The First Christian

Luke 1: 46-55, NRSV

46And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord, 
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, 
48for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
 Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
 and holy is his name. 
50His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation. 
51He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 
52He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly; 
53he has filled the hungry with good things,
 and sent the rich away empty. 
54He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy, 
55according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’