December 22

“And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.’” Luke 1:30-31 ESV

Mary’s life was about to be changed and it would also change the world forever. With an answer that echoed through the generations, she accepted God’s plan for her life to conceive and bear a son. This son was not going to be from her betrothed. It would be of the Holy Spirit so that the child would be called holy—the Son of God.

What a moment! The wait for the Messiah was almost over. According to Isaiah 7:14 there would be a virgin that would conceive and bear a son. Only God knew this would be a young girl named Mary who had found favor in his eyes.

Once again, we see the miraculous happen with an ordinary person who was willing to do what God askes of them. Mary could have let fear rule her decision. Though she was confused, she trusted God to sustain her and we see in her song of praise a few verses later just what she thought of the situation:

My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

Let’s all put our faith this Advent in the one who fulfills his promises to Israel and the house of Judah, the one who is merciful to those who fear him, and the one who shows his great love for us by sending us his only son.

Prayer for today:

Heavenly Father, I stand in awe of your mighty works. Help me be as faithful to you as Mary was all those years ago. Thank you for providing your son Jesus to the world according to your promises. Help me trust in you no matter my circumstances or confusion in my life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.