Luke 1:26—33 

Journey of Joy Part One 

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Sometimes, God calls us to do the unexpected. When we wake up with open hands and willing hearts, we are more ready to receive whatever unfolds during our day. When God moved me toward building a website and creating a devotional for mothers’ daughters–and then for mothers and sons–all of it was very unexpected. What God laid on my heart came from him, and with much prayer and a lot of conversations, one step at a time, I began the journey. 

In this passage, Mary does not wake up that day already knowing what is going to happen later when she has an unexpected and moving conversation with the angel Gabriel. There was no way to prepare for this. But what we see is that she was chosen on purpose, “And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”” (Luke 1:28 ESV). Mary was chosen by God and as the favoured one, this indicates she was faithful even before Gabriel appeared to her. Then Gabriel said, “the Lord is with you!” Mary was never alone, and neither are we! 

The challenge I’m taking away from this part of the passage is the question, “How am I being faithful right now with what God has given me and what he’s called me to do?” While certainly a blessing, the news that Mary received really is an overwhelming and unexpected situation for a very young girl. What I love is how the angel Gabriel announces so beautifully who this Son will be, and even though Mary is going to be the mother, really, this passage is all about Jesus! 

Despite the reality that she is told such overwhelming news, she remains composed as she listens. At the same time, you’ll see in verse 34 that she questions it, too. It says, “Mary said to the angel, “How will this be since I am a virgin.” 

This is a very logical question, and it’s a reminder for me that we need to listen to what God is saying to us and trust and that it’s OK to question. We can bring forth what is on our hearts, our minds, and our souls because God can handle our questions.  

 

Birth of Jesus Foretold 

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 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, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 

Mary found favor with God, and even though she was troubled, the angel quickly replied, “And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” (v.30) 
At the end of the day, it’s all about Jesus, and that he is great.  

“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.” 

 

The gift of Jesus that Mary heard about on that night is for us as well, and we can let it take hold in our hearts right now! What are we waiting for? 

One Christmas song I absolutely love is “Mary, Did You Know?” I will share a couple of different versions of this song that you can worship with today: