This chapter is remarkable for preserving a record of two inspired hymns—the Magnificat and the Benedictus—which have been used for more than a thousand years in the public services of Christendom. The Magnificat first appears in the office of Lauds in the rule of Saint Cæsarius of Arles, A. D. 507. (Blunt, Annotated Prayer Book, p. 33.) It is so full of Hebraisms as almost to form a mosaic of quotations from the Old Testament, and it is closely analogous to the Song of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1-10). It may also be compared with the Hymn of Judith (Judith 16:1-17). But it is animated by a new and more exalted spirit, and is specially precious as forming a link of continuity between the eucharistic poetry of the old and new dispensation.—_Cambridge Bible_, Edited by _F. W. Farrar, D.D._ AIM =To show that the coming of Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham; to arouse and deepen faith in God and gratitude for his greatest Gift.= LESSON PREPARATION Read all of the first chapter of Luke and all of the references from the chapter to other parts of the Bible. Picture to yourself the dark and weary centuries of waiting for the promise to be fulfilled. If possible, read some such book as Deborah, by Dr. James M. Ludlow, which gives a vivid picture of the times of the Maccabees. The books of the Maccabees in the Apocrypha and the article on Maccabees in any good Bible dictionary will also be helpful in showing something of what the God-fearing Jews had been suffering in the two hundred years preceding the birth of Christ. LESSON PRESENTATION Introduction I have a story of a song to tell you to-day. It was a song of praise and gladness, but the joy that was in it was so great that there are no words that could possibly tell it all. It was sung at first by just one voice, but in the hundreds of years since it has been sung and spoken by thousands upon thousands who have been made glad by the joy that rings through it. It is sung in churches by choirs and people, and the words of the song are read over and over again, especially at the Christmas time, in every place where people have heard the Gospel message. Shall I tell you how this song came to be sung the first time?