From Gen 4:1, the heart cry of Eve has expressed hope in a future son. Through the history of the covenant, this cry has echoed rising in clarity and intensity at providential points along the timeline of God's decree unfolding. For many faithful women through the centuries of old, into New Testament Hebrew faith and culture, this heart cry was especially acute for the barren. The wives of the patriarchs join this list... Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, alongside Sampson's mother, Hannah (mother of Samuel, I Sam 2:1-10), and now, two more women are featured in this legacy, Elizabeth and Mary. Elizabeth (Luke 1:24-25) joining the praises of Rachel of old as the Lord fulfills His promise despite her age (like Sarah) she cries: “Thus the Lords has done for me in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people”. Elizabeth's experience also parallels that of Hannah as her son would go before preparing the way for the King, just as Hannah's son (Samuel) would go on to anoint David king of Israel and heir to the eternal throne. The history of Eve's ascending heart cry thus continuing apace. Mary receives news from the angel Gabriel she will soon bear a Son! (Luke 1:30-33) Mary, perplexed considering the physical limitations of this event - as she was a virgin (34)- soon realizes that this conception will be supernatural by design and – just as the barren have rejoiced throughout covenant history when touched by the miraculous hand of God – so the power of the Holy Spirit (35) will overshadow her and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son. This, the same Holy Spirit that hovered over the face of the waters in Gen 1:2 bringing life out of the formless void! All this plus her relative Elizabeth has just experienced a similar miracle because “nothing will be impossible with God” (36-37). All of this raises the question: “What expression of grateful worship might this singular occasion demand? We find our answer in Mary's song (traditionally called the 'Magnificat' in verses 46-55). Mary's spirit inspired song, arranged roughly in a chiastic structure of 8 “He has” statements, directs our attention to the central theme of her poetic praise: “He has shown strength with His arm”. All the while echoing Hannah's expression of praise extolling the majesty of God in His holiness, the humiliation of His enemies, and the Hope of His people, even as she prophetically anticipates the kingdom and ministry of the Messiah Jesus Christ, her son and Savior...