The First Christmas Carol

This Holy Night, the night of Our Dear Savior’s Birth, I’d like to wrap up the time of preparation with what could be considered the first Christmas Carol ever… “Mary’s Song.” “The Magnificat.” 

Let’s remember what happened:

 “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48 for he has been mindful

    of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

    holy is his name.

50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,

    from generation to generation.

51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones

    but has lifted up the humble.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things

    but has sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel,

    remembering to be merciful

55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,

    just as he promised our ancestors.”

Luke 1: 41-55

Mary’s words recounting who God is in celebration and recognition of His Power in her as she walked around carrying the Savior of the World in her womb constitute the first recorded anthem of praise in honor of His Holy Incarnation…the first Christmas Carol in record.  Tonight, we raise these words to Him whose Glory shines within us…Our Immanuel…as we say: Come, Lord Jesus, come again!