I wrote this song to sing in a Christmas program at my church. I wanted to have a song that would share the testimony of Mary from the first chapter of Luke. I have always loved the response that Mary gave to the angel when He told her the incredible message God had sent to her.
I am certain that Mary knew the prophecy of Isaiah that a virgin would conceive and bear a son. I am equally certain that she could not imagine how that would be possible. Her response required a simple faith in God’s Word – not comprehension of every detail, but faith that God could work those details out. It required a complete surrender of herself to God – spirit, soul, and body. I’m so thankful for her humble and beautiful example.
I also love the rejoicing of Mary when she goes to visit Elizabeth, and together they praise God for the miraculous work He was doing in and through their lives.
As I contemplate the wonder, the faith, and the praise of Mary, I want to sing with her:
“My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name.”
May we never lose our awe at the miracle of salvation.
May we never cease to believe that with God nothing is impossible.
May we never fail to rejoice and glorify the One who has regarded our low estate and shown mercy on us.
“How Can It Be”
A wondrous gift I have received,
By Holy Spirit pow’r conceived.
I am amazed, yet I believe.
How can it be?
At last fulfillment of God’s plan,
The King of heav’n will come as man.
My human heart can’t understand.
How can it be?
How can it be
That God chose me
To bear the gift of His Son?
My grateful heart will magnify the Holy One.
In God my Savior I rejoice,
That He has made me His choice.
That He’d regard my low estate
Reveals His mercy, Oh, how great!
Behold, the handmaid of the Lord.
Be it unto me according to Thy Word.
©Copyright 2017 Niki Lott.
The sheet music for this song is available as a PDF download or in printed, physical format. You can order it here.
