God’s voice was heard for the first time in 400 years in the form of a newborn’s wail, heard by a poor Jewish carpenter, his young bride, and perhaps a few animals (the Bible gives us no clear facts on animals at the birthing place, though the insinuation is understandable).

O Magnum Mysterium

            O great mystery and wonderful sacrament

            That animals see the Lord born, lying in a manger.

            Blessed virgin whose womb was worthy to bear Lord Christ.

            Allelujah![i]

The song, O Magnum Mysterium, is typically sung in Latin and was inspired by what is now called Mary’s Magnificat. But her song was not sung after the birth of her son, but rather just after her relative, Elizabeth (pregnant with the boy who would come to be known as John the Baptist), gave a confirmation to Mary that she would, indeed, give birth to God’s only begotten Son, just as Gabriel had said she would.[ii]