Holy is His name

This time of year, I find myself thinking often about Mary.

I wonder what she might have felt—how dramatically her life and sense of purpose may have changed. I think about her courage, her humility, and her submission to the will of God. But most of all, I think about how deeply she loved and trusted the Lord, regardless of the circumstances around her or the cost she would bear.

We see her express this trust and adornment beautifully in her song recorded for us in Luke’s Gospel. It begins:

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46b-47)

In the midst of an unexpected and culturally scandalous pregnancy, Mary offered praise to the LORD, her God. She didn’t attempt to control what was beyond her understanding like I probably would have done. She did not resist the calling placed upon her life. She just worshiped.

I believe Mary grasped, at least in part, the magnitude of the physical life that she carried within her—the long-awaited Messiah. It’s the very same life that dwells within me and others who follow Jesus today, and though spiritual rather than physical, it’s no less miraculous.

Mary magnified the LORD. She made God much greater in her life than the circumstances she faced.

She continued:

“for he has looked on the humble estate 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,
and holy is his name.”

Mary knew God’s character. She knew Who He was. She knew He wasn’t just a god to believe in, but He was God Almighty, and holy is His name. This God, His way is perfect.

“And 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 mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.”

Mary praised God for not just Who He is, but what He does. He gives mercy. He serves justly. He gives to the needy and feeds the hungry with what is good. He is a conqueror.

Mary went on:

“He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Mary praised her God because He was near to her. She knew with confidence this was the Promised One. She magnified the God who keeps His promises and fulfills every word of prophecy. She trusted what He would do, though at this point, she had yet to see it.

Mary let God come near, and she remained near to Him. That nearness is at the core of her magnifying the LORD.

This Christmas, and beyond, let’s choose to magnify not our circumstances, but our LORD and Savior. Let’s follow Mary’s example and make God greater than everything we know and give Him praise. That’s what I want to take into 2026.

I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
Psalm 34:1-3