A magnifying glass makes things look really big, and a magnificent event is huge fun. The title of the virgin Mary’s poetic outburst of praise is “Magnificat”(from its Latin version), and its keynote idea is that Mary was responding to God’s amazing grace and in gratitude chose to make the Lord a really big part of her life. That’s what true worship really is—we lift God up high in our hearts and organize our lives around him.

Mary was shocked and awed and delighted that she had been chosen to bear the child who would save the world. She was aware that believers in the future would look back on her day and bless her name for her service on their behalf: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name” (Luke 1:46-49).

Mary’s simple and humble faith is an inspiration to countless generations of believers. She believed an unbelievable message, endured a hard journey to Bethlehem while nine months pregnant, gave birth in a barn in the dark, and the royal Son she bore put her life so at risk she and her husband and baby had to flee for their lives.

Mary, you are blessed indeed.