# The Magnificat – Day Seven of the Christmas Novena
*2008-12-19*

> Bill Young reflects on the Magnificat as the seventh day of the Christmas novena, offering a prayerful meditation on Mary’s song and its meaning for us today.

## Opening Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O God, come to my aid. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be forever. Amen.

## The Magnificat

The Magnificat, the spiritual canticle of Mary, from the Gospel according to Luke:

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked with favor on the lowliness of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His name. His mercy extends to 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 powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has remembered His covenant with Abraham and his descendants forever.”

## Prayer for the Coming of Christ

Almighty God, fill us with your goodness as the earth anxiously awaits the coming of your Savior. May your people, sustained by your heavenly aid, rejoice in the grace that comes from Christ. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

## Our Father

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

## Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

## Closing Doxology

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, without end. Amen.

*The Magnificat reminds us that God lifts the lowly and fulfills His promises, inviting us to share in His everlasting mercy.*