by in —Christmas, —Songwriting, —Sovereign Grace Music
He Who is Mighty is one of my favorite songs from our Christmas album, Prepare Him Room. Every time I’ve led it, which I’ve done both during and beyond the Christmas season, the response has been immediate and enthusiastic.
I asked Rebecca Elliott, one of the writers, to share a little of the story behind the song, which she co-wrote with Kate DeGraide.
For he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. (Luke 1:49)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. (Isaiah 9:2)
Mary, Jesus’ mother, has always been a hero of mine, and the Magnificat is one of my favorite details of the Christmas story. In the midst of all the amazing and terrifying things God was doing in her life, her response was to sing praise and declare God’s power and faithfulness! Her courage and obedience is convicting and inspiring, and I have frequently thought of her example when asking the Lord for the strength and humility to submit to His leading in my life.
I had also never heard a song based on the Magnificat that moved my heart in the same way that reading the passage did, so when Kate and I sat down to write a Christmas song, Luke 1:46-55 was my first suggestion for a text. In retrospect, it is clear to me how appropriate it was that we were drawing inspiration from Mary’s Song mere weeks after the births of my daughter and Kate’s son.
I am supremely grateful to have been able to work on this song with my dear friend Kate, who is a fantastic songwriter and editor. We have talked about how humbled and joyful we are to hear others sing this song in worship. It is my hope and prayer that the Lord continues to use it to edify and encourage the church, and inspire the same awe that Mary felt when she sang her song of praise and surrender to God.
Rebecca and Kate sing the song below. You can download all the sheet music at the Sovereign Grace Music website.
Parkway Worship Ministry 