When you hear the word magnify, a magnifying glass probably comes to mind. Using a magnifying glass gives you a close-up view of an object. It makes things look bigger. A microscope offers a similar view. It magnifies the smallest things you can’t see with just your eyes and makes them appear large enough to get a closer look. Scientists use these tools in their work, and you use them in school. However, there’s another meaning for magnify that appears in the Bible.
After the angel left Mary, she went to stay with her relatives Zechariah and Elizabeth who were also expecting a baby. When Mary greeted Elizabeth, something wonderful happened. The baby inside Elizabeth jumped for joy, and she knew that Mary’s baby would be the Lord! Mary’s heart was full of wonder, and she burst into song to magnify God. Magnify here does mean to make something bigger, but it’s not talking about an object. It’s about celebrating in praise and recognizing His greatness. When we think about who God is and what He’s done, our response should be just like Mary’s – magnifying Him and sharing with others that God is worthy of praise and is greater than anyone or anything in the world.
God is worthy to be worshiped for His character, promises, and the things He’s done for us. Create a song as a family to give Him praise. Take turns reading (or singing) the song in the days leading up to Christmas.
