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.
Luke 1:48-50 NIV
The Magnificat
“Jesous Ahatonhia” (“Jesus Is Born”), also known as “’Noël Huron,” was the first Canadian Christmas carol. Though widely believed to have been written by the Jesuit missionary Jean de Brébeuf, who taught the song to the Wendat near Georgian Bay circa 1642, it is not known whether the verses of “Jesous Ahatonhia” were written to fit the melody (apparently derived from the 16th-century French song “Une Jeune Pucelle”) with which they have come to be associated. The 1977 Canadian postage stamp Christmas series illustrated the theme of the carol.
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The Bible is filled with songs of praise to Almighty God for the blessings that He pours out upon our lives every day. Perhaps the most glorious is the song that Mary sang to her cousin Elizabeth, fully expressing the wonder and joy of bearing the Messiah, the song that has come to be known as the Magnificat. Mary’s heart is filled with joy and awe as she ponders the reality of being chosen as the mother of the One who would be called Jesus. We read the story in Luke 1:46-56 and in verses 48-50 she says, “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.” What a profound truth – God’s mercy extends to those in every generation who fear Him. Mary was a woman who had consistently walked with the Lord, and God blessed her for her faithfulness. Through Jesus, the One whom Mary was carrying, He offers to all who trust Him His redemption and eternal life. His mercy is sure.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley