December 22—News for Mary

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30 (Full context: Luke 1:26-56)

The time had come for God to fulfill His promise. It was a promise of Hope and a promise of Light bursting forth in the midst of darkness. God was going to crush the Serpent once and for all and rescue his people from the bondage of sin forever.

A young virgin, Mary from the town of Nazareth was going to play a crucial role in the fulfillment of this promise. She was betrothed to a man named Joseph and had no clue what God had in store for her. God sent Angel Gabriel for the special mission – the annunciation of the arrival of this Light into the world.

I can only imagine the thoughts running through Mary’s mind, not knowing what lies ahead. No amount of preparation would ever be enough to bring forth the Son of God into this world and to raise Him unto God. She had a mammoth of a task to accomplish, but God, in His favor and compassion towards Mary, offered her comfort in a few different ways. We too can find comfort and encouragement through these truths.

Comfort in God’s Presence and Favor
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Gabriel’s greeting to Mary was, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” It was a reminder to Mary that the Lord was with her in this. She was not alone and the Lord was on her side. And while she was greatly troubled and tried to discern what kind of a greeting it was, Gabriel comforted her, “Do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God”.

God’s favor is unmerited as we can never earn it. We too have found God’s favor in Christ and can enjoy the presence of God through His Spirit dwelling in us.

Comfort in God’s Power

When Mary wondered how she could have a child as she was still a virgin, Gabriel explained to 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 of God.” He told her about her barren relative Elizabeth being pregnant and pointed out- For nothing will be impossible with God.

Nothing is impossible with our God and that is our comfort too. Whatever storms we might be facing in our own lives, we can rest in the power of our Sovereign and Omnipotent God.

Comfort in the Character of God

Mary, filled with the Holy Spirit glorified God through her song of praise in Luke 1: 46-55. She praised God as Savior, Lifter of our head, Mighty, Holy, Merciful and a Covenant-keeper.

Ultimately Knowing who our God is, through His Word will equip us to serve Him. He is our Solid Rock on which we can stand secure.

Mary’s response to God’s call was, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word.” What is God calling you to do? Is it beyond your strength and capabilities? Do not be afraid, for we have a God who is comforting, equipping and encouraging us even today. Just as Mary humbly submitted to the will of God, we too can submit to the will of God knowing who God is, knowing that He is with us, that He has shown us favor and He is All- Powerful.

~Kirti Jeswanth Inagalur

Ornament Credit:  Kirti Jeswanth Inagalur