And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

Luke 1:46-47

Mary's magnificent song of praise, often called the Magnificat, is a powerful expression of unhurried gratitude and theological depth. Spoken immediately after the news of her miraculous pregnancy, it is not a hurried, last-minute reaction, but a calm, reflective outpouring from a heart already deeply anchored in God's faithfulness. Her words, "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior," remind us that a life focused on unhurried gratitude is one that consciously recognizes God's majesty and finds profound joy in His role as Savior.

In the post-Christmas rush, where we're often tempted to focus on what we didn't get or the challenges that lie ahead, Mary's praise directs us to look backward with intentional reflection. She did not praise God for her current circumstances, which were socially and personally challenging; she praised Him for who He is and what He had done throughout history. Her song is steeped in Old Testament memory, showing that her gratitude was rooted in a lifelong recognition of God's power and providence.

The unhurried Christian life doesn't just passively wait for good things to happen; it actively seeks out evidence of God's work. Mary’s example challenges us to make a similar shift: to move from passive thankfulness to active, conscious glorification of the Savior. As the year draws to a close, this practice of intentionally recalling God's mighty deeds in our past year is essential to maintaining faith and overcoming anxiety about the future. When we pause to praise, we recognize His majesty, and our spirit, like Mary's, truly rejoices. This gratitude is the wellspring of true, lasting peace, transforming our view of both the past and the future.

Write down three specific things God has done for you this year and pause to praise Him for each one, letting your spirit rejoice.

Questions for Reflection

1. How has the holiday season, with its focus on "getting," distracted you from having a heart of unhurried gratitude like Mary's?

2. Review the three things you wrote down. How does the act of praising God for these specific actions change your perspective on the challenges you faced this year?

3. Mary's praise was not just about herself, but about God's historical faithfulness. How can you intentionally seek out and recognize God's majesty in the ordinary moments of your life today?