Mary’s response to God’s calling sounds especially beautiful in the New Living Translation of the Bible:


“Oh, how I praise the Lord. How I rejoice in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation will call me blessed. For he, the Mighty One, is holy, and he has done great things for me.


“His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who fear him. His mighty arm does tremendous things! How he scatters the proud and haughty ones! He has taken princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly. He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands.


“And how he has helped his servant Israel! He has not forgotten his promise to be merciful. For he promised our ancestors – Abraham and his children – to be merciful to them forever” (Luke 1:46-55).


Such humble praise from one so young! Mary’s hope for herself and her nation is palpable. May we each worship the Lord this Christmas with as much adoration, gratitude and faith.