Simeon composes the Nunc Dimittis as he faces his own death in peace, knowing that his Savior has come. Likewise, Paul points to Jesus’ resurrection as the source of our hope and peace.

Today we examine the 5th nativity song, Gloria in Excelsis, from Luke 2:8-20.

Zecharias’ Benedictus is a response to the birth of his son, John, as prophesied in Malachi 3 and Isaiah 40.

Today we look at how Mary’s song, the Magnificat, teaches us to rejoice in the God who is powerful, holy, and merciful.

When Mary visits Elizabeth to validate Gabriel’s claims, the yet unborn John “leaps for joy” in his mother’s womb. John’s reaction to Mary’s voice highlights that infants–even unborn infants–are fully sentient beings equipped with personalities and members of the people of God.

The Ave Maria text in Luke 1 is a greeting from the angel Gabriel to Mary. Roman Catholicism transforms this greeting into a petition because Rome teaches that Mary is a source of blessing and benefit to all – that she by her power or ability or influence can rescue us from trials and troubles. But note Mary’s address to God in the Magnificat: she rejoices in “God my Savior.”