She may have started life as a "nowhere person in a nowhere place," but Mary's devotion has inspired generations.

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent with daily vignettes that distill the spirit of the season, in keeping with our mission of exploring wonder and awe in all nature, human or wild, vast or small: encounters that move us beyond words.

Guest: Gaye Strathearn, professor of Ancient Scripture and Ancient Near East Studies at Brigham Young University

Excerpts from “My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord” from The Redeemer by Robert Cundick performed by the BYU Singers. Used by permission from the Heritage Series on Tantara Records and the estate of Robert Cundick. © 1996 Tantara Records. All Rights Reserved.