Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.For no word from God will ever fail.”“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Reflection
Consider Mary's willingness. She could have easily been afraid and rejected God's plan for her life, yet she chose to trust in His promise and say yes to becoming the mother of Jesus. Her obedience and surrender to God's will demonstrate true love for Him. This also serves as a reminder that saying yes to God often requires us to step out of our comfort zone and put our trust in Him.
Action
Consider an area in your life where trusting God's plans feels challenging. What fears or hesitations hold you back? This week, take time to pray and ask for His strength and courage to say yes, just as Mary did. Let her example inspire you to embrace your own journey with God, knowing that every step of faith can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Prayer
Merciful God, we come before You with gratitude for Mary’s inspiring example of obedience and trust. As we prepare for Grace in Action Sunday, help us embody the same love and willingness to say yes to Your call, even when it feels difficult. Guide us to be instruments of Your will and grace, actively showing love and kindness to others. May December 22nd be a day of meaningful action, reflecting the spirit of Mary’s faith in our own lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Comments