Dec 09 – Reading: Luke 1:26-38
Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (NIV)
I love the sacred humility that Mary displays in this part of the Christmas Story. She is a young teenager who is faced with a very complex situation. Her parents have already arranged a marriage between her and Joseph, the local carpenter. She is looking forward to being his wife and settling down. Her whole village would be making arrangements for their wedding and anticipating a great community celebration. There would be many things to accomplish and a number of religious rituals to fulfill. And then, unexpectedly, Mary has an angelic visitation, so all of her plans are set aside.
Mary’s acceptance of God’s will is a remarkable act of obedience that her son will also fulfill. She is willing to serve God completely, even though it will cost her reputation and perhaps break her betrothal to Joseph. She risks everything by accepting God’s word, so in Mary we have a prime example of what it means to truly have faith in God. She could have refused and gone on with her life without any problems. Instead, she chose to be obedient which will have many consequences. The child she carries will save her people, but the man she raises will die for the world. The baby that she soon lovingly cradles in her arms will be the son that she fervently holds at the foot of the Cross. Mary’s choice will fill her soul with both love and grief at the same time. We should deeply respect her decision – it would break her heart, but it would also ultimately break the power of sin and death over us. Mary’s response begins the work of our redemption through Christ.
Q: What do I think about Mary’s role? Am I grateful for what she did?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your mother was just a teenager when she was given the ultimate responsibility for bringing You into the world. We are grateful for her response and we are thankful for her courageous faith. In Your Holy Name, we gladly pray. Amen.