One of the marks of a Spirit-filled life is speaking in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. Eph. 5:18, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” Eph 5:19, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” I. Elizabeth, v.39-45. “Not yet born, already John prophesies,” wrote Maximus of Turin, “and while still in the enclosure of his mother’s womb, confesses the coming of Christ with movements of joy.” Ryken said, “John the Baptist was the only child ever to use the womb for a pulpit.” **II. Mary, v.46-56.** While Elizabeth expresses general praise, Mary specifically praises God in at least 6 areas: His condescension (1:46-48): God took notice of her. His holiness (1:49): He has done great things for her. His mercy (1:50): His mercy goes on from generation to generation. His power (1:51): He does tremendous things with his power. His sovereignty (1:52-53): He humbles the proud and exalts the lowly. His faithfulness (1:54-55): He has kept all his promises to Israel. Not only does Mary praise God in these 6 areas — she also praises his blessings to her through 8 “He hath” statements… 1. He hath Regarded, v.48. 2. He hath done Great Things, v.49-50. 3. He hath showed strength, v.51a. 4. He hath scattered, v.51b. 5. He hath put down, v.52. 6. He hath filled the hungry, v.53a. 7. He hath sent away, v.53b. 8. He hath holpen (helped), v.54. Darrell Bock writes here: “The exemplary character of Mary grows out of her understanding of God’s character.” “God owes her nothing; she owes God everything. All the good things that come from his hand are acts of grace.” Wiersbe points out that this section teaches: What God did for Mary (vv. 46–49) — He saved her (Luke 1:47), He chose her (Luke 1:48), He “regarded” her, so she sings “Great Things He Hath Done!”. What God did for us (vv. 50–53) — Mary named three specific groups to whom God had been merciful: the helpless (Luke 1:51), the humble (Luke 1:52), and the hungry (Luke 1:53). What God did for Israel (vv. 54–55) — “He shall save His people from their sins”, God was on Israel’s side! He would remember His mercy and keep His promises. God works in our lives to bring us to the point where we trust His promise of salvation. “Genuine faith always expresses itself in jubilant praise.” (Ryken) **III. Zechariah, v.57-80.** Zechariah prophesies in praise. Of Jesus (67-75). Redemption (68). Salvation (69-71). Mercy (72). Covenant (73-74). Holiness and Righteous. (75) Of John (76-80). (He will be a forerunner and prophet) To tell of coming salvation. (76-77) To announce light coming out of darkness! (78-79) After darkness, light— a motto of the reformation. (Post Tenebras Lux) Conclusion: Mary’s “song” has 3 recipients we notice here. 1. She mentions herself, what God has done for Mary. 2. She mentions all of God’s people, what God has done for us. 3. She mentions Israel, what God has done for her nation. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)