At Christmas time we are frequently confronted with an announcement which is broad, even global in its significance: “He will reign over the house of Jacob forever” or “peace on earth to men on whom His favour rests”. However, in this section we read of a deeply personal encounter and response to the work of God.

Salvation for the nations comes to individuals and this individual, Mary, was overwhelmed to consider that she might bear the Son of the Most High. Mary’s praise-filled response does not contain a lack of self-esteem, but is a normal reaction to such extraordinary news. How could such a lowly and average person like her have this role? This leads her to magnify the name of God, and her own experience contains truths which have meaning for all of us. God is mindful of the humble. God opposes the proud. God has mercy on those who fear Him. God carries out His intentions. God will do what He has promised.

We all, like Mary, appreciate God’s salvation precisely because we have come to value the simple fact that God has been mindful of us, and yet who are we that God should regard us? Our song of praise this Christmas is surely also motivated, like Mary’s experience, by the fact that God has extended His mercy, even to us. How humbling – how wonderful!

Michael Gompertz