Today we are going to take a look at an often-misunderstood hymn. I find that many of our non-Catholic Christian brothers and sisters are often put off by the title. They may feel that it puts too much emphasis on Mary. However, while the title does extol the virtue of Mary, the hymn is actually very Christ centered. 

The hymn is rather short. It spans only three verses. Each verse, however, directs the hearer to a different spiritual movement. In so doing, the hymn actually provides a complete catechetical lesson of the Christian faith with each verse extolling a different aspect of the faith. 

Verse 1: A Lesson on the Incarnation

Sing of Mary, pure and lowly
Virgin mother undefiled,
Sing of God's own Son most holy,
Who became her little child.
Fairest child of fairest mother,
God, the Lord, who came to earth,
Word made flesh, our very brother,
Takes our nature by his birth.

While the opening line extols the virtues of Mary, the first verse actually meditates on the mystery of the incarnation. We sing of “God’s own Son” the “Word made flesh”. Thus, we call to mind Christ’s descent from heaven. We reflect on the humility of the act. Christ taking on the lowest of forms, the little child, a baby. Totally dependent on his mother. The King of creation, totally dependent. A man like ourselves. He shares our dependence.

The opening line also subtly reveals the key to Christ’s incarnation in our own lives. The incarnation invokes humility in the one who contemplates it. Anyone who reflects seriously on the incarnation cannot help but be awed by the magnitude of the action of Christ in taking human form. How is it that our humanity can bear within it the gift of God’s residing within it? Thus, the one who is pure and lowly becomes a dwelling place for the Lord or as Matthew puts it, “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

Verse 2: The Life of Christ

2. Sing of Jesus, son of Mary,
In the home at Nazareth.
Toil and labor cannot weary
Love enduring unto death.
Constant was the love he gave her,
Though he went forth from her side,
Forth to preach, and heal, and suffer,
Till on Calvary he died.

Verse 2 then turns our attention to the life of Christ. First, we meditate on the hidden life of Christ. We gain a glimpse of the family life of Christ. This is so important because it is in our homes and our labors that we spend the majority of time. It is here that we live and die. It is also here that we experience the hardships of humanity. 

Yet, Christlike love supersedes these challenges. “Toil and labor” cannot conquer love. We also see the roots of our devotion to Mary. It is a reflection of Christ’s own love for His mother. 

Finally, we are called to reflect on the mystery of the cross, “Till on Calvary he died.” Christ’s love conquered the toil and labor of death as well. Hence, our confidence in the constancy of His love.  

Verse 3: The Holy Trinity and Beatific Vision

3. Glory be to God the Father;
Glory be to God the Son;
Glory be to God the Spirit;
Glory to the Three in One.
From the heart of blessed Mary,
From all saints the song ascends,
And the Church the strain reechoes
Unto earth's remotest ends.

Verse 3 draws our focus to the eternal. The mystery of the Holy Trinity and the courts of Heaven. In verse three, we offer our praise to God. “Glory be” resounds throughout the courts of Heaven. We are joined with all the saints who have gone before us. The Church Triumphant. However, the kingdom of God is made present here and now as the same song “reechoes unto earth’s remotest ends”. 

And so, this hymn, like a three-act play reveals the blueprint for our lives. Through humility, the incarnation can take root in our life. The incarnation then enlivens us. This is the good news of the Gospel, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, King James Version) Thus, conquering all through the power of Christ, I have the capacity to join the Heavenly chorus and participate in the Heavenly vision of God.