I love Christmas carols, but “Biblical” Christmas hymns are
different from our familiar and beloved carols. These songs are
rooted in the history of Abraham, Moses, David, and the desire
to “ransom captive Israel.” They are found in Luke 1 and 2,
surrounding the brief but more familiar hymn of the angels (Luke
2:13-14). What does Mary sing about in Luke 1:46-55? “My soul
magnifies the Lord” (Magnificat in Latin). She magnifies the
Lord’s mercy to those who fear Him, His generosity to the poor
and hungry, His hostility to the proud and rich, and the help He
gives to Israel. She sings about the fulfillment of the Lord’s
promised covenant mercy. And she talks about Abraham, for all
this is done to fulfill what He “spoke to our Fathers, to
Abraham and to His seed forever.” How about Zechariah’s song in
Luke 1:67-79? “Blessed be the Lord…” (Benedictus in Latin). The
Lord comes to accomplish redemption for His people and to bring
salvation to the house of David. More specifically, this refers
to a king from David’s