Day 36 · The Nativity Fast
My Soul Magnifies the Lord
“Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour, for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed. For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name.””Luke 1:46-49
Reflection
Today, December 20, the Forefeast of the Nativity begins, and the Church's hymns turn toward Bethlehem. We read Mary's song, sung when she visited her cousin Elizabeth. Orthodox Christians hear it at most Matins, joined to the refrain “More honourable than the Cherubim.” Mary does not boast about herself. She rejoices that God has looked on her lowliness and done great things. As the feast draws near, let your prayer turn toward praise. Today's prayer ends with that refrain, from Isabel Hapgood's Service Book (1906), lightly modernized.
A prayer
Lord, my soul magnifies you, and my spirit rejoices in you, my Saviour. You have looked on my lowliness and done great things for me. Teach me to praise you as Mary did, with a humble and grateful heart. More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, you who without defilement bore God the Word, true Birth-giver of God, we magnify you.
Carry this with you
Write down three great things God has done for you this year.