The Magnificat, Mary's song of praise

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;” (Luke 1:46-48 ESV)

Mary holds the unique privilege of being the only woman in history to bear a child not fathered by a human father but conceived of the Holy Spirit of God. While still a virgin, she bore the long-prophesied Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, the one and only son of God.

How incredible that a common Jewish woman would be the chosen way that God would send the Messiah who would be the final sacrifice to save us from our sin.

If somehow Mary would be able to appear today and give a TED talk on YouTube, I know what would be the first thing she would clear up, the fact that she is not to be worshipped. The one clear and ever present truth all the patriarchs, apostles, disciples, Mary and Joseph, every angel in heaven would want the world to know is that all worship and glory must always go to God and His precious Son the Lord Jesus Christ. It is Jesus (God in the flesh) alone who saves us by grace alone through faith alone in Him alone.

Therefore It is Jesus alone who is to be glorified for He alone was the final sacrifice that made it possible for us to have a personal relationship with God.

It is miraculous that Jesus was born to a common woman, who was born of an earthly father, and who struggled with the same sin that we all deal with regularly. This Christmas season follow the heart attitude of Mary. Magnify God for sending His Son Jesus to earth in human form. Rejoice with her that Jesus has died for us and rose again to save us from the condemnation of sin. Humble yourself and confess, as Mary clearly did, that you are a sinner and in need of the saving grace and love of Jesus.

This Christmas season you will not likely get an invitation on youtube to give a Ted Talk about Jesus but you can give a talk to any who will listen. We can all follow the example of Mary and rejoice in Jesus, the gift of a lifetime, giving Him all the glory due His name. From all of us at Victory Baptist Church we wish you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Pastor Jerry Favor can be reached at Victory Baptist Church, 602 Gun Club Road, in Sagle.