Monday 22 December 2025 - My soul magnifies the Lord

Monday 22 December 2025

Today is Monday the 22nd of December, in the 4th week of Advent. The Cape Town Camerata sings, ‘My Siel Verheerlik Die Here’; a setting of the Magnificat, from Rachmaninoff’s Vespers sung in Afrikaans. We will pray with Mary's song today. How might you like to prepare for this time of prayer in your own way? (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 1:46-55 And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’ Today we hear Mary’s response to Elizabeth, whose words of blessing, inspired by the Holy Spirit, affirm the truth that Mary is carrying the Lord. Imagine how it might have been for Mary to receive that greeting after all she has lived through to this moment … ‘The Mighty One has done great things for me.’ Have there been times in your own life when these words have rung true for you? Remember and savour some of these … Mary’s joy is for God who acts on behalf of the lowly, the humble, the hungry. As you listen again, hold before God those who particularly need the saving action of God at this time. Luke 1:46-55 And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’ Talk with God about areas in your life for which you seek encouragement and notice God's response. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus