for Christmas Day. Mary’s response to Gabriel’s visit became the first Christmas song, the Magnificat: “My soul magnifies the Lord.” Everyone magnifies something, and what we magnify shapes our joy, fears, values, and identity. Mary magnified God, drawing deeply from Scripture and recognizing that God was redefining history through her child. While Caesar was called savior and bringer of peace, heaven announced the true Son of God, the real Prince of Peace. In a culture where Caesar was worshipped and Rome was oppressing the people, this song was not harmless devotion—it was revolutionary, declaring that God lifts the lowly and brings down the powerful. (Lk 1:46-56)

When the angel told the shepherds of Jesus birth, they immediately went to see the child and shared what the angel had told them (Lk 2:10-14). Mary treasured these words and pondered them, not as a sentimental moment, but as prophetic understanding. She carried this song her whole life and surely sang it to Jesus, teaching him to surrender to God and trust Him. Years later, in Gethsemane, Jesus echoed his mother’s song: “Not my will, but yours be done.” Today, the question remains: what are you magnifying? God still invites us to sing this song with our lives—to surrender fully, trust completely, and say, “Here I am, Lord. Let it be with me according to your word.” How will you respond?

Scriptures – Luke 1:30-33, 38, 46-49, 51-53, Luke 2:10-14, 16-20 (NRSVCE)

Verse – Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38) “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” (Lk 1:46-49) He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.”(Lk 1:51-53) “Don’t be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”(Lk 2:10-14)

Discussion – Everyone magnifies something. What things do people commonly magnify, and how can we tell what we personally magnify? Mary faced fear, uncertainty, and potential rejection, yet she trusted God completely. What makes surrender difficult for us? Mary’s song was described as revolutionary, not just devotional. In what ways does magnifying God challenge the values and power structures of the world around us today? Mary “treasured and pondered” these events while others were simply amazed. What is the difference between being amazed by God and truly treasuring His words and his works in our hearts?

Prayer – Dear God, I come to You with an open heart. Help me to magnify You above my fears, worries, and distractions. Like Mary, teach me to trust You fully and to say, “Here I am—let it be with me according to Your word.” In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.