OK, technically “The Magnificat,” (Song of Mary), is a canticle, not a hymn, but I’ve really enjoyed singing it during Evening Prayer at our Midweek Advent services, and I think it’s worth sharing! Many churches, in an attempt not to over-venerate Mary, end up all but ignoring her, (when she does, in fact, deserve recognition for being chosen by God for such an incredible task!), and in doing so, miss out on treasures such as this, even though it is taken directly from the Bible in Luke 1.

Refrain:
My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior.
My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my Spirit rejoices in God, My Savior.

For He has regarded
the lowliness of His handmaiden.
For behold, from this day
all generations will call me blessed.

For the Mighty One has done great things to me,
and holy is His name;
and His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation. Refrain

He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones
and has exalted the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent empty away.
He has helped His servant Israel in remembrance of His mercy
as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen. Refrain From Lutheran Service Book’s Evening Prayer Service