Don’t we all desire to find favor with the LORD? Some of us may go out of our way to try harder than we need to. After all, God chose Mary for her humility and devotion. Who God chooses to do mighty things doesn’t always seem predictable, except that it will be unexpected. But just imagine hearing an angel telling you that “YOU” have found favor with the Lord. Priceless!
I loved how our pastor used this story in a sermon recently. He showed Mary’s obedience as a great role model for us. He contrasted Mary to Jonah, and while Jonah rebelled a bit, like we often do, Mary said before the angel left, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” What a beautiful dedication to the Lord.
Mary didn’t have to ponder this very long. She trusted the angel and was empowered in that moment. Of course, Mary had lots of questions, including how it was going to happen. She was a virgin after all. She didn’t realize she was the perfect fulfillment of the prophecy in our last reading.
Can you imagine being chosen to be the mother of the Son of God? I marvel at that thought every Christmas. Recently, I heard a mix of two favorite Christmas songs, “Mary Did You Know?” and “Breath of Heaven.” Anthem Lights did a great job. Both songs speak to or from Mary’s own experience. You might need a tissue!
Over two thousand years later, we are still celebrating “heaven’s perfect Lamb.” Mary wasn’t told about everything that would happen to her child. The messenger gave Mary all sorts of hope in applauding the great leader her son would become, saying, “His Kingdom will never end.”
Jesus’ first coming is such a joyous occasion for us. Just look around and see all the lights, presents, and an overflowing refrigerator with food. But for Mary and her young husband, in that moment, they would have had a hard time finding joy. Their lives had been turned upside down, and their plans had abruptly changed. But when they looked down at the glorious face of their child, their joy would have been complete–a blissful joy despite so much uncertainty.
How did this prophecy speak to you? I want to take Mary’s example and be more present for God, ready to serve him. That means I need to get out of my own way and ask, “What obstacles are keeping me from being who God made me to be?” That’s a loaded question, isn’t it?
The older we get, the faster time seems to slip away. We should never waste a moment that God has given us. I look at my 91-year old dad who’s nearly blind, and realize he’s still serving God in his own way, using the gifts God gave him.
It’s time to do a better job of being accountable to God. Serving him by teaching the children at the orphanage has been such a blessing in my life. I’m confident this is where God wants me to be right now. How are you serving God? Does Mary’s devotion speak to you?
Let’s pray. Father God, thank you for sending Jesus to the world. Give me a heart like Mary to accept your plans for me when they take me in a direction different from the one I was planning. Wash away any fears or doubts in my mind as I look forward to each new day on this journey of faith you have placed me on. I look forward to that day when you return in power and glory. Keep me steadfast as I wait. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
