What's the Significance of the Song of Mary?

In Luke 1:46-55, we read these words of Mary’s and wonder how an ordinary individual could spontaneously produce such poetry. But here’s the secret: Mary was quoting beloved psalms that we can find in the Old Testament. She obviously held them close to her heart. Also, her song of praise is clearly inspired by that of Hannah’s another miraculous mother in Jewish heritage. (See 1 Samuel 2:1-10.) Hannah’s child Samuel had become one of Israel’s greatest prophets.

Mary was quoting beloved psalms that we can find in the Old Testament.

This song also suggests to us that Mary reflected upon the great characters of biblical history. Hannah may have become her heroine – a woman who dedicated her unborn child to God, then dutifully delivered him to the temple priest. What a sacrifice! The time would come when Mary would find her own Child in the temple, and she would understand how difficult it can be for a mother to give her child unreservedly to God. Even now, God was strengthening the young woman to whom He would entrust His only Son. Even now, He was preparing her for the tests and trials ahead.

Mary must have spent a great deal of time in prayer, and she must have searched her memory for every psalm of praise she had planted there. At the beginning of an amazing journey – one no other woman would ever travel – Mary’s focus was in the right place. She knew, and expressed through her song that the resources of God are unlimited. His strength makes all things possible, and His love makes any burden a joy to bear.

Discover the answer to more questions like these in Dr. Jeremiah’s book, Why the Nativity?