GRAPEVINE
A weekly spiritual insight, sharing a Bible verse paired with a thoughtful reflection to deepen your connection with God and illuminate His path for your life.
Thought for the week - 10th December 2025
MARY’S SONG: ‘THE MAGNIFICAT’
LUKE 1: 46-55
MARY’S SONG: ‘THE MAGNIFICAT’
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for He has regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden.
From henceforth all generations shall call me blessed,
for He who is mighty has done great things for me.
Holy is His name!
His mercy is on those who revere him
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm,
and He has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has brought down the mighty from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
He has upheld his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and to his descendants forever,
just as He promised our ancestors.’
Chapters 1 and 2 of Luke’s Gospel, tell the story of Jesus’s birth from Mary’s perspective. The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she had been chosen to be the mother of the Son of God. She would call him Jesus, and he would reign as King forever.
For Mary to be unmarried and pregnant, it would have caused great scandal and shame to her and her family - yet she was still able to say to Gabriel, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
Mary then went to stay with her older cousin Elizabeth, who had been chosen by God to be the mother of John the Baptist. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in Elizabeth’s womb. She was filled with the Holy Spirit, and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”
In response to Elizabeth’s confirmation of God’s promise, Mary spoke the words that have become known as the ‘Magnificat’, from her declaration, “My soul magnifies the Lord…”.
It is an out-pouring of praise to God who is always faithful and totally trustworthy, and despite the incredible circumstance she found herself in, it is a declaration of complete faith, trust and obedience to God.
Mary’s Song calls us to devote our lives to being, like Mary, willing and humble servants of God. It reminds us that we are called to be God's servants in the world, serving others as a reflection and extension of God's kingdom. Mary's song stirs in us a desire to live for what really matters to God, so that God might work through us for his purposes and glory.
In the days before Christmas, we can easily get caught up in mass consumption as we scurry about buying presents and enjoying Christmas parties. Mary’s song encourages us to step back, to think about what is really important. Perhaps, this season of Advent can offer a different way, a way of seeking, a way of serving, a way of sacrifice. May we all, like Mary, have such faith, trust and obedience to God, whatever our circumstances.
Associate Minister, Revd Steve Turville
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