We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Matt Chow.
Bible Reading:
“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.”
34 And Mary said to the angel, ‘How will this be, since I am a virgin?’
35 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 of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.’38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”
Luke 1:26-38
Word:
Today’s reading is the story of Mary and the angel Gabriel. It is the coming of the baby Jesus. The angel Gabriel comes to tell Mary that she will have a child and the child will be the Most High. The child will be God’s son and she will name him Jesus.
At first, Mary was confused and disturbed by this (Luke 1:29). She doesn’t know how it is possible that she will give birth since she is a virgin. However, it is the presence of the Holy Spirit that comforts her and reminds her that with God all things are possible. Her disbelief turns into obedience and she says, “I am the Lord’s servant.” The expression of Joy was not Mary’s first reaction, instead she was confused and disturbed. However, once she agreed to obey God’s will, then her emotions changed from confusion to joy. This is often the case in our lives, we cannot see what God is doing behind the scenes. In the confusing moments, God is still at work. God’s plans are always greater than our plans or own thinking. This is a story that even in the most unexpected moments, God is working for us and has sent a Savior for us all.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the story of Mary and the birth of our Savior. This is a reminder that you are in control of all things and can make miracles happen even in the most confusing/uncertain times. Help to remind me that you are in control and you have great plans even when I cannot see them. Fill me with your spirit so that your will can be done in my life, AMEN.
Skillwork:
Just like Mary brought Jesus into the world, we have the same opportunity to bring Jesus to those around us. Everything we do or say is an opportunity to show the world that Jesus is a part of our lives. Write down a few names of people that you know and can share/bring Jesus to.
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