Mary of Nazareth

Madonna of the Village - Marc Chagall

On the eve of our celebration of the birth of Jesus, I want to honor his mother by sharing her words upon learning of her pregnancy, commonly called The Magnificat (this translation found in the Book of Common Prayer):  

The Magnificat

My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For he hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden.

For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

For he that is mighty hath magnified me and holy is his Name.

And his mercy is on them that fear him throughout all generations.

He hath shewed strength with his arm he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He hath put down the mighty from their seat and hath exalted the humble and meek.

He hath filled the hungry with good things and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever. 

And here is Jennifer Knapp's beautiful song about Mary: