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“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!’ But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 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. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ And Mary said to the angel, ‘How will this be, since I am a virgin?’ And the angel answered her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son ofGod.’… And Mary said, ‘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. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.’” - Luke 1:26–35, 46–55

God has written a wonderful story and has drawn us into his redemptive plan. This is Mary’s story. The humble, young, unmarried virgin, was invited into God’s plan in a most unexpected way. The angel Gabriel announced to her that she would bear the promised Savior and King. At that moment, her life, like the world, changed forever.

Though Mary was initially troubled, the angel declared that she had found favor with God. Mary’s response was not fear but faith. As a young woman, she had dreams for her future, but she surrendered her plans to God’s greater purpose. Instead of planning her wedding, she would now prepare for motherhood—raising the Son of God, nurturing and protecting the King of Kings.

Mary believed God’s faithfulness to bring down the mighty from their thrones and exalt the humble.

Mary’s song of praise in Luke 1:46–55 reflects her trust in God’s plan. She sang, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Mary believed God’s faithfulness to bring down the mighty from their thrones and exalt the humble. Her humility and joyful submission to God is a model for us all.

Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we find forgiveness of sins and favor with God.

Like Mary, we are called to let God shape our lives around his kingdom and his story. Mary’s favor with God reminds us that he is faithful to his promises, and his kingdom will reign forever. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we find forgiveness of sins and favor with God. Mary reminds us that nothing is impossible with God. In Jesus, we are freed from fear and can trust that God will accomplish his good purposes.

Mary’s story is a testimony of how God draws near to us through Christ...

This Christmas, we have no reason to fear. God is working in our lives to align us with his kingdom. Like Mary, we can treasure God’s work in our hearts and serve him joyfully. Mary’s story is a testimony of how God draws near to us through Christ, inviting us into his redemptive plan. This season, take time to reflect on how God is calling you into his kingdom work. Like Mary, we are invited to trust that nothing is impossible with God, and he will use us to make Jesus’ name great.

Liturgy

Heavenly Father, how great is your wisdom and how majestic are your ways. 
In Christ we have found favor with you.

You have looked upon our humble estate and made us your own.
May we welcome all things that you bring into our lives, knowing you work all things together for our good and our salvation.

May we treasure in our hearts the work of Christ on our behalf.
Let us rejoice in the truth that you are our Redeemer and are working all things for your glory.

With great joy, may we tell the story to others that Jesus has come to save the lost and no one is too far off for God’s hand to save.

May our soul magnify and rejoice in our Savior Christ.

Amen