ChristmasReading2022A - Flipbook - Page 54
DAY Twenty-Six: December 23 - Friday
Magnificat
Mary travels to the wild country of Judea to visit her rela ve, Elizabeth,
who carries John the Bap st in her womb. And in gree ng Mary as she
comes into her home, Elizabeth says: “Blessed is she who has believed
that the Lord would ful ll His promises to her!” And Mary responds
with one of the most beau ful expressions of faith in the Bible. The
opening words give it the La n tle by which we know it: The
Magni cat. It is one of the most beau ful hymns of praise humans can
sing to God. Take a moment to read these words from Luke 1:46-55
slowly and line by line. Linger over the words and let their meaning
enter you heart and soul.
“My soul glori es the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all genera ons 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 genera on to genera on.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has sca ered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has li ed up the humble.
He has lled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
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Amen!