December 7, 2008: A Larger Story – Michael Hidalgo

Mary has just found out that she is pregnant. Pregnant! Nothing could be worse for an unmarried woman in Ancient Israel. Her only recourse would be to convince people that it was Joseph – but of course he would know that it was not true. Or she could tell people that she had never known a man and that it was miraculous, but who in their right mind would believe this. Was there any other option?

Mary seemed to think so. She turned and praised God in what is arguably the most famous hymn recorded in all of Scripture, known today as The Magnificat. Mary sees God’s plan unfold before her and she ends up right in the middle of it all. As she reflects on the promises of God to his people Israel she understands now what is in store for her in the future.